bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable HRM Practices in Corporate Reporting
Authors: Hronová Štěpánka , Špaček Miroslav
Published: May 2021

Shaped by the current turbulent era of macroeconomic forces, inclusive of the technological challenges of Industry 4.0, and ubiquitous uncertainties, the business environment and its stakeholders hold high expectations for sustainable organizational practices, including harmonized and comprehensible sustainability reporting. Increasingly, responsible behavior towards internal stakeholders comes from within organizations, valuing employees as a key asset and introducing sustainable human resource management (S-HRM) practices to motivate their workforce. Reporting on these S-HRM practices and sustainability is in the highest interests of managers and investors alike. Focusing on the involved parties, employees most particularly, the paper contributes to the stakeholder theory. The literature review, previous S-HRM studies’ interpretation and their critical assessment, the GRI standards’ comparative analysis, and Lawshe’s content validity approach have been applied as the methodological framework. With the purpose to extend the scientific literature on S-HRM and its reporting, the authors aim to close the gap between purely theoretical S-HRM treaties and more practically oriented studies on reporting. The findings on the key areas of S-HRM practices give rise to the S-HRM Practices Model, the main goal of this study. This comprehensible model may serve as a harmonized instrument for sustainable HRM reporting analysis and auditing for academia and practitioners alike.
When We Teach for Positive Creativity, What Exactly Do We Teach For?
Authors: Sternberg Robert J. , Chowkase Aakash
Published: May 2021

Positive creativity is creativity that makes the world a better place—that makes a positive, meaningful, and potentially enduring difference to the world. Positive creativity can be a bit of a slippery concept in that, what is positive to one person or one group may be neutral or even negative to another group. Much of teaching young people for positive creativity, therefore, involves providing the tools to decide what positive creativity means to them, and teaching them how to defend their decision. This essay focuses especially on alternative conceptions of what positive creativity means. It considers a variety of approaches, such as definitional models—objective and subjective betterment; ratings, including from layperson and experts; philosophical models—utilitarian and categorical-imperative models; decision-theory models—minimax, maximin, and maximax models; psychologically based models—a Four-C model and a model based on wise creativity. The essay also discusses steps toward teaching explicitly for positive creativity.
The Technical Quality of the Wood of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of Diverse Genetic Origin
Authors: Konofalska Eliza , Kozakiewicz Paweł , Buraczyk Włodzimierz , Szeligowski Henryk , Lachowicz Hubert
Published: May 2021

This work contains the preliminary results of research into the technical quality of the wood from Scots pine trees of diverse genetic origin, grown on an experimental plot at the Forest Experimental Station in Rogów. The following are the parent stands, numbered: 5 (the Tucholskie Forest 130 m a.s.l.), 7 (the Napiwodzko–Ramuckie Forest 145 m a.s.l.), 10 (the Piska Forest 145 m a.s.l.), 12 (the Biała Forest 95 m a.s.l.), 13 (the Namysłowsko–Ostrzeszowskie Forest 190 m a.s.l.), 15 (the Knyszyńska Forest 165 m a.s.l.), and 16 (the Nowotarskie Forest 590 m a.s.l.). The tested wood was obtained in 2018 from trees aged 52 years. The research material came from 100 trees in total. After felling, two logs approximately 0.5 m in length were cut from each tree. The height on the tree from which the material was taken ranged from breast height (1.3 m) to approximately 2.5 m. Next, planks were cut from the logs in a north–south direction; these were precisely described and then left to season. The work included the measurement and statistical analysis of one physical property, wood density (kg/m3), and of the following mechanical properties: compressive strength along the fibres, Rc12 (MPa); static bending strength, Rg12 (MPa); modulus of elasticity under static bending, Eg12 (MPa); and indices of strength quality of the tested mechanical properties, JRc12, JRg12, and JEg12 (km). The origin of the logs was shown to have a significant influence on wood density, compressive strength, static bending strength, and modulus of elasticity under static bending. The highest mean density was found for trees originating from stand 10 (537 kg/m3). The highest values of compressive strength were obtained for trees originating from stands 5 (45 MPa), and the highest static bending strength and modulus of elasticity under static bending were obtained for trees originating from stand 12 (102 and 9825 MPa, respectively).
Hydrodynamic Characterisation of a Garman-Type Hydrokinetic Turbine
Authors: Laín Santiago , Contreras Leidy T. , López Omar D.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a numerical study of the effects of the inclination angle of the turbine rotation axis with respect to the main flow direction on the performance of a prototype hydrokinetic turbine of the Garman type. In particular, the torque and force coefficients are evaluated as a function of the turbine angular velocity and axis operation angle regarding the mainstream direction. To accomplish this purpose, transient simulations are performed using a commercial solver (ANSYS-Fluent v. 19). Turbulent features of the flow are modelled by the shear stress transport (SST) transitional turbulence model, and results are compared with those obtained with its basic version (i.e., nontransitional), hereafter called standard. The behaviour of the power and force coefficients for the various considered tip speed ratios are presented. Pressure and skin friction coefficients on the blades are analysed at each computed turbine angular speed by means of contour plots and two-dimensional profiles. Moreover, the pressure and viscous contributions to the torque and forces experienced by the hydrokinetic turbine are examined in detail. It is demonstrated that the reason behind the higher power coefficient predictions of the transitional turbulence model, close to 6% at maximum efficiency, regarding its standard counterpart, is the smaller computed viscous torque contribution in the former. As a result, the power coefficient of the inclined turbine is around 35% versus the 45% obtained for the turbine with its rotation axis parallel to flow direction.
Effect of Fermentation on Cyanide and Ethyl Carbamate Contents in Cassava Flour and Evaluation of Their Mass Balance during Lab-Scale Continuous Distillation
Authors: Qin Yan , Duan Beibei , Shin Jung-Ah , So Hee-Jin , Hong Eun-Sik , Jeong Hee-Gon , Lee Jeung-Hee , Lee Ki-Teak
Published: May 2021

When cassava is used for the production of distilled spirits through fermentation and distillation, toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is released from linamarin and carcinogenic ethyl carbamate is produced. Herein, cyanide and ethyl carbamate contents were monitored during the fermentation and lab-scale continuous distillation processes. Thereafter, mass balance and the influence of copper chips were evaluated. Results showed that 81.5% of cyanide was removed after fermentation. Use of copper chips completely prevented the migration of cyanide into the distilled spirits, while 88.3% of cyanide migrated from the fermented liquid in the absence of copper chips. Formation of ethyl carbamate was significantly promoted during distillation. Most of the produced ethyl carbamate (73.2%) was transferred into the distilled spirits in the absence of copper chips, only 9.6% of the ethyl carbamate was transferred when copper chips were used. Thus, copper chips effectively prevented the migration of cyanide and ethyl carbamate into the distilled spirts during continuous distillation.
Addressing the Location Problem of a Perishables Redistribution Center in the Middle of Europe
Authors: Pérez-Mesa Juan Carlos , Serrano-Arcos M. Mar , Jiménez-Guerrero José Felipe , Sánchez-Fernández Raquel
Published: May 2021

This work aims to contribute to the debate on practical utilization of different location models for consolidation, redistribution, and repackaging centers in a supply chain to optimize shipments, thereby reducing food loss and waste, within the framework of quality of customer service improvement. The scenario in question is the creation of a redistribution center for highly perishable products (fruits and vegetables) from southeast Spain—the leading European supplier—for customers throughout Europe. It is estimated that 10% of exports (more than 530,000 metric tons) from this area are returned by customers due to minor defects. These products cannot be reused and are therefore wasted. Regarding the methodology, comparisons were made between the p-median, gravity p-median, and p-center models. Scenarios of change in demand and randomness in distances were also tested. In addition, the modelling used included the cost and time within a multicriteria optimization framework to assess the possibility of a transport mode change. It was observed, for example, that the gravity p-median model proved useful for perishable products and the logistics strategy chosen. Furthermore, the p-median model displayed strong robustness against long-term changes in demand and random distances. In general, it was demonstrated that this strategy would successfully reduce the response time and distance of shipment from the distribution center to the customers and thereby improve sustainability of the service, reducing the waste related to direct shipments. Furthermore, this research also demonstrated the difficulty of using intermodality in this context, mainly due to transit time, which would undoubtedly increase the waste generated.
Practical Estimation of Landslide Kinematics Using PSI Data
Authors: Crippa Chiara , Agliardi Federico
Published: May 2021

Kinematics is a key component of a landslide hazard because landslides moving at similar rates can affect structures or collapse differently depending on their mechanisms. While a complete definition of landslide kinematics requires integrating surface and subsurface site investigation data, its practical estimate is usually based on 2D profiles of surface slope displacements. These can be now measured accurately using Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PSI), which exploits open access satellite imagery. Although 2D profiles of kinematic quantities are easy to retrieve, the efficacy of possible descriptors and extraction strategies has not been systematically compared, especially for complex landslides. Large, slow rock slope deformations, characterized by low displacement rates (<50 mm/year) and spatial and temporal heterogeneities, are an excellent testing ground to explore the best approaches to exploit PSI data from Sentinel-1 for kinematic characterization. For three case studies, we extract profiles of different kinematic quantities using different strategies and evaluate them against field data and simplified numerical modelling. We suggest that C-band PSI data allow for an effective appraisal of complex landslide kinematics, provided that the interpretation is (a) based on decomposed velocity vector descriptors, (b) extracted along critical profiles using interpolation techniques respectful of landslide heterogeneity, and (c) constrained by suitable model-based templates and field data.
Liquefaction Phenomena Induced by the 26 November 2019, Mw = 6.4 Durrës (Albania) Earthquake and Liquefaction Susceptibility Assessment in the Affected Area
Authors: Mavroulis Spyridon , Lekkas Efthymios , Carydis Panayotis
Published: May 2021

On 26 November 2019, an Mw = 6.4 earthquake struck the central-western part of Albania. Its impact comprises secondary earthquake environmental effects (EEE) and severe building damage within the Periadriatic and the Tirana Depressions. EEE comprised mainly liquefaction phenomena in coastal, riverine, and lagoonal sites of the earthquake-affected area. From the evaluation of all available earthquake-related data, it is concluded that liquefaction sites are not randomly distributed within the affected area but are structurally and lithologically controlled. The affected areas are distributed within NW–SE striking zones formed in graben-like syncline areas with NW–SE trending fold axes. These graben-like areas are bounded by NW–SE striking marginal thrust faults and are filled with geological formations of Neogene to Quaternary age. These NW–SE striking zones and structures coincide with the NW–SE striking seismogenic thrust fault of the November 2019 earthquake as it is derived from the provided fault plane solutions. An approach for liquefaction susceptibility assessment is applied based on geological and seismological data and on liquefaction inventory. From the comparison of the compiled liquefaction inventory and the susceptibility maps, it is concluded that the majority of the observed liquefaction has been generated in very high and high susceptible areas.
Shaping Landscapes: Thinking On the Interactions between People and Nature in Inter- and Postdisciplinary Narratives
Authors: Roque Ana Cristina , Veracini Cecilia , Brito Cristina
Published: May 2021

This article addresses broad and plural concepts of landscape, considering its diversity of meanings and uses, which go far beyond its environmental and geographical connotations. It discusses the relationship between humanity and the rest of the natural world as a global process that combines physical and cultural aspects, and it seeks to highlight the contribution of environmental humanities to the understanding of these. Given the multiple conceptual interpretations and meanings of landscapes, we argue that current research trends are good examples of what we can consider as postdisciplinary approaches, challenging both disciplinary and interdisciplinary models of analysis. In this context, we use the recent pandemic scenarios as an example.
Evaluation of Policy Effectiveness by Mathematical Modeling for the Opioid Crisis with Spatial Study and Trend Analysis
Authors: Pan Jiaji , Ren Shen , Huang Xiuxiang , Peng Ke , Chen Zhongxiang
Published: May 2021

The current opioid epidemic in the US presents a great problem which calls for policy supervision and regulation. In this work, the opioid cases of five states were used for trend analysis and modeling for the estimation of potential policy effects. An evaluation model was established to analyze the severity of the opioid abuse based on the entropy weight method (EWM) and rank sum ratio (RSR). Four indexes were defined to estimate the spatial distribution of development and spread of the opioid crisis. Thirteen counties with the most severe opioid abuse in five states were determined using the EWM-RSR model and those indexes. Additionally, a forecast of the development of opioid abuse was given based on an autoregressive (AR) model. The RSR values of the thirteen counties would increase to the range between 0.951 and 1.226. Furthermore, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was adopted. The previous indexes were modified, incorporating the comprehensive socioeconomic effects. The optimal penalty term was found to facilitate the stability and reliability of the model. By using the comprehensive model, it was found that three factors—VC112, VC114, VC115—related to disabled people have a great influence on the development of opioid abuse. The simulated policies were performed in the model to decrease the values of the indicators by 10%–50%. The corresponding RSR values can decline to the range between 0.564 and 0.606. Adopting policies that benefit the disabled population should inhibit the trend of opioid abuse.
Personal Profiles, Family Environment, Patterns of Smartphone Use, Nomophobia, and Smartphone Addiction across Low, Average, and High Perceived Academic Performance Levels among High School Students in the Philippines
Authors: Buctot Danilo B. , Kim Nami , Kim Sun-Hee
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Problematic smartphone use in adolescents has become a major concern among parents and educators. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with, and the predictors of, low, average, and high perceived academic performance (PAP). (2) Methods: Descriptive and comparative analyses were employed in this cross-sectional study among 3374 Filipino high school students through an online Google forms survey. (3) Results: We found that age, grade level, father’s education, time spent daily on weekends, frequency of use on weekdays, purpose of use, nomophobia (NMP), and smartphone addiction (SA) were significantly associated with low PAP, while frequency of use on weekends and type of internet access had a significant association with high PAP. Gender was a significant predictor of low, average, and high PAP. Father’s education and SA were also significant predictors for both low and average PAP. (4) Conclusions: This study shows the significant association between personal profiles, family environment, patterns of smartphone use, NMP, and SA contributing to a significant impact on Filipino high school students’ PAP. This suggests that proper guidelines for smartphone use should be provided at home and in school settings to raise awareness of the adverse effects of SA on students’ academic performance.
Extremophiles, a Nifty Tool to Face Environmental Pollution: From Exploitation of Metabolism to Genome Engineering
Authors: Gallo Giovanni , Puopolo Rosanna , Carbonaro Miriam , Maresca Emanuela , Fiorentino Gabriella
Published: May 2021

Extremophiles are microorganisms that populate habitats considered inhospitable from an anthropocentric point of view and are able to tolerate harsh conditions such as high temperatures, extreme pHs, high concentrations of salts, toxic organic substances, and/or heavy metals. These microorganisms have been broadly studied in the last 30 years and represent precious sources of biomolecules and bioprocesses for many biotechnological applications; in this context, scientific efforts have been focused on the employment of extremophilic microbes and their metabolic pathways to develop biomonitoring and bioremediation strategies to face environmental pollution, as well as to improve biorefineries for the conversion of biomasses into various chemical compounds. This review gives an overview on the peculiar metabolic features of certain extremophilic microorganisms, with a main focus on thermophiles, which make them attractive for biotechnological applications in the field of environmental remediation; moreover, it sheds light on updated genetic systems (also those based on the CRISPR-Cas tool), which expand the potentialities of these microorganisms to be genetically manipulated for various biotechnological purposes.
Stress Perceived by University Health Sciences Students, 1 Year after COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Marcén-Román Yolanda , Gasch-Gallen Angel , Vela Martín de la Mota Irene Isabel , Calatayud Estela , Gómez-Soria Isabel , Rodríguez-Roca Beatriz
Published: May 2021

Today’s COVID-19 situation can affect university Health Sciences students’ psychological health. This study aimed to analyze the stress caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Health Sciences students from the University of Zaragoza (Spain) almost 1 year after the pandemic began. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 252 university students who completed a self-administered online questionnaire. It evaluated the impact of perceived stress with a modified scale (PSS-10-C), and assessed anxiety and depression on the Goldberg scale. Students presented stress (13.1%), anxiety (71.4%) and depression (81%). Females (81.7%) and the third-year Occupational Therapy students (p = 0.010) reported perceived stress. Nursing students perceived less stress (OR: 0.148; 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.842). University students developed stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 almost 1 year after the pandemic began. Psychological support measures for these groups should be prioritized.
Prevalence of Oral and Maxillofacial Disorders in Patients with Systemic Scleroderma—A Systematic Review
Authors: Benz Korbinian , Baulig Christine , Knippschild Stephanie , Strietzel Frank Peter , Hunzelmann Nicolas , Jackowski Jochen
Published: May 2021

Background: Systematic scleroderma is a rare chronic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of orofacial pathognomonic conditions in patients with systemic scleroderma using only randomised prospective studies that investigated the treatment of oral and maxillofacial changes, highlighted associations between the disease and Sjogren’s syndrome, and/or analysed the effect of oral hygiene. Methods: The literature was systematically reviewed based on Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science articles published up to March 2020. The primary endpoint of this analysis was defined as an estimation of the prevalence of oral mucosal changes in different areas of the oral cavity (oral mucosa, tongue, lip, periodontal status, bones, and other regions) in patients suffering from scleroderma. Therefore, a systematic literature search (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted and limited by the publication date (1950-03/2020) and the publication language (English). Extracted frequencies were pooled using methods for meta-analysis. In order to obtain the highest level of evidence, only prospective study reports were considered to be eligible. Results: After full-text screening, 14 (766 patients) out of 193 publications were eligible for the final analysis. Twelve studies produced reliable results in the final data sets. Calculation of the pooled effect estimate (random effects model) revealed a prevalence of 57.6% (95% CI: 40.8–72.9%) for the main area “lip”. For the area “oral mucosa”, a prevalence of 35.5% (95% CI: 15.7–62.0%) was calculated. The prevalence for “other regions” was only based on studies with salivary changes and was calculated to be 25.4% (95% CI: 14.2–41.3%). Conclusion: The most pathognomonic conditions in the orofacial region in patients with systemic scleroderma affect the lips, oral mucosa, and salivary glands.
Effect of Handgrip Training in Extreme Heat on the Development of Handgrip Maximal Isometric Strength among Young Males
Authors: Bartolomé Ignacio , Siquier-Coll Jesús , Pérez-Quintero Mario , Robles-Gil María Concepción , Muñoz Diego , Maynar-Mariño Marcos
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and adaptive effects of passive extreme heat (100 ± 3 °C) exposition in combination with a strength training protocol on maximal isometric handgrip strength. Fifty-four untrained male university students participated in this investigation. Twenty-nine formed the control group (NG) and 25 the heat-exposed group (HG). All the participants performed a 3-week isotonic handgrip strength training program twice a week with a training volume of 10 series of 10 repetitions with 45-s rest between series, per session. All the subjects only trained their right hand, leaving their left hand untrained. HG performed the same training protocol in hot (100 ± 3 °C) conditions in a dry sauna. Maximal isometric handgrip strength was evaluated each training day before and after the session. NG participants did not experience any modifications in either hand by the end of the study while HG increased maximal strength values in both hands (p < 0.05), decreased the difference between hands (p < 0.05), and recorded higher values than the controls in the trained (p < 0.05) and untrained (p < 0.01) hands after the intervention period. These changes were not accompanied by any modification in body composition in either group. The performance of a unilateral isotonic handgrip strength program in hot conditions during the three weeks induced an increase in maximal isometric handgrip strength in both hands without modifications to bodyweight or absolute body composition.
Sustainable Growth of Social Tourism: A Growth Mixture Modeling Approach Using Heterogeneous Travel Frequency Trajectories
Authors: Lee Jaeseok , Baek Jooa
Published: May 2021

As travel activity has gained attention as one of the essential ways of understanding the sustainable growth of social tourism, a growing number of research projects have been conducted to elucidate the relationship between residents’ travel quantity (frequency) and quality (experience) in both macro and micro perspectives. Yet, very little research has highlighted that travel opportunities are not equally available to residents, especially a longitudinal perspective. The current study classified domestic travelers into four distinct classes using four years of longitudinal data from 5054 Korean residents. Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) and growth mixture modeling (GMM) were employed to find out (1) the optimal number of classes, (2) the longitudinal travel frequency trajectory of each class, and (3) the distinctive demographic and travel characteristics of the four classes. This study provides some practical implications for policymakers when optimizing available resources for sustainable travel opportunities to relevant target sub-populations. Furthermore, detailed step-by-step analytic tutorials are also introduced for the extended application of longitudinal latent variable analysis in the tourism and hospitality fields, providing additional insights for relevant stakeholders.
Scutellaria baicalensis and Their Natural Flavone Compounds as Potential Medicinal Drugs for the Treatment of Nicotine-Induced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Asthma
Authors: Alsharairi Naser A.
Published: May 2021

Flavonoids as the largest group of natural phytochemical compounds have received significant attention, as demonstrated by clinical trials, due to their chemotherapeutic and/or pharmacological effects against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and asthma. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis), known as one of the most popular medicinal plants and used in several countries, contains natural active flavone constituents, with the major compounds of the roots being baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside and oroxylin A. S. baicalensis and their compounds are proven to have inhibitory effects on NSCLC cells when used at different concentrations. However, the exact mechanisms by which these compounds exert their therapeutic effects against asthma remain unexplored. Indeed, the mechanisms by which S. baicalensis and its flavone compounds exert a protective effect against nicotine-induced NSCLC and asthma are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this review explores the mechanisms involved in the therapeutic potential of flavone-rich extracts from S. baicalensis in nicotine-induced NSCLC and asthma.
Measuring and Exploring Children’s Health Literacy in The Netherlands: Translation and Adaptation of the HLS-Child-Q15
Authors: Hahnraths Marla T. H. , Heijmans Monique , Bollweg Torsten M. , Okan Orkan , Willeboordse Maartje , Rademakers Jany
Published: May 2021

As health literacy (HL) is hypothesized to develop throughout life, enhancement during childhood will improve HL and health during life. There are few valid, age-appropriate tools to assess children’s HL. The German-language European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire Adapted for Children (HLS-Child-Q15-DE) is a self-report questionnaire adapted from the adult European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire. This study aims to translate the HLS-Child-Q15 to Dutch and explore the sample’s HL distribution. The HLS-Child-Q15-DE was translated following WHO guidelines and administered digitally to 209 Dutch schoolchildren (eight-to-eleven-year-olds). Its psychometric properties were assessed and the sample’s HL distribution was explored by demographic characteristics. The HLS-Child-Q15-NL had high internal consistency (α = 0.860) and moderate to strong item-total correlations (mean = 0.499). For 6 of the 15 items, >10% of participants answered “do not know”, indicating comprehension problems. Higher HL scores were observed for ten-to-eleven-year-olds (compared with eight-to-nine-year-olds; p = 0.021) and fourth-grade students (compared with third-grade; p = 0.019). This supports the idea that HL evolves throughout life and the importance of schools in this process. With the HLS-Child-Q15-NL, a Dutch measurement instrument of children’s HL is available, although it needs further tailoring to the target group. More research is needed to decrease comprehension problems and to investigate retest reliability and construct validity.
Analysis of Environmental Determinants of Heme and Nonheme Iron Intake in a National Sample of Polish Adolescents
Authors: Skolmowska Dominika , Głąbska Dominika
Published: May 2021

Intake of sufficient amounts of iron by adolescents is a matter of great concern. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the factors that may influence iron intake in this specific population. The present study aimed to analyze the environmental determinants of the intake of heme and nonheme iron in a national homogenous sample of Polish adolescents. Adolescents (aged 15–20 years) were randomly chosen from all the regions of Poland by performing a sampling of secondary schools (random quota sampling). The total iron intake, as well as the intake of heme iron, nonheme iron, animal iron, plant iron, and iron from various food products, was assessed among 1385 female respondents and 1025 male respondents using the validated IRON Intake Calculation—Food Frequency Questionnaire (IRONIC-FFQ). The intake was compared between the subgroups stratified by meat intake in the region, gross domestic product (GDP) in the region, and size of the city (rural vs. urban environment). It was observed that meat intake in the region did not influence the intake of total iron, as well as the intake of heme iron, nonheme iron, animal iron, plant iron, and iron from various food products (p > 0.05). However, GDP and the size of the city were determined as the most influencing factors, as they were associated with iron intake in both female and male adolescents, with the most prominent differences between the subgroups found in the case of females. Female adolescents from high-GDP regions had significantly higher intake of heme iron (p = 0.0047) and animal iron (p = 0.0029), and lower intake of nonheme iron compared to those from low-GDP regions (p = 0.0342). The total iron intake was higher among female adolescents who were from medium cities than those from big cities (p = 0.0350), but significantly higher animal iron intake (p = 0.0404) and plant iron intake (p = 0.0385) were observed among females from villages and small towns compared to females from other groups. Based on the results, it may be concluded that size of the city and the economic status of the region are the most important environmental determinants of iron intake in adolescents and, hence, they should be taken into account while developing educational programs, especially for the female adolescent population.
The Prominin-1-Derived Peptide Improves Cardiac Function Following Ischemia
Authors: Adini Avner , Adini Irit , Grad Etty , Tal Yuval , Danenberg Haim D. , Kang Peter M. , Matthews Benjamin D. , D’Amato Robert J.
Published: May 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of death in the western world. Despite advancements in interventional revascularization technologies, many patients are not candidates for them due to comorbidities or lack of local resources. Non-invasive approaches to accelerate revascularization within ischemic tissues through angiogenesis by providing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in protein or gene form has been effective in animal models but not in humans likely due to its short half-life and systemic toxicity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PR1P, a small VEGF binding peptide that we developed, which stabilizes and upregulates endogenous VEGF, could be used to improve outcome from MI in rodents. To test this hypothesis, we induced MI in mice and rats via left coronary artery ligation and then treated animals with every other day intraperitoneal PR1P or scrambled peptide for 14 days. Hemodynamic monitoring and echocardiography in mice and echocardiography in rats at 14 days showed PR1P significantly improved multiple functional markers of heart function, including stroke volume and cardiac output. Furthermore, molecular biology and histological analyses of tissue samples showed that systemic PR1P targeted, stabilized and upregulated endogenous VEGF within ischemic myocardium. We conclude that PR1P is a potential non-invasive candidate therapeutic for MI.
Cell–Cell Communication at the Embryo Implantation Site of Mouse Uterus Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis
Authors: Yang Yi , He Jia-Peng , Liu Ji-Long
Published: May 2021

As a crucial step for human reproduction, embryo implantation is a low-efficiency process. Despite rapid advances in recent years, the molecular mechanism underlying embryo implantation remains poorly understood. Here, we used the mouse as an animal model and generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of embryo implantation sites. By analyzing inter-implantation sites of the uterus as control, we were able to identify global gene expression changes associated with embryo implantation in each cell type. Additionally, we predicted signaling interactions between uterine luminal epithelial cells and mural trophectoderm of blastocysts, which represent the key mechanism of embryo implantation. We also predicted signaling interactions between uterine epithelial-stromal crosstalk at implantation sites, which are crucial for post-implantation development. Our data provide a valuable resource for deciphering the molecular mechanism underlying embryo implantation.
Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Turnover during Chronic Muscle Disuse
Authors: Memme Jonathan M. , Slavin Mikhaela , Moradi Neushaw , Hood David A.
Published: May 2021

Periods of muscle disuse promote marked mitochondrial alterations that contribute to the impaired metabolic health and degree of atrophy in the muscle. Thus, understanding the molecular underpinnings of muscle mitochondrial decline with prolonged inactivity is of considerable interest. There are translational applications to patients subjected to limb immobilization following injury, illness-induced bed rest, neuropathies, and even microgravity. Studies in these patients, as well as on various pre-clinical rodent models have elucidated the pathways involved in mitochondrial quality control, such as mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, fission and fusion, and the corresponding mitochondrial derangements that underlie the muscle atrophy that ensues from inactivity. Defective organelles display altered respiratory function concurrent with increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which exacerbate myofiber atrophy via degradative pathways. The preservation of muscle quality and function is critical for maintaining mobility throughout the lifespan, and for the prevention of inactivity-related diseases. Exercise training is effective in preserving muscle mass by promoting favourable mitochondrial adaptations that offset the mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to the declines in muscle and whole-body metabolic health. This highlights the need for further investigation of the mechanisms in which mitochondria contribute to disuse-induced atrophy, as well as the specific molecular targets that can be exploited therapeutically.
CACNA1A Mutations Causing Early Onset Ataxia: Profiling Clinical, Dysmorphic and Structural-Functional Findings
Authors: Martínez-Monseny Antonio F. , Edo Albert , Casas-Alba Dídac , Izquierdo-Serra Mercè , Bolasell Mercè , Conejo David , Martorell Loreto , Muchart Jordi , Carrera Laura , Ortez Carlos I. , Nascimento Andrés , Oliva Baldo , Fernández-Fernández José M. , Serrano Mercedes
Published: May 2021

The CACNA1A gene encodes the pore-forming α1A subunit of the voltage-gated CaV2.1 Ca2+ channel, essential in neurotransmission, especially in Purkinje cells. Mutations in CACNA1A result in great clinical heterogeneity with progressive symptoms, paroxysmal events or both. During infancy, clinical and neuroimaging findings may be unspecific, and no dysmorphic features have been reported. We present the clinical, radiological and evolutionary features of three patients with congenital ataxia, one of them carrying a new variant. We report the structural localization of variants and their expected functional consequences. There was an improvement in cerebellar syndrome over time despite a cerebellar atrophy progression, inconsistent response to acetazolamide and positive response to methylphenidate. The patients shared distinctive facial gestalt: oval face, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures and narrow nasal bridge. The two α1A affected residues are fully conserved throughout evolution and among the whole human CaV channel family. They contribute to the channel pore and the voltage sensor segment. According to structural data analysis and available functional characterization, they are expected to exert gain- (F1394L) and loss-of-function (R1664Q/R1669Q) effect, respectively. Among the CACNA1A-related phenotypes, our results suggest that non-progressive congenital ataxia is associated with developmental delay and dysmorphic features, constituting a recognizable syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.
Biophysical and Biochemical Comparison of Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Infective and Non-Infective Stages of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Retana Moreira Lissette , Prescilla-Ledezma Alexa , Cornet-Gomez Alberto , Linares Fátima , Jódar-Reyes Ana Belén , Fernandez Jorge , Ibarrola Vannucci Ana Karina , De Pablos Luis Miguel , Osuna Antonio
Published: May 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid vesicles released by either any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, or both, with a biological role in cell-to-cell communication. In this work, we characterize the proteomes and nanomechanical properties of EVs released by tissue-culture cell-derived trypomastigotes (mammalian infective stage; (TCT)) and epimastigotes (insect stage; (E)) of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. EVs of each stage were isolated by differential centrifugation and analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Measurements of zeta-potential were also included. Results show marked differences in the surface molecular cargos of EVs between both stages, with a noteworthy expansion of all groups of trans-sialidase proteins in trypomastigote’s EVs. In contrast, chromosomal locations of trans-sialidases of EVs of epimastigotes were dramatically reduced and restricted to subtelomeric regions, indicating a possible regulatable expression of these proteins between both stages of the parasite. Regarding mechanical properties, EVs of trypomastigotes showed higher adhesion compared to the EVs of epimastigotes. These findings demonstrate the remarkable surface remodeling throughout the life cycle of T. cruzi, which shapes the physicochemical composition of the extracellular vesicles and could have an impact in the ability of these vesicles to participate in cell communication in completely different niches of infection.
Sensitization of MCF7 Cells with High Notch1 Activity by Cisplatin and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Applied Together
Authors: Wawruszak Anna , Luszczki Jarogniew , Halasa Marta , Okon Estera , Landor Sebastian , Sahlgren Cecilia , Rivero-Muller Adolfo , Stepulak Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) are promising anti-cancer agents that inhibit proliferation of many types of cancer cells including breast carcinoma (BC) cells. In the present study, we investigated the influence of the Notch1 activity level on the pharmacological interaction between cisplatin (CDDP) and two HDIs, valproic acid (VPA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, vorinostat), in luminal-like BC cells. The type of drug–drug interaction between CDDP and HDIs was determined by isobolographic analysis. MCF7 cells were genetically modified to express differential levels of Notch1 activity. The cytotoxic effect of SAHA or VPA was higher on cells with decreased Notch1 activity and lower for cells with increased Notch1 activity than native BC cells. The isobolographic analysis demonstrated that combinations of CDDP with SAHA or VPA at a fixed ratio of 1:1 exerted additive or additive with tendency toward synergism interactions. Therefore, treatment of CDDP with HDIs could be used to optimize a combined therapy based on CDDP against Notch1-altered luminal BC. In conclusion, the combined therapy of HDIs and CDDP may be a promising therapeutic tool in the treatment of luminal-type BC with altered Notch1 activity.
A Nano-Emulsion Platform Functionalized with a Fully Human scFv-Fc Antibody for Atheroma Targeting: Towards a Theranostic Approach to Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bonnet Samuel , Prévot Geoffrey , Mornet Stéphane , Jacobin-Valat Marie-Josée , Mousli Yannick , Hemadou Audrey , Duttine Mathieu , Trotier Aurélien , Sanchez Stéphane , Duonor-Cérutti Martine , Crauste-Manciet Sylvie , Clofent-Sanchez Gisèle
Published: May 2021

Atherosclerosis is at the onset of the cardiovascular diseases that are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Currently, high-risk plaques, also called vulnerable atheromatous plaques, remain often undiagnosed until the occurrence of severe complications, such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Molecular imaging agents that target high-risk atheromatous lesions could greatly improve the diagnosis of atherosclerosis by identifying sites of high disease activity. Moreover, a “theranostic approach” that combines molecular imaging agents (for diagnosis) and therapeutic molecules would be of great value for the local management of atheromatous plaques. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize an innovative theranostic tool for atherosclerosis. We engineered oil-in-water nano-emulsions (NEs) loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) purposes. Dynamic MRI showed that NE-SPIO nanoparticles decorated with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer reduced their liver uptake and extended their half-life. Next, the NE-SPIO-PEG formulation was functionalized with a fully human scFv-Fc antibody (P3) recognizing galectin 3, an atherosclerosis biomarker. The P3-functionalized formulation targeted atheromatous plaques, as demonstrated in an immunohistochemistry analyses of mouse aorta and human artery sections and in an Apoe−/− mouse model of atherosclerosis. Moreover, the formulation was loaded with SPIO nanoparticles and/or alpha-tocopherol to be used as a theranostic tool for atherosclerosis imaging (SPIO) and for delivery of drugs that reduce oxidation (here, alpha-tocopherol) in atheromatous plaques. This study paves the way to non-invasive targeted imaging of atherosclerosis and synergistic therapeutic applications.
Current Practice in Bicistronic IRES Reporter Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: van den Akker Guus Gijsbertus Hubert , Zacchini Federico , Housmans Bas Adrianus Catharina , van der Vloet Laura , Caron Marjolein Maria Johanna , Montanaro Lorenzo , Welting Tim Johannes Maria
Published: May 2021

Bicistronic reporter assays have been instrumental for transgene expression, understanding of internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) translation, and identification of novel cap-independent translational elements (CITE). We observed a large methodological variability in the use of bicistronic reporter assays and data presentation or normalization procedures. Therefore, we systematically searched the literature for bicistronic IRES reporter studies and analyzed methodological details, data visualization, and normalization procedures. Two hundred fifty-seven publications were identified using our search strategy (published 1994–2020). Experimental studies on eukaryotic adherent cell systems and the cell-free translation assay were included for further analysis. We evaluated the following methodological details for 176 full text articles: the bicistronic reporter design, the cell line or type, transfection methods, and time point of analyses post-transfection. For the cell-free translation assay, we focused on methods of in vitro transcription, type of translation lysate, and incubation times and assay temperature. Data can be presented in multiple ways: raw data from individual cistrons, a ratio of the two, or fold changes thereof. In addition, many different control experiments have been suggested when studying IRES-mediated translation. In addition, many different normalization and control experiments have been suggested when studying IRES-mediated translation. Therefore, we also categorized and summarized their use. Our unbiased analyses provide a representative overview of bicistronic IRES reporter use. We identified parameters that were reported inconsistently or incompletely, which could hamper data reproduction and interpretation. On the basis of our analyses, we encourage adhering to a number of practices that should improve transparency of bicistronic reporter data presentation and improve methodological descriptions to facilitate data replication.
UVB Inhibits Proliferation, Cell Cycle and Induces Apoptosis via p53, E2F1 and Microtubules System in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Granados-López Angelica Judith , Manzanares-Acuña Eduardo , López-Hernández Yamilé , Castañeda-Delgado Julio Enrique , Fraire-Soto Ixamail , Reyes-Estrada Claudia Araceli , Gutiérrez-Hernández Rosalinda , López Jesús Adrián
Published: May 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure has been linked to skin damage and carcinogenesis, but recently UVB has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for cancer. Herein, we investigated the cellular and molecular effects of UVB in immortal and tumorigenic HPV positive and negative cells. Cells were irradiated with 220.5 to 1102.5 J/m2 of UVB and cell proliferation was evaluated by crystal violet, while cell cycle arrest and apoptosis analysis were performed through flow cytometry. UVB effect on cells was recorded at 661.5 J/m2 and it was exacerbated at 1102.5 J/m2. All cell lines were affected by proliferation inhibition, cell cycle ablation and apoptosis induction, with different degrees depending on tumorigenesis level or HPV type. Analysis of the well-known UV-responsive p53, E2F1 and microtubules system proteins was performed in SiHa cells in response to UVB through Western-blotting assays. E2F1 and the Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) expression decrease correlated with cellular processes alteration while p53 and Microtubule-associated Protein 1S (MAP1S) expression switch was observed since 882 J/m2, suggesting they were required under more severe cellular damage. However, expression transition of α-Tubulin3C and β-Tubulin was abruptly noticed until 1102.5 J/m2 and particularly, γ-Tubulin protein expression remained without alteration. This study provides insights into the effect of UVB in cervical cancer cell lines.