bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LINC00494 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Development and Progression by Modulating NFκB1 and FBXO32
Authors: Shu Yang , Zhang He , Li Jinqiu , Shan Yanhong
Published: January 2021

Background

Ovarian cancer represents one of the most frequent gynecological cancers and is significant cause of death for women around the world. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recognized as critical governors of gene expression during carcinogenesis, but their effects on the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer require further investigation. In this report, we characterized LINC00494 as a novel oncogenic lncRNA in ovarian cancer.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis predicted potential interactions among LINC00494, NFκB1, and FBXO32 in ovarian cancer, which were tested by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, RIP, and ChIP assay. Cancer cells were transfected with relevant treated plasmids, followed by scratch and Transwell assays. The treated cells were injected into nude mice to establish a xenograft model for testing effects of LINC00494 and its target gene in vivo.

Results

LINC00494 and NFκB1 were highly expressed whereas FBXO32 had low expression in ovarian cancer cells and tissues. LINC00494 was found to bind NFκB1 and increase its activity, while NFκB1 was enriched at the FBXO32 promoter region, where it acted to reduce FBXO32 transcription. Overexpression of LINC00494 elevated NFκB1 expression and enhanced cell migration, invasion and tumorigenesis, but additional overexpression of FBXO32 interfered with the tumorgenicity of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Our work demonstrated that LINC00494 promoted ovarian cancer progression by modulating FBXO32 via binding with the transcription factor NFκB1. These results provided new insight into the mechanism of ovarian cancer pathogenesis and suggested new therapeutic targets.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Death in Breast Cancer Patients Without Chemotherapy or (and) Radiotherapy: A Large Population-Based Study
Authors: Guan Tianwang , Zhang Hanbin , Yang Jinming , Lin Wenrui , Wang Kenie , Su Miao , Peng Weien , Li Yemin , Lai Yanxian , Liu Cheng
Published: January 2021

Background

Cardiovascular death (CVD) in breast cancer patients without chemotherapy (CT) or (and) radiotherapy (RT) has not been studied yet. This study evaluates the correlation between breast cancer and CVD risk independent of chemotherapy or (and) radiotherapy.

Methods

Data of female breast cancer patients without receiving CT or RT were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database (2004–2015). Data were divided into two cohorts: tumor resection cohort and no resection cohort. The CVD risk in patients was expressed as standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance inter-group bias, and competing risk regressions were utilized to evaluate the impact of tumor resection on CVD.

Results

The CVD risk was significantly higher (SMR = 2.196, 95% CI: 2.148–2.245, P<0.001) in breast cancer patients who did not receive CT or RT compared to the general population. Breast cancer patients without tumor resection showed higher CVD risk than patients who underwent tumour resection (tumor resection SMR = 2.031, 95% CI: 1.983–2.079, P<0.001; no resection SMR = 5.425, 95% CI: 5.087–5.781, P<0.001). After PSM, the CVD risk among patients without tumor resection indicated an increase of 1.165-fold compared to patients with tumor resection (HR=1.165, 95% CI: 1.039–1.306, P=0.009).

Conclusions

Female breast cancer patients are at higher risk of CVD despite unexposure to cardio-toxic CT or RT. However, female breast cancer patients subjected to tumor resection have decreased CVD risk. These results indicated that monitoring female breast cancer patients not receiving RT or CT might serve as a preventative measure against CVD.
Mitochondrial Fission-Mediated Lung Development in Newborn Rats With Hyperoxia-Induced Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia With Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Dai Yuanyuan , Yu Binyuan , Ai Danyang , Yuan Lin , Wang Xinye , Huo Ran , Fu Xiaoqin , Chen Shangqin , Chen Chao
Published: January 2021

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic respiratory disease in premature infants. Oxygen inhalation and mechanical ventilation are common treatments, which can cause hyperoxia-induced lung injury, but the underlying mechanism is not yet understood. Mitochondrial fission is essential for mitochondrial homeostasis. The objective of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial fission (dynamin-related protein 1, Drp1) is an important mediator of hyperoxia lung injury in rats.

Methods: The animal model of BPD was induced with high oxygen (80–85% O2). Pulmonary histological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Pulmonary microvessels were observed by immunofluorescence staining of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Protein expression levels of Drp1 and p-Drp1 (Ser616) were observed using Western Blot. We used echocardiography to measure pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRi), peak flow velocity of the pulmonary artery (PFVP), pulmonary arteriovenous diameter, and pulmonary vein peak velocity. Mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) was used as an inhibitor of Drp1, and administered through intraperitoneal injection (25 mg/kg).

Results: Pulmonary artery resistance of the hyperoxide-induced neonatal rat model of BPD increased after it entered normoxic convalescence. During the critical stage of alveolar development in neonatal rats exposed to high oxygen levels for an extended period, the expression and phosphorylation of Drp1 increased in lung tissues. When Drp1 expression was inhibited, small pulmonary vessel development improved and PH was relieved.

Conclusion: Our study shows that excessive mitochondrial fission is an important mediator of hyperoxia-induced pulmonary vascular injury, and inhibition of mitochondrial fission may be a useful treatment for hyperoxia-induced related pulmonary diseases.
COVID-19 and the Use of Masks by Children. Statement From the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region and the European Academy of Paediatrics
Authors: Lopes Henrique , Middleton John , De Guchtenaere Ann , Hadjipanayis Adamos
Published: January 2021

Despite the fact that the use of masks and respirators in adults has already reached a consensus in almost all countries and for situations in which they are recommended, this is not the case for the use of mask by children. This statement, regarding the usage of mask by children, has been jointly produced by the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) and the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP). It provides recommendations on the size of the mask, the material and ergonomics of children's masks. The authors also discuss the psychological dimension of children when they are asked to wear a mask. Moreover, they tackle the difficulties of children with disabilities.
Static Schwinger-Level Electric Field Nonlinearities and Their Significance to Photons and Photon Entanglement
Authors: Grimes Dale M. , Grimes Craig A.
Published: January 2021

In this work, we postulate that Schwinger’s threshold for a dynamic electric field intensity to induce spatial nonlinearity is a special case and, more generally, it is the threshold field for both static and dynamic electric fields. Fields of this magnitude induce negative-energy charges to adapt positive energy attributes; within an atom, they also support interstate energy transfers and intrastate chaotic mixing of time-varying fields. Nonlinearity-induced chaos forms the basis for the probabilistic nature of photon creation. Answers to physical problems at atomic and lower scales continuously evolve because chaotic-like electron movements change their configurations on a time scale of 10 zs. Within atoms, frequency mixing that creates an optical frequency field occurs in the nonlinear region surrounding the nucleus. On a probabilistic basis, a ring of vacuum charge can be induced that forms into an equivalent waveguide, which confines the energy as it travels permanently away from the atom. The propagating relativistically augmented fields losslessly induce charges that bind and protect the energy-carrying fields. The photon charge-field ensemble is a closed system and possesses all first-order photon properties, including zero rest mass and permanent stability. For near-neighbor photons traveling at a speed approaching c, we find a small constant force between them that is dependent upon their relative spin orientations. Our model shows that the radius of a photon is ≈10 am and that photon wavelength information is coded by energy.
An Apical Meristem-Targeted in planta Transformation Method for the Development of Transgenics in Flax (Linum usitatissimum): Optimization and Validation
Authors: Kesiraju Karthik , Tyagi Shaily , Mukherjee Soumyadeep , Rai Rhitu , Singh Nagendra K. , Sreevathsa Rohini , Dash Prasanta K.
Published: January 2021

Efficient regeneration of explants devoid of intrinsic somaclonal variations is a cardinal step in plant tissue culture, thus, a vital component of transgenic technology. However, recalcitrance of economically important crops to tissue culture-based organogenesis ensues a setback in the use of transgenesis in the genetic engineering of crop plants. The present study developed an optimized, genotype-independent, nonconventional tissue culture-independent in planta strategy for the genetic transformation of flax/linseed. This apical meristem-targeted in planta transformation protocol will accelerate value addition in the dual purpose industrially important but recalcitrant fiber crop flax/linseed. The study delineated optimization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and stable T-DNA (pCambia2301:GUS:nptII) integration in flax. It established successful use of a stringent soilrite-based screening in the presence of 30 mg/L kanamycin for the identification of putative transformants. The amenability, authenticity, and reproducibility of soilrite-based kanamycin screening were further verified at the molecular level by GUS histochemical analysis of T0 seedlings, GUS and nptII gene-specific PCR, genomic Southern hybridization for stable integration of T-DNA, and expression analysis of transgenes by sqRT-PCR. This method resulted in a screening efficiency of 6.05% in the presence of kanamycin, indicating amenability of in planta flax transformation. The strategy can be a promising tool for the successful development of transgenics in flax.
The 26S Proteasome Regulatory Subunit GmPSMD Promotes Resistance to Phytophthora sojae in Soybean
Authors: Liu Tengfei , Wang Huiyu , Liu Zhanyu , Pang Ze , Zhang Chuanzhong , Zhao Ming , Ning Bin , Song Bo , Liu Shanshan , He Zili , Wei Wanling , Wu Junjiang , Liu Yaguang , Xu Pengfei , Zhang Shuzhen
Published: January 2021

Phytophthora root rot, caused by Phytophthora sojae is a destructive disease of soybean (Glycine max) worldwide. We previously confirmed that the bHLH transcription factor GmPIB1 (P. sojae-inducible bHLH transcription factor) reduces accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells by inhibiting expression of the peroxidase-related gene GmSPOD thus improving the resistance of hairy roots to P. sojae. To identify proteins interacting with GmPIB1 and assess their participation in the defense response to P. sojae, we obtained transgenic soybean hairy roots overexpressing GmPIB1 by Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated transformation and examined GmPIB1 protein–protein interactions using immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry. We identified 392 proteins likely interacting with GmPIB1 and selected 20 candidate genes, and only 26S proteasome regulatory subunit GmPSMD (Genbank accession no. XP_014631720) interacted with GmPIB1 in luciferase complementation and pull-down experiments and yeast two-hybrid assays. Overexpression of GmPSMD (GmPSMD-OE) in soybean hairy roots remarkably improved resistance to P. sojae and RNA interference of GmPSMD (GmPSMD -RNAi) increased susceptibility. In addition, accumulation of total ROS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in GmPSMD-OE transgenic soybean hairy roots were remarkably lower than those of the control after P. sojae infection. Moreover, in GmPSMD-RNAi transgenic soybean hairy roots, H2O2 and the accumulation of total ROS exceeded those of the control. There was no obvious difference in superoxide anion (O2–) content between control and transgenic hairy roots. Antioxidant enzymes include peroxidase (POD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) are responsible for ROS scavenging in soybean. The activities of these antioxidant enzymes were remarkably higher in GmPSMD-OE transgenic soybean hairy roots than those in control, but were reduced in GmPSMD-RNAi transgenic soybean hairy roots. Moreover, the activity of 26S proteasome in GmPSMD-OE and GmPIB1-OE transgenic soybean hairy roots was significantly higher than that in control and was significantly lower in PSMD-RNAi soybean hairy roots after P. sojae infection. These data suggest that GmPSMD might reduce the production of ROS by improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, SOD, GPX, CAT, and GmPSMD plays a significant role in the response of soybean to P. sojae. Our study reveals a valuable mechanism for regulation of the pathogen response by the 26S proteasome in soybean.
Species Identification in the Rhododendron vernicosum–R. decorum Species Complex (Ericaceae)
Authors: Mao Xingxing , Wang Ji , Shrestha Nawal , Ma Yazhen , Liu Jianquan
Published: January 2021

Delimitating species boundaries is the primary aim of biological classification and could be critical for evaluating the evolving process of species and conserving biodiversity.Rhododendronis an iconic group with an extraordinary diversity in southwest China. However, it remains unknown whether the recorded species therein comprise independently evolving lineages or artificially delimitated morphological entities. In this study, we carried out species delimitation of fourRhododendronspecies in theR. vernicosum-R. decorumspecies complex based on morphological analyses and population genetic data from nuclear simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. We randomly selected a total of 105 specimens of different individuals identified as four species across their distributional ranges to examine the statistically distinct phenotypic clusters based on 19 morphological traits. Similarly, we genotyped 55 individuals of four species from 21 populations using 15 SSR markers. The morphological analyses sortedR. decorumand the other three species into two different phenotypic clusters. The genetic clusters were consistent with the morphological clusters. However, we also recovered the third genetic cluster, comprising sixR. vernicosumpopulations and containing the admixed genetic compositions of the other two distinct genetic clusters. This hybrid group was morphologically similar to the typicalR. vernicosum(including the samples from its type specimen locality and bothR. verruciferumandR. gonggashanense) but with more genetic ancestry fromR. decorum. Based on our findings, we identify two distinct species and one putative hybrid group due to introgression in theR. vernicosum-R. decorumspecies complex. We propose to mergeR. verruciferumandR. gonggashanenseintoR. vernicosumbased on genetic compositions and our morphological analyses. The hybrid group inferred from our findings, however, needs further investigations.
Foliar Application of Silicon Enhances Resistance Against Phytophthora infestans Through the ET/JA- and NPR1- Dependent Signaling Pathways in Potato
Authors: Xue Xiaojing , Geng Tiantian , Liu Haifeng , Yang Wei , Zhong Weiran , Zhang Zhiliang , Zhu Changxiang , Chu Zhaohui
Published: January 2021

Late blight (LB), caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease of potato that is necessary to control by regularly treatment with fungicides. Silicon (Si) has been used to enhance plant resistance against a broad range of bacterial and fungal pathogens; however, the enhanced LB resistance and the molecular mechanisms involving the plant hormone pathways remain unclear. In this study, Si treatment of potato plants was found to enhance LB resistance in both detached leaves and living plants accompanied by induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and pathogenesis-related genes expression. Regarding the hormone pathways involved in Si-mediated LB resistance, we found a rapidly increased content of ethylene (ET) 15 min after spraying with Si. Increased jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-Ile and decreased salicylic acid (SA) were identified in plants at 1 day after spraying with Si and an additional 1 day after P. infestans EC1 infection. Furthermore, pretreatment with Me-JA enhanced resistance to EC1, while pretreatment with DIECA, an inhibitor of JA synthesis, enhanced the susceptibility and attenuated the Si-mediated resistance to LB. Consistent with these hormonal alterations, Si-mediated LB resistance was significantly attenuated in StETR1-, StEIN2-, StAOS-, StOPR3-, StNPR1-, and StHSP90-repressed plants but not in StCOI1- and StSID2-repressed plants using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The Si-mediated accumulation of JA/JA-Ile was significantly attenuated in StETR1-, StEIN2-, StOPR3- and StHSP90-VIGS plants but not in StCOI1-, StSID2- and StNPR1-VIGS plants. Overall, we reveal that Si can be used as a putative alternative to fungicides to control LB, and conclude that Si-mediated LB resistance is dependent on the ET/JA-signaling pathways in a StHSP90- and StNPR1-dependent manner.
Molecular Bases for the Regulation of Adventitious Root Generation in Plants
Authors: Li Shi-Weng
Published: January 2021

The formation of adventitious roots (ARs) is an ecologically and economically important developmental process in plants. The evolution of AR systems is an important way for plants to cope with various environmental stresses. This review focuses on identified genes that have known to regulate the induction and initiation of ARs and offers an analysis of this process at the molecular level. The critical genes involved in adventitious rooting are the auxin signaling-responsive genes, including theAUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR(ARF) and theLATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES-DOMAIN(LOB) gene families, and genes associated with auxin transport and homeostasis, the quiescent center (QC) maintenance, and the root apical meristem (RAM) initiation. Several genes involved in cell wall modulation are also known to be involved in the regulation of adventitious rooting. Furthermore, the molecular processes that play roles in the ethylene, cytokinin, and jasmonic acid signaling pathways and their crosstalk modulate the generation of ARs. The crosstalk and interaction among many molecular processes generates complex networks that regulate AR generation.
Executive Functions in Predicting Weight Loss and Obesity Indicators: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Du Zhongquan , Li Jingjing , Huang Jiaai , Ma Jing , Xu Xiaoyu , Zou Rong , Xu Xia
Published: January 2021

While previous studies have suggested that there exists a relationship between obesity and executive function (EF), the mechanisms and causal relationship between them remain unclear. There are important clinical implications of determining whether EF can predict and treat obesity. We conducted a multilevel meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies. Specifically, we investigate (a) whether EF interventions have an effect on weight loss, (b) whether baseline EF can be a predictor of future weight loss through obesity intervention, and (c) whether early-life EF can predict future weight loss. Eight RCTs and 17 longitudinal studies with a total of 11,393 participants were identified. We found that (a) EF interventions may not have an effect on weight loss, (b) baseline inhibition (β = 0.259,p= 0.03) and delay discounting (β = −0.17,p= 0.04) significantly predict future weight loss through obesity intervention, (c) age (F= 13.666,p= 0.005) moderates the relationship between working memory and weight loss through intervention, but not weight status, type of intervention, and percentage of female, and (d) early life inhibition (β = 0.185,p= 0.07) is a marginally significant predictor of future weight loss. Our results seem to support the assumption that the relationship between EF and obesity is not direct, and a higher-order factor, such as genes, may link obesity and EF. Building on the preliminary findings, further studies focusing on EF and obesity are needed in the future.
Traditional Games and Sports of the Women in the Kabylie
Authors: Nefil Iman , Laaouad-dodoo Soraya , Bordes Pascal , Torki Ahmed
Published: January 2021

With regard to the issue of the differences of the sexes, our study focuses on traditional games in Kabylie, taken and defined as part of the field of motor praxiology. A discipline inspired by the work of Pierre Parlebas. We will attempt through a field survey, to identify and interpret the meaning and distribution of the traditional games played by the women of Kabylie. From this perspective, the analysis of the internal logics of the practices are related to the system of interactions between players and their environment. This reveals valuable information on the structures underlying traditional games, and their ethno-motor characteristics as well as the world of ethnology of this vast mountainous region of Kabylie. By analyzing 92 traditional games played in the region of Kabylie allowed us to highlight on the one hand the cultural specificity, and on the other the richness of the socio-cultural aspects of this region. By examining how a game constitutes a cultural identity element of a geographical space, we explain the meaning of sport culture and identity of the Kabylie, by focusing particularly on the place of women and the indicators that reveal the relationships between men and women and distinguish the distribution of female and male roles. This also allows an understanding of the nature of traditional sports and their differentiation in terms of socialization between boys and girls.
Caring for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behavior: Staff Experiences With a Web-Based Training Program
Authors: Truong Anh , Alverbratt Catrin , Ekström-Bergström Anette , Antonsson Helena
Published: January 2021

Background: Clear and effective communication is a prerequisite to provide help and support in healthcare situations, especially in health, and social care services for persons with intellectual disabilities, as these clients commonly experience communication difficulties. Knowledge about how to communicate effectively is integral to ensuring the quality of care. Currently, however, there is a lack of such knowledge among staff working in the disabilities sector, which is exacerbated by challenges in the competence provision in municipal health and social care services. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore staffs' experience of web-based training in relation to their professional caring for persons with intellectual disabilities and challenging behavior. The intention is to move toward well-evaluated and proven web-based training in order to contribute to competence provision in this specific context.

Methods: Fourteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with individual staff members to gather data regarding their experiences with web-based training in relation to their profession. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with a focus on both manifest and latent content.

Results: The staff's experiences with the web-based training program were presented as a single main theme: “Web-based training for staff initiates a workplace learning process by promoting reflections on and awareness of how to better care for persons with intellectual disabilities and challenging behavior.” This theme contained three categories which are based on eight sub-categories.

Conclusion and clinical implications: The benefits of web-based training for workplace learning could clearly be observed in the strengthening of professional care for persons with intellectual disabilities and challenging behavior. Staff members claimed to have gained novel insights about how to better care for clients as well as about the importance of interactions in their encounters with clients. Professional teamwork is crucial to providing effective care for persons with intellectual disabilities and challenging behavior. Hence, future research aimed at investigating the views of other healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, is recommended to improve the competence provision within municipal health and social care services and thereby enhance the quality of care.
Childhood Maltreatment, Psychopathology, and Offending Behavior in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Latent Class Analysis Evidencing Disparities in Inpatient Treatment Outcome
Authors: Lau Steffen , Kirchebner Johannes , Kling Sabine , Euler Sebastian , Günther Moritz Philipp
Published: January 2021

Background: Extant research has provided evidence for disparities between patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) who have and have not experienced childhood maltreatment (CM) in terms of treatment outcome, psychopathology and their propensity to engage in offending behavior. However, research addressing all phenomena is scarce.

Objective: The current study aims to explore differences between offender patients with SSD and CM and those with SSD and no CM in terms of their offending, psychopathology at different points in time and treatment outcome.

Method: In the present explorative study, latent class analysis was used to analyze differences between 197 offender patients with SSD and CM and 173 offender patients with SSD and no CM, who were admitted to forensic psychiatric inpatient treatment between 1982 and 2016 in Switzerland.

Results: Three distinct homogenous classes of patients were identified, two of which were probable to have experienced significant CM. One third of patients with SSD and CM were probable to benefit from inpatient treatment, even surpassing results observable in the group without CM, whereas the other group with SSD and CM was probable to benefit less. Patients with SSD and no CM displayed more psychopathology at first diagnosis and prior to their index offense. Interclass differences in offending behavior were minimal.

Conclusions: Offender patients with SSD and CM differ not only from offender patients with SSD and no CM, but also amongst themselves. While some with SSD and CM experience a remission in psychopathology and improve their prognosis for future offending behavior, others do not. Directions for future research on SSD and CM are discussed.
Monetary Reward Discounting, Inhibitory Control, and Trait Impulsivity in Young Adults With Internet Gaming Disorder and Nicotine Dependence
Authors: Yan Wan-Sen , Chen Ruo-Ting , Liu Meng-Meng , Zheng Dan-Hui
Published: January 2021

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been considered a potential behavioral or non-substance addiction that requires further investigation. Recognition of the commonalities between IGD and Substance Use disorders (SUD) would be of great help to better understand the basic mechanisms of addictive behaviors and excessive Internet gaming. However, little research has targeted a straightforward contrast between IGD and SUD on neuropsychological aspects. The present study thus aimed to explore the associations of reward processing and inhibitory control with IGD and nicotine dependence (ND) in young adults. Fifty-eight IGD and 53 ND individuals, as well as 57 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, were assessed with a series of measurements including the Delay-discounting Test (DDT), Probability Discounting Test (PDT), the Stroop Color-Word Task, a revised Go/No Go Task, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Multivariate analysis of variance (mANOVA) models revealed that both IGD and ND groups scored higher than healthy controls on the BIS-11 attentional, motor, and non-planning impulsiveness (Cohen's d = 0.41–1.75). Higher degrees of delay discounting on the DDT were also found in IGD and ND groups compared to healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.53–0.69). Although IGD group did not differ from healthy controls on the PDT, ND group had a lower degree of probability discounting than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.55), suggesting a reduction in risk aversion. Furthermore, ND subjects showed a lower correct accuracy in the incongruent trials of the Stroop task than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.61). On the Go/No Go task, both IGD and ND groups had a lower correct accuracy in the No-Go trials than healthy controls (Cohen's d = 1.35–1.50), indicating compromised response inhibition. These findings suggested that IGD was linked to both anomalous reward discounting and dysfunctional inhibitory control, which was comparable with one typical SUD category (i.e., ND). This study might promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IGD as a potential addictive disorder similar to SUD.
The Impact of Route Choice on Active Commuters' Exposure to Air Pollution: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rafiepourgatabi Mehrdad , Woodward Alistair , Salmond Jennifer A. , Dirks Kim N.
Published: January 2021

As air pollution varies significantly in both space and time, commuter exposure may differ considerably depending on the route taken between home to work. This is especially the case for active mode commuters who often have a wider range of route choices available to them compared with those traveling by private motor vehicle or by public transport. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of route choice on air pollution exposure among active commuters, and to estimate, based on modeling, the health benefits able to be achieved from air pollution exposure reductions, modeled across a population, through route optimization. We searched for studies that used portable personal air pollution monitoring equipment during active mode commuting, and reported measurements of air quality on at least two routes, either as a journey to work or to school. The World Health Organization (WHO) model AirQ+ was then exploited to estimate the premature deaths attributable to air pollution according to route choice. Ten publications were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Ultrafine particle counts (UFP), black carbon (BC), and carbon monoxide (CO) were the most commonly measured pollutants in the studies identified. The exposures associated with “high exposure” and “low exposure” routes (categorized based on differences in traffic counts on the roads along the commute route or walking on opposite sides of the road with different levels of traffic traveling in each direction) were found to vary on average by 30 ± 8%, 42 ± 35%, and 55 ± 17% for BC, CO and UFP, respectively. On the basis of modeling, and on the estimated exposures to BC, up to 36 out of 10,000 deaths could be prevented by choosing a low exposure route compared with a high exposure route during active commuting. The results of this study may be useful for both individuals in their commute planning, and also for urban transport planners as impetus for investing in infrastructure to support healthy active mode commuting.
Social and Economic Opportunities and Challenges of Plant-Based and Cultured Meat for Rural Producers in the US
Authors: Newton Peter , Blaustein-Rejto Daniel
Published: January 2021

Animal agriculture presents major sustainability challenges. Alternative meat (alt-meat) products (e.g., plant-based and cultured meat) are substitutes for animal meat products, made using innovative food technologies. The potential environmental impacts of plant-based and cultured meat have been well-explored but the social and economic impacts of alt-meat have received less attention, particularly as they relate to rural communities. This paper addresses the research question: What are social and economic opportunities and challenges of cultured and plant-based meat for rural producers in the US? We conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 expert informants, including representatives of cultured meat companies, plant-based meat companies, non-profit organizations, funding agencies, governmental agencies, and the beef, soy, and pea sectors, as well as researchers and farmers. Our interviews revealed a range of ways in which alt-meat sectors might present opportunities or threats for rural producers in the US. Opportunities included growing crops as ingredients for plant-based meat or feedstock for cultured meat; raising animals for genetic material for cultured meat; producing cultured meat in bioreactors at the farm level; transitioning into new sectors; new market opportunities for blended and hybrid animal- and alt-meat products; and new value around regenerative or high-animal welfare farming. Threats included loss of livelihood or income for ranchers and livestock producers and for farmers growing crops for animal feed; barriers to transitioning into emerging alt-meat sectors; and the possibility of exclusion from those sectors. Interviewees also identified a range of roles for universities and research organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations that could help to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks from emerging alt-meat sectors. Finally, most interviewees thought it likely that alt-meat would form an additional form of protein that captured some or all of the anticipated growing demand for protein rather than one that displaced animal meat entirely. As such, the emergence of alt-meat sectors alongside animal agriculture may offer more choices for rural producers in terms of which markets they sell to and what forms of production they adopt or pursue. This paper identifies numerous research gaps, to which natural and social scientists could usefully apply their attention.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Welfare of Animals in Australia
Authors: Baptista Jacqueline , Blache Dominique , Cox-Witton Keren , Craddock Nicola , Dalziel Toni , de Graaff Nicolas , Fernandes Jill , Green Ronda , Jenkins Helen , Kahn Sarah , Kelly Deborah , Lauber Mariko , Maloney Shane K. , Peachey Bridget , Rodger Ian , Skuse Jeremy , Tilbrook Alan J. , Walker Frederick Rohan , Wall Kelly , Zito Sarah
Published: January 2021

We report on the various responses in Australia during 2020 to minimize negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the welfare of animals. Most organizations and individuals with animals under their care had emergency preparedness plans in place for various scenarios; however, the restrictions on human movement to contain the spread of COVID-19, coupled with the economic impact and the health effects of COVID-19 on the skilled workforce, constituted a new threat to animal welfare for which there was no blueprint. The spontaneous formation of a national, multisectoral response group on animal welfare, consisting of more than 34 organizations with animals under their care, facilitated information flow during the crisis, which helped to mitigate some of the shocks to different organizations and to ensure continuity of care for animals during the pandemic. We conclude that animal welfare is a shared responsibility, and accordingly, a multisectoral approach to animal welfare during a crisis is required. Our experience demonstrates that to safeguard animal welfare during crises, nations should consider the following: a national risk assessment, clear communication channels, contingency plans for animal welfare, a crisis response group, and support systems for animal care providers. Our findings and recommendations from the Australian context may inform other countries to ensure that animal welfare is not compromised during the course of unpredictable events.
Review of Diagnostic Tests for Detection of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in South African Wildlife
Authors: Bernitz Netanya , Kerr Tanya J. , Goosen Wynand J. , Chileshe Josephine , Higgitt Roxanne L. , Roos Eduard O. , Meiring Christina , Gumbo Rachiel , de Waal Candice , Clarke Charlene , Smith Katrin , Goldswain Samantha , Sylvester Taschnica T. , Kleynhans Léanie , Dippenaar Anzaan , Buss Peter E. , Cooper David V. , Lyashchenko Konstantin P. , Warren Robin M. , van Helden Paul D. , Parsons Sven D. C. , Miller Michele A.
Published: January 2021

Wildlife tuberculosis is a major economic and conservation concern globally. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused byMycobacterium bovis(M. bovis), is the most common form of wildlife tuberculosis. In South Africa, to date,M. bovisinfection has been detected in 24 mammalian wildlife species. The identification ofM. bovisinfection in wildlife species is essential to limit the spread and to control the disease in these populations, sympatric wildlife species and neighboring livestock. The detection ofM. bovis-infected individuals is challenging as only severely diseased animals show clinical disease manifestations and diagnostic tools to identify infection are limited. The emergence of novel reagents and technologies to identifyM. bovisinfection in wildlife species are instrumental in improving the diagnosis and control of bTB. This review provides an update on the diagnostic tools to detectM. bovisinfection in South African wildlife but may be a useful guide for other wildlife species.
SP1 Expression and the Clinicopathological Features of Tumors: A Meta-Analysis and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Gao Yue , Gan Kai , Liu Kuangzheng , Xu Bin , Chen Ming
Published: January 2021

Objective: Specificity protein 1 (SP1) plays a vital role to promote carcinogenesis in a variety of tumors, and its up-regulated expression is reported to be a hinter of poor prognosis of patients. We conducted this meta-analysis to elucidate the clinical significance and prognostic value of SP1 in malignant tumors.

Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 1, 2000 and June 1, 2020. The combined odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to investigate the correlation of SP1 with clinical behaviors and prognosis in patients with solid tumors. UALCAN was used to conduct bioinformatics analysis.

Results: A total of 24 documents involving 2,739 patients were enrolled in our review. The random-effect model was used to perform this analysis due to the high level of heterogeneity. SP1 low expression was not conducive to lymph node metastasis (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.28-0.64; p < 0.05), progression of TNM stage (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.20-0.57; p < 0.05) and tumor infiltration (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18-0.60; p < 0.05). Elevated SP1 expression was connected with shorter survival time of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer and esophageal cancer (HR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.16-3.28; p < 0.05). According to UALCAN database, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer and lung adenocarcinoma display an elevated SP1 expression in comparison with normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival plots indicate SP1 mRNA level has negative effects on prognosis of liver hepatocellular carcinoma and brain lower grade glioma.

Conclusion: SP1 was associated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and depth of invasion, and indicated poor clinical outcome, which brought new insights on the potential candidacy of SP1 in clinical usage.
Integrated Simulation-Based Optimization of Operational Decisions at Container Terminals
Authors: Kastner Marvin , Nellen Nicole , Schwientek Anne , Jahn Carlos
Published: January 2021

At container terminals, many cargo handling processes are interconnected and occur in parallel. Within short time windows, many operational decisions need to be made and should consider both time efficiency and equipment utilization. During operation, many sources of disturbance and, thus, uncertainty exist. For these reasons, perfectly coordinated processes can potentially unravel. This study analyzes simulation-based optimization, an approach that considers uncertainty by means of simulation while optimizing a given objective. The developed procedure simultaneously scales the amount of utilized equipment and adjusts the selection and tuning of operational policies. Thus, the benefits of a simulation study and an integrated optimization framework are combined in a new way. Four meta-heuristics—Tree-structured Parzen Estimator, Bayesian Optimization, Simulated Annealing, and Random Search—guide the simulation-based optimization process. Thus, this study aims to determine a favorable configuration of equipment quantity and operational policies for container terminals using a small number of experiments and, simultaneously, to empirically compare the chosen meta-heuristics including the reproducibility of the optimization runs. The results show that simulation-based optimization is suitable for identifying the amount of required equipment and well-performing policies. Among the presented scenarios, no clear ranking between meta-heuristics regarding the solution quality exists. The approximated optima suggest that pooling yard trucks and a yard block assignment that is close to the quay crane are preferable.
Analysis of Aircraft Routing Strategies for North Atlantic Flights by Using AirTraf 2.0
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Yin Feijia , Grewe Volker , Jöckel Patrick , Matthes Sigrun , Kern Bastian , Dahlmann Katrin , Frömming Christine
Published: January 2021

Climate-optimized routing is an operational measure to effectively reduce the climate impact of aviation with a slight increase in aircraft operating costs. This study examined variations in the flight characteristics among five aircraft routing strategies and discusses several characteristics of those routing strategies concerning typical weather conditions over the North Atlantic. The daily variability in the North Atlantic weather patterns was analyzed by using the European Center Hamburg general circulation model (ECHAM) and the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model in the specified dynamics mode from December 2008 to August 2018. All days of the ten complete winters and summers in the simulations were classified into five weather types for winter and into three types for summer. The obtained frequency for each of the weather types was in good agreement with the literature data; and then representative days for each weather type were selected. Moreover, a total of 103 North Atlantic flights of an Airbus A330 aircraft were simulated with five aircraft routing strategies for each representative day by using the EMAC model with the air traffic simulation submodel AirTraf. For every weather type, climate-optimized routing shows the lowest climate impact, at which a trade-off exists between the operating costs and the climate impact. Cost-optimized routing lies between the time- and fuel-optimized routings and achieves the lowest operating costs by taking the best compromise between flight time and fuel use. The aircraft routing for contrail avoidance shows the second lowest climate impact; however, this routing causes extra operating costs. Our methodology could be extended to statistical analysis based on long-term simulations to clarify the relationship between the aircraft routing characteristics and weather conditions.
Ecosystem Services of Vegetation Features as the Multifunction Anti-Erosion Measures in the Czech Republic in 2019 and Its 30-Year Prediction
Authors: Balková Marie , Kubalíková Lucie , Prokopová Marcela , Sedlák Petr , Bajer Aleš
Published: January 2021

The communication presents the pieces of information of the ecosystem services estimation of the four research localities transformed from an arable land to vegetation features—bosks. These bosks should dispose several ecological functions, primarily anti-erosion measures, additionally the local biodiversity increase, unfavorable microclimate mitigation, shelter provision for small game, birds and insects, or wood and fruit production, etc. One of these benefits, the biodiversity increase, can be evaluated using the Habitat Valuation Method (HVM) and expressed by the financial value obtained on the basis of a combination of expert valuation and cost replacement method. The various combinations of local woody plants and bushes within the project Multifunction anti-erosion measures as a part of adaptable landscape were planted or sown at the project localities (South Moravia and Žďárské vrchy, Czech Republic) in March 2019. Ecosystem services evaluation was one of the fundamental outcomes of the project. The most important result was the calculated value increase of the service termed “environment for the species life providing and genetic diversity conserving”. The increase means the difference between the state prior to planting and the expected target state after 30 years as specified in HVM. In total, the increase of this ecosystem service of the four bosks was valued at 2,633,809.64 CZK (97,206.48 EUR/114,399.06 USD).
Management of Residues from Fruit Tree Pruning: A Trade-Off between Soil Quality and Energy Use
Authors: Libutti Angela , Cammerino Anna Rita Bernadette , Monteleone Massimo
Published: January 2021

In the EU, bioenergy is by far the most significant renewable energy source and more than two thirds of biomass utilized for energy conversion consists of forestry and agricultural residues, such as fruit tree pruning. Although still underutilized, biomass from pruning is a relevant energy feedstock that does not generate additional demand for land, nor negative impact on the environment and biodiversity. On the other hand, previously shredded pruning left in the field may sustain agricultural processes and help provide beneficial ecological services. In the latter case, the most relevant result is the increase in soil organic carbon, an essential factor for improving soil quality and promoting climate regulation. As a result, a “dilemma” arises for farmers over two conflicting pruning management options: “pruning to energy” vs. “pruning to soil”, respectively. The present study, performed in the frame of the Horizon 2020 project “uP_running”, is offering a straightforward evaluation tool to assess weather biomass resulting from fruit tree pruning could be removed from the field and used as energy feedstock without compromising both soil quality and the provision of important ecosystem services.
Oxygen Consumption by Phalaenopsis Plantlets and Chrysanthemum Cuttings as a Function of Temperature and Time: Model Structure Validation
Authors: Van de Vondel Lieven , Christiaens Annelies , Vermeulen An , Van Labeke Marie-Christine , Devlieghere Frank , Ragaert Peter
Published: January 2021

Phalaenopsis spp. and Chrysanthemum are ornamentals with an important economic value. Currently, quality loss during storage and transport of plantlets and cuttings is a limiting factor for spreading the workload, broadening the export range, and the use of slower but more environmentally friendly transport. In the agro-food sector, equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging has enhanced the shelf-life of minimally processed produce. The required properties for an equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging system can be estimated from the respiration rate of the packaged commodity under specified atmospheric composition and storage temperature. In this work, a model structure is validated to estimate the respiration rate as a function of oxygen concentration and temperature for Phalaenopsis and Chrysanthemum. The oxygen concentration as a function of time was monitored in a closed system for different storage temperatures. The models show a good fit to the data. The model coefficients were dependent on the plant species and characteristics. The resulting formulae can be used to estimate the oxygen consumption rate of the produce under a range of oxygen concentrations and a temperature range from 15 °C to 32 °C for Phalaenopsis and from 2 °C to 14 °C for Chrysanthemum. The oxygen concentrations for which the formulae are valid depend on the storage temperature and plant species. The models can be used to estimate a dynamic oxygen consumption rate profile during storage and transport.