bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cross-Cultural Exploratory Study of Health Behaviors and Wellbeing During COVID-19
Authors: Ruiz Montse C. , Devonport Tracey J. , Chen-Wilson Chao-Hwa (Josephine) , Nicholls Wendy , Cagas Jonathan Y. , Fernandez-Montalvo Javier , Choi Youngjun , Robazza Claudio
Published: January 2021

This study explored the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived health behaviors; physical activity, sleep, and diet behaviors, alongside associations with wellbeing. Participants were 1,140 individuals residing in the United Kingdom (n = 230), South Korea (n = 204), Finland (n = 171), Philippines (n = 132), Latin America (n = 124), Spain (n = 112), North America (n = 87), and Italy (n = 80). They completed an online survey reporting possible changes in the targeted behaviors as well as perceived changes in their physical and mental health. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) on the final sample (n = 1,131) revealed significant mean differences regarding perceived physical and mental health “over the last week,” as well as changes in health behaviors during the pandemic by levels of physical activity and country of residence. Follow up analyses indicated that individuals with highest decrease in physical activity reported significantly lower physical and mental health, while those with highest increase in physical activity reported significantly higher increase in sleep and lower weight gain. United Kingdom participants reported lowest levels of physical health and highest increase in weight while Latin American participants reported being most affected by emotional problems. Finnish participants reported significantly higher ratings for physical health. The physical activity by country interaction was significant for wellbeing. MANCOVA also revealed significant differences across physical activity levels and four established age categories. Participants in the oldest category reported being significantly least affected by personal and emotional problems; youngest participants reported significantly more sleep. The age by physical activity interaction was significant for eating. Discussed in light of Hobfoll (1998) conservation of resources theory, findings endorse the policy of advocating physical activity as a means of generating and maintaining resources combative of stress and protective of health.
Population-Level Preparedness About Preventive Practices Against Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adults in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Bellal , Alam Md. Zakiul , Islam Md. Syful , Sultan Shafayat , Faysal Md. Mahir , Rima Sharmin , Hossain Md. Anwer , Mahmood Maliha Mubashirah , Kashfi Shaima Shohuda , Mamun Abdullah Al , Monia Hossna Tasmia , Shoma Sharmin Sultana
Published: January 2021

This study assessed the preparedness regarding the preventive practices toward the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the adult population in Bangladesh. Data were collected through an online survey with a sample size of 1,056. We constructed four variables (individual, household, economic, and community and social distancing) related to preparedness based on the principal component analysis of eight items. We employed descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that the accuracy rate of the overall preparedness scale was 68.9%. The preparedness level related to economic, individual, household, and community and social distancing was 64.9, 77.1, 50.4, and 83.2%, respectively. However, the economic preparedness significantly varied by sex, education, occupation, attitude, and worries related to COVID-19. Individual preparedness was significantly associated with education, residence, and attitudes. The household preparedness significantly varied by education, residence, and worries, while the respondent's community and social distancing-related preparedness significantly varied by sex, region, residence, and attitude. This study implies the necessity of the coverage of financial schemes for the vulnerable group. Increased coverage of health education regarding personal hygiene targeting the less educated and rural population should be ensured.
Modeling Subsurface Drainage in Compacted Cultivated Histosols
Authors: Guedessou Cedrick Victoir , Caron Jean , Gallichand Jacques , Béliveau Moranne , Dessureault-Rompré Jacynthe , Libbrecht Christophe
Published: January 2021

Reclaiming histosols in Montéregie region, Québec, Canada, increases peat decomposition and compaction rate and decreases the effectiveness of subsurface drainage. The objective of this paper was to use HYDRUS-2D to model the behavior of subsurface drainage systems, in order to evaluate the compaction effect on drain depth and spacing, and to determine the compact layer thickness and saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ksat) resulting in an improvement of subsurface drainage]. The drainage model was calibrated [Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) = 0.958, percent bias (PBIAS) = −0.57%] using Ksat, meteorological data, and matric potential (h) data measured on the project site from June 10 to July 19, 2017. The calibrated and validated model was used to analyze the variation of h values (Δh in cm d−1) as a function of drain spacing (2–7 m) and drain depth (1 and 1.2 m) and to identify the response surface of Δh to various compact layer thickness and Ksat combinations. The results showed that Δh was on average 58% greater below the compact layer than above it and that reducing drain spacing or increasing drain depth does not improve the drainage rate. The analysis of the compact layer thickness and Ksat effect on Δh showed that for a Δh of 40 cm d−1, Ksat actual values in the two uppermost layers should be multiplied by 50 for compact layer thickness varying from 12 to 35 cm. Water percolation in the soil is reduced by the compact layer. Soil management methods for improving Ksat should therefore be better than deepening the drains or and reducing the spacing.
Long-Lasting Insecticide-Incorporated Netting and Interception Traps at Pilot-Scale Warehouses and Commercial Facilities Prevents Infestation by Stored Product Beetles
Authors: Wilkins Rachel V. , Campbell James F. , Zhu Kun Yan , Starkus Laura A. , McKay Tanja , Morrison William R.
Published: January 2021

At any point along the post-harvest supply chain, commodities are vulnerable to insect infestation. This is due to a variety of factors, but includes landscape-scale movement of stored product insects to and from food facilities and natural refugia. Long-lasting insecticide-incorporated netting (LLIN) is an innovative tactic that may be used to intercept immigrating insects. LLIN can be used to cover gaps in architecture (e.g., vents, windows, eaves, or over pallets of goods) at food facilities. Another novel approach would be to use LLIN as a kill mechanism in attract-and-kill inspired interception traps on the perimeter of facilities. Furthermore, employing these two LLIN-based approaches together would create multiple protective barriers to reduce infestation in commodities. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to (1) examine the ability of interception traps to capture stored product insects at commercial wheat and rice food facilities, (2) assess whether LLIN deployment method affected efficacy in preventing infestation by stored product insects in pilot-scale warehouses, and (3) determine the success of using LLIN alone, interception traps alone, or both together to prevent infestations. Over 2 years, interception traps deployed for 48-h periods on the perimeter of commercial food facilities captured over 3,000 insects, representing 14 stored product insect taxa. Warehouses deploying LLIN exhibited an 89–93% and 98–100% reduction in insects reaching and progeny production in commodities, even after the release of 3,600 insects of three species over 12 weeks. The combined use of LLIN and interception traps did not improve control above LLIN alone, but this may be because insects could fly unencumbered, highlighting the importance of covering gaps with LLIN on food facilities.
Beyond Scale and Scope: Exploring Economic Drivers of U.S. Specialty Crop Production With an Application to Edamame
Authors: Neill Clinton L. , Morgan Kimberly L.
Published: January 2021

Specialty crops are considered high-risk, high-reward, yet growers face differing, and relatively larger risk exposure when compared to traditional row crops. With traditional row crops, economies of scale and scope are key factors to increasing economic profitability. However, increasing economic profit for specialty crop operations present challenges which limit grower ability to easily take advantage of scale and scope economies. The authors discuss production, finance, regulatory, price, and human resource risks unique to U.S.-grown specialty crops. We apply our economic risk assessment framework to analyze U.S. edamame and present strategies to manage and mitigate risks faced by growers. We conclude that edamame may represent a profitable alternative crop in the U.S., and suggest future research topics are needed to optimize yields and meet market demand.
Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Inner Ear
Authors: Takeda Taizo , Takeda Setsuko , Kakigi Akinobu
Published: January 2021

Hypothesis: Recently, several lines of evidence have suggested that the inner ear is under hormonal control. It is likely that steroids have some influence on the inner ear.

Background: Many clinicians have been empirically using steroids for the treatment of diseases associated with endolymphatic hydrops. The theoretical grounds for this are not clear, and there have been a number of debates on the effectiveness of steroid treatment. Furthermore, there are few reports on histological observations of the influences of steroids on the cochlea.

Method: Fifteen guinea pigs (30 ears) were divided into three groups. In the control group, physiological saline solution was administered intra-peritoneally for 3 days. In two steroid groups, 40 mg/kg/day of hydrocortisone or 4 mg/kg/day of dexamethasone was administered intra-peritoneally for 3 days. Extension of Reissner's membrane and volume change of the scala media were checked 6 h after the last administration. The degree of Reissner's membrane extension and volumetric change of the scala media were quantitatively measured with the use of a video-digitizer.

Results: We did not identify any distinct changes in the cochlea of the control group. In contrast, the extension of Reissner's membrane and endolymphatic hydrops were observed in the animals in the steroid groups. Statistical analysis revealed that Reissner's membrane extended significantly in the steroid groups, and that the volume of the scala media also increased significantly.

Conclusion: This is the first report to investigate the effects of systemic administration of glucocorticoids on guineapig cochlea. The extension of Reissner's membrane and dilated endolymphatic space were evident in the steroid groups. However, the underlying mechanism of histological changes was not clear, marked care needs to be taken when administering steroids to patients with Meniere's disease whose histological feature is endolymphatic hydrops.
Role of Omentin in Obesity Paradox in Lung Cancer
Authors: Parida Sheetal , Siddharth Sumit , Sharma Dipali
Published: January 2021

Lung cancer remains the second-most-common cancer worldwide and is associated with the highest number of cancer-related mortality. While tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer, many other lifestyles and occupational factors significantly contribute. Obesity is a growing global health concern and contributes to ~30% cancer-related mortality, but unlike other lifestyle diseases, lung cancer is negatively associated with obesity. We meta-analyzed multiple case-control studies confirming increased survival and better outcomes in overweight and obese lung cancer patients. Tumor heterogeneity analysis showed significant enrichment of adipocytes and preadipocytes in normal lungs compared to lung cancers. Interestingly, one of the understudied adipokine, omentin, was significantly and consistently lower in lung neoplasms compared to normal lungs. Omentin has been examined in relation to osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic liver disease, psoriasis and some other cancers. Aberrant expression of omentin has been reported in solid tumors; however, little is known about its role in lung cancer. We found omentin to be consistently downregulated in lung cancers, and it exhibited a negative correlation with important transcription factors FOXA1, EN1, FOXC1 and ELK4. We, therefore, suggest that omentin may serve as a prognostic factor in lung cancer and explain the “obesity paradox” in lung cancer.
Senescent Cells: A Potential Target for New Cancer Therapies in Older Oncologic Patients
Authors: Brattinga Baukje , van Leeuwen Barbara L.
Published: January 2021

Cellular senescence is a complex process and is one of the key elements of ageing [...]
Reduced Oxygen as an Environmental Pressure in the Evolution of the Blind Mexican Cavefish
Authors: Boggs Tyler , Gross Joshua
Published: January 2021

Extreme environmental features can drive the evolution of extreme phenotypes. Over the course of evolution, certain environmental changes may be so drastic that they lead to extinction. Conversely, if an organism adapts to harsh environmental changes, the adaptations may permit expansion of a novel niche. The interaction between environmental stressors and adaptive changes is well-illustrated by the blind Mexican cavefish, Astyanaxmexicanus, which has recurrently adapted to the stark subterranean environment. The transition from terrestrial rivers and streams (occupied by extant surface morphs of the same species) to the cave has been accompanied by the resorption of eyes, diminished pigmentation and reduced metabolism in cave-dwelling morphs. The principal features of caves most often associated with evolution of these common cave features are the absence of light and limited nutrition. However, a putatively essential cave feature that has received less attention is the frequently low concentration of oxygen within natural karst environments. Here, we review the potential role of limited oxygen as a critical environmental feature of caves in the Sierra de El Abra. Additionally, we review evidence that Astyanax cavefish may have evolved adaptive features enabling them to thrive in lower oxygen compared to their surface-dwelling counterparts.
The Early Branching Group of Orbiniida Sensu Struck et al., 2015: Parergodrilidae and Orbiniidae
Authors: Meca Miguel A. , Zhadan Anna , Struck Torsten H.
Published: January 2021

This review addresses the state of the art of the systematics and the improvements in the biology, ecology and species diversity of the two annelid taxa Parergodrilidae and Orbiniidae, the early branching group of Orbiniida sensu Struck et al., 2015 according to molecular studies. An effort to identify gaps of knowledge is given to understand the distribution, dispersal and the diversity Parergodrilidae and Orbiniidae hold, as well as to give several directions for future research. Parergodrilidae is a taxon of interstitial annelids constituted by the terrestrial Parergodrilus heideri (monotypic genus up to date), reported throughout Europe but also in Korea and North America, and the genus Stygocapitella, which includes eleven species from the upper shore of sandy beaches distributed along Europe and other regions of the world. Orbiniidae contains more than 200 described species spread over 20 valid genera, varying in size from a few millimeters up to 30 cm, distributed globally and living in a wide variety of soft bottoms. Improving the knowledge on these two sister-taxa is crucial for the understanding of the evolution to interstitial forms by progenesis in Annelida.
Disrupted Self-Management and Adaption to New Diabetes Routines: A Qualitative Study of How People with Diabetes Managed Their Illness during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Grabowski Dan , Overgaard Mathilde , Meldgaard Julie , Johansen Lise Bro , Willaing Ingrid
Published: January 2021

When societies went into the COVID-19 lockdown, the conditions under which people with diabetes managed their illness dramatically changed. The present study explores experiences of everyday life during the COVID-19 lockdown among people with diabetes, and how diabetes self-management routines were affected. The data consist of 20 interviews with adults with diabetes, focusing on experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. The analysis showed that experiences of self-management during lockdown were diverse and that participants handled daily life changes in very different ways. The main changes in self-management related to physical activity and food intake, which decreased and increased, respectively, for many participants during lockdown. We found two main and significantly different overall experiences of everyday life while on lockdown: (1) A daily life significantly changed by the lockdown, causing disruption of diabetes self-management routines, and (2) a largely unaffected everyday life, enabling continuance of diabetes routines. Our findings showed that people with diabetes lacked information about strategies to self-manage diabetes during lockdown and would have benefited from guidance and support throughout the pandemic, or any other crisis, to maintain their diabetes self-management routines.
Effect of Braking Plates on the Aerodynamic Behaviors of a High-Speed Train Subjected to Crosswinds
Authors: Zhang Le , Li Tian , Zhang Jiye
Published: January 2021

Using aerodynamic resistance to provide braking force for trains is an economical braking method. It has few components to wear out and requires no energy. But the aerodynamic braking plate will significantly affect train’s aerodynamics behaviors. This paper studies the effect of the braking plates’ layout on the aerodynamic force of head car when a train is running under a crosswind. The results show that the braking plate will not only increase the drag force, but also significantly affect the lift and lateral force of the train’s head car. The installation position of the braking plates will also have a great effect on the aerodynamic force. In order to increase the drag force and weaken other aerodynamic force changes of the head car, we suggest that the first braking plate be arranged at the end of a streamlined shape, and the second braking plate be arranged at the middle of the car body. Compared with trains without braking plates, the head car’s drag force increases by 85.7%, lift force only increases by 7.6%, and side force decreases by 5.9%, when the braking plates are in operation.
LCOE: A Useful and Valid Indicator—Replica to James Loewen and Adam Szymanski
Authors: Kuckshinrichs Wilhelm
Published: January 2021

Recently, in two publications, Loewen expressed skepticism on the validity of the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) indicator, used to compare the economics of energy technologies [...]
Complexity of Electron Injection Dynamics and Light Soaking Effects in Efficient Dyes for Modern DSSC
Authors: Glinka Adam , Kubicki Jacek , Ziółek Marcin
Published: January 2021

Electron transfer dynamics in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) employing triphenylamine Y123 dye were investigated by means of femtosecond broadband transient absorption spectroscopy in the visible and mid-IR range of detection. The electron injection process to the titania conduction band was found to appear biphasically with the time constant of the first component within 350 fs and that of the second component between 80 and 95 ps. Subsequently, the effects of continuous irradiation on the ultrafast and fast electron transfer processes were studied in the systems comprising Y123 dye or carbazole MK2 dye in combination with cobalt- or copper-based redox mediators: [Co(bpy)3](B(CN)4)2/3 (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) or [Cu(tmby)2](TFSI)1/2 (tmby = 4,4′,6,6′ tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, TFSI = bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide). We have found that the steady-state illumination led to acceleration of the electron injection process due to the lowering of titania conduction band edge energy. Moreover, we have observed that the back electron transfer to the oxidized dye was suppressed. These changes in the initial (up to 3 ns) charge separation efficiency were directly correlated with the photocurrent enhancement.
Climate Policy Imbalance in the Energy Sector: Time to Focus on the Value of CO2 Utilization
Authors: Tcvetkov Pavel
Published: January 2021

Global warming is an existential threat to humanity and the rapid energy transition, which is required, will be the defining social, political and technical challenge of the 21st century. Practical experience and research results of recent years have showed that our actions to cover the gap between real situation and aims of climate agreements are not enough and that improvements in climate policy are needed, primarily in the energy sector. It is becoming increasingly clear that hydrocarbon resources, which production volume is increasing annually, will remain a significant part of the global fuel balance in the foreseeable future. Taking this into account, the main problem of the current climate policy is a limited portfolio of technologies, focused on replacement of hydrocarbon resources with renewable energy, without proper attention to an alternative ways of decreasing carbon intensity, such as carbon sequestration options. This study shows the need to review the existing climate policy portfolios through reorientation to CO2 utilization and disposal technologies and in terms of forming an appropriate appreciation for the role of hydrocarbon industries as the basis for the development of CO2-based production chains. In this paper we argue that: (1) focusing climate investments on a limited portfolio of energy technologies may become a trap that keeps us from achieving global emissions goals; (2) accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions losses, without taking into account the potential social effects of utilization, is a barrier to diversifying climate strategies; (3) with regard to hydrocarbon industries, a transition from destructive to creative measures aimed at implementing environmental projects is needed; (4) there are no cheap climate solutions, but the present cost of reducing CO2 emissions exceeds any estimate of the social cost of carbon.
Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Mancini Leonardo , Fratini Adriano , Marchetti Enrico
Published: January 2021

Periodontal regeneration is a technique that aims to regenerate the damaged tissue around periodontally compromised teeth. The regenerative process aims to use scaffolds, cells, and growth factors to enhance biological activity.
Internet Addiction and Burnout in A Single Hospital: Is There Any Association?
Authors: Toth Gabor , Kapus Krisztian , Hesszenberger David , Pohl Marietta , Kosa Gabor , Kiss Julianna , Pusch Gabriella , Fejes Eva , Tibold Antal , Feher Gergely
Published: January 2021

The extensive availability of the internet has led to the recognition of problematic internet use, the so-called Internet Addiction (IA), mostly involving adolescents. Burnout can lead to substance abuse or addictive behaviour (such as internet addiction) as a coping method. There are insufficient data about internet addiction and its possible association with burnout in adults, especially among healthcare workers. The aim of our present study was to focus on prevalence and the risk factors of internet addiction and its possible association with burnout among healthcare workers in a single hospital applying a questionnaire-based survey. In total, 49 doctors (10.1%), 198 nurses (40.9%), 123 medical assistant (25.4%), 73 other healthcare workers (15.1%), and 42 (1.7%) healthcare associated workers (cleaning, laundry, etc.) have completed our survey. In a multivariate analysis, IA was associated with age between 18 and 25 (OR: 2.6, p = 0.024), surfing on the internet >5 h daily (OR 25.583, p < 0.001), being single (OR: 4.275, p = 0.006), being childless (OR: 3.81, p = 0.011), working less than five years (OR 2.135, p = 0.048) and job type (being healthcare associated worker, OR: 2.907, p = 0.009). Illicit drug intake (OR 52.494, p < 0.001), and diabetes (OR: 4.122, p = 0.043) were also significantly associated with internet addiction. No association of burnout and IA could be found. A small but significant proportion of our healthcare workers suffered from IA, which was associated with substance abuse and diabetes in multivariate analysis. Our study also draws attention to the risk factors of IA such as younger age, family status, working type and working hours internet use. The possible association of burnout and IA merits further investigation.
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, Overlapping Diseases with a Common Cytokine Signature
Authors: Giudice Valentina , Cardamone Chiara , Triggiani Massimo , Selleri Carmine
Published: January 2021

Bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes are a heterogenous group of non-malignant hematologic diseases characterized by single- or multi-lineage cytopenia(s) with either inherited or acquired pathogenesis. Aberrant T or B cells or innate immune responses are variously involved in the pathophysiology of BMF, and hematological improvement after standard immunosuppressive or anti-complement therapies is the main indirect evidence of the central role of the immune system in BMF development. As part of this immune derangement, pro-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in shaping the immune responses and in sustaining inflammation during marrow failure. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of cytokine signatures in BMF syndromes.
Tuning the 1H NMR Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement and Local Order of [Aliquat]+-Based Systems Mixed with DMSO
Authors: Cordeiro Rui , Beira Maria J. , Cruz Carlos , Figueirinhas João L. , Corvo Marta C. , Almeida Pedro L. , Rosatella Andreia A. , Afonso Carlos A. M. , Daniel Carla I. , Sebastião Pedro J.
Published: January 2021

Understanding the behavior of a chemical compound at a molecular level is fundamental, not only to explain its macroscopic properties, but also to enable the control and optimization of these properties. The present work aims to characterize a set of systems based on the ionic liquids [Aliquat][Cl] and [Aliquat][FeCl4] and on mixtures of these with different concentrations of DMSO by means of 1H NMR relaxometry, diffusometry and X-ray diffractometry. Without DMSO, the compounds reveal locally ordered domains, which are large enough to induce order fluctuation as a significant relaxation pathway, and present paramagnetic relaxation enhancement for the [Aliquat][Cl] and [Aliquat][FeCl4] mixture. The addition of DMSO provides a way of tuning both the local order of these systems and the relaxation enhancement produced by the tetrachloroferrate anion. Very small DMSO volume concentrations (at least up to 1%) lead to enhanced paramagnetic relaxation without compromising the locally ordered domains. Larger DMSO concentrations gradually destroy these domains and reduce the effect of paramagnetic relaxation, while solvating the ions present in the mixtures. The paramagnetic relaxation was explained as a correlated combination of inner and outer-sphere mechanisms, in line with the size and structure differences between cation and anion. This study presents a robust method of characterizing paramagnetic ionic systems and obtaining a consistent analysis for a large set of samples having different co-solvent concentrations.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Dioxin-Related Health Hazards—Lessons from Yusho
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Ishii Yuji , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Tsuji Gaku
Published: January 2021

Poisoning by high concentrations of dioxin and its related compounds manifests variable toxic symptoms such as general malaise, chloracne, hyperpigmentation, sputum and cough, paresthesia or numbness of the extremities, hypertriglyceridemia, perinatal abnormalities, and elevated risks of cancer-related mortality. Such health hazards are observed in patients with Yusho (oil disease in Japanese) who had consumed rice bran oil highly contaminated with 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polychlorinated quaterphenyls in 1968. The blood concentrations of these congeners in patients with Yusho remain extremely elevated 50 years after onset. Dioxins exert their toxicity via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this review article, we discuss the pathogenic implication of AHR in dioxin-induced health hazards. We also mention the potential therapeutic use of herbal drugs targeting AHR and ROS in patients with Yusho.
LysM Receptor-Like Kinase LYK9 of Pisum Sativum L. May Regulate Plant Responses to Chitooligosaccharides Differing in Structure
Authors: Leppyanen Irina V. , Pavlova Olga A. , Vashurina Maria A. , Bovin Andrey D. , Dolgikh Alexandra V. , Shtark Oksana Y. , Sendersky Igor V. , Dolgikh Vyacheslav V. , Tikhonovich Igor A. , Dolgikh Elena A.
Published: January 2021

This study focused on the interactions of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants with phytopathogenic and beneficial fungi. Here, we examined whether the lysin-motif (LysM) receptor-like kinase PsLYK9 is directly involved in the perception of long- and short-chain chitooligosaccharides (COs) released after hydrolysis of the cell walls of phytopathogenic fungi and identified in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal exudates. The identification and analysis of pea mutants impaired in the lyk9 gene confirmed the involvement of PsLYK9 in symbiosis development with AM fungi. Additionally, PsLYK9 regulated the immune response and resistance to phytopathogenic fungi, suggesting its bifunctional role. The existence of co-receptors may provide explanations for the potential dual role of PsLYK9 in the regulation of interactions with pathogenic and AM fungi. Co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed that PsLYK9 and two proposed co-receptors, PsLYR4 and PsLYR3, can form complexes. Analysis of binding capacity showed that PsLYK9 and PsLYR4, synthesized as extracellular domains in insect cells, were able to bind the deacetylated (DA) oligomers CO5-DA–CO8-DA. Our results suggest that the receptor complex consisting of PsLYK9 and PsLYR4 can trigger a signal pathway that stimulates the immune response in peas. However, PsLYR3 seems not to be involved in the perception of CO4-5, as a possible co-receptor of PsLYK9.
Neutrophil Elastase Deficiency Ameliorates Myocardial Injury Post Myocardial Infarction in Mice
Authors: Ogura Yukino , Tajiri Kazuko , Murakoshi Nobuyuki , Xu DongZhu , Yonebayashi Saori , Li Siqi , Okabe Yuta , Feng Duo , Shimoda Yuzuno , Song Zoughu , Mori Haruka , Yuan Zixun , Aonuma Kazutaka , Ieda Masaki
Published: January 2021

Neutrophils are recruited into the heart at an early stage following a myocardial infarction (MI). These secrete several proteases, one of them being neutrophil elastase (NE), which promotes inflammatory responses in several disease models. It has been shown that there is an increase in NE activity in patients with MI; however, the role of NE in MI remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of NE in the pathogenesis of MI in mice. NE expression peaked on day 1 in the infarcted hearts. In addition, NE deficiency improved survival and cardiac function post-MI, limiting fibrosis in the noninfarcted myocardium. Sivelestat, an NE inhibitor, also improved survival and cardiac function post-MI. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the numbers of heart-infiltrating neutrophils and inflammatory macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+CD206low cells) were significantly lower in NE-deficient mice than in wild-type (WT) mice. At the border zone between intact and necrotic areas, the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive apoptotic cells was lower in NE-deficient mice than in WT mice. Western blot analyses revealed that the expression levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 and phosphorylation of Akt were significantly upregulated in NE-knockout mouse hearts, indicating that NE deficiency might improve cardiac survival by upregulating insulin/Akt signaling post-MI. Thus, NE may enhance myocardial injury by inducing an excessive inflammatory response and suppressing Akt signaling in cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of NE might serve as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of MI.
Oxidative Stress and Lipid Mediators Modulate Immune Cell Functions in Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Wójcik Piotr , Gęgotek Agnieszka , Žarković Neven , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: January 2021

Autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatic arthritis (RA), are caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors that lead to overactivation of immune cells and chronic inflammation. Since oxidative stress is a common feature of these diseases, which activates leukocytes to intensify inflammation, antioxidants could reduce the severity of these diseases. In addition to activating leukocytes, oxidative stress increases the production of lipid mediators, notably of endocannabinoids and eicosanoids, which are products of enzymatic lipid metabolism that act through specific receptors. Because the anti-inflammatory CB2 receptors are the predominant cannabinoid receptors in leukocytes, endocannabinoids are believed to act as anti-inflammatory factors that regulate compensatory mechanisms in autoimmune diseases. While administration of eicosanoids in vitro leads to the differentiation of lymphocytes into T helper 2 (Th2) cells, eicosanoids are also necessary for the different0iation of Th1 and Th17 cells. Therefore, their antagonists and/or the genetic deletion of their receptors abolish inflammation in animal models of psoriasis—RA and SLE. On the other hand, products of non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation, especially acrolein and 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts, mostly generated by an oxidative burst of granulocytes, may enhance inflammation and even acting as autoantigens and extracellular signaling molecules in the vicious circle of autoimmune diseases.
Do Adolescent Exposure to Cannabinoids and Early Adverse Experience Interact to Increase the Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Evidence from Rodent Models
Authors: Portugalov Anna , Akirav Irit
Published: January 2021

There have been growing concerns about the protracted effects of cannabis use in adolescents on emotion and cognition outcomes, motivated by evidence of growing cannabis use in adolescents, evidence linking cannabis use to various psychiatric disorders, and the increasingly perceived notion that cannabis is harmless. At the same time, studies suggest that cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential against the impacts of stress on the brain and behavior, and that young people sometimes use cannabinoids to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety (i.e., “self-medication”). Exposure to early adverse life events may predispose individuals to developing psychopathology in adulthood, leading researchers to study the causality between early life factors and cognitive and emotional outcomes in rodent models and to probe the underlying mechanisms. In this review, we aim to better understand the long-term effects of cannabinoids administered in sensitive developmental periods (mainly adolescence) in rodent models of early life stress. We suggest that the effects of cannabinoids on emotional and cognitive function may vary between different sensitive developmental periods. This could potentially affect decisions regarding the use of cannabinoids in clinical settings during the early stages of development and could raise questions regarding educating the public as to potential risks associated with cannabis use.
Differential DNA Methylation in Prostate Tumors from Puerto Rican Men
Authors: Ruiz-Deya Gilberto , Matta Jaime , Encarnación-Medina Jarline , Ortiz-Sanchéz Carmen , Dutil Julie , Putney Ryan , Berglund Anders , Dhillon Jasreman , Kim Youngchul , Park Jong Y.
Published: January 2021

In 2020, approximately 191,930 new prostate cancer (PCa) cases are estimated in the United States (US). Hispanic/Latinos (H/L) are the second largest racial/ethnic group in the US. This study aims to assess methylation patterns between aggressive and indolent PCa including DNA repair genes along with ancestry proportions. Prostate tumors classified as aggressive (n = 11) and indolent (n = 13) on the basis of the Gleason score were collected. Tumor and adjacent normal tissue were annotated on H&E (Haemotoxylin and Eosin) slides and extracted by macro-dissection. Methylation patterns were assessed using the Illumina 850K DNA methylation platform. Raw data were processed using the Bioconductor package. Global ancestry proportions were estimated using ADMIXTURE (k = 3). One hundred eight genes including AOX1 were differentially methylated in tumor samples. Regarding the PCa aggressiveness, six hypermethylated genes (RREB1, FAM71F2, JMJD1C, COL5A3, RAE1, and GABRQ) and 11 hypomethylated genes (COL9A2, FAM179A, SLC17A2, PDE10A, PLEKHS1, TNNI2, OR51A4, RNF169, SPNS2, ADAMTSL5, and CYP4F12) were identified. Two significant differentially methylated DNA repair genes, JMJD1C and RNF169, were found. Ancestry proportion results for African, European, and Indigenous American were 24.1%, 64.2%, and 11.7%, respectively. The identification of DNA methylation patterns related to PCa in H/L men along with specific patterns related to aggressiveness and DNA repair constitutes a pivotal effort for the understanding of PCa in this population.
Tyrosinase Nanoparticles: Understanding the Melanogenesis Pathway by Isolating the Products of Tyrosinase Enzymatic Reaction
Authors: Varghese Paul K. , Abu-Asab Mones , Dimitriadis Emilios K. , Dolinska Monika B. , Morcos George P. , Sergeev Yuri V.
Published: January 2021

Human Tyrosinase (Tyr) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the melanogenesis pathway. Tyr catalyzes the oxidation of the substrate L-DOPA into dopachrome and melanin. Currently, the characterization of dopachrome-related products is difficult due to the absence of a simple way to partition dopachrome from protein fraction. Here, we immobilize catalytically pure recombinant human Tyr domain (residues 19–469) containing 6xHis tag to Ni-loaded magnetic beads (MB). Transmission electron microscopy revealed Tyr-MB were within limits of 168.2 ± 24.4 nm while the dark-brown melanin images showed single and polymerized melanin with a diameter of 121.4 ± 18.1 nm. Using Hill kinetics, we show that Tyr-MB has a catalytic activity similar to that of intact Tyr. The diphenol oxidase reactions of L-DOPA show an increase of dopachrome formation with the number of MB and with temperature. At 50 °C, Tyr-MB shows some residual catalytic activity suggesting that the immobilized Tyr has increased protein stability. In contrast, under 37 °C, the dopachrome product, which is isolated from Tyr-MB particles, shows that dopachrome has an orange-brown color that is different from the color of the mixture of L-DOPA, Tyr, and dopachrome. In the future, Tyr-MB could be used for large-scale productions of dopachrome and melanin-related products and finding a treatment for oculocutaneous albinism-inherited diseases.
Trauma, a Matter of the Heart—Molecular Mechanism of Post-Traumatic Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Weber Birte , Lackner Ina , Gebhard Florian , Miclau Theodore , Kalbitz Miriam
Published: January 2021

Trauma remains a leading global cause of mortality, particularly in the young population. In the United States, approximately 30,000 patients with blunt cardiac trauma were recorded annually. Cardiac damage is a predictor for poor outcome after multiple trauma, with a poor prognosis and prolonged in-hospitalization. Systemic elevation of cardiac troponins was correlated with survival, injury severity score, and catecholamine consumption of patients after multiple trauma. The clinical features of the so-called “commotio cordis” are dysrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac arrest as well as wall motion disorders. In trauma patients with inappropriate hypotension and inadequate response to fluid resuscitation, cardiac injury should be considered. Therefore, a combination of echocardiography (ECG) measurements, echocardiography, and systemic appearance of cardiomyocyte damage markers such as troponin appears to be an appropriate diagnostic approach to detect cardiac dysfunction after trauma. However, the mechanisms of post-traumatic cardiac dysfunction are still actively being investigated. This review aims to discuss cardiac damage following trauma, focusing on mechanisms of post-traumatic cardiac dysfunction associated with inflammation and complement activation. Herein, a causal relationship of cardiac dysfunction to traumatic brain injury, blunt chest trauma, multiple trauma, burn injury, psychosocial stress, fracture, and hemorrhagic shock are illustrated and therapeutic options are discussed.
Why Is the Invasive Plant Sphagneticola trilobata More Resistant to High Temperature Than Its Native Congener?
Authors: Cai Minling , Lin Xiaohua , Peng Jindi , Zhang Junjie , Chen Minghao , Huang Jundong , Chen Lihua , Sun Feng , Ding Wenqiao , Peng Changlian
Published: January 2021

Climate change and invasive alien species threaten biodiversity. High temperature is a worrying ecological factor. Most responses of invasive plants aimed at coping with adversity are focused on the physiological level. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of an invasive plant (Sphagneticola trilobata L.) to high temperature, using a native species (Sphagneticola calendulacea L.) as the control, relevant indicators, including photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, the antioxidant system, and related enzyme-coding genes were measured. The results showed that the leaves of S. calendulacea turned yellow, photosynthetic pigment content (Chl a, Chl b, Car, Chl) decreased, gas exchange (Pn) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, ΦPSII) decreased under high temperature. It was also found that high temperature caused photoinhibition and a large amount of ROS accumulated, resulting in an increase in MDA and relative conductivity. Antioxidant enzymes (including SOD, POD, CAT, and APX) and antioxidants (including flavonoids, total phenols, and carotenoids) were decreased. The qPCR results further showed that the expression of the PsbP, PsbA, and RubiscoL, SOD, POD, CAT, and APX genes was downregulated, which was consistent with the results of physiological data. Otherwise, the resistance of S. trilobata to high temperature was better than that of S. calendulacea, which made it a superior plant in the invasion area. These results further indicated that the gradual warming of global temperature will greatly accelerate the invasion area of S. trilobata.
Norepinephrine Regulation of Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus Astrocyte Glycogen Metabolism
Authors: Briski Karen P. , Ibrahim Mostafa M. H. , Mahmood A. S. M. Hasan , Alshamrani Ayed A.
Published: January 2021

The catecholamine norepinephrine (NE) links hindbrain metabolic-sensory neurons with key glucostatic control structures in the brain, including the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN). In the brain, the glycogen reserve is maintained within the astrocyte cell compartment as an alternative energy source to blood-derived glucose. VMN astrocytes are direct targets for metabolic stimulus-driven noradrenergic signaling due to their adrenergic receptor expression (AR). The current review discusses recent affirmative evidence that neuro-metabolic stability in the VMN may be shaped by NE influence on astrocyte glycogen metabolism and glycogen-derived substrate fuel supply. Noradrenergic modulation of estrogen receptor (ER) control of VMN glycogen phosphorylase (GP) isoform expression supports the interaction of catecholamine and estradiol signals in shaping the physiological stimulus-specific control of astrocyte glycogen mobilization. Sex-dimorphic NE control of glycogen synthase and GP brain versus muscle type proteins may be due, in part, to the dissimilar noradrenergic governance of astrocyte AR and ER variant profiles in males versus females. Forthcoming advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanistic framework for catecholamine stimulus integration with other regulatory inputs to VMN astrocytes will undoubtedly reveal useful new molecular targets in each sex for glycogen mediated defense of neuronal metabolic equilibrium during neuro-glucopenia.
A Comparison Between First-, Second- and Third-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Brain Metastases
Authors: Caponnetto Salvatore , Cantale Ornella , Friedlaender Alex , Gomes Fabio , Daryanani Sunil , Gelibter Alain , Cortellini Alessio , Giuffrida Dario , Addeo Alfredo , Banna Giuseppe Luigi
Published: January 2021

Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), harboring Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations, are more susceptible to brain metastases (BM). Comparisons of the efficacy of different-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) on BMs from NSCLC are currently limited. We identified studies comparing different EGFR-TKIs for NSCLC through Pubmed literature search and selected those with neurological outcome data. By two retrospective analyses, Erlotinib showed longer neurological time-to-progression (30 months vs. 15.8 months, P = 0.024) and reduced the risk of central nervous system (CNS) progression (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08–0.81; P = 0.021) compared to Gefitinib. In a phase 2b randomized trial, 16% of patients with BMs had a similar Progression Free Survival (PFS) (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.41–1.44) or Overall Survival (OS) (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.61–2.21) with Afatinib versus Gefitinib; a lower risk of developing subsequent BMs with Afatinib than Gefitinib (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.34–0.71; P < 0.001) was reported by a retrospective study. A randomized phase 3 trial proved that patients with BMs treated with Osimertinib had longer PFS (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30–0.74) and OS (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.61–1.01) than with Gefitinib, and lower incidence of CNS progression (6% vs. 15%, respectively). Although there is limited evidence, differences in CNS activity may exist between EGFR-TKIs.
A Phase-Change Mechanism of GST-SL Based Superlattices upon Sb Flipping
Authors: Sun Teng , Liu Furong , Guo Jicheng , Han Gang , Zhang Yongzhi
Published: January 2021

Reversible phase-change behaviors of Ge–Sb–Te based superlattices (GST-SL) were studied by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations based on three models containing Ge/Sb intermixing, namely the Petrov-mix, Ferro-mix, and Kooi-mix models. The flipping behavior of Sb atoms was found in all the three GST-SL models in the melting process. Among them the Kooi-mix model exhibited the best stability, and the analyses of bond length distribution and electron localization function provided a better explanation on the phase transition of GST-SL. Finally, we proposed a fast switching model for GST-SL based on Sb flipping.