bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsequent Ultrasound Vascular Targeting Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Improves the Treatment Efficacy
Authors: Sultan Laith R. , Karmacharya Mrigendra B. , Hunt Stephen J. , Wood Andrew K.W. , Sehgal Chandra M.
Published: January 2021

The response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to anti-vascular ultrasound therapy (AVUS) can be affected by the inherent differences in tumor vascular structure, and the functionality of tumor vessels at the time of treatment. In this study, we evaluate the hypothesis that repeated subsequent AVUS therapies are a possible approach to overcome these factors and improve the therapeutic efficacy of AVUS. HCC was induced in 30 Wistar rats by oral ingestion of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) for 12 weeks. A total of 24 rats received treatment with low intensity, 2.8 MHz ultrasound with an intravenous injection of microbubbles. Treated rats were divided into three groups: single therapy group (ST), 2-days subsequent therapy group (2DST), and 7-days subsequent therapy group (7DST). A sham control group did not receive ultrasound therapy. Tumor perfusion was measured by quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) nonlinear and power-Doppler imaging. Tumors were harvested for histologic evaluation of ultrasound-induced vascular changes. ANOVA was used to compare the percent change of perfusion parameters between the four treatment arms. HCC tumors treated with 2DST showed the largest reduction in tumor perfusion, with 75.3% reduction on average for all perfusion parameters. The ST group showed an average decrease in perfusion of 54.3%. The difference between the two groups was significant p < 0.001. The 7DST group showed a reduction in tumor perfusion of 45.3%, which was significant compared to the 2DST group (p < 0.001) but not different from the ST group (p = 0.2). The use of subsequent targeted AVUS therapies applied shortly (two days) after the first treatment enhanced the anti-vascular effect of ultrasound. This gain, however, was lost for a longer interval (1 week) between the therapies, possibly due to tumor necrosis and loss of tumor viability. These findings suggest that complex interplay between neovascularization and tumor viability plays a critical role in treatment and, therefore, must be actively monitored following treatment by CEUS for optimizing sequential treatment.
Awakening from Sleep with Numbness and Indescribable Odd Feeling: Nocturnal Panic Attack or Sleep-Related Epilepsy?
Authors: Park Jae , Kang Sangjoon , Choi Gyeong , Choi Hayun , Hwang Inha
Published: January 2021

Paroxysmal events during sleep can be classified into parasomnias, sleep-related movements, psychiatric events, neurologic events, or medically related events. Diagnosis can be difficult because of the frequent overlap of clinical descriptors and lack of diurnal findings. We report a case of a 68-year-old man who presented to the hospital complaining of awakening from sleep with numbness, which was followed by an indescribable odd feeling. We discuss overlapping clinical features of nocturnal panic and sleep-related epilepsy.
Investigating Brain Microstructural Alterations in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alotaibi Abdulmajeed , Tench Christopher , Stevenson Rebecca , Felmban Ghadah , Altokhis Amjad , Aldhebaib Ali , Dineen Rob A. , Constantinescu Cris S.
Published: January 2021

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus have an impact on the microstructural environment and cognitive functions of the brain due to its microvascular/macrovascular complications. Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques can allow detection of brain volume reduction in people with diabetes. However, conventional MRI is insufficiently sensitive to quantify microstructural changes. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has been used as a sensitive MRI-based technique for quantifying and assessing brain microstructural abnormalities in patients with diabetes. This systematic review aims to summarise the original research literature using DTI to quantify microstructural alterations in diabetes and the relation of such changes to cognitive status and metabolic profile. A total of thirty-eight published studies that demonstrate the impact of diabetes mellitus on brain microstructure using DTI are included, and these demonstrate that both type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus may affect cognitive abilities due to the alterations in brain microstructures.
TGF-β in Cancer: Metabolic Driver of the Tolerogenic Crosstalk in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Angioni Roberta , Sánchez-Rodríguez Ricardo , Viola Antonella , Molon Barbara
Published: January 2021

Overcoming tumor immunosuppression still represents one ambitious achievement for cancer immunotherapy. Of note, the cytokine TGF-β contributes to immune evasion in multiple cancer types, by feeding the establishment of a tolerogenic environment in the host. Indeed, it fosters the expansion and accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME), where it also activates resident stromal cells and enhances angiogenesis programs. More recently, TGF-β has also turned out as a key metabolic adjuster in tumors orchestrating metabolic pathways in the TME. In this review, we will scrutinize TGF-β-mediated immune and stromal cell crosstalk within the TME, with a primary focus on metabolic programs.
How Should We Test for Lynch Syndrome? A Review of Current Guidelines and Future Strategies
Authors: Gallon Richard , Gawthorpe Peter , Phelps Rachel L. , Hayes Christine , Borthwick Gillian M. , Santibanez-Koref Mauro , Jackson Michael S. , Burn John
Published: January 2021

International guidelines for the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome (LS) recommend molecular screening of colorectal cancers (CRCs) to identify patients for germline mismatch repair (MMR) gene testing. As our understanding of the LS phenotype and diagnostic technologies have advanced, there is a need to review these guidelines and new screening opportunities. We discuss the barriers to implementation of current guidelines, as well as guideline limitations, and highlight new technologies and knowledge that may address these. We also discuss alternative screening strategies to increase the rate of LS diagnoses. In particular, the focus of current guidance on CRCs means that approximately half of Lynch-spectrum tumours occurring in unknown male LS carriers, and only one-third in female LS carriers, will trigger testing for LS. There is increasing pressure to expand guidelines to include molecular screening of endometrial cancers, the most frequent cancer in female LS carriers. Furthermore, we collate the evidence to support MMR deficiency testing of other Lynch-spectrum tumours to screen for LS. However, a reliance on tumour tissue limits preoperative testing and, therefore, diagnosis prior to malignancy. The recent successes of functional assays to detect microsatellite instability or MMR deficiency in non-neoplastic tissues suggest that future diagnostic pipelines could become independent of tumour tissue.
C1q–HA Matrix Regulates the Local Synthesis of Hyaluronan in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma by Modulating HAS3 Expression
Authors: Vidergar Romana , Balduit Andrea , Zacchi Paola , Agostinis Chiara , Mangogna Alessandro , Belmonte Beatrice , Grandolfo Micaela , Salton Francesco , Biolo Marco , Zanconati Fabrizio , Confalonieri Marco , Bulla Roberta
Published: January 2021

Increased hyaluronic acid (HA) production is often associated with cancer progression. In malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), HA is found at elevated levels in pleural effusions and sera of patients, and it has been widely debated whether MPM cells are able to produce HA by themselves or through the release of growth factors stimulating other cells. Another key component of the MPM microenvironment is C1q, which can act as a pro-tumorigenic factor favoring cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. The aim of the current study was to prove that MPM primary cells are able to synthesize HA and to inquire the stimulus given by C1q–HA matrix to HA synthesis. We confirmed the presence of a HA coat and cable-like structures around MPM primary cells, as well as an intracellular pool, mainly localized in the cytoplasmic and perinuclear region. After evaluating HA synthase (HAS) enzymes’ basal expression in MPM primary cells, we found that C1q bound to HA was able to impinge upon HA homeostasis by upregulating HAS3 both at the mRNA and the protein levels. High expression of HAS3 has been correlated with a shorter life expectancy in MPM by bioinformatical analysis. These data confirmed that C1q bound to HA may exert pro-tumorigenic activity and identified HAS3 as a potential target in MPM.
Quiescence, Stemness and Adipogenic Differentiation Capacity in Human DLK1−/CD34+/CD24+ Adipose Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Hatzmann Florian M. , Ejaz Asim , Wiegers G. Jan , Mandl Markus , Brucker Camille , Lechner Stefan , Rauchenwald Tina , Zwierzina Marit , Baumgarten Saphira , Wagner Sonja , Mattesich Monika , Waldegger Petra , Pierer Gerhard , Zwerschke Werner
Published: January 2021

We explore the status of quiescence, stemness and adipogenic differentiation capacity in adipose stem/progenitor cells (ASCs) ex vivo, immediately after isolation from human subcutaneous white adipose tissue, by sorting the stromal vascular fraction into cell-surface DLK1+/CD34−, DLK1+/CD34dim and DLK1−/CD34+ cells. We demonstrate that DLK1−/CD34+ cells, the only population exhibiting proliferative and adipogenic capacity, express ex vivo the bonafide quiescence markers p21Cip1, p27Kip1 and p57Kip2 but neither proliferation markers nor the senescence marker p16Ink4a. The pluripotency markers NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4 are barely detectable in ex vivo ASCs while the somatic stemness factors, c-MYC and KLF4 and the early adipogenic factor C/EBPβ are highly expressed. Further sorting of ASCs into DLK1−/CD34+/CD24− and DLK1−/CD34+/CD24+ fractions shows that KLF4 and c-MYC are higher expressed in DLK1−/CD34+/CD24+ cells correlating with higher colony formation capacity and considerably lower adipogenic activity. Proliferation capacity is similar in both populations. Next, we show that ASCs routinely isolated by plastic-adherence are DLK1−/CD34+/CD24+. Intriguingly, CD24 knock-down in these cells reduces proliferation and adipogenesis. In conclusion, DLK1−/CD34+ ASCs in human sWAT exist in a quiescent state, express high levels of somatic stemness factors and the early adipogenic transcription factor C/EBPβ but senescence and pluripotency markers are barely detectable. Moreover, our data indicate that CD24 is necessary for adequate ASC proliferation and adipogenesis and that stemness is higher and adipogenic capacity lower in DLK1−/CD34+/CD24+ relative to DLK1−/CD34+/CD24− subpopulations.
Adipokines and Autoimmunity in Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Neumann Elena , Hasseli Rebecca , Ohl Selina , Lange Uwe , Frommer Klaus W. , Müller-Ladner Ulf
Published: January 2021

Adipokines are adipose tissue-derived factors not only playing an important role in metabolism but also influencing other central processes of the body, such as inflammation. In autoimmune diseases, adipokines are involved in inflammatory pathways affecting different cell types. Many rheumatic diseases belong to the group of autoimmune diseases, for example rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis. Due to the autoimmune responses, a chronic inflammatory milieu develops, which affects the whole body, including adipose tissue. Metabolic alterations such as obesity influence inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases. Adipokines are bioactive mediators mainly produced by adipose tissue. Due to alterations of systemic adipokine levels, their role as biomarkers with diagnostic potential has been suggested in the context of rheumatic diseases. In the affected joints of RA patients, different synoviocytes but also osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes produce several adipokines, contributing to the unique inflammatory microenvironment. Adipokines have been shown to be potent modulatory effectors on different cell types of the immune system but also local cells in synovial tissue, cartilage, and bone. This review highlights the most recent findings on the role of adipokines in the pathophysiology of inflammatory arthritis with a distinct focus on RA in the quickly developing research field.
Nurse-Like Cells and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells: A Mutualistic Crosstalk inside Tissue Microenvironments
Authors: Fiorcari Stefania , Maffei Rossana , Atene Claudio Giacinto , Potenza Leonardo , Luppi Mario , Marasca Roberto
Published: January 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia in Western countries and is an example of hematological disease where cooperation between genetic defects and tumor microenvironmental interaction is involved in pathogenesis. CLL is a disease that is considered as “addicted to the host”; indeed, the crosstalk between leukemic cells and the tumor microenvironment is essential for leukemic clone maintenance supporting CLL cells’ survival, proliferation, and protection from drug-induced apoptosis. CLL cells are not innocent bystanders but actively model and manipulate the surrounding microenvironment to their own advantage. Besides the different players involved in this crosstalk, nurse-like cells (NLC) resemble features related to leukemia-associated macrophages with an important function in preserving CLL cell survival and supporting an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role played by NLC in creating a nurturing and permissive milieu for CLL cells, illustrating the therapeutic possibilities in order to specifically target and re-educate them.
Propagation of Crystal Defects during Directional Solidification of Silicon via Induction of Functional Defects
Authors: Krenckel Patricia , Hayama Yusuke , Schindler Florian , Trötschler Theresa , Riepe Stephan , Usami Noritaka
Published: January 2021

The introduction of directional solidified cast mono silicon promised a combination of the cheaper production via a casting process with monocrystalline material quality, but has been struggling with high concentration of structural defects. The SMART approach uses functional defects to maintain the monocrystalline structure with low dislocation densities. In this work, the feasibility of the SMART approach is shown for larger ingots. A G2 sized crystal with SMART and cast mono silicon parts has been analyzed regarding the structural defects via optical analysis, crystal orientation, and etch pit measurements. Photoluminescence measurements on passivated and processed samples were used for characterization of the electrical material quality. The SMART approach has successfully resulted in a crystal with mono area share over 90% and a confinement of dislocation structures in the functional defect region over the whole ingot height compared to a mono area share of down to 50% and extending dislocation tangles in the standard cast mono Si. Cellular structures in photoluminescence measurements could be attributed to cellular dislocation patterns. The SMART Si material showed very high and most homogeneous lifetime values enabling solar cell efficiencies up to 23.3%.
The Development of a Standardized Quality Assessment Material to Support Xpert® HIV-1 Viral Load Testing for ART Monitoring in South Africa
Authors: Noble Lara Dominique , Scott Lesley Erica , Bongwe Asiashu , Da Silva Pedro , Stevens Wendy Susan
Published: January 2021

The tiered laboratory framework for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load monitoring accommodates a range of HIV viral load testing platforms, with quality assessment critical to ensure quality patient testing. HIV plasma viral load testing is challenged by the instability of viral RNA. An approach using an RNA stabilizing buffer is described for the Xpert® HIV-1 Viral Load (Cepheid) assay and was tested in remote laboratories in South Africa. Plasma panels with known HIV viral titres were prepared in PrimeStore molecular transport medium for per-module verification and per-instrument external quality assessment. The panels were transported at ambient temperatures to 13 testing laboratories during 2017 and 2018, tested according to standard procedures and uploaded to a web portal for analysis. A total of 275 quality assessment specimens (57 verification panels and two EQA cycles) were tested. All participating laboratories met study verification criteria (n = 171 specimens) with an overall concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) of 0.997 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.996 to 0.998) and a mean bias of −0.019 log copies per milliliter (cp/mL) (95% CI: −0.044 to 0.063). The overall EQA ρc (n = 104 specimens) was 0.999 (95% CI: 0.998 to 0.999), with a mean bias of 0.03 log cp/mL (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.05). These panels are suitable for use in quality monitoring of Xpert® HIV-1 VL and are applicable to laboratories in remote settings.
Multi-Monostatic Interferometric Radar for Bridge Monitoring
Authors: Miccinesi Lapo , Beni Alessandra , Pieraccini Massimiliano
Published: January 2021

In recent years, interferometric radar has been extensively used as a sensor for static and dynamic monitoring of bridges. Generally speaking, a radar can only detect displacement components along the view direction. As the movement of a real bridge or of a large structure can be rather complex, this limitation can be a significant drawback in engineering practice. In order to overcome this limitation, in this article, a multi-monostatic radar for retrieving the displacement vector is proposed. It is basically a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) interferometric radar, equipped with a transponder that consists of a pair of antennae, with relative amplifiers, connected to the radar with a radiofrequency (RF) cable. This arrangement allows for the simultaneous detection of two independent displacement components. The radar was successfully tested both in a controlled environment and in the field on a real bridge crossing the Arno river in Florence, Italy.
An Ensemble Learning Approach Based on Diffusion Tensor Imaging Measures for Alzheimer’s Disease Classification
Authors: Lella Eufemia , Pazienza Andrea , Lofù Domenico , Anglani Roberto , Vitulano Felice
Published: January 2021

Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), represent a crucial resource for structural brain analysis and allow the identification of alterations related to severe neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At the same time, machine-learning-based computational tools for early diagnosis and decision support systems are adopted to uncover hidden patterns in data for phenotype stratification and to identify pathological scenarios. In this landscape, ensemble learning approaches, conceived to simulate human behavior in making decisions, are suitable methods in healthcare prediction tasks, generally improving classification performances. In this work, we propose a novel technique for the automatic discrimination between healthy controls and AD patients, using DTI measures as predicting features and a soft-voting ensemble approach for the classification. We show that this approach, efficiently combining single classifiers trained on specific groups of features, is able to improve classification performances with respect to the comprehensive approach of the concatenation of global features (with an increase of up to 9% on average) and the use of individual groups of features (with a notable enhancement in sensitivity of up to 11%). Ultimately, the feature selection phase in similar classification tasks can take advantage of this kind of strategy, allowing one to exploit the information content of data and at the same time reducing the dimensionality of the feature space, and in turn the computational effort.
An Effective Algorithm for MAED Problems with a New Reliability Model at the Microgrid
Authors: Naderipour Amirreza , Kalam Akhtar , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Faraji Davoudkhani Iraj , Mustafa Mohd Wazir Bin , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a new framework for multi-area economic dispatch (MAED) in which the cost associated with the reliability consideration is taken into account together with the common operational and emission costs using expected energy not supplied (EENS) index. To improve the reliability level, the spinning reserve capacity is considered in the model as well. Furthermore, the MAED optimization problem and non-smooth cost functions are taken into account as well as other technical limitations such as tie-line capacity restriction, ramp rate limits, and prohibited operating zones at the microgrid. Considering all the above practical issues increases the complexity in terms of optimization, which, in turn, necessitates the use of a powerful optimization tool. A new successful algorithm inspired by phasor theory in mathematics, called phasor particle swarm optimization (PPSO), is used in this paper to address this problem. In PPSO, the particles’ update rules are driven by phase angles to essentially ensure a spread of variants across the population so that exploitation and exploration can be balanced. The optimal results obtained via simulations confirmed the capability of the proposed PPSO algorithm to find suitable optimal solutions for the proposed model.
Improvement of Small Signal Equivalent Simulations for Power and Efficiency Matching of GaN HEMTs
Authors: Quaglia Roberto
Published: January 2021

In high-frequency power-amplifier design, it is common practice to approach the design of reactive matching networks using linear simulators and targeting a reflection loss limit (referenced to the target impedance). It is well known that this is only a first-pass design technique, since output power or efficiency contours do not correspond to mismatch circles. This paper presents a method to improve the accuracy of this approach in the case of matching network design for power amplifiers based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology. Equivalent mismatch circles, which lay within the power or efficiency contours targeted by the design, are analytically obtained thanks to geometrical considerations. A summary table providing the parameters to use for typical contours is provided. The technique is demonstrated on two examples of power-amplifier design on the 6–12 GHz band using the non-linear large-signal model of a GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT).
The Effect of Insulation Characteristics on Thermal Instability in HVDC Extruded Cables
Authors: Diban Bassel , Mazzanti Giovanni
Published: January 2021

This paper aims at studying the effect of cable characteristics on the thermal instability of 320 kV and 500 kV Cross-Linked Polyethylene XLPE-insulated high voltage direct-current (HVDC) cables buried in soil for different values of the applied voltages, by the means of sensitivity analysis of the insulation losses to the electrical conductivity coefficients of temperature and electric field, a and b. It also finds the value of dielectric loss coefficient βd for DC cables, which allows an analytical calculation of the temperature rise as a function of insulation losses and thermal resistances. A Matlab code is used to iteratively solve Maxwell’s equations and find the electric field distribution, the insulation losses and the temperature rise inside the insulation due to insulation losses of the cable subjected to load cycles according to CIGRÉ Technical Brochure 496. Thermal stability diagrams are found to study the thermal instability and its relationship with the cable ampacity. The results show high dependency of the thermal stability on the electrical conductivity of cable insulating material, as expressed via the conductivity coefficients of temperature and electric field. The effect of insulation thickness on both the insulation losses and the thermal stability is also investigated.
Assessment of the Risk of Damage to 110 kV Overhead Lines Due to Wind
Authors: Chojnacki Andrew Lukas
Published: January 2021

The article presents an assessment of the risk of damage to 110 kV overhead power lines as a result of the impact of wind of variable speeds on that equipment. A statistical method for the assessment of the reliability of power structures in conditions of variable strength of the structure and at variable exposure values is presented. This method is based on the analysis of the shape and mutual location of the distributions of the probability density of the momentary resistance (strength) of the tested structure and the exposures of variable values occurring in its surroundings. The risk of wind damage to 110 kV lines has been determined on the basis of many years of observations of wind speed and failure rate of the lines. Wind has been shown to be the fault factor or co-factor responsible for damage in one in five failures of such equipment. The final part of the article includes an analysis of the obtained results and their interpretation.
Theoretical Study of CO Adsorption and Activation on Orthorhombic Fe7C3(001) Surfaces for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Using Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Chun Hee-Joon , Kim Yong Tae
Published: January 2021

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS), which converts CO and H2 into useful hydrocarbon products, has attracted considerable attention as an efficient method to replace crude oil resources. Fe-based catalysts are mainly used in industrial FTS, and Fe7C3 is a common carbide phase in the FTS reaction. However, the intrinsic catalytic properties of Fe7C3 are theoretically unknown. Therefore, as a first attempt to understand the FTS reaction on Fe7C3, direct CO* dissociation on orthorhombic Fe7C3(001) (o-Fe7C3(001)) surfaces was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The surface energies of 14 terminations of o-Fe7C3(001) were first compared, and the results showed that (001)0.20 was the most thermodynamically stable termination. Furthermore, to understand the effect of the surface C atom coverage on CO* activation, C–O bond dissociation was performed on the o-Fe7C3(001)0.85, (001)0.13, (001)0.20, (001)0.09, and (001)0.99 surfaces, where the surface C atom coverages were 0.00, 0.17, 0.33, 0.33, and 0.60, respectively. The results showed that the CO* activation linearly decreased as the surface C atom coverage increased. Therefore, it can be concluded that the thermodynamic and kinetic selectivity toward direct CO* dissociation increased when the o-Fe7C3(001) surface had more C* vacancies.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investments and Economic Growth on Environmental Degradation: The Case of the Balkans
Authors: Pavlović Aleksandra , Njegovan Milica , Ivanišević Andrea , Radišić Mladen , Takači Aleksandar , Lošonc Alpar , Kot Sebastian
Published: January 2021

The aspiration of this study was to examine the impact of foreign direct investments (FDI) and economic growth on environmental degradation in the Balkans for the period 1998–2019. Balkan countries were classified into two groups, high income countries (HIC) and upper-middle income countries (UMIC). Thus, two hypotheses have been set. The effect of FDI on environmental degradation was observed through pollution haven hypothesis (PHH). To examine that connection, we used Pearson correlation for all countries, HIC and UMIC. Furthermore, the impact of economic growth on environmental degradation was tested through the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. For that purpose, polynomial linear regression was applied. In order to examine the dependence of environmental degradation in relation to all predictors in the model, a multivariate linear regression was used. PHH was confirmed in Serbia, Albania, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria, the Balkans as a whole, and HIC, and the EKC hypothesis was rejected. This paper represents a contribution to a very scarce number of studies regarding the impact of FDI and economic growth on the environment in the Balkans, as a whole. The results of this study can be useful to policy makers in the terms of inducting stricter environmental rules.
Mitochondrial Genome Evolution, Genetic Diversity, and Population Structure in British Water Voles (Arvicola amphibius)
Authors: Kirkland Corey , Farré Marta
Published: January 2021

The European water vole (Arvicola amphibius) is a rodent within the subfamily Arvicolinae. In Britain, water voles have declined rapidly during the last century, making them a conservation priority. The relationship of Arvicola to other genera within Arvicolinae remains debated. Additionally, the impact that captive breeding programs in Britain are having on the genetic diversity of water voles is unknown. We use available mitochondrial genomes to construct the phylogeny of species within Arvicolinae, followed by sequencing the mitochondrial DNA control region of 17 individuals from a captive population of water voles in Britain to assess their genetic diversity and population structure. Our study first provides an updated phylogenetic tree of Arvicolinae using the mitochondrial genome of 31 species. Second, our results show considerable genetic diversity in the captive population of water voles, when compared with natural populations in Britain. We confirm the grouping of British water voles into two clades, with all captive individuals found in the English/Welsh clade. Moreover, captive water voles clustered closely with populations in the South East and East of England. The mitochondrial genome provides a useful marker to study the phylogenetics of this rodent clade and in addition, our study provides support for the breeding program at Wildwood Trust and provides a framework for future conservation genetics studies in this species.
Characterization of Copy-Number Variations and Possible Candidate Genes in Recurrent Pregnancy Losses
Authors: Sheng Yan-Ran , Hou Shun-Yu , Hu Wen-Ting , Wei Chun-Yan , Liu Yu-Kai , Liu Yu-Yin , Jiang Lu , Xiang Jing-Jing , Sun Xiao-Xi , Lei Cai-Xia , Wang Hui-Ling , Zhu Xiao-Yong
Published: January 2021

It is well established that embryonic chromosomal abnormalities (both in the number of chromosomes and the structure) account for 50% of early pregnancy losses. However, little is known regarding the potential differences in the incidence and distribution of chromosomal abnormalities between patients with sporadic abortion (SA) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), let alone the role of submicroscopic copy-number variations (CNVs) in these cases. The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the role of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities and CNVs in the etiology of RPL compared with SA. Over a 3-year period, 1556 fresh products of conception (POCs) from miscarriage specimens were investigated using single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) and CNV sequencing (CNV-seq) in this study, along with further functional enrichment analysis. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 57.52% (895/1556) of all cases. Comparisons of the incidence and distributions of chromosomal abnormalities within the SA group and RPL group and within the different age groups were performed. Moreover, 346 CNVs in 173 cases were identified, including 272 duplications, 2 deletions and 72 duplications along with deletions. Duplications in 16q24.3 and 16p13.3 were significantly more frequent in RPL cases, and thereby considered to be associated with RPL. There were 213 genes and 131 signaling pathways identified as potential RPL candidate genes and signaling pathways, respectively, which were centered primarily on six functional categories. The results of the present study may improve our understanding of the etiologies of RPL and assist in the establishment of a population-based diagnostic panel of genetic markers for screening RPL amongst Chinese women.
Debris Flows Occurrence in the Semiarid Central Andes under Climate Change Scenario
Authors: Moreiras Stella M. , Sepúlveda Sergio A. , Correas-González Mariana , Lauro Carolina , Vergara Iván , Jeanneret Pilar , Junquera-Torrado Sebastián , Cuevas Jaime G. , Maldonado Antonio , Antinao José L. , Lara Marisol
Published: January 2021

This review paper compiles research related to debris flows and hyperconcentrated flows in the central Andes (30°–33° S), updating the knowledge of these phenomena in this semiarid region. Continuous records of these phenomena are lacking through the Andean region; intense precipitations, sudden snowmelt, increased temperatures on high relief mountain areas, and permafrost degradation are related to violent flow discharges. Documented catastrophic consequences related to these geoclimatic events highlight the need to improve their understanding in order to prepare the Andean communities for this latent danger. An amplified impact is expected not only due to environmental changes potentially linked to climate change but also due to rising exposure linked to urban expansion toward more susceptible or unstable areas. This review highlights as well the need for the implementation of preventive measures to reduce the negative impacts and vulnerability of the Andean communities in the global warming context.
An Object-Based Image Analysis Approach Using Bathymetry and Bathymetric Derivatives to Classify the Seafloor
Authors: Koop Leo , Snellen Mirjam , Simons Dick G.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, object-based image analysis classification methods are developed that do not rely on backscatter in order to classify the seafloor. Instead, these methods make use of bathymetry, bathymetric derivatives, and grab samples for classification. The classification is performed on image object statistics. One of the methods utilizes only texture-based features, that is, features that are related to the spatial arrangement of image characteristics. The second method is similar, but relies on a wider set of image object features. The methods were developed and tested using a dataset from Norwegian waters, specifically the Røstbanken area off the coast of Lofoten. The classification results were compared to backscatter-based classification and to grab sample ground-reference data. The algorithm that performed the best was then also applied to a dataset from the Borkumer Stones area close to the island of Schiermonnikoog in Dutch waters. This allowed testing the applicability of the algorithm for different datasets. Because the algorithms that were developed do not require backscatter, the availability of which is much more scarce than bathymetry, and because of the low computational requirements, they could be applied to any area where high-resolution bathymetry and grab samples are available.
Kinematic Analysis of 2-Point and 3-Point Jump Shot of Elite Young Male and Female Basketball Players
Authors: Vencúrik Tomas , Knjaz Damir , Rupčić Tomislav , Sporiš Goran , Li Feng
Published: January 2021

Basketball shooting is one of the most important offensive skills in basketball. Winning or losing a game mostly depends on the shooting effectiveness. The study aims to compare the selected kinematic variables of 2-point (2-pt) and 3-point (3-pt) jump shots (after making a cut and receiving the ball) and ascertain the differences between elite male under 16 and 18 (U16M, U18M) and female under 16 and 18 (U16F, U18F) basketball players. Overall, forty-eight young male and female basketball players participated in the study. 3D motion analysis using an inertial suit with the addition of utilizing a smart ball was performed for assessing the 2-pt and 3-pt shooting techniques. Players in male categories shot for 2-pt with a higher center of mass difference in the vertical direction (U16M 5.7 cm, U18M 3.9 cm vs. U16F 1.4 cm, U18F 0.6 cm), with higher release shoulder angle (U16M 110.9, U18M 113.8 vs. U16F 103, U18F 105), and with a higher entry angle of the ball (U16M 34, U18M 32 vs. U16F 30, U18F 30) when compared to female categories (p < 0.001). In the 3-pt shooting, there were differences between male and female categories in the shoulder angle when releasing the ball (p < 0.001). In the players shooting speed, there were differences between U16M vs. U18F (0.95 ± 0.1 vs. 0.88 ± 0.1; p = 0.03) and U16F vs. U18F (0.96 ± 0.06 vs. 0.88 ± 0.1; p = 0.02) players. Male categories shot 3-pt shots with a smaller center of mass difference in the horizontal direction when compared to 2-pt shots (p < 0.001). The entry angle was higher in successful shooting attempts compared to unsuccessful shooting attempts when shooting for 3-pt (p = 0.02). Player shooting speed was higher in all categories (except U18F) when shooting for 3-pt (p < 0.001). It appears that performers show difference in kinematic variables based on distance from the basket. Basketball coaches and players should work to minimize the kinematic differences between 2-pt and 3-pt shooting and to optimize the shooting technique.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Functioning in Recently Separated U.S. Women Veterans: Trajectories and Bi-Directional Relationships
Authors: Lawrence Karen A. , Vogt Dawne , Dugan Adam J. , Nigam Shawn , Slade Emily , Smith Brian N.
Published: January 2021

Prior research on the relationship between veterans’ mental health and psychosocial functioning has primarily relied on male samples. Here, we investigated prospective longitudinal relationships between mental health and psychosocial functioning in 554 female Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans who were surveyed three times between two- and seven-years following separation from service. Mixed effects modeling revealed that increasing depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity predicted declines in work functioning. Increasing PTSD severity predicted declining parental functioning and worsening depression predicted a decline in relationship functioning. In turn, decreased work and intimate relationship functioning predicted increased PTSD and depression symptom severity suggesting bi-directional effects between mental health and psychosocial functioning. An examination of the effect of deployment stressors on psychosocial functioning revealed that deployment sexual harassment was the strongest predictor of decreased psychosocial functioning across all domains. Evidence for the reciprocal nature of relationships between mental health and psychosocial functioning underscore the need for treatment targeted at PTSD and depression, as well as work and relationship functioning to improve outcomes for women veterans.
Identification of Nutritional Targets in Spanish Children Belonging to the LAyDI Cohort for the Development of Health Promotion Strategies in the First Two Years of Life
Authors: Gómez-Martín María , Domínguez Begoña , Gueimonde Miguel , González Sonia
Published: January 2021

The first 1000 days of life seem to represent the temporal window of opportunity for modulating some of the risk factors associated with the later development of pathologies. Nonetheless, the dietary pattern and nutritional status of children receiving complementary feeding is still understudied. We aimed to assess the food intake in children from the LAyDI cohort (Spain) at 18 and 24 months of age and evaluate this in relation to nutrient requirements and bioactive compound consumption. This was a prospective and multicenter study analyzing information from administered questionnaires about general characteristics and food frequency consumption in 426 children of 18 months and 336 of 24 months. The observed intake of vegetables, fruits, dairy, and eggs was lower than the recommendations in both periods, contrary to the consumption of meat, fish, and pulses. The consumption of energy and macronutrients was similar for all ages studied, with protein intake being slightly higher than the recommended values. Regarding micronutrients, practically the whole sample fell below the vitamin D requirements. In addition, the estimated daily intakes of vitamin E and iron, at 24 months, were below the recommended values for this population group. The mean intake of phenols was around 650 mg/day. Flavanol intake as well as both types of fiber decreased from 18 to 24 months. In conclusion, although these results have to be confirmed in other populations, it seems pertinent to propose the design of nutritional strategies aimed at increasing the intake of vitamins D and E as well as iron in Spanish children up to 2 years.
Dimensions of Thermal Inequity: Neighborhood Social Demographics and Urban Heat in the Southwestern U.S.
Authors: Dialesandro John , Brazil Noli , Wheeler Stephen , Abunnasr Yaser
Published: January 2021

Exposure to heat is a growing public health concern as climate change accelerates worldwide. Different socioeconomic and racial groups often face unequal exposure to heat as well as increased heat-related sickness, mortality, and energy costs. We provide new insight into thermal inequities by analyzing 20 Southwestern U.S. metropolitan regions at the census block group scale for three temperature scenarios (average summer heat, extreme summer heat, and average summer nighttime heat). We first compared average temperatures for top and bottom decile block groups according to demographic variables. Then we used spatial regression models to investigate the extent to which exposure to heat (measured by land surface temperature) varies according to income and race. Large thermal inequities exist within all the regions studied. On average, the poorest 10% of neighborhoods in an urban region were 2.2 °C (4 °F) hotter than the wealthiest 10% on both extreme heat days and average summer days. The difference was as high as 3.3–3.7 °C (6–7 °F) in California metro areas such as Palm Springs and the Inland Empire. A similar pattern held for Latinx neighborhoods. Temperature disparities at night were much smaller (usually ~1 °F). Disparities for Black neighborhoods were also lower, perhaps because Black populations are small in most of these cities. California urban regions show stronger thermal disparities than those in other Southwestern states, perhaps because inexpensive water has led to more extensive vegetation in affluent neighborhoods. Our findings provide new details about urban thermal inequities and reinforce the need for programs to reduce the disproportionate heat experienced by disadvantaged communities.
Identifying Profiles of Anxiety in Late Childhood and Exploring Their Relationship with School-Based Distress
Authors: Fernández-Sogorb Aitana , Sanmartín Ricardo , Vicent María , Gonzálvez Carolina
Published: January 2021

Failure in dealing with anxiety-provoking situations and stressors in the school setting may have negative consequences not only on children’s performance, but also on their well-being in the future. This research aimed to examine the relationship of forms of anxiety (anticipatory anxiety, school-based performance anxiety, and generalized anxiety) with sources (teacher interactions, academic stress, peer interactions, and academic self-concept) and manifestations (emotional, behavioral, and physiological) of school-based distress. Specifically, our objectives were to examine the correlations between anxiety and school-based distress and, using a person-centered approach, to verify whether different anxiety profiles differed in their levels of distress. The Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety-Revised (VAA-R) and the School Situation Survey (SSS) were administered to 756 Spanish students (Mage = 9.6, SD = 1.12); 50.3% were girls. Pearson’s correlation coefficients revealed a positive and significant association between each form of anxiety and each source and manifestation of distress. The latent profile analysis identified three anxiety profiles: High Anxiety, High School-based performance Anxiety, and Low Anxiety. The High Anxiety profile scored significantly higher in all sources and manifestations of distress than the Low Anxiety profile. The High Anxiety profile showed significantly higher scores in peer interactions and emotional and behavioral manifestations of distress than the group High School-based performance Anxiety. Suggestions for intervention strategies according to the risk profile are discussed.
Predictors of Athlete’s Performance in Ultra-Endurance Mountain Races
Authors: Belinchón-deMiguel Pedro , Ruisoto Pablo , Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Herrera-Tapias Beliña , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: January 2021

Background: In previous studies, ultra-endurance performance has been associated with training and psychological variables. However, performance under extreme conditions is understudied, mainly due to difficulties in making field measures. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the role of training, hydration, nutrition, oral health status, and stress-related psychological factors in athletes’ performance in ultra-endurance mountain events. Methods: We analyzed the variables of race time and training, hydration state, nutrition, oral health status, and stress-related psychological factors in 448 ultra-endurance mountain race finishers divided into three groups according to race length (less than 45 km, 45–90 km, and greater than 90 km), using a questionnaire. Results: Higher performance in ultra-endurance mountain races was associated with better oral health status and higher accumulative altitude covered per week as well as higher positive accumulative change of altitude per week during training. In longer distance races, experience, a larger volume of training, and better hydration/nutrition prior to the competition were associated with better performance. Conclusions: Ultra-endurance mountain athletes competing in longer races (>90 km) have more experience and follow harder training schedules compared with athletes competing in shorter distances. In longer races, a larger fluid intake before the competition was the single best predictor of performance. For races between 45 and 90 km, training intensity and volume were key predictors of performance, and for races below 45 km, oral health status was a key predictor of performance. Psychological factors previously reported as ultra-endurance mountain race performance predictors were inconsistent or failed to predict the performance of athletes in the present research.
Impact of a Gender-Neutral HPV Vaccination Program in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Authors: Díez-Domingo Javier , Sánchez-Alonso Víctor , Villanueva Rafael-J. , Acedo Luis , Tuells José
Published: January 2021

A major challenge in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine programs is the universal gender-neutral recommendation, as well as estimation of its long-term effect. The objective of this study is to predict the added benefit of male vaccination, especially in men who have sex with men (MSM), and to analyze the impact of the program on society. We propose a mathematical model of the HPV infection based on a network paradigm. Data from Spain allowed constructing the sexual network. HPV force of infection was taken from literature. Different scenarios using variable vaccine coverage in both males and females were studied. Strong herd immunity is shown in the heterosexual population, with an important decrease of HPV 6/11 infections both in men and in unvaccinated women with an only-women vaccination at 14 years of age. No impact of this program occurred in the infection incidence in MSM. This group would only benefit from a vaccination program that includes males. However, the impact at short term would be lower than in heterosexual men. The protection of MSM can only be achieved by direct vaccination of males. This may have important consequences for public health.
Media Use during Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Bozzola Elena
Published: January 2021

Media devices use among children and adolescents is rapidly increasing due to the small size, which allows mobility, interactivity, and easiness to benefit from free content and applications [...]