bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Experimentally Calibrated Regularized Stokeslets to Assess Bacterial Flagellar Motility Near a Surface
Authors: Shindell Orrin , Nguyen Hoa , Coltharp Nicholas , Healy Frank , Rodenborn Bruce
Published: November 2021

The presence of a nearby boundary is likely to be important in the life cycle and evolution of motile flagellate bacteria. This has led many authors to employ numerical simulations to model near-surface bacterial motion and compute hydrodynamic boundary effects. A common choice has been the method of images for regularized Stokeslets (MIRS); however, the method requires discretization sizes and regularization parameters that are not specified by any theory. To determine appropriate regularization parameters for given discretization choices in MIRS, we conducted dynamically similar macroscopic experiments and fit the simulations to the data. In the experiments, we measured the torque on cylinders and helices of different wavelengths as they rotated in a viscous fluid at various distances to a boundary. We found that differences between experiments and optimized simulations were less than 5% when using surface discretizations for cylinders and centerline discretizations for helices. Having determined optimal regularization parameters, we used MIRS to simulate an idealized free-swimming bacterium constructed of a cylindrical cell body and a helical flagellum moving near a boundary. We assessed the swimming performance of many bacterial morphologies by computing swimming speed, motor rotation rate, Purcell’s propulsive efficiency, energy cost per swimming distance, and a new metabolic energy cost defined to be the energy cost per body mass per swimming distance. All five measures predicted that the optimal flagellar wavelength is eight times the helical radius independently of body size and surface proximity. Although the measures disagreed on the optimal body size, they all predicted that body size is an important factor in the energy cost of bacterial motility near and far from a surface.
Flow Structure and Deformation of Two Bubbles Rising Side by Side in a Quiescent Liquid
Authors: Kusuno Hiroaki , Sanada Toshiyuki
Published: November 2021

In the motion of two spherical bubbles rising side by side, the bubbles are known to attract each other at a high Reynolds number (Re = ρUd/μ). Furthermore, spherical bubbles kiss and bounce under certain conditions; however, deformable bubbles repel each other without kissing. This paper experimentally and numerically presents the flow structures and shape of the nonkissing repulsion of deformable bubbles. For the experimental analysis, we organized bubble behaviors by Galilei number (Ga = ρg1/2d3/2/μ) and Bond number (Bo = ρgd2/σ). The bubbles repelled each other without kissing near the unstable critical curve of a single bubble. The curvature inside the gap, which is similar to the shape of a zigzag behavior bubble, was large. For the numerical analysis, the velocity of the equatorial plane inside the gap was larger due to the potential interaction, although the velocity behind was the opposite due to the strengthened vorticity generated at the surface. Furthermore, the double-threaded wake emerged behind the interacting bubbles, and it showed that the rotation direction was repulsion regardless of whether the bubbles attracted or repelled each other. The streamline behind the bubbles in the 2D plane was from the outside to the inside.
Parametric Study of Unsteady Flow and Heat Transfer of Compressible Helium–Xenon Binary Gas through a Porous Channel Subjected to a Magnetic Field
Authors: Pattanavanitkul Pornthep , Pakdee Watit
Published: November 2021

A numerical analysis of unsteady fluid and heat transport of compressible Helium–Xenon binary gas through a rectangular porous channel subjected to a transverse magnetic field is herein presented. The binary gas mixture consists of Helium (He) and Xenon (Xe). In addition, the compressible gas properties are temperature-dependent. The set of governing equations are nondimensionalized via appropriate dimensionless parameters. The dimensionless equations involve a number of dimensionless groups employed for detailed parametric study. Consequently, the set of equations is discretized using a compact finite difference scheme and solved by using the 3rd-order Runge–Kutta method. The model’s computed results are compared with data from past literature, and very favorable agreement is achieved. The results show that the magnetic field, compressibility and variable fluid properties profoundly affect heat and fluid transport. Variations of density with temperature as well as pressure result in an asymmetric mass flow profile. Furthermore, the friction coefficient is greater for the upper wall than for the lower wall due to larger velocity gradients along the top wall.
The Microbiota of Grana Padano Cheese. A Review
Authors: Giraffa Giorgio
Published: November 2021

Grana Padano (GP) is the most appreciated and marketed cheese with Protected Designation of Origin in the world. The use of raw milk, the addition of undefined cultures (defined as ‘sieroinnesto naturale’), the peculiar manufacturing proces, and the long ripening make the cheese microbiota play a decisive role in defining the quality and the organoleptic properties of the product. The knowledge on the microbial diversity associated with GP has been the subject, in recent years, of several studies aimed at understanding its composition and characteristics in order, on the one hand, to improve its technological performances and, on the other hand, to indirectly enhance the nutritional quality of the product. This review aims to briefly illustrate the main available knowledge on the composition and properties of the GP microbiota, inferred from dozens of studies carried out by both classical microbiology techniques and metagenomic analysis. The paper will essentially, but not exclusively, be focused on the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from starter (SLAB) and the non-starter bacteria, both lactic (NSLAB) and non-lactic, of milk origin.
Metabolic Effects of Bee Larva-Derived Protein in Mice: Assessment of an Alternative Protein Source
Authors: Yokoyama Yoko , Shinohara Kawori , Kitamura Naho , Nakamura Anna , Onoue Ai , Tanaka Kazuki , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Aw Wanping , Nakamura Shigeru , Ogawa Yoko , Fukuda Shinji , Tsubota Kazuo , Watanabe Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2021

Food crises caused by growing global population or environmental changes are predicted in the near future; therefore, sustainable solutions are needed. Edible insects, which are rich in protein and can save feed and environmental resources, have the potential to be a sustainable alternative protein source. However, there is limited evidence on the impact on health. In this study, we investigated the biological effects of ingesting bee larva by examining their effects on amino acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism in animal models. In our animal experiments, the replacement of casein as a protein source, with edible insects, did not seem to cause any deficiency in murine amino acid levels in the plasma and liver. Metabolomic analysis of plasma metabolites showed decreased 3-methylhistidine and increased nicotinamide in the bee larva-derived protein-fed mice. Decreased levels of plasma 3-metylhistidine, an indicator of muscle degradation, implies that replacement to bee-larva protein from casein did not cause muscle degradation in vivo. We further investigated effects of increased plasma nicotinamide on peripheral tissue and found an increase in expression levels of genes involved in glucose uptake in muscle and thermogenesis in adipose tissue. These data imply that bee larva is a potential sustainable, safe and healthy alternative protein source.
Distinct Morphological and Behavioural Alterations in ENU-Induced Heterozygous Trpc7K810Stop Mutant Mice
Authors: Rathkolb Birgit , Howaldt Maike , Krebs Stefan , Prückl Petra , Sauer Susanne , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Aigner Bernhard
Published: November 2021

Trpc7 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 7; 862 amino acids) knockout mice are described showing no clear phenotypic alterations, therefore, the functional relevance of the gene remains unclear. A complementary approach for the functional analysis of a given gene is the examination of individuals harbouring a mutant allele of the gene. In the phenotype-driven Munich ENU mouse mutagenesis project, a high number of phenotypic parameters was used for establishing novel mouse models on the genetic background of C3H inbred mice. The phenotypically dominant mutant line SMA002 was established and further examined. Analysis of the causative mutation as well as the phenotypic characterization of the mutant line were carried out. The causative mutation was detected in the gene Trpc7 which leads to the production of a truncated protein due to the novel stop codon at amino acid position 810 thereby affecting the highly conserved cytoplasmic C terminus of the protein. Trpc7 heterozygous mutant mice of both sexes were viable and fertile, but showed distinct morphological and behavioural alterations which is in contrast to the published phenotype of Trpc7 knockout mice. Thus, the Trpc7K810Stop mutation leads to a dominant negative effect of the mutant protein.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals the Effects of Nitric Oxide on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Watermelon under Aluminum Stress
Authors: Zheng Yangxia , Xiao Jiachang , Zheng Kaimin , Ma Junying , He Maolin , Li Jie , Li Mengyao
Published: November 2021

Excessive aluminum ions (Al3+) in acidic soil can have a toxic effect on watermelons, restricting plant growth and reducing yield and quality. In this study, we found that exogenous application of nitric oxide (NO) could increase the photochemical efficiency of watermelon leaves under aluminum stress by promoting closure of leaf stomata, reducing malondialdehyde and superoxide anion in leaves, and increasing POD and CAT activity. These findings showed that the exogenous application of NO improved the ability of watermelon to withstand aluminum stress. To further reveal the mitigation mechanism of NO on watermelons under aluminum stress, the differences following different types of treatments—normal growth, Al, and Al + NO—were shown using de novo sequencing of transcriptomes. In total, 511 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the Al + NO and Al treatment groups. Significantly enriched biological processes included nitrogen metabolism, phenylpropane metabolism, and photosynthesis. We selected 23 genes related to antioxidant enzymes and phenylpropane metabolism for qRT-PCR validation. The results showed that after exogenous application of NO, the expression of genes encoding POD and CAT increased, consistent with the results of the physiological indicators. The expression patterns of genes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism were consistent with the transcriptome expression abundance. These results indicate that aluminum stress was involved in the inhibition of the photosynthetic pathway, and NO could activate the antioxidant enzyme defense system and phenylpropane metabolism to protect cells and scavenge reactive oxygen species. This study improves our current understanding by comprehensively analyzing the molecular mechanisms underlying NO-induced aluminum stress alleviation in watermelons.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Exploration of SBP-Box Gene Family in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
Authors: Li Jing , Fan Rui , Wu Baoduo , Ji Xunzhi , Hao Chaoyun
Published: November 2021

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), is dubbed “the King of Spices”. However, the lack of genic knowledge has limited the understanding of its physiological processes and hindered the development of its molecular breeding. The SBP-box gene family is an important family in plant development and integrates multiple physiological processes. Here, we made a genome-wide identification of the pepper SBP-box gene family to provide evolutionary and functional information about this conserved transcription factor. In total, 34 SBP genes were identified in pepper. All these pepper SBP genes were clustered into eight groups, and one pepper group was not found in Arabidopsis thaliana. Segment duplications played the most important role in the expansion process of pepper SBP genes, and all these duplications were subjected to purifying selection. Half of pepper SBP genes were found miR156 target sites, and 17 miR156s were predicted. The tissue expression analysis revealed the differential expression of pepper SBP genes. Eleven SBP genes were found in four co-expression networks, and the GO enrichment further provides a functional prediction for pepper SBP genes. This study lays a foundation for further studies of pepper and provides a valuable reference for functional mining of pepper SBP genes.
ORPER: A Workflow for Constrained SSU rRNA Phylogenies
Authors: Cornet Luc , Ahn Anne-Catherine , Wilmotte Annick , Baurain Denis
Published: November 2021

The continuous increase in sequenced genomes in public repositories makes the choice of interesting bacterial strains for future sequencing projects ever more complicated, as it is difficult to estimate the redundancy between these strains and the already available genomes. Therefore, we developed the Nextflow workflow “ORPER”, for “ORganism PlacER”, containerized in Singularity, which allows the determination the phylogenetic position of a collection of organisms in the genomic landscape. ORPER constrains the phylogenetic placement of SSU (16S) rRNA sequences in a multilocus reference tree based on ribosomal protein genes extracted from public genomes. We demonstrate the utility of ORPER on the Cyanobacteria phylum, by placing 152 strains of the BCCM/ULC collection.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Pattern Analysis of the γ-Gliadin Gene Family in the Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Cultivar Svevo
Authors: Paris Roberta , Petruzzino Giuseppe , Savino Michele , De Simone Vanessa , Ficco Donatella B. M. , Trono Daniela
Published: November 2021

Very recently, the genome of the modern durum wheat cv. Svevo was fully sequenced, and its assembly is publicly available. So, we exploited the opportunity to carry out an in-depth study for the systematic characterization of the γ-gliadin gene family in the cv. Svevo by combining a bioinformatic approach with transcript and protein analysis. We found that the γ-gliadin family consists of nine genes that include seven functional genes and two pseudogenes. Three genes, Gli-γ1a, Gli-γ3a and Gli-γ4a, and the pseudogene Gli-γ2a* mapped on the A genome, whereas the remaining four genes, Gli-γ1b, Gli-γ2b, Gli-γ3b and Gli-γ5b, and the pseudogene Gli-γ4b* mapped on the B genome. The functional γ-gliadins presented all six domains and eight-cysteine residues typical of γ-gliadins. The Gli-γ1b also presented an additional cysteine that could possibly have a role in the formation of the gluten network through binding to HMW glutenins. The γ-gliadins from the A and B genome differed in their celiac disease (CD) epitope content and composition, with the γ-gliadins from the B genome showing the highest frequency of CD epitopes. In all the cases, almost all the CD epitopes clustered in the central region of the γ-gliadin proteins. Transcript analysis during seed development revealed that all the functional γ-gliadin genes were expressed with a similar pattern, although significant differences in the transcript levels were observed among individual genes that were sometimes more than 60-fold. A progressive accumulation of the γ-gliadin fraction was observed in the ripening seeds that reached 34% of the total gliadin fraction at harvest maturity. We believe that the insights generated in the present study could aid further studies on gliadin protein functions and future breeding programs aimed at the selection of new healthier durum wheat genotypes.
Genomic Variation in Korean japonica Rice Varieties
Authors: Ji Hyeonso , Shin Yunji , Lee Chaewon , Oh Hyoja , Yoon In Sun , Baek Jeongho , Cha Young-Soon , Lee Gang-Seob , Kim Song Lim , Kim Kyung-Hwan
Published: November 2021

Next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled the discovery of numerous sequence variations among closely related crop varieties. We analyzed genome resequencing data from 24 Korean temperate japonica rice varieties and discovered 954,233 sequence variations, including 791,121 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 163,112 insertions/deletions (InDels). On average, there was one variant per 391 base-pairs (bp), a variant density of 2.6 per 1 kbp. Of the InDels, 10,860 were longer than 20 bp, which enabled conversion to markers resolvable on an agarose gel. The effect of each variant on gene function was predicted using the SnpEff program. The variants were categorized into four groups according to their impact: high, moderate, low, and modifier. These groups contained 3524 (0.4%), 27,656 (2.9%), 24,875 (2.6%), and 898,178 (94.1%) variants, respectively. To test the accuracy of these data, eight InDels from a pre-harvest sprouting resistance QTL (qPHS11) target region, four highly polymorphic InDels, and four functional sequence variations in known agronomically important genes were selected and successfully developed into markers. These results will be useful to develop markers for marker-assisted selection, to select candidate genes in map-based cloning, and to produce efficient high-throughput genome-wide genotyping systems for Korean temperate japonica rice varieties.
A Comprehensive, Targeted NGS Approach to Assessing Molecular Diagnosis of Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Authors: La Cognata Valentina , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: November 2021

With over 60 different disorders and a combined incidence occurring in 1:5000–7000 live births, lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) represent a major public health problem and constitute an enormous burden for affected individuals and their families. Several reasons make the diagnosis of LSDs an arduous task for clinicians, including the phenotype and penetrance variability, the shared signs and symptoms, and the uncertainties related to biochemical enzymatic assay results. Developing a powerful diagnostic tool based on next generation sequencing (NGS) technology may help reduce the delayed diagnostic process for these families, leading to better outcomes for current therapies and providing the basis for more appropriate genetic counseling. Herein, we employed a targeted NGS-based panel to scan the coding regions of 65 LSD-causative genes. A reference group sample (n = 26) with previously known genetic mutations was used to test and validate the entire workflow. Our approach demonstrated elevated analytical accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. We believe the adoption of comprehensive targeted sequencing strategies into a routine diagnostic route may accelerate both the identification and management of LSDs with overlapping clinical profiles, producing a significant reduction in delayed diagnostic response with beneficial results in the treatment outcome.
Investigating Markers of the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Human Post-Mortem Study
Authors: Tang Hao , Harte Michael
Published: November 2021

Neuroinflammatory mechanisms with glial cell activation have been implicated in the pathogenic process of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is an essential component of the neuroinflammatory response. A role for NLRP3 activation in AD is supported by both in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies with little direct investigation of AD brain tissue. RNA expression of genes of three glial cell markers, HLA-DRA, AIF-1 and GFAP; the components of the NLRP3 inflammasome NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1; and downstream pre-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β and IL-18, were investigated in the temporal cortex of AD patients and age- and sex-matched controls. Protein expression of GFAP was also assessed. Increases in both mRNA and protein expression were observed for GFAP in AD. There were no significant changes in other NLRP3 activation markers between groups. Our results indicate the involvement of astrocyte activation in AD, particularly in more severe patients. We found no evidence for the specific involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Molecular Classification and Interpretation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using Deep Convolution Neural Networks and Shapley Values
Authors: Karim Abdul , Su Zheng , West Phillip K. , Keon Matthew ,   The NYGC ALS Consortium, Shamsani Jannah , Brennan Samuel , Wong Ted , Milicevic Ognjen , Teunisse Guus , Rad Hima Nikafshan , Sattar Abdul
Published: November 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a prototypical neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons to severely effect the functionality to control voluntary muscle movement. Most of the non-additive genetic aberrations responsible for ALS make its molecular classification very challenging along with limited sample size, curse of dimensionality, class imbalance and noise in the data. Deep learning methods have been successful in many other related areas but have low minority class accuracy and suffer from the lack of explainability when used directly with RNA expression features for ALS molecular classification. In this paper, we propose a deep-learning-based molecular ALS classification and interpretation framework. Our framework is based on training a convolution neural network (CNN) on images obtained from converting RNA expression values into pixels based on DeepInsight similarity technique. Then, we employed Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) to extract pixels with higher relevance to ALS classifications. These pixels were mapped back to the genes which made them up. This enabled us to classify ALS samples with high accuracy for a minority class along with identifying genes that might be playing an important role in ALS molecular classifications. Taken together with RNA expression images classified with CNN, our preliminary analysis of the genes identified by SHAP interpretation demonstrate the value of utilizing Machine Learning to perform molecular classification of ALS and uncover disease-associated genes.
Seismic Attribute Analyses and Attenuation Applications for Detecting Gas Hydrate Presence
Authors: Clairmont Roberto , Bedle Heather , Marfurt Kurt , Wang Yichuan
Published: November 2021

Identifying gas hydrates in the oceanic subsurface using seismic reflection data supported by the presence of a bottom simulating reflector (BSR) is not an easy task, given the wide range of geophysical methods that have been applied to do so. Though the presence of the BSR is attributed to the attenuation response, as seismic waves transition from hydrate-filled sediment within the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) to free gas-bearing sediment below, few studies have applied a direct attenuation measurement. To improve the detection of gas hydrates and associated features, including the BSR and free gas accumulation beneath the gas hydrates, we apply a recently developed method known as Sparse-Spike Decomposition (SSD) that directly measures attenuation from estimating the quality factor (Q) parameter. In addition to performing attribute analyses using frequency attributes and a spectral decomposition method to improve BSR imaging, using a comprehensive analysis of the three methods, we make several key observations. These include the following: (1) low-frequency shadow zones seem to correlate with large values of attenuation; (2) there is a strong relationship between the amplitude strength of the BSR and the increase of the attenuation response; (3) the resulting interpretation of migration pathways of the free gas using the direct attenuation measurement method; and (4) for the data analyzed, the gas hydrates themselves do not give rise to either impedance or attenuation anomalies that fully differentiate them from nearby non-hydrate zones. From this last observation, we find that, although the SSD method may not directly detect in situ gas hydrates, the same gas hydrates often form an effective seal trapping and deeper free gas accumulation, which can exhibit a large attenuation response, allowing us to infer the likely presence of the overlying hydrates themselves.
A Summary of “Petrophysics and Geochemistry of Unconventional Reservoirs”
Authors: Spasennykh Mikhail , Chekhonin Evgeny , Leushina Evgenia
Published: November 2021

Unconventional reservoirs are discovered in all petroleum basins around the world [...]
Does Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Bullectomy and Partial Pleurectomy for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Impair Health-Related Quality of Life and Pulmonary Function?
Authors: Fung Stephen , Ashmawy Hany , Schauer Anja , Eichler Martin , Safi Sami , Dizdar Levent , Rehders Alexander , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Fluegen Georg
Published: November 2021

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with partial pleurectomy is an established treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). However, postoperative pulmonary function and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) after VATS–bullectomy with partial pleurectomy (VBPP) have not been elucidated. Methods: Eligible patients were assessed for HR-QoL using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Pulmonary function (PF) was evaluated by spirometry. We compared the results of the VBPP cohort with the German national norms, and with a similar cohort of patients successfully treated by chest tube (CT) only. Results: A total of 25 VBPP patients completed the SF-36 health survey, of whom 15 presented for PF assessment. Between the VBPP and CT groups, the mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio were not statistically significantly different. However, in both groups, FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were above the lower limit of normal (LLN), suggesting no restrictive or obstructive patterns. Compared with the sex- and age-matched normal German population, patients who underwent VBPP displayed a similar physical component summary score and a significantly decreased mental component summary score. Interestingly, comparison of the SF-36 domains between the VBPP and CT groups showed no statistical difference. Conclusion: VBPP is a suitable surgical treatment for PSP, with no apparent adverse impacts on pulmonary or physical function. However, psychological distress and measures to counteract its impact should be considered.
Developing an International Occupational Therapy Service: Perspectives and Implications
Authors: Jiménez-Arberas Estíbaliz , Márquez-Álvarez Luis-Javier , Fernández-Méndez Isabel , Ruiz-Fernández María-Luisa
Published: November 2021

Mali is one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Limited infrastructure renders access to health care difficult. There is a need to establish functional ways to improve Malian people’s health and treat disability. From this point of view, our project aims to implement a remote occupational therapy service for the beneficiaries of the Kalana clinic in Mali through international cooperation. Using a spiral iterative model, a proposal for a remote occupational therapy service was developed and refined for a multidisciplinary context. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was used as a means to work from a multidisciplinary approach to treat all needs. The results are exemplified with a case report and qualitative impressions of the services.
Association of Mortality-Related Risk Factors in Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rehman Shazia , Rehman Nadia , Mumtaz Ayesha , Jiang Jindong
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 is a rapidly disseminating infectious disease conferred by the World Health Organization (WHO) as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epidemiological and clinical characteristics data have been identified for patients with COVID-19, but mortality-related risk factors and a comprehensive clinical course of disease in a developing country have not been specifically defined. This retrospective, single-center cohort study involved all successive inpatients having a positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with deceased or discharged clinical outcomes from 1 January to 10 May 2021. Data were extracted from electronic medical records on demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings as well as complications faced and treatment provided during follow-up, involving serial samples for viral RNA identification, and compared between the dead and survivors. To investigate the risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality, we employed the multivariate logistic regression model. In this study, 2048 patients were involved, 1458 of whom were discharged, and 590 died in hospital. More than half of patients were identified as male with old age being the potential risk factor of mortality. Exactly 94.8% of all patients presented with fever at the time of admission. Several comorbidities were present in the study population, with the most frequent comorbidity being cardiovascular diseases (1177 of 2048) and hypertension (975 of 2048) followed by cerebrovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Mortality rates for infected patients were observed as higher in severe patients (46.3%) compared with non-severe cases (26.1%) during a follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis showed a significant association of in-hospital mortality of patients with older age, presence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases as underlying comorbidities, increased level of cardiac troponin I and d-dimer concentration on admission, as well as septicemia and ARDS as a complication during illness. To minimize the risk of death in COVID19 patients, as well as the risk of severe complications, urgent public health measures should be properly planned and implemented on those vulnerable populations. To detect early manifestations of clinical problems, thorough and regular follow-up is warranted.
Reducing Waste in Healthcare through Occupational Safety and Health Measures: A Study of Manufacturing Industries in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Ya-huei , Chang Cheng-Ming , Liao Hung-Chang
Published: November 2021

Occupational accidents and diseases cause the loss of valuable workers and lead to high healthcare expenses. Because occupational accidents and diseases are ascribed to inadequate working conditions and work environments, they can be prevented through a well-established occupational safety and health management system, which can ensure workers’ health and reduce the expense of healthcare. The study investigated the shortage of work-related occupational safety and health (OSH) measures in medium-sized manufacturing industries. This study mainly focused on qualitative interviews with 15 labor inspectors and 25 business executives from OSH participating to investigate the problems of occupational safety and health in the manufacturing industries in Taiwan. The results of a qualitative study show that the most important problems with OSH management are employers’ negligence and workers’ insufficient knowledge about OSH management. The research results revealed the following eighteen significant shortcomings of OSH management: employers care mostly about production profit and do not care much for OSH; OSH data collection and OSH planning are not suitable for the workplace; many managers of OSH affairs are not qualified, in terms of their professional or academic backgrounds; and the repair of workplaces’ roofs often results in falling accidents, especially before or after a typhoon, because of workers’ failure to use safety belts and/or to follow OSH guidelines. In order to address the shortcomings and bottlenecks, the study also presented recommendations for how to implement and revise the OSH Act and how to research and enhance OSH management. The results of this study will not only supply the Ministry of Labor (Taiwan) with data to plan the strategy of OSH management but also will allow employers and workers to improve OSH management in the workplace in order to prevent the occurrence of occupational accidents.
ART Innovations: Fostering Women’s Psychophysical Health between Bioethics Precepts and Human Rights
Authors: Zaami Simona , Driul Lorenza , Sansone Milena , Scatena Elisa , Andersson Karin Louise , Marinelli Enrico
Published: November 2021

Infertility is a highly relevant global issue affecting the reproductive health of at least 15% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide. The scope and severity of the infertility problem is even more prevalent in developing countries, mostly due to untreated reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Infertility, however, goes beyond the mere inability to procreate, but brings about profound psychological, social, and ethical implications of enormous magnitude. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) have gradually become widespread therapeutic options. After all, the implementation of medically assisted reproductive procedures in order to overcome infertility is in keeping with the tenets of the reproductive rights agenda laid out at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994. Nonetheless, concerns still linger about how to implement and regulate such interventions in an ethically tenable fashion. The unremitting pace at which such techniques develop have upset the very notion of sexuality relating to reproduction as well as the concept of family itself. That rift risks causing a crisis in terms of bioethics sustainability and enforcement, which is bound to happen when science and innovation outpace the bioethical precepts on which we rely for essential guidance in medical practice. The authors argue in favor of an approach to regulation and policy-making that puts on the forefront a thorough assessment as to potential risks that such interventions might entail for foundational bioethics principles and inalienable human rights.
How Community Pharmacists Perceive Ethics in Clinical Research: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ogura Miku , Takehira Rieko , Watanabe Tatsuya , Arita Etsuko
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the importance of building evidence in clinical practice that is increasingly acknowledged globally has been recognized in Japan as well, and it is expected that clinical research by community pharmacists will grow. In Japan, however, community pharmacists have few opportunities to learn about research ethics and may lack the training to make ethical decisions. We conducted a questionnaire survey of community pharmacists (n = 200) using a free descriptive format to understand how they perceived research ethics. Our qualitative analysis of 170 respondents revealed various perspectives (, , and ) of Japanese pharmacists on ethics in the context of clinical research. With respect to how to understand research, the following perspectives were found: “research that prioritizes researchers,” “research that prioritizes research subjects (patients),” and “research that enters into regular work.” The perspectives on “research that prioritizes research subjects (patients)” and “research that enters into regular work” may inadvertently lead to ethically inappropriate research due to mismatch in professional values or poor understanding of research. These findings can contribute to the development of an educational program for community pharmacists on research ethics.
Effect of Shading Nets on Yield, Leaf Biomass and Petiole Nutrients of a Muscat of Alexandria Vineyard Growing under Hyper-Arid Conditions
Authors: Villalobos-Soublett Emilio , Gutiérrez-Gamboa Gastón , Balbontín Claudio , Zurita-Silva Andrés , Ibacache Antonio , Verdugo-Vásquez Nicolás
Published: November 2021

Background: Currently, viticulture is exposed to extreme weather fluctuations and global warming, thus the implementation of short-term adaptation strategies to mitigate climate change impacts will be of a wide importance for the sustainability and competitiveness of wine industry. This research aimed to study the effect of shading nets on the viticultural performance of a Muscat of Alexandria vineyard growing under hyper-arid conditions. Methods: Three treatments were randomly arranged in the vineyard: (i) a control (without shading), (ii) a white shading net (25% of shading), and (iii) a black shading net (40% of shading). Subsequently, yield, vine vigor, berry composition, leaf biomass and petiole nutrient content were assessed. Results: Both shading nets decreased the incidence of solar radiation in vines. The application of white shading nets induced a high bunch weight and a higher number of berries per bunch than the black shading nets. Black shading nets increased pruning weight, decreased Ravaz index and induced a considerably accumulation of soluble solids in grapes. This treatment also decreased bunch weight and the number of berries per bunch, and increased rachis length compared to control. Black shading nets decreased Mg petiole content, leaf dry weight and leaf biomass at flowering compared to uncovered vines. Conclusions: Shading considerably affected the viticultural performance of Muscat of Alexandria vines growing under hyper-arid conditions, modifying yield, leaf biomass and petiole nutrients.
Differential Triggering of the Phenylpropanoid Biosynthetic Pathway Key Genes Transcription upon Cold Stress and Viral Infection in Tomato Leaves
Authors: Pappi Polyxeni , Nikoloudakis Nikolaos , Fanourakis Dimitrios , Zambounis Antonios , Delis Costas , Tsaniklidis Georgios
Published: November 2021

Plants develop a plethora of defense strategies during their acclimation and interactions with various environmental stresses. Secondary metabolites play a pivotal role in the processes during stress acclimation, therefore deciphering their relevant responses exchange the interpretation of the underlying molecular mechanisms that may contribute to improved adaptability and efficacy. In the current study, tomato plants were exposed to short-term cold stress (5 °C for 16 h) or inoculated (20 d) with either Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) or Potato Virus Y (PVY). Responses were recorded via the assessments of leaf total phenolic (TP) content, total flavonoid (TF) levels, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activity. The transcription of the gene families regulating the core phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway (PBP) at an early (PAL, cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase) or late (chalcone synthase and flavonol synthase) stage was also evaluated. The results showed that cold stress stimulated an increase in TP and TF contents, while PAL enzyme activity was also elevated compared to viral infection. Besides genes transcription of the enzymes involved in the core PBP was mostly induced by cold stress, whereas transcription of the genes regulating flavonoid biosynthesis was mainly triggered by viral infection. In conclusion, abiotic and biotic stressors induced differential regulation of the core PBP and flavonoid biosynthetic metabolism. Taking the above into consideration, our results highlight the complexity of tomato responses to diverse stimuli allowing for better elucidation of stress tolerance mechanisms at this crop.
First Report of Three Tylenchidae Taxa from Southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Munawar Maria , Yevtushenko Dmytro P. , Castillo Pablo
Published: November 2021

Members of the family Tylenchidae are highly abundant in soil habitats, including agricultural settings, where they play key ecological roles. In the present study, we identified three Tylenchidae species, namely Basiria bhabi, Coslenchus acceptus, and Filenchus vulgaris, using integrative taxonomy. The detailed morphological and morphometric characteristics, distribution, and host associations of each species were also discussed. Phylogenetic analyses of these populations with other Tylenchidae nematodes indicated the presence of divergent lineages in Filenchus and Basiria, whereas Coslenchus appeared to be a monophyletic genus. Herein, we aim to grow awareness about this common but least studied group of nematodes. The species reported in this study are new records for Canada, revealing that the identified nematode diversity in our cultivated areas is relatively underrepresented. Our analyses also provided greater taxonomic resolution and captured rare taxa that might have been missed or misidentified in prior nematode inventory surveys. These findings will add to our understanding of the nematofauna of southern Alberta, thereby providing a more complete picture of existing nematode diversity present in the fields of this highly cultivated region.
LGBTQ+ Psychosocial Concerns in Nursing and Midwifery Education Programmes: Qualitative Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Brown Michael , McCann Edward , Donohue Gráinne , Martin Caroline Hollins , McCormick Freda
Published: November 2021

LGBTQ+ people experience significant physical and psychosocial health issues and concerns, and encounter barriers when accessing healthcare services. We conducted a mixed-methods research study across all Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in the United Kingdom and Ireland using a survey and qualitative interviews. This was to identify the current content within nursing and midwifery pre-registration programmes in relation to LGBTQ+ health and to identity best practice and education innovation within these programmes. The survey was completed by 29 academics, with 12 selected to participate in a follow-up in-depth qualitative interview. Analysis of the data from the survey and interviews identified five themes: there is variable programme content; academics are developing their own programmes with no clear consistency; LGBTQ+ health is being linked to equality and diversity; there are barriers to education provision; and these is some evidence of best practice examples. The findings of the study support the need to develop and implement a curriculum for LGBTQ+ health in nursing and midwifery pre-registration programmes with learning aims and outcomes. Academics need support and tools to prepare and deliver LGBTQ+ health content to nurses and midwives as they ultimately have the potential to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ people when accessing healthcare.
Prevalence, Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Clostridioides difficile Isolated from Pig Carcasses and Pork Products in Central Italy
Authors: Licciardi Caterina , Primavilla Sara , Roila Rossana , Lupattelli Alessia , Farneti Silvana , Blasi Giuliana , Petruzzelli Annalisa , Drigo Ilenia , Di Raimo Marrocchi Enrico
Published: November 2021

In the last decade, the incidence and severity of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) in humans have been increasing and community-associated infections have been described. For these reasons, the interest in C. difficile in food and in food animals has increased, suggesting other possible sources of C. difficile acquisition. This study evaluated the presence of C. difficile on pig carcasses at the slaughterhouse and in pork products in Central Italy. The contamination rate on pig carcasses was 4/179 (2.3%). Regarding food samples, a total of 216 pork products were tested (74 raw meat preparations and 142 ready-to-eat food samples made by cured raw meat). The real-time PCR screening was positive for 1/74 raw meat preparation (1.35%) and for 1/142 ready-to-eat food samples (0.7%) C. difficile was isolated only from the raw meat preparation (pork sausage). All the isolated strains were toxigenic and susceptible to all the tested antibiotics. Strains isolated from carcass samples displayed A+B+CDTa+CDTb+ profile, were toxinotype IV and belonged to the same ribotype arbitrary named TV93, while the one isolated from food samples displayed A+B+CDTa-CDTb- profile and it was not possible to determine ribotype and toxinotype, because it was lost after freeze storage. It was concluded that the prevalence of C. difficile in the pork supply chain is very low.
Gender Differences in The Factors associated with Hypertension in Non-Diabetic Saudi Adults—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Raddadi Rajaa , Al-Ahmadi Jawaher , Bahijri Suhad , Ajabnoor Ghada M. , Jambi Hanan , Enani Sumia , Eldakhakhny Basmah Medhat , Alsheikh Lubna , Borai Anwar , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: November 2021

The association between lifestyle practices, obesity and increased BP are under-investigated. We aimed to investigate this association to identify the factors associated with hypertension and prehypertension in Saudis. Non-diabetic adults were recruited from public healthcare centers using a cross-sectional design. Recruits were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), neck circumference (NC) and BP were measured. The variables were analyzed by comparing the prehypertensive and hypertensive groups with the normotensive group. A total of 1334 adults were included. The study found that 47.2% of men and 24.7% of women were prehypertensive, and 15.1% of men and 14.4% of women were hypertensive. High BMI, WC, NC, and WC: HC ratios were associated with an increased risk of prehypertension and hypertension in men and women. Low physical activity was associated with an increased risk of elevated BP in men, while sleep duration of ≤6 h and sitting for ≥4 h were associated with increased risk in women. Women from central Asia, southeast Asia, and those of mixed origin had a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to those from Arabian tribes. In conclusion, prehypertension and hypertension increase with age and obesity. Gender differences were apparent in the association between several lifestyle practices and prehypertension or hypertension among various ethnic/racial groups.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Acceptance and Use of an E-Learning Platform
Authors: Kipp Markus
Published: November 2021

E-learning has become an increasingly important part of higher education and is currently used both for distance education and as a complement to teaching on the campus. In this study, we investigated the acceptance of the e-learning platform (ELP) ClinicalKey Student (ELSEVIER©) among first-year medical students. Furthermore, we asked whether acceptance (i.e., digital activities) and user behavior changed during the COVID-19 lockdown. Two first-year medical student study cohorts were followed: one cohort during the COVID-19 lockdown and another cohort one year before the lockdown. Different parameters, such as online versus offline studying, daily activities or users versus nonusers, were recorded and evaluated. Additional surveys were conducted to understand why the students used the ELP. In the non-pandemic cohort, 68 out of 251 enrolled students registered in the ELP, while the number of registered students significantly increased during the COVID-19 lockdown (201 out of 255 enrolled 2nd semester students). The increase in registered users was paralleled by an increase in daily activities normalized per user and day. Despite this increase in ELP activities, the relative distribution of different user types (i.e., online versus offline users) did not change. To conclude, this study demonstrates that the COVID-19 lockdown increases the receptivity of medical students to an ELP, but the way the students work with the ELP remains unchanged.