bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decrease of Intracellular Glutamine by STF-62247 Results in the Accumulation of Lipid Droplets in von Hippel-Lindau Deficient Cells
Authors: Johnson Mathieu , Nowlan Sarah , Sahin Gülsüm , Barnett David A. , Joy Andrew P. , Touaibia Mohamed , Cuperlovic-Culf Miroslava , Zofija Avizonis Daina , Turcotte Sandra
Published: February 2022

Kidney cancer is one of the top ten cancer diagnosed worldwide and its incidence has increased the last 20 years. Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) are characterized by mutations that inactivate the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene and evidence indicated alterations in metabolic pathways, particularly in glutamine metabolism. We previously identified a small molecule, STF-62247, which target VHL-deficient renal tumors by affecting late-stages of autophagy and lysosomal signaling. In this study, we investigated ccRCC metabolism in VHL-deficient and proficient cells exposed to the small molecule. Metabolomics profiling using 1H NMR demonstrated that STF-62247 increases levels of glucose, pyruvate, glycerol 3-phosphate while glutamate, asparagine, and glutathione significantly decreased. Diminution of glutamate and glutamine was further investigated using mass spectrometry, western blot analyses, enzymatic activities, and viability assays. We found that expression of SLC1A5 increases in VHL-deficient cells treated with STF-62247, possibly to stimulate glutamine uptake intracellularly to counteract the diminution of this amino acid. However, exogenous addition of glutamine was not able to rescue cell viability induced by the small molecule. Instead, our results showed that VHL-deficient cells utilize glutamine to produce fatty acid in response to STF-62247. Surprisingly, this occurs through oxidative phosphorylation in STF-treated cells while control cells use reductive carboxylation to sustain lipogenesis. We also demonstrated that STF-62247 stimulated expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) and peripilin2 (PLIN2) to generate accumulation of lipid droplets in VHL-deficient cells. Moreover, the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), which control the entry of fatty acid into mitochondria for β-oxidation, also increased in response to STF-62247. CPT1A overexpression in ccRCC is known to limit tumor growth. Together, our results demonstrated that STF-62247 modulates cellular metabolism of glutamine, an amino acid involved in the autophagy-lysosome process, to support lipogenesis, which could be implicated in the signaling driving to cell death.
Caring for Children With Medical Complexity in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic in an Ambulatory Primary Care Setting
Authors: Driansky Allison , Pilapil Mariecel , Bianco Kristina , Steinway Caren , Feigenbaum Sheri , Yang Anna , Jan Sophia
Published: February 2022

Background

Children with medical complexity (CMC) have multiple chronic conditions and require a high level of coordinated healthcare. The risk of COVID-19 among CMC is unclear.

Objectives

We aim to identify and describe the prevalence and experience of COVID-19 among CMC and their caregivers during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in the NY metropolitan area.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of children enrolled in a structured clinical program for CMC at a large urban, academic general pediatrics practice in NY.

Results

In our patient population (n = 132), 16 patients had a known exposure with parents being the most common exposure in 37.5% (n = 6). Two patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 while the remainder of the confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases were managed as an outpatient.

Conclusions

Common sources of COVID-19 exposure were family members and home care providers. Almost all of our patients experienced interruption of medical care including missed therapies and visits.
The Detrimental Effect of Thyroiditis on Pregnancy Outcome of Patients Affected by Autoimmune Diseases: An Open Question
Authors: Botta Angela , Rizzo Francesca , Antonielli Tatiana , Ciliberti Alessandra , Garufi Ester , Lanzone Antonio , Garufi Cristina , De Carolis Sara
Published: February 2022

Few data are available evaluating obstetrical outcome when thyroiditis coexist with autoimmune diseases. Objectives of our study were: 1) To assess the prevalence of thyroiditis in pregnant women with autoimmune diseases; 2) To evaluate the effects on pregnancy outcome when different autoimmune diseases are associated with thyroiditis. Two groups of pregnant women were analysed: a study group of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases (n = 268) versus a control group of pregnant women (n = 1,150). In both groups the research for thyroid antibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, was performed. The positivity had a prevalence of 17.54% in women with autoimmune diseases (n = 47) versus 5.57% in the control group (n = 64) (p-value < 0.00001). Only major rheumatic diseases (MRD) were analysed for pregnancy outcome (week of delivery, birth weight and birth weight percentile): systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) n = 36, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) n = 44 and connective tissue diseases (CTD) n = 23. MRD were divided according to positive or negative results for thyroid antibodies. Thyroiditis in CDT patients showed a detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome, in terms of earlier week of delivery: 37.86 ± 0.90 (mean ± SD) in CTD with thyroiditis versus 38.56 ± 0.73 (mean ± SD) in CTD without thyroiditis (p-value = 0.03) and lower birth weight: 2,790.71 g ± 257.17 SD in CTD with thyroiditis versus 3,019.33 g ± 305.48 g in CTD without thyroiditis (p-value < 0.05). In SLE and APS thyroiditis did not appear to influence pregnancy outcome. However, we suggest investigating anti-thyroid antibodies in all autoimmune diseases with special attention to pregnant women with thyroiditis and CTD.
Thin-Film Aspects of Superconducting Nickelates
Authors: Bernardini F. , Iglesias L. , Bibes M. , Cano A.
Published: February 2022

The discovery of superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates has attracted much attention due to their association to the high-Tc cuprates. Cuprate superconductivity was first demonstrated in bulk samples and subsequently in thin films. In the nickelates, however, the situation has been reversed: although surging as a bulk phenomenon, nickelate superconductivity has only been reported in thin films so far. At the same time, the specifics of infinite-layer nickelates yield distinct interface and surface effects that determine their bulk vs thin-film behavior. In this paper, we provide an overview on these important aspects.
Chinese English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Job Satisfaction, Resilience, and Their Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Han Wenjing
Published: February 2022

Job satisfaction, resilience, and teacher well-being, as the three major psychological variables emotioncy- based education, have received special attention among English as a foreign language (EFL) researchers. To pursue the line of this inquiry, this particular study aimed to investigate the relationship between Chinese EFL teachers’ job satisfaction, resilience, and their well-being. To conduct the study, 343 Chinese EFL teachers with different academic qualifications, various academic degrees, and different majors voluntarily participated in this study. The results of the study showed that job satisfaction and resilience could jointly predict 56.4 of the variance in psychological well-being. Both variables were the significant predictors of well-being, while job satisfaction was a better predictor, uniquely explaining 29.6 of well-being’s variance. Based on the findings, some pedagogical implication for administrators, educational institutions, and EFL teachers were discussed in the article.
Role of Social Commerce Constructs and Social Presence as Moderator on Consumers' Buying Intentions During COVID-19
Authors: Rashid Rao Muhammad , Pitafi Abdul Hameed , Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Sharma Anshuman
Published: February 2022

Social interactions through social commerce platforms empower consumers to share their personal experiences with others, but its role becomes more significant for societal protection during COVID-19. Numerous scholars have studied e-commerce extensively, but there is a lack of studies to identify social commerce characteristics to attract potential consumers during COVID-19. This study aims to examine the role of social commerce constructs by integrating social presence as a moderator in the model to explain consumers online shopping intentions in a Pakistani context, where lack of trust on the reliability and validity of comments from other consumers being considered the growing concern toward the success of social commerce. The quantitative data were collected from the respondents living in different cities of Pakistan. Most of the hypothesis supported and demonstrate the positive response from the Pakistani consumers having experience in shopping through social commerce platforms. The findings of this study will help scholars and managers to understand the attitude of Pakistani consumers.
A 7 Year Summary of Emergency Department Visits by Patients With Mental Health Disorders
Authors: Brathwaite Danielle , Waller Anna E. , Gaynes Bradley N. , Stemerman Rachel , Deselm Tracy M. , Bischof Jason J. , Tintinalli Judith , Brice Jane H. , Bush Montika
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Emergency departments (EDs) have been increasingly utilized over time for psychiatric care. While multiple studies have assessed these trends in nationally representative data, few have evaluated these trends in state-level data. This investigation seeks to understand the mental health-related ED burden in North Carolina (NC) by describing trends in ED visits associated with a mental health diagnosis (MHD) over time.

Methods

Using data from NC DETECT, this investigation describes trends in NC ED visits from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2014 by presence of a MHD code. A visit was classified by the first listed MHD ICD-9-CM code in the surveillance record and MHD codes were grouped into related categories for analysis. Visits were summarized by MHD status and by MHD category.

Results

Over 32 million ED visits were recorded from 2008 to 2014, of which 3,030,746 (9.4%) were MHD-related visits. The average age at presentation for MHD-related visits was 50 years (SD 23.5) and 63.9% of visits were from female patients. The proportion of ED visits with a MHD increased from 8.3 to 10.2% from 2008 to 2014. Annually and overall, the largest diagnostic category was stress/anxiety/depression. Hospital admissions resulting from MHD-related visits declined from 32.2 to 18.5% from 2008 to 2014 but remained consistently higher than the rate of admissions among non-MHD visits.

Conclusion

Similar to national trends, the proportion of ED visits associated with a MHD in NC has increased over time. This indicates a need for continued surveillance, both stateside and nationally, in order to inform future efforts to mitigate the growing ED burden.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Self-Medication Among the Pediatric Population in China: A National Survey
Authors: Yuan Jing , Du Wandi , Li Zhiping , Deng Qiao , Ma Guo
Published: February 2022

Background

Self-medication of antibiotics is common in China, whereas the self-medication of other medicines is still unknown, especially for the younger children who are vulnerable to adverse drug events. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of self-medication reported by parents among children under age 12 in China.

Methods

A national cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children under age 12 in China by using a self-administered online questionnaire. Parents were asked whether they have self-medicated their children in the past 12 months. Logistic regression analysis was performed to access the risk factors of self-medication.

Results

Eligible questionnaires were obtained from 4,608 parents. The majority of respondents were mothers aged between 30 and 39 years old who held a college degree. A total of 1,116 (or 24.21%) respondents reported self-medication in the previous year. In the logistic regression model, parents with graduate degrees were less likely to self-medicate their children [Adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.436; 95% CI = 0.296–0.641]. The odds of self-medication were associated with being a father, living in Northern China, having a child at age 6–11, even though these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that self-medication are common in children under age 12, highlighting the drug safety issue in China. It seems that the educational level is the risk factors of self-medication. More targeted intervention and educational program should be implemented to improve drug safety.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Cancer Patients in Germany: Impact on Treatment, Follow-Up Care and Psychological Burden
Authors: Eckford Rachel D. , Gaisser Andrea , Arndt Volker , Baumann Michael , Kludt Evelyn , Mehlis Katja , Ubels Jasper , Winkler Eva C. , Weg-Remers Susanne , Schlander Michael
Published: February 2022

In response to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, governments imposed various measures to decrease the rate of disease spread, and health care policy makers prioritized resource allocation to accommodate COVID-19 patients. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Germany (July 2020–June 2021) to assess the frequency of changes to cancer care among cancer patients and to explore the psychological impact of the pandemic writ large. Cancer patients who contacted the Cancer Information Service (Krebsinformationsdienst, KID) of the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) via email were invited to complete an online questionnaire, capturing demographics, cancer specifics (e.g., type, disease phase, primary place of treatment, etc.), and any changes to their medical, follow-up, psycho-oncological or nursing care. General level of psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) along with face-validated items regarding worries and social isolation specific to the pandemic. In total, 13% of 621 patients reported a change to their treatment or care plan. Of those patients with changes, the majority of changes were made to follow-up care after treatment (56%), to monitoring during treatment (29%) and to psychological counseling (20%). Of the overall sample, more than half of patients (55%) reported symptoms of anxiety and 39% reported symptoms of depression. Patients with a change in cancer care were more likely to report symptoms of depression than those with no change (AOR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.26–3.76). Concern about the pandemic affecting the quality of health care was a predictor of both anxiety (AOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.75–4.35) and depression (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.43–3.23). Results showed that the majority of cancer patients in our study did not experience a change in their cancer care. However, the level of anxiety and psycho-social burden of cancer patients during the pandemic was high throughout the study period. Our findings underscore the need for health care services and policy makers to assess and to attend cancer patients' medical needs, with added emphasis on patients' psychological and social well-being. This applies particularly in situations where the healthcare system is strained and prioritization is necessary.
Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Southeastern China, 2011–2019
Authors: Tao Mingyong , Liu Ying , Ling Feng , Chen Yijuan , Zhang Rong , Ren Jiangping , Shi Xuguang , Guo Song , Lu Ye , Sun Jimin , Jiang Jianmin
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease, and the number of cases has increased in recent years in Zhejiang Province, China. However, whether the seasonal distribution, geographic distribution, and demographic characteristics of SFTS have changed with the increase of incidence was unclear.

Materials and Methods

Data on SFTS cases in Zhejiang Province and tick density in Daishan County from 2011 to 2019 were collected. The changing epidemiological characteristics of SFTS including seasonal distribution, geographical distribution, and demographic features were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, Global Moran's I, local Getis-Ord Gi* statistic, and spatial scan statistic.

Results

A total of 463 SFTS cases including 53 (11.45%) deaths were reported from 2011 to 2019 in Zhejiang Province, and the annual number of cases showed increasing tendency. SFTS cases were reported in almost half of the counties (40/89) of Zhejiang Province. Elderly farmers accounted for most cases and the proportion of farmers has increased. Most cases (81.21%) occurred during April and August. The interval from illness onset to confirmation was significantly shortened (Z = 5.194, p < 0.001). The majority of cases were reported in Zhoushan City from 2011 to 2016, but most cases were reported in Taizhou City since 2017.

Discussion

We observed dynamic changes in the seasonal distribution, geographical distribution, and demographic features of SFTS, and comprehensive intervention measures, such as clearance of breeding sites, killing of tick adults, and health education should be strengthened in farmers of the key areas according to the changed epidemiological characteristics.
Cluster Index Modulation for mmWave Communication Systems
Authors: Raeisi Mahmoud , Koc Asil , Basar Ertugrul , Le-Ngoc Tho
Published: February 2022

In this study, a novel cluster index modulation (CIM) scheme, which is based on indexing the available clusters in the environment, is proposed for future mmWave communication systems. Exploiting the fact that the available clusters in the system are well separated in terms of their angular distribution, we selected the best path for each of them and then performed IM in an algorithmic manner to convey information bits. It is shown that by means of large antenna arrays and analog RF beamforming with the indexed clusters, the destructive effect of inter-beam/cluster interference can be remarkably mitigated. Also, we designed a hybrid beamforming architecture at the transmitter to further reduce the effect of residual inter-beam/cluster interference, where the analog RF beamformer is followed by a digital baseband precoder using the zero-forcing technique. Computer simulations reveal that the proposed scheme can provide better error performance than traditional mmWave communication, and the proposed hybrid architecture outperforms beam index modulation (BIM) for a point-to-point scenario. Semi-analytical derivations and closed-form unconditional pairwise error probability (UPEP) expressions are derived for both analog and hybrid architectures, which confirm the validity and superiority of our proposed scheme.
A Case Study Using Seismic Reflection and Well Logs to Reduce and Quantify Uncertainty During a Hydrogeological Assessment
Authors: Claprood Maxime , Gloaguen Erwan , Béraud Thomas , Blouin Martin , Dupuis Christian , Ferron Philippe , Ouellet Michel , Chaussé Michel , Martel Richard , Paradis Daniel , Ballard Jean-Marc
Published: February 2022

Building a representative three-dimensional conceptual model of the hydrostratigraphic units is the critical first step when undertaking a hydrogeological assessment. The construction of such conceptual model requires integrating all geological data available for reducing the uncertainty of the conceptual model. In addition, the different types of data collected do not have the same level of uncertainty, and this has to be considered during the modeling. This manuscript presents a geostatistical workflow developed to integrate high resolution seismic reflection data with geological well markers and well logs. The proposed workflow allows reducing and quantifying the uncertainty when developing the conceptual model of hydrostratigraphic units and estimating the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity needed to simulate groundwater flow. The study involves the field investigation and numerical modeling for understanding the hydraulic connection between a local sand and gravel esker aquifer overlying a fractured bedrock regional aquifer. Seismic reflection data recorded in 2019 and 2021 significantly modify the conceptual model originally envisioned at site by discovering unknown deep esker extensions. Seismic data also help reducing the spatial uncertainty by delimiting the lateral extents, thickness, and depth of the esker aquifer between existing boreholes. Thickness maps of major hydrostratigraphic units are computed by first interpolating the data with higher uncertainty, which are then locally deformed by successive kriging with external drift to honor data with lower uncertainty. Well logs are then combined with seismic reflection data to better represent the spatial distribution of hydrofacies within the esker aquifer, and identify subunits in the bedrock aquifer. These modifications in the conceptual model of hydrostratigraphic units and the better understanding of the vertical heterogeneity of the hydraulic conductivity significantly impact the simulation of groundwater flow, both regionally and locally at site.
In Praise of Mistakes
Authors: Lockwood Mike
Published: February 2022

Mistakes are a key driver of scientific progress. We should do all we can to eliminate them, partly to keep the literature record clean, but also because expunging what is wrong often leads us to understand what is right.
Analysis of the Guiding Role of CYP2C19 Gene Combined With Platelet Function Detection in Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Complex Coronary Artery Disease After PCI
Authors: Yu Jiancai , Liu Yongxing , Peng Wanzhong , Liu Juan , Li Ya , Liu Junyan , Jiang Yang , Liu Demin , Xu Zesheng
Published: February 2022

Objective

To explore the influence of CYP2C19 gene combined with platelet function test on clinical prognosis of patients with complex coronary artery disease receiving antiplatelet therapy after PCI.

Methods

A total of 200 patients undergoing PCI in our hospital due to complex coronary artery disease from February 2019 to February 2021 were selected and divided into the control group and the observation group according to whether CYP2C19 gene detection was performed. The control group was treated with dual antiplatelet therapy of classical aspirin combined with clopidogrel, and the observation group was treated with individual antiplatelet therapy. The patients in the two groups were followed up for 1 year after PCI, and their quality of life was assessed using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ score). The occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during the follow-up period was also recorded.

Results

The incidence of total MACE events in the observation group was slightly less than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.040). In particular, the observation group was superior to the control group in reducing the readmission rate of recurrent unstable angina pectoris, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.023). The location of coronary culprit lesions with recurrent ischemic events was commonly seen in non-interventional target lesions (interventional/non-interventional target sites: 12.9%: 77.1%). The SAQ score in the observation group was larger than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.012). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of major bleeding between the two groups (P = 0.352).

Conclusion

Using CYP2C19 genotype combined with platelet function test to guide individualized antiplatelet therapy after complex coronary artery PCI is beneficial to reducing ischemic events in a short period (1 year), mainly due to reducing the risk of readmission for recurrent unstable angina pectoris, and improving the quality of daily life of patients without increasing the risk of massive hemorrhage, which can improve clinical prognosis.
Use of a Participatory Method for Community-Based Brucellosis Control Design in Agro-Pastoral Areas in Tanzania
Authors: Asakura Shingo , Makingi George , John Kunda , Kazwala Rudovick , Makita Kohei
Published: February 2022

Brucellosis is widespread in both humans and livestock in many developing countries. The authors have performed a series of epidemiological studies on brucellosis in agro-pastoral areas in Tanzania since 2015, with the aim of the disease control. Previously, the potential of a community-based brucellosis control initiative, which mainly consisted of the sale of cattle with experience of abortion and vaccinating calves, was assessed as being effective and acceptable based on a quantitative approach. This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of community-based brucellosis control program using participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) and key-informant interviews. Four PRAs were performed together with livestock farmers and livestock and medical officers in 2017. In the PRAs, qualitative information related to risky behaviors for human infection, human brucellosis symptoms, willingness to sell cattle with experience of abortion, and willingness to pay for calf vaccination were collected, and a holistic approach for a community-based disease control project was planned. All of the communities were willing to implement disease control measures. To avoid human infection, education, especially for children, was proposed to change risky behaviors. The findings of this study showed that community-based disease control measures are promising.
Prolonged Organ Extraction Time Negatively Impacts Kidney Transplantation Outcome
Authors: Maassen Hanno , Leuvenink Henri G. D. , van Goor Harry , Sanders Jan-Stephan F. , Pol Robert A. , Moers Cyril , Hofker H. Sijbrand
Published: February 2022

Main Problem: Following cold aortic flush in a deceased organ donation procedure, kidneys never reach the intended 0–4°C and stay ischemic at around 20°C in the donor’s body until actual surgical retrieval. Therefore, organ extraction time could have a detrimental influence on kidney transplant outcome.

Materials and Methods: We analyzed the association between extraction time and kidney transplant outcome in multicenter data of 5,426 transplant procedures from the Dutch Organ Transplantation Registry (NOTR) and 15,849 transplant procedures from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Results: Extraction time was grouped per 10-min increment. In the NOTR database, extraction time was independently associated with graft loss [HR 1.027 (1.004–1.050); p = 0.022] and with DGF [OR 1.043 (1.021–1.066); p < 0.005]. An extraction time >80 min was associated with a 27.4% higher hazard rate of graft failure [HR 1.274 (1.080–1.502); p = 0.004] and such kidneys had 43.8% higher odds of developing DGF [OR 1.438, (1.236–1.673); p < 0.005]. In the UNOS database, increasing extraction times in DCD donors were associated with DGF [OR 1.036 (1.016–1.055); p < 0.005]. An extraction time >30 min was associated with 14.5% higher odds of developing DGF [OR 1.145 (1.063–1.233); p < 0.005].

Discussion: Prolonged kidney extraction time negatively influenced graft survival in Dutch donors and increased DGF risk in all deceased donor recipients.
Agro-Environmental Practices and Business Performance in the Wine Sector
Authors: Ignjatijević Svetlana , Tankosić Jelena Vapa , Lekić Nemanja , Petrović Duško , Brkanlić Sandra , Vapa Bojan , Tomašević Vladimir , Puvača Nikola , Prodanović Radivoj , Milojević Irena
Published: February 2022

Wine production is directly related to the environmentally responsible production. In recent years, due to demands for an environmentally responsible wine production in the Republic of Serbia, wine producers have become aware of the environmental responsibilities and are taking measures to prevent environmental problems. The objective of this research was to investigate attitudes of winery owners/managers on business performance of the wineries concerning the environmental behavior and its disclosure. The research has been conducted in the period from July to the end of October 2021 on a sample of 330 small wineries in the Republic of Serbia. The data were processed in the Smart PLS software v.3.2.7. The findings show a positive connection between of both service and financial performance with an ethical environmental behavior and environmental disclosure. However, no positive connection between innovative performance and ethical environmental behavior or ethical environmental disclosure has been determined. The positive attitudes of managers on the environment influence the business performance of wineries and indirectly on environmental behavior and disclosure. The current study should contribute to the relevant literature, as it investigates not only firm behavior in the wine sector, but also the impact of firm performance on the environment.
Characteristics of Population Quality and Rice Quality of Semi-Waxy japonica Rice Varieties with Different Grain Yields
Authors: Liu Qiuyuan , Chen Shuang , Zhou Lei , Tao Yu , Tian Jinyu , Xing Zhipeng , Wei Haiyan , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: February 2022

A primary focus of rice breeding and production is the optimization of yield and quality. Currently, semi-waxy japonica rice is widely planted in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River due to its good eating quality and strong reputation among consumers. However, little information is yet available on grain yield formation and rice quality characteristics of these semi-waxy japonica rice varieties with different grain yields. In this study, three high-yielding (HGY) semi-waxy japonica rice varieties and three low-yielding (LGY) semi waxy japonica rice varieties were compared for population quality and rice quality in 2018 and 2019. The average values of spikelet per panicle, 1000-grain weight, and total spikelet number of the HGY varieties were significantly higher than those of the LGY varieties, while the panicle number and filled grain rate showed the opposite. Compared with the LGY varieties, the HGY varieties had a larger leaf area index at each growth stage, with a larger high efficient leaf area composed of a larger leaf length and width and smaller leaf angles of the top three leaves, as well as a greater single stem-sheath weight, more total dry matter accumulation, and longer growth duration from elongating to maturity. There were significant differences in rice quality between the HGY and LGY varieties. Compared with the LGY varieties, the head milled rice rate of the HGY varieties decreased significantly, and the chalky kernel rate and chalkiness degree increased significantly. Due to the low protein content, high peak viscosity, trough viscosity, and final viscosity and breakdown, as well as low setback, consistence, and pasting temperature of the HGY varieties, their taste values were significantly better than those of the LGY varieties. These results suggest that the HGY varieties could achieve a synergistic improvement of grain yield and eating quality, but the milling quality and appearance quality require further improvement.
Simulating Cotton Growth and Productivity Using AquaCrop Model under Deficit Irrigation in a Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Aziz Marjan , Rizvi Sultan Ahmad , Sultan Muhammad , Bazmi Muhammad Sultan Ali , Shamshiri Redmond R. , Ibrahim Sobhy M. , Imran Muhammad A.
Published: February 2022

AquaCrop is a water-driven model that simulates the effect of environment and management on crop production under deficit irrigation. The model was calibrated and validated using three databases and four irrigation treatments (i.e., 100%ET, 80%ET, 70%ET, and 50%ET). Model performance was evaluated by simulating canopy cover (CC), biomass accumulation, and water productivity (WP). Statistics of root mean square error (RMSE) and Willmott’s index of agreement (d) showed that model predictions are suitable for non-stressed and moderate stressed conditions. The results showed that the simulated biomass and yield were consistent with the measured values with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.976 and 0.950, respectively. RMSE and d-index values for canopy cover (CC) were 2.67% to 4.47% and 0.991% to 0.998% and for biomass were 0.088 to 0.666 ton/ha and 0.991 to 0.999 ton/ha, respectively. Prediction of simulated and measured biomass and final yield was acceptable with deviation ˂10%. The overall value of R2 for WP in terms of yield was 0.943. Treatment with 80% ET consumed 20% less water than the treatment with 100%ET and resulted in high WP in terms of yield (0.6 kg/m3) and biomass (1.74 kg/m3), respectively. The deviations were in the range of −2% to 11% in yield and −2% to 4% in biomass. It was concluded that AquaCrop is a useful tool in predicting the productivity of cotton under different irrigation scenarios.
Hydrogen Sulfide: A Key Role in Autophagy Regulation from Plants to Mammalians
Authors: Aroca Angeles , Gotor Cecilia
Published: February 2022

Autophagy is a degradative conserved process in eukaryotes to recycle unwanted cellular protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Autophagy plays an important role under normal physiological conditions in multiple biological processes, but it is induced under cellular stress. Therefore, it needs to be tightly regulated to respond to different cellular stimuli. In this review, the regulation of autophagy by hydrogen sulfide is described in both animal and plant systems. The underlying mechanism of action of sulfide is deciphered as the persulfidation of specific targets, regulating the pro- or anti-autophagic role of sulfide with a cell survival outcome. This review aims to highlight the importance of sulfide and persulfidation in autophagy regulation comparing the knowledge available in mammals and plants.
Video Freeze Assessment of TPCAST Wireless Virtual Reality: An Experimental Study
Authors: Zepernick Hans-Jürgen , Fiedler Markus , Chu Thi My Chinh , Kelkkanen Viktor
Published: February 2022

Wireless virtual reality (VR) offers a seamless user experience but has to cope with higher sensitivity to temporal impairments induced on the wireless link. Apart from bandwidth dynamics and latency, video freezes and their lengths are important temporal performance indicators that impact on the quality of experience (QoE) of networked VR applications and services. This paper reports an experimental study that focuses on the VR video frame freeze length characteristics of a wireless VR solution. A comprehensive measurement campaign using a commercial TPCAST wireless VR solution with an HTC Vive head-mounted display was conducted to obtain real VR video traces. The number of detected freezes and freeze intensities are reported both accumulated over four room quadrants as well as for each of the four quadrants subject to six transmitter-receiver distances. The statistical analysis of the VR video traces of the different experiments includes histograms of the freeze lengths and cumulative complementary histograms of the freeze length. The results of this analysis offer insights into the density of the underlying distributions of the measured data, illustrate the impact of the room topology on the freeze characteristics, and suggest the statistical modeling of the freeze characteristics as exponential and geometric distributions. The statistical models of the freeze characteristics may be included in wireless VR simulators supporting the development of physical layer, medium access layer, and higher layer functionalities. They also may serve as network-disturbance models for VR QoE studies, e.g., generating realistic freeze events in wireless VR stimuli.
Alternative Methods of Bioactive Compounds and Oils Extraction from Berry Fruit By-Products—A Review
Authors: Piasecka Iga , Wiktor Artur , Górska Agata
Published: February 2022

Berry fruit by-products are a source of polyphenol compounds and highly nutritious oils and can be reused to fulfill the requirements of the circular economy model. One of the methods of obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts or oils is extraction. Applying conventional solvent extraction techniques may be insufficient to reach high polyphenol or lipid fraction yields and selectivity of specific compounds. Alternative extraction methods, mainly ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction, are ways to improve the efficiency of the isolation of bioactive compounds or oils from berry fruit by-products. Additionally, non-conventional techniques are considered as green extraction methods, as they consume less energy, solvent volume and time. The aim of this review is to summarize the studies on alternative extraction methods and their relationship to the composition of extracts or oils obtained from berry waste products.
A Serial Attention Frame for Multi-Label Waste Bottle Classification
Authors: Xiao Jingyu , Xu Jiayu , Tian Chunwei , Han Peiyi , You Lei , Zhang Shichao
Published: February 2022

The multi-label recognition of damaged waste bottles has important significance in environmental protection. However, most of the previous methods are known for their poor performance, especially in regards to damaged waste bottle classification. In this paper, we propose the use of a serial attention frame (SAF) to overcome the mentioned drawback. The proposed network architecture includes the following three parts: a residual learning block (RB), a mixed attention block (MAB), and a self-attention block (SAB). The RB uses ResNet to pretrain the SAF to extract more detailed information. To address the effect of the complex background of waste bottle recognition, a serial attention mechanism containing MAB and SAB is presented. MAB is used to extract more salient category information via the simultaneous use of spatial attention and channel attention. SAB exploits the obtained features and its parameters to enable the diverse features to improve the classification results of waste bottles. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed model exhibited good recognition performance in the collected waste bottle datasets, with eight labels of three classifications, i.e., the color, whether the bottle was damage, and whether the wrapper had been removed, as well as public image classification datasets.
Plant-Based Milks: Alternatives to the Manufacture and Characterization of Ice Cream
Authors: Leahu Ana , Ropciuc Sorina , Ghinea Cristina
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the potential use of dietary fibers (psyllium and pectin fibers added in different proportions of 0–10%) to improve the rheological, textural, and sensory characteristics of vegetable ice cream using vegetable milk (almond and hemp milk). Hemp milk was obtained from the peeled seeds of the industrial hemp plant, which includes varieties of Cannabis sativa, which have a low content of the psychotropic substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and are grown for food. The rheological characteristics of the mix and ice cream were determined by using the Haake Mars rheometer. Compared with the control sample, the viscosities of the mix in all samples analyzed were enhanced with the addition of dietary fibers, due to the occurrence of interactions and stabilizations. The viscoelastic modules G′ G″ were determined on ice cream samples at a temperature of −10 °C. The elastic and viscous modulus showed high values with the increase of the addition of 6% dietary fibers. The textural characteristics were assessed by the shear strength of a layer of ice cream at a temperature of −4 °C. Hardness, firmness, and adhesiveness were influenced by the size of their ice crystals, the fat content, and the percentage of dietary fibers added. The sensory analysis of the ice cream showed higher overall scores for the almond milk ice cream, because the sweet taste was appreciated with a maximum score, while the hemp milk ice cream was evaluated for flavor and taste.
Experimental Analysis of Transformer Core Vibration and Noise under Inter-Harmonic Excitation
Authors: He Qiang , Fan Chao , Yang Guang , Li Huiqi , Li Jiadong , Chen Xiaogang
Published: February 2022

With the wide application of power electronic devices and nonlinear loads, the resulting inter-harmonic pollution is becoming more and more serious in the power system. As important equipment in power systems, transformers have always been the focus of research. However, there are few studies on the abnormal increase in vibration and noise caused by inter-harmonic excitation. In this work, a transformer core vibration and noise measurement platform that can generate arbitrary inter-harmonic excitations was built. The real-time vibration displacement waveforms of the core model under normal and inter-harmonic conditions were experimentally measured as well as the surrounding noise level amplitude and spectrum analysis result. The influence law of excitation of intermediate harmonic content and frequency on core vibration displacement and surrounding sound pressure level was summarized. The work of this paper lays a theoretical foundation for studying the vibration and noise of power transformers and other equipment under inter-harmonics.
Vascular Accesses in Cardiac Stimulation and Electrophysiology: An Italian Survey Promoted by AIAC (Italian Association of Arrhythmias and Cardiac Pacing)
Authors: Ziacchi Matteo , Placci Angelo , Angeletti Andrea , Quartieri Fabio , Balla Cristina , Virzi Santo , Bertini Matteo , De Ponti Roberto , Biffi Mauro , Boriani Giuseppe ,   for AIAC Ricerca Investigators’ Network
Published: February 2022

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implants and electrophysiological procedures share a common step: vascular access. On behalf of the AIAC Ricerca Investigators’ Network, we conducted a survey to outline Italian common practice regarding vascular access in EP-lab. All Italian physicians with experience in CIED implantation and electrophysiology were invited to answer an online questionnaire (from May 2020 to November 2020) featuring 20 questions. In total, 103 cardiologists (from 92 Italian hospitals) answered the survey. Vascular access during CIED implants was considered the most complex step following lead placement by 54 (52.4%) respondents and the most complex for 35 (33.9%). In total, 54 (52.4%) and 49 (47.6%) respondents considered the cephalic and subclavian vein the first option, respectively (intrathoracic and extrathoracic subclavian/axillary vein by 22 and 27, respectively). In total, 45 (43.7%) respondents performed close arterial femoral accesses manually; only 12 (11.7%) respondents made extensive use of vascular closure devices. A total of 46 out of 103 respondents had experience in ultrasound-guided vascular accesses, but only 10 (22%) used it for more than 50% of the accesses. In total, 81 (78.6%) respondents wanted to increase their ultrasound-guided vascular access skills. Reducing complications is a goal to reach in cardiac stimulation and electrophysiological procedures. Our survey shows the heterogeneity of the vascular approaches used in Italian centres. Some vascular accesses were proved to be superior to others in terms of complications, with ultrasound-guided puncture as an emerging technique. More effort to produce the standardization of vascular accesses could be made by scientific societies.
Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Rare Malignant Tumors of Colon and Rectum
Authors: Ottaiano Alessandro , Santorsola Mariachiara , Perri Francesco , Pace Ugo , Marra Bruno , Correra Marco , Sabbatino Francesco , Cascella Marco , Petrillo Nadia , Ianniello Monica , Casillo Marika , Misso Gabriella , Delrio Paolo , Caraglia Michele , Nasti Guglielmo
Published: February 2022

The most frequent form of colorectal cancer is represented by adenocarcinoma being about 98% of tumor histological types. However, other rare histotypes can be found in colon and rectum (adenosquamous, goblet cell adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, medullary carcinoma, melanoma, mesenchymal, neuroendocrine, plasmacytoma, signet ring, squamous tumors). Altogether, these forms account for less than 2% of colorectal tumors. There are no specific diagnostic or therapeutic recommended approaches and most of the information available from literature derives from small and retrospective clinical series. In the present study, we provide a paramount and updated view on clinical and biologic characteristics of rare colorectal tumors.
Inhibition of Cdk5 Ameliorates Skeletal Bone Loss in Glucocorticoid-Treated Mice
Authors: Krüger Benjamin Thilo , Steppe Lena , Vettorazzi Sabine , Haffner-Luntzer Melanie , Lee Sooyeon , Dorn Ann-Kristin , Ignatius Anita , Tuckermann Jan , Ahmad Mubashir
Published: February 2022

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, their long-term use leads to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, increasing morbidity and mortality. Both anabolic and anti-resorptive drugs are used to counteract GC-induced bone loss, however, they are expensive and/or have major side effects. Therefore, identifying new targets for cost-effective, small-molecule inhibitors is essential. We recently identified cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) as a suppressor of osteoblast differentiation and showed that its inhibition with roscovitine promoted osteoblastogenesis, thus improving the skeletal bone mass and fracture healing. Here, we assessed whether Cdk5 knockdown or inhibition could also reverse the GC-mediated suppression of osteoblast differentiation, bone loss, and fracture healing. We first demonstrated that Cdk5 silencing abolished the dexamethasone (Dex)-induced downregulation of alkaline phosphatase (Alp) activity, osteoblast-specific marker gene expression (Runx2, Sp7, Alpl, and Bglap), and mineralization. Similarly, Cdk5 inhibition rescued Dex-induced suppression of Alp activity. We further demonstrated that Cdk5 inhibition reversed prednisolone (Pred)-induced bone loss in mice, due to reduced osteoclastogenesis rather than improved osteoblastogenesis. Moreover, we revealed that Cdk5 inhibition failed to improve Pred-mediated impaired fracture healing. Taken together, we demonstrated that Cdk5 inhibition with roscovitine ameliorated GC-mediated bone loss but did not reverse GC-induced compromised fracture healing in mice.
Semiquantitative Classification of Two Oxidizing Gases with Graphene-Based Gas Sensors
Authors: Lind Martin , Kiisk Valter , Kodu Margus , Kahro Tauno , Renge Indrek , Avarmaa Tea , Makaram Prashanth , Zurutuza Amaia , Jaaniso Raivo
Published: February 2022

Miniature and low-power gas sensing elements are urgently needed for a portable electronic nose, especially for outdoor pollution monitoring. Hereby we prepared chemiresistive sensors based on wide-area graphene (grown by chemical vapor deposition) placed on Si/Si3N4 substrates with interdigitated electrodes and built-in microheaters. Graphene of each sensor was individually functionalized with ultrathin oxide coating (CuO-MnO2, In2O3 or Sc2O3) by pulsed laser deposition. Over the course of 72 h, the heated sensors were exposed to randomly generated concentration cycles of 30 ppb NO2, 30 ppb O3, 60 ppb NO2, 60 ppb O3 and 30 ppb NO2 + 30 ppb O3 in synthetic air (21% O2, 50% relative humidity). While O3 completely dominated the response of sensors with CuO-MnO2 coating, the other sensors had comparable sensitivity to NO2 as well. Various response features (amplitude, response rate, and recovery rate) were considered as machine learning inputs. Using just the response amplitudes of two complementary sensors allowed us to distinguish these five gas environments with an accuracy of ~ 85%. Misclassification was mostly due to an overlap in the case of the 30 ppb O3, and 30 ppb O3 + 30 ppb NO2 responses, and was largely caused by the temporal drift of these responses. The addition of recovery rates to machine learning input variables enabled us to very clearly distinguish different gases and increase the overall accuracy to ~94%.