bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Development of an Intervention to Promote Self-Sampling for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections for Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Intervention Mapping Approach
Authors: Leenen Jeanine , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. , Bos Arjan E. R. , Wolffs Petra F. G. , van Loo Inge H. M. , de Wit John B. F. , Jonas Kai J. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M.
Published: May 2021

Sexual healthcare aims to reduce HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by promoting testing and prevention. To better reach men who have sex with men (MSM), additional strategies are needed. Here, we describe development of an intervention, which is part of a broader HIV/STI home-care program, targeted to reach MSM and motivate them to use self-sampling tests. Self-sampling includes blood sampling (finger prick) for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, and a urine sample and oral and anorectal swab samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Intervention mapping, a systematic six-step approach, was used to guide the development process: (1) needs assessment including interviews with MSM, (2) create a matrix of change, (3) selection of theory-based methods and practical strategies, (4) intervention development, (5) implementation plan, and (6) evaluation (not included in this paper). Stakeholders were involved to increase program support and feasibility. The needs assessment revealed that testing barriers among MSM related to stigma, time, and privacy concerns. Barriers among healthcare providers related to time, competing priorities, lack of expertise, and guideline restrictions. Included intervention components are designed to overcome these barriers, e.g., engaging role models, with a website with a role model story, and providing tailored information. Methods to reach MSM were a variety of information channels (posters, flyers, and audio-visual displays) and delivery modes, such as advertisements on websites and invitational cards (online and paper) distributed by healthcare providers and MSM themselves (social network testing/peer testing). Our intervention aims to encourage MSM to engage in testing, re-testing, and providing a test to peer MSM. Evidence-based methods to overcome barriers were included to reach and motivate an increased number of MSM. Using intervention mapping stimulated systematic evidence-based decision making and adapting the intervention to the target audience and setting. The next step (step 6) is to implement and evaluate the intervention.
Special Issue on “Graph Algorithms and Applications”
Authors: Cicerone Serafino , Di Stefano Gabriele
Published: May 2021

The mixture of data in real life exhibits structure or connection property in nature. Typical data include biological data, communication network data, image data, etc. Graphs provide a natural way to represent and analyze these types of data and their relationships. For instance, more recently, graphs have found new applications in solving problems for emerging research fields such as social network analysis, design of robust computer network topologies, frequency allocation in wireless networks, and bioinformatics. Unfortunately, the related algorithms usually suffer from high computational complexity, since some of these problems are NP-hard. Therefore, in recent years, many graph models and optimization algorithms have been proposed to achieve a better balance between efficacy and efficiency. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an opportunity for researchers and engineers from both academia and the industry to publish their latest and original results on graph models, algorithms, and applications to problems in the real world, with a focus on optimization and computational complexity.
Phosphorus Supply Increases Internode Length and Leaf Characteristics, and Increases Dry Matter Accumulation and Seed Yield in Soybean under Water Deficit
Authors: Feng Yun-Yin , He Jin , Turner Neil C. , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Li Feng-Min
Published: May 2021

Phosphorus (P) addition ameliorates the adverse effects of water stress on the seed yield of soybean (Glycine max L.). Previous studies focused on the effect of P on root traits, but little information is available on changes to aboveground traits. In this paper, we show how P addition affects shoot traits and reduces the adverse effects of water stress on the yield. Two soybean genotypes, with contrasting aboveground architectures, were grown in pots to compare the canopy architecture, leaf traits, aboveground dry matter accumulation and yield under two water and three P levels. The addition of P to two soybean genotypes, one with a larger number of branches and greater leaf area on the branches than the other, showed that the increased leaf area distribution on the main stem and branches was associated with increased shoot and root dry weights, which were positively correlated with the number of filled pods, seed number and seed yield and negatively correlated with seed size at maturity under well-watered and cyclic water stress treatments. The leaf P concentration at 65 DAS (flowering stage) and leaf photosynthesis measured shortly after re-watering increased with P addition, while the leaf mass area on the main stem at 65 DAS and maturity and on the branches at maturity increased modestly with P supply and water stress. Evidence is presented that P addition can ameliorate the adverse effects of water stress on yield through increased leaf area, leaf function and aboveground shoot production. We conclude that the increased yields of soybean resulting from increased P and water supplies that were previously shown to be associated with increased root growth and function are mediated through increased shoot growth and function, particularly the greater number of sites for pod production.
Physiological Properties and Molecular Regulation in Different Edamame Cultivars under Drought Stress
Authors: Chen Chung-Tse , Lu Chun-Tang , Tzen Jason T. C. , Yang Chin-Ying
Published: May 2021

Edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important economic crop worldwide and is a good source of protein and nutrients. Kaohsiung No. 9 (KH9), Kaohsiung No. 11 (KH11), and Xiang-Ji (XJ) are three major edamame cultivars planted in Taiwan. Edamame has high water requirements in all development stages. Insufficient irrigation causes aborted blossoms, small pods, and shriveled beans, thus greatly reducing the yield. We examined the three aforementioned cultivars in drought conditions during the blooming period. The results revealed that drought stress decreased the yield in all three cultivars; however, XJ and KH11 showed better drought resistant ability than KH9 did. The reduction of the qualification rate and the dry weight of qualified pods by drought stress in XJ, KH9 and KH11 was 23%, 33%, 21% and 32%, 62%, and 44%, respectively. The quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results indicated that genes involved in the abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, ABA-dependent, and ABA-independent pathways were upregulated by drought stress in KH11, which may explain why KH11 produced higher yields than KH9 after drought treatment. We determined that drought-related signaling transduction differed among these edamame cultivars, resulting in different drought tolerance.
Amino Acid Metabolomic Profiles in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells under Essential Amino Acid Restriction
Authors: López-Diez Laura , Calle-Velásquez Camilo , Hanigan Mark D. , Ruiz-Cortés Zulma Tatiana
Published: May 2021

Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) in culture are a useful model for elucidating mammary gland metabolism and changes that occur under different nutrient disponibility. MECs were exposed to different treatments: 100% EAA for 8 h and 24 h restriction (R); 2% EAA for 8 h and 24 h R; 2% EAA for 8 h and 24 h + 100% EAA for 8 h and 24 h restriction + re-feeding (R + RF). Western blotting and protein quantification was performed. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) software identified the amino acids (AAs) and signaling pathways. The chi-squared test, multiple classification analysis, and analysis of variance were used for the purification and identification of data. Intracellular casein levels were not affected. The KEGG analysis revealed that the important pathways of metabolism of AAs, which were involved in processes related to metabolism and biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan (fumarate, acetyl-CoA, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle), were affected by both R and R + RF treatments, mainly through the glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase-2 enzyme. Additionally, metabolic processes mediated by the mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, and asparagine synthase proteins positively regulated the carbohydrate pathway, pyruvate, and TCA cycles, as well as the metabolism of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism (carbohydrate and TCA cycle). We hypothesized that MECs have the capacity to utilize alternative pathways that ensure the availability of substrates for composing milk proteins.
Behavioral Implications of the Complete Absence of Guests on a Zoo-Housed Gorilla Troop
Authors: Miller Megan E. , Robinson Caeley M. , Margulis Susan W.
Published: May 2021

Research conducted on the effects that zoo visitors have on primate behavior has yielded inconsistent patterns. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of literature regarding visitor effects on zoo-housed primate’s activity budgets, with the purpose of quantifying the behavioral variability under two conditions: guest presence and guest absence. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many zoos were closed to the public for varying lengths of time. The Buffalo Zoo was closed to guests for an 18-week period including the summer of 2020, which allowed us to effectively control for zoo guest presence. This case report compares data on the zoo’s gorilla troop from the same time period in 2019. We found inconsistent results, similar to prior studies conducted with zoo-housed gorilla troops. Most gorillas were observed foraging less and exhibiting more inactivity in 2020, whereas the adult male silverback showed the opposite pattern. Abnormal or undesirable behaviors were performed less frequently when guests were absent however, these differences were not significant. We encourage others to compare behavior patterns during the pandemic shutdown to add to our knowledge base of visitor effects. We suggest that researchers do not try and generalize their individual and troop results to the entire population of gorillas in managed care, as both intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to individual differences in behavioral response.
Symbiosis or Sporting Tool? Competition and the Horse-Rider Relationship in Elite Equestrian Sports
Authors: Hogg Rachel C. , Hodgins Gene A.
Published: May 2021

The horse-rider relationship is fundamental to ethical equestrianism wherein equine health and welfare are prioritized as core dimensions of sporting success. Equestrianism represents a unique and important form of interspecies activity in which relationships are commonly idealized as central to sporting performance but have been largely unexplored in the sport psychology literature. Horse-rider relationships warrant particular consideration in the elite sporting context, given the tension between constructions of “partnership” between horse and rider, and the pragmatic pressures of elite sport on horse and rider and their relationship. The current study examined the link between sporting performance and the horse-rider relationship in an elite equestrian sporting context. Thirty-six international elite riders from eight countries and six equestrian disciplines participated in a single in-depth interview. A social constructionist, grounded theory methodology was used to analyze this data. The horse-rider relationship was positioned in three different ways in relation to elite sporting outcomes: as pivotal to success; non-essential to success; or as antithetical to success. Participants shifted between these positions, expressing nuanced, ambivalent attitudes that reflected their sporting discipline and their personal orientation to equestrianism. Competitive success was also defined in fluid terms, with participants differentiating between intrinsic and extrinsic markers of success. These findings suggest a complex and multifaceted connection between interspecies performance and relationships in elite sport. Where strong horse-rider relationships are antithetical to performance, a threat to the welfare and ethics of equestrian sport exists. Relevant sporting governing bodies must attend to this problem to ensure the centrality of animal welfare, wellbeing, and performance longevity to equestrian sports.
The Use of Probiotics in the Reduction of Campylobacter spp. Prevalence in Poultry
Authors: Śmiałek Marcin , Kowalczyk Joanna , Koncicki Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Campylobacter spp. are widely distributed microorganisms, many of which are commensals of gastrointestinal tract in multiple animal species, including poultry. Most commonly detected are C. jejuni and C. coli. Although infections are usually asymptomatic in poultry, poultry meat and products represent main sources of infection with these bacteria to humans. According to recent EFSA report, campylobacteriosis is the most commonly reported zoonotic disease. In 2018, EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards indicated that use of feed and water additives is the second most likely strategy that can be successful in minimizing Campylobacter spp. colonization rate in broiler chickens. One of those feed and water additives are probiotics. From numerous research papers it can be concluded that probiotics exhibit plenty of mechanisms of anti-Campylobacter activity, which were evaluated under in vitro conditions. These results, to some extent, can explain the efficacy of probiotics in in vivo studies, although different outcome can be observed under these two laboratory conditions. Probiotics are capable of reducing Campylobacter spp. population count in poultry gastrointestinal tract and they can reduce carcass contamination. Potential modes of anti-Campylobacter activity of probiotics, results of in vivo studies and studies performed at a farm level are widely discussed in the paper.
Protective Effect of Chlorogenic Acid on Human Sperm: In Vitro Studies and Frozen–Thawed Protocol
Authors: Noto Daria , Collodel Giulia , Cerretani Daniela , Signorini Cinzia , Gambera Laura , Menchiari Andrea , Moretti Elena
Published: May 2021

The study evaluated the chlorogenic acid (CGA) antioxidant potential on oxidative stress (OS) induced in vitro in human spermatozoa and during cryopreservation procedure. Swim-up selected spermatozoa were treated with 100 µM CGA, 100 µM H2O2 to induce lipid peroxidation (LPO), and with both compounds and the effects on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by JC-1, DNA integrity by acridine orange (AO), and sperm ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were evaluated. CGA antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) in the media. The CGA protective activity and the immunolocalization of Phospho-AMPKα (Thr172) were explored in frozen-thawed sperm. CGA was not toxic for sperm motility, DNA integrity and MMP. The increase in MDA (p < 0.05) and F2-IsoPs (p < 0.001), DNA damage (p < 0.01) and low MMP (p < 0.01) levels after H2O2 treatment were reduced in presence of CGA as well as the percentage of broken plasma membranes (p < 0.01) and altered acrosomes (p < 0.01) detected by TEM. Treated frozen-thawed spermatozoa showed increased sperm motility (p < 0.01), DNA integrity (p < 0.01), MMP (p < 0.01), reduced MDA (p < 0.01) and increased sperm percentage with Phospho-AMPKα labelling in the head (p < 0.001). CGA can be used to supplement culture media during semen handling and cryopreservation where OS is exacerbated.
Ethyl Pyruvate Attenuates Microglial NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Inhibition of HMGB1/NF-κB/miR-223 Signaling
Authors: Olcum Melis , Tufekci Kemal Ugur , Durur Devrim Yagmur , Tastan Bora , Gokbayrak Irem Nur , Genc Kursad , Genc Sermin
Published: May 2021

Ethyl pyruvate is a molecule with anti-inflammatory and pro-metabolic effects. Ethyl pyruvate has been shown to ameliorate the clinical and pathological findings of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases in rodents. Its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects are widely investigated in animal and cellular models. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the impact of Ethyl pyruvate on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the N9 microglial cell line. Our results indicated that ethyl pyruvate significantly suppressed LPS and ATP-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, decreased active caspase-1 level, secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 cytokines, and reduced the level of pyroptotic cell death resulting from inflammasome activation. Furthermore, ethyl pyruvate reduced the formation of total and mitochondrial ROS and suppressed inflammasome-induced HMGB1 upregulation and nuclear NF-κB translocation and reversed the inflammasome activation-induced miRNA expression profile for miR-223 in N9 cells. Our study suggests that ethyl pyruvate effectively suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglial cells regulation by miR-223 and NF-κB/HMGB1 axis.
Higher Hepcidin Levels in Adolescents with Obesity Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Dyslipidemia and Visceral Fat
Authors: Rodríguez-Mortera Reyna , Caccavello Russell , Hermo Ricardo , Garay-Sevilla María Eugenia , Gugliucci Alejandro
Published: May 2021

Tightly regulated iron metabolism prevents oxidative stress. Hepcidin is a hormone that regulates iron flow in plasma; its production is induced by an iron overload and by inflammation. It inhibits iron entry into the circulation by blocking dietary absorption in the duodenum, the release of recycled iron from macrophages and the exit of stored iron from hepatocytes. Varied signals responding to iron stores, erythropoietic activity and host defense converge to regulate hepcidin production and thereby affect iron homeostasis. Although it is known that hepcidin increases when interleukin 6 (IL-6) increases, the relationship between hepcidin, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance (IR) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in adolescents with obesity is unclear. In this cross-sectional study of 29 obese adolescents and 30 control subjects, we explored the difference of hepcidin, iron metabolism markers and IL-6 between obese and non-obese adolescents, and identified associations with inflammation, atherogenic dyslipidemia and IR. As compared to lean controls, obese participants showed 67% higher hepcidin: 14,070.8 ± 7213.5 vs. 8419.1 ± 4826.1 pg/mLc; 70% higher ferritin: 94.4 ± 82.4 vs. 55.1 ± 39.6 pg/mLa and 120% higher IL-6: 2.0 (1.1–4.9) vs. 0.9 (0.5–1.3) pg/mLd. Transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor and total body iron (as measured by sTFR/ferritin, log10 sTFR/ferritin ratio and sTFR/log ferritin ratios) were not different between the two cohorts. In the whole cohort, hepcidin correlated with VAI (r = 0.29a), sd-LDL (r = 0.31b), HOMA-IR (r = 0.29a) and IL-6 (r = 0.35c). In obese adolescents hepcidin correlated with TG (r = 0.47b), VLDL-C (r = 0.43b) and smaller LDL2 (r = 0.39a). Hepcidin elevation in adolescents with obesity is linked more to inflammation and metabolic alterations than to iron metabolism since the other markers of iron metabolism were not different between groups, except for ferritin. Studies addressing the long-term effects of higher hepcidin levels and their impact on subclinical anemia and iron status are warranted. a p < 0.05; b p < 0.01, c p < 0.001 dp < 0.0001.
Underwater Excavation Records Using Underwater Acoustic Survey: A Case Study in South Korea
Authors: Lee Young-Hyun , Kim Jin-Hoo , Lee Sang-Hee , Kim Sung-Bo
Published: May 2021

The most effective method for surveying underwater archeological sites is visually identifying areas with relics or remains through diving surveys. However, during underwater excavations, it is difficult to obtain images in turbid water. Furthermore, on-site diving is costly and time-consuming. Marine acoustic geophysical survey equipment is not significantly affected by underwater turbidity, and underwater excavations often rely on geophysical equipment for surface inspections. This study aimed to improve existing underwater excavation imaging through the application of acoustic survey methods. Underwater surveys were conducted via acoustic marine geophysical survey devices at three historically significant underwater sites in South Korea: Dangampo, Nakwoldo Island, and the Battle of Myeongnyang. At the Dangampo site, surveys were conducted using three different sonar devices—side scan sonar, multibeam echo sounder, and scanning sonar—and the results were compared; scanning sonar was the most effective. The methodology was further refined during excavations at the Nakwoldo and Myeongnyang sites. Results show that the scanning sonar can produce images that are more accurate than on-site drawings produced during underwater excavations, even in turbid underwater environments. Moreover, applied in conjunction with high-frequency geophysical exploration techniques, scanning sonar can significantly increase the reliability of investigations of buried underwater remains and relics.
Hot Resistance of Spores from the Thermophilic Bacillus horneckiae SBP3 of Shallow Hydrothermal Vent Origin Elucidated by Spectroscopic Analyses
Authors: Zammuto Vincenzo , Caccamo Maria Teresa , Magazù Salvatore , Spanò Antonio , Guglielmino Salvatore , Gugliandolo Concetta
Published: May 2021

Spores from Bacillus horneckiae SBP3 (SBP3) of shallow hydrothermal vent origin have recently been reported to survive extreme conditions more often than their close phylogenetic relatives B. horneckiae DSM 23495T (BHO) and B. subtilis 168 (BSU) used in biodosimetry and the space microbiology model. To investigate the structures of unheated spores, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was used. The FTIR spectra of the spores from the strains SBP3, BHO and BSU mainly differed in the region that referred to lipids and amino acids or polypeptides, indicating that the SBP3 spores were richer in saturated fatty acids, and the protein structures of SBP3 and BHO spores were more aggregated and complex than those of BSU. SBP3 spores were more resistant (LD90 = 4.2 ± 0.3 min) to wet heat treatment (98 °C) than BHO (LD90 = 1.8 ± 0.2 min) and BSU (LD90 = 2.9 ± 0.5 min) spores were. In comparison to the untreated spores, the Raman spectra of the wet-heat-treated SBP3 spores showed minor variations in the bands that referred to proteins, whereas major changes were observed in the bands that referred to lipids and amide I in the heated BSU spores and to both lipids and proteins bands in the treated BHO spores. These results suggest that the major stability of SBP3 spore proteins could explain their greater resistance to wet heat compared to BHO and BSU. Our findings provide basic information for further comparative studies into spore responses to natural and laboratory stresses, which are useful in several different fields, such as astrobiology.
Human Health Risk Assessment of Air Pollution in the Regions of Unsustainable Heating Sources. Case Study—The Tourist Areas of Southern Poland
Authors: Gruszecka-Kosowska Agnieszka , Dajda Jacek , Adamiec Ewa , Helios-Rybicka Edeltrauda , Kisiel-Dorohinicki Marek , Klimek Radosław , Pałka Dariusz , Wąs Jarosław
Published: May 2021

Air pollution is one of the main factors affecting human health. Air quality is especially important in the tourist areas developed with facilities for outdoor activities. During the winter season of 2017/2018, the concentrations of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), CO, O3, and NO2 were studied in 12 attractive tourist villages in the surroundings of the Czorsztyn Reservoir in southern Poland. Air pollutant measurements were performed continuously, using a single ground-based Alphasense air sensor. Our assessment of human health risk (HHRA), arising from inhalation exposure to air contaminants, was calculated for both local inhabitants and tourists, based on actual measured values. It was found that pollutant concentrations exceeded both permissible and recommended levels of PM10 and PM2.5. The mean total noncarcinogenic risk values were equal to 9.58 (unitless) for adults and 9.68 (unitless) for children and infants, under the resident exposure scenario. However, under the tourist exposure scenario, the mean total risk was equal to 1.63 (unitless) for adults and 1.64 (unitless) for children and infants. The risk to tourists was lower than that to inhabitants due to shorter exposure times. The target non-carcinogenic value of 1, calculated for PM10, PM2.5, and NO2, was significantly exceeded in total risk, under the residential exposure scenario, in reference to all the local subpopulations. In the majority of the investigated locations, the total risk exceeded the value of 1, under the tourist scenario, for all the subpopulations analysed. PM2.5 was recognised to be the most important contaminant in our risk analysis, in view of its share in the total risk value.
Computational Assessment of Modified Antifreeze Glycoproteins on Ice Nucleation
Authors: Bleszynski Monika , Reil Matt
Published: May 2021

Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) found in various fish are used by the organisms to prevent freezing. While these compounds have been studied for their ability to bind to, and prevent the complete crystallization of water, the exact mechanisms by which AFGPs prevent freezing are still undetermined. Therefore, building upon our previous work, this study uses molecular dynamics simulations to assess the effects of hydroxyl group separation distance on AFGP ice nucleation activity. Water droplet crystallization simulations showed that modified AFGP structures containing hydroxyl distances smaller than ~3.0 Å lost their ability to prevent ice crystallization. Furthermore, modified AFGP containing hydroxyl distances of 7.327 Å and 6.160 Å was correlated with a promotion in ice nucleation, as demonstrated by the changes in the energy of the system. This supports the notion that the distance, and therefore, geometry characteristics between the hydroxyl groups located on the saccharide structures play a key role in the ice crystallization inhibition properties of AFGP compounds.
A Portable and Flexible Self-Powered Multifunctional Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring in Swimming
Authors: Mao Yupeng , Zhu Yongsheng , Zhao Tianming , Jia Changjun , Bian Meiyue , Li Xinxing , Liu Yuanguo , Liu Baodan
Published: May 2021

A portable and flexible self-powered biosensor based on ZnO nanowire arrays (ZnO NWs) and flexible PET substrate has been designed and fabricated for real-time monitoring in swimming. Based on the piezoelectric effect of polar ZnO NWs, the fabricated biosensor can work in both air and water without any external power supply. In addition, the biosensor can be easily attached to the surface of the skin to precisely monitor the motion state such as joint moving angle and frequency during swimming. The constant output piezoelectric signal in different relative humidity levels enables actual application in different sports, including swimming. Therefore, the biosensor can be utilized to monitor swimming strokes by attaching it on the surface of the skin. Finally, a wireless transmitting application is demonstrated by implanting the biosensor in vivo to detect angiogenesis. This portable and flexible self-powered biosensor system exhibits broad application prospects in sport monitoring, human–computer interaction and wireless sport big data.
White Matter Lesions as Possible Predictors of Audiological Performance in Adults after Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Knopke Steffen , Bauknecht Hans-Christian , Gräbel Stefan , Häußler Sophia Marie , Szczepek Agnieszka J. , Olze Heidi
Published: May 2021

The presented prospective study investigated whether structural brain damage, measured with the Fazekas score, could predict hearing rehabilitation outcomes with cochlear implantation (CI). With a follow-up period of 24 months, this study included 49 bilaterally, postlingually hearing impaired CI candidates for unilateral CI (67.3 ± 8.7 years; 20 men, 29 women) older than 50 at the time of implantation. The differences in the predictive value between two age groups, 50–70 year-olds (mid-age; n = 26) and over 70-year-olds (elderly; n = 23), were analyzed. The patients were evaluated using speech perception (SP) measured in quiet (Freiburg monosyllabic test; FMT) and noise (Oldenburg sentence test; OLSA). The subjective hearing ability was assessed using Oldenburg inventory (OI). The Fazekas PVWM score predicted postoperative speech perception two years after CI in the mid-age population. The periventricular white matter lesions (PVWM) could explain 27.4% of the speech perception (FMT) variance. Our findings support the hypothesis about the influence of pre-existing WMLs on CI outcome. We recommend the evaluation of Fazekas score as a predictive factor for post-implantation hearing ability.
Clinical Profiles and Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Adults with Specific Learning Disorder in Northern Greece
Authors: Bonti Eleni , Giannoglou Sofia , Georgitsi Marianthi , Sofologi Maria , Porfyri Georgia-Nektaria , Mousioni Artemis , Konsta Anastasia , Tatsiopoulou Paraskevi , Kamari Afroditi , Vavetsi Sofia , Diakogiannis Ioannis
Published: May 2021

The manifestation of Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) during adulthood is one of the least examined research areas among the relevant literature. Therefore, the adult population with SLD is considered a “rare” and “unique” population of major scientific interest. The aim of the current study was to investigate, describe, and analyze the clinical, academic, and socio-demographic characteristics, and other everyday functioning life-skills of adults with SLD, in an attempt to shed more light on this limited field of research. The overall sample consisted of 318 adults, who were assessed for possible SLD. The diagnostic procedure included self-report records (clinical interview), psychometric/cognitive, and learning assessments. The main finding of the study was that SLD, even during adulthood, continues to affect the individuals’ well-being and functionality in all of their life domains. There is an ongoing struggle of this population to obtain academic qualifications in order to gain vocational rehabilitation, as well as a difficulty to create a family, possibly resulting from their unstable occupational status, their financial insecurity, and the emotional/self-esteem issues they usually encounter, due to their ongoing learning problems. Moreover, the various interpersonal characteristics, the comorbidity issues, and the different developmental backgrounds observed in the clinical, academic, personal, social, and occupational profiles of the participants, highlight the enormous heterogeneity and the continuum that characterizes SLD during adulthood. We conclude that there is an imperative need for further research and the construction of more sufficient tools for the assessment and diagnosis of SLD during adulthood, which will take into account the developmental challenges and milestones in a series of domains, in order to assist this “vulnerable” population with their life struggles.
Developmental Trajectories in Spatial Visualization and Mental Rotation in Individuals with Down Syndrome
Authors: Doerr Elizabeth Maria , Carretti Barbara , Toffalini Enrico , Lanfranchi Silvia , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: May 2021

Background. The analysis of developmental trajectories of visuospatial abilities in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) remains an unexplored field of investigation to examine in depth. The study aimed to fill such a gap by examining changes in two visuospatial abilities: spatial visualization (the ability to manage spatial stimuli) and mental rotation (the ability to rotate spatial stimuli). Method. Eighty-seven participants with DS, aged between 7 and 53 years (forty-seven males and forty females), completed spatial visualization and mental rotation tasks. Changes in these two abilities were analyzed in relation to chronological age and developmental level, the latter derived from Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices. Results. Chronological age was linearly associated with spatial visualization performance, whereas mental rotation performance increased until 14 years of age and then decreased. Developmental level was linearly associated with increased performance in spatial visualization, the trend in mental rotation was segmented with an increase after 5 years of age. Furthermore, developmental trajectories in mental rotation depended on the rotation degree. Conclusion. Chronological age explains a modest quote of variance. Developmental level better describes changes in spatial visualization and mental rotation of individuals with DS.
Effects of General Fatigue Induced by Exhaustive Exercise on Posture and Gait Stability of Healthy Young Men
Authors: Coco Marinella , Di Corrado Donatella , Cirillo Francesco , Iacono Chiara , Perciavalle Vincenzo , Buscemi Andrea
Published: May 2021

Bipedal walking is a composite task requiring integration of many control circuitries in the brain and spinal cord. The present study was carried out to verify whether an increase in blood lactate, such as that associated with a high intensity exercise, is able to significantly modify the qualitative and/or quantitative aspects of human walking. Eighteen healthy physically male participants, aged between 20 and 24 years (M = 21.8, SD = 1.22), were recruited for the study. For this purpose, the experimental protocol included the measure of blood lactate levels with the aim of assessing possible relations between lactate blood values and different aspect of walking after an exhaustive exercise. An exhaustive exercise was associated with a strong increase of blood lactate levels and produced a significant worsening in the ability to maintain the bipodalic upright posture as well as the fluidity of walking. Our results suggest that exhausting bouts impose greater challenges on postural control.
Variable Temperature Synthesis of Tunable Flame-Generated Carbon Nanoparticles
Authors: Picca Francesca , Pietro Angela Di , Commodo Mario , Minutolo Patrizia , D’Anna Andrea
Published: May 2021

In this study, flame-formed carbon nanoparticles of different nanostructures have been produced by changing the flame temperature. Raman spectroscopy has been used for the characterization of the carbon nanoparticles, while the particle size has been obtained by online measurements made by electrical mobility analysis. The results show that, in agreement with recent literature data, a large variety of carbon nanoparticles, with a different degree of graphitization, can be produced by changing the flame temperature. This methodology allows for the synthesis of very small carbon nanoparticles with a size of about 3–4 nm and with different graphitic orders. Under the perspective of the material synthesis process, the variable-temperature flame-synthesis of carbon nanoparticles appears as an attractive procedure for a cost-effective and easily scalable production of highly tunable carbon nanoparticles.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Health Economic Review
Authors: Van Den Heede Klaas , Tolley Neil S. , Di Marco Aimee N. , Palazzo Fausto F.
Published: May 2021

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is rising, mainly because of an increased detection of asymptomatic thyroid nodularity revealed by the liberal use of thyroid ultrasound. This review aims to reflect on the health economic considerations associated with the increasing diagnosis and treatment of DTC. Overdiagnosis and the resulting overtreatment have led to more surgical procedures, increasing health care and patients’ costs, and a large pool of community-dwelling thyroid cancer follow-up patients. Additionally, the cost of thyroid surgery seems to increase year on year even when inflation is taken into account. The increased healthcare costs and spending have placed significant pressure to identify potential factors associated with these increased costs. Some truly ground-breaking work in health economics has been undertaken, but more cost-effectiveness studies and micro-cost analyses are required to evaluate expenses and guide future solutions.
Pentraxin 3 Inhibits the Angiogenic Potential of Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Ronca Roberto , Taranto Sara , Corsini Michela , Tobia Chiara , Ravelli Cosetta , Rezzola Sara , Belleri Mirella , De Cillis Floriana , Cattaneo Annamaria , Presta Marco , Giacomini Arianna
Published: May 2021

During multiple myeloma (MM) progression the activation of the angiogenic process represents a key step for the formation of the vascular niche, where different stromal components and neoplastic cells collaborate and foster tumor growth. Among the different pro-angiogenic players, Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) plays a pivotal role in BM vascularization occurring during MM progression. Long Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a natural FGF antagonist, is able to reduce the activation of stromal components promoted by FGF2 in various in vitro models. An increased FGF/PTX3 ratio has also been found to occur during MM evolution, suggesting that restoring the “physiological” FGF/PTX3 ratio in plasma cells and BM stromal cells (BMSCs) might impact MM. In this work, taking advantage of PTX3-inducible human MM models, we show that PTX3 produced by tumor cells is able to restore a balanced FGF/PTX3 ratio sufficient to prevent the activation of the FGF/FGFR system in endothelial cells and to reduce the angiogenic capacity of MM cells in different in vivo models. As a result of this anti-angiogenic activity, PTX3 overexpression causes a significant reduction of the tumor burden in both subcutaneously grafted and systemic MM models. These data pave the way for the exploitation of PTX3-derived anti-angiogenic approaches in MM.
Breast-Gynaecological & Immuno-Oncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC) Consensus and Recommendations for the Management of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Elghazaly Hesham , Rugo Hope S. , Azim Hamdy A. , Swain Sandra M. , Arun Banu , Aapro Matti , Perez Edith A. , Anderson Benjamin O. , Penault-Llorca Frederique , Conte Pierfranco , El Saghir Nagi S. , Yip Cheng-Har , Ghosn Marwan , Poortmans Philip , Shehata Mohamed A. , Giuliano Armando E. , Leung Jessica W. T. , Guarneri Valentina , Gligorov Joseph , Gulluoglu Bahadir M. , Abdel Aziz Hany , Frolova Mona , Sabry Mohamed , Balch Charles M. , Orecchia Roberto , El-Zawahry Heba M. , Al-Sukhun Sana , Abdel Karim Khaled , Kandil Alaa , Paltuev Ruslan M. , Foheidi Meteb , El-Shinawi Mohamed , ElMahdy Manal , Abulkhair Omalkhair , Yang Wentao , Aref Adel T. , Bakkach Joaira , Bahie Eldin Nermean , Elghazawy Hagar
Published: May 2021

Background: The management of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging with several controversies and unmet needs. During the 12th Breast-Gynaecological & Immuno-oncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC) Egypt, 2020, a panel of 35 breast cancer experts from 13 countries voted on consensus guidelines for the clinical management of TNBC. The consensus was subsequently updated based on the most recent data evolved lately. Methods: A consensus conference approach adapted from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) was utilized. The panellists voted anonymously on each question, and a consensus was achieved when ≥75% of voters selected an answer. The final consensus was later circulated to the panellists for critical revision of important intellectual content. Results and conclusion: These recommendations represent the available clinical evidence and expert opinion when evidence is scarce. The percentage of the consensus votes, levels of evidence and grades of recommendation are presented for each statement. The consensus covered all the aspects of TNBC management starting from defining TNBC to the management of metastatic disease and highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape in this field. Consensus was reached in 70% of the statements (35/50). In addition, areas of warranted research were identified to guide future prospective clinical trials.
Multienzymatic Processes Involving Baeyer–Villiger Monooxygenases
Authors: de Gonzalo Gonzalo , Alcántara Andrés R.
Published: May 2021

Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs) are flavin-dependent oxidative enzymes capable of catalyzing the insertion of an oxygen atom between a carbonylic Csp2 and the Csp3 at the alpha position, therefore transforming linear and cyclic ketones into esters and lactones. These enzymes are dependent on nicotinamides (NAD(P)H) for the flavin reduction and subsequent reaction with molecular oxygen. BVMOs can be included in cascade reactions, coupled to other redox enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) or ene-reductases (EREDs), so that the direct conversion of alcohols or α,β-unsaturated carbonylic compounds to the corresponding esters can be achieved. In the present review, the different synthetic methodologies that have been performed by employing multienzymatic strategies with BVMOs combining whole cells or isolated enzymes, through sequential or parallel methods, are described, with the aim of highlighting the advantages of performing multienzymatic systems, and show the recent advances for overcoming the drawbacks of using BVMOs in these techniques.
Dissecting the Hormonal Signaling Landscape in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fontana Fabrizio , Limonta Patrizia
Published: May 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer (PCa) progression towards its most aggressive, castration-resistant (CRPC) stage is urgently needed to improve the therapeutic options for this almost incurable pathology. Interestingly, CRPC is known to be characterized by a peculiar hormonal landscape. It is now well established that the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) axis is still active in CRPC cells. The persistent activity of this axis in PCa progression has been shown to be related to different mechanisms, such as intratumoral androgen synthesis, AR amplification and mutations, AR mRNA alternative splicing, increased expression/activity of AR-related transcription factors and coregulators. The hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), by binding to its specific receptors (GnRH-Rs) at the pituitary level, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the reproductive functions. GnRH and GnRH-R are also expressed in different types of tumors, including PCa. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that, in CRPC cells, the activation of GnRH-Rs is associated with a significant antiproliferative/proapoptotic, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic activity. This antitumor activity is mainly mediated by the GnRH-R-associated Gαi/cAMP signaling pathway. In this review, we dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of the androgen/AR and GnRH/GnRH-R axes in CRPC progression and the possible therapeutic implications.
Crosstalk between Interleukin-1β and Type I Interferons Signaling in Autoinflammatory Diseases
Authors: Georgel Philippe
Published: May 2021

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and type I interferons (IFNs) are major cytokines involved in autoinflammatory/autoimmune diseases. Separately, the overproduction of each of these cytokines is well described and constitutes the hallmark of inflammasomopathies and interferonopathies, respectively. While their interaction and the crosstalk between their downstream signaling pathways has been mostly investigated in the frame of infectious diseases, little information on their interconnection is still available in the context of autoinflammation promoted by sterile triggers. In this review, we will examine the respective roles of IL-1β and type I IFNs in autoinflammatory/rheumatic diseases and analyze their potential connections in the pathophysiology of some of these diseases, which could reveal novel therapeutic opportunities.
Excessive Iron Induces Oxidative Stress Promoting Cellular Perturbations and Insulin Secretory Dysfunction in MIN6 Beta Cells
Authors: Blesia Voni , Patel Vinood B. , Al-Obaidi Hisham , Renshaw Derek , Zariwala Mohammed Gulrez
Published: May 2021

Exposure to high levels of glucose and iron are co-related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and dysregulation of insulin synthesis and secretion, although the precise mechanisms are not well clarified. The focus of this study was to examine the consequences of exposure to high iron levels on MIN6 β-cells. MIN6 pseudoislets were exposed to 20 µM (control) or 100 µM (high) iron at predefined glucose levels (5.5 mM and 11 mM) at various time points (3, 24, 48, and 72 h). Total iron content was estimated by a colourimetric FerroZine™ assay in presence or absence of transferrin-bound iron. Cell viability was assessed by a resazurin dye-based assay, and ROS-mediated cellular oxidative stress was assessed by estimating malondialdehyde levels. β-cell iron absorption was determined by a ferritin immunoassay. Cellular insulin release and content was measured by an insulin immunoassay. Expression of SNAP-25, a key protein in the core SNARE complex that modulates vesicle exocytosis, was measured by immunoblotting. Our results demonstrate that exposure to high iron levels resulted in a 15-fold (48 h) and 4-fold (72 h) increase in cellular iron accumulation. These observations were consistent with data from oxidative stress analysis which demonstrated 2.7-fold higher levels of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, exposure to supraphysiological (11 mM) levels of glucose and high iron (100 µM) at 72 h exerted the most detrimental effect on the MIN6 β-cell viability. The effect of high iron exposure on total cellular iron content was identical in the presence or absence of transferrin. High iron exposure (100 µM) resulted in a decrease of MIN6 insulin secretion (64% reduction) as well as cellular insulin content (10% reduction). Finally, a significant reduction in MIN6 β-cell SNAP-25 protein expression was evident at 48 h upon exposure to 100 µM iron. Our data suggest that exposure to high iron and glucose concentrations results in cellular oxidative damage and may initiate insulin secretory dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells by modulation of the exocytotic machinery.
Highly Correlated Recurrence Prognosis in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer by Synergistic Consideration of Circulating Tumor Cells/Microemboli and Tumor Markers CEA/CA19-9
Authors: Chu Hsueh-Yao , Yang Chih-Yung , Yeh Ping-Hao , Hsu Chun-Jieh , Chang Lu-Wei , Chan Wei-Jen , Lin Chien-Ping , Lyu You-You , Wu Wei-Cheng , Lee Chun-Wei , Wu Jen-Kuei , Jiang Jeng-Kai , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: May 2021

Circulation tumor cells (CTCs) play an important role in metastasis and highly correlate with cancer progression; thus, CTCs could be considered as a powerful diagnosis tool. Our previous studies showed that the number of CTCs could be utilized for recurrence prediction in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the odds ratio was still lower than five. To improve prognosis in CRC patients, we analyzed CTC clusters/microemboli, CTC numbers, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)/carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels using a self-assembled cell array (SACA) chip system for recurrence prediction. In CRC patients, the presence of CTC clusters/microemboli may have higher correlation in metastasis when compared to the high number of CTCs. Additionally, when both the number of CTCs and serum CEA levels are high, very high odds ratios of 24.4 and 17.1 are observed in patients at all stages and stage III of CRC, respectively. The high number of CTCs and CTC clusters/microemboli simultaneously suggests the high chance of relapse (odds ratio 8.4). Overall, the characteristic of CTC clusters/microemboli, CEA level, and CTC number have a clinical potential to enhance CRC prognosis.