bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Subcellular Localization and Functional State on Protein Turnover
Authors: Yousefi Roya , Jevdokimenko Kristina , Kluever Verena , Pacheu-Grau David , Fornasiero Eugenio F.
Published: July 2021

Protein homeostasis is an equilibrium of paramount importance that maintains cellular performance by preserving an efficient proteome. This equilibrium avoids the accumulation of potentially toxic proteins, which could lead to cellular stress and death. While the regulators of proteostasis are the machineries controlling protein production, folding and degradation, several other factors can influence this process. Here, we have considered two factors influencing protein turnover: the subcellular localization of a protein and its functional state. For this purpose, we used an imaging approach based on the pulse-labeling of 17 representative SNAP-tag constructs for measuring protein lifetimes. With this approach, we obtained precise measurements of protein turnover rates in several subcellular compartments. We also tested a selection of mutants modulating the function of three extensively studied proteins, the Ca2+ sensor calmodulin, the small GTPase Rab5a and the brain creatine kinase (CKB). Finally, we followed up on the increased lifetime observed for the constitutively active Rab5a (Q79L), and we found that its stabilization correlates with enlarged endosomes and increased interaction with membranes. Overall, our data reveal that both changes in protein localization and functional state are key modulators of protein turnover, and protein lifetime fluctuations can be considered to infer changes in cellular behavior.
Effects of Micronutrient Supplementation on Glucose and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in a Rat Model of Diet Induced Obesity
Authors: Khatiwada Saroj , Lecomte Virginie , Fenech Michael F. , Morris Margaret J. , Maloney Christopher A.
Published: July 2021

Obesity increases the risk of metabolic disorders, partly through increased oxidative stress. Here, we examined the effects of a dietary micronutrient supplement (consisting of folate, vitamin B6, choline, betaine, and zinc) with antioxidant and methyl donor activities. Male Sprague Dawley rats (3 weeks old, 17/group) were weaned onto control (C) or high-fat diet (HFD) or same diets with added micronutrient supplement (CS; HS). At 14.5 weeks of age, body composition was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. At 21 weeks of age, respiratory quotient and energy expenditure was measured using Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System. At 22 weeks of age, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed, and using fasting glucose and insulin values, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated as a surrogate measure of insulin resistance. At 30.5 weeks of age, blood and liver tissues were harvested. Liver antioxidant capacity, lipids and expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism (Cd36, Fabp1, Acaca, Fasn, Cpt1a, Srebf1) were measured. HFD increased adiposity (p < 0.001) and body weight (p < 0.001), both of which did not occur in the HS group. The animals fed HFD developed impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and fasting hyperinsulinemia compared to control fed animals. Interestingly, HS animals demonstrated an improvement in fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Based on insulin release during OGTT and HOMA-IR, the supplement appeared to reduce the insulin resistance developed by HFD feeding. Supplementation increased hepatic glutathione content (p < 0.05) and reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation (p < 0.001) regardless of diet; this was accompanied by altered gene expression (particularly of CPT-1). Our findings show that dietary micronutrient supplementation can reduce weight gain and adiposity, improve glucose metabolism, and improve hepatic antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in response to HFD intake.
Lock, Stock and Barrel: Role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Zanza Christian , Tassi Michele Fidel , Romenskaya Tatsiana , Piccolella Fabio , Abenavoli Ludovico , Franceschi Francesco , Piccioni Andrea , Ojetti Veronica , Saviano Angela , Canonico Barbara , Montanari Mariele , Zamai Loris , Artico Marco , Robba Chiara , Racca Fabrizio , Longhitano Yaroslava
Published: July 2021

Since the end of 2019, the medical-scientific community has been facing a terrible pandemic caused by a new airborne viral agent known as SARS-CoV2. Already in the early stages of the pandemic, following the discovery that the virus uses the ACE2 cell receptor as a molecular target to infect the cells of our body, it was hypothesized that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system was involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Since then, numerous studies have been published on the subject, but the exact role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is still a matter of debate. RAAS represents an important protagonist in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, providing the virus with the receptor of entry into host cells and determining its organotropism. Furthermore, following infection, the virus is able to cause an increase in plasma ACE2 activity, compromising the normal function of the RAAS. This dysfunction could contribute to the establishment of the thrombo-inflammatory state characteristic of severe forms of COVID-19. Drugs targeting RAAS represent promising therapeutic options for COVID-19 sufferers.
Multifunctionality of the Telomere-Capping Shelterin Complex Explained by Variations in Its Protein Composition
Authors: Ghilain Claire , Gilson Eric , Giraud-Panis Marie-Josèphe
Published: July 2021

Protecting telomere from the DNA damage response is essential to avoid the entry into cellular senescence and organismal aging. The progressive telomere DNA shortening in dividing somatic cells, programmed during development, leads to critically short telomeres that trigger replicative senescence and thereby contribute to aging. In several organisms, including mammals, telomeres are protected by a protein complex named Shelterin that counteract at various levels the DNA damage response at chromosome ends through the specific function of each of its subunits. The changes in Shelterin structure and function during development and aging is thus an intense area of research. Here, we review our knowledge on the existence of several Shelterin subcomplexes and the functional independence between them. This leads us to discuss the possibility that the multifunctionality of the Shelterin complex is determined by the formation of different subcomplexes whose composition may change during aging.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Features and MCF-7
Authors: Garroni Giuseppe , Balzano Francesca , Cruciani Sara , Pala Renzo , Coradduzza Donatella , Azara Emanuela , Bellu Emanuela , Cossu Maria Laura , Ginesu Giorgio C. , Carru Ciriaco , Ventura Carlo , Maioli Margherita
Published: July 2021

Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are highly suitable for regeneration therapies being easily collected and propagated in vitro. The effects of different external factors and culturing conditions are able to affect hADSC proliferation, senescence, differentiation, and migration, even at the molecular level. In the present paper, we exposed hADSCs to an exhausted medium from the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) to evaluate whether the soluble factors released by these cells may be able to induce changes in stem cell behavior. In particular, we investigated the expression of stemness-related genes (OCT4; Sox 2; Nanog), the cell-cycle regulators p21 (WAF1/CIP1) p53, epigenetic markers (DNMT1 and Sirt1), and autophagy-related proteins. From our results, we can infer that the exhausted medium from MCF-7 is able to influence the hADSCs behavior increasing the expression of stemness-related genes, cell proliferation, and autophagy. Polyamines detectable in MCF-7 exhausted medium could be related to the higher proliferation capability observed in hADSCs, suggesting direct crosstalk between these molecules and the observed changes in stem cell potency.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Clinical Outcomes in Children with Foregut Anomalies
Authors: Sreeram Isabel I. , ten Kate Chantal A. , van Rosmalen Joost , Schnater Johannes M. , Gischler Saskia J. , Wijnen René M. H. , IJsselstijn Hanneke , Rietman André B.
Published: July 2021

Increasing numbers of children and adults with chronic disease status highlight the need for a value-based healthcare system. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential to value-based healthcare, yet it remains unclear how they relate to clinical outcomes such as health and daily functioning. We aimed to assess the added value of self-reported PROMs for health status (HS) and quality of life (QoL) in the long-term follow-up of children with foregut anomalies. We evaluated data of PROMs for HS and/or QoL among eight-year-olds born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), esophageal atresia (EA), or congenital lung malformations (CLM), collected within the infrastructure of a multidisciplinary, longitudinal follow-up program. Clinical outcomes were categorized into different outcome domains, and their relationships with self-reported HS and QoL were assessed through multivariable linear regression analyses. A total of 220 children completed HS and/or QoL self-reports. In children with CDH and EA, lower cognition was significantly associated with lower self-reported HS. Due to the low number of cases, multivariable linear regression analysis was not possible in children with CLM. HS, QoL, and clinical outcomes represent different aspects of a child’s wellbeing and should be measured simultaneously to facilitate a more holistic approach to clinical decision making.
Impact of Sports Education Model in Physical Education on Students’ Motivation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tendinha Ricardo , Alves Madalena D. , Freitas Tiago , Appleton Gonçalo , Gonçalves Leonor , Ihle Andreas , Gouveia Élvio R. , Marques Adilson
Published: July 2021

Background: Research has suggested that applying the Sport Education Model (SEM) in Physical Education (PE) increases students’ motivation. However, it is important to systematize this evidence to have a clearer idea. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of the SEM on the students’ motivation. Methods: A systematic review with a narrative synthesis was performed. In March 2021, an articles search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria were: longitudinal or experimental study design; outcomes included PE settings; results reported the relationship between the SEM and students’ motivation. Results: Fourteen studies were included, totaling 2146 students. The majority of the studies indicated a significant association between the SEM and motivation, particularly in autonomy and more enjoyment toward PE. Conclusions: This review supports that the SEM has a positive impact on motivation. The SEM offers a wide range of opportunities for students to develop more self-determined motivated behavior in PE classes. Therefore, the SEM should be considered when developing or adapting existing PE programs to promote students’ intrinsic motivation to engage in physical activity.
Effect of NiO Nanoparticle Addition on the Structural, Microstructural, Magnetic, Electrical, and Magneto-Transport Properties of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Lau Lik Nguong , Lim Kean Pah , Chok See Yee , Ishak Amirah Natasha , Hon Xiao Tong , Wong Yan Jing , Awang Kechik Mohd Mustafa , Chen Soo Kien , Ibrahim Noor Baa’yah , Miryala Muralidhar , Murakami Masato , Shaari Abdul Halim
Published: July 2021

Incorporation of the secondary oxide phase into the manganite composite capable of enhancing low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) for viability in high-performance spintronic applications. Polycrystalline La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) was prepared via the sol–gel route in this study. The structural, microstructural, magnetic, electrical, and magneto-transport properties of (1−x) LCMO: x NiO, x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 were investigated in detail. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the coexistence of LCMO and NiO in the composites. The microstructural analysis indicated the amount of NiO nanoparticles segregated at the grain boundaries or on the surface of LCMO grains increased with the increasing secondary phase content. LCMO and NiO still retained their individual magnetic phase as observed from AC susceptibility (ACS) measurement. This further confirmed that there is no interfacial diffusion reaction between these two compounds. The NiO nanoparticle acted as a barrier to charge transport and caused an increase in resistivity for composite samples. The residual resistivity due to the grain/domain boundary is responsible for the scattering mechanism in the metallic region as suggested by the theoretical model fitting, ρ(T)=ρ0+ρ2T2+ρ4.5T4.5. The magnetoresistance values of LCMO and its composites were found to increase monotonically with the decrease in temperature. Hence, the LFMR was observed. Nonetheless, the slight reduction of LFMR in composites was attributed to the thick boundary layer created by NiO and impaired the spin polarised tunnelling process.
Facile Preparation of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite as an Efficient Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hameed Muhammad Usman , Akram Muhammad Yasir , Ali Ghulam , Hafeez Muhammad , Altaf Faizah , Ahmed Ashfaq , Shahida Shabnam , Bocchetta Patrizia
Published: July 2021

Iron oxides are considered promising electrode materials owing to their capability of lithium storage, but their poor conductivity and large volume expansion lead to unsatisfactory cycling stability. In this paper, an inexpensive, highly effective, and facile approach to the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide composite (Fe3O4/RGO) is designed. The synthesized Fe3O4/RGO composite exhibits high reversible capability and excellent cyclic capacity as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A reversible capability of 701.8 mAh/g after 50 cycles at a current density of 200 mA·g−1 can be maintained. The synergetic effect of unique structure and high conductivity RGO promises a well soakage of electrolyte, high structure stability, leading to an excellent electrochemical performance. It is believed that the study will provide a feasible strategy to produce transition metal oxide/carbon composite electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance for LIBs.
Deformation and Damage Assessments of Two DP1000 Steels Using a Micromechanical Modelling Method
Authors: Habibi Niloufar , Vajragupta Napat , Münstermann Sebastian
Published: July 2021

Damage characterization and micromechanical modelling in dual-phase (DP) steels have recently drawn attention, since any changes in the alloying elements or process route strongly influence the microstructural features, deformation behavior of the phases, and damage to the micro-mechanisms, and subsequently the particular mechanical properties of the material. This approach can be used to stablish microstructure–properties relationships. For instance, the effects of local damage from shear cutting on edge crack sensitivity in the following deformation process can be studied. This work evaluated the deformation and damage behaviors of two DP1000 steels using a microstructure-based approach to estimate the edge cracking resistance. Phase fraction, grain size, phase distribution, and texture were analyzed using electron backscatter diffraction and secondary electron detectors of a scanning electron microscope and employed in 3D representative volume elements. The deformation behavior of the ferrite phase was defined using a crystal plasticity model, which was calibrated through nanoindentation tests. Various loading conditions, including uniaxial tension, equi-biaxial tension, plane strain tension, and shearing, along with the maximum shear stress criterion were applied to investigate the damage initiation and describe the edge cracking sensitivity of the studied steels. The results revealed that a homogenous microstructure leads to homogenous stress–strain partitioning, delayed damage initiation, and high edge cracking resistance.
Reproduction of the Androgenetic Population of the Asian Corbicula Clam (Bivalvia: Cyrenidae) in the Northern Dvina River Basin, Russia
Authors: Bespalaya Yulia V. , Aksenova Olga V. , Kropotin Alexander V. , Shevchenko Alexander R. , Travina Oksana V.
Published: July 2021

The Corbicula clam is one of the most successful invaders of aquatic ecosystems and has invaded all continents except Antarctica. The natural dispersion of Corbicula seems to be limited by low winter temperatures that fall below the lower lethal temperatures (0 to +2 °C). However, Corbicula can be found in colder regions, taking refuge in waters heated by thermal power plants. The purpose of this investigation was to study the gonadal histology, reproductive cycle, and the seasonal changes of shell size structure of the Corbicula clam populations in the warm water discharge of the Arkhangelsk thermal power plant (Northwest Russia). Samples were collected monthly from January 2017 to December 2018 and processed using traditional histological and morphological techniques. The number of reproductive periods varied from year to year. It was established that the Corbicula clam has a continuous reproduction period which may be adaptive in unstable environmental conditions. This reproductive strategy is probably aimed at increasing the reproductive success of the population. Our data expand the understanding of reproductive features of the Corbicula clam in harsh environmental conditions. These results could be applied to control, monitoring, and management measures.
A Novel, Improved Equivalent Circuit Model for Double-Sided Linear Induction Motor
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Huijuan , Song Tengfei , Zhang Zhenyang
Published: July 2021

A novel, improved equivalent circuit model of double-sided linear induction motors (DLIMs) is proposed, which takes the skin effect and the nonzero leakage reactance of the secondary, longitudinal, and transverse end effects into consideration. Firstly, the traditional equivalent circuit with longitudinal and transverse end effects are briefly reviewed. Additionally, the correction coefficients for longitudinal and transverse end effects derived by one-dimensional analysis models are given. Secondly, correction factors for skin effect, which reflects the inhomogeneous air gap magnetic field vertically, and the secondary leakage reactance are derived by the quasi-two-dimensional analysis model. Then, the proposed equivalent circuit is presented, and the excitation reactance and secondary resistance are modified by the correction coefficients derived from the three analytical models. Finally, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model is used to verify the proposed equivalent circuit model under varying air gap width and frequency, and the results are also compared with that of the traditional equivalent circuit models. The calculated thrust characteristics by the proposed equivalent circuit and 3D finite element model are experimentally validated under a constant voltage–frequency drive.
Distance Measurement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Vision-Based Systems in Unknown Environments
Authors: Rahmaniar Wahyu , Wang Wen-June , Caesarendra Wahyu , Glowacz Adam , Oprzędkiewicz Krzysztof , Sułowicz Maciej , Irfan Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Localization for the indoor aerial robot remains a challenging issue because global positioning system (GPS) signals often cannot reach several buildings. In previous studies, navigation of mobile robots without the GPS required the registration of building maps beforehand. This paper proposes a novel framework for addressing indoor positioning for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in unknown environments using a camera. First, the UAV attitude is estimated to determine whether the robot is moving forward. Then, the camera position is estimated based on optical flow and the Kalman filter. Semantic segmentation using deep learning is carried out to get the position of the wall in front of the robot. The UAV distance is measured using the comparison of the image size ratio based on the corresponding feature points between the current and the reference of the wall images. The UAV is equipped with ultrasonic sensors to measure the distance of the UAV from the surrounded wall. The ground station receives information from the UAV to show the obstacles around the UAV and its current location. The algorithm is verified by capture the images with distance information and compared with the current image and UAV position. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an accuracy of 91.7% and a computation time of 8 frames per second (fps).
Wind Farm Area Shape Optimization Using Newly Developed Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Kirchner-Bossi Nicolas , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: July 2021

In recent years, wind farm layout optimization (WFLO) has been extendedly developed to address the minimization of turbine wake effects in a wind farm. Considering that increasing the degrees of freedom in the decision space can lead to more efficient solutions in an optimization problem, in this work the WFLO problem that grants total freedom to the wind farm area shape is addressed for the first time. We apply multi-objective optimization with the power output (PO) and the electricity cable length (CL) as objective functions in Horns Rev I (Denmark) via 13 different genetic algorithms: a traditionally used algorithm, a newly developed algorithm, and 11 hybridizations resulted from the two. Turbine wakes and their interactions in the wind farm are computed through the in-house Gaussian wake model. Results show that several of the new algorithms outperform NSGA-II. Length-unconstrained layouts provide up to 5.9% PO improvements against the baseline. When limited to 20 km long, the obtained layouts provide up to 2.4% PO increase and 62% CL decrease. These improvements are respectively 10 and 3 times bigger than previous results obtained with the fixed area. When deriving a localized utility function, the cost of energy is reduced up to 2.7% against the baseline.
Aboveground Biomass Estimation in Short Rotation Forest Plantations in Northern Greece Using ESA’s Sentinel Medium-High Resolution Multispectral and Radar Imaging Missions
Authors: Theofanous Nikos , Chrysafis Irene , Mallinis Giorgos , Domakinis Christos , Verde Natalia , Siahalou Sofia
Published: July 2021

Plantations of fast-growing forest species such as black locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia) can contribute to energy transformation, mitigate industrial pollution, and restore degraded, marginal land. In this study, the synergistic use of Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 time series data is explored for modeling aboveground biomass (AGB) in black locust short-rotation plantations in northeastern Greece. Optimal modeling dates and EO sensor data are also identified through the analysis. Random forest (RF) models were originally developed using monthly Sentinel-2 spectral indices, while, progressively, monthly Sentinel-1 bands were incorporated in the statistical analysis. The highest accuracy was observed for the models generated using Sentinel-2 August composites (R2 = 0.52). The inclusion of Sentinel-1 bands in the spectral indices’ models had a negligible effect on modeling accuracy during the leaf-on period. The correlation and comparative performance of the spectral indices in terms of pairwise correlation with AGB varied among the phenophases of the forest plantations. Overall, the field-measured AGB in the forest plantations plots presented a higher correlation with the optical Sentinel-2 images. The synergy of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data proved to be a non-efficient approach for improving forest biomass RF models throughout the year within the geographical and environmental context of our study.
Data Chunks Placement Optimization for Hybrid Storage Systems
Authors: Yolchuyev Agil , Levendovszky Janos
Published: July 2021

“Hybrid Cloud Storage” (HCS) is a widely adopted framework that combines the functionality of public and private cloud storage models to provide storage services. This kind of storage is especially ideal for organizations that seek to reduce the cost of their storage infrastructure with the use of “Public Cloud Storage” as a backend to on-premises primary storage. Despite the higher performance, the hybrid cloud has latency issues, related to the distance and bandwidth of the public storage, which may cause a significant drop in the performance of the storage systems during data transfer. This issue can become a major problem when one or more private storage nodes fail. In this paper, we propose a new framework for optimizing the data uploading process that is currently used with hybrid cloud storage systems. The optimization is concerned with spreading the data over the multiple storages in the HCS system according to some predefined objective functions. Furthermore, we also used Network Coding technics for minimizing data transfer latency between the receiver (private storages) and transmitter nodes.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of a Torpedo-Shaped Underwater Glider
Authors: Le Thanh-Long , Hong Duc-Thong
Published: July 2021

In this study, numerical computation is used to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics of a torpedo-shaped underwater glider. The physical model of a torpedo-shaped underwater glider is developed by Myring profile equations and analyzed by the computational fluid dynamics approach. The Navier–Stokes equations and the energy equation coupled with the appropriate boundary conditions are solved numerically by using Comsol Multiphysics software. The numerical results contribute to the major part of reducing the effects of fluid flow on the glider’s profile and make the underwater glider more hydrodynamically efficient. The drag and lift forces acting on the underwater glider are enhanced by a higher velocity and a larger angle of attack of the underwater glider. Since the obtained results show a good observation with the experimental works, the need and the practicality of using CFD in the glider design process are proven.
Transfer of Ethanol and Aroma Compounds by Varying Specific Process Parameters in the Thermal Dealcoholisation of Beer
Authors: Müller Magdalena , Becker Thomas , Gastl Martina
Published: July 2021

Dealcoholisation of beer has gained prominence over the last decade. A well-known procedure involves the combination of a rectification column for thermal dealcoholisation and a downstream column for aroma recovery. However, the recovery of valuable fermentation by-products is rarely performed due to limited data about the enrichment and depletion of ethanol and aromatic compounds. The influence of operating conditions on the transfer of ethanol and aroma compounds to the recovery fluid, henceforth, ‘aromawater’, has not yet been fully explored. Therefore, this study involved examining how ethanol concentration and aroma compounds in the aromawater are affected by the condenser temperature and reflux rate during thermal dealcoholisation. The aim was to obtain an aromawater having a maximum level of valuable aroma substances and a minimum level of ethanol for re-blending with non-alcoholic beer, hypothetically causing aroma intensification. An industrial system was used for sample production. Ethanol as well as higher alcohols and ester concentrations were analysed in the different material flows, and mass balances were thus compiled. Sensory analysis was performed to evaluate the beer aroma’s intensification as a sustainable industrial application. The obtained results indicate that increased condenser temperature was associated with increased aroma concentrations in the aromawater. If the temperature of the condenser’s coolant exceeded 15 °C, dealcoholisation < 0.05% abv could not be guaranteed. A higher reflux rate led to higher concentrations of fermentation by-products in the aromawater. Finally, the aroma profile of three non-alcoholic beers (0.0% abv, 0.5% abv after blending with original beer, and 0.5% abv after blending with aromawater) were evaluated. By blending, the attributes ‘estery’ and ‘flowery’ were assessed as dominant. The effect was more pronounced with aromawater than with the original beer.
Influence of the Abiotic Stress Conditions, Waterlogging and Drought, on the Bitter Sensometabolome as Well as Agronomical Traits of Six Genotypes of Daucus carota
Authors: Schmid Christian , Sharma Sapna , Stark Timo D. , Günzkofer Daniela , Hofmann Thomas F. , Ulrich Detlef , Dunemann Frank , Nothnagel Thomas , Dawid Corinna
Published: July 2021

Cultivated carrot is one of the most important vegetable plants in the world and favored by consumers for its typically sweet flavor. Unfortunately, the attractive sensory quality is hindered by a sporadic bitter off-taste. To evaluate the influence of the abiotic stress conditions, waterlogging and drought, on the bitter sensometabolome as well as agronomical traits of six genotypes of Daucus carota, a field trial was performed. Enabling the accurate tracing of carrots’ bitter compounds and therefore their metabolic changes, a fast and robust high-throughput UHPLC-MS/MS was developed and validated. Remarkably, the genotypes are the driving source for the biological fate of the bitter metabolites that are reflected in concentrations, dose-over-threshold factors, and fold changes. A certain influence of the irrigation level is observable but is overruled by its cultivar. Therefore, metabolic stress response in carrots seems to be genotype dependent. Hence, this study might help to plant specific carrot genotypes that are adapted to stress conditions evoked by future climatic changes.
The Influence of Locality on Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Bud Extracts
Authors: Kovalikova Zuzana , Lnenicka Jan , Andrys Rudolf
Published: July 2021

Gemmotherapy represents the most recent therapeutic technique that uses the properties of extracts from fresh meristematic plant tissues, mainly buds and sprouts, by macerating them in ethanol and glycerol. The harvesting time and the location can significantly affect the chemical composition of the buds. Therefore, this work aimed to point out the possible variability in the phenolic content and the antioxidant potential of extracts prepared from commonly grown trees in the Czech Republic. Extracts from buds collected during autumn and spring in three different localities were analysed using UHPLC-MS (ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography) for the phenols profile. Five tests assays were used for the evaluation of the extract antioxidant potential. The sampling time positively affected the content of total phenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The increased levels of total phenols and flavonoids in localities with high and medium pollution may be the result of the higher levels of NO and SO2, the main air pollutants. However, surprisingly, the content of phenolic acid showed the highest values in the area with the lowest pollution. The results of antioxidant tests did not completely correlate with the levels of phenolic metabolites, which may be due to the involvement of other active molecules (e.g., ascorbate, tocopherol, or proline) in the antioxidant machinery.
Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution Alters mRNA and miRNA Expression in Bone Marrow-Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Mice
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Haberzettl Petra , Conklin Daniel J. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Rouchka Eric C. , Zhang Mei , O’Toole Timothy E.
Published: July 2021

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with quantitative deficits of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in humans. Related exposures of mice to concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) likewise reduces levels of circulating EPCs and induces defects in their proliferation and angiogenic potential as well. These changes in EPC number or function are predictive of larger cardiovascular dysfunction. To identify global, PM2.5-dependent mRNA and miRNA expression changes that may contribute to these defects, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of cells isolated from exposed mice. Compared with control samples, we identified 122 upregulated genes and 44 downregulated genes in EPCs derived from CAP-exposed animals. Functions most impacted by these gene expression changes included regulation of cell movement, cell and tissue development, and cellular assembly and organization. With respect to miRNA changes, we found that 55 were upregulated while 53 were downregulated in EPCs from CAP-exposed mice. The top functions impacted by these miRNA changes included cell movement, cell death and survival, cellular development, and cell growth and proliferation. A subset of these mRNA and miRNA changes were confirmed by qRT-PCR, including some reciprocal relationships. These results suggest that PM2.5-induced changes in gene expression may contribute to EPC dysfunction and that such changes may contribute to the adverse cardiovascular outcomes of air pollution exposure.
Children’s Understanding of Informed Assents in Research Studies
Authors: Cotrim Hortense , Granja Cristina , Carvalho Ana Sofia , Cotrim Carlos , Martins Rui
Published: July 2021

The assent procedure reflects an effort to enable the minor to understand, to the degree they are capable of, what their participation in the decision making process would involve. Aims: To evaluate the minors’ ability to understand the information provided to them when obtaining assent and to evaluate the opinion of the parents regarding the importance of asking the child’s assent. Methods: The sample included a total of 52 minors aged between 10 and 17 years who underwent exercise echocardiogram. The Quality of Informed Consent is divided into two parts: Part A was used to measure objective understanding and part B to measure subjective understanding. Results: The results show that the minors have a high capacity to understand the information given to them when asking for assent. A positive relationship was found between the two parts of the questionnaire. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and sex and part A and part B or between both age groups (<14 years old and ≥14 years old) and the measure. In the case of the parents, 96.6% of parents consider assent as an advantage for the child’s acceptance of health care. The opinion of the parents is not related to the age, sex or level of schooling. Conclusion: Minors showed a substantial level of understanding regarding the information provided to them. The parents considered the implementation of assent fundamental to the child’s acceptance of health care.
Effects of Fruit Load on Sugar/Acid Quality and Puffiness of Delayed-Harvest Citrus
Authors: Xu Fangjie , An Haishan , Zhang Jiaying , Xu Zhihong , Jiang Fei
Published: July 2021

Delayed harvesting technology is believed to improve the citrus fruit flavor, but improper tree fruit load under delayed harvest might cause puffiness and reduce fruit quality. In order to find out an optimum tree fruit load level to obtain better flavor quality as well as reduce puffiness in delayed-harvest citrus under protected cultivation, experiments were conducted in the present study between 2019 and 2020 to determine the effect of different fruit loads and fruit-bearing per single branch on the soluble sugars and organic acids metabolism in the peel and flesh, the anatomical structure of the matured fruit peel, and fruit texture-related indexes. The results suggested significant negative correlations between leaf N level and flesh sucrose and glucose contents, and between branch P level and flesh citric acid contents; no significant correlation between NPK levels and flesh texture; relatively lower leaf N and branch P under relatively higher load can increase flesh sucrose and glucose accumulation and slow down citric acid degradation to the greater extent, thus optimizing the sugar/acid ratio of fruits during delayed harvest. The lignification of parenchyma cells closely around peel secretory cavities due to ascorbic acid deficiency might be the primary cause for puffiness under low-load treatments.
Sports Specialization and Sports-Related Injuries in Japanese School-Aged Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Shigematsu Ryosuke , Katoh Shuta , Suzuki Koya , Nakata Yoshio , Sasai Hiroyuki
Published: July 2021

Although early sports specialization is associated with sports-related injuries, relevant quantitative studies on young non-elite athletes, the majority of sports participants, are scarce. We described sports specialization time points and the characteristics of sports-related injuries. Undergraduate students at a university in Japan (n = 830) recalled their history of sports participation from elementary to high school and sports-related injuries in a self-administered questionnaire. Of 570 valid respondents, 486 (85%) engaged in sports at least once. Significantly more respondents played multiple sports in upper elementary school (30%) than in other school categories (1–23%). In junior high and high schools, 90% and 99% played only one sport, respectively. Of the 486 respondents who played sports, 263 (54%) had experienced acute or overuse injuries. The proportion of injured participants significantly differed by school category: lower elementary school (4%), upper elementary school (21%), junior high (35%), and high school (41%). The proportions of acute or overuse injuries in males were higher than those in females. In conclusion, this study clarified a slight variation in sports items, particularly in junior high and high schools, which demonstrates 13 years as the age of beginning specialization in a single sport. More than half of the non-elite athletes experienced sports-related injuries. Injuries were frequently observed in males and those in junior high and high schools.
A Service Evaluation of the Military HeadFIT Initiative: An Implementation Study
Authors: McKenzie Amber , Croak Bethany , Rafferty Laura , Greenberg Neil , Stevelink Sharon A. M.
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: UK Armed Forces personnel provide first response, support and protection during national and international disasters and conflicts. They thus have a psychologically challenging role which requires them to maintain a good state of mental health and wellbeing. HeadFIT is a preventative initiative developed to help foster mental fitness through various self-help tools and resources online including techniques to de-stress and increase drive. This paper reports on an independent service evaluation of HeadFIT to examine feasibility and acceptability among Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel. (2) Methods: Qualitative interviews were held with the HeadFIT beneficiaries, including military personnel and civil servants. The beneficiaries provided feedback on HeadFIT through questionnaires and interviews, and website traffic data were also collected. Qualitative data were analysed using framework analysis. (3) Results: Beneficiaries generally reported positive views on the HeadFIT initiative, with most agreeing that the tools could support them to foster their mental fitness. However, concerns were raised around the uptake of HeadFIT and participants suggested methods to improve usability. (4) Conclusions: Several recommendations were made to improve the resources, usability, uptake, and implementation and communication of HeadFIT.
Effects of Olympic Combat Sports on Older Adults’ Health Status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Valdés-Badilla Pablo , Herrera-Valenzuela Tomás , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Aedo-Muñoz Esteban , Báez-San Martín Eduardo , Ojeda-Aravena Alex , Branco Braulio Henrique Magnani
Published: July 2021

The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the studies centered on the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS [i.e., boxing, fencing, judo, karate, taekwondo, wrestling]) on older adults’ physical-functional, physiological, and psychoemotional health status. The review comprised randomised-controlled trials with OCS interventions, including older adults (≥60 years), and measures of physical-functional, physiological, and/or psychoemotional health. The studies were searched through SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and EBSCO databases until 5 January 2021. The PRISMA-P and TESTEX scales were used to assess the quality of the selected studies. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42020204034). Twelve OCS intervention studies were found (scored ≥ 60% for methodological quality), comprising 392 females and 343 males (mean age: 69.6 years), participating in boxing, judo, karate, and taekwondo. The qualitative analysis revealed that compared to controls, OCS training improved muscle strength, cardiorespiratory capacity, agility, balance, movement, attention, memory, mental health, anxiety, and stress tolerance. Meta-analysis was available only for the chair stand test, and an improvement was noted after OCS training compared to control. In conclusion, OCS interventions improves older adults’ physical-functional, physiological, and psychoemotional health. Our systematic review confirms that OCS training has high adherence (greater than 80%) in older adults.
The Transformational Experience of Junior Nurses Resulting from Providing Care to COVID-19 Patients: From Facing Hurdles to Achieving Psychological Growth
Authors: Yip Yuk-Chiu , Yip Ka-Huen , Tsui Wai-King
Published: July 2021

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put significant pressure on junior nursing staff. The objective of this study was to examine the in-depth experiences of junior nurses in providing care for COVID-19 patients within an acute care setting. This study employed a phenomenological method to understand the situation from a first-person perspective. Purposive sampling was used. Interviews were performed with 40 junior nurses (<4 years of clinical experience) who provided direct care to COVID-19 patients in isolation wards in acute care settings in Hong Kong. The interviews were conducted from 1 January 2021 to 24 May 2021 via virtual conferencing software (Zoom) to maintain social distancing, and the responses were analysed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Junior nurses’ psychological experiences of providing direct care to COVID-19 patients were categorised into four main themes. First, there were hurdles in the early stages, in which participants experienced negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety, helplessness, and fatigue. Somatic symptoms, such as headaches and sleep disturbance, were reported. Second, the adoption of self-care coping strategies enabled nurses to confront the hurdles, signifying the start of self-transformation. Third, junior nurses maintained positivity under pressure by appreciating their sources of support (including their families and other important relationships in their lives). Professionalism was also found to reinforce positivity. Fourth, self-transformation resulted in psychological growth, which prepared junior nurses to be resilient and confident in their clinical practice to take up future challenges in the ongoing battle against the pandemic. The hurdles experienced by junior nurses at the early stage of their work in isolation wards provided the foundation upon which self-transformation took place. Being able to employ self-care coping strategies and further sustain positivity characterised the self-transformation process. Eventually, junior nurses became resilient and more capable of understanding both the negativity and positivity of their experiences. The self-transformation process also enabled junior nurses to recognise and appreciate the wider support system from various parties in society.
Psychological Well-Being and Home Conditions during COVID-19 Confinement. Internet Addiction and Nostalgia as Mediators
Authors: Del Líbano Mario , Corbí Miguel , Gutiérrez-García Aida , Alonso-Centeno Almudena
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a challenge for all confined populations, dealing with their home resources and suffering changes in their psychological well-being. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between home conditions (i.e., having children, square meters of the house and square meters of the terrace or similar) and psychological well-being, and to test whether this relationship is mediated by Internet addiction and nostalgia. The sample was composed of 1509 people, aged between 18 to 78 years (67.6% women). Structural Equations Models and 2 × 2 ANOVAs were analyzed. It was found that better home conditions mean greater psychological well-being, and that this relationship is partially mediated, in a negative sense, by Internet addiction and nostalgia, especially after day 45 of confinement and with greater intensity in women. These results provide evidence about how psychological well-being can be preserved during a confinement situation, which may be useful for planning healthy strategies in similar circumstances in the future.
Application of a High-Precision Aeolian Sand Collector in Field Wind and Sand Surveys
Authors: Liu Xinchun , Kang Yongde , Chen Hongna , Lu Hui
Published: July 2021

Sand collectors are important for quantitatively monitoring aeolian sand activities. In this paper, an automatic high-precision sand collector was designed. Based on the measured data of aeolian transport performed with a piezoelectric saltation sensor (H11-Sensit) and a 10 m high meteorological tower, the sampling efficiency of the automatic sand sampler and the horizontal dust flux of the near surface were analyzed based on observed data. The results were as follows: the best-fitting function between the number of impacting sand particles and the amount of collected sand was a linear relationship. The average value of R2 was 0.7702, and the average sand collection efficiency of the sand collector at a height of 5 cm was 94.3%, indicating good sand collection performance. From all field tests conducted so far, it appeared that a high-precision sand sampler was a useful device for making field measurements of horizontal dust fluxes and ascertaining the relationship between transition particles and wind speed. In the future, the equipment costs and wind drive will continue to be optimized.