bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yarrowia lipolytica produces lipid-rich biomass in medium mimicking lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate
Authors: Dias Bruna , Fernandes Helena , Lopes Marlene , Belo Isabel
Published: May 2023

In recent years, lignocellulosic biomass has become an attractive low-cost raw material for microbial bioprocesses aiming the production of biofuels and other valuable chemicals. However, these feedstocks require preliminary pretreatments to increase their utilization by microorganisms, which may lead to the formation of various compounds (acetic acid, formic acid, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, p-coumaric acid, vanillin, or benzoic acid) with antimicrobial activity. Batch cultures in microplate wells demonstrated the ability of Yarrowia strains (three of Y. lipolytica and one of Y. divulgata) to grow in media containing each one of these compounds. Cellular growth of Yarrowia lipolytica W29 and NCYC 2904 (chosen strains) was proven in Erlenmeyer flasks and bioreactor experiments where an accumulation of intracellular lipids was also observed in culture medium mimicking lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate containing glucose, xylose, acetic acid, formic acid, furfural, and 5-HMF. Lipid contents of 35% (w/w) and 42% (w/w) were obtained in bioreactor batch cultures with Y. lipolytica W29 and NCYC 2904, respectively, showing the potential of this oleaginous yeast to use lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates as feedstock for obtaining valuable compounds, such as microbial lipids that have many industrial applications.

Key Points

• Yarrowia strains tolerate compounds found in lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate

• Y. lipolytica consumed compounds found in lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate

• 42% (w/w) of microbial lipids was attained in bioreactor batch cultures

Graphical Abstract
Development and validation of the OSASH score to predict overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection: a dual-institutional study
Authors: Wei Hong , Fu Fangfang , Jiang Hanyu , Wu Yuanan , Qin Yun , Wei Huanhuan , Yang Ting , Wang Meiyun , Song Bin
Published: May 2023

Objective

To develop and validate a risk score based on preoperative clinical-radiological parameters for predicting overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

From July 2010 to December 2021, consecutive patients with surgically-proven HCC who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI were retrospectively enrolled. A preoperative OS risk score was constructed in the training cohort using a Cox regression model and validated in a propensity score-matched internal validation cohort and an external validation cohort.

Results

A total of 520 patients were enrolled, among whom 210, 210, and 100 patients were from the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Independent predictors for OS included incomplete tumor “capsule,” mosaic architecture, tumor multiplicity, and serum alpha-fetoprotein, which were incorporated into the “OSASH score.” The C-index the OSASH score was 0.85, 0.81, and 0.62 in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Using 32 as the cutoff point, the OSASH score stratified patients into prognostically distinct low- and high-risk groups among all study cohorts and six subgroups (allp < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with BCLC stage B-C HCC and OSASH-low risk achieved comparable OS to that of patients with BCLC stage 0-A HCC and OSASH-high risk in the internal validation cohort (5-year OS rates, 74.7 vs. 77.8%;p = 0.964).

Conclusion

The OSASH score may help predict OS in HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy and identify potential surgical candidates among those with BCLC stage B-C HCC.

Clinical relevance statement

By incorporating three preoperative MRI features and serum AFP, the OSASH score may help predict postsurgical overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and identify potential surgical candidates among those with BCLC stage B and C HCC.

Key Points

• The OSASH score incorporating three MRI features and serum AFP can be used to predict OS in HCC patients who received curative-intent hepatectomy.

• The score stratified patients into prognostically distinct low- and high-risk strata in all study cohorts and six subgroups.

• Among patients with BCLC stage B and C HCC, the score identified a subgroup of low-risk patients who achieved favorable outcomes after surgery.
Decadal variability of extreme high temperature in mid- and high-latitude Asia and its associated North Atlantic air–sea interaction
Authors: Wang Tao , Yin Shuyue , Hua Wei , Wang Huijun , Luo Feifei , Miao Jiapeng , Fu Yuanhai
Published: May 2023

The decadal variability of extreme high temperature (EHT) in the mid and highlatitudes of continental Asia (MHLCA) and associated mechanisms were investigated. Observational analysis indicated that, after removing global warming, the first leading mode of the EHT events showed a meridional dipole pattern and had significant decadal variability. During the periods 1980–1994 and 2012–2019 (1995–2011), EHT events were more frequent and stronger (less frequent and weaker) in western-central Siberia than normal, whereas they were less frequent and weaker (more frequent and stronger) in the wide area to the south of Lake Baikal. Further Observational and CESM (Community Earth System Model) results based analysis suggested that decadal change in air–sea interaction in the North Atlantic play an important role in shaping the decadal variability of EHT events in MHLCA. On decadal timescales, meridional negative–positive–negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the North Atlantic and their coupled positive North Atlantic Oscillation can trigger stronger wave activity flux and cause a significant anticyclonic–cyclonic teleconnection wave train in the troposphere over the mid and high latitudes of the Eurasian continent. As a result, an anomalous high-pressure center is evident in western-central Siberia, and thereby reducing total cloud cover and causing stronger solar heating. Thus, EHT events become more frequent and stronger. On the contrary, for the areas south of Lake Baikal, EHT events are weakened by corresponding cyclonic circulation anomalies. Additionally, the CAM5 (Community Atmosphere Model version 5) experiments suggested more important driving role of the decadal North Atlantic tripole SST anomalies in the abovementioned processes.
TDCS at home for depressive disorders: an updated systematic review and lessons learned from a prematurely terminated randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Kumpf Ulrike , Palm Ulrich , Eder Julia , Ezim Harry , Stadler Matthias , Burkhardt Gerrit , Dechantsreiter Esther , Padberg Frank
Published: May 2023

The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) is the subject of current clinical trials. This is due to its positive safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and potential scalability for a wide outreach in clinical practice. Here, we provide a systematic review of the available studies and also a report on the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on tDCS at home for the treatment of MDD. This trial had to be prematurely terminated due to safety concerns. The HomeDC trial is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Patients with MDD (DSM-5) were randomized to active or sham tDCS. Patients conducted tDCS at home for 6 weeks with 5 sessions/week (30 min at 2 mA) anode over F3, cathode over F4. Sham tDCS resembled active tDCS, with ramp-in and ramp-out periods, but without intermittent stimulation. The study was prematurely terminated due to an accumulation of adverse events (AEs, skin lesions), so that only 11 patients were included. Feasibility was good. Safety monitoring was not sufficient enough to detect or prevent AEs within an appropriate timeframe. Regarding antidepressant effects, the reduction in depression scales over time was significant. However, active tDCS was not superior to sham tDCS in this regard. Both the conclusions from this review and the HomeDC trial show that there are several critical issues with the use of tDCS at home that need to be addressed. Nevertheless the array of transcranial electric simulation (TES) methods that this mode of application offers, including tDCS, is highly interesting and warrants further investigation in high quality RCTs. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov. Trial registration number: NCT05172505. Registration date: 12/13/2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05172505.

Graphical abstract

*Consider, if feasible to do so, reporting the number of records identified from each database or register searched (rather than the total number across all databases/registers)

**If automation tools were used, indicate how many records were excluded by a human and how many were excluded by automation tools

From: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71. For more information, visit: http://www.prisma-statement.org/
Identification of intestinal parasites in wild American mink (Neovison vison) from Biebrza and Narew national parks (Poland)
Authors: Klockiewicz Maciej , Jakubowski Tadeusz , Karabowicz Justyna , Bąska Piotr , Winiarska Justyna , Długosz Ewa
Published: May 2023

American mink (Neovison vison) is an invasive species in the sylvatic environment of Poland. Mink are exposed to different parasite infections as their preys serve as intermediate and/or paratenic hosts. The study aimed to discriminate the pattern of intestinal parasite infections in mink inhabiting Biebrza (BNP) and Narew (NNP) national parks. Gastrointestinal tract examinations revealed Coccidia, Echinostomatidae, Taenidae, and Capillariidae parasites. There was no significant difference in the parasite burden of mink, but patterns of infections varied between both localizations. Coccidia were found in 3.8% of BNP vs. 6.7% of NNP mink. Fluke prevalence was significantly higher in NNP 27.5% compared to 7.7% in BNP mink. Tapeworms were only found in 3.4% of NNP mink. Significantly more Aonchotheca eggs were found in BNP 34.6% vs. 11.4% in NNP mink. The intensity of coccidiosis and aonchothecosis was low in both parks. Fluke intensity varied between low to moderate (ranging from 1 to 16) in BNP and low to massive (ranging from 1 to 117) in NNP mink. Coinfections of various parasite species were noted in both areas. Morphological and DNA analysis revealed that flukes belonged to Isthiomorpha melis and tapeworms to Versteria mustelae. It was the first isolation of V. mustelae in mink of those localizations. In conclusion, our study showed that mink indwelling Biebrza and Narew national parks are moderately infested with parasites. Results suggest that mink play an important role as a reservoir for parasites endangering endemic mustelids, becoming also a potential risk factor in case of accidental transmissions to farm mink. That is why, more strict biosecurity measures are required to protect farm mink.
Free boundary dimers: random walk representation and scaling limit
Authors: Berestycki Nathanaël , Lis Marcin , Qian Wei
Published: May 2023

We study the dimer model on subgraphs of the square lattice in which vertices on a prescribed part of the boundary (the free boundary) are possibly unmatched. Each such unmatched vertex is called a monomer and contributes a fixed multiplicative weight $$z>0$$

z
>
0

to the total weight of the configuration. A bijection described by Giuliani et al. (J Stat Phys 163(2):211–238, 2016) relates this model to a standard dimer model but on a non-bipartite graph. The Kasteleyn matrix of this dimer model describes a walk with transition weights that are negative along the free boundary. Yet under certain assumptions, which are in particular satisfied in the infinite volume limit in the upper half-plane, we prove an effective, true random walk representation for the inverse Kasteleyn matrix. In this case we further show that, independently of the value of $$z>0$$

z
>
0

, the scaling limit of the centered height function is the Gaussian free field with Neumann (or free) boundary conditions. It is the first example of a discrete model where such boundary conditions arise in the continuum scaling limit.
Incidence of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Paris area (France) and in the Netherlands
Authors: Veltkamp Floor , Thenot Victoire , Mussies Carlijn , van Lieshout Bas , Peters-Sengers Hessel , Kers Jesper , Khan Djera H. , Hogan Julien , Florquin Sandrine , Bouts Antonia H. M. , Dossier Claire ,   on behalf of the NEPHROVIR network, the LEARNS consortium
Published: May 2023

Background

The aetiology of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) remains partially unknown. Viral infections have been associated with INS onset. Since we observed fewer first onset INS cases during the Covid-19 pandemic, we hypothesised that lower INS incidence was the result of lockdown measures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of childhood INS before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in two independent European INS cohorts.

Methods

Children with new INS in the Netherlands (2018–2021) and Paris area (2018–2021) were included. We estimated incidences using census data for each region. Incidences were compared using two proportion Z-tests.

Results

A total of 128 and 324 cases of first onset INS were reported in the Netherlands and Paris area, respectively, corresponding to an annual incidence of 1.21 and 2.58 per 100,000 children/year. Boys and young children (< 7 years) were more frequently affected. Incidence before and during the pandemic did not differ. When schools were closed, incidence was lower in both regions: 0.53 vs. 1.31 (p = 0.017) in the Netherlands and 0.94 vs. 2.63 (p = 0.049) in the Paris area. During peaks of hospital admissions for Covid-19, no cases were reported in the Netherlands or Paris area.

Conclusions

Incidence of INS before and during the Covid-19 pandemic was not different, but when schools were closed during lockdown, incidence was significantly lower. Interestingly, incidences of other respiratory viral infections were also reduced as was air pollution. Together, these results argue for a link between INS onset and viral infections and/or environmental factors.

Graphical abstract
Symptom burden survey and symptom clusters in patients with cervical cancer: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhou Kai-nan , Wang Yan , Xie Yi , Yang Shu-han , Liu Su-ying , Fang Yu-hang , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and severity of symptoms of patients with cervical cancer within 6 months after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, form a symptom burden report, evaluate the distribution characteristics of symptoms, identify symptom clusters, and provide a basis for clinical doctors and nurses to improve the symptom management of patients with cervical cancer after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Methods

The patients with cervical cancer within 6 months after radiotherapy and chemotherapy were recruited to investigate their symptom burden. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify symptom clusters.

Results

A total of 250 patients participated in the study. The study found that the most common symptom among the 40 symptoms was fatigue, and the most serious symptom was nocturia. Based on the occurrence rate and severity of symptoms, nine symptom clusters were identified, including psycho–emotion-related symptom cluster, pain–disturbed sleep-related symptom cluster, menopausal symptom cluster, tinnitus–dizziness-related symptom cluster, urinary-related symptom cluster, dry mouth–bitter taste-related symptom cluster, intestinal-related symptom cluster, memory loss–numbness-related symptom cluster, and emaciation-related symptom cluster. The three most serious symptom clusters are pain–disturbed sleep-related symptom cluster, urinary-related symptom cluster, and memory loss–numbness-related symptom cluster.

Conclusion

The symptoms of patients with cervical cancer within 6 months after radiotherapy and chemotherapy are complex, and nine symptom clusters can be identified according to the incidence and severity of symptoms. We can find the potential biological mechanism of each symptom cluster through the discussion of previous mechanism research and clinical research. The number of symptom clusters and the number of symptoms within the symptom cluster are closely related to the symptom evaluation scale selected for the study. Therefore, the symptom cluster study urgently needs a targeted symptom evaluation scale that can comprehensively reflect the patient’s condition.
Efficacy in urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy of education-enhanced interventions in prostate cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Martín-Núñez Javier , Raya-Benítez Julia , López-López Laura , Calvache-Mateo Andrés , Heredia-Ciuró Alejandro , Navas-Otero Alba , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: May 2023

Background

Worldwide, prostate cancer is both the second-most diagnosed cancer and most common solid tumor in men. Prostate cancer patients present with a symptom burden that is compounded by the impact of medical oncology treatment, affecting different domains of their perceived health status. Education active techniques are a key role in chronic disease to increase participation in their recovery.

Purpose

The purpose of the current review was to examine the efficacy of education-enhanced in urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Methods

A wide search of the literature was conducted for articles from their inception to June 2022. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Data extraction and methodologic quality assessment of the studies were carried out by two reviewers. We previously registered the protocol of this systematic review on PROSPERO (CRD42022331954).

Results

A total of six studies were included in the study. After education-enhanced intervention showed significant improvements in any of perceived urinary symptom burden, one in psychological distress, and one in self-efficacy in the experimental group. The meta-analysis showed that education-enhanced interventions have a significant effect on depression.

Conclusion

Education-enhanced could have positive effects on urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy in prostate cancer survivors. Our review was unable to demonstrate the best timing to apply education-enhanced strategies.
Best-response planning for urban fleet coordination
Authors: Martí Pasqual , Jordán Jaume , Julian Vicente
Published: May 2023

The modeling of fleet vehicles as self-interested agents brings a realistic perspective to open fleet transportation research. This feature allows us to model the fleet operation from a non-cooperative point of view. In this work, we study parcel delivery in a city with limited resources (roads and charging stations). We designed and implemented a system composed of a multi-agent planner and a game-theoretic coordination algorithm: a Best-Response Fleet Planner. The system allows for the self-organization of the transportation system by coordinating a fleet of self-interested electric vehicles. The system’s operation is optimized together with resource usage while preserving the agents’ private interests, allowing each agent to plan its actions. The results show that our system has higher scalability than similar approaches, allowing it to function for a considerable number of agents in settings that feature congestion and conflicts. Additionally, overall solution quality is improved compared to other coordination systems, reducing congestion and avoiding unnecessary waiting times.
The shortage of surgeons in Japan: Results of an online survey of qualified teaching hospitals that take part in the surgical training programs for board certification by the Japan Surgical Society
Authors: Takami Hideki , Kodera Yasuhiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kitago Minoru , Murotani Kenta , Hirano Satoshi , Kitagawa Yuko , Ikeda Norihiko , Mori Masaki
Published: May 2023

Purpose

A collapse in regional healthcare through the maldistribution of physicians has been a long-debated issue in Japan and amidst this situation, a new system of board certification was initiated. The Japan Surgical Society (JSS) conducted a nation-wide survey to grasp the current distribution of surgeons in Japan, and their roles.

Methods

All 1976 JSS-certified teaching hospitals were invited to respond to a web-based questionnaire. The responses were analyzed to seek a solution to the current issues.

Results

Responses to the questionnaire were received from 1335 hospitals. The surgical departments of medical universities serve as an internal labor market and were the source of surgeons for most hospitals. More than 50% of teaching hospitals throughout the country claimed a shortage of surgeons even in well-populated prefectures such as Tokyo and Osaka. Hospitals rely on surgeons to cover the deficits in medical oncology, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine. These additional responsibilities were identified as significant predictors of a shortage of surgeons.

Conclusions

Surgeon shortage is a serious issue throughout Japan. Given the limited number of surgeons and surgical trainees, hospitals should make every effort to recruit specialists in the additional fields where surgeons are filling the gaps and allow surgeons to engage more in surgery.
Surgical management of Warthin tumor: long-term follow-up of 224 patients from 2002 to 2018
Authors: Bonavolontà Paola , Germano Cristiana , Committeri Umberto , Orabona Giovanni Dell’Aversana , Piombino Pasquale , Abbate Vincenzo , Maglitto Fabio , Iaconetta Giorgio , Califano Luigi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Warthin tumors (WT) are the second most common benign parotid gland neoplasms. They can occur as synchronous or metachronous lesions in 6–10% of cases. This study aims to compare the complication rate in 224 patients who underwent extracapsular dissection (ECD) or superficial parotidectomy (SP) for the treatment of a WT.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery at the University of Naples “Federico II” from February 2002 to December 2018 on a group of patients who underwent surgical treatment for WT. The type of surgical technique was chosen based on Quer’s classification. The complications evaluated were facial nerve palsy, hematoma, Frey’s syndrome, and bleeding.

Results

A total of 224 patients treated from 2002 to 2018 for Warthin tumor were included in the study. Two hundred elven had solitary tumors (94.1%) and 13 had multicentric lesions (5.8%), of which 9 cases presented synchronous lesions and 4 cases presented metachronous lesions. Extracapsular dissection (ECD) was performed in 130 patients (58.3% of cases) and superficial parotidectomy (SP) in the other 94 (41.7% of cases).

Conclusions

We consider both surgical techniques as valid. In our opinion, it is essential to study each case based on Quer’s Classification to obtain the best surgical outcome. Based on a lower observed rate of complications such as facial nerve palsy, Frey’s syndrome, and bleeding, ECD seems to be the best option for the surgical treatment of Quer Class I lesions.
The whole genomic analysis of the Orf virus strains ORFV-SC and ORFV-SC1 from the Sichuan province and their weak pathological response in rabbits
Authors: Du Guoyu , Wu Jinyan , Zhang Cheng , Cao Xiaoan , Li Lingxia , He Jijun , Zhang Yong , Shang Youjun
Published: May 2023

The Orf virus (ORFV) is a member of the Parapoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family and can cause contagious diseases in sheep, goats, and wild ungulates. In the present study, two ORFV isolates (ORFV-SC isolated from Sichuan province and ORFV-SC1 produced by 60 passages of ORFV-SC in cells) were sequenced and compared to multiple ORFVs. The two ORFV sequences had entire genome sizes of 14,0707 bp and 141,154 bp, respectively, containing 130 and 131 genes, with a G + C content of 63% for the ORFV-SC sequence and 63.9% for the ORFV-SC1 sequence. Alignment of ORFV-SC and ORFV-SC1 with five other ORFV isolates revealed that ORFV-SC, ORFV-SC1, and NA1/11 shared > 95% nucleotide identity with 109 genes. Five genes (ORF007, ORF20, ORF080, ORF112, ORF116) have low amino acids identity between ORFV-SC and ORFV-SC1. Mutations in amino acids result in changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of ORF007, ORF020, and ORF112 proteins. The phylogenetic tree based on the complete genome sequence and 37 single genes revealed that the two ORFV isolates originated from sheep. Finally, animal experiments demonstrated that ORFV-SC1 is less harmful to rabbits than ORFV-SC. The exploration of two full-length viral genome sequences provides valuable information in ORFV biology and epidemiology research. Furthermore, ORFV-SC1 demonstrated an acceptable safety profile following animal vaccination, indicating its potential as a live ORFV vaccine.
Acceptability, access, and uptake of human papillomavirus vaccination in mental health populations: a scoping review
Authors: King Keith D. , Fernandez-Sanchez Higinio , MacDonald Shannon E.
Published: May 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study is to describe the scope, breadth, and depth of the existing literature on the acceptability of, access to, and uptake of HPV vaccine in mental health populations.

Subject and methods

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for significant cancer morbidity and mortality. Effective vaccines are available; however, uptake is suboptimal. Mental disorders are common, and people with mental disorders are known to have lower rates of cancer screening and reduced uptake of preventive health measures than the general population. This scoping review involved a comprehensive search of published literature. Two independent reviewers screened articles in duplicate and extracted data. Data were analyzed and mapped using quantification of study characteristics.

Results

There were 16 quantitative studies included, all conducted in high-resource countries. Studies were focused on youth and adolescents (n = 8), youth and adults (n = 3), or adults (n = 5); and explored substance use disorder (n = 9), mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or others (n = 6), or developmental/intellectual disabilities (n = 4). One study looked at gender identity disorder. There were studies about access to (n = 4), acceptability of (n = 4), and uptake of (n = 13) HPV vaccination. No studies described a theoretical approach to their work.

Conclusion

There is limited research available on the relationship between mental health and HPV vaccination acceptability, access, or uptake. Efforts should be made to extend both quantitative and qualitative literature in this area, including using theoretical frameworks to improve the transferability of research into practice.
FGFR2 Controls Growth, Adhesion and Migration of Nontumorigenic Human Mammary Epithelial Cells by Regulation of Integrin β1 Degradation
Authors: Mieczkowski Kamil , Popeda Marta , Lesniak Dagmara , Sadej Rafal , Kitowska Kamila
Published: May 2023

The role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), an important mediator of stromal paracrine and autocrine signals, in mammary gland morphogenesis and breast cancer has been extensively studied over the last years. However, the function of FGFR2 signalling in the initiation of mammary epithelial oncogenic transformation remains elusive. Here, FGFR2-dependent behaviour of nontumorigenic model of mammary epithelial cells was studied. In vitro analyses demonstrated that FGFR2 regulates epithelial cell communication with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Silencing of FGFR2 significantly changed the phenotype of cell colonies in three-dimensional cultures, decreased integrins α2, α5 and β1 protein levels and affected integrin-driven processes, such as cell adhesion and migration. More detailed analysis revealed the FGFR2 knock-down-induced proteasomal degradation of integrin β1. Analysis of RNA-seq databases showed significantly decreased FGFR2 and ITGB1 mRNA levels in breast tumour samples, when compared to non-transformed tissues. Additionally, high risk healthy individuals were found to have disrupted correlation profiles of genes associated with FGFR2 and integrin signalling, cell adhesion/migration and ECM remodelling. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that FGFR2 loss with concomitant integrin β1 degradation is responsible for deregulation of epithelial cell-ECM interactions and this process may play an important role in the initiation of mammary gland epithelial tumorigenesis.
Structural Properties of Gibbsian Point Processes in Abstract Spaces
Authors: Betsch Steffen
Published: May 2023

In the language of random counting measures, many structural properties of the Poisson process can be studied in arbitrary measurable spaces. We provide a similarly general treatise of Gibbs processes. With the GNZ equations as a definition of these objects, Gibbs processes can be introduced in abstract spaces without any topological structure. In this general setting, partition functions, Janossy densities, and correlation functions are studied. While the definition covers finite and infinite Gibbs processes alike, the finite case allows, even in abstract spaces, for an equivalent and more explicit characterization via a familiar series expansion. Recent generalizations of factorial measures to arbitrary measurable spaces, where counting measures cannot be written as sums of Dirac measures, likewise allow to generalize the concept of Hamiltonians. The DLR equations, which completely characterize a Gibbs process, as well as basic results for the local convergence topology, are also formulated in full generality. We prove a new theorem on the extraction of locally convergent subsequences from a sequence of point processes and use this statement to provide existence results for Gibbs processes in general spaces with potentially infinite range of interaction. These results are used to guarantee the existence of Gibbs processes with cluster-dependent interactions and to prove a recent conjecture concerning the existence of Gibbsian particle processes.
cDNA Cloning, Heterologous Expression, Cytotoxicity, and Inhibitory Effects of a Disintegrin from Bothrops ammodytoides Venom
Authors: Clement Herlinda , Corrales-García Ligia Luz , Rivas-Mercado Eric , Garza-Ocañas Lourdes , Corzo Gerardo
Published: May 2023

An mRNA transcript that codes for a Disintegrin and a Metalloprotease from a venom gland of the viper Bothrops ammodytoides was isolated. Vector pCR®2.1-TOPO was used to clone the Disintegrin transcript and then subcloned in the pET-28a vector to express the protein in the E. coli strain BL21. The recombinant disintegrin, HisrDisintegrin, comprises 38 residues at the N-terminal and 75 residues of the Disintegrin, including 14 cysteines or 7 disulfide bonds. HisrDisintegrin was obtained soluble in the intracellular fraction and separated by affinity chromatography. The experimental molecular mass of HisrDisintegrin, 11,750.8 Da, agreed with its theoretical value, including the cleavage of a Met residue caused by a bacterial post-translational modification. HisrDisintegrin was folded in in vitro conditions and then purified, finding a main fraction with a comparable molecular mass. The HisrDisintegrin contains an alpha/beta structure, as observed by circular dichroism. Its biological activity demonstrated the growth reduction of the human endothelial (HMEC-1) cells and the human mammary gland adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231). Furthermore, HisrDisintegrin inhibits the adhesion of HMEC-1 and MDA-MB-231 cells to the proteins of the extracellular matrix (laminin (LN), fibronectin (FN), and vitronectin (VN)).
First insight into microplastic groundwater pollution in Latin America: the case of a coastal aquifer in Northwest Mexico
Authors: Alvarado-Zambrano Daniela , Rivera-Hernández José R. , Green-Ruiz Carlos
Published: May 2023

Microplastics have been studied on biota and other environmental domains, such as soils. Despite the importance of groundwater as a resource for millions of people worldwide as drinking water and personal hygiene, domestic, agricultural, mining, and industrial purposes, there are very few studies concerning microplastics in this domain around the world. We present the first study in Latin America addressing this topic. Six capped boreholes were analyzed in terms of abundance, concentration, and chemical characterization, at three different depths, from a coastal aquifer in Northwest Mexico. This aquifer is highly permeable and affected by anthropogenic activities. A total of 330 microplastics were found in the eighteen samples. In terms of concentration, the interval ranged from 10 to 34 particles/L, with an average of 18.3 particles/L. Four synthetic polymers were identified: isotactic polypropylene (iPP), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), carboxylated polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE); with iPP being the most abundant (55.8%) in each borehole. Agriculture activities and septic outflows are considered the potential regional sources of these contaminants into the aquifer. Three possible transport pathways to the aquifer are suggested: (1) marine intrusion, (2) marsh intrusion, and (3) infiltration through the soil. More research about the occurrence, concentration, and distribution of the different kinds of microplastics in groundwater is needed to have a better understanding of the behavior and health risks to organisms, including human beings.
Students’ preferences with university teaching practices: analysis of testimonials with artificial intelligence
Authors: Álvarez-Álvarez Carmen , Falcon Samuel
Published: May 2023

University teaching practices impact student interest, engagement, and academic performance. This paper presents a study that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to examine students’ preferences for university teaching practices. We asked students in various fields open-ended questions about the best teaching practices they had experienced. Due to the large amount of data obtained, we used the AI-based language model Generative Pretrained Transformer-3 (GPT-3) to analyse the responses. With this model, we sorted students’ testimonies into nine theory-based categories regarding teaching practices. After analysing the reliability of the classifications conducted by GPT-3, we found that the agreement between humans was similar to that observed between humans and the AI model, which supported its reliability. Regarding students’ preferences for teaching practices, the results showed that students prefer practices that focus on (1) clarity and (2) interaction and relationships. These results enable the use of AI-based tools that facilitate the analysis of large amounts of information collected through open methods. At the didactic level, students’ preferences and demand for clear teaching practices (in which ideas and activities are stated and shown without ambiguity) that are based on interaction and relationships (between teachers and students and among students themselves) are demonstrable.
Bewegungsförderung an weiterführenden Schulen in Deutschland
Authors: Schoser Daria Sophia , Melcher Anne , Froböse Ingo , Wilke Christiane
Published: May 2023

Hintergrund und Ziel

Trotz vielfältiger Nachweise, dass ein Großteil der Kinder und Jugendlichen die Empfehlungen der WHO für körperliche Aktivität nicht erfüllen und die sportmotorische Leistung tendenziell sinkt, wird nicht in allen Altersgruppen darauf mit entsprechenden Maßnahmen reagiert. Die Forschung der Bewegungsförderung im Bereich der weiterführenden Schulen steht in Deutschland noch in den Anfängen. Bislang fehlt aber auch eine Übersicht der bereits durchgeführten Programme, um darauf basierend Handlungsempfehlungen für Interventionsdurchführungen auszusprechen und Forschungsperspektiven aufzudecken.

Methode

Mithilfe eines Scoping Reviews wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche in nationalen und internationalen Fachdatenbanken nach vorher definierten Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien durchgeführt. Insgesamt wurden sechs relevante Studien identifiziert und hinsichtlich der Studienpopulation, Interventionsgestaltung und Wirksamkeit analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Unterschiedliche Ansätze und Zielsetzungen wurden in den relevanten Studien identifiziert. Als Faktoren, die die Wirksamkeit der Bewegungsprogramme beeinflussen, konnten die Interventionsdauer, der Zeitpunkt in oder außerhalb des regulären Unterrichts, der Einbezug motivationaler Komponenten sowie die Familie erkannt werden.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung

Mithilfe des Scoping Reviews konnte ein erster Überblick zu den bisher in Deutschland durchgeführten Interventionen und Wirkungen an weiterführenden Schulen generiert werden. Ausgewählte Erkenntnisse aus den Studien können bei der Planung zukünftiger Interventionen helfen. In den letzten 10 Jahren hat die Forschung zugenommen, die Studienlage ist im internationalen Vergleich aber immer noch eher verhalten und wenig systematisch. Zukünftig sollten Ansätze und Wirksamkeit für die vorgestellte Zielgruppe vermehrt in den Fokus gerückt werden, um mehr und aussagekräftigere empirische Erkenntnisse zu erlangen.
Linking household access to food and social capital typologies in Phalombe District, Malawi
Authors: Craig Ailish , Hutton Craig , Lewis Laura A. , Musa Frank B. , Sheffield Justin
Published: May 2023

Food security remains a major sustainability challenge in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Food security has numerous determinants that are complex and interlinked, with one of them being social capital. Social capital reflects an individual’s, household’s, or community’s social networks, social interactions, and social support systems that can be mobilized in times of need to maintain, among others, livelihoods or food security. This study aims to further understand how typologies of social capital are associated with household food security in Southern Malawi, with a focus on access to food. We unpack social capital into three typologies, namely bonding, bridging, and linking social capital, and establish which one is most strongly associated with household access to food, and whether this varies by the gender of the household head. To achieve this, we analyze secondary data from 382 households collected through the Malawian Fourth Integrated Household Survey (IHS4), using principal axis factor analysis and logistic regression analysis. Our findings demonstrate that bonding and bridging social capital are associated with better household access to food, while linking social capital was associated with lower household access to food. Bonding social capital was most strongly associated for female-headed households and linking social capital for male-headed households, highlighting that there are differences between such households. This work confirms observations from other related studies in Sub-Saharan Africa exploring the interface of social capital and food security. It also highlights the importance of both acknowledging the gender of the household head and of unpacking social capital into its typologies when considering food security.
The Temperature-Dependent Phase Transformation and Microstructural Characterisation in In-Sn Solder Alloys
Authors: Zhou Jiye , Tan Xin Fu , Gu Qinfen , McDonald Stuart D. , Nogita Kazuhiro
Published: May 2023

Indium-based solder alloys are considered candidates for the next generation of low-temperature solder materials, especially for superconducting joints because of the properties of theβ-In3Sn phase. The temperature-dependent phase transformation and thermal expansion behaviour of two different solder compositions including In-35Sn (in wt.%) and In-25.6Sn have been characterised using an in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction method. The c-axis of theβ-In3Sn unit cell in the In-35Sn alloy exhibited a complex relationship with increasing temperature compared to the positive increasing trend in In-25.6Sn due to the temperature-dependent solubility of Sn inβ-In3Sn and change in the volume fraction of phases commencing at 80°C. In situ heating scanning electron microscopy recorded a real-time melting-solidification microstructure variation and phase transition during annealing at 90°C that was further analysed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The observations are discussed with respect to the lattice parameters of theγ-InSn4andβ-In3Sn phases and the proportions and composition of both phases present within the alloys.
Effect of Copper and Zinc Ions on Biochemical and Molecular Characteristics of Calcium Oxalate Renal Stones: a Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Taha Shaimaa A. Y. , Shokeir Ahmed A. , Mortada Wael I. , Awadalla Amira , Barakat Lamiaa A. A.
Published: May 2023

Contradictory results are existed in the literature regarding the impact of trace elements on the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone patients. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of Cu and Zn on biochemical and molecular characteristics of CaOx stones. Plasma and urine concentrations of Cu and Zn in 30 CaOx stones patients and 20 controls were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Urinary levels of citric acid and oxalate were measured by commercial spectrophotometric kits. Blood levels of glutathione reduced (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were determined as markers of antioxidant activity, while blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and urine level of nitric oxide (NO) were used to assess oxidative stress. Gene expression of MAPk pathway (ERK, P38, and JNK) were estimated. The plasma and urine levels of Cu were significantly increased in the patient group compared to those of controls, while the levels of Zn were decreased. Excessive urinary excretion of citric acid and oxalate were found among CaOx stone patients. The GSH and CAT concentration were significantly reduced in CaOx stones patients compared to healthy group. The plasma MDA and urine NO concentration were significantly increased in CaOx stones patients compared to control group. The expressions of the studied genes were significantly increased in CaOx stones patients. These findings suggest that alteration in Cu and Zn might contribute to pathogenesis of CaOx patients through oxidative stress and MAPK pathway genes (ERK, P38 and JNK).
Efficacy of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for thoracic surgery in a developing country
Authors: Laohathai Sira , Sadad Zarina , Suvarnakich Kanok , Pathonsamit Chompunoot , Tantraworasin Apichat
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a strategy used to improve perioperative outcomes and reduce complications. However, data on the efficacy of ERAS in thoracic surgery in developing countries are limited. The current study aimed to validate the benefits of ERAS among patients at a single institution.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent pulmonary resection at Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between 2016 and 2020. To compare outcomes, patients were divided into the pre-ERAS group (2016–2018) and the post-ERAS group (2019–2020) using propensity score matching (1:2) with the year 2019 as the cutoff for introducing ERAS protocols at our institution.

Results

In total, 321 patients were included in the analysis (pre-ERAS group, n = 74; post-ERAS group, n = 247). After propensity score matching, 56 and 112 patients were classified under the pre- and post-ERAS groups, respectively. The post-ERAS group had significantly lower pain scores than the pre-ERAS group on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3, and a lower volume of intraoperative blood loss. In the multivariable analysis, the post-ERAS group had a shorter chest tube duration (mean difference = −1.62 days, 95% confidence interval = −2.65 to −0.31) and length of hospital stay (mean difference = −2.40 days, 95% confidence interval = −4.45 to −0.65) than the pre-ERAS group.

Conclusion

The use of ERAS guidelines in pulmonary resection is beneficial. Although no significant differences were observed in postoperative complication rate, intensive care unit stay, and additional cost burden between the two groups, patients in the post-ERAS group had a shorter postoperative chest tube duration, shorter hospital stays, shorter operative time, lower postoperative pain score, and lower volume of intraoperative blood loss.
Loving in Consensual Non-Monogamies: Challenging the Validity of Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale
Authors: Braida Nicole , Matta E. , Paccagnella L.
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, Consensual Non-Monogamies—and polyamory, in particular—have increased in popularity, diversifying the panorama of intimacies stretching far beyond the monogamous heterosexual couple. Today, CNMs constitute an interesting subject of study, worthy of attention both theoretically and empirically. However, most of the psychometric tools developed to study the concept of love were not developed specifically for this type of relationships. One of the most commonly used of these tools is Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale (STLS), which measures love as a function of three main components: Intimacy, Passion, and Decision/Commitment. Although STLS is widely used in social and psychological research and has been applied to various populations, it has never been used to measure love in CNMs. This article discusses the results of a questionnaire based on STLS administered to 558 individuals from 33 different countries. At the time of completing the questionnaire, each respondent had at least two sexual and/or romantic relationships with the consent of all of those involved. While STLS is validated in studies of people in monogamous relationships, confirmatory factor analysis suggests that it is not an appropriate tool for our sample of consensually non-monogamous individuals. This article seeks to explain this finding using qualitative data from an earlier study exploring how people who engage in forms of consensual non-monogamy define love and relationships.
A reserve is not always so good: change in landscape management after protection negatively affects the floristic diversity of an urban park
Authors: Buffi Francesca , Fanelli Giuliano , Bianco Pietro Massimiliano , Attorre Fabio , D’Angeli Diego , Fratarcangeli Carlo , De Sanctis Michele
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to analyze the floristic changes occurred between 1991 and 2018 in the “Pineto Urban Regional Park” (Rome) as a result of a land-use change that in mid-90s led to the abandonment of traditional pasture practices and a shift to a more intense frequentation for recreational purposes. About 25 years after the change in management the area has a similar floristic richness, but it is characterized by a high turnover rate, a significant homogenization of the flora and a change in the community structure with a higher level of dominance. The removal of the pasture, which has favoured an increasing frequentation by people, seems to be the main driver of these changes. We suggest that a more active management, with the reintroduction of a sustainable grazing and a limitation of the fruition in marginal areas close to the urban matrix, could restore an higher diversity and reverse the homogenization processes detected in this study and at the same time ensure the citizen fruition.