bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Spine-Bearing Freshwater Gastropods Better Defended?
Authors: Davis Andrew , Rees Matthew , Rashni Bindiya , Haynes Alison
Published: September 2020

Freshwater snails usually possess thin unadorned shells lacking structural components such as spines. Exceptions can be found on the high, well-watered islands of the South Pacific. Streams on these islands support a rich freshwater molluscan fauna with several nerite taxa (Neritimorpha: Neritidae) exhibiting extremely long dorsal spines. We sought to assess the defensive capacity of these structures for several co-occurring nerite genera on the Island of Ovalau, Fiji. Our overarching hypothesis was that spines confer a defensive advantage. We tested four predictions for eight common taxa: (i) predator “rich” habitats (the creek entrance) would be dominated by spine-bearing nerites, (ii) spine-bearing species should be smaller in size, (iii) nerites with spines would exhibit lower levels of shell damage and (iv) nerites with spines should invest less in their shells (i.e., their shells should be thinner). Most of these predictions received support. Spine-bearing species dominated the entrance to the creek and were smaller in size. Levels of shell damage were low overall, with 2 of the 3 spinose taxa exhibiting no shell damage, as did many of the nonspinose taxa. Finally, shells of spinose species were 25% thicker, demonstrating increased rather than decreased investment. Taken together, these findings suggest that the elaborate spines of Clithon spp. play a defensive role.
Do DJIA Firms Reflect Stationary Debt Ratios?
Authors: Lin Feng-Li
Published: September 2020

To form optimum firm capital structure strategies to face unanticipated economic events, firm managers should understand the stability of a firm’s capital structure. The aim of this research was to study whether the debt ratio is stationary in listed firms on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Two vital capital structure concepts regarding pecking order and trade-off theory are fairly contradictory. Using opposing theoretical contexts, the Sequential Panel Selection Method apparently categorizes which and how many series are stationary processes in the panel. This method was used to test the mean reverting properties of the 25 companies listed on Dow Jones Industrial Average between 2001 and 2017 in this study, which is expected to fill the current gap in the literature. The overall results show that stationary debt ratios exist in 10 of the 25 studied firms, supporting the trade-off theory. Moreover, the 10 firms utilizing trade-off theory are affected by firm size, profitability, growth opportunity, and dividend payout ratio. These results provide vital information for firms to certify strategies to optimize capital structure.
Barriers and Assistance for Female Leaders in Academic STEM in the US
Authors: McCullough Laura
Published: September 2020

Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are under-represented, and women are also less likely than men to be in leadership positions, generally. Little is known about the intersection of these areas: women in leadership in STEM. To determine what sort of barriers and assistance female STEM leaders have encountered, a survey was developed asking women who are in academic leadership positions in STEM about their experiences. The main barriers were similar in the STEM area and in leadership: balancing work/home life, devaluing of achievements, and imposter syndrome. The main two types of assistance in both STEM and leadership were support from spouse/partner, and encouragement from peers. The main barriers women encounter are cultural and will take time to overcome. The main assistance women have had comes from people, not training or institutional structures.
Optical-Interference Mitigation in Visible Light Communication for Intelligent Transport Systems Applications
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Habib Usman , Muhammad Fazal , Ali Farman , Alwadie Abdullah S , Ullah Shakir , Glowacz Adam , Glowacz Witold
Published: September 2020

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are anticipated to be one of the key technologies for the next decade and their deployment can benefit from the recent developments in the domain of Visible Light Communication (VLC). Light Emitting Diode (LED)-based low-cost VLC is considered in this work to provide a practical approach towards the implementation of an ITS by addressing the major issues of channel noise, free-space optical multipath reflections and interference from light sources. An analytical model is presented for the proposed Multiple-Input–Single-Output (MISO)-based VLC, and simulations are performed to analyze the performance of the system for various transmission distances. Results show that the proposed optimal receiver for 4 × 1 MISO can provide considerable improvement in the bit error rate for the forward error correction (FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3 in the presence of optical interference, and is suitable to support an ITS with an inter-vehicle transmission approach. The comparison of achieved performance with existing solutions for VLC-based ITS depicts that the proposed framework provides much higher data rates, three times longer transmission distance and improved receiver sensitivity.
Risk Mitigation and Investability of a U-PHS Project in The Netherlands
Authors: Kramer Gert , Arts Twan , Urai Janos , Vrijling Han , Huynen Jan
Published: September 2020

We review the status of a 1.4 GW, 8 GWh underground pumped hydro storage (U-PHS) project in the southern Netherlands, which has been under development since the 1980s. Its history shows how the prospect of a large-scale U-PHS for The Netherlands (a country whose proverbial flatness prohibits PHS) has been attractive in every decade, based on proven technology in a subsurface location with validated properties, and solid analysis of its economics. Although the ongoing energy transition clearly requires massive electricity storage, (U-)PHS projects are challenging investment propositions, in The Netherlands, as elsewhere. This case study illustrates a point of general relevance, namely that although the project execution risk, related to uncertainty with respect to subsurface integrity, is very low, the transition risk, associated with the intrinsic uncertainties of an electricity system in transition, is significant. We point out mitigation strategies for both risk categories.
Multicriteria GIS-Based Approach in Priority Areas Analysis for Sustainable Urban Drainage Practices: A Case Study of Pato Branco, Brazil
Authors: Aguiar Claudinei Rodrigues de , Nuernberg Jéssica Klemm , Leonardi Thays Cristiane
Published: September 2020

Geographic information systems (GIS) and multicriteria decision methods are robust techniques for supporting the urban planning process, including urban drainage. New low-impact management approaches (LID) for rainwater have been investigated and have become increasingly used. Considering the central region of Pato Branco city, which suffers recurrent problems related to flooding, this work presents a method to identify potential areas for the application of LIDs, such as rainwater collection tanks, permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens. The identification of these areas is based on the analysis in a GIS environment considering criteria related to both the land slope, the characteristics of land use and technical parameters. Thus, we observe that rainwater collection tanks are indicated for all habitations, permeable pavements are recommended for 6.30% of the study area, while green roofs can be implemented in 3.97% of the area. Finally, 3.03% can receive rain gardens. In total, 13.30% of the central region of Pato Branco can receive LIDs. The results obtained reveal that the use of the GIS tool associated with multicriteria analysis is efficient in choosing locations for the implementation of LIDs as alternatives for the management of urban drainage.
Mapping of GIS-Land Use Suitability in the Rural–Urban Continuum between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj Cities, KSA Based on the Integrating GIS Multi Criteria Decision Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Abd El Karim Ashraf , Alogayell Haya M. , Alkadi Ibtesam I. , Youssef Ismail
Published: September 2020

The management of land use in big cities and capitals and the surrounding adjacent urban aggregates is still of major importance in the field of urban development, especially in cities with populations of millions and various types of land uses and economic activities. The rural–urban continuum between the cities of Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj suffers from an unclear general land use trend, due to urban expansion at the expense of the agriculture lands, the imbalance of the population compound, the deterioration of the urban fabric, lack and poor distribution of services, and the dominance of industrial land use at the expense of other uses. These factors have led to an increase in environmental changes and loss of the environmental and ecological characteristics of this area between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj. The present study aims at evaluating the land use suitability for urban development in the rural–urban continuum between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj cities. This is achieved by using the GIS-based Multi Criteria decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) on twelve various economic, environmental, urban, and law criteria. The weights of criteria were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The results of the spatial suitability map of the land use for sustainable urban development revealed that there are five categories of spatial suitability ranging in suitability from 32% to 86%. The recommended areas for sustainable urban development are those with a spatial suitability upwards of 70% in the rural–urban continuum corridor between Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj cities. The sustainable development in this corridor can be achieved by executing high priority projects that ensure and support the urban sustainable development plan through establishing four local urban development centers and upgrading four current villages to rural communities, aiming at strengthening the functional bonds between the rural communities and the local urban development centers. These projects will limit the sustainable urban development to specific areas without allowing random expansion, avoiding the urban conjugation of the two Ar Riyadh and Al Kharj cities through the connecting area between them.
Direct Comparison of the Structural Compression Characteristics of Natural and Synthetic Fiber-Epoxy Composites: Flax, Jute, Hemp, Glass and Carbon Fibers
Authors: Bambach Mike R.
Published: September 2020

Recent decades have seen substantial interest in the use of natural fibers in continuous fiber reinforced composites, such as flax, jute and hemp. Considering potential applications, it is of particular interest how natural fiber composites compare to synthetic fiber composites, such as glass and carbon, and if natural fibers can replace synthetic fibers in existing applications. Many studies have made direct comparisons between natural and synthetic fiber composites via material coupon testing; however, few studies have made such direct comparisons of full structural members. This study presents compression tests of geometrically identical structural channel sections fabricated from fiber-epoxy composites of flax, jute, hemp, glass and carbon. Glass fiber composites demonstrated superior tension material coupon properties to natural fiber composites. However, for the same fiber mass, structural compression properties of natural fiber composite channels were generally equivalent to, or in some cases superior to, glass fiber composite channels. This indicates there is substantial potential for natural fibers to replace glass fibers in structural compression members. Carbon fiber composites were far superior to all other composites, indicating little potential for replacement with natural fibers.
Drought Increases Vulnerability of Pinus ponderosa Saplings to Fire-Induced Mortality
Authors: Partelli-Feltrin Raquel , Johnson Daniel M. , Sparks Aaron M. , Adams Henry D. , Kolden Crystal A. , Nelson Andrew S. , Smith Alistair M. S.
Published: September 2020

The combination of drought and fire can cause drastic changes in forest composition and structure. Given the predictions of more frequent and severe droughts and forecasted increases in fire size and intensity in the western United States, we assessed the impact of drought and different fire intensities on Pinus ponderosa saplings. In a controlled combustion laboratory, we exposed saplings to surface fires at two different fire intensity levels (quantified via fire radiative energy; units: MJ m−2). The recovery (photosynthesis and bud development) and mortality of saplings were monitored during the first month, and at 200- and 370-days post-fire. All the saplings subjected to high intensity surface fires (1.4 MJ m−2), regardless of the pre-fire water status, died. Seventy percent of pre-fire well-watered saplings recovered after exposure to low intensity surface fire (0.7 MJ m−2). All of the pre-fire drought-stressed saplings died, even at the lower fire intensity. Regardless of the fire intensity and water status, photosynthesis was significantly reduced in all saplings exposed to fire. At 370 days post-fire, burned well-watered saplings that recovered had similar photosynthesis rates as unburned plants. In addition, all plants that recovered or attempted to recover produced new foliage within 35 days following the fire treatments. Our results demonstrate that the pre-fire water status of saplings is an important driver of Pinus ponderosa sapling recovery and mortality after fire.
Vitamin D3 Loaded Niosomes and Transfersomes Produced by Ethanol Injection Method: Identification of the Critical Preparation Step for Size Control
Authors: Estupiñan Oscar R. , Garcia-Manrique Pablo , Blanco-Lopez Maria del Carmen , Matos Maria , Gutiérrez Gemma
Published: September 2020

Vesicular nanocarriers have an important role in drug delivery and dietary supplements. Size control and optimization of encapsulation efficiency (EE) should be optimized for those applications. In this work, we report on the identification of the crucial step (injection, evaporation, or sonication) innanovesicles (transfersomes and niosomes) preparation by theethanol injection method (EI). The identification of each production step on the final vesicle size was analyzed in order to optimize further scale-up process. Results indicated that the final size of transfersomeswas clearly influenced by the sonication step while the final size of niosomes was mainly governed by the injection step. Measurements of final surface tension of the different vesicular systems prepared indicate a linear positive tendency with the vesicle size formed. This relation could help to better understand the process and design a vesicular size prediction model for EI. Vitamin D3 (VitD3) was encapsulated in the systems formulated with encapsulation efficiencies larger than 90%. Interaction between the encapsulated compound and the membrane layer components is crucial for vesicle stability. This work has an impact on the scaling-up production of vesicles for further food science applications.
Optimization of Method for Pesticide Detection in Honey by Using Liquid and Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometric Detection
Authors: Almeida Mariana O. , Oloris Silvia Catarina S. , Faria Vanessa Heloisa F. , Ribeiro Márcia Cassimira M. , Cantini Daniel M. , Soto-Blanco Benito
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to optimize and validate a multi-residue method for identifying and quantifying pesticides in honey by using both gas and liquid chromatographic separation followed by mass spectrometric detection. The proposed method was validated to detect 168 compounds, 127 of them by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric detection) and 41 by GC-MS/MS (gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometric detection). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values for the analytes determined by LC-MS/MS were 0.0001–0.0004 mg/kg and 0.0002–0.0008 mg/kg, respectively. For GC-MS/MS analyses, the LOD and LOQ values were 0.001–0.004 mg/kg and 0.002–0.008 mg/kg. In total, 33 samples of commercial honey produced by apiaries in six Brazilian states were analyzed with the validated method. Residual amounts of 15 analytes were detected in 31 samples (93.9%). The method described in the present study was able to detect an extensive and broad range of pesticides with very high sensitivity.
How Will We Dine? Prospective Shifts in International Haute Cuisine and Innovation beyond Kitchen and Plate
Authors: Schwark Nele , Tiberius Victor , Fabro Manuela
Published: September 2020

Haute cuisine, the cooking style for fine dining at gourmet restaurants, has changed over the last decades and can be expected to evolve in the upcoming years. To engage in foresight, the purpose of this study is to identify a plausible future trend scenario for the haute cuisine sector within the next five to ten years, based on today’s chefs’ views. To achieve this goal, an international, two-stage Delphi study was conducted. The derived scenario suggests that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will lead to significant restaurant bankruptcies and will raise creativity and innovation among the remaining ones. It is expected that haute cuisine tourism will grow and that menu prices will differ for customer segments. More haute cuisine restaurants will open in Asia and America. Local food will remain a major trend and will be complemented by insect as well as plant-based proteins and sophisticated nonalcoholic food pairings. Restaurant design and the use of scents will become more relevant. Also, private dining and fine dining at home will become more important. The scenario also includes negative projections. These findings can serve as a research agenda for future research in haute cuisine, including the extension of the innovation lens towards the restaurant and the business model. Practical implications include the necessity for haute cuisine restaurants to innovate to cope with increasing competition in several regions. Customers should be seen as co-creators of the value of haute cuisine.
Procyanidin-Rich Extract from Grape Seeds as a Putative Tool against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Silvan Jose Manuel , Gutiérrez-Docio Alba , Moreno-Fernandez Silvia , Alarcón-Cavero Teresa , Prodanov Marin , Martinez-Rodriguez Adolfo J.
Published: September 2020

Strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistant to various antibiotics have increased in recent years. In this context, the search for new therapeutic approaches is crucial. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of a procyanidin-rich extract obtained from food-grade winery grape seeds against 14 H. pylori strains and elucidate its phenolic composition. Ten strains (71.4%) showed resistance to at least some of the tested antibiotics, while four isolates (28.6%) were susceptible to all antibiotics. Resistance to more than one class of antibiotics was observed in six strains (42.9%). The extract was able to inhibit the growth of all H. pylori strains in a range of a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 0.015 mg/mL to 0.125 mg/mL, confirming also the existence of a strain-dependent effect. The phenolic composition determined by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography, photodiode array, and mass spectrometry detection (RP-HPLC-PAD-MS) analysis revealed the presence of 43 individual compounds and allowed the quantification of 41 of them, including seven procyanidin tetramers, seven procyanidin pentamers, and six galloylated procyanidin dimers, trimers, and tetramers. The extract was composed mainly by catechin and procyanidin oligomers with a total amount of 5801 mg/100 g, which represent 92% of the total individual phenolic content. Among them, the most abundant were catechins (2047 mg/100 g), followed by procyanidin dimers (1550 mg/100 g), trimers (1176 mg/100 g), tetramers (436 mg/100 g), and pentamers (296 mg/100 g) that represent 35, 27, 20, 8, and 5%, respectively of the total flavanol constituents. The composition profile information may help to improve the production process of useful antibacterial extracts against H. pylori.
Viability-PCR Allows Monitoring Yeast Population Dynamics in Mixed Fermentations Including Viable but Non-Culturable Yeasts
Authors: Navarro Yurena , Torija María-Jesús , Mas Albert , Beltran Gemma
Published: September 2020

The use of controlled mixed inocula of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts is a common practice in winemaking, with Torulaspora delbrueckii, Lachancea thermotolerans and Metschnikowia pulcherrima being the most commonly used non-Saccharomyces species. Although S. cerevisiae is usually the dominant yeast at the end of mixed fermentations, some non-Saccharomyces species are also able to reach the late stages; such species may not grow in culture media, which is a status known as viable but non-culturable (VBNC). Thus, an accurate methodology to properly monitor viable yeast population dynamics during alcoholic fermentation is required to understand microbial interactions and the contribution of each species to the final product. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) has been found to be a good and sensitive method for determining the identity of the cell population, but it cannot distinguish the DNA from living and dead cells, which can overestimate the final population results. To address this shortcoming, viability dyes can be used to avoid the amplification and, therefore, the quantification of DNA from non-viable cells. In this study, we validated the use of PMAxx dye (an optimized version of propidium monoazide (PMA) dye) coupled with qPCR (PMAxx-qPCR), as a tool to monitor the viable population dynamics of the most common yeast species used in wine mixed fermentations (S. cerevisiae, T. delbrueckii, L. thermotolerans and M. pulcherrima), comparing the results with non-dyed qPCR and colony counting on differential medium. Our results showed that the PMAxx-qPCR assay used in this study is a reliable, specific and fast method for quantifying these four yeast species during the alcoholic fermentation process, being able to distinguish between living and dead yeast populations. Moreover, the entry into VBNC status was observed for the first time in L. thermotolerans and S. cerevisiae during alcoholic fermentation. Further studies are needed to unravel which compounds trigger this VBNC state during alcoholic fermentation in these species, which would help to better understand yeast interactions.
Acute Care of Older Patients with COVID-19: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Steinmeyer Zara , Vienne-Noyes Sara , Bernard Marc , Steinmeyer Armand , Balardy Laurent , Piau Antoine , Sourdet Sandrine
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and older patients present higher mortality rates. However, studies on the characteristics of this population set are limited. The objective of this study is to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of older patients hospitalized with COVID-19. (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from March to May 2020 and took place in three acute geriatric wards in France. Older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infections were included. We collected clinical, radiological, and laboratory outcomes. (3) Results: Ninety-four patients were hospitalized and included in the final analysis. Mean age was 85.5 years and 55% were female. Sixty-four (68%) patients were confirmed COVID-19 cases and 30 (32%) were probable. A majority of patients were dependent (77%), 45% were malnourished, and the mean number of comorbidities was high in accordance with the CIRS-G score (12.3 ± 25.6). The leading causes of hospitalization were fever (30%), dyspnea (28%), and geriatric syndromes (falls, delirium, malaise) (18%). Upon follow-up, 32% presented acute respiratory failure and 30% a geriatric complication. Frailty and geriatric characteristics were not correlated with mortality. Acute respiratory failure (p = 0.03) and lymphopenia (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with mortality. (4) Conclusions: Among older patients hospitalized with COVID-19, clinical presentations were frequently atypical and complications occurred frequently. Frailty and geriatric characteristics were not correlated with mortality.
Mismatch Repair System Genomic Scars in Gastroesophageal Cancers: Biology and Clinical Testing
Authors: Lopez Gianluca , Venetis Konstantinos , Sajjadi Elham , Fusco Nicola
Published: September 2020

Alterations in the mismatch repair (MMR) system result in genomic instability, neoantigen production, and immune response in cancer. There is evidence that gastroesophageal tumors with MMR deficiency may be susceptible to immune-checkpoint inhibitors treatment, especially in those presenting at advanced-stage disease. Although a number of biomarkers have been developed in histology-agnostic settings to assess MMR status, there is evidence that a tumor-specific testing approach would improve the selection of patients for immunotherapy. However, no testing methods have been developed specifically for gastroesophageal cancers so far. Here, we discuss the state of the art, current advances, and future perspectives of MMR-related biomarkers’ biologic and clinical role in gastroesophageal cancers.
British Jewish Writing in the Post-2016 Era: Tom Stoppard, Linda Grant and Howard Jacobson
Authors: Vice Sue
Published: September 2020

This article analyses the ways in which British Jewish writing has responded to the watershed events of 2016: the vote to leave the EU in the United Kingdom, and the election of Donald Trump as President of the USA. It argues that such a response demands varied generic and narrative forms, as exemplified in three case studies. Tom Stoppard’s 2020 play Leopoldstadt is a historical drama about twentieth-century Austrian history, but the moment of its staging and its links to the playwright’s biography convey its cautionary relationship to the present. Linda Grant’s 2019 novel A Stranger City is set in a post-2016 London that has become unfamiliar to its inhabitants, while Howard Jacobson’s Pussy of 2017 is a satire aimed at Trump’s electoral success. In each case, cultural turmoil is represented in terms of Jewish history.
Benefits of Multiple-Intervention Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Older Adults with High-Risk Multimorbidity after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Liu Jui-Fang , Lee Hsiu-Mei , Chen Jui-O , Fang Tien-Pei , Chen Yu-Mu , Lo Chien-Ming , Liu Shih-Feng , Lin Hui-Ling
Published: September 2020

Objective: Multimorbidity in elderly patients increases complications and retards the recovery of pulmonary function after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. We aimed to evaluate the impact of multiple-intervention pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea scores after CABG in adult patients aged ≥65 years who had multimorbidity. Methods: A cohort study was retrospectively conducted with 95 adults aged ≥65 years who underwent CABG surgery and completed a multiple-intervention PR program. Results: Patients in the non-multimorbidity (n = 56) and multimorbidity groups (n = 39) were evaluated on the basis of their muscle strength, degree of dyspnea, and pulmonary function. Postoperative complications were compared after the completion of PR. Between extubation days 1 and 14, the multimorbidity group showed significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure (16.91 vs. 24.95 cmH2O, P < 0.001), Borg Scale score (0.99 vs. 2.3, P < 0.001), and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC ratio) of 7.02% vs. 13.4% (P = 0.01). The incidence rates of pulmonary complications were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Multi-interventional PR program significantly improved the maximal inspiratory pressure, Borg scale score, and FEV1/FVC ratio in the adult patients aged ≥65 years who had multimorbidity after undergoing CABG surgery.
The Association between Health Literacy and Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Anami Kunihiko , Murata Shin , Nakano Hideki , Nonaka Koji , Iwase Hiroaki , Shiraiwa Kayoko , Abiko Teppei , Goda Akio , Horie Jun
Published: September 2020

The association between gait speed, a vital health outcome in older adults, and health literacy, an important health promotion aspect, is unclear. This study examined the relationship of gait speed with health literacy, physical function, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. The subjects were 240 older adults (52 men, mean age 73.8 ± 6.0 years). Gender, age, and education were self-reported, while height and weight were measured directly. Health literacy was evaluated using Communicative and Critical Health Literacy (CCHL). Grip strength, knee extension strength, toe-grip strength, sit-up test, sit-and-reach test, one-leg stance test time, 30-s chair-stand test (CS-30), and normal gait speed were measured. Subjects were divided into two groups based on normal gait speed—fast (speed ≥ 1.3 m/s) and slow (<1.3 m/s). In the logistic regression analysis, the dependent variable was normal gait speed (fast/slow). Four logistic regression models were utilized to determine whether health literacy affects gait speed. Height and CCHL were found to independently affect gait speed. That health literacy influences gait speed is a new discovery.
Investigation of Archaeological European White Elm (Ulmus laevis) for Identifying and Characterizing the Kind of Biological Degradation
Authors: Ghavidel Amir , Gelbrich Jana , Kuqo Aldi , Vasilache Viorica , Sandu Ion
Published: September 2020

The current work aims at the study of the biological degradation of archaeological European white elm via microscopy and chemical analysis in order to identify the kind of biological degradation and characterize the state of preservation of this type of wood. Profound knowledge of the chemical constituents and biological degradation in fresh-cut and archaeological elm wood will simplify the process of restoration and conservation of the investigated artifacts. Therefore, fresh-cut and archaeological elm were compared in terms of extractive, chlorite holocellulose, α-cellulose, lignin, and ash contents. In the fresh-cut elm wood, the contents of Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose, chlorite holocellulose, α-cellulose, and hemicellulose were significantly higher than that of the archaeological elm, confirmed by the degradation of native wood hemicelluloses by erosion bacteria during soil contact. Naturally, the mass percentage of lignin increases as the amount of chlorite holocellulose in the wood decreases. These wet chemistry results were also confirmed by FTIR analysis, where bands mainly attributed to hemicellulose and cellulose decreased significantly and bands belonging to lignin display higher intensity for the archaeological specimens. Ash and cyclohexane–ethanol extract contents of archaeological elm wood were significantly higher due to the movement of mineral components arising out of the soil into the wood specimens. Based on the microscopic investigation and given the fact that wood decay fungi need oxygen to degrade wood and the investigated archaeological elm specimens were buried to a 10 m depth in the soil, we might conclude that the wood degradation was caused by erosion bacteria.
In the Realm of Rain Gods: A Contextual Survey of Rock Art across the Northern Maya Lowlands
Authors: Rissolo Dominique
Published: September 2020

Regional rock art studies have provided insight into the role of caves in Maya ideology and worldview. In addition to the content of the imagery itself, the placement or siting of rock art with respect to natural and cultural features within the cave environment can reveal much about the function and meaning of cave use practices. This comparative analysis of rock art emphasizes contextual considerations with a discussion on the spatial and symbolic relationships between images in individual caves. Rock art in the northern Maya lowlands is commonly associated with watery areas and pathways leading to pools in caves. Across the northern Yucatan Peninsula, watery caves witnessed the rites and rituals of religious practitioners who appealed to the rain gods. Rock art scenes throughout this region were often devised and positioned in ways that reveal or are consistent with this unique and pervasive emphasis on rain and agricultural fertility in religious practice.
Independent Research on Cancer Pain Management in the Setting of Early Palliative Care: A Flywheel to Counteract General Opioid Misuse and Abuse
Authors: Bandieri Elena , Potenza Leonardo , Efficace Fabio , Bruera Eduardo , Luppi Mario
Published: September 2020

The increased recognition of the high prevalence and important burden of cancer pain and the documentation of a large proportion of patients receiving inadequate analgesic treatment should have reinforced the need for evidence-based recommendations. The World health Organization (WHO) guidelines on cancer pain management—or palliative care—are traditionally based on a sequential, three-step, analgesic ladder according to pain intensity: nonopioids (paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to mild pain in step I; weak opioids (eg, codeine or tramadol) to mild-moderate pain in step II; and strong opioids to moderate-severe pain in step. III. Despite the widespread use of this ladder, unrelieved pain continues to be a substantial concern in one third of patients with either solid or hematologic malignancies. The sequential WHO analgesic ladder, and in particular, the usefulness of step II opioids have been questioned but there are no universally used guidelines for the treatment of pain in patients with advanced cancer and not all guideline recommendations are evidence-based. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Society of Medical Oncology have recommended the implementation of early palliative care (EPC), which is a novel model of care, consisting of delivering dedicated palliative service concurrent with active treatment as early as possible in the cancer disease trajectory. Improvement in cancer pain management is one of the several important positive effects following EPC interventions. Independent well-designed research studies on pharmacological interventions on cancer pain, especially in the EPC setting are warranted and may contribute to spur research initiatives to investigate the poorly addressed issues of pain management in non cancer patients.
Remodeling the Skeletal Muscle Extracellular Matrix in Older Age—Effects of Acute Exercise Stimuli on Gene Expression
Authors: Gumpenberger Matthias , Wessner Barbara , Graf Alexandra , Narici Marco V. , Fink Christian , Braun Sepp , Hoser Christian , Blazevich Anthony J. , Csapo Robert
Published: September 2020

With advancing age, the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes fibrotic changes that may lead to increased muscle stiffness, injury susceptibility and strength loss. This study tested the potential of different exercises to counter these changes by stimulating the activity of genes associated with ECM remodeling. Twenty-six healthy men (66.9 ± 3.9 years) were stratified to two of four groups, performing unilateral (i) conventional resistance exercise, (ii) conventional resistance exercise followed by self-myofascial release (CEBR), (iii) eccentric-only exercise (ECC) or (iv) plyometric jumps (PLY). The non-trained leg served as control. Six hours post-exercise, vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples were analyzed for the expression of genes associated with ECM collagen synthesis (COL1A1), matrix metallopeptidases (collagen degradation; MMPs) and peptidase inhibitors (TIMP1). Significant between-group differences were found for MMP3, MMP15 and TIMP1, with the greatest responses in MMP3 and TIMP1 seen in CEBR and in MMP15 in ECC. MMP9 (3.24–3.81-fold change) and COL1A1 (1.47–2.40-fold change) were increased in CEBR and PLY, although between-group differences were non-significant. The expression of ECM-related genes is exercise-specific, with CEBR and PLY triggering either earlier or stronger remodeling than other stimuli. Training studies will test whether execution of such exercises may help counter age-associated muscle fibrosis.
Intramolecular Spodium Bonds in Zn(II) Complexes: Insights from Theory and Experiment
Authors: Karmakar Mainak , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik , Mooibroek Tiddo J. , Bauzá Antonio
Published: September 2020

Two new dinuclear zinc(II) complexes, [Zn2(µ1,3-OAc)(L1)2]I·MeOH (1) and [Zn2(µ1,3-OAc)(L2)(NCS)] (2), (where HL1 = 2-(((3-(dimethylamino)propyl)amino)methyl)-6-methoxy-phenol and H2L2 = 2,2′-[(1-Methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)bis(iminomethylene)]bis[6-ethoxyphenol]) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental and spectral analysis. Their X-ray solid state structures have been determined, revealing the existence of intramolecular Zn···O spodium bonds in both complexes due to the presence of methoxy (1) or ethoxy (2) substituents adjacent to the coordinated phenolic O-atom. These noncovalent interactions have been studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the quantum theory of “atoms-in-molecules” and the noncovalent interaction plot. Moreover, a search in the Cambridge structure database (CSD) has been conducted in order to investigate the prevalence of intramolecular spodium bonds in Zn complexes. To our knowledge this is the first investigation dealing with intramolecular spodium bonds.
Sub-Nanometer Cryo-EM Density Map of the Human Heterodimeric Amino Acid Transporter 4F2hc-LAT2
Authors: Jeckelmann Jean-Marc , Fotiadis Dimitrios
Published: September 2020

Heterodimeric amino acid transporters (HATs) are protein complexes mediating the transport of amino acids and derivatives thereof across biological membranes. HATs are composed of two subunits, a heavy and a light chain subunit belonging to the solute carrier (SLC) families SLC3 and SLC7. The human HAT 4F2hc-LAT2 is composed of the type-II membrane N-glycoprotein 4F2hc (SCL3A2) and the L-type amino acid transporter LAT2 (SLC7A8), which are covalently linked to each other by a conserved disulfide bridge. Whereas LAT2 catalyzes substrate transport, 4F2hc is important for the successful trafficking of the transporter to the plasma membrane. The overexpression, malfunction, or absence of 4F2hc-LAT2 is associated with human diseases, and therefore, this heterodimeric complex represents a potential drug target. The recombinant human 4F2hc-LAT2 can be functionally overexpressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, and the protein can be purified. Here, we present the cryo-EM density map of the human 4F2hc-LAT2 amino acid transporter at sub-nanometer resolution. A homology model of 4F2hc-LAT2 in the inward-open conformation was generated and fitted into the cryo-EM density and analyzed. In addition, disease-causing point mutations in human LAT2 were mapped on the homology model of 4F2hc-LAT2, and the possible functional implications on the molecular level are discussed.
Blocking IL-17: A Promising Strategy in the Treatment of Systemic Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Rafael-Vidal Carlos , Pérez Nair , Altabás Irene , Garcia Samuel , Pego-Reigosa Jose M.
Published: September 2020

Systemic rheumatic diseases are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders that affect the connective tissue, characterized by the involvement of multiple organs, leading to disability, organ failure and premature mortality. Despite the advances in recent years, the therapeutic options for these diseases are still limited and some patients do not respond to the current treatments. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a cytokine essential in the defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi. Disruption of IL-17 homeostasis has been associated with the development and progression of rheumatic diseases, and the approval of different biological therapies targeting IL-17 for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has highlighted the key role of this cytokine. IL-17 has been also implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the most recent findings about the pathogenic role of IL-17 in systemic rheumatic and its potential use as a therapeutic option.
Finding New Molecular Targets of Familiar Natural Products Using In Silico Target Prediction
Authors: Mayr Fabian , Möller Gabriele , Garscha Ulrike , Fischer Jana , Rodríguez Castaño Patricia , Inderbinen Silvia G. , Temml Veronika , Waltenberger Birgit , Schwaiger Stefan , Hartmann Rolf W. , Gege Christian , Martens Stefan , Odermatt Alex , Pandey Amit V. , Werz Oliver , Adamski Jerzy , Stuppner Hermann , Schuster Daniela
Published: September 2020

Natural products comprise a rich reservoir for innovative drug leads and are a constant source of bioactive compounds. To find pharmacological targets for new or already known natural products using modern computer-aided methods is a current endeavor in drug discovery. Nature’s treasures, however, could be used more effectively. Yet, reliable pipelines for the large-scale target prediction of natural products are still rare. We developed an in silico workflow consisting of four independent, stand-alone target prediction tools and evaluated its performance on dihydrochalcones (DHCs)—a well-known class of natural products. Thereby, we revealed four previously unreported protein targets for DHCs, namely 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3, and aldo-keto reductase 1C3. Moreover, we provide a thorough strategy on how to perform computational target predictions and guidance on using the respective tools.
Antibacterial Activity of Selected Essential Oil Compounds Alone and in Combination with β-Lactam Antibiotics Against MRSA Strains
Authors: Kwiatkowski Paweł , Łopusiewicz Łukasz , Pruss Agata , Kostek Mateusz , Sienkiewicz Monika , Bonikowski Radosław , Wojciechowska-Koszko Iwona , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to determine the effect of selected essential oil compounds (EOCs) on the antibacterial activity of β-lactam antibiotics (βLAs) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The following parameters were studied: antibiotic susceptibility testing, detection of mecA gene and evaluation of genotypic relativity of isolates using molecular techniques, analysis of chemical composition applying Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and determination of antibacterial activity of EOCs alone and in combination with βLAs against MRSA strains using microdilution and checkerboard methods. It was found that all isolates expressed MRSA and resistance phenotypes for macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins B. All isolates harbored the mecA gene and belonged to three distinct genotypes. Eight of the 10 EOCs showed efficient antimicrobial activity against the MRSA reference strain. The analysis of interaction between EOCs and βLAs against the MRSA reference strain revealed a synergistic and additive effect of the following combinations: methicillin (Met)-linalyl acetate (LinAc), penicillin G (Pen)-1,8-cineole (Cin), and Pen-LinAc. Analysis of EOC-βLA interactions showed a synergistic and additive effect in the following combinations: Met-LinAc (against low- and high-level βLAs resistance strains), Pen-Cin, and Pen-LinAc (against low-level βLAs resistance strains). It was also confirmed that changes in phosphodiester, -OH, -CH2 and -CH3 groups may change the interactions with βLAs. Moreover, the presence of two CH3O- moieties in the Met molecule could also play a key role in the synergistic and additive mechanism of LinAc action with Met against MRSA strains. Direct therapy using a Met-LinAc combination may become an alternative treatment method for staphylococcal infections caused by MRSA. However, this unconventional therapy must be preceded by numerous cytotoxicity tests.
MicroRNAs: As Critical Regulators of Tumor- Associated Macrophages
Authors: Chatterjee Bilash , Saha Priyanka , Bose Subhankar , Shukla Devendra , Chatterjee Nabanita , Kumar Sanjay , Tripathi Prem Prakash , Srivastava Amit Kumar
Published: September 2020

Emerging shreds of evidence suggest that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) modulate various hallmarks of cancer during tumor progression. Tumor microenvironment (TME) prime TAMs to execute important roles in cancer development and progression, including angiogenesis, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) secretion, and extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical epigenetic regulators, which modulate various functions in diverse types of cells, including macrophages associated with TME. In this review article, we provide an update on miRNAs regulating differentiation, maturation, activation, polarization, and recruitment of macrophages in the TME. Furthermore, extracellular miRNAs are secreted from cancerous cells, which control macrophages phenotypic plasticity to support tumor growth. In return, TAMs also secrete various miRNAs that regulate tumor growth. Herein, we also describe the recent updates on the molecular connection between tumor cells and macrophages. A better understanding of the interaction between miRNAs and TAMs will provide new pharmacological targets to combat cancer.
Heme Oxygenase 1 and 2 Differentially Regulate Glucose Metabolism and Adipose Tissue Mitochondrial Respiration: Implications for Metabolic Dysregulation
Authors: Yao Hongwei , Peterson Abigail L. , Li Jie , Xu Haiyan , Dennery Phyllis A.
Published: September 2020

Heme oxygenase (HO) consists of inducible (HO-1) and constitutive (HO-2) isoforms that are encoded by Hmox1 and Hmox2 genes, respectively. As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule, HO participates in the development of metabolic diseases. Whether Hmox deficiency causes metabolic abnormalities under basal conditions remains unclear. We hypothesized that HO-1 and HO-2 differentially affect global and adipose tissue metabolism. To test this hypothesis, we determined insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, energy expenditure, and respiratory exchange ratio in global Hmox1-/- and Hmox2-/- mice. Body weight was reduced in female but not male Hmox1-/- and Hmox2-/- mice. Reduced insulin sensitivity and physical activity were observed in Hmox1-/- but not Hmox2-/- mice. Deletion of either Hmox1 or Hmox2 had no effects on glucose tolerance, energy expenditure or respiratory exchange ratio. Mitochondrial respiration was unchanged in gonadal fat pads (white adipose tissue, WAT) of Hmox1-/- mice. Hmox2 deletion increased proton leak and glycolysis in gonadal, but not interscapular fat tissues (brown adipose tissue, BAT). Uncoupling protein and Hmox1 genes were unchanged in gonadal fat pads of Hmox2-/- mice. Conclusively, HO-1 maintains insulin sensitivity, while HO-2 represses glycolysis and proton leak in the WAT under basal condition. This suggests that HO-1 and HO-2 differentially modulate metabolism, which may impact the metabolic syndrome.