bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Well-Being, Exercise Routines, and the Intake of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Comparison Across Sport Disciplines
Authors: Shibata Mami , Burkauskas Julius , Dores Artemisa R. , Kobayashi Kei , Yoshimura Sayaka , Simonato Pierluigi , De Luca Ilaria , Cicconcelli Dorotea , Giorgetti Valentina , Carvalho Irene P. , Barbosa Fernando , Monteiro Cristina , Murai Toshiya , Gómez-Martínez Maria A. , Demetrovics Zsolt , Ábel Krisztina Edina , Szabo Attila , Ventola Alejandra Rebeca Melero , Arroyo-Anlló Eva Maria , Santos-Labrador Ricardo M. , Griskova-Bulanova Inga , Pranckeviciene Aiste , Bersani Giuseppe , Fujiwara Hironobu , Corazza Ornella
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Physical distancing under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on lifestyles, including exercise routines. In this study, we examined the relationship between mental health and addictive behaviors, such as excessive exercise and the use of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) across 12 sport disciplines.

Materials and methods: A large cross-sectional sample of the adult population (N = 2,295) was surveyed. The mean age was 33.09 (SD = 11.40). The number of male participants was 668 (30.0%). The use of IPEDs was assessed in conjunction with psychometric measures such as the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) and the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI). The participants were grouped into activity group (AG) and non-activity group (NAG) according to the presence or absence of their exercise habits. The results were compared between these groups, as well as across sport disciplines, while taking into account the relationship between different psychological measures and IPEDs consumption.

Results: The frequency of IPEDs use was higher among AG (34.6%) than NAG (14.6%), although AG participants reported less history of addictions (7.1%) than NAG (11.8%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that scores equal to or above cutoff points, in both the EAI and AAI, predicted the IPEDs use. Regarding the differences across the various sport disciplines, those who were involved in practicing Weight Lifting and Cross Fit were found to be more at risk of excessive exercising and more inclined to use a wide range of IPEDs.

Conclusions: Although exercise could help to increase well-being and prevent addictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, our results show that those in the AG are particularly vulnerable to excessive IPEDs use. Sport disciplines associated with higher EAI and AAI scores have also shown a higher tendency to excessive IPEDs use. Furthermore, the factor of having above the cutoff scores in EAI or AAI in each sport could indicate larger IPEDs consumption regardless of the discipline. In light of the current findings, it is necessary to better define the “non-excessive” levels of exercise in various sport disciplines and an adequate intake of IPEDs to ensure the safety and well-being of people during a pandemic.
Application of the Chinese Version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in People Living With HIV: Preliminary Reliability and Validity
Authors: Yan Dong-Qin , Huang Yun-Xiang , Chen Xi , Wang Min , Li Jie , Luo Dan
Published: July 2021

Background: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) has been a widely used instrument measuring sleep quality among people living with HIV (PLWH) in China while its psychometric properties have yet to be examined in this population. We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of PSQI in PLWH and identify factors associated with sleep quality.

Methods: This study was based on a longitudinal study of newly diagnosed PLWH, among whom the PSQI was used to measure sleep quality 5 years after HIV diagnosis (n = 386). To evaluate internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha and corrected item-total correlation were calculated. To assess construct validity, Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between PSQI scores and depression, anxiety, stress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Known group validity was evaluated by comparing PSQI scores between participants with probable depression and those without. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with sleep disturbances.

Results: The internal consistency Cronbach's alpha for the Chinese version of PSQI in PLWH was 0.713. Construct validity was established by significant relationships between PSQI and depression, anxiety, stress, and HRQoL. The PSQI scores in participants with probable depression were significantly higher than those without, indicating good known-group validity. Sleep disturbances were associated with less income, higher CD4 counts, antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation, exercise, depression, and higher stress levels.

Conclusions: The Chinese version of PSQI is feasible for use among Chinese PLWH. Over a third of PLWH reported sleep disturbances. More attention should be given to individuals with less income and on ART. Intervention aimed at improving mental health or facilitating exercise may improve sleep quality.
Identity Diffusion as the Organizing Principle of Borderline Personality Traits in Adolescents—A Non-clinical Study
Authors: Rivnyák Adrienn , Pohárnok Melinda , Péley Bernadette , Láng András
Published: July 2021

Growing evidence shows that diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) is of high relevance for affected youths. Although identity crisis is part of the normative developmental process, identity diffusion is a potential candidate for being an appropriate concept in further developing screening tools and interventions for BPD treatment in adolescence. We hypothesized that severity of borderline traits (as indicated by the strength of their associations with identity diffusion) would be negatively associated with non-clinical adolescents' endorsement of borderline features' presence. We also hypothesized that identity diffusion had a central role in the network of borderline personality traits and could be conceived of as a latent organizing principle of borderline personality disorder. In our study, 169 non-clinical adolescents (81 girls and 88 boys; Mage = 15.38; SDage = 1.52) filled out self-report measures of borderline personality features and identity diffusion. According to our results, having strong feelings and interpersonal sensitivity were the two most endorsed borderline personality features. Borderline personality features were positively correlated with identity diffusion. The more severe a borderline personality feature was, the less relevant it was for non-clinical adolescents. According to a network analysis, identity diffusion was the most central and least redundant element of the network of borderline personality traits. Results are discussed from a clinical point of view, further encouraging professionals to use identity diffusion screening tools to detect BPD in adolescence.
Childhood Maltreatment in Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: The Impact of Cut-Off Scores on Prevalence Rates
Authors: Weitkämper Angelina , Kellner Michael , Iffland Jona Ruben , Driessen Martin , Kley Hanna , Neuner Frank , Iffland Benjamin
Published: July 2021

Childhood maltreatment is a common phenomenon in various psychiatric disorders. Accordingly, patients with disorders from the schizophrenia spectrum (SSD) appear to have high prevalence rates of childhood maltreatment. However, the interpretation and comparability of prevalence rates is impeded by methodological weaknesses and differences such as measures and thresholds used in previous studies. Therefore, we aimed to provide and compare systematically captured data on prevalence rates of all common types of childhood maltreatment in patients with SSD using a standardized and well-established questionnaire and the most frequently used thresholds. The sample consisted of 48 patients with a primary diagnosis of SSD. 58.3–77.1% of the sample experienced at least one type of childhood maltreatment. Prevalence rates for physical abuse, physical neglect, and emotional abuse were dependent on the thresholds used, while equal rates were found for emotional neglect and sexual abuse. Physical neglect (46–67%), and emotional abuse (44–48%) were most commonly reported, followed by emotional neglect (38%), physical abuse (25–38%), and sexual abuse (25%). Additionally, high levels of peer victimization were reported by SSD patients. It appears that childhood maltreatment is a common phenomenon in SSD, even though methodological details, especially cut-off scores, have a substantial impact on the prevalence rates that are determined. Therefore, the methodology of studies should be closely examined when drawing conclusions from presented prevalence rates.
Exploring the Relationship Between Professional Identity and Psychological Resilience of Organ Donation Coordinators in Zhejiang Province (China)
Authors: Shu Wan , Xing Bing-yu , Ruan Wei-xiu , Gao Li-yan , Miao Qun-fang
Published: July 2021

Background: An organ donation coordinator plays an important role in the process of organ donation and transplant. Therefore, investigating and analyzing the current situation in organ donation and examining the correlation between professional identity and psychological resilience of human organ donation coordinator, provides a reference for promoting stable development of organ donation.

Methods: A total of 48 coordinators of organ donation in Zhejiang Province were recruited for the study by using the method of convenience sampling. The psychological resilience scale and professional identity questionnaire were used to collect data.

Results: The results revealed that the total average score of the professional identity of organ donation coordinators was 34.92 ± 8.57. Compared with the median professional identity score of 34.50, the professional identity of the coordinator in this survey was at a moderate level. The total average score of psychological resilience was 64.44 ± 11.91. There was a significant positive correlation between the professional identity of the coordinator and the total score of psychological resilience (r = 0.641, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The professional identity and psychological resilience of the coordinators in Zhejiang Province were found to be in the middle level and the higher the psychological resilience score, the stronger the professional identity of the coordinators. It is important to improve the level of psychological resilience among organ donation coordinators to enhance their professional identity.
Protecting the Public's Health in Pandemics: Reflections on Policy Deliberation and the Role of Civil Society in Democracy
Authors: Morrissey Mary Beth Quaranta , Rivera-Agosto Jorge L.
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic (“the pandemic”) has magnified the critical importance of public policy deliberation in public health emergency circumstances when normal health care operations are disrupted, and crisis conditions prevail. Adopting the lens of syndemic theory, the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on vulnerable older adults suggests that the pandemic has heightened pre-existing precarities and racial inequities across diverse older adult populations, underlining the urgency of needed policy reforms. While the pandemic has called attention to systemic failures in U.S. public health emergency planning at both federal and state levels of government, the important role of civil society in influencing policy decision making and advocating for legal and ethics reforms and social change in a democracy calls for more open dialogue in aging, public health and legal communities and constituencies. To foster this dialogue, one public health lawyer, who is also a bioethicist and gerontological social work researcher and served as chair of the New York State Bar Association Health Law Section COVID Task Force in 2020 (“Task Force”), shares her first-person perspectives on the process of leading the development of a statewide bar's recommendations for policy reforms, including the challenges and conflicts encountered. A hospital-based attorney and clinical bioethicist brings a clinical ethics perspective to the discussions. This first-person contribution discusses the power of constituencies to influence policy deliberation in a democracy, and the implications of the Task Force recommendations for future aging and public health policy, particularly in view of the high suffering burdens and trauma older persons and older people of color have borne during the pandemic.
Back to Nature With Fenceless Farms—Technology Opportunities to Reconnect People and Food
Authors: Swain David L. , Charters Stuart M.
Published: July 2021

The development and application of the fence was one of the earliest forms of agricultural technology in action. Managing the supply of animal protein required hunter gatherer communities to be able to domesticate and contain wild animals. Over the ages the fence has become ingrained in the very fabric of society and created a culture of control and ownership. Garett Hardin's article titled “The Tragedy of the Commons” suggested that shared land, typified by access to a fenceless common resource, was doomed to failure due to a human instinct for mistrust and exploitation. Perhaps the fence has created an ingrained societal cultural response. While natural ecosystems do have physical boundaries, these are based on natural environmental zones. Landscapes are more porous and resilience is built up through animal's being able to respond to dynamic changes. This paper explores the opportunity for remote monitoring technologies to create open fenceless landscapes and how this might be integrated into the growing need for humans to access animal protein.
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Primary Sino-Nasal Obstruction in Miniature Horse Breeds: Long-Term Follow-Up of Seven Cases
Authors: Vlaminck Lieven , Pollaris Elke , Vanderperren Katrien , Tremaine W. Henry , Raes Els
Published: July 2021

Idiopathic sino-nasal obstruction resulting in retention of large amounts of liquid in the paranasal sinus compartments was diagnosed in seven young (2. 2 ± 0.7 years) miniature-breed horses based on clinical, endoscopic, radiographic, and CT scan examinations. The most prevalent clinical signs included decreased or no airflow from the nostril(s) (7/7) and nasal discharge (6/7). The problem presented bilaterally in six of seven cases. An alternative sino-nasal communication was created through bone flap osteotomy surgery and perforation of the ventromedial floor of the dorsal conchae in all cases, followed by fixation of silicone irrigation tubes/Foley catheters in six of seven cases to keep the newly created ostium patent. This resulted in long-term resolution of the problem with good cosmetic appearance in all animals following a median period of 19 months. Premature loss of fixed tubes was reported in three cases.
Eco-Friendly Feed Formulation and On-Farm Feed Production as Ways to Reduce the Environmental Impacts of Pig Production Without Consequences on Animal Performance
Authors: de Quelen Francine , Brossard Ludovic , Wilfart Aurélie , Dourmad Jean-Yves , Garcia-Launay Florence
Published: July 2021

Animal feeding has a major contribution to the environmental impacts of pig production. One potential way to mitigate such effects is to incorporate an assessment of these impacts in the feed formulation process. The objective of this study was to test the ability of innovative formulation methodologies to reduce the impacts of pig production while also taking into account possible effects on growth performance. We compared three different formulation methodologies: least-cost formulation, in accordance with standard practices on commercial farms; multiobjective (MO) formulation, which considered feed cost and environmental impacts as calculated by life cycle assessment (LCA); and MO formulation, which prioritized locally produced feed ingredients to reduce the impact of transport. Ninety-six pigs were distributed between three experimental groups, with pigs individually weighted and fed using an automatic feeding system from 40 to 115 kg body weight. Based on the experimental results, six categories of impacts were evaluated: climate change (CC), demand in non-renewable energy (NRE), acidification (AC), eutrophication (EU), land occupation (LO), and phosphorus demand (PD), at both feed plant gate and farm gate, with 1 kg of feed and 1 kg of live pig as functional units, respectively. At feed level, MO formulations reduced CC, NRE, AC, and PD impacts but sometimes increased LO and EU impacts. These formulations reduced the proportion of cereals and oil meals into feeds (feed ingredients with high impacts), while the proportion of alternative protein sources, like peas, faba beans, or high-protein agricultural coproducts increased (feed ingredients with low impacts). Overall, animal performance was not affected by the dietary treatment; because of this, the general pattern of results obtained with either MO formulation at farm gate was similar to that obtained at feed level. Thus, MO diet formulation represents an efficient way to reduce the environmental impacts of pig production without compromising animal performance.
Growing Mediums for Medical Cannabis Production in North America
Authors: Nemati Reza , Fortin Jean-Pierre , Craig Joseph , Donald Shaye
Published: July 2021

The production and use of cannabis for medical purposes has been legalized in Canada and several states in the USA. Due to the historically illegal nature of cannabis, there is very little information available in academic publications about appropriate growing media for growing cannabis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the most commonly used growing media for the production of medical cannabis and to discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Based on current knowledge, there is a general agreement on the properties of a suitable growing medium within the cannabis industry. However, there is little consensus among growers on the best growing medium to grow cannabis. Different categories of growing media are widely used in North America. In this review, we classified them into several main categories principally based on the type of material used in their composition and the growth stages of the plant. The main categories include: coir-based, peat-based, rockwool, phenolic foam, and living soil. It is not easy to suggest the best growing medium for cannabis production. Each category of growing medium has its strengths and weaknesses. Overall, it seems that coir-based products are the intermediate substrates showing more advantages and less weakness; however, choosing any of these categories depends a lot on the growing technique and production system. Future research should focus on determining the optimal level of growing media properties to produce high yielding medical cannabis with the desired quality.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Young and Adult Bull (Bos taurus) Cryopreserved Semen
Authors: Westfalewicz Błażej , Słowińska Mariola , Judycka Sylwia , Ciereszko Andrzej , Dietrich Mariola A.
Published: July 2021

The age of the bull is widely accepted to influence the production of sperm, affecting the amount and quality of produced semen, which in turn impacts the results of cryopreservation. However, the exact influence of the maturation process on cryopreserved sperm, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process, are not fully understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in the proteome of thawed semen (spermatozoa and supernatant) collected from young and adult bulls (n = 6) using the 2D-DIGE approach. The quality of semen was assessed using a CASA system and flow cytometry. We found no significant age-related variation in semen quality, with the exception of the average path velocity of sperm movement, which was higher in adult bulls. Proteomic analysis indicated 15 spermatozoa proteins and 10 supernatant proteins with significant age-related changes. Our results suggest that semen from adult bulls is better equipped with proteins related to energy production, protection of spermatozoa against oxidative stress and fertilizing ability. Proteins increased in abundance in young bull spermatozoa were connected to the cytoskeleton and its development, which strongly suggests that developmental processes are still in progress. In conclusion, our results provide novel insight into the mechanism of the development of the male reproductive system of cattle.
Caution Is Needed When Using Niche Models to Infer Changes in Species Abundance: The Case of Two Sympatric Raptor Populations
Authors: Regos Adrián , Tapia Luis , Gil-Carrera Alberto , Domínguez Jesús
Published: July 2021

Despite the mounting evidence supporting positive relationships between species abundance and habitat suitability, the capacity of ecological niche models (ENMs) to capture variations in population abundance remains largely unexplored. This study focuses on sympatric populations of hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) and Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus), surveyed in 1997 and 2017 in an upland moor area in northwestern Spain. The ENMs performed very well for both species (with area under the ROC curve and true skill statistic values of up to 0.9 and 0.75). The presence of both species was mainly correlated with heathlands, although the normalized difference water index derived from Landsat images was the most important for hen harrier, indicating a greater preference of this species for wet heaths and peat bogs. The findings showed that ENM-derived habitat suitability was significantly correlated with the species abundance, thus reinforcing the use of ENMs as a proxy for species abundance. However, the temporal variation in species abundance was not significantly explained by changes in habitat suitability predicted by the ENMs, indicating the need for caution when using these types of models to infer changes in population abundance.
MLUTNet: A Neural Network for Memory Based Reconfigurable Logic Device Architecture
Authors: Zang Xuechen , Nakatake Shigetoshi
Published: July 2021

Neural networks have been widely used and implemented on various hardware platforms, but high computational costs and low similarity of network structures relative to hardware structures are often obstacles to research. In this paper, we propose a novel neural network in combination with the structural features of a recently proposed memory-based programmable logic device, compare it with the standard structure, and test it on common datasets with full and binary precision, respectively. The experimental results reveal that the new structured network can provide almost consistent full-precision performance and binary-precision performance ranging from 61.0% to 78.8% after using sparser connections and about 50% reduction in the size of the weight matrix.
Designing Pedagogically Effective Haptic Systems for Learning: A Review
Authors: Crandall Riley , Karadoğan Ernur
Published: July 2021

Haptic technology enables users to utilize their sense of touch while engaging with a virtual representation of objects in a simulated environment. It is a bidirectional technology in that it facilitates the interaction between the user and these virtual representations by allowing them to apply force onto one another, which is analogous to our real-world interactions with physical objects as action-reaction pairs. The sense of touch is a powerful and innate learning tool that we readily employ starting from very early ages as infants even before learning to walk. Therefore, it is natural that incorporating haptic technology into pedagogical methods has been an active research area as it has significant potential to enrich the learning experience and provide an engaging environment for learners. In this paper, we reviewed studies from various disciplines that incorporate haptics to increase the quality of teaching and learning while emphasizing the underlying cognitive theories. In that direction, we describe two of the most common cognitive theories, the Cognitive Load and Embodied Cognition theories, that developers use to support haptic technology’s implications and use in learning environments. We then explore the effects of haptic design on its current applicability following these two theories. Finally, we summarize the best design practices to develop haptic simulations for learning, address gaps in current research, and propose new research directions.
Statistical Hypothesis Testing for Asymmetric Tolerance Index
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Chen Shui-Chuan , Hsu Chang-Hsien , Chen Wei-Zong
Published: July 2021

Many of the nominal-the-best quality characteristics of important machine tool components, such as inner or outer diameters, have asymmetric tolerances. An asymmetric tolerance index is a function for the average of the process and the standard deviation. Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain the 100(1−α)% confidence interval of the index. Therefore, this study adopts Boole’s inequality and DeMorgan’s theorem to find the combined confidence region for the average of the process as well as the standard deviation. Next, using the asymmetric tolerance index for the target function and the combined confidence region for the feasible region, this study applies mathematical programming to find the confidence interval as well as employs this confidence interval for statistical hypothesis testing. Lastly, this study demonstrates the applicability of the proposed approach with an illustrative example.
A New Type of Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector Suitable for Wide-Field High-Resolution Imaging and Spectroscopy on Large Telescopes
Authors: Rakich Andrew
Published: July 2021

Atmospheric dispersion produces spectral elongation in images formed by land-based astronomical telescopes, and this elongation increases as the telescope points away from the zenith. Atmospheric Dispersion Correctors (ADCs) produce compensating dispersion that can be adjusted to best cancel out the atmospheric effect. These correctors are generally of two basic types: Rotating Atmospheric Dispersion Correctors (R-ADCs), and Linear Atmospheric Dispersion Correctors (L-ADCs). Lately, a third type, the “Compensating Lateral ADC” (CL-ADC) has been proposed. None of these design approaches allow for large corrector systems (with elements greater than 1 m in diameter), in which the secondary spectrum is corrected to small residuals, of the order of tens’ of milliarcseconds. This paper describes a new type of large corrector (>1 m diameter elements), which can achieve the correction of the secondary spectrum to the order of 10 milliarcseconds. This correction is achieved by combining the R-ADC and CL-ADC approaches to dispersion correction. Only glass types readily available in metre diameters are required.
A Field Measurement Based Wind Characteristics Analysis of a Typhoon in Near-Ground Boundary Layer
Authors: Xia Dandan , Dai Liming , Lin Li , Wang Huaifeng , Hu Haitao
Published: July 2021

The field measurement was conducted to observe the wind field data of West Pacific typhoon “Maria” in this research. With the application of ultrasonic anemometers installed in different heights (10 m, 80 m, 100 m) of the tower, the three dimensional wind speed data of typhoon “Maria” was acquired. In addition, vane-type anemometers were installed to validate the accuracy of the wind data from ultrasonic anemometers. Wind characteristics such as the mean wind profile, turbulence intensity, integral length scale, and wind spectrum are studied in detail using the collected wind data. The relationship between the gust factor and turbulence intensity was also studied and compared with the existing literature to demonstrate the characteristics of Maria. The statistical characteristics of the turbulence intensity and gust factor are presented. The corresponding conclusion remarks are expected to provide a useful reference for designing wind-resistant buildings and structures.
An ASIC-Based Miniaturized System for Online Multi-Measurand Monitoring of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Manfredini Giuseppe , Ria Andrea , Bruschi Paolo , Gerevini Luca , Vitelli Michele , Molinara Mario , Piotto Massimo
Published: July 2021

To better asses the ageing and to reduce the hazards involved in the use of Lithium-Ion Batteries, multi-measurand monitoring units and strategies are urged. In this paper, a Cell Management Unit, based on the SENSIPLUS chip, a recently introduced multichannel, multi-mode sensor interface, is described. SENSIPLUS is a single System on a Chip combined with a reduced number of external components, resulting in a highly miniaturized device, built on 20 × 8 mm2 printed circuit board. Thanks to SENSIPLUS’ versatility, the proposed system is capable of performing direct measurements (EIS, cell voltage) on the cell it is applied to, and reading different kinds of sensors. The SENSIPLUS versatile digital communication interface, combined with a digital isolator, enable connection of several devices to a single bus for parallel monitoring a large number of cells connected in series. Experiments performed by connecting the proposed system to a commercial Lithium-Ion Battery and to capacitive and resistive sensors are described. In particular, the capability of measuring the cell internal impedance with a resolution of 120 μΩ is demonstrated.
Clinical and Biological Characteristics of Medullary and Extramedullary Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
Authors: Janjetovic Snjezana , Lohneis Philipp , Nogai Axel , Balci Derya , Rasche Leo , Jähne Doris , Bokemeyer Carsten , Schilling Georgia , Blau Igor Wolfgang , Schmidt-Hieber Martin
Published: July 2021

Background: Extramedullary plasma cell (PC) disorders may occur as extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma (MM-EMD) or as primary extramedullary plasmocytoma (pEMP)/solitary osseous plasmocytoma (SOP). In this study, we aimed to obtain insights into the molecular mechanisms of extramedullary spread of clonal PC. Methods: Clinical and biological characteristics of 87 patients with MM-EMD (n = 49), pEMP/SOP (n = 20) and classical MM (n = 18) were analyzed by using immunohistochemistry (CXCR4, CD31, CD44 and CD81 staining) and cytoplasmic immunoglobulin staining combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (cIg-FISH). Results: High expression of CD44, a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cell-cell interactions, was significantly enriched in MM-EMD (90%) vs. pEMP/SOP (27%) or classical MM (33%) (p < 0.001). In addition, 1q21 amplification by clonal PC occurred at a similar frequency of MM-EMD (33%), pEMP/SOP (57%) and classical MM (44%). Conversely, del(17p13), t(4;14) and t(14;16) were completely absent in pEMP/SOP. Besides this, 1q21 amplification was identified in 64% of not paraskeletal samples from MM-EMD or pEMP compared to 9% of SOP or paraskeletal MM-EMD/pEMP and 44% of classical MM samples, respectively (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Expression of molecules involved in homing and cytogenetic aberrations differ between MM with or without EMD and pEMP/SOP.
Erratum: Macchitella et al. Sleepiness, Neuropsychological Skills, and Scholastic Learning in Children. Brain Sci. 2020, 10, 529
Authors: Macchitella Luigi , Marinelli Chiara Valeria , Signore Fulvio , Ciavolino Enrico , Angelelli Paola
Published: July 2021

The author wishes to make an erratum to the published version of the paper [...]
Health-Related Quality of Life, Family Conflicts and Fear of Injecting: Perception Differences between Preadolescents and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Mothers
Authors: Tremolada Marta , Cusinato Maria , Bonichini Sabrina , Fabris Arianna , Gabrielli Claudia , Moretti Carlo
Published: July 2021

Good management of diabetes requires at the same time self-regulation behaviour and a balanced involvement of family components. This cross-sectional study’s aims were: understanding fear of injections and perceptions of family conflicts in preadolescents and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and their mothers, comparing their perceptions, and identifying the risk factors impacting patients’ quality of life. Eligibility criteria were: treatment for diabetes mellitus type I, currently aged 10–18 years, attending the hospital for annual hospital follow-ups. Exclusion criteria were: intellectual disabilities, inability to complete questionnaires alone and neuropsychiatric illness with active pharmacotherapy. The study design was cross-sectional. Participants were one hundred and two patients (Mean age = 14.6, SD = 2.4; age range = 10–19 years; Females = 52 and Males = 50) and their mothers (Mean age = 46.9, SD = 6.2, age range = 27–63 years), who filled in self and proxy-report questionnaires (N total= 204). The results showed that 20% of patients and 14.7% of their mothers reported clinical scores for fear of self-injection and blood testing. The mothers reported lower fear of injecting and higher family conflicts compared with the patients. Age, fear of injecting and family conflicts were significantly associated with patients’ quality of life perceptions. Clinical considerations and recommendations are given based on the empirical results.
Correction: Görte et al. Comparative Proton and Photon Irradiation Combined with Pharmacological Inhibitors in 3D Pancreatic Cancer Cultures. Cancers 2020, 12, 3216
Authors: Görte Josephine , Beyreuther Elke , Danen Erik H. J. , Cordes Nils
Published: July 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Potent Anticancer Effects of Epidithiodiketopiperazine NT1721 in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Lin Min , Kowolik Claudia M. , Xie Jun , Yadav Sushma , Overman Larry E. , Horne David A.
Published: July 2021

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of debilitating, incurable malignancies. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common subtypes, accounting for ~65% of CTCL cases. Patients with advanced disease have a poor prognosis and low median survival rates of four years. CTCLs develop from malignant skin-homing CD4+ T cells that spread to lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow and viscera in advanced stages. Current treatments options for refractory or advanced CTCL, including chemotherapeutic and biological approaches, rarely lead to durable responses. The exact molecular mechanisms of CTCL pathology remain unclear despite numerous genomic and gene expression profile studies. However, apoptosis resistance is thought to play a major role in the accumulation of malignant T cells. Here we show that NT1721, a synthetic epidithiodiketopiperazine based on a natural product, reduced cell viability at nanomolar concentrations in CTCL cell lines, while largely sparing normal CD4+ cells. Treatment of CTCL cells with NT1721 reduced proliferation and potently induced apoptosis. NT1721 mediated the downregulation of GLI1 transcription factor, which was associated with decreased STAT3 activation and the reduced expression of downstream antiapoptotic proteins (BCL2 and BCL-xL). Importantly, NT1721, which is orally available, reduced tumor growth in two CTCL mouse models significantly better than two clinically used drugs (romidepsin, gemcitabine). Moreover, a combination of NT1721 with gemcitabine reduced the tumor growth significantly better than the single drugs. Taken together, these results suggest that NT1721 may be a promising new agent for the treatment of CTCLs.
Physical Comorbidities and Depression in Recent and Long-Term Adult Cancer Survivors: NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Petrova Dafina , Catena Andrés , Rodríguez-Barranco Miguel , Redondo-Sánchez Daniel , Bayo-Lozano Eloísa , Garcia-Retamero Rocio , Jiménez-Moleón José-Juan , Sánchez María-José
Published: July 2021

Many adult cancer patients present one or more physical comorbidities. Besides interfering with treatment and prognosis, physical comorbidities could also increase the already heightened psychological risk of cancer patients. To test this possibility, we investigated the relationship between physical comorbidities with depression symptoms in a sample of 2073 adult cancer survivors drawn from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007–2018) in the U.S. Based on information regarding 16 chronic conditions, the number of comorbidities diagnosed before and after the cancer diagnosis was calculated. The number of comorbidities present at the moment of cancer diagnosis was significantly related to depression risk in recent but not in long-term survivors. Recent survivors who suffered multimorbidity had 3.48 (95% CI 1.26–9.55) times the odds of reporting significant depressive symptoms up to 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. The effect of comorbidities was strongest among survivors of breast cancer. The comorbidities with strongest influence on depression risk were stroke, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and arthritis. Information about comorbidities is usually readily available and could be useful in streamlining depression screening or targeting prevention efforts in cancer patients and survivors. A multidimensional model of the interaction between cancer and other physical comorbidities on mental health is proposed.
Epitranscriptomics: A New Layer of microRNA Regulation in Cancer
Authors: De Paolis Veronica , Lorefice Elisa , Orecchini Elisa , Carissimi Claudia , Laudadio Ilaria , Fulci Valerio
Published: July 2021

MicroRNAs are pervasive regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in metazoan, playing key roles in several physiological and pathological processes. Accordingly, these small non-coding RNAs are also involved in cancer development and progression. Furthermore, miRNAs represent valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in malignancies. In the last twenty years, the role of RNA modifications in fine-tuning gene expressions at several levels has been unraveled. All RNA species may undergo post-transcriptional modifications, collectively referred to as epitranscriptomic modifications, which, in many instances, affect RNA molecule properties. miRNAs are not an exception, in this respect, and they have been shown to undergo several post-transcriptional modifications. In this review, we will summarize the recent findings concerning miRNA epitranscriptomic modifications, focusing on their potential role in cancer development and progression.
Pursuit of Gene Fusions in Daily Practice: Evidence from Real-World Data in Wild-Type and Microsatellite Instable Patients
Authors: Berrino Enrico , Bragoni Alberto , Annaratone Laura , Fenocchio Elisabetta , Carnevale-Schianca Fabrizio , Garetto Lucia , Aglietta Massimo , Sarotto Ivana , Casorzo Laura , Venesio Tiziana , Sapino Anna , Marchiò Caterina
Published: July 2021

Agnostic biomarkers such as gene fusions allow to address cancer patients to targeted therapies; however, the low prevalence of these alterations across common malignancies poses challenges and needs a feasible and sensitive diagnostic process. RNA-based targeted next generation sequencing was performed on 125 samples of patients affected either by colorectal carcinoma, melanoma, or lung adenocarcinoma lacking genetic alterations in canonical driver genes, or by a colorectal carcinoma with microsatellite instability. Gene fusion rates were compared with in silico data from MSKCC datasets. For NTRK gene fusion detection we also employed a multitarget qRT-PCR and pan-TRK immunohistochemistry. Gene fusions were detected in 7/55 microsatellite instable colorectal carcinomas (12.73%), and in 4/70 of the “gene driver free” population (5.71%: 3/28 melanomas, 10.7%, and 1/12 lung adenocarcinomas, 8.3%). Fusion rates were significantly higher compared with the microsatellite stable and “gene driver positive” MSKCC cohorts. Pan-TRK immunohistochemistry showed 100% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity, and the occurrence of heterogeneous and/or subtle staining patterns. The enrichment of gene fusions in this “real-world” cohort highlights the feasibility of a workflow applicable in clinical practice. The heterogeneous expression in NTRK fusion positive tumours unveils challenging patterns to recognize and raises questions on the effective translation of the chimeric protein.
NUAK1 and NUAK2 Fine-Tune TGF-β Signaling
Authors: van de Vis Reinofke A. J. , Moustakas Aristidis , van der Heide Lars P.
Published: July 2021

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a key role in governing various cellular processes, extending from cell proliferation and apoptosis to differentiation and migration. Due to this extensive involvement in the regulation of cellular function, aberrant TGF-β signaling is frequently implicated in the formation and progression of tumors. Therefore, a full understanding of the mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and its key components will provide valuable insights into how this intricate signaling cascade can shift towards a detrimental course. In this review, we discuss the interplay between TGF-β signaling and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related NUAK kinase family. We highlight the function and regulation of these kinases with focus on the pivotal role NUAK1 and NUAK2 play in regulating TGF-β signaling. Specifically, TGF-β induces the expression of NUAK1 and NUAK2 that regulates TGF-β signaling output in an opposite manner. Besides the focus on the TGF-β pathway, we also present a broader perspective on the expression and signaling interactions of the NUAK kinases to outline the broader functions of these protein kinases.
Extracellular Vesicle Transmission of Chemoresistance to Ovarian Cancer Cells Is Associated with Hypoxia-Induced Expression of Glycolytic Pathway Proteins, and Prediction of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Disease Recurrence
Authors: Alharbi Mona , Lai Andrew , Sharma Shayna , Kalita-de Croft Priyakshi , Godbole Nihar , Campos America , Guanzon Dominic , Salas-Burgos Alexis , Carrion Flavio , Zuñiga Felipe A. , Perrin Lewis , He Yaowu , Pejovic Tanja , Winters Carmen , Morgan Terry , Hooper John D. , Rice Gregory E. , Salomon Carlos
Published: July 2021

Hypoxia is a key regulator of cancer progression and chemoresistance. Ambiguity remains about how cancer cells adapt to hypoxic microenvironments and transfer oncogenic factors to surrounding cells. In this study, we determined the effects of hypoxia on the bioactivity of sEVs in a panel of ovarian cancer (OvCar) cell lines. The data obtained demonstrate a varying degree of platinum resistance induced in OvCar cells when exposed to low oxygen tension (1% oxygen). Using quantitative mass spectrometry (Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectra, SWATH) and targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), we identified a suite of proteins associated with glycolysis that change under hypoxic conditions in cells and sEVs. Interestingly, we identified a differential response to hypoxia in the OvCar cell lines and their secreted sEVs, highlighting the cells’ heterogeneity. Proteins are involved in metabolic reprogramming such as glycolysis, including putative hexokinase (HK), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1–6 (UD16), and 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6 PGL), and their presence correlates with the induction of platinum resistance. Furthermore, when normoxic cells were exposed to sEVs from hypoxic cells, platinum-resistance increased significantly (p < 0.05). Altered chemoresistance was associated with changes in glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis. Finally, sEVs isolated from a clinical cohort (n = 31) were also found to be enriched in glycolysis-pathway proteins, especially in patients with recurrent disease. These data support the hypothesis that hypoxia induces changes in sEVs composition and bioactivity that confers carboplatin resistance on target cells. Furthermore, we propose that the expression of sEV-associated glycolysis-pathway proteins is predictive of ovarian cancer recurrence and is of clinical utility in disease management.
Immobilization of Catalase on Chitosan/ZnO and Chitosan/ZnO/Fe2O3 Nanocomposites: A Comparative Study
Authors: El-Shishtawy Reda M. , Ahmed Nahed S. E. , Almulaiky Yaaser Q.
Published: July 2021

The strong catalytic performance, eco-friendly reaction systems, and selectivity of enzyme-based biocatalysts are extremely interesting. Immobilization has been shown to be a good way to improve enzyme stability and recyclability. Chitosan-incorporated metal oxides, among other support matrices, are an intriguing class of support matrices for the immobilization of various enzymes. Herein, the cross-linked chitosan/zinc oxide nanocomposite (CS/ZnO) was synthesized and further improved by adding iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles. The final cross-linked CS/ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite was used as an immobilized support for catalase and is characterized by SEM, EDS, and FTIR. The nanocomposite CS/ZnO/Fe2O3 enhanced the biocompatibility and immobilized system properties. CS/ZnO/Fe2O3 achieved a higher immobilization yield (84.32%) than CS/ZnO (37%). After 10 repeated cycles, the remaining immobilized catalase activity of CS/ZnO and CS/ZnO/Fe2O3 was 14% and 45%, respectively. After 60 days of storage at 4 °C, the remaining activity of immobilized enzyme onto CS/ZnO and CS/ZnO/Fe2O3 was found to be 32% and 47% of its initial activity. The optimum temperature was noticed to be broad at 25–30 °C for the immobilized enzyme and 25 °C for the free enzyme. Compared with the free enzyme optimum pH (7.0), the optimum pH for the immobilized enzyme was 7.5. The Km and Vmax values for the free and immobilized enzyme on CS/ZnO, and the immobilized enzyme on CS/ZnO/Fe2O3, were found to be 91.28, 225.17, and 221.59 mM, and 10.45, 15.87, and 19.92 µmole ml−1, respectively. Catalase immobilization on CS/ZnO and CS/ZnO/Fe2O3 offers better stability than free catalase due to the enzyme’s half-life. The half-life of immobilized catalase on CS/ZnO/Fe2O3 was between 31.5 and 693.2 min.
Effectiveness of Esterification Catalysts in the Synthesis of Poly(Ethylene Vanillate)
Authors: Xanthopoulou Eleftheria , Zamboulis Alexandra , Terzopoulou Zoi , Kostoglou Margaritis , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Papageorgiou George Z.
Published: July 2021

Over the last few decades, bio-based polymers have attracted considerable attention from both academic and industrial fields regarding the minimization of the environmental impact arising from the excessive use of petrochemically-based polymeric materials. In this context, poly(ethylene vanillate) (PEV), an alipharomatic polyester prepared from 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-methoxybenzoic acid, a monomer originating from lignin-derived vanillic acid, has shown promising thermal and mechanical properties. Herein, the effects of three different catalysts, namely titanium butoxide (TBT), titanium isopropoxide (TIS), and antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), on the synthesis of PEV via a two-stage melt polycondensation method are investigated. The progress of the reaction is assessed using various complementary techniques, such as intrinsic viscosity measurement (IV), end group analysis (AV), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stability of the produced polyesters is studied by evolved gas analysis mass spectrometry (EGA-MS). Moreover, as the discoloration in polymers affects their applications, color measurement is performed here. Finally, theoretical kinetic studies are carried out to rationalize the experimental observations.