bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting WEE1 Inhibits Growth of Breast Cancer Cells That Are Resistant to Endocrine Therapy and CDK4/6 Inhibitors
Authors: Fallah Yassi , Demas Diane M. , Jin Lu , He Wei , Shajahan-Haq Ayesha N.
Published: July 2021

Despite the success of antiestrogens in extending overall survival of patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast tumors, resistance to these therapies is prevalent. ER+ tumors that progress on antiestrogens are treated with antiestrogens and CDK4/6 inhibitors. However, 20% of these tumors never respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors due to intrinsic resistance. Here, we used endocrine sensitive ER+ MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cells to generate long-term estrogen deprived (LTED) endocrine resistant cells that are intrinsically resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Since treatment with antiestrogens arrests cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, we hypothesized that a defective G1 checkpoint allows resistant cells to escape this arrest but increases their dependency on G2 checkpoint for DNA repair and growth, and hence, targeting the G2 checkpoint will induce cell death. Indeed, inhibition of WEE1, a crucial G2 checkpoint regulator, with AZD1775 (Adavosertib), significantly decreased cell proliferation and increased G2/M arrest, apoptosis and gamma-H2AX levels (a marker for DNA double stranded breaks) in resistant cells compared with sensitive cells. Thus, targeting WEE1 is a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy in standard therapy resistant ER+ breast cancer.
Transcription Factors and Methylation Drive Prognostic miRNA Dysregulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qin Shijie , Xu Jieyun , Yi Yunmeng , Jiang Sizhu , Jin Ping , Xia Xinyi , Ma Fei
Published: July 2021

Many dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested to serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors to act as diagnostic and prognostic factors for HCC patients. However, the dysregulated mechanisms of miRNAs in HCC remain largely unknown. Herein, we firstly identify 114 disordered mature miRNAs in HCC, 93 of them are caused by dysregulated transcription factors, and 10 of them are driven by the DNA methylation of their promoter regions. Secondly, we find that seven up-regulated miRNAs (miR-9-5p, miR-452-5p, miR-452-3p, miR-1180-3p, miR-4746-5p, miR-3677-3 and miR-4661-5p) can promote tumorigenesis via inhibiting multiple tumor suppressor genes participated in metabolism, which may act as oncogenes, and seven down-regulated miRNAs (miR-99-5p, miR-5589-5p, miR-5589-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-139-3p, miR-101-3p and miR-125b-5p) can suppress abnormal cell proliferation via suppressing a number of oncogenes involved in cancer-related pathways, which may serve as tumor suppressors. Thirdly, our findings reveal a mechanism that transcription factor and miRNA interplay can form various regulatory loops to synergistically control the occurrence and development of HCC. Finally, our results demonstrate that this key transcription factor FOXO1 can activate a certain number of tumor suppressor miRNAs to improve the survival of HCC patients, suggesting FOXO1 as an effective therapeutic target for HCC patients. Overall, our study not only reveals the dysregulated mechanisms of miRNAs in HCC, but provides several novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HCC patients.
Tocilizumab in COVID-19: Factors Associated With Mortality Before and After Treatment
Authors: Sarabia De Ardanaz Luis , Andreu-Ubero Jose M. , Navidad-Fuentes Miriam , Ferrer-González Miguel Ángel , Ruíz del Valle Victor , Salcedo-Bellido Inmaculada , Barrios-Rodríguez Rocío , Cáliz-Cáliz Rafael , Requena Pilar
Published: July 2021

Tocilizumab (TCZ) has been administered in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia but the factors associated with mortality before and after treatment remain unclear. Cox regression models were used to estimate the predictors of time to death in a cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 receiving TCZ. In addition, the mean differences between discharged and deceased patients in laboratory parameters measured before and 3, 6 and 9 days after TCZ administration were estimated with weighted generalized estimation equations. The variables associated with time to death were immunosuppression (Hazard Ratio-HR 3.15; 95% confidence interval-CI 1.17, 8.51), diabetes mellitus (HR 2.63; 95% CI 1.23–5.64), age (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.09), days since diagnosis until TCZ administration (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.09), and platelets (HR 0.27; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.69). In the post-TCZ analysis and compared to discharged patients, deceased patients had more lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.013), troponin I (p = 0.013), C-reactive protein (p = 0.013), neutrophils (p = 0.024), and fewer platelets (p = 0.013) and lymphocytes (p = 0.013) as well as a lower average PaO2/FiO2 ratio. In conclusion, in COVID-19 diagnosed patients receiving TCZ, early treatment decreased the risk of death, while age, some comorbidities and baseline lower platelet counts increased that risk. After TCZ administration, lower platelet levels were again associated with mortality, together with other laboratory parameters.
Oxyresveratrol Modulates Genes Associated with Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Control and DNA Repair in MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Radapong Sarayut , Chan Kelvin , Sarker Satyajit D. , Ritchie Kenneth J.
Published: July 2021

Oxyresveratrol (OXY) is a small molecule phytochemical which has been reported to have important biological function. The aim of this study was to elucidate the gene expression and biological pathways altered in MCF-7, breast cancer cells following exposure to OXY. The cytotoxicity to different cancer cell lines was screened using MTT assay and then whole gene expression was elucidated using microarray. The pathways selected were also validated by quantitative PCR analysis, fluorometric and western blot assay. A total of 686 genes were found to have altered mRNA expression levels of two-fold or more in the 50 μM OXY-treated group, while 2,338 genes were differentially expressed in the 100 µM-treated group. The relevant visualized global expression patterns of genes and pathways were generated. Apoptosis was activated through mitochondria-lost membrane potential, caspase-3 expression and chromatin condensation without DNA damage. G0/G1 and S phases of the cell cycle control were inhibited dose-dependently by the compound. Rad51 gene (DNA repair pathway) was significantly down-regulated (p < 0.0001). These results indicate that OXY moderates key genes and pathways in MCF-7 cells and that it could be developed as a chemotherapy or chemo-sensitizing agent.
Astragalus Polysaccharides Ameliorate Diet-Induced Gallstone Formation by Modulating Synthesis of Bile Acids and the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhuang Qian , Ye Xin , Shen Shuang , Cheng Jinnian , Shi Yan , Wu Shan , Xia Jie , Ning Min , Dong Zhixia , Wan Xinjian
Published: July 2021

Cholesterol gallstone (CG) disease has relationships with several metabolic abnormalities. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been shown to have multiple benefits against metabolic disorders. We attempted to uncover the effect and mechanism of action of APS on diet-induced CG formation in mice. Animals were fed a chow diet or lithogenic diet (LD) with or without APS supplementation. The effect of APS on CG formation was evaluated. The level of individual bile acids (BAs) in gallbladder bile and ileum were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to assess expression of the genes involved in BA metabolism and the enterohepatic circulation. Cecal contents were collected to characterize microbiota profiles. APS ameliorated LD-induced CG formation in mice. APS reduced the level of total cholesterol, bile acid hydrophobicity index and cholesterol saturation index in gallbladder bile. The protective effect of APS might result from reduced absorption of cholic acid in the intestine and increased hepatic BA synthesis. APS relieved the LD-induced activation of the intestinal farnesoid X receptor and decreased ileal expression of fibroblast growth factor 15. In the liver, expression of cytochrome P450 (Cyp) enzyme Cyp7a1 and Cyp7b1 was increased, whereas expression of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (Abc) transporters Abcg5 and Abcg8 was decreased by APS. APS improved the diversity of the gut microbiota and increased the relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum. APS had demonstratable benefits against CG disease, which might be associated with enhanced BA synthesis and improved gut microbiota. Our results suggest that APS may be a potential strategy for the prevention of CG disease.
Mono-Locus and Pyramided Resistant Grapevine Cultivars Reveal Early Putative Biomarkers Upon Artificial Inoculation With Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Ciubotaru Ramona Mihaela , Franceschi Pietro , Zulini Luca , Stefanini Marco , Škrab Domen , Rossarolla Marcia Denise , Robatscher Peter , Oberhuber Michael , Vrhovsek Urska , Chitarrini Giulia
Published: July 2021

One of the most economically important grapevine diseases is Downy mildew (DM) caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola. A strategy to reduce the use of fungicides to compensate for the high susceptibility of V. vinifera is the selection of grapevine varieties showing pathogen-specific resistance. We applied a metabolomics approach to evaluate the metabolic modulation in mono-locus resistant genotypes carrying one locus associated with P. viticola resistance (Rpv) (BC4- Rpv1, Bianca- Rpv3-1, F12P160- Rpv12, Solaris- Rpv10), as well as in pyramided resistant genotypes carrying more than one Rpv (F12P60- Rpv3-1; Rpv12 and F12P127- Rpv3-1, Rpv3-3; Rpv10) taking as a reference the susceptible genotype Pinot Noir. In order to understand if different sources of resistance are associated with different degrees of resistance and, implicitly, with different responses to the pathogen, we considered the most important classes of plant metabolite primary compounds, lipids, phenols and volatile organic compounds at 0, 12, 48, and 96 h post-artificial inoculation (hpi). We identified 264 modulated compounds; among these, 22 metabolites were found accumulated in significant quantities in the resistant cultivars compared to Pinot Noir. In mono-locus genotypes, the highest modulation of the metabolites was noticed at 48 and 96 hpi, except for Solaris, that showed a behavior similar to the pyramided genotypes in which the changes started to occur as early as 12 hpi. Bianca, Solaris and F12P60 showed the highest number of interesting compounds accumulated after the artificial infection and with a putative effect against the pathogen. In contrast, Pinot Noir showed a less effective defense response in containing DM growth.
Interoception Disorder and Insular Cortex Abnormalities in Schizophrenia: A New Perspective Between Psychoanalysis and Neuroscience
Authors: Tran The Jessica , Magistretti Pierre J. , Ansermet Francois
Published: July 2021

The existence of disturbances in the perception of somatic states and in the representation of the body with the presence of cœnesthetic hallucinations, of delusional hypochondriac ideas or of dysmorphophobias is a recognized fact in the psychopathology of schizophrenia. Freudian psychoanalytic theory had accorded a privileged place to the alteration of the perception of the body in schizophrenia. Freud had attributed to these phenomena a primary and prodromal role in the psychopathology of psychosis. We propose to look at this theory in a new way, starting from the perspective of recent studies about the role of the insula in the perception and representation of somatic states, since this structure has been identified as underpinning the sense of interoception. The data in the neurobiological literature about abnormalities in the insular cortex in schizophrenia has shown that insula dysfunction could constitute one of the biological substrates of disorders of body perception in schizophrenia, and could be a source of the alteration of the sense of self that is characteristic of this psychiatric pathology. Moreover, this alteration could thus be involved in the positive symptomatology of schizophrenia.
A Qualitative Study on Representations of Intellectual and Relational Capital Among a Group of Managers in an Italian Trade-Union
Authors: Ripamonti Silvio Carlo , Galuppo Laura , Petrilli Sara , Benozzo Angelo
Published: July 2021

The way in which managers perceive their organization's intellectual and social capital has an impact in shaping their choices and how they lead change. The aim of the study was to explore how the managers of a trade union framed the role of its intangible assets in a context of organizational change. A qualitative approach was used; 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the leaders of a trade union and then analyzed using the method of thematic analysis. Particular attention was paid to the metaphors the managers used to narrate change. The hypothesis underlying this approach is that metaphors are a meaningful resource in that they can convey how organization and its intangible assets are framed. In the results, three “root metaphors” are illustrated—the trade union seen either as a system of domination, an organism, or a culture—together with the consequences of each of these images for the perception and value attributed to the trade union's intangible assets. In conclusion, implications for changing management practices and for further research are discussed.
How Our Caregivers Shape Who We Are: The Seven Dimensions of Attachment at the Core of Personality
Authors: Gagliardi Marcantonio
Published: July 2021

Psychology defines personality as the stable traits of an individual, and cognitive research suggests that a set of core beliefs is at the root of these traits. From this perspective, two major questions remain unanswered: (1) What are the core beliefs that make up personality? (2) How are they acquired? An interesting answer is provided by attachment theory, according to which attachment is at the basis of personality. The current theoretical formulation, however, does not sufficiently clarify the relationship between the two. Adopting a cognitive-clinical approach, we put forward a novel version of attachment theory, arguing that it can better account for the relationship between attachment and personality, thereby providing more convincing answers to questions (1) and (2). In particular, we propose that: (A) attachment information is acquired over seven dimensions; (B) the acquisition of each dimension is induced by a specific caregiving feature and (C) realized through a specific acquisition mechanism – imprinting. In a nutshell, we propose an Attachment-Personality Model (APM) according to which seven attachment dimensions constitute the knowledge core of personality. We finally discuss the significant implications of the model, especially its clinical application in terms of conception, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders. The model can be empirically tested, and we suggest three ways to do that.
The Prenatal Hormone Milieu in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Worsham Whitney , Dalton Susan , Bilder Deborah A.
Published: July 2021

Though the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unknown, recent findings suggest that hormone dysregulation within the prenatal environment, in conjunction with genetic factors, may alter fetal neurodevelopment. Early emphasis has been placed on the potential role of in utero exposure to androgens, particularly testosterone, to theorize ASD as the manifestation of an “extreme male brain.” The relationship between autism risk and obstetric conditions associated with inflammation and steroid dysregulation merits a much broader understanding of the in utero steroid environment and its potential influence on fetal neuroendocrine development. The exploration of hormone dysregulation in the prenatal environment and ASD development builds upon prior research publishing associations with obstetric conditions and ASD risk. The insight gained may be applied to the development of chronic adult metabolic diseases that share prenatal risk factors with ASD. Future research directions will also be discussed.
Structural and Functional Brain Abnormalities in Internet Gaming Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Comparative Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Zhang Mengzhe , Yang Zhengui , Wen Mengmeng , Huang Huiyu , Zheng Ruiping , Wang Weijian , Wei Yarui , Cheng Jingliang , Han Shaoqiang , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2021

Background: Patients with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have high comorbidity but it is still unknown whether these disorders have shared and distinctive neuroimage alterations.

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify shared and disorder-specific structural, functional, and multimodal abnormalities between IGD and ADHD.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies comparing people with IGD or ADHD with healthy controls. Regional gray matter volume (GMV) and fMRI differences were compared over the patient groups and then a quantitative comparison was performed to find abnormalities (relative to controls) between IGD and ADHD using seed-based d mapping meta-analytic methods.

Result: The meta-analysis contained 14 IGD VBM studies (contrasts covering 333 IGDs and 335 HCs), 26 ADHD VBM studies (1,051 patients with ADHD and 887 controls), 30 IGD fMRI studies (603 patients with IGD and 564 controls), and 29 ADHD fMRI studies (878 patients with ADHD and 803 controls). Structurally, VBM analysis showed disorder-specific GMV abnormality in the putamen among IGD subjects and orbitofrontal cortex in ADHD and shared GMV in the prefrontal cortex. Functionally, fMRI analysis discovered that IGD-differentiating increased activation in the precuneus and shared abnormal activation in anterior cingulate cortex, insular, and striatum.

Conclusion: IGD and ADHD have shared and special structural and functional alterations. IGD has disorder-differentiating structural alterations in the putamen and ADHD has alterations in the orbitofrontal cortex. Disorder-differentiating fMRI activations were predominantly observed in the precuneus among IGD subjects and shared impairing function connection was in the rewards circuit (including ACC, OFC, and striatum).
Nueva visita a Mordor: 40 años de polémicas en psicoterapia
Authors: Martorell José Luis
Published: July 2021

El artículo revisa las polémicas que se han dado en el campo de la psicoterapia. Se enmarcan estas polémicas tanto en los puntos de vista científicos como en la perspectiva de los intereses materiales que afectan a la práctica de la psicoterapia. Se revisan los temas de las eficacia absoluta y diferencial, los hallazgos y los sesgos en la investigación, los factores comunes, la situación de la enseñanza de la psicoterapia y se concluye con algunas recomendaciones para la práctica de la psicoterapia basadas en la investigación.
Dos generaciones en busca de psicoterapia
Authors: Gimeno-Bayón Ana , Rosal Ramón , Pasquín Patricia , Moreno Aleix
Published: July 2021

Los profesionales que llevan muchos años ejerciendo la psicoterapia, han podido ir comprobando cómo se iban produciendo cambios globales en el conjunto de las personas que solicitan iniciar una psicoterapia. Tales cambios afectan a la demanda terapéutica y a las características de las personas que a ella acuden. En el artículo se aborda la comparación entre dos generaciones, y de los solicitantes anteriores y posteriores al confinamiento pandémico, con la finalidad de comprender esos cambios y suscitar reflexiones para adaptar el propio modelo y estilo de trabajo a ellos. El trabajo se ha realizado a través de la comparación de las respuestas al cuestionario que rellena la persona que solicita terapia en un centro sanitario privado (en concreto el Instituto Erich Fromm de Psicoterapia Integradora Humanista de Barcelona). Para dicha comparación, se han tomado respuestas de 70 personas solicitantes de terapia en el último año y las de otras 70 personas que lo solicitaron 29 años antes, e igualmente de 35 personas que la solicitaron inmediatamente después de acabar el confinamiento.
Digital Histology by Phase Imaging Specific Biomarkers for Human Tumoral Tissues Discrimination
Authors: Ganoza-Quintana José Luis , Fanjul-Vélez Félix , Arce-Diego José Luis
Published: July 2021

Histology is the diagnosis gold standard. Conventional biopsy presents artifacts, delays, or human bias. Digital histology includes automation and improved diagnosis. It digitalizes microscopic images of histological samples and analyzes similar parameters. The present approach proposes the novel use of phase contrast in clinical digital histology to improve diagnosis. The use of label-free fresh tissue slices prevents processing artifacts and reduces processing time. Phase contrast parameters are implemented and calculated: the external scale, the fractal dimension, the anisotropy factor, the scattering coefficient, and the refractive index variance. Images of healthy and tumoral samples of liver, colon, and kidney are employed. A total of 252 images with 10×, 20×, and 40× magnifications are measured. Discrimination significance between healthy and tumoral tissues is assessed statistically with ANOVA (p-value < 0.005). The analysis is made for each tissue type and for different magnifications. It shows a dependence on tissue type and image magnification. The p-value of the most significant parameters is below 10−5. Liver and colon tissues present a great overlap in significant phase contrast parameters. The 10× fractal dimension is significant for all tissue types under analysis. These results are promising for the use of phase contrast in digital histology clinical praxis.
Development of a Deep-Learning Pipeline to Recognize and Characterize Macrophages in Colo-Rectal Liver Metastasis
Authors: Cancian Pierandrea , Cortese Nina , Donadon Matteo , Di Maio Marco , Soldani Cristiana , Marchesi Federica , Savevski Victor , Santambrogio Marco Domenico , Cerina Luca , Laino Maria Elena , Torzilli Guido , Mantovani Alberto , Terracciano Luigi , Roncalli Massimo , Di Tommaso Luca
Published: July 2021

Quantitative analysis of Tumor Microenvironment (TME) provides prognostic and predictive information in several human cancers but, with few exceptions, it is not performed in daily clinical practice since it is extremely time-consuming. We recently showed that the morphology of Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) correlates with outcome in patients with Colo-Rectal Liver Metastases (CLM). However, as for other TME components, recognizing and characterizing hundreds of TAMs in a single histopathological slide is unfeasible. To fasten this process, we explored a deep-learning based solution. We tested three Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), namely UNet, SegNet and DeepLab-v3, with three different segmentation strategies, semantic segmentation, pixel penalties and instance segmentation. The different experiments are compared according to the Intersection over Union (IoU), a metric describing the similarity between what CNN predicts as TAM and the ground truth, and the Symmetric Best Dice (SBD), which indicates the ability of CNN to separate different TAMs. UNet and SegNet showed intrinsic limitations in discriminating single TAMs (highest SBD 61.34±2.21), whereas DeepLab-v3 accurately recognized TAMs from the background (IoU 89.13±3.85) and separated different TAMs (SBD 79.00±3.72). This deep-learning pipeline to recognize TAMs in digital slides will allow the characterization of TAM-related metrics in the daily clinical practice, allowing the implementation of prognostic tools.
Finding Approaches to Exploring the Environmental Factors That Influence Copepod-Induced Trophic Cascades in the East China Sea
Authors: Chen Tz-Chian , Ho Pei-Chi , Gong Gwo-Ching , Tsai An-Yi , Hsieh Chih-hao
Published: July 2021

Copepods have been known to be able to cause an increase in phytoplankton through trophic cascades, as copepods consume heterotrophic protists that feed on phytoplankton. However, how the intensity of copepod-induced trophic cascades varies with environmental conditions remains elusive. We hypothesized that a higher proportion of large phytoplankton in the phytoplankton size distribution, a higher stoichiometric quality of phytoplankton, and a higher temperature could mitigate the intensity of a trophic cascade through increasing direct grazing on phytoplankton by copepods. To explore this issue, we quantified the intensity of a trophic cascade as the difference in phytoplankton concentration reduction by grazing using in situ incubations with and without copepods in the East China Sea. We then investigated the relationship between the intensity of trophic cascades versus the slope of the normalized biomass size spectrum (NBSS) of the phytoplankton community, the C:N ratio of particulate organic matter (POM), and temperature. We found that the intensity of trophic cascades weakly decreased with the NBSS slope and increased with temperature; however, both relationships were not statistically significant. We did not find a clear relationship between the strength of the trophic cascades and the C:N ratio of POM. Our results do not support the hypothesis that the proportion of large phytoplankton, the stoichiometric quality of phytoplankton, and the temperature affect trophic cascades. Instead, we suggest that other critical factors, such as protist abundance, play a role in affecting trophic cascades in the plankton food web in the East China Sea. We further propose some issues which should be addressed when conducting in situ shipboard incubation.
Leveraging Vector Space Similarity for Learning Cross-Lingual Word Embeddings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bhowmik Kowshik , Ralescu Anca
Published: July 2021

This article presents a systematic literature review on quantifying the proximity between independently trained monolingual word embedding spaces. A search was carried out in the broader context of inducing bilingual lexicons from cross-lingual word embeddings, especially for low-resource languages. The returned articles were then classified. Cross-lingual word embeddings have drawn the attention of researchers in the field of natural language processing (NLP). Although existing methods have yielded satisfactory results for resource-rich languages and languages related to them, some researchers have pointed out that the same is not true for low-resource and distant languages. In this paper, we report the research on methods proposed to provide better representation for low-resource and distant languages in the cross-lingual word embedding space.
How Dead Wood in the Forest Decreases Relaxation? The Effects of Viewing of Dead Wood in the Forest Environment on Psychological Responses of Young Adults
Authors: Janeczko Emilia , Bielinis Ernest , Tiarasari Ulfah , Woźnicka Małgorzata , Kędziora Wojciech , Przygodzki Sławomir , Janeczko Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

The intensity of the neutral environment impact on humans may be determined by specific features of space, including dead wood occurrence. Dead wood is claimed to be disliked by the public because it reduces the scenic beauty and recreational values of the forest. The attractiveness of a forest with dead wood may be determined by its variants. Much is known about the preference for landscape with dead wood, but there is little information available about how such a landscape affects a person’s mental relaxation, improves mood, increases positive feelings, levels of vitality, etc. Hence, the aim of our research was to investigate the psycho-logical relaxing effects of short 15-min exposures to natural and managed forests with dead wood. In the study, three areas within the Białowieża Primeval Forest were used to measure the impact of different types of forest with dead wood (A: forest reserve with dead wood subject to natural decomposition processes; B: managed forest with visible cut wood and stumps; C: man-aged forest with dead trees from bark beetle outbreak standing) on human psychological relaxation in a randomized experiment. The participants of the experiment were forty-one young adults aged 19–20. Each respondent experienced each type of forest at intervals visiting it. Four psychological questionnaires were used in the project (Profile of Mood States (POMS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), and Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS)) before and after the short exposure to the forest were evaluated. The results show that a forest landscape with dead wood affects the human psyche, and the relaxing properties of such a landscape are better in a protected forest with natural, slow processes of tree dieback than those obtained in managed forests
Complexities of Displaced Indigenous Identities: A Fifty Year Journey Home, to Two Homes
Authors: Netana-Glover Lou
Published: July 2021

In colonised territories all over the world, place-based identity has been interrupted by invading displacement cultures. Indigenous identities have become more complex in response to and because of racist and genocidal government policies that have displaced Indigenous peoples. This paper is a personal account of the identity journey of the author, that demonstrates how macrocosmic colonial themes of racism, protectionism, truth suppression, settler control of Indigenous relationships, and Indigenous resistance and survivance responses can play out through an individual’s journey. The brown skinned author started life being told that she was (a white) Australian; she was told of her father’s Aboriginality in her 20s, only to learn at age 50 of her mother’s affair and that her biological father is Māori. The author’s journey demonstrates the way in which Indigenous identities in the colonial era are context driven, and subject to affect by infinite relational variables such as who has the power to control narrative, and other colonial interventions that occur when a displacement culture invades place-based cultures.
Critical Analysis of Nonlinear Base-Isolated Building Considering Soil–Structure Interaction under Impulsive and Long-Duration Ground Motions
Authors: Akehashi Hiroki , Takewaki Izuru
Published: July 2021

Critical responses are investigated for nonlinear base-isolated buildings considering soil–structure interaction under near-fault ground motions and long-duration ground motions. A double impulse and a multi impulse are employed to simulate the nonlinear critical responses of the models under such ground motions. The base-isolation story is assumed to consist of lead rubber bearings and to have a bilinear force–deformation relation. Two types of critical timings for a MDOF building model supported by a swaying-rocking spring-dashpot system are derived: (1) the timing that maximizes the total input energy to the whole system and (2) the timing that maximizes the instantaneous input energy to the base-isolated building excluding the swaying-rocking system. These two types of critical timings are compared through numerical examples. Finally, time-history response analyses were conducted under the critical double impulse, the corresponding one-cycle sine wave, and the critical multi impulse. The effect of the soil–structure interaction on the maximum responses of the nonlinear base-isolated building is clarified.
Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Healthcare Workers of a German COVID-19 Treatment Center
Authors: Larribère Lionel , Gordejeva Jelizaveta , Kuhnhenn Lisa , Kurscheidt Maximilian , Pobiruchin Monika , Vladimirova Dilyana , Martin Maria , Roser Markus , Schramm Wendelin , Martens Uwe M. , Eigenbrod Tatjana
Published: July 2021

To date, more than 160 million people have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection among 3067 healthcare workers (HCW) in a German COVID-19 treatment center during the early phase of the pandemic (July 2020) based on the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and self-reported previous PCR results. The results demonstrate a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 107 [3.5%]) with no increased risk for employees with a high level of patient exposure in general or working in COVID-19-confined areas in particular. This suggests that the local hygiene standards implemented in our hospital during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic were effective in preventing patient-to-HCW transmission. No evidence for highly mobile staff serving as a vector for SARS-CoV-2 transmission could be found. In addition, impairment of smell and/or taste was strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 history.
COVID-19 and the Impact on the Cranio-Oro-Facial Trauma Care in Italy: An Epidemiological Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Famà Fausto , Lo Giudice Roberto , Di Vita Gaetano , Tribst João Paulo Mendes , Lo Giudice Giorgio , Sindoni Alessandro
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has deeply modified the organization of hospitals, health care centers, and the patient’s behavior. The aim of this epidemiological retrospective cohort study is to evaluate if and how the COVID-19 pandemic has determined a modification in cranio-oro-facial traumatology service. Methods: The dataset included hospital emergency room access of a six-month pre-pandemic period and six months into pandemic outbreak. The variables collected were: patient age, gender, type of emergency access with relative color code, Glasgow Coma Scale Score, type of discharge. Results: 537 vs. 237 (pre-pandemic vs. pandemic) patients accessed the hospital emergency room and the mean age decreased from 60.79 ± 25.34 to 56.75 ± 24.50 year. Yellow and green code access went from 28.9% and 66.1% to 37.5% and 57.7% (pre-pandemic vs. pandemic). Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) shows an increase of 16.6% vs. 27.8% of 15 grade score, a 28.7% vs. 28.5% of the 14 grade score and reduction of 13 and 12 grade 40.2% and 14.5% vs. 37.1 and 9.7% (pre-pandemic vs. pandemic). Conclusions: Since the COVID-19 outbreak continues, epidemiological data are still necessary to perform public health intervention strategies and to appropriately predict the population needs, in order to properly manage the COVID-19 related to oral pathologies as well as the most common health problems.
Molecular Mechanisms of Palmitic Acid Augmentation in COVID-19 Pathologies
Authors: Joshi Christie , Jadeja Viren , Zhou Heping
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed over 2.7 million lives globally. Obesity has been associated with increased severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, the molecular mechanisms by which obesity exacerbates COVID-19 pathologies are not well-defined. The levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) are elevated in obese subjects. This study was therefore designed to examine how excess levels of different FFAs may affect the progression of COVID-19. Biological molecules associated with palmitic acid (PA) and COVID-19 were retrieved from QIAGEN Knowledge Base, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tools were used to analyze these datasets and explore the potential pathways affected by different FFAs. Our study found that one of the top 10 canonical pathways affected by PA was the coronavirus pathogenesis pathway, mediated by key inflammatory mediators, including PTGS2; cytokines, including IL1β and IL6; chemokines, including CCL2 and CCL5; transcription factors, including NFκB; translation regulators, including EEF1A1; and apoptotic mediators, including BAX. In contrast, n-3 fatty acids may attenuate PA’s activation of the coronavirus pathogenesis pathway by inhibiting the activity of such mediators as IL1β, CCL2, PTGS2, and BAX. Furthermore, PA may modulate the expression of ACE2, the main cell surface receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Epileptic Mechanisms Shared by Alzheimer’s Disease: Viewed via the Unique Lens of Genetic Epilepsy
Authors: Kang Jing-Qiong
Published: July 2021

Our recent work on genetic epilepsy (GE) has identified common mechanisms between GE and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although both disorders are seemingly unrelated and occur at opposite ends of the age spectrum, it is likely there are shared mechanisms and studies on GE could provide unique insights into AD pathogenesis. Neurodegenerative diseases are typically late-onset disorders, but the underlying pathology may have already occurred long before the clinical symptoms emerge. Pathophysiology in the early phase of these diseases is understudied but critical for developing mechanism-based treatment. In AD, increased seizure susceptibility and silent epileptiform activity due to disrupted excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance has been identified much earlier than cognition deficit. Increased epileptiform activity is likely a main pathology in the early phase that directly contributes to impaired cognition. It is an enormous challenge to model the early phase of pathology with conventional AD mouse models due to the chronic disease course, let alone the complex interplay between subclinical nonconvulsive epileptiform activity, AD pathology, and cognition deficit. We have extensively studied GE, especially with gene mutations that affect the GABA pathway such as mutations in GABAA receptors and GABA transporter 1. We believe that some mouse models developed for studying GE and insights gained from GE could provide unique opportunity to understand AD. These include the pathology in early phase of AD, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and E/I imbalance as well as the contribution to cognitive deficit. In this review, we will focus on the overlapping mechanisms between GE and AD, the insights from mutations affecting GABAA receptors, and GABA transporter 1. We will detail mechanisms of E/I imbalance and the toxic epileptiform generation in AD, and the complex interplay between ER stress, impaired membrane protein trafficking, and synaptic physiology in both GE and AD.
(R,S)-2-{[4-(4-Methylphenyl)-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]thio}-1-phenyl-1-ethanol
Authors: Valicsek Vladislav-Silvestru , Badea Valentin
Published: July 2021

4-(4-Methylphenyl)-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiol (4) was alkylated to 2-{[4-(4-methylphenyl)-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]thio}-1-phenylethan-1-one (5) in alkaline conditions using 2-bromo-1-phenylethanone. The alkylated compound (5) was reduced at the carbonyl group to the corresponding racemic secondary alcohol with an asymmetric carbon, (R,S)-2-{[4-(4-methylphenyl)-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]thio}-1-phenyl-1-ethanol (6). Both synthesized compounds, ketone (5) and secondary alcohol (6), are new and have not yet been reported in the literature. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1D and 2D 1H-1H, 1H-13C and 1H-15N NMR spectroscopy and by elemental analysis.
Nitrate-Alkaline Pulp from Non-Wood Plants
Authors: Hájková Kateřina , Bouček Jiří , Procházka Petr , Kalous Petr , Budský Dominik
Published: July 2021

Because there is a lack of wood resources in many countries, this work focused on pulp and paper production from the waste and agricultural residues of non-wood plants. The work aimed to pulp the nitrate-alkaline of black mustard (Brassica Nigra L.) and camelina (Camelina Sativa L.). The black mustard and the camelina were selected due to the expanding planted areas of these crops in the Czech Republic. To characterize the chemical composition of black mustard and camelina, cellulose, lignin, ash, and extractives were determined. Raw alpha-cellulose, beta-cellulose, and gamma-cellulose were also measured. The results showed that the content of lignin in non-wood plants is lower than that in softwoods. The cooked pulp was characterized by the delignification degree–Kappa number. Additionally, handsheet papers were made for selected samples of pulp. The handsheet papers were characterized by tensile index, breaking length, and smoothness and compared with commonly available papers.
Influence of M-EMS on Fluid Flow and Initial Solidification in Slab Continuous Casting
Authors: Liu Guoliang , Lu Haibiao , Li Bin , Ji Chenxi , Zhang Jiangshan , Liu Qing , Lei Zuosheng
Published: July 2021

A mathematical model coupled with electromagnetic field has been developed to simulate the transient turbulence flow and initial solidification in a slab continuous casting mold under different electromagnetic stirring (EMS) currents and casting speeds. Through comparing the magnetic flux density, flow field with measured results, the reliability of the mathematical model is proved. The uniform index of solidified shell thickness has been introduced to judge the uniformity of the solidified shell. The results show that a horizonal recirculation flow has been generated when EMS is applied, and either accelerated or decelerated regions of flow field are formed in the liquid pool. Large EMS current and low casting speed may cause the plug flow near the mold narrow face and a suitable EMS current can benefit to the uniform growth of solidified shell. Meanwhile, an industrial test exhibits that EMS can weaken the level fluctuation and number density of inclusion. Overall, a rational EMS current range is gained, when the casting speed is 1.2 m/min, the rational EMS current is 500–600 A.
Ethoxylated Butoxyethanol-BADGE Adducts—New Potential Migrants from Epoxy Resin Can Coating Material
Authors: Beszterda Monika , Kasperkowiak Małgorzata , Frańska Magdalena , Jęziołowska Sandra , Frański Rafał
Published: July 2021

The acetonitrile extracts of can-coating materials have been analyzed by using high-pressure liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS). On the basis of detected ions [M + H]+, [M + NH4]+, [M + Na]+ and product ions, the ethoxylated butoxyethanol-bisphenol A diglycidyl ether adducts were identified in two of the analyzed extracts. Although the oxyethylene unit-containing compounds are widely used for the production of different kinds of materials, the ethoxylated species have not been earlier detected in epoxy resin can-coatings.
Sequential Processing of Cold Gas Sprayed Alloys by Milling and Deep Rolling
Authors: Meyer Daniel , Schönemann Lars , Mensching Nicole , Uhlenwinkel Volker , Karpuschewski Bernhard
Published: July 2021

Cold gas spraying (CS) is a solid-state material deposition process which, in addition to the flexible repair of individual component areas, also enables the build-up of larger samples. The layers are created on a substrate by the impact-induced bonding of highly accelerated micrometer particles. Since melting does not occur, the material composition can be varied flexibly and independently of material-specific melting points. In this work, the influence of the described forming process on subsequent machining by milling and deep rolling is investigated. The process forces measured during milling and the surface topography after milling and deep rolling were influenced by the material composition and the CS-related properties, e.g., high material hardness or particle bonding. In contrast to prior assumptions, deep rolling was shown to have no influence on the determined hardness depth profile for the investigated materials. Future work will focus on additional analyses, such as the determination of half-widths, to obtain further insight on the material behavior.
Selective Membrane Sensor for Aluminum Determination in Food Products, Real Samples and Standard Alloys
Authors: Khalil Sabry , Elnaggar Ashraf Y.
Published: July 2021

The study involves the fabrication of an aluminum liquid membrane sensor based on the association of aluminum ions with the cited reagent 2,9-dimethyl-4,11-diphenyl -1,5,8,12-tetraaza cyclote tradeca-1,4,8,11-tetraene [DDTCT]. The characteristics slope (58 mV), rapid and linear response for aluminum ion was displayed by the proposed sensor within the concentration range 2.5 × 10−7–1.5 × 10−1 M, the detection limit (1.6 × 10−7) M, the selectivity behavior toward some metal cations, the response time 10 s), lifetime (150 days), the effect of pH on the suggested electrode potential and the requisite analytical validations were examined. The suitable pH range was (5.0–8.0), in this range the proposed electrode response is independent of pH. The suggested electrode was applied to detect the aluminum ions concentration in food products, real samples and standard alloys. The resulting data by the suggested electrode were statistically analyzed, and compared with the previously reported aluminum ion-selective electrodes in the literature.
Spatial Structure-Related Sensory Landmarks Recognition Based on Long Short-Term Memory Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yikang , Zhang Jiangnan , Zhao Hairui , Liu Mengjie , Chen Shiyi , Kuang Jian , Niu Xiaoji
Published: July 2021

Indoor localization is the basis for most Location-Based Services (LBS), including consumptions, health care, public security, and augmented reality. Sensory landmarks related to the indoor spatial structures (such as escalators, stairs, and corners) do not rely on active signal transmitting devices and have fixed positions, which can be used as the absolute positioning information to improve the performance of indoor localization effectively without extra cost. Specific motion patterns are presented when users pass these architectural structures, which can be captured by mobile built-in sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to achieve the recognition of structure-related sensory landmarks. Therefore, the recognition of these landmarks can draw on the mature methods of Human Activity Recognition (HAR) with improvements. To this end, we improved a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network to recognize different kinds of spatial structure-related sensory landmarks. Labels of structural sensory landmarks were proposed, and data processing methods (including interpolation, filter, and window length) were used and compared to achieve the highest recognition accuracy of 99.6%.
A New Predictive Technology for Perinatal Stem Cell Isolation Suited for Cell Therapy Approaches
Authors: Zia Silvia , Martini Giulia , Pizzuti Valeria , Maggio Alessia , Simonazzi Giuliana , Reschiglian Pierluigi , Bonsi Laura , Alviano Francesco , Roda Barbara , Zattoni Andrea
Published: July 2021

The use of stem cells for regenerative applications and immunomodulatory effect is increasing. Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) possess embryonic-like proliferation ability and multipotent differentiation potential. Despite the simple isolation procedure, inter-individual variability and different isolation steps can cause differences in isolation yield and cell proliferation ability, compromising reproducibility observations among centers and further applications. We investigated the use of a new technology as a diagnostic tool for quality control on stem cell isolation. The instrument label-free separates cells based on their physical characteristics and, thanks to a micro-camera, generates a live fractogram, the fingerprint of the sample. Eight amniotic membranes were processed by trypsin enzymatic treatment and immediately analysed. Two types of profile were generated: a monomodal and a bimodal curve. The first one represented the unsuccessful isolation with all recovered cell not attaching to the plate; while for the second type, the isolation process was successful, but we discovered that only cells in the second peak were alive and resulted adherent. We optimized a Quality Control (QC) method to define the success of AEC isolation using the fractogram generated. This predictive outcome is an interesting tool for laboratories and cell banks that isolate and cryopreserve fetal annex stem cells for research and future clinical applications.