bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Differential Expression Profiling of Pulmonary circRNAs Associated With Immune Reaction to Pasteurella multocida in Goats
Authors: Chen Qiaoling , Zhang Zhenxing , Chen Si , Chen Jie , Cheng Yiwen , Liu Ang , Li Bin , Chen Zhen , Zheng Yiying , Ga Manchuriga , Du Li , Wang Fengyang
Published: June 2021

Pasteurella multocida is a highly versatile pathogen that infects a wide range of animals, including goats, causing pneumonia and hemorrhagic septicemia. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of non-coding RNA that plays an important role in regulating cellular metabolism. However, whether and how circRNA is involved in regulating immune responses in the goat lung has not been reported. Thus, this study was designed to examine the function of circRNA in goats infected with Pasteurella multocida. Goats were assigned into one of two groups: an uninfected control group (CK) and an infected group challenged with P. multocida. Compared with the CK group, which remained healthy, the infected goats showed clinical signs of infection, including depression, cough, nasal discharge, and dyspnea, along with elevated body temperature and lesions in the lung. Whole-transcriptome sequencing and small RNA sequencing were then performed using lung samples from goats from each group. A total of 138 circRNA, 56 microRNAs (miRNA), and 2,673 messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules were significantly differentially expressed in the P. multocida-infected group compared with the CK group. Randomly selected differentially expressed circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA molecules (n = 5 per group) were then validated by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the source genes indicated that six immune-related terms were enriched among the differentially expressed cirRNA molecules, including inflammatory response, immune effector process, cell activation involved in immune response, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to endogenous stimulus, and immune response. The corresponding circRNA molecules were then selected for construction of a competitive endogenous RNA network to identify networks that may be involved in the immune response to P. multocida infection. The results indicated that P. multocida HN01 may cause pneumonia and stimulate an immune response in goats via regulation of circRNA expression. This study presents the first comprehensive circRNA profile in response to P. multocida infection in goats, thus, providing a basis for understanding the function of circRNA in the host immune response to P. multocida infection.
Use of Field Based Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Technology for a Prevalence Survey and Proof of Freedom Survey for African Swine Fever in Timor-Leste in 2019
Authors: Phillips Dianne E. , Mee Peter T. , Lynch Stacey E. , da Conceição Felisiano , Bendita da Costa Jong Joanita , Rawlin Grant T.
Published: June 2021

African Swine Fever (ASF) has been spreading in numerous southeast Asian countries since a major incursion in mainland China in 2018. Timor-Leste confirmed an outbreak of ASF in September 2019 which resulted in high mortalities in affected pigs. Pigs in Timor-Leste are the second most common type of livestock kept by villagers and represent a traditionally important source of income and prestige for householders. In order to understand the extent of ASF infected villages in Timor-Leste a prevalence survey was designed and conducted in November-December 2019. Timor-Leste has limited laboratory facilities and access to qPCR diagnostic tests. Therefore, a loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was used to detect ASF positive blood samples collected during the prevalence survey. The LAMP assay was proven to be a robust, highly specific and sensitive laboratory test for ASF suitable for use in the field and where there are limited laboratory facilities. The results of the prevalence survey allowed the extent of the ASF incursion to be delineated and the introduction of a disease response strategy to limit the spread of ASF and assist in the recovery of the pig population in Timor-Leste.
3D nyomtatható MED610 polimerből kioldódó monomerek kvalitatív analízise és ezek hatása sejtekre
Authors: Youssef Adelina Stephanie , Tóth Ferenc , Hegedűs Csaba , Szalóki Melinda
Published: June 2021

A háromdimenziós (3D) nyomtatást, dinamikusan fejlődő technikájának köszönhetően, az ipari területek után az orvostudomány is egyre szélesebb körben alkalmazza. A fogászatban elterjedt 3D nyomtatáshoz használt polimerek orális környezetben való használata során kulcskérdés a biokompatibilitás. Célkitűzésünk a MED610 (Stratasys, USA) polimerből készített mintákból kioldódó komponensek azonosítása, valamint ezek hatásának megfigyelése csont eredetű sejtek osztódására. A kutatás során különböző méretű és felületnagyságú objektumokat nyomtattunk Objet 30 OrthoDesk (Stratasys, USA) nyomtatóval, és felületkezeltük a gyártó utasításai szerint. Ezen minták közvetve vagy közvetlenül érintkeztek Sarcoma Osteogenic-2 (SAOS-2) sejtekkel. A MED610 kioldódási vizsgálatát metanolban végeztük, amit gázkromatográfia–tömegspektrometria kapcsolt módszerrel (GC-MS) analizáltunk. A proliferációra gyakorolt hatásokat alamarBlue assay segítségével mértük. A vizsgálatok alapján izobornil-akrilát, hidroxiciklohexil-fenil-keton és kaprolakton oldódik ki nagyobb mennyiségben a MED610 polimerből. A sejtéletképességi vizsgálatok eredményei alapján pedig elmondható, hogy a MED610 a felületnöveléssel párhuzamosan szignifikánsan csökkenti a SAOS-2 sejtek proliferációját, amelyet az anyaggal történő közvetlen érintkezés felerősít. Az általunk megfigyelt hatást valószínűleg a MED610-ből kioldódó toxikus anyagok okozzák, amelyek a nagyobb felület következtében gyorsabban oldódnak ki, ezáltal nagyobb koncentrációban találhatóak meg a sejtek környezetében.
Craniomandibularis diszfunkció klinikai adatainak elemzése 10 éves gnatológiai tapasztalatok alapján
Authors: Kiss Géza , Pácz Miklós , Toldy Erzsébet , Kiss Péter
Published: June 2021

A craniomandibularis diszfunkció (CMD) olyan rágószervi működési zavar, amely rendkívül komplex kórkép, és számos oka lehet. Tanulmányunk célja a CMD-re jellemző adatok elemzése annak dinamikájában a 10 éves gyakorlatunk során jelentkező betegeink adatai alapján.1741 beteg (38 ± 19 év, nő/férfi: 3,7; 348 eset < 18 éves) klinikai, diagnosztikai és terápiás adatait, kezelésük eredményességét rögzítettük a mindennapi gyakorlatunkban használt algoritmus szerint. Vizsgáltuk az egyes diagnózisok előfordulási gyakoriságát a fájdalom megjelenésének típusait, rizikótényezőit a CMD-vel társuló krónikus megbetegedéseket és a kezelés (gyógyszer, sín-terápia és fizioterápia, valamint ezek kombinációi) eredményességét is elemeztük. Eredmények: A klinikai tünetek nemenként nem mutatnak eltérést, viszont a CMD mindegyik típusa erős női dominanciát mutat (közel 4-szeres) és a legtöbb beteg fiatal (20–40 éves) életkorú. A betegek 80%-a fél éven belül fordul panaszaival orvoshoz. A leggyakoribb tünetek az orofacialis fájdalom, ízületi- és izomérintettség (79,7% és 71,7%) volt.A leggyakoribb kórképek: myalgia (31%), capsulitis és myalgia (24%), valamint a kompenzált CMD (21%). Legjelentősebb rizikófaktorok: a parafunkció (91%), a malocclusio (87%), orthodontiai anomália, kiemelten a mélyharapás (42%) és fedőharapás (10%), mozgásszervi társbetegségek és occlusiós eltérések. A parafunkció hátterében gyakran psychés/psychoszociális érintettség (8,4%) is igazolódott, illetve ha ez nem volt, akkor a fájdalom-panasz esélye a felére csökkent (OR = 0,53CI95%:0,35-0,91). Hypermobilitásban (67%), kompenzált CMD-ben (43%) észleltük a legtöbb társbetegséget. Közülük is a gerincbetegségek fordultak elő leggyakrabban. Összességében az alkalmazott terápiák az esetek 80%-ában voltak eredményesek.Eredményeink rámutatnak a CMD diagnosztika komplexicitására, és ez segítheti a diagnosztikai és a sikeres terápiás eljárások időben történő alkalmazását, ebben a főként fiatal és aktív korosztályt érintő, női dominanciát mutató, életminőséget rontó kórképben.
Modular Impulsive Green Monopropellant Propulsion System (MIMPS-G): For CubeSats in LEO and to the Moon
Authors: Nosseir Ahmed E. S. , Cervone Angelo , Pasini Angelo
Published: June 2021

Green propellants are currently considered as enabling technology that is revolutionizing the development of high-performance space propulsion, especially for small-sized spacecraft. Modern space missions, either in LEO or interplanetary, require relatively high-thrust and impulsive capabilities to provide better control on the spacecraft, and to overcome the growing challenges, particularly related to overcrowded LEOs, and to modern space application orbital maneuver requirements. Green monopropellants are gaining momentum in the design and development of small and modular liquid propulsion systems, especially for CubeSats, due to their favorable thermophysical properties and relatively high performance when compared to gaseous propellants, and perhaps simpler management when compared to bipropellants. Accordingly, a novel high-thrust modular impulsive green monopropellant propulsion system with a micro electric pump feed cycle is proposed. MIMPS-G500mN is designed to be capable of delivering 0.5 N thrust and offers theoretical total impulse Itot from 850 to 1350 N s per 1U and >3000 N s per 2U depending on the burnt monopropellant, which makes it a candidate for various LEO satellites as well as future Moon missions. Green monopropellant ASCENT (formerly AF-M315E), as well as HAN and ADN-based alternatives (i.e., HNP225 and LMP-103S) were proposed in the preliminary design and system analysis. The article will present state-of-the-art green monopropellants in the (EIL) Energetic Ionic Liquid class and a trade-off study for proposed propellants. System analysis and design of MIMPS-G500mN will be discussed in detail, and the article will conclude with a market survey on small satellites green monopropellant propulsion systems and commercial off-the-shelf thrusters.
The Future of Essentially Derived Variety (EDV) Status: Predominantly More Explanations or Essential Change
Authors: Smith John Stephen C.
Published: June 2021

This review examines the categorization of Essentially Derived Varieties (EDV) introduced in the 1991 revision of the Convention of the Union internationale pour la protection des obtentions végétales (UPOV). Other non-UPOV member countries (India, Malaysia, and Thailand) have also introduced the concept of essential derivation. China, a UPOV member operating under the 1978 Convention, is introducing EDVs via seed laws. Challenges in the implementation of the concept and progress made to provide greater clarity and more efficient implementation are reviewed, including in Australia and India. The current approach to EDV remains valid provided (i) clarity on thresholds can be achieved including through resource intensive research on an individual crop species basis and (ii) that threshold clarity does not lead to perverse incentives to avoid detection of essential derivation. However, technological advances that facilitate the simultaneous introduction or change in expression of more than “a few” genes may well fundamentally challenge the concept of essential derivation and require a revision of the Convention. Revision could include deletion of the concept of essential derivation coupled with changes to the breeder exception on a crop-by-crop basis. Stakeholders might also benefit from greater flexibility within a revised Convention. Consideration should be given to allowing members to choose if and when to introduce changes according to a revised Convention on a crop specific basis.
Fecal Carriage and Epidemiology of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase/Carbapenemases Producing Enterobacterales Isolates in Bulgarian Hospitals
Authors: Markovska Rumyana , Stankova Petya , Stoeva Temenuga , Ivanova Dobrinka , Pencheva Daniela , Kaneva Radka , Boyanova Lyudmila
Published: June 2021

The gastrointestinal tract is an important reservoir of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales isolates. This study included patients from two Bulgarian hospitals. Overall, 98 ESBL producers (including 68 Escherichia coli and 20 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates) were detected among 99 hospitalized patients, 212 patients at admission, and 92 hospital staff in 42.4%, 24.5%, and 4%, respectively. We observed blaCTX-M-15 in 47% of isolates, blaCTX-M-3 in 39% and blaCTX-M-14 in 11%. Three blaCTX-M-15 positive isolates were also blaKPC-2 positive. High transferability was detected for blaCTX-M-3 carrying plasmids (55%) with L/M and I1 replicon plasmids, followed by CTX-M-14 (36.4%) and CTX-M-15 (27.9%) with IncF plasmids. BlaKPC-2 was carried by FIIAs plasmids. Epidemiology typing revealed 8 K. pneumoniae ST types—ST15(8/20), ST17(4/20), ST37(2/20) and 9 E. coli ST types—ST131 (30.9%, 21/68), ST38 (8/68), ST95(7/68) and ST316(7/68). All ST131 isolates but one was from the highly virulent epidemic clone O25bST131. This is the first report in Bulgaria about ESBL/carbapenemase faecal carriage. We observed high ESBL/carbapenemases prevalence. A predominant number of isolates were members of highly epidemic and virulent PanEuropean clones ST15 K. pneumoniae and O25bST131 E. coli. High antibiotics usage during the COVID pandemic will worsen the situation. Routine screenings and strict infection control measures should be widely implemented.
Opportunities for Ferroptosis in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fujihara Kenji M. , Zhang Bonnie Z. , Clemons Nicholas J.
Published: June 2021

A critical hallmark of cancer cells is their ability to evade programmed apoptotic cell death. Consequently, resistance to anti-cancer therapeutics is a hurdle often observed in the clinic. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of cell death distinguished by toxic lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, has garnered substantial attention as an alternative therapeutic strategy to selectively destroy tumours. Although there is a plethora of research outlining the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, these findings are yet to be translated into clinical compounds inducing ferroptosis. In this perspective, we elaborate on how ferroptosis can be leveraged in the clinic. We discuss a therapeutic window for compounds inducing ferroptosis, the subset of tumour types that are most sensitive to ferroptosis, conventional therapeutics that induce ferroptosis, and potential strategies for lowering the threshold for ferroptosis.
Clinical Performance of Paraoxonase-1-Related Variables and Novel Markers of Inflammation in Coronavirus Disease-19. A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Rodríguez-Tomàs Elisabet , Iftimie Simona , Castañé Helena , Baiges-Gaya Gerard , Hernández-Aguilera Anna , González-Viñas María , Castro Antoni , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge
Published: June 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection produces a response of the innate immune system causing oxidative stress and a strong inflammatory reaction termed ‘cytokine storm’ that is one of the leading causes of death. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) protects against oxidative stress by hydrolyzing lipoperoxides. Alterations in PON1 activity have been associated with pro-inflammatory mediators such as the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and the glycoprotein galectin-3. We aimed to investigate the alterations in the circulating levels of PON1, CCL2, and galectin-3 in 126 patients with COVID-19 and their interactions with clinical variables and analytical parameters. A machine learning approach was used to identify predictive markers of the disease. For comparisons, we recruited 45 COVID-19 negative patients and 50 healthy individuals. Our approach identified a synergy between oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrogenesis in positive patients that is not observed in negative patients. PON1 activity was the parameter with the greatest power to discriminate between patients who were either positive or negative for COVID-19, while their levels of CCL2 and galectin-3 were similar. We suggest that the measurement of serum PON1 activity may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Histone H2B Mutations in Cancer
Authors: Wan Yi Ching Esther , Chan Kui Ming
Published: June 2021

Oncohistones have emerged as a new area in cancer epigenetics research. Recent efforts to catalogue histone mutations in cancer patients have revealed thousands of histone mutations across different types of cancer. In contrast to previously identified oncohistones (H3K27M, H3G34V/R, and H3K36M), where the mutations occur on the tail domain and affect histone post-translational modifications, the majority of the newly identified mutations are located within the histone fold domain and affect gene expression via distinct mechanisms. The recent characterization of the selected H2B has revealed previously unappreciated roles of oncohistones in nucleosome stability, chromatin accessibility, and chromatin remodeling. This review summarizes recent advances in the study of H2B oncohistones and other emerging oncohistones occurring on other types of histones, particularly those occurring on the histone fold domain.
Distinct Roles of Vav Family Members in Adaptive and Innate Immune Models of Arthritis
Authors: Conde Javier , Fernández-Pisonero Isabel , Cuadrado Myriam , Abad Antonio , Robles-Valero Javier , Bustelo Xosé R.
Published: June 2021

Genetic evidence suggests that three members of the VAV family (VAV1, VAV2 and VAV3) of signal transduction proteins could play important roles in rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is not known currently whether the inhibition of these proteins protects against this disease and, if so, the number of family members that must be eliminated to get a therapeutic impact. To address this issue, we have used a collection of single and compound Vav family knockout mice in experimental models for antigen-dependent (methylated bovine serum albumin injections) and neutrophil-dependent (Zymosan A injections) rheumatoid arthritis in mice. We show here that the specific elimination of Vav1 is sufficient to block the development of antigen-induced arthritis. This protection is likely associated with the roles of this Vav family member in the development and selection of immature T cells within the thymus as well as in the subsequent proliferation and differentiation of effector T cells. By contrast, we have found that depletion of Vav2 reduces the number of neutrophils present in the joints of Zymosan A-treated mice. Despite this, the elimination of Vav2 does not protect against the joint degeneration triggered by this experimental model. These findings indicate that Vav1 is the most important pharmacological target within this family, although its main role is limited to the protection against antigen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. They also indicate that the three Vav family proteins do not play redundant roles in these pathobiological processes.
Unexpected Role of Sterol Synthesis in RNA Stability and Translation in Leishmania
Authors: Karamysheva Zemfira N. , Moitra Samrat , Perez Andrea , Mukherjee Sumit , Tikhonova Elena B. , Karamyshev Andrey L. , Zhang Kai
Published: June 2021

Leishmania parasites are trypanosomatid protozoans that cause leishmaniasis affecting millions of people worldwide. Sterols are important components of the plasma and organellar membranes. They also serve as precursors for the synthesis of signaling molecules. Unlike animals, Leishmania does not synthesize cholesterol but makes ergostane-based sterols instead. C-14-demethylase is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sterols and an important drug target. In Leishmania parasites, the inactivation of C-14-demethylase leads to multiple defects, including increased plasma membrane fluidity, mitochondrion dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stress and reduced virulence. In this study, we revealed a novel role for sterol synthesis in the maintenance of RNA stability and translation. Sterol alteration in C-14-demethylase knockout mutant leads to increased RNA degradation, reduced translation and impaired heat shock response. Thus, sterol biosynthesis in Leishmania plays an unexpected role in global gene regulation.
Syndecan-1 Expression Is Increased in the Aortic Wall of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes but Is Unrelated to Elevated Fasting Plasma Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
Authors: Ntika Stelia , Tracy Linda M. , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Björck Hanna M. , Krizhanovskii Camilla
Published: June 2021

A reduced prevalence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm (thoracic AA) is observed in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/GLP-1-based anti-diabetic therapy has indicated protective effects in thoracic AA and regulates the processes controlling the vascular tissue expression of Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1). Sdc-1 expression on macrophages infiltrating the aortic tissue contributes to a counter-regulatory response to thoracic AA formation in animal models through the interplay with inflammation/proteolytic activity. We hypothesized that elevated fasting plasma GLP-1 (fpGLP-1) increases the aortic Sdc-1 expression in T2D, which may contribute to a reduced prevalence of thoracic AA. Consequently, we determined whether T2D/thoracic AA associates with an altered Sdc-1 expression in the aortic tissue and the possible associations with fpGLP-1 and inflammation/proteolytic activity. From a cohort of surgical patients with an aortic valve pathology, we compared different disease groups (T2D/thoracic AA) with the same sub-cohort group of controls (patients without T2D and thoracic AA). The MMP-2 activity and Sdc-1, GLP-1R and CD68 expression were analyzed in the aortic tissue. GLP-1, Sdc-1 and cytokines were analyzed in the plasma. The aortic Sdc-1 expression was increased in T2D patients but did not correlate with fpGLP-1. Thoracic AA was associated with an increased aortic expression of Sdc-1 and the macrophage marker CD68. CD68 was not detected in T2D. In conclusion, an increased aortic Sdc-1 expression may contribute to a reduced prevalence of thoracic AA in T2D.
A Metabolic Change towards Fermentation Drives Cancer Cachexia in Myotubes
Authors: Mannelli Michele , Gamberi Tania , Magherini Francesca , Fiaschi Tania
Published: June 2021

Cachexia is a disorder associated with several pathologies, including cancer. In this paper, we describe how cachexia is induced in myotubes by a metabolic shift towards fermentation, and the block of this metabolic modification prevents the onset of the cachectic phenotype. Cachectic myotubes, obtained by the treatment with conditioned medium from murine colon carcinoma cells CT26, show increased glucose uptake, decreased oxygen consumption, altered mitochondria, and increased lactate production. Interestingly, the block of glycolysis by 2-deoxy-glucose or lactate dehydrogenase inhibition by oxamate prevents the induction of cachexia, thus suggesting that this metabolic change is greatly involved in cachexia activation. The treatment with 2-deoxy-glucose or oxamate induces positive effects also in mitochondria, where mitochondrial membrane potential and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity became similar to control myotubes. Moreover, in myotubes treated with interleukin-6, cachectic phenotype is associated with a fermentative metabolism, and the inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase by oxamate prevents cachectic features. The same results have been achieved by treating myotubes with conditioned media from human colon HCT116 and human pancreatic MIAPaCa-2 cancer cell lines, thus showing that what has been observed with murine-conditioned media is a wide phenomenon. These findings demonstrate that cachexia induction in myotubes is linked with a metabolic shift towards fermentation, and inhibition of lactate formation impedes cachexia and highlights lactate dehydrogenase as a possible new tool for counteracting the onset of this pathology.
Exercise Training Enhances Myocardial Mitophagy and Improves Cardiac Function via Irisin/FNDC5-PINK1/Parkin Pathway in MI Mice
Authors: Li Hangzhuo , Qin Shuguang , Liang Qiaoqin , Xi Yue , Bo Wenyan , Cai Mengxin , Tian Zhenjun
Published: June 2021

Myocardial infarction is the major cause of death in cardiovascular disease. In vitro and in vivo models are used to find the exercise mode which has the most significant effect on myocardial irisin/FNDC5 expression and illuminate the cardioprotective role and mechanisms of exercise-activated myocardial irisin/FNDC5-PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in myocardial infarction. The results indicated that expression of irisin/FNDC5 in myocardium could be up-regulated by different types of exercise and skeletal muscle electrical stimulation, which then promotes mitophagy and improves cardiac function and the effect of resistance exercise. Resistance exercise can improve cardiac function by activating the irisin/FNDC5-PINK1/Parkin-LC3/P62 pathway, regulating mitophagy and inhibiting oxidative stress. OPA1 may play an important role in the improvement of cardiac function and mitophagy pathway in myocardial infarction mice by irisin-mediated resistance exercise. Resistance exercise is expected to become an effective therapeutic way to promote myocardial infarction rehabilitation.
Response Prediction and Evaluation Using PET in Patients with Solid Tumors Treated with Immunotherapy
Authors: Borm Frank J. , Smit Jasper , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Wondergem Maurits , Haanen John B. A. G. , Smit Egbert F. , de Langen Adrianus J.
Published: June 2021

In multiple malignancies, checkpoint inhibitor therapy has an established role in the first-line treatment setting. However, only a subset of patients benefit from checkpoint inhibition, and as a result, the field of biomarker research is active. Molecular imaging with the use of positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the biomarkers that is being studied. PET tracers such as conventional 18F-FDG but also PD-(L)1 directed tracers are being evaluated for their predictive power. Furthermore, the use of artificial intelligence is under evaluation for the purpose of response prediction. Response evaluation during checkpoint inhibitor therapy can be challenging due to the different response patterns that can be observed compared to traditional chemotherapy. The additional information provided by PET can potentially be of value to evaluate a response early after the start of treatment and provide the clinician with important information about the efficacy of immunotherapy. Furthermore, the use of PET to stratify between patients with a complete response and those with a residual disease can potentially guide clinicians to identify patients for which immunotherapy can be discontinued and patients for whom the treatment needs to be escalated. This review provides an overview of the use of positron emission tomography (PET) to predict and evaluate treatment response to immunotherapy.
Clinical Characteristics of the End-of-Life Phase in Children with Life-Limiting Diseases: Retrospective Study from a Single Center for Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Baumann Fanni , Hebert Steven , Rascher Wolfgang , Woelfle Joachim , Gravou-Apostolatou Chara
Published: June 2021

Background: Data on the end-of-life phase of children receiving palliative care are limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the spectrum of symptoms of terminally ill children, adolescents, and young adults, depending on their underlying disease. Methods: Findings are based on a 4.5-year retrospective study of 89 children who received palliative care before they died, investigating the symptomatology of the last two weeks before death. Results: In this study, the most common clinical symptomatology present in children undergoing end-of-life care includes pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea, and constipation. Out of 89 patients included in this study, 47% suffered from an oncological disease. Oncological patients had a significantly higher symptom burden at the end of life (p < 0.05) compared to other groups, and the intensity of symptoms increased as the underlying disease progressed. The likelihood of experiencing pain and nausea/vomiting was also significantly higher in oncological patients (p = 0.016). Conclusions: We found that the underlying disease is associated with marked differences in the respective leading clinical symptom. Therefore, related to these differences, symptom management has to be adjusted according to the underlying disease, since the underlying disorder seems to exert an influence on the severity of symptoms and thereby on the modality and choice of treatment. This study is intended to aid underlying disease-specific symptom management at the end-of-life care for children, adolescents, and young adults, with a specific focus on end-of-life care in a home environment.
Trend and Causes of Overweight and Obesity among Pre-School Children in Kuwait
Authors: Alqaoud Nawal , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Al-Anazi Fahima , Subhakaran Monica , Doggui Radhouene
Published: June 2021

Identifying life risk factors of obesity early will help inform policymakers to design evidence-based interventions. The following study aims to assess the trend of overweight and obesity over four years among pre-school Kuwait children, and to examine their association with breakfast skipping (BF), sugary and sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, and screen time. Children aged 2–5 years (n = 5304) were selected from 2016 to 2019 national surveys. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the World Health Organization references. The children’s mothers were asked about the BF of their children the day of the survey, their frequency of SSB consumption, and their weekly screen time use. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with overweight/obesity. No significant decline (p values ≥ 0.12) was found for both overweight and obesity. Contrastingly, BF skipping, SSB consumption, and screen time declined (p < 0.0001). The BF skippers were found to have a 31% lower risk of being overweight. Daily TV watching, for 2–3 h, increases the odds of obesity by 5.6-fold. Our findings are encouraging regarding the decline in risky behaviours over time. However, more effort should be made both at the micro- and macro-level for a sustainable reduction in overweight and obesity.
Getting to Hope: Perspectives from Patients and Caregivers Living with Chronic Childhood Illness
Authors: von Scheven Emily , Nahal Bhupinder K. , Kelekian Rosa , Frenzel Christina , Vanderpoel Victoria , Franck Linda S.
Published: June 2021

Promoting hope was identified in our prior work as the top priority research question among patients and caregivers with diverse childhood-onset chronic conditions. Here, we aimed to construct a conceptual model to guide future research studies of interventions to improve hope. We conducted eight monthly virtual focus groups and one virtual workshop with patients, caregivers, and researchers to explore key constructs to inform the model. Discussions were facilitated by Patient Co-Investigators. Participants developed a definition of hope and identified promotors and inhibitors that influence the experience of hope. We utilized qualitative methods to analyze findings and organize the promotors and inhibitors of hope within three strata of the socio-ecologic framework: structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Participants identified three types of interventions to promote hope: resources, navigation, and activities to promote social connection. The hope conceptual model can be used to inform the selection of interventions to assess in future research studies aimed at improving hope and the specification of outcome measures to include in hope research studies. Inclusion of the health care system in the model provides direction for identifying strategies for improving the system and places responsibility on the system to do better to promote hope among young patients with chronic illness and their caregivers.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Journal Enters a New Era
Authors: Franco Rafael
Published: June 2021

Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB) (https://www [...]
An Alternative Co-Benefit Framework Prioritizing Health Impacts: Potential Air Pollution and Climate Change Mitigation Pathways through Energy Sector Fuel Substitution in South Korea
Authors: Phillips Dafydd , Jung Tae Yong
Published: June 2021

South Korea had the highest annual average PM2.5 exposure levels in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2019, and air pollution is consistently ranked as citizens’ top environmental concern. South Korea is also one of the world’s top ten emitter countries of CO2. Co-benefit mitigation policies can address both air pollution and climate change. Utilizing an alternative co-benefit approach, which views air pollution reduction as the primary goal and climate change mitigation as secondary, this research conducts a scenario analysis to forecast the health and climate benefits of fuel substitution in South Korea’s electricity generation sector. Health benefits are calculated by avoided premature mortality and years of life lost (YLL) due to ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI). The study finds that use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of coal over the 2022–2050 period would result in an average of 116 fewer premature deaths (1152 YLL) and 80.8 MTCO2e fewer emissions per year. Over the same period, maintaining and maximizing the use of its nuclear energy capacity, combined with replacing coal use with LNG, would result in an average of 161 fewer premature deaths (1608 YLL) and 123.7 MTCO2e fewer emissions per year.
Density Functional Theory of Highly Excited States of Coulomb Systems
Authors: Nagy Ágnes
Published: June 2021

The density functional theory proposed earlier for excited states of Coulomb systems is discussed. The localized Hartree–Fock (LHF) and the Krieger, Li, and Iafrate (KLI) methods combined with correlation are generalized for excited states. Illustrative examples include some highly excited states of Li and Na atoms.
Hydrogen Molecules Rotational Stimulated Raman Scattering in All-Fiber Cavity Based on Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal Fibers
Authors: Pei Wenxi , Li Hao , Huang Wei , Wang Meng , Wang Zefeng
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the rotational stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of hydrogen molecules in an all-fiber cavity based on hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (HC-PCFs). The gas cavity consists of a 49 m long HC-PCF filled with 18 bar high-pressure hydrogen and two sections of fusion spliced solid-core fibers on both ends. When pumped by a homemade 1064 nm pulsed fiber amplifier, only rotational SRS occurs in the gas cavity due to the transmission spectral characteristics of the used HC-PCF, and 1135 nm Stokes wave is obtained (Raman frequency shift of 587 cm−1). By changing the pulse width and repetition frequency of the pump source, the output characteristics are explored. In addition, a theoretical model is established for comparison with the experimental results. This work is helpful for the application of gas Raman laser based on the HC-PCFs.
Transcriptomic Landscape of Lower Grade Glioma Based on Age-Related Non-Silent Somatic Mutations
Authors: Park YoungJoon , Park JeongMan , Ahn Ju Won , Sim Jeong Min , Kang Su Jung , Kim Suwan , Hwang So Jung , Han Song-Hee , Sung Kyoung Su , Lim Jaejoon
Published: June 2021

Glioma accounts for 80% of all malignant brain tumours and is the most common adult primary brain tumour. Age is an important factor affecting the development of cancer, as somatic mutations accumulate with age. Here, we aimed to analyse the significance of age-dependent non-silent somatic mutations in glioma prognosis. Histological tumour grade depends on age at diagnosis in patients with IDH1, TP53, ATRX, and EGFR mutations. Age of patients with wild-type IDH1 and EGFR increased with increase in tumour grade, while the age of patients with IDH1 or EGFR mutation remained constant. However, the age of patients with EGFR mutation was higher than that of patients with IDH1 mutation. The hierarchical clustering of patients was dominantly separated by IDH1 and EGFR mutations. Furthermore, patients with IDH1 mutation were dominantly separated by TP53 and ATRX double mutation and its double wild-type counterpart. The age of patients with ATRX and TP53 mutation was lower than that of patients with wild-type ATRX and TP53. Patients with the double mutation showed poorer prognosis than those with the double wild type genotype. Unlike IDH1 mutant, IDH1 wild-type showed upregulation of expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition associated genes.
Sialoglyco-Conjugate Abnormalities, IL-6 Trans-Signaling and Anti-Ganglioside Immune Response—Potential Interferences in Lupus Nephritis Pathogenesis
Authors: Ene Corina-Daniela , Penescu Mircea Nicolae , Nicolae Ilinca
Published: June 2021

We have investigated glycoconjugates sialization profile, endogen synthesis rate of antiganglioside antibodies (AGA), IL-6 signaling pathways correlated with activity disease in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN). Material and methods. A case-control study was developed and included 109 patients with SLE with or without renal impairment, 32 patients with IgA nephropathy and 60 healthy volunteers, clinically and paraclinically monitored. The following parameters were evaluated in volunteers serum: total sialic acid (TSA), orosomucoids, lipid bound sialic acid (LSA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble factors IL-6R, gp130, anti –GM1, -GM2, -GM3, -GD1a, -GD1b, -GT1b, -GQ1b antigangliosides antibodies of IgG and IgM type. Results. Experimental data analysis showed: increase in synthesis rhythm of sialoglyco-conjugated in SLE (TSA increased in SLE and LN compared to control), accelerated catabolism of LSA in LN (LSA/TSA ratio was higher in SLE and LN than in control group), overexpression of IL-6 mediated trans-signaling (sIL-6R/sgp 130 ratio was subunit in SLE and IgA nephropathy and superunit in LN), large AGA profile synthesis of IgM isotype (over 45.1% in SLE and over 20.7% in LN). Conclusions. Hypersialization, accelerated glycosphingolipids degradation, IL-6 trans-signaling amplify and AGA pattern could represent essential mechanisms in LN pathogenesis.
Confined Quantum Hard Spheres
Authors: Contreras Sergio , Gil-Villegas Alejandro
Published: June 2021

We present computer simulation and theoretical results for a system of N Quantum Hard Spheres (QHS) particles of diameter σ and mass m at temperature T, confined between parallel hard walls separated by a distance Hσ, within the range 1≤H≤∞. Semiclassical Monte Carlo computer simulations were performed adapted to a confined space, considering effects in terms of the density of particles ρ*=N/V, where V is the accessible volume, the inverse length H−1 and the de Broglie’s thermal wavelength λB=h/2πmkT, where k and h are the Boltzmann’s and Planck’s constants, respectively. For the case of extreme and maximum confinement, 0.5<H−1<1 and H−1=1, respectively, analytical results can be given based on an extension for quantum systems of the Helmholtz free energies for the corresponding classical systems.
On Entropy, Information, and Conservation of Information
Authors: Çengel Yunus A.
Published: June 2021

The term entropy is used in different meanings in different contexts, sometimes in contradictory ways, resulting in misunderstandings and confusion. The root cause of the problem is the close resemblance of the defining mathematical expressions of entropy in statistical thermodynamics and information in the communications field, also called entropy, differing only by a constant factor with the unit ‘J/K’ in thermodynamics and ‘bits’ in the information theory. The thermodynamic property entropy is closely associated with the physical quantities of thermal energy and temperature, while the entropy used in the communications field is a mathematical abstraction based on probabilities of messages. The terms information and entropy are often used interchangeably in several branches of sciences. This practice gives rise to the phrase conservation of entropy in the sense of conservation of information, which is in contradiction to the fundamental increase of entropy principle in thermodynamics as an expression of the second law. The aim of this paper is to clarify matters and eliminate confusion by putting things into their rightful places within their domains. The notion of conservation of information is also put into a proper perspective.
Effect of Ergodic and Non-Ergodic Fluctuations on a Charge Diffusing in a Stochastic Magnetic Field
Authors: Aquino Gerardo , Chandía Kristopher J. , Bologna Mauro
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the basic problem of a charged particle in a stochastic magnetic field. We consider dichotomous fluctuations of the magnetic field where the sojourn time in one of the two states are distributed according to a given waiting-time distribution either with Poisson or non-Poisson statistics, including as well the case of distributions with diverging mean time between changes of the field, corresponding to an ergodicity breaking condition. We provide analytical and numerical results for all cases evaluating the average and the second moment of the position and velocity of the particle. We show that the field fluctuations induce diffusion of the charge with either normal or anomalous properties, depending on the statistics of the fluctuations, with distinct regimes from those observed, e.g., in standard Continuous-Time Random Walk models.
The Role of Agriculture in Climate Change Mitigation—A Polish Example
Authors: Pawłowski Lucjan , Pawłowska Małgorzata , Kwiatkowski Cezary A. , Harasim Elżbieta
Published: June 2021

Biomass, a basic product of agriculture, is one of the main sinks of carbon in global cycle. Additionally, it can be used as a renewable source of energy, leading to depletion in CO2 emissions. The paper presents the results of estimations on the current and potential share of catch crop cultivation in climate change mitigation, in Poland, where the agricultural sector plays a significant economic role. The estimation of CO2 assimilation in biomass was performed on the basis of our own data on yields of commonly used catch crops, obtained in randomly selected 80 farms in Poland, and the content of carbon in the biomass. Calculation of energy potential of the biomass was conducted, assuming its conversion into biogas, on the basis of our own data on catch crop yields and the literature data on their biomethane potentials. The results have shown that catch crops in Poland, which are cultivated to an area of 1.177 mln ha sequestrate 6.85 mln t CO2 yr−1. However, considering the total area of fields used for spring crop cultivation, it is possible to increase the sequestration to 18.25 mln t CO2 yr−1, which constitutes about 6% of the annual emission of CO2 in Poland. Biomethane yields per hectare of particular crops ranged from 965 to 1762 m3 CH4 ha−1, and were significantly lower compared to maize, which is commonly in use in biogas plants. However, due to high biomethane potential and favorable chemical composition, catch crops can be a valuable co-substrate for the feedstocks with a high C:N ratio. The potential recovery of energy produced from aboveground biomass of catch crops harvested in Poland during the year is 6327 GWh of electricity and 7230 GWh of thermal energy. Thus, it is advisable to promote catch crops on a wide scale due to substantial environmental benefits of their cultivation.
How Can Floor Covering Influence Buildings’ Demand Flexibility?
Authors: Ahn Hyeunguk , Liu Jingjing , Kim Donghun , Yin Rongxin , Hong Tianzhen , Piette Mary Ann
Published: June 2021

Although the thermal mass of floors in buildings has been demonstrated to help shift cooling load, there is still a lack of information about how floor covering can influence the floor’s load shifting capability and buildings’ demand flexibility. To fill this gap, we estimated demand flexibility based on the daily peak cooling load reduction for different floor configurations and regions, using EnergyPlus simulations. As a demand response strategy, we used precooling and global temperature adjustment. The result demonstrated an adverse impact of floor covering on the building’s demand flexibility. Specifically, under the same demand response strategy, the daily peak cooling load reductions were up to 20–34% for a concrete floor whereas they were only 17–29% for a carpet-covered concrete floor. This is because floor covering hinders convective coupling between the concrete floor surface and the zone air and reduces radiative heat transfer between the concrete floor surface and the surrounding environment. In hot climates such as Phoenix, floor covering almost negated the concrete floor’s load shifting capability and yielded low demand flexibility as a wood floor, representing low thermal mass. Sensitivity analyses showed that floor covering’s effects can be more profound with a larger carpet-covered area, a greater temperature adjustment depth, or a higher radiant heat gain. With this effect ignored for a given building, its demand flexibility would be overestimated, which could prevent grid operators from obtaining sufficient demand flexibility to maintain a grid. Our findings also imply that for more efficient grid-interactive buildings, a traditional standard for floor design could be modified with increasing renewable penetration.
Analytical Approach to Understanding the Effects of Implementing Fast-Frequency Response by Wind Turbines on the Short-Term Operation of Power Systems
Authors: Ochoa Danny , Martinez Sergio
Published: June 2021

The significant presence of variable-speed wind turbines in worldwide power systems has led to planners and grid operators requiring them to participate in frequency control tasks. To address this demand, a large number of wind frequency control proposals have been reported in the literature in recent years. Many of these solutions have been tested by specific experiments carried out in computer simulation environments. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the effects of enabling frequency support by wind turbines on the magnitudes that characterize the inertial response of a power system by using an analytical approach. The derived formulation and the illustrations are designed to provide a better understanding of both the mechanisms that determine the frequency stability indices and the improvement achieved by enabling the inertial response of wind turbines by implementing a virtual inertia-based method on the active power controllers of these machines. To facilitate the comprehension of the results obtained, the analytical approach is complemented with time-domain simulations in a predefined test system implemented in MATLAB/Simulink®. The proposed methodology achieves a generalization of the results and can be used for the assessment of any power system configuration.
VIRTUS Project: A Scalable Aggregation Platform for the Intelligent Virtual Management of Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , De Filippo Allegra , Magnani Sandro , Mosaico Gabriele , Silvestro Federico
Published: June 2021

The VIRTUS project aims to create a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) prototype coordinating the Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) of the power system and providing services to the system operators and the various players of the electricity markets, with a particular focus on the industrial sector agents. The VPP will be able to manage a significant number of DERs and simulate realistic plants, components, and market data to study different operating conditions and the future impact of the policy changes of the Balancing Markets (BM). This paper describes the project’s aim, the general structure of the proposed framework, and its optimization and simulation modules. Then, we assess the scalability of the optimization module, designed to provide the maximum possible flexibility to the system operators, exploiting the simulation module of the VPP.