bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 2011–2014 Pollino Seismic Swarm: Complex Fault Systems Imaged by 1D Refined Location and Shear Wave Splitting Analysis at the Apennines–Calabrian Arc Boundary
Authors: Pastori Marina , Margheriti Lucia , De Gori Pasquale , Govoni Aladino , Lucente Francesco Pio , Moretti Milena , Marchetti Alessandro , Di Giovambattista Rita , Anselmi Mario , De Luca Paolo , Nardi Anna , Agostinetti Nicola Piana , Latorre Diana , Piccinini Davide , Passarelli Luigi , Chiarabba Claudio
Published: April 2021

In the years between 2011 and 2014, at the edge between the Apennines collapsing chain and the subducting Calabrian arc, intense seismic swarms occurred in the Pollino mountain belt. In this key region, <2.5 mm/yr of NE-trending extension is accommodated on an intricate network of normal faults, having almost the same direction as the mountain belt. The long-lasting seismic release consisted of different swarm episodes, where the strongest event coinciding with a ML 5.0 shock occurred in October 2012. This latter comes after a ML four nucleated in May 2012 and followed by aseismic slip episodes. In this study, we present accurate relocations for ∼6,000 earthquakes and shear-wave splitting analysis for ∼22,600 event-station pairs. The seismicity distribution delineates two main clusters around the major shocks: in the north-western area, where the ML 5.0 occurred, the hypocenters are localized in a ball-shaped volume of seismicity without defining any planar distribution, whilst in the eastern area, where the ML 4.3 nucleates, the hypocenters define several faults of a complex system of thrusts and back-thrusts. This different behavior is also imaged by the anisotropic parameters results: a strong variability of fast directions is observed in the western sector, while stable orientations are visible in the eastern cluster. This tectonic system possibly formed as a positive flower structure but as of today, it accommodates stress on normal faults. The deep structure imaged by refined locations is overall consistent with the complex fault system recently mapped at the surface and with patterns of crustal anisotropy depicting fractures alignment at depth. The possible reactivation of inherited structures supports the important role of the Pollino fault as a composite wrench fault system along which, in the lower Pleistocene, the southward retreat of the ionian slab was accommodated; in this contest, the inversion of the faults kinematics indicates a probable southward shift of the slab edge. This interpretation may help to comprehend the physical mechanisms behind the seismic swarms of the region and defining the seismic hazard of the Pollino range: nowadays a region of high seismic hazard although no strong earthquakes are present in the historical record.
Origin and Evolution of Eocene Rock Salts in Pakistan and Implications for Paleoclimate Studies: Insights From Chemistry and Cl Stable Isotopes
Authors: Hussain Syed Asim , Han Feng Qing , Ma Zhe , Hussain Amjad , Mughal Muhammad Saleem , Han Jibin , Alhassan Abdullah , Widory David
Published: April 2021

The Kohat Basin (KB) lies on the Himalayan Foothills and is of scientific importance as it directly recorded the closure of the Tethys Sea and the Himalayan collision between India, Asia, and a number of other small plates. During the Eocene, after the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates terminated the Tethys Sea, thick-bedded marine evaporite sequences developed in the KB. In this study, we combined mineralogy, geochemistry, fluid inclusion and chlorine stable isotope compositions to discuss the origin and evolution of the KB Eocene halite deposits with the ultimate objective of defining the paleoclimate that was prevailing in Asia during the Eocene. Our results showed that halite samples were SO42− rich (225–370.103 ppm) and Br− poor (<3 ppm). Cl−, B+, Mg2+, K+, SO42− and very low Br concentrations as well as the (Br/Cl) ratios indicated that halite resulted of a mixture of solutions with variable compositions and that dissolution, recrystallization and a progressive decrease in dolomitization were the mechanisms leading to the formation of these evaporites. A Br/Cl vs Cl plot revealed that the end members involved were: seawater (sw), saline waters and/or freshwaters. The recrystallization process prevented identifying the primary structures and primary fluid-inclusions. Most of Cl isotope compositions (−0.54‰<δ37Cl < 0.83‰) were within the usual range (0 ± 0.5‰) associated to seawater as the initial source for the halite. The higher isotope compositions (δ37Cl ≥ 0.83‰) comforted the hypothesis of the genesis by mixing of solutions of different origins as well as the involvement of recrystallization. Based on our results, we are proposing the following to explain the regional paleoclimate sequence: 1) shallow water conditions; 2) halite precipitation induced by evaporation, 3) unstable paleoclimatic conditions that resulted in the morphing from an evaporite basin into a terrestrial foreland basin. All these events were controlled by regional tectonic and linked to both the overall uplift times of the NW Indian Craton and the Eocene thermal maximum one during the Eocene-Oligocene period.
What Predicts Quality of Learners’ Study Efforts? Implicit Beliefs and Interest Are Related to Mastery Goals but Not to Use of Effective Study Strategies
Authors: Yan Veronica X. , Wang Lisi
Published: April 2021

What goes into motivating students to take effective action? Ideally, students are not only motivated to invest time into their studying, but that they use their time in effective and productive ways. In the present study, we surveyed college undergraduates (N= 366) about how they engage in one of their college courses. Specifically, we explored how their motivation-related implicit beliefs (ease and difficulty mindsets, intelligence mindset;Dweck, 2000;Fisher and Oyserman, 2017) interact with perceived course interest and course importance to predict their achievement goal orientation for the course and the quality of their study strategies. We used a person-centered latent profiles analysis approach categorize meaningful profiles of implicit beliefs. Those who were likely to highly endorse motivation-increasing implicit beliefs and who found a course interesting were also more likely to hold mastery-approach goals; the relationship, however, was more complicated for performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals. Implicit beliefs profiles themselves did not directly relate to strategy use, but goal orientation did. In particular, mastery-approach goal orientation was uniquely related to all three of the effective study strategies subscales (e.g., elaborative, standard testing, generative testing). Mastery-avoidance was related to less use of elaborative strategies, and performance-goals were not related to any type strategy use. Perceived course importance was positively related to increased passive and elaborative strategies, but not the standard testing or generative testing strategies. We discuss implications for interventions.
Current and Forthcoming Approaches for Benchmarking Genetic and Genomic Diversity
Authors: García Natalia C. , Robinson W. Douglas
Published: April 2021

The current attrition of biodiversity extends beyond loss of species and unique populations to steady loss of a vast genomic diversity that remains largely undescribed. Yet the accelerating development of new techniques allows us to survey entire genomes ever faster and cheaper, to obtain robust samples from a diversity of sources including degraded DNA and residual DNA in the environment, and to address conservation efforts in new and innovative ways. Here we review recent studies that highlight the importance of carefully considering where to prioritize collection of genetic samples (e.g., organisms in rapidly changing landscapes or along edges of geographic ranges) and what samples to collect and archive (e.g., from individuals of little-known subspecies or populations, even of species not currently considered endangered). Those decisions will provide the sample infrastructure to detect the disappearance of certain genotypes or gene complexes, increases in inbreeding levels, and loss of genomic diversity as environmental conditions change. Obtaining samples from currently endangered, protected, and rare species can be particularly difficult, thus we also focus on studies that use new, non-invasive ways of obtaining genomic samples and analyzing them in these cases where other sampling options are highly constrained. Finally, biological collections archiving such samples face an inherent contradiction: their main goal is to preserve biological material in good shape so it can be used for scientific research for centuries to come, yet the technologies that can make use of such materials are advancing faster than collections can change their standardized practices. Thus, we also discuss current and potential new practices in biological collections that might bolster their usefulness for future biodiversity conservation research.
Urban Microplastics Emissions: Effectiveness of Retention Measures and Consequences for the Baltic Sea
Authors: Schernewski Gerald , Radtke Hagen , Hauk Rahel , Baresel Christian , Olshammar Mikael , Oberbeckmann Sonja
Published: April 2021

Urban sewage water pathways seem most important for microplastics emissions to the Baltic Sea. We use microplastics emission data for the entire Baltic Sea region, calculate emissions for three sewage water related urban pathways and develop emission scenarios for the majority of microplastics particles. All plastics are divided into potentially floating (density 0.8–1.0 g/cmł) and sinking (1.1–1.5 g/cmł) polymers and we address the size class of 20–500 μm. 6.7 × 1013 microplastics particles enter the Baltic Sea annually from urban pathways. 62% result from stormwater runoff including sewer overflow, 25% from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and 13% from untreated wastewater. The emission scenarios serve as input for 3D-model simulations, which allow estimating transport, behaviour and deposition in the Baltic Sea environment. Our model approach suggests average annual microplastics concentrations in the water body of the central Baltic Sea of 1–4 particles/m2 sea surface and 1 particle/m3 in the upper 2 m sea surface layer. The majority of the particles is accumulated in upper sea surface layers. The model suggests that only between 6% (Arcona Basin) and 21% (Gotland Basin) of the particles are below a depth of 25 m. In coastal waters, the concentrations can exceed 10 particles/m3 in the upper 2 m surface water layer (e.g., Gulf of Riga, Gulf of Gdańsk) and 1 particle/m2 on the sediment surface. Usually within weeks, emitted microplastics are washed ashore causing annual coastal accumulations of up to 109 particles/m coastline within a few kilometres distance to emission sources. On average, above 106 particles/m are annually accumulated and trapped at coasts around the Baltic Sea. The reduction of the annual sewer overflow from presently 1.5% of the annual wastewater loads to 0.3% would reduce the total emissions to the Baltic Sea by 50%. If all sewage water would be connected to WWTPs and undergo a tertiary treatment, a reduction of 14.5% of the total emissions could be achieved. The effect of retention in rivers seems limited in the Baltic Sea region, because near coast emissions contribute around 50% of the total microplastics emissions.
Synergistic Action of Plants and Microorganism in Integrated Floating Bed on Eutrophic Brackish Water Purification in Coastal Estuary Areas
Authors: Liu Ming , Chen Youyuan , Wu Yadong , Guo Jiameng , Sun Ping , Zhang Zhiming
Published: April 2021

Eutrophic water bodies in coastal estuary areas usually show saline-alkaline characteristics influenced by tides. The purification performance of traditional planted floating beds in this water body is limited because of the poor growth of plants. A novel integrated floating bed with plants (Iris pseudoacorus), fillers (volcanic rocks and zeolites), and microbes named PFM was established, and the pollutant removal performance was studied. Results showed that the average ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and permanganate index (CODMn) removal efficiencies of PFM were higher with the value of 81.9, 78.5, 53.7, and 72.4%, respectively, when compared with the other floating beds containing plants (P), fillers (F), microbes (M), and plants and fillers (PF) in this study. Therein, the most of NH4+-N (30.1%), TN (27.9%), TP (22.5%), and CODMn (43.6%) were removed by microbes, higher than those removed by plants and fillers. Analysis of the microbial community revealed that the establishment of PFM led to a higher microbial richness than M, and Acinetobacter, as the main microbes with the function of salt tolerance and denitrification, were dominated in PFM with a relative abundance of 6.8%. It was inferred that the plants and fillers might enrich more salt-tolerance microbes for pollutants removal, and microbes favored the growth of plants via degradation of macromolecular substrates. Synergistic actions in the process of eutrophic brackish water purification were established. This study provided an idea for the application of integrated floating bed in eutrophic and brackish water bodies purification in coastal estuary areas.
Dermoscopy Features of Acquired Perforating Dermatosis Among 39 Patients
Authors: Wang Wenju , Liao Yansen , Fu Lixin , Kan Bei , Peng Xiaodong , Lu Yonghong
Published: April 2021

In this report, we concluded there are four dermoscopic features of APD including a yellow-brown homogeneous structureless area in the center of the lesion, dotted and linear vessels distribution radially and a dam shape uplift at the periphery, as well as a white irregular ring surrounding the lesion. There are three features, including the yellow-brown homogeneous structureless area in the center of the lesion, the dotted and linear vessels distribution radially and the white irregular ring surrounding the lesion were correspond to the report of Emma Ormerod et al.These features are also similar to those previously discribed in three separated reports of seven cases with APD. In our report, we found a new dermoscopic features: the dam shape uplift at the periphery. These finding may be contributed to improve the rate of clinical diagnosis of APD.
Identification of a New Genetic Clade of Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus and Characterization of Its Interaction With Soybean Mosaic Virus in Co-infected Soybean
Authors: Wei Zhongyan , Mao Chenyang , Jiang Chong , Zhang Hehong , Chen Jianping , Sun Zongtao
Published: April 2021

Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV; genus Carlavirus) can be a destructive pathogen of soybean but there is little information about its distribution on soybean in China. Here, we collected soybean plants with virus-like symptoms from 11 fields widely scattered within China, and used high-throughput sequencing to determine their virome. Most samples (8/11) were co-infected by the well-studied potyvirus soybean mosaic virus (SMV) and CPMMV, and the remaining three samples were singly infected with CPMMV. The near-complete genome sequences of the 11 CPMMV isolates were determined and phylogenetic analysis showed that they constituted a new genetic clade. One recombination event was detected among the CPMMV sequences, and the isolate CPMMV_JL_CC was identified as recombinant. In mechanical inoculation assays, co-infection by CPMMV and SMV resulted in an enhancement of disease symptoms, but decreased the expression level of the genomic RNAs and CP of CPMMV, without significantly affecting SMV accumulation. The interaction between these viruses needs further investigation.
Challenges and Limitations of Targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway for Neurotherapeutics: Bach1 De-Repression to the Rescue
Authors: Hushpulian Dmitry M. , Ammal Kaidery Navneet , Ahuja Manuj , Poloznikov Andrey A. , Sharma Sudarshana M. , Gazaryan Irina G. , Thomas Bobby
Published: April 2021

The Keap1-Nrf2 signaling axis is a validated and promising target for cellular defense and survival pathways. This minireview discusses the potential off-target effects and their impact on future drug development originating from Keap1-targeting small molecules that function as displacement activators of the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2. We argue that small-molecule displacement activators, similarly to electrophiles, will release both Nrf2 and other Keap1 client proteins from the ubiquitin ligase complex. This non-specificity is likely unavoidable and may result in off-target effects during Nrf2 activation by targeting Keap1. The small molecule displacement activators may also target Kelch domains in proteins other than Keap1, causing additional off-target effects unless designed to ensure specificity for the Kelch domain only in Keap1. A potentially promising and alternative therapeutic approach to overcome this non-specificity emerging from targeting Keap1 is to inhibit the Nrf2 repressor Bach1 for constitutive activation of the Nrf2 pathway and bypass the Keap1-Nrf2 complex.
Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Therapy for Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms: Willis Covered Stents and Double Stents Assistant Coils—A Single Center Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Hanxiao , Shen Yuqi , Li Zheng , Lin Chao , Chen Hua , Lu Hua
Published: April 2021

Objective: To summarize and discuss the application of Willis covered stents (WCSs) and double stent-assisted coils in the treatment of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs).

Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients with BBAs treated from January 2015 to October 2020 were included in the study. Among them, 18 were treated using WCSs and 14 using double stents-assisted coils. The indications for treatment, perioperative findings, and postoperative follow-up results were collected and analyzed.

Results: All 32 patients had successful stent deployments. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in all 18 patients treated with WCSs immediately. WCS-related adverse events included 2 cases of mild vasospasm and 4 aggressive procedure-related vasospasms during WCS deployment, a case of dissection after WCS deployment, and 1 death due to ipsilateral temporal lobe rebleeding at the sixth day after WCS deployment. In patients treated with double stent-assisted coils, there were 3 cases of neck remnants, 1 acute occlusion of the ipsilateral MCA branch, and 4 mild procedure-related intraoperative vasospasms. The mean follow-up period was 4.2±1.6 months (range 3–6 months). Follow-up imaging data were available for 25 patients (78.1%). In the first postoperative angiographic follow-up, all BBAs were completely occluded. Mild asymptomatic stent stenosis was observed in 3 patients treated with WCSs. Follow-up examination at 6 months after the employment of WCSs showed that the modified Rankin score (mRs) was 0 in 6 patients, 1 in 5 patients, 2 in 3 patients, 3 in 1 patient, 4 in 2 patients, and 6 in 1 patient. After treatment with double stents-assisted coils, the mRs was 0 in 4 patients, 1 in 5 patients, 2 in 3 patients, and 4 in 2 patients.

Conclusions: WCSs and double stent-assisted coils for the treatment of BBAs are both safe and efficient. WCSs provide a higher rate of immediate occlusion; however, there was no significant difference in the long term.
Case Report: Cerebrovascular Events Associated With Bacterial and SARS-CoV-2 Infections in an Adolescent
Authors: de Marcellus Charles , Dupic Laurent , Roux Charles-Joris , El Aouane El Ghomari Imane , Parize Perrine , Luscan Romain , Moulin Florence , Kossorotoff Manoelle
Published: April 2021

Neurologic manifestations associated with Covid-19 are increasingly reported, especially stroke and acute cerebrovascular events. Beyond cardiovascular risk factors associated with age, some young adults without medical or cardiovascular history had stroke as a presenting feature of Covid-19. Suggested stroke mechanisms in this setting are inflammatory storm, subsequent hypercoagulability, and vasculitis. To date, a handful of pediatric stroke cases associated with Covid-19 have been reported, either with a cardioembolic mechanism or a focal cerebral arteriopathy. We report the case of an adolescent who presented with febrile meningism and stupor. Clinical, biological, and radiological features favored the diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome (LS), with Fusobacterium necrophorum infection (sphenoid sinusitis and meningitis) and intracranial vasculitis. The patient had concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite medical and surgical antimicrobial treatment, stroke prevention, and venous thrombosis prevention, he presented with severe cerebrovascular complications. Venous thrombosis and stroke were observed, with an extension of intracranial vasculitis, and lead to death. As both F. necrophorum and SARS-CoV-2 enhance inflammation, coagulation, and activate endothelial cells, we discuss how this coinfection may have potentiated and aggravated the usual course of LS. The potentiation by SARS-CoV-2 of vascular and thrombotic effects of a bacterial infection may represent an underreported cerebrovascular injury mechanism in Covid-19 patients. These findings emphasize the variety of mechanisms underlying stroke in this disease. Moreover, in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we discuss in what extent sanitary measures, namely, lockdown and fear to attend medical facilities, may have delayed diagnosis and influenced outcomes. This case also emphasizes the role of clinical assessment and the limits of telemedicine for acute neurological condition diagnosis.
Additive Interaction Between Onabotulinumtoxin-A and Erenumab in Patients With Refractory Migraine
Authors: Silvestro Marcello , Tessitore Alessandro , Scotto di Clemente Fabrizio , Battista Giorgia , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Russo Antonio
Published: April 2021

In the last decade, notable progresses have been observed in chronic migraine preventive treatments. According to the European Headache Federation and national provisions, onabotulinumtoxin-A (BTX-A) and monoclonal antibodies acting on the pathway of calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP-mAbs) should not be administered in combination due to supposed superimposable mechanism of action and high costs. On the other hand, preclinical observations demonstrated that these therapeutic classes, although operating directly or indirectly on the CGRP pathway, act on different fibers. Specifically, the CGRP-mAbs prevent the activation of the Aδ-fibers, whereas BTX-A acts on C-fibers. Therefore, it can be argued that a combined therapy may provide an additive or synergistic effect on the trigeminal nociceptive pathway. In the present study, we report a case series of 10 patients with chronic migraine who experienced significant benefits with the combination of both erenumab and BTX-A compared to each therapeutic strategy alone. A reduction in frequency and intensity of headache attacks (although not statistically significant probably due to the low sample size) was observed in migraine patients treated with a combined therapy with BTX-A and erenumab compared to both BTX-A and erenumab alone. Moreover, the combined therapy with BTX-A and erenumab resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the symptomatic drug intake and in migraine-related disability probably related to a reduced necessity or also to a better responsiveness to rescue treatments. Present data suggest a remodulation of current provisions depriving patients of an effective therapeutic strategy in peculiar migraine endophenotypes.
Adaptive Neural Decoder for Prosthetic Hand Control
Authors: Montgomery Andrew E. , Allen John M. , Elbasiouny Sherif M.
Published: April 2021

The overarching goal was to resolve a major barrier to real-life prosthesis usability—the rapid degradation of prosthesis control systems, which require frequent recalibrations. Specifically, we sought to develop and test a motor decoder that provides (1) highly accurate, real-time movement response, and (2) unprecedented adaptability to dynamic changes in the amputee’s biological state, thereby supporting long-term integrity of control performance with few recalibrations. To achieve that, an adaptive motor decoder was designed to auto-switch between algorithms in real-time. The decoder detects the initial aggregate motoneuron spiking activity from the motor pool, then engages the optimal parameter settings for decoding the motoneuron spiking activity in that particular state. “Clear-box” testing of decoder performance under varied physiological conditions and post-amputation complications was conducted by comparing the movement output of a simulated prosthetic hand as driven by the decoded signal vs. as driven by the actual signal. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Normalized Root Mean Square Error were used to quantify the accuracy of the decoder’s output. Our results show that the decoder algorithm extracted the features of the intended movement and drove the simulated prosthetic hand accurately with real-time performance (<10 ms) (Pearson’s correlation coefficient >0.98 to >0.99 and Normalized Root Mean Square Error <13–5%). Further, the decoder robustly decoded the spiking activity of multi-speed inputs, inputs generated from reversed motoneuron recruitment, and inputs reflecting substantial biological heterogeneity of motoneuron properties, also in real-time. As the amputee’s neuromodulatory state changes throughout the day and the electrical properties and ratio of slower vs. faster motoneurons shift over time post-amputation, the motor decoder presented here adapts to such changes in real-time and is thus expected to greatly enhance and extend the usability of prostheses.
Dichotomic Hippocampal Transcriptome After Glutamatergic vs. GABAergic Deletion of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor
Authors: Pascual Cuadrado Diego , Wierczeiko Anna , Hewel Charlotte , Gerber Susanne , Lutz Beat
Published: April 2021

Brain homeostasis is the dynamic equilibrium whereby physiological parameters are kept actively within a specific range. The homeostatic range is not fixed and may change throughout the individual's lifespan, or may be transiently modified in the presence of severe perturbations. The endocannabinoid system has emerged as a safeguard of homeostasis, e.g., it modulates neurotransmission and protects neurons from prolonged or excessively strong activation. We used genetically engineered mouse lines that lack the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) either in dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic or in forebrain GABAergic neurons to create new allostatic states, resulting from alterations in the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance. Previous studies with these two mouse lines have shown dichotomic results in the context of behavior, neuronal morphology, and electrophysiology. Thus, we aimed at analyzing the transcriptomic profile of the hippocampal CA region from these mice in the basal condition and after a mild behavioral stimulation (open field). Our results provide insights into the gene networks that compensate chronic E/I imbalances. Among these, there are differentially expressed genes involved in neuronal and synaptic functions, synaptic plasticity, and the regulation of behavior. Interestingly, some of these genes, e.g., Rab3b, Crhbp, and Kcnn2, and related pathways showed a dichotomic expression, i.e., they are up-regulated in one mutant line and down-regulated in the other one. Subsequent interrogation on the source of the alterations at transcript level were applied using exon-intron split analysis. However, no strong directions toward transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation comparing both mouse lines were observed. Altogether, the dichotomic gene expression observed and their involved signaling pathways are of interest because they may act as “switches” to modulate the directionality of neural homeostasis, which then is relevant for pathologies, such as stress-related disorders and epilepsy.
Comparing Metabolites and Functional Properties of Various Tomatoes Using Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Mun Ha In , Kwon Min Cheol , Lee Na-Rae , Son Su Young , Song Da Hye , Lee Choong Hwan
Published: April 2021

Tomato is one of the world's most consumed vegetables, and thus, various cultivars have been developed. Therefore, metabolic differences and nutrient contents of various tomatoes need to be discovered. To do so, we performed metabolite profiling along with evaluation of morphological and physicochemical properties of five representative tomato types. Common tomato cultivars, bigger and heavier than other tomatoes, contained higher levels of amino acids, organic acids, and lipids. On the contrary, cherry tomato cultivars contained a higher proportion of phenylpropanoids, lycopene, β-carotene, and α-carotene than the other tomatoes. Also, the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed in cherry tomato cultivars. Furthermore, to understand metabolic distributions in various tomato cultivars, we constructed a metabolic pathway map. The higher metabolic flux distribution of most primary metabolite synthetic pathways was observed in common tomatoes, while cherry tomato cultivars showed a significantly elevated flux in secondary metabolite synthetic pathways. Accordingly, these results provide valuable information of different characteristics in various tomatoes, which can be considered while purchasing and improving tomato cultivars.
Case Report: Inflammation and Endothelial Injury Profiling of COVID-19 Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C)
Authors: Fraser Douglas D. , Patterson Eric K. , Daley Mark , Cepinskas Gediminas
Published: April 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 is associated with a novel multi-system inflammatory syndrome that shares some characteristics with Kawasaki's Disease. The syndrome manifestation is delayed relative to COVID-19 onset, with a spectrum of clinical severity. Clinical signs may include persistent fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiac inflammation and/or shock.

Case Presentation: We measured 59 inflammatory and endothelial injury plasma analytes in an adolescent girl that presented with malaise, fever, cough, strawberry tongue and jaundice. Her COVID-19 status was positive with detection of 2 SARS-CoV-2 viral genes using polymerase chain reaction. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin prior to blood draw, but our plasma measurements suggested a unique analyte expression pattern associated with inflammation, endothelial injury and microvascular glycocalyx degradation.

Conclusions: COVID-19 is associated with a multi-system inflammatory syndrome and a unique inflammatory and endothelial injury signature.

Summary: Analyte markers of inflammation and endothelial cell injury might serve as putative biomarkers and/or be investigated further as potential therapeutic targets.
A Rabbit Model for Prolonged Continuous Intravenous Infusion Via a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
Authors: Dor Eyal , David Tseela , Dekel Jaoui Hani , Schwartz Arieh , Baruchi Tzadok , Torgeman Amram , Ben David Alon , Rosen Osnat , Tal Arnon , Rosner Amir , Zichel Ran , Diamant Eran
Published: April 2021

Medical treatment may require the continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of drugs to sustain the therapeutic blood concentration and to minimize dosing errors. Animal disease models that ultimately mimic the intended use of new potential drugs via a continuous IV infusion in unrestrained, free roaming animals are required. While peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and other central line techniques for prolonged IV infusion of drugs are prevalent in the clinic, continuous IV infusion methods in an animal model are challenging and limited. In most cases, continuous IV infusion methods require surgical knowledge as well as expensive and complicated equipment. In the current work, we established a novel rabbit model for prolonged continuous IV infusion by inserting a PICC line from the marginal ear vein to the superior vena cava and connecting it to an externally carried ambulatory infusion pump. Either saline or a clinically relevant formulation could be steadily and continuously infused at 3–6 ml/h for 11 consecutive days into freely moving rabbits while maintaining normal body temperature, weight, and respiration physiology, as determined by daily spirometry. This new model is simple to execute and can advance the ability to administer and test new drug candidates.
Phytochemical Screening and Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antioxidant Effects of Leptopus Cordifolius Decne. In Diabetic Mice
Authors: Rahman Shahid , Jan Gul , Jan Farzana Gul , Rahim Hafeez Ur
Published: April 2021

Plants are well known in traditional herbal medicines for their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and are often used due to their accessibility, affordability, and corollary effects. Leptopus cordifolius has been reported to control diabetes in folkloric medicine, but no known scientific research has been conducted to assess the plausibility of this assertion. Therefore, the current study is aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of Leptopus cordifolius leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic evaluation was conducted in Swiss albino mice at doses of 150–250°mg/kg for 15°days. The blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, creatinine, ALP, SGPT, and SGOT levels were estimated according to standard procedures. Phytochemicals of leaves were analyzed using GC-MS analysis. Enzymatic antioxidant activity of the plant was investigated spectrophotometrically by carrying out superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase assays. The membrane stabilization potential of L. cordifolius leaf extracts was carried out using an in vitro haemolytic assay. The results revealed a dose response effect with the methanolic extract of L. cordifolius which had significant antihyperglycemic effects at 150–250°mg/kg in alloxan treated mice, although less than the positive control (glibenclamide). Hyperlipidemic activity was significant at 250 mg/kg. The biochemical parameters, such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, creatinine, ALP, SGPT, and SGOT, were significantly improved (p < 0.01) by the methanolic extract of 250 mg/kg compared to the diabetic group. Treatment for 15 days showed significant elevation (p < 0.01) of antioxidant enzymes. GC-MS analysis provided tentative identifications of 52 compounds in the methanolic extract of L. cordifolius, of which 12 compounds have reported antidiabetic activity. In conclusion, methanolic extract of L. cordifolius of 150 and 250°mg/kg body weight showed significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in alloxan-induced diabetic mice and, with further work, has the potential to be used to manage blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Participation of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Receptors in Gut Inflammation and Colon Cancer
Authors: Carretta María Daniella , Quiroga John , López Rodrigo , Hidalgo María Angélica , Burgos Rafael Agustín
Published: April 2021

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main metabolites produced by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber, and they play a critical role in the maintenance of intestinal health. SCFAs are also essential for modulating different processes, and they have anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory effects. As the inflammatory process predisposes the development of cancer and promotes all stages of tumorigenesis, an antitumor effect has also been associated with SCFAs. This is strongly supported by epidemiological studies showing that a diet rich in fiber is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer and has significant clinical benefits in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). SCFAs may signal through the metabolite-sensing G protein-coupled receptors free fatty acid receptor 3 [FFAR3 or G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41)], FFAR2 (GPR43), and GPR109A (also known as hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 or HCAR2) expressed in the gut epithelium and immune cells. This review summarizes the existing knowledge regarding the SCFA-mediated suppression of inflammation and carcinogenesis in IBD and colon cancer.
Citrullination of Proteins as a Specific Response Mechanism in Plants
Authors: Marondedze Claudius , Elia Giuliano , Thomas Ludivine , Wong Aloysius , Gehring Chris
Published: April 2021

Arginine deimination, also referred to as citrullination of proteins by L-arginine deiminases, is a post-translational modification affecting histone modifications, epigenetic transcriptional regulation, and proteolysis in animals but has not been reported in higher plants. Here we report, firstly, that Arabidopsis thaliana proteome contains proteins with a specific citrullination signature and that many of the citrullinated proteins have nucleotide-binding regulatory functions. Secondly, we show that changes in the citrullinome occur in response to cold stress, and thirdly, we identify an A. thaliana protein with peptidyl arginine deiminase activity that was shown to be calcium-dependent for many peptide substrates. Taken together, these findings establish this post-translational modification as a hitherto neglected component of cellular reprogramming during stress responses.
Telephone Survey Versus Panel Survey Samples Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior Regarding Animal Welfare in the Red Meat Industry in Australia
Authors: Hemsworth Lauren M. , Rice Maxine , Hemsworth Paul H. , Coleman Grahame J.
Published: April 2021

Surveys are used extensively in social research and, despite a lack of conclusive evidence of their ‘representativeness,’ probability internet panel (PIP) surveys are being increasingly used to make inferences about knowledge, attitude and behavior in the general population regarding a range of socially relevant issues. A large-scale survey of Australian public attitudes and behavior toward the red meat industry was undertaken. Samples were obtained using a random digit dialing telephone survey (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing-CATI, n = 502 respondents) and a PIP survey (PANEL, n = 530 respondents) to examine differences between the two samples regarding attitudes and behavior relating to livestock use and welfare. There was little difference in demographics between the CATI and the PANEL surveys apart from highest level of education. However, there were differences between the two samples in both attitudes and behavior toward the red meat industry after controlling for education levels. The PANEL respondents gave generally more conservative responses than did the CATI respondents in the sense that they were more positive toward the livestock industries and animal welfare within these industries. Differences were also found between the respondents of the two samples regarding behavior that relates to the red meat industry, both community and consumer behavior. PANEL respondents were less engaged in community behaviors performed in opposition of the red meat industry when compared with the CATI sample. The majority of CATI and PANEL respondents were red meat eaters and there was no difference between respondents of the two samples in relation to red meat consumption, however, there were fewer vegetarians and vegans in the PANEL survey. Possible reasons for the observed differences are discussed, however, a definitive answer will depend on further research to identify the specific psychological factors that differ between samples derived from different survey methodologies.
Professors' Expectations About Online Education and Its Relationship With Characteristics of University Entrance and Students' Academic Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lobos Peña Karla , Bustos-Navarrete Claudio , Cobo-Rendón Rubia , Fernández Branada Carolyn , Bruna Jofré Carola , Maldonado Trapp Alejandra
Published: April 2021

Due to COVID-19, universities have been facing challenges in generating the best possible experience for students with online academic training programs. To analyze professors' expectations about online education and relate them to student academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and considering the socio-demographic, entry, and prior university performance variables of students. A prospective longitudinal design was used to analyze the expectations of 546 professors (54.8% male) in T1. In T2, the impact of the expectations of 382 of these professors (57.6% men) was analyzed, who taught courses during the first semester to a total of 14,838 university students (44.6% men). Professors' expectations and their previous experience of online courses were obtained during T1, and the students' academic information was obtained in T2. A questionnaire examining the Expectations toward Virtual Education in Higher Education for Professors was used. 84.9% of the professors were considered to have moderate to high skills for online courses. Differences in expectations were found according to the professors' training level. The professors' self-efficacy for online education, institutional engagement, and academic planning had the highest scores. The expectations of professors did not directly change the academic performance of students; however, a moderating effect of professor's expectations was identified in the previous student academic performance relationship on their current academic performance.
Psychosocial Well-Being, Mental Health, and Available Supports in an Arab Enclave: Exploring Outcomes for Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Adolescents
Authors: Seff Ilana , Gillespie Alli , Bennouna Cyril , Hassan Wafa , Robinson Mackenzie V. , Wessells Michael , Allaf Carine , Stark Lindsay
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Few studies have assessed the impact of displacement, resettlement, and discrimination on well-being outcomes for adolescent refugees resettled within the U.S. Conducted in three charter schools in the intergenerational Arab enclave of the Detroit Metropolitan Area, this mixed-methods study assessed the mental health and psychosocial support for both U.S.- and foreign-born adolescents from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Methods: A quantitative survey was used to collect data on 176 students. Key outcomes included hope, prosocial behaviors, resilience, depressive, anxiety, externalizing symptoms, stressful life events, perceived social support, and sense of school belonging. Differences in outcomes between U.S.- and foreign-born students were compared using T-tests. Regression analysis explored whether outcomes were gendered and correlated with years in the U.S. for foreign-born students. Qualitative data collection included key informant interviews with school staff and community service providers, student focus group discussions, and caregiver interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and the constant comparative method.

Results: No statistically significant differences between the foreign-born and U.S.-born groups were observed. However, analysis revealed that resilience decreased for male students with time spent in the U.S. Qualitative themes illuminated these results; shared cultural heritage allowed newcomer students to access relevant language and psychosocial support, while inter- and intra-group peer relationships strengthened students' dual language skills and identity formation. However, shifting gender expectations and role hierarchies for newcomer students revealed boys' increased stressors in the family domain and girls' better accessed support in the school context.

Conclusion: The existence of an immigrant paradox in this enclave setting was not supported. Instead, findings highlight the reciprocal value of peer-based mentorships and friendships between U.S.- and foreign-born students with similar cultural backgrounds, the importance of social and emotional curricula and cultural competency training within schools, and the gendered effects of acculturation.
Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: A Lockdown Scenario Analysis
Authors: Sharma Kusum , Banstola Amrit , Parajuli Rishi Ram
Published: April 2021

The Government of Nepal issued a nationwide lockdown from 24 March to 21 July 2020, prohibiting domestic and international travels, closure of the border and non-essential services. There were only two confirmed cases from 610 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests and no fatalities when the government introduced nationwide lockdown. This study aimed to explore the overall scenario of COVID-19 including spatial distribution of cases; government efforts, and impact on public health, socio-economy, and education during the lockdown in Nepal. We collated and analyzed data using official figures from the Nepalese Ministry of Health and Population. Nepal had performed 7,791 RT-PCR tests for COVID-19, the highest number of tests during the lockdown. It has recorded its highest daily rise in coronavirus infections with a total of 740 new cases from the total of 4,483 RT-PCR tests performed on a single day. Nepal had reported a total of 17,994 positive cases and 40 deaths at the end of lockdown. The spatial distribution clearly shows that the cases were rapidly spreading from the southern part of the country where most points of entry and exit from India are located. To contain the spread of the virus, the government has also initiated various preventive measures and strategies during the lockdown. The Government of Nepal needs to allocate more resources, increase its capacity to test and trace, establish dedicated isolation and quarantine facility and impose local restrictions such as a local lockdown based on risk assessment rather than a nationwide lockdown.