bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameters of Trucks and Loads in the Transport of Scots Pine Wood Biomass Depending on the Season and Moisture Content of the Load
Authors: Trzciński Grzegorz , Tymendorf Łukasz , Kozakiewicz Paweł
Published: February 2021

Transport of wood biomass is one of the key operations in forestry and in the wood industry. An important part is the transport of shredded wood, where the most common forms are chips and sawdust. The aim of the research was to present the variability of the total weight of trucks (gross vehicle weight, GVW), the weight of the empty trucks (tare), and loads of chips and sawdust in different periods of the year. Changes in specific parameters were analyzed: GVW; tare weight; trailer capacity; use of the trailer load capacity; bulk volume and bulk density of wood biomass loads; solid cubic meter (m3) and weight of 1m3 of the load; and load weight depending on the season, with simultaneous measurements of wood chips and sawdust moisture. More than 250 transports from four seasons of the year were analyzed in the research. It was found that the total weight of trucks (GVW) was at a comparable level, on average from 39.42 to 39.64 Mg with slight differences (with SD 0.29 and 0.39). The weight of empty trucks was 16.15 Mg for chip-bearing trucks and 15.93 Mg for sawdust-bearing trucks (with SD 0.604 and 0.526). The type of wood material has an influence on the transported volume. The average quantity of load in the bulk cubic meter was 64.783 m3 for wood chips (SD 3.127) and 70.465 m3 (SD 2.516) for sawdust. Over 30% differences in the volume of transported wood chips and approximately 18% for sawdust were observed. The use of the loading capacity of the trailer was on average 72.58% (SD 5.567) for the transport of wood chips and 77.42% (SD 3.019) for the transport of sawdust. The sawdust bulk density was from 0.3050 to 0.4265 Mg⋅m−3 for wood chips and 0.3200 to 0.3556 Mg⋅m−3 for sawdust. This parameter is significantly dependent on moisture content, and the determined correlation functions can be used for estimating and predicting bulk density. The abovementioned absolute moisture content of chips and sawdust also depends on the season, which also affects the selected parameters of wood biomass loads.
Processes, Challenges and Optimisation of Rum Production from Molasses—A Contemporary Review
Authors: Mangwanda Tinashe , Johnson Joel B. , Mani Janice S. , Jackson Steve , Chandra Shaneel , McKeown Tyryn , White Simon , Naiker Mani
Published: February 2021

The rum industry is currently worth USD 16 billion, with production concentrated in tropical countries of the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific regions. The primary feedstock for rum production is sugar cane molasses, a by-product of sugar refineries. The main variables known to affect rum quality include the composition of the molasses, the length of fermentation, and the type of barrels and length of time used for aging the rum. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the impact of these variables on rum quality, and to highlight current challenges and opportunities in the production of rum from molasses. In order to achieve this, we review the relevant contemporary scientific literature on these topics. The major contemporary challenges in the rum production industry include minimising the effects of variability in feedstock quality, ensuring the fermentation process runs to completion, preventing microbial contamination, and the selection and maintenance of yeast strains providing optimum ethanol production. Stringent quality management practices are required to ensure consistency in the quality and organoleptic properties of the rum from batch to batch. Further research is required to fully understand the influences of many of these variables on the final quality of the rum produced.
Modeling of Lake Malombe Annual Fish Landings and Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE)
Authors: Makwinja Rodgers , Mengistou Seyoum , Kaunda Emmanuel , Alemiew Tena , Phiri Titus Bandulo , Kosamu Ishmael Bobby Mphangwe , Kaonga Chikumbusko Chiziwa
Published: February 2021

Forecasting, using time series data, has become the most relevant and effective tool for fisheries stock assessment. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modeling has been commonly used to predict the general trend for fish landings with increased reliability and precision. In this paper, ARIMA models were applied to predict Lake Malombe annual fish landings and catch per unit effort (CPUE). The annual fish landings and CPUE trends were first observed and both were non-stationary. The first-order differencing was applied to transform the non-stationary data into stationary. Autocorrelation functions (AC), partial autocorrelation function (PAC), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), square root of the mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), percentage standard error of prediction (SEP), average relative variance (ARV), Gaussian maximum likelihood estimation (GMLE) algorithm, efficiency coefficient (E2), coefficient of determination (R2), and persistent index (PI) were estimated, which led to the identification and construction of ARIMA models, suitable in explaining the time series and forecasting. According to the measures of forecasting accuracy, the best forecasting models for fish landings and CPUE were ARIMA (0,1,1) and ARIMA (0,1,0). These models had the lowest values AIC, BIC, RMSE, MAE, SEP, ARV. The models further displayed the highest values of GMLE, PI, R2, and E2. The “auto. arima ()” command in R version 3.6.3 further displayed ARIMA (0,1,1) and ARIMA (0,1,0) as the best. The selected models satisfactorily forecasted the fish landings of 2725.243 metric tons and CPUE of 0.097 kg/h by 2024.
High PD-L1/IDO-2 and PD-L2/IDO-1 Co-Expression Levels Are Associated with Worse Overall Survival in Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Ludovini Vienna , Bianconi Fortunato , Siggillino Annamaria , Vannucci Jacopo , Baglivo Sara , Berti Valeria , Tofanetti Francesca Romana , Reda Maria Sole , Bellezza Guido , Mandarano Martina , Belladonna Maria Laura , Metro Giulio , Chiari Rita , Sidoni Angelo , Puma Francesco , Minotti Vincenzo , Roila Fausto
Published: February 2021

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is a predictive biomarker of the success of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but its role as a prognostic marker for early-stage resectable NSCLC remains unclear. We studied gene expression levels of immune-related genes PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, IDO-1, IDO-2 and INFγ in tumor tissue of surgically resected NSCLC and correlated the finding with clinicopathological features and patient outcomes. A total of 191 consecutive early-stage NSCLC patients who underwent curative pulmonary resection were studied. The mRNA expression levels of immune-related genes were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays (Qiagen). PD-1, PD-L2 and IDO-2 gene expression levels were significantly higher in patients with squamous histology (p = 0.001, p = 0.021 and p < 0.001; respectively). PD-1, PD-L1 and IDO-2 gene expression levels were significantly higher in patients with higher stage (p = 0.005, p = 0.048 and p = 0.002, respectively). The univariate analysis for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) showed that patients with higher levels of three-genes (PD-L1/PD-L2/INFγ) (hazard ratio (HR)) 1.90 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–3.21), p = 0.015) were associated with a worse RFS, while patients with higher levels of both genes (PD-L1/IDO-2) or (PD-L2/IDO-1) were associated with a worse OS (HR 1.63 95% CI, 1.06–2.51, p = 0.024; HR 1.54 95% CI, 1.02–2.33, p = 0.04; respectively). The multivariate interaction model adjusted for histology and stage confirmed that higher levels of three genes (PD-L1/PD-L2/INFγ) were significantly associated with worse RFS (HR 1.98, p = 0.031) and higher levels of both genes (PD-L1/IDO-2) and (PD-L2/IDO-1) with worse OS (HR 1.98, p = 0.042, HR 1.92, p = 0.022). PD-L1/IDO-2 and PD-L2/IDO-1 co-expression high levels are independent negative prognostic factors for survival in early NSCLC. These features may have important implications for future immune-checkpoint therapeutic approaches.
Spectrum of MYO7A Mutations in an Indigenous South African Population Further Elucidates the Nonsyndromic Autosomal Recessive Phenotype of DFNB2 to Include Both Homozygous and Compound Heterozygous Mutations
Authors: Kabahuma Rosemary Ida , Schubert Wolf-Dieter , Labuschagne Christiaan , Yan Denise , Blanton Susan Halloran , Pepper Michael Sean , Liu Xue Zhong
Published: February 2021

MYO7A gene encodes unconventional myosin VIIA, which, when mutated, causes a phenotypic spectrum ranging from recessive hearing loss DFNB2 to deaf-blindness, Usher Type 1B (USH1B). MYO7A mutations are reported in nine DFNB2 families to date, none from sub-Saharan Africa.In DNA, from a cohort of 94 individuals representing 92 families from the Limpopo province of South Africa, eight MYO7A variations were detected among 10 individuals. Family studies identified homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in 17 individuals out of 32 available family members. Four mutations were novel, p.Gly329Asp, p.Arg373His, p.Tyr1780Ser, and p.Pro2126Leufs*5. Two variations, p.Ser617Pro and p.Thr381Met, previously listed as of uncertain significance (ClinVar), were confirmed to be pathogenic. The identified mutations are predicted to interfere with the conformational properties of myosin VIIA through interruption or abrogation of multiple interactions between the mutant and neighbouring residues. Specifically, p.Pro2126Leufs*5, is predicted to abolish the critical site for the interactions between the tail and the motor domain essential for the autoregulation, leaving a non-functional, unregulated protein that causes hearing loss. We have identified MYO7A as a possible key deafness gene among indigenous sub-Saharan Africans. The spectrum of MYO7A mutations in this South African population points to DFNB2 as a specific entity that may occur in a homozygous or in a compound heterozygous state.
Whole Genome Sequencing Applied to Pathogen Source Tracking in Food Industry: Key Considerations for Robust Bioinformatics Data Analysis and Reliable Results Interpretation
Authors: Barretto Caroline , Rincón Cristian , Portmann Anne-Catherine , Ngom-Bru Catherine
Published: February 2021

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has arisen as a powerful tool to perform pathogen source tracking in the food industry thanks to several developments in recent years. However, the cost associated to this technology and the degree of expertise required to accurately process and understand the data has limited its adoption at a wider scale. Additionally, the time needed to obtain actionable information is often seen as an impairment for the application and use of the information generated via WGS. Ongoing work towards standardization of wet lab including sequencing protocols, following guidelines from the regulatory authorities and international standardization efforts make the technology more and more accessible. However, data analysis and results interpretation guidelines are still subject to initiatives coming from distinct groups and institutions. There are multiple bioinformatics software and pipelines developed to handle such information. Nevertheless, little consensus exists on a standard way to process the data and interpret the results. Here, we want to present the constraints we face in an industrial setting and the steps we consider necessary to obtain high quality data, reproducible results and a robust interpretation of the obtained information. All of this, in a time frame allowing for data-driven actions supporting factories and their needs.
Acceptability of Telegenetics for Families with Genetic Eye Diseases
Authors: Bell Suzannah , Karamchandani Urvi , Malcolmson Kirsten , Moosajee Mariya
Published: February 2021

Healthcare providers around the world have implemented remote routine consultations to minimise disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual clinics are particularly suitable for patients with genetic eye diseases as they rely on detailed histories with genetic counselling. During April–June 2019, the opinion of carers of children with inherited eye disorders attending the ocular genetics service at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MEH) were canvassed. Sixty-five percent of families (n = 35/54) preferred to have investigations carried out locally rather than travel to MEH, with 64% opting for a virtual consultation to interpret the results. The most popular mode of remote contact was via telephone (14/31), with video call being least preferred (8/31). Hence, 54 families who had received a telephone consultation mid-pandemic (November 2020–January 2021) were contacted to re-evaluate the acceptability of telegenetics using the Clinical Genetics Satisfaction Indicator and Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire. Overall, 50 carers participated (response rate 93%); 58% of participants found teleconsultations acceptable and 54% agreed they increased their access to care, but 67.5% preferred to be seen in person. Patient satisfaction was high with 90% strongly agreeing/agreeing they shared and received all necessary information. Ocular genetics is well-suited for remote service delivery, ideally alternated with face-to-face consultations.
Recent Advancements in Hematology: Knowledge, Methods and Dissemination, Part 2
Authors: Corre Jill , Sabbah Michele , Schjesvold Fredrik , Zeidan Amer M. , Buccisano Francesco , Sallman David , Mazzucato Mario , Madden Leigh A. , Martini Maurizio , Van Breda Eric , Dolcetti Riccardo , Busca Alessandro , Cook Gordon , Onida Francesco , Versari Annibale , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Walter Roland B. , Garderet Laurent , Robin Marie , Signore Alberto
Published: February 2021

Recent Advancements in Hematology: Knowledge, Methods and Dissemination is a series of commentary article which is published on a biannual basis by the editorial board of the journal Hemato [...]
Energetics of LOHC: Structure-Property Relationships from Network of Thermochemical Experiments and in Silico Methods
Authors: Verevkin Sergey P. , Emel’yanenko Vladimir N. , Siewert Riko , Pimerzin Aleksey A.
Published: February 2021

The storage of hydrogen is the key technology for a sustainable future. We developed an in silico procedure, which is based on the combination of experimental and quantum-chemical methods. This method was used to evaluate energetic parameters for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions of various pyrazine derivatives as a seminal liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), that are involved in the hydrogen storage technologies. With this in silico tool, the tempo of the reliable search for suitable LOHC candidates will accelerate dramatically, leading to the design and development of efficient materials for various niche applications.
Contemporary Long-Term Trends in Water Discharge, Suspended Sediment Load, and Erosion Intensity in River Basins of the North Caucasus Region, SW Russia
Authors: Gusarov Artyom V. , Sharifullin Aidar G. , Komissarov Mikhail A.
Published: February 2021

For the first time, contemporary trends in water discharge, suspended sediment load, and the intensity of overall erosion in the river basins of the North Caucasus region, as one of Russia’s most agriculturally developed geographic areas, were identified. The study was carried out using monitoring data of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of the country for 21 rivers by comparing two periods: 1963–1980 and 2008–2017. According to the study’s results, trends of an increase in the mean annual water discharge (by 2–97%) and the essential reduction in its intra-annual variability have been found in most of the studied rivers. On the contrary, the trends of reduction in annual suspended sediment load and the intensity of erosion in the river basins were identified in most of the study region. Their most essential and statistically significant decreases (by 47–94%) were recorded within the Stavropol Upland, which several decades ago was considered one of the most erosion-dangerous territories of the entire country, as well as in some river basins of the central part of the Greater Caucasus’s northern slope (by 17–94%). The changes in climate (reducing the depth of soil freezing and meltwater runoff on the soil) and land use/cover (reduction of acreage and load (pressure) of agricultural machinery on the soil, reducing livestock on pastures, and the transfer of water from the neighboring, more full-flowing rivers) are considered the leading causes of the aforementioned trends. The findings will contribute to solving some economic and environmental problems of both the region and adjacent territories and water areas.
Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Brucellosis in Hospitalized Patients in Lahore Hospitals, Pakistan
Authors: Yousaf Riffat , Khan Iahtasham , Shehzad Wasim , Hussain Riaz , Ali Shahzad , Neubauer Heinrich , Wareth Gamal
Published: February 2021

Brucellosis is one of the most notorious zoonoses worldwide. The disease is common and endemic in humans and animals of Pakistan, but lack of awareness and lack of research have resulted in an increased incidence in the human population. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and at molecular detection of brucellosis in patients with clinical symptoms in six different hospitals from Lahore, which is the capital city of Punjab province. A total of 218 blood samples were collected from hospitalized patients. The samples were initially screened by the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and then quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied. An overall seroprevalence of 17% (37/218) was found. The highest prevalence was found at the Lady Health center (36.53%), which was followed by the Lady Willingdon Hospital (28.6%). Female patients showed a higher seroprevalence than males and peaked at 34% (n = 32) for women who suffered from abortion. In total, 16.8% of patients younger than 30 years showed seropositive reactions, while the prevalence was 19% in patients between 31 and 50. Thirty-three DNA samples from 24 seropositive and nine seronegative patients tested positive, 32 samples were found positive for B. abortus DNA, and one sample failed to be identified at the species level. Almost all positive cases had direct contact with animals and consumed unpasteurized dairy products. Research on human brucellosis is still scarce in Pakistan. For the diagnosis of brucellosis, serology and molecular tools should be combined if isolation by culture is not possible. Nationwide control activities and increasing awareness for zoonotic brucellosis are needed.
Microplastics Environmental Effect and Risk Assessment on the Aquaculture Systems from South China
Authors: Li Yizheng , Chen Guanglong , Xu Kaihang , Huang Kai , Wang Jun
Published: February 2021

The small size of microplastics and their wide distribution in water environments have attracted worldwide attention and heated discussion, because of their ingestion by aquatic organisms. At present, there are few studies on microplastics pollution in freshwater aquaculture ponds, especially shrimp ponds. In this study, the aquaculture ponds in the Pearl River Estuary were investigated. The abundance and composition of microplastics in different environmental media were studied to explore the potential sources and risk levels of microplastics, so as to provide basic data for the study of microplastics pollution in aquaculture ponds. Microplastics were observed in water and sediment samples at all sampling sites, with the abundance of 6.6 × 103–263.6 × 103 items/m3 (surface water) and 566.67–2500 items/kg (sediment), respectively. Thirty-seven individuals collected in six ponds belong to four species. Microplastics were observed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of all fishes and shrimps, with the abundance ranging from 3–92 items/individual (fish) and 4–21 items/individual (shrimp). Among all samples, microplastics with the size range of <1 mm and fiber shape were the most common. The main microplastic components were cellulose, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). The results of potential risk assessment showed that the pollution investigation of microplastics should not only consider the abundance. Low abundance does not mean low risk. Taking the toxicity score and abundance of microplastics as evaluation indexes to reflect the pollution status of microplastics may make the results more reliable.
Pollution Distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements in a Karstic River Affected by Manganese Mining in Changyang, Western Hubei, Central China
Authors: Liu Zhao , Kuang Ye , Lan Shengtao , Cao Wenjia , Yan Ziqi , Chen Li , Chen Qianlong , Feng Qi , Zhou Hong
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the distribution, pollution level and potential ecological risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from manganese mining in a karstic Danshui River, in Changyang, Western Hubei, Central China. River water and sediments were collected for seven PTEs measurement (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn), as well as pH and Eh of the river water were measured. Results showed that the major pollutant was Mn, the river water environment was mainly acidic and oxidizing (288 < Eh, pH < 6.3), and the pollution distribution of Mn in the study area was dominated by the combination of natural processes and anthropogenic activities. In the river water, according to the contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (IPL) results, Mn was considered the main pollutant. There was low As and Pb pollution downstream as well as Cu pollution upstream. Upstream and downstream areas were the main polluted river sections of the river water samples collected. In river sediments, based on the results of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (IPER), it was determined that there was only considerable Mn pollution. The IPER of the PTEs from the river sediments was at acceptable levels, only Mn upstream performed at a moderate ecological risk level. According to Pearson correlation and principal component analysis, Mn originated from manganese mining activities, Cd, Cr and Zn were of natural origin, and Cu may have come from both mining and natural origin, whereas Pb and As were mainly related to the daily activities. Consequently, elemental speciation, mining activities and the distribution of water conservancy facilities were the main impacts of PET pollution distribution in this river.
Benzene Exposure and Cancer Risk from Commercial Gasoline Station Fueling Events Using a Novel Self-Sampling Protocol
Authors: Patton Andrew N. , Levy-Zamora Misti , Fox Mary , Koehler Kirsten
Published: February 2021

Tens of millions of individuals go to gasoline stations on a daily basis in the United States. One of the constituents of gasoline is benzene, a Group 1 carcinogen that has been strongly linked to both occupational and non-occupational leukemias. While benzene content in gasoline is federally regulated, there is approximately a thirty-year data gap in United States research on benzene exposures from pumping gasoline. Using a novel self-sampling protocol with whole air canisters, we conducted a gasoline pumping exposure assessment for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) on Baltimore, MD consumers. Geometric mean exposures (geometric standard deviations) were 3.2 (2.7) ppb,9.5 (3.5) ppb, 2.0 (2.8) ppb, and 7.3 (3.0) ppb, respectively, on 32 samples. Using the benzene exposures, we conducted consumer and occupational probabilistic risk assessments and contextualized the risk with ambient benzene exposure risk. We found that the consumer scenarios did not approach the 1:1,000,000 excess risk management threshold and that the occupational scenario did not exceed the 1:10,000 excess risk management threshold. Further, in all Monte Carlo trials, the ambient risk from benzene exposure exceeded that of pumping risk for consumers, but that in approximately 30% of occupational trials, the pumping risk exceeded the ambient risk.
Pollution Source Apportionment and Water Quality Risk Evaluation of a Drinking Water Reservoir during Flood Seasons
Authors: Qin Guoshuai , Liu Jianwei , Xu Shiguo , Sun Ya
Published: February 2021

Reservoirs play an important role in the urban water supply, yet reservoirs receive an influx of large amounts of pollutants from the upper watershed during flood seasons, causing a decline in water quality and threatening the water supply. Identifying major pollution sources and assessing water quality risks are important for the environmental protection of reservoirs. In this paper, the principal component/factor analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA/FA-MLR) model and Bayesian networks (BNs) are integrated to identify water pollution sources and assess the water quality risk in different precipitation conditions, which provides an effective framework for water quality management during flood seasons. The deterioration of the water quality of rivers in the flood season is found to be the main reason for the deterioration in the reservoir water quality. The nonpoint source pollution is the major pollution source of the reservoir, which contributes 53.20%, 48.41%, 72.69%, and 68.06% of the total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (TP), fecal coliforms (F.coli), and turbidity (TUB), respectively. The risk of the water quality parameters exceeding the surface water standard under different hydrological conditions is assessed. The results show that the probability of the exceedance rate of TN, TP, and F.coli increases from 91.13%, 3.40%, and 3.34%, to 95.75%, 25.77%, and 12.76% as the monthly rainfall increases from ≤68.25 mm to >190.18 mm. The risk to the water quality of the Biliuhe River reservoir is found to increase with the rising rainfall intensity, the water quality risk at the inlet during the flood season is found to be much greater than that at the dam site, and the increasing trend of TP and turbidity is greater than that of TN and F.coli. The risk of five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) does not increase with increasing precipitation, indicating that it is less affected by nonpoint source pollution. The results of this study can provide a research basis for water environment management during flood seasons.
The Pathways from Type A Personality to Physical and Mental Health Amid COVID-19: A Multiple-Group Path Model of Frontline Anti-Epidemic Medical Staff and Ordinary People
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Rong , Tian Mei , Sun Yu , Ma Jiexin , Tu Yitong , Yan Yun
Published: February 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey was conducted using the questionnaire method among participants consisting of both ordinary people (n = 325) and frontline anti-epidemic medical staff (n = 310), and physiological data was obtained on the basis of physical examination. This study aimed to scrutinize the influence of Type A personality on the biochemical indicators of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the behavioral indicators of appetite and sleep disorder, and to analyze the mediating effect of depression. Meanwhile, multiple-group path analysis was used to evaluate path differences between the models of two samples. The results of the mediation analysis for both samples demonstrated that depression significantly mediated the relationship between Type A personality and appetite and sleep disorder. The results of multiple-group path analysis showed that the relationship between Type A personality and appetite and sleep disorder seems to be significantly stronger in ordinary people, whereas the relationship between depression and appetite and sleep disorder, as well as with the path towards AST, seems to be significantly stronger in frontline anti-epidemic medical staff. This paper provides ideas for the selection and distribution of medical personnel based on personality characteristics in major public health emergencies, and physical and mental health status should be taken into account to provide relative health assistance.
TV News and COVID-19: Media Influence on Healthy Behavior in Public Spaces
Authors: Scopelliti Massimiliano , Pacilli Maria Giuseppina , Aquino Antonio
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak has dramatically changed our life. Despite the rapid growth of scientific publications about medical aspects of the pandemic, less has been explored about the effects of media communication regarding COVID-19 on healthy behaviors. Yet, the scientific literature has widely debated on how media can influence people’s health-related evaluations, emotions, and behaviors. To fill this gap, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between media exposure, people’s attitudes and emotions toward media contents, and healthy behaviors related to the use of public spaces, such as avoiding crowded places, wearing face masks, and maintaining social distance. A questionnaire referring to these variables was administered to an opportunistic sample of 174 participants in Italy during the off-peak period of the COVID-19 outbreak and before restrictions to mobility were extended to the whole country. Results showed that media exposure, the perception of social initiatives of prevention, and moderate levels of fear increase healthier behaviors in the use of public spaces. Perceiving alarming information did not significantly predict healthy behaviors in the use of public spaces. Results are discussed with reference to the previous literature. Suggestions to media communication to increase preventive behaviors during emergencies are also provided.
A Review of the Community Health Club Literature Describing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Outcomes
Authors: Rosenfeld Jason , Berggren Ruth , Frerichs Leah
Published: February 2021

The Community Health Club (CHC) model is a community-based health promotion program that utilizes water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) education as the first stage of a longitudinal development process. Although the CHC model has been implemented in fourteen countries over 20 years, this is the first review of the literature describing the model’s outcomes and impact. We conducted a review of the literature that provided quantitative or qualitative evidence of CHC interventions focused on WASH in low- and middle-income countries. We identified 25 articles that met our inclusion criteria. We found six major outcomes: WASH behaviors and knowledge, social capital, collective action, health, and cost or cost-effectiveness. The most consistent evidence was associated with WASH behaviors and knowledge, with significant effects on defecation practices, hand washing behaviors, and WASH knowledge. We also found qualitative evidence of impact on social capital and collective action. CHCs catalyze favorable changes in WASH behaviors and knowledge, yielding outcomes commensurate with other WASH promotion strategies. This review provides insights into the model’s theory of change, helping identify areas for further investigation. The CHC model’s holistic focus and emphasis on individual and collective change offer promising potential to address multiple health and development determinants.
40-Hz Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) as a Biomarker of Genetic Defects in the SHANK3 Gene: A Case Report of 15-Year-Old Girl with a Rare Partial SHANK3 Duplication
Authors: Neklyudova Anastasia K. , Portnova Galina V. , Rebreikina Anna B. , Voinova Victoria Yu , Vorsanova Svetlana G. , Iourov Ivan Y. , Sysoeva Olga V.
Published: February 2021

SHANK3 encodes a scaffold protein involved in postsynaptic receptor density in glutamatergic synapses, including those in the parvalbumin (PV)+ inhibitory neurons—the key players in the generation of sensory gamma oscillations, such as 40-Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR). However, 40-Hz ASSR was not studied in relation to SHANK3 functioning. Here, we present a 15-year-old girl (SH01) with previously unreported duplication of the first seven exons of the SHANK3 gene (22q13.33). SH01’s electroencephalogram (EEG) during 40-Hz click trains of 500 ms duration binaurally presented with inter-trial intervals of 500–800 ms were compared with those from typically developing children (n = 32). SH01 was diagnosed with mild mental retardation and learning disabilities (F70.88), dysgraphia, dyslexia, and smaller vocabulary than typically developing (TD) peers. Her clinical phenotype resembled the phenotype of previously described patients with 22q13.33 microduplications (≈30 reported so far). SH01 had mild autistic symptoms but below the threshold for ASD diagnosis and microcephaly. No seizures or MRI abnormalities were reported. While SH01 had relatively preserved auditory event-related potential (ERP) with slightly attenuated P1, her 40-Hz ASSR was totally absent significantly deviating from TD’s ASSR. The absence of 40-Hz ASSR in patients with microduplication, which affected the SHANK3 gene, indicates deficient temporal resolution of the auditory system, which might underlie language problems and represent a neurophysiological biomarker of SHANK3 abnormalities.
Sensitivity to Cisplatin in Head and Neck Cancer Cells Is Significantly Affected by Patient-Derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Peltanova Barbora , Liskova Marketa , Gumulec Jaromir , Raudenska Martina , Polanska Hana Holcova , Vaculovic Tomas , Kalfert David , Grega Marek , Plzak Jan , Betka Jan , Masarik Michal
Published: February 2021

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most abundant and critical components of the tumor stroma. CAFs can impact many important steps of cancerogenesis and may also influence treatment resistance. Some of these effects need the direct contact of CAFs and cancer cells, while some involve paracrine signals. In this study, we investigated the ability of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) patient-derived CAFs to promote or inhibit the colony-forming ability of HNSCC cells. The effect of cisplatin on this promoting or inhibiting influence was also studied. The subsequent analysis focused on changes in the expression of genes associated with cancer progression. We found that cisplatin response in model HNSCC cancer cells was modified by coculture with CAFs, was CAF-specific, and different patient-derived CAFs had a different “sensitizing ratio”. Increased expression of VEGFA, PGE2S, COX2, EGFR, and NANOG in cancer cells was characteristic for the increase of resistance. On the other hand, CCL2 expression was associated with sensitizing effect. Significantly higher amounts of cisplatin were found in CAFs derived from patients who subsequently experienced a recurrence. In conclusion, our results showed that CAFs could promote and/or inhibit colony-forming capability and cisplatin resistance in HNSCC cells via paracrine effects and subsequent changes in gene expression of cancer-associated genes in cancer cells.
Preclinical Therapy with Vitamin D3 in Experimental Encephalomyelitis: Efficacy and Comparison with Paricalcitol
Authors: Mimura Luiza Ayumi Nishiyama , Fraga-Silva Thais Fernanda de Campos , Oliveira Larissa Ragozzo Cardoso de , Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , Borim Patrícia Aparecida , Machado Carla de Moraes , Júnior José de Anchieta de Castro e Horta , Fonseca Denise Morais da , Sartori Alexandrina
Published: February 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS and its animal model called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) immunopathogenesis involve a plethora of immune cells whose activation releases a variety of proinflammatory mediators and free radicals. Vitamin D3 (VitD) is endowed with immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties that we demonstrated to control EAE development. However, this protective effect triggered hypercalcemia. As such, we compared the therapeutic potential of VitD and paricalcitol (Pari), which is a non-hypercalcemic vitamin D analog, to control EAE. From the seventh day on after EAE induction, mice were injected with VitD or Pari every other day. VitD, but not Pari, displayed downmodulatory ability being able to reduce the recruitment of inflammatory cells, the mRNA expression of inflammatory parameters, and demyelination at the CNS. Lower production of proinflammatory cytokines by lymph node-derived cells and IL-17 by gut explants, and reduced intestinal inflammation were detected in the EAE/VitD group compared to the EAE untreated or Pari groups. Dendritic cells (DCs) differentiated in the presence of VitD developed a more tolerogenic phenotype than in the presence of Pari. These findings suggest that VitD, but not Pari, has the potential to be used as a preventive therapy to control MS severity.
PF-3845, a Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor, Directly Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis through ERK and NF-κB Pathways In Vitro and Alveolar Bone Loss In Vivo
Authors: Ihn Hye-Jung , Kim Yi-Seul , Lim Soomin , Bae Jong-Sup , Jung Jae-Chang , Kim Yeo-Hyang , Park Jin-Woo , Wang Zhao , Koh Jeong-Tae , Bae Yong-Chul , Baek Moon-Chang , Park Eui-Kyun
Published: February 2021

Alveolar bone loss, the major feature of periodontitis, results from the activation of osteoclasts, which can consequently cause teeth to become loose and fall out; the development of drugs capable of suppressing excessive osteoclast differentiation and function is beneficial for periodontal disease patients. Given the difficulties associated with drug discovery, drug repurposing is an efficient approach for identifying alternative uses of commercially available compounds. Here, we examined the effects of PF-3845, a selective fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclastogenesis, its function, and the therapeutic potential for the treatment of alveolar bone destruction in experimental periodontitis. PF-3845 significantly suppressed osteoclast differentiation and decreased the induction of nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and the expression of osteoclast-specific markers. Actin ring formation and osteoclastic bone resorption were also reduced by PF-3845, and the anti-osteoclastogenic and anti-resorptive activities were mediated by the suppression of phosphorylation of rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase, (ERK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) inhibitor (IκBα). Furthermore, the administration of PF-3845 decreased the number of osteoclasts and the amount of alveolar bone destruction caused by ligature placement in experimental periodontitis in vivo. The present study provides evidence that PF-3845 is able to suppress osteoclastogenesis and prevent alveolar bone loss, and may give new insights into its role as a treatment for osteoclast-related diseases.
Long-Term Shaping of Corticostriatal Synaptic Activity by Acute Fasting
Authors: Campanelli Federica , Laricchiuta Daniela , Natale Giuseppina , Marino Gioia , Calabrese Valeria , Picconi Barbara , Petrosini Laura , Calabresi Paolo , Ghiglieri Veronica
Published: February 2021

Food restriction is a robust nongenic, nonsurgical and nonpharmacologic intervention known to improve health and extend lifespan in various species. Food is considered the most essential and frequently consumed natural reward, and current observations have demonstrated homeostatic responses and neuroadaptations to sustained intermittent or chronic deprivation. Results obtained to date indicate that food deprivation affects glutamatergic synapses, favoring the insertion of GluA2-lacking α-Ammino-3-idrossi-5-Metil-4-idrossazol-Propionic Acid receptors (AMPARs) in postsynaptic membranes. Despite an increasing number of studies pointing towards specific changes in response to dietary restrictions in brain regions, such as the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus, none have investigated the long-term effects of such practice in the dorsal striatum. This basal ganglia nucleus is involved in habit formation and in eating behavior, especially that based on dopaminergic control of motivation for food in both humans and animals. Here, we explored whether we could retrieve long-term signs of changes in AMPARs subunit composition in dorsal striatal neurons of mice acutely deprived for 12 hours/day for two consecutive days by analyzing glutamatergic neurotransmission and the principal forms of dopamine and glutamate-dependent synaptic plasticity. Overall, our data show that a moderate food deprivation in experimental animals is a salient event mirrored by a series of neuroadaptations and suggest that dietary restriction may be determinant in shaping striatal synaptic plasticity in the physiological state.
Chimeric Virus-Like Particles of Prawn Nodavirus Displaying Hepatitis B Virus Immunodominant Region: Biophysical Properties and Cytokine Response
Authors: Ninyio Nathaniel Nyakaat , Ho Kok Lian , Yong Chean Yeah , Chee Hui Yee , Hamid Muhajir , Ong Hui Kian , Mariatulqabtiah Abdul Razak , Tan Wen Siang
Published: February 2021

Hepatitis B is a major global health challenge. In the absence of an effective treatment for the disease, hepatitis B vaccines provide protection against the viral infection. However, some individuals do not have positive immune responses after being vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccines available in the market. Thus, it is important to develop a more protective vaccine. Previously, we showed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) ‘a’ determinant (aD) displayed on the prawn nodavirus capsid (Nc) and expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells (namely, Nc-aD-Sf9) self-assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs). Immunisation of BALB/c mice with the Nc-aD-Sf9 VLPs showed significant induction of humoral, cellular and memory B-cell immunity. In the present study, the biophysical properties of the Nc-aD-Sf9 VLPs were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the antigenicity of the Nc-aD-Sf9 VLPs, and multiplex ELISA was employed to quantify the cytokine response induced by the VLPs administered intramuscularly into BALB/c mice (n = 8). CD spectroscopy of Nc-aD-Sf9 VLPs showed that the secondary structure of the VLPs predominantly consisted of beta (β)-sheets (44.8%), and they were thermally stable up to ~52 °C. ELISA revealed that the aD epitope of the VLPs was significantly antigenic to anti-HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) antibodies. In addition, multiplex ELISA of serum samples from the vaccinated mice showed a significant induction (p < 0.001) of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12p70. This cytokine profile is indicative of natural killer cell, macrophage, dendritic cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activities, which suggests a prophylactic innate and adaptive cellular immune response mediated by Nc-aD-Sf9 VLPs. Interestingly, Nc-aD-Sf9 induced a more robust release of the aforementioned cytokines than that of Nc-aD VLPs produced in Escherichia coli and a commercially used hepatitis B vaccine. Overall, Nc-aD-Sf9 VLPs are thermally stable and significantly antigenic, demonstrating their potential as an HBV vaccine candidate.
Quality of Life and Bowel Function Following Early Closure of a Temporary Ileostomy in Patients with Rectal Cancer: A Report from a Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dulskas Audrius , Petrauskas Vidas , Kuliavas Justas , Bickaite Klaudija , Kairys Mikalojus , Pauza Kastytis , Kilius Alfredas , Sangaila Egidijus , Bausys Rimantas , Stratilatovas Eugenijus
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to assess quality of life and bowel function in patients undergoing early vs. standard ileostomy closure. We retrospectively assessed patients from our previous randomized controlled trial. Patients with a temporary ileostomy who underwent rectal cancer surgery and did not have anastomotic leakage or other. Early closure (EC; 30 days after creation) and standard closure (SC; 90 days after creation) of ileostomy were compared. Thirty-six months (17–97) after stoma closure, we contacted patients by phone and filled in two questionnaires—The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. This index trial was not powered to assess the difference in bowel function between the two groups. All the patients in the SC group had anastomosis <6 cm from the anal verge compared to 42 of 43 (97.7%) in the EC group. There were no statistically significant differences between EC (26 patients) and SC (25 patients) groups in the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LARS questionnaires. Global quality of life was 37.2 (0–91.7; ±24.9) in the EC group vs. 34.3 (0–100; ±16.2) in the SC (p = 0.630). Low anterior resection syndrome was present in 46% of patients in the EC and 56% in the SC group (p = 0.858). Major LARS was found more often in younger patients. However, no statistical significance was found (p = 0.364). The same was found with quality of life (p = 0.219). Age, gender, ileostomy closure timing, neoadjuvant treatment, complications had no effect of worse bowel function or quality of life. There was no difference in quality of life or bowel function in the late postoperative period after the early vs. late closure of ileostomy based on two questionnaires and small sample size. None of our assessed risk factors had a negative effect on bowel function o quality of life.
Supersaturation of VEP in Migraine without Aura Patients Treated with Topiramate: An Anatomo-Functional Biomarker of the Disease
Authors: De Luca Ciro , Gori Sara , Mazzucchi Sonia , Dini Elisa , Cafalli Martina , Siciliano Gabriele , Papa Michele , Baldacci Filippo
Published: February 2021

Migraine is a primary headache with high prevalence among the general population, characterized by functional hypersensitivity to both exogenous and endogenous stimuli particularly affecting the nociceptive system. The hyperresponsivity of cortical neurons could be due to a disequilibrium in the excitatory/inhibitory signaling. This study aimed to investigate the anatomo-functional pathway from the retina to the primary visual cortex using visual evoked potentials (VEP). Contrast gain protocol was used in 15 patients diagnosed with migraine without aura (at baseline and after 3 months of topiramate therapy) and 13 controls. A saturation (S) index was assessed to monitor the response of VEP’s amplitude to contrast gain. Non-linear nor monotone growth of VEP (S < 0.95) was defined as supersaturation. A greater percentage of migraine patients (53%) relative to controls (7%) showed this characteristic. A strong inverse correlation was found between the S index and the number of days separating the registration of VEP from the next migraine attack. Moreover, allodynia measured through the Allodynia Symptoms Check-list (ASC-12) correlates with the S index both at baseline and after 3 months of topiramate treatment. Other clinical characteristics were not related to supersaturation. Topiramate therapy, although effective, did not influence electrophysiological parameters suggesting a non-intracortical nor retinal origin of the supersaturation (with possible involvement of relay cells from the lateral geniculate nucleus). In conclusion, the elaboration of visual stimuli and visual cortex activity is different in migraine patients compared to controls. More data are necessary to confirm the potential use of the S index as a biomarker for the migraine cycle (association with the pain-phase) and cortical sensitization (allodynia).