bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yeast Metabolism and Its Exploitation in Emerging Winemaking Trends: From Sulfite Tolerance to Sulfite Reduction
Authors: Zara Giacomo , Nardi Tiziana
Published: April 2021

Sulfite is widely used as a preservative in foods and beverages for its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, particularly in winemaking where SO2 is frequently added. Thus, sulfite resistance mechanisms have been extensively studied in the fermenting yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nevertheless, in recent years, a negative perception has developed towards sulfites in wine, because of human health and environmental concerns. Increasing consumer demand for wines with low SO2 content is pushing the winemaking sector to develop new practices in order to reduce sulfite content in wine, including the use of physical and chemical alternatives to SO2, and the exploitation of microbial resources to the same purpose. For this reason, the formation of sulfur-containing compounds by wine yeast has become a crucial point of research during the last decades. In this context, the aim of this review is to examine the main mechanisms weaponized by Saccharomyces cerevisiae for coping with sulfite, with a particular emphasis on the production of sulfite and glutathione, sulfite detoxification through membrane efflux (together with the genetic determinants thereof), and production of SO2-binding compounds.
Next-Generation Digital Histopathology of the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Mungenast Felicitas , Fernando Achala , Nica Robert , Boghiu Bogdan , Lungu Bianca , Batra Jyotsna , Ecker Rupert C.
Published: April 2021

Progress in cancer research is substantially dependent on innovative technologies that permit a concerted analysis of the tumor microenvironment and the cellular phenotypes resulting from somatic mutations and post-translational modifications. In view of a large number of genes, multiplied by differential splicing as well as post-translational protein modifications, the ability to identify and quantify the actual phenotypes of individual cell populations in situ, i.e., in their tissue environment, has become a prerequisite for understanding tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The need for quantitative analyses has led to a renaissance of optical instruments and imaging techniques. With the emergence of precision medicine, automated analysis of a constantly increasing number of cellular markers and their measurement in spatial context have become increasingly necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms that lead to different pathways of disease progression in individual patients. In this review, we summarize the joint effort that academia and industry have undertaken to establish methods and protocols for molecular profiling and immunophenotyping of cancer tissues for next-generation digital histopathology—which is characterized by the use of whole-slide imaging (brightfield, widefield fluorescence, confocal, multispectral, and/or multiplexing technologies) combined with state-of-the-art image cytometry and advanced methods for machine and deep learning.
Krüppel-Like Factor 4 and Its Activator APTO-253 Induce NOXA-Mediated, p53-Independent Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nakajima Wataru , Miyazaki Kai , Asano Yumi , Kubota Satoshi , Tanaka Nobuyuki
Published: April 2021

Inducing apoptosis is an effective treatment for cancer. Conventional cytotoxic anticancer agents induce apoptosis primarily through activation of tumor suppressor p53 by causing DNA damage and the resulting regulation of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins. Therefore, the effects of these agents are limited in cancers where p53 loss-of-function mutations are common, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, we demonstrate that ultraviolet (UV) light-induced p53-independent transcriptional activation of NOXA, a proapoptotic factor in the BCL-2 family, results in apoptosis induction. This UV light-induced NOXA expression was triggered by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Moreover, we identified the specific UV light-inducible DNA element of the NOXA promoter and found that this sequence is responsible for transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)-mediated induction. In p53-mutated TNBC cells, inhibition of KLF4 by RNA interference reduced NOXA expression. Furthermore, treatment of TNBC cells with a KLF4-inducing small compound, APTO-253, resulted in the induction of NOXA expression and NOXA-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, our results help to clarify the molecular mechanism of DNA damage-induced apoptosis and provide support for a possible treatment method for p53-mutated cancers.
Effects of a Massage Protocol in Tensiomyographic and Myotonometric Proprieties
Authors: Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Labata-Lezaun Noé , Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , González-Rueda Vanessa , Bueno-Gracia Elena , Celik Derya , López-de-Celis Carlos
Published: April 2021

Background: Pre-competition massage is usually used to improve athletic performance and reduce risk of injury. Despite its usual use, the effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function have barely been studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the pre-competition massage over the gastrocnemius neuromuscular function. Method: The study is a quasi-experimental clinical trial thirty healthy athletes were enrolled in the study. Subjects received an intervention in one leg (experimental), consisting of a massage, and no intervention in the opposite leg (control). From all values of neuromuscular function, the following were analyzed: contraction time (Tc) and maximal displacement (Dm) by tensiomyography, and stiffness and tone by myotonometry. Results: Main effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function include a significant (p < 0.05) increase in Tc and Dm variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. Conclusion: Data shows an increase in Tc and maximal radial displacement (Dm) variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. More quality studies are needed to draw clear conclusions about the effects of pre-competition massage.
Hemodynamic Response to High- and Low-Load Resistance Exercise in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Kambic Tim , Hadžić Vedran , Lainscak Mitja
Published: April 2021

Low-load resistance exercise (LL-RE) is recommended as an adjunct therapy to aerobic exercise during cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease. The safety and hemodynamic response to high-load (HL) RE remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic response during both HL-RE and LL-RE prior to cardiac rehabilitation. Forty-three patients with coronary artery disease and/or percutaneous coronary intervention performed three sets of leg-press exercise using HL-RE (eight repetitions at the intensity of 80% of one repetition maximum (1-RM)) and LL-RE (16 repetitions at the intensity of 40% 1-RM) in a randomized crossover sequence. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and rating of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, after each set of RE and post-exercise. No clinically relevant changes in HR and BP or in patient-reported symptoms were recorded during HL-RE or LL-RE. Compared with baseline, HR and SBP increased during LL-RE (from 66 bpm to 86 bpm, time effect: p < 0.001; from 129 mmHg to 146 mmHg, time effect: p < 0.001) and HL-RE (from 68 bpm to 86 bpm, time effect: p < 0.001; from 130 mmHg to 146 mmHg, time effect: p < 0.001). Compared with HL-RE, the increase in HR was greater after the final set of LL-RE (32% vs. 28%, p = 0.015), without significant differences in SBP and DBP between LL-RE and HL-RE. Rating of perceived exertion was higher after the 1st set of HL-RE compared with LL-RE (median (interquartile range): 6 (5–7) vs. 6 (5–6), p = 0.010). In patients with coronary artery disease, both HL-RE and LL-RE were safe and well-tolerated. Hemodynamic changes were similar and within the physiological response to RE.
Monitoring Accumulated Training and Match Load in Football: A Systematic Review
Authors: Teixeira José E. , Forte Pedro , Ferraz Ricardo , Leal Miguel , Ribeiro Joana , Silva António J. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Monteiro António M.
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: Training load monitoring has become a relevant research-practice gap to control training and match demands in team sports. However, there are no systematic reviews about accumulated training and match load in football. (2) Methods: Following the preferred reporting item for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), a systematic search of relevant English-language articles was performed from earliest record to March 2020. The search included descriptors relevant to football, training load, and periodization. (3) Results: The literature search returned 7972 articles (WoS = 1204; Pub-Med = 869, SCOPUS = 5083, and SportDiscus = 816). After screening, 36 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Eleven of the included articles analyzed weekly training load distribution; fourteen, the weekly training load and match load distribution; and eleven were about internal and external load relationships during training. The reviewed articles were based on short-telemetry systems (n = 12), global positioning tracking systems (n = 25), local position measurement systems (n = 3), and multiple-camera systems (n = 3). External load measures were quantified with distance and covered distance in different speed zones (n = 27), acceleration and deceleration (n = 13) thresholds, accelerometer metrics (n = 11), metabolic power output (n = 4), and ratios/scores (n = 6). Additionally, the internal load measures were reported with perceived exertion (n = 16); heart-rate-based measures were reported in twelve studies (n = 12). (4) Conclusions: The weekly microcycle presented a high loading variation and a limited variation across a competitive season. The magnitude of loading variation seems to be influenced by the type of week, player’s starting status, playing positions, age group, training mode and contextual variables. The literature has focused mainly on professional men; future research should be on the youth and female accumulated training/match load monitoring.
A Comparison of Sedentary Behavior as Measured by the Fitbit and ActivPAL in College Students
Authors: Carpenter Chelsea , Yang Chih-Hsiang , West Delia
Published: April 2021

Previous studies have examined the ability of the Fitbit to measure physical activity compared to research-grade accelerometers. However, few have examined whether Fitbits accurately measure sedentary behavior. This study examined whether the Fitbit Charge 3 adequately quantifies sedentary behavior compared to the gold standard in objectively measured sedentary behavior assessment, the activPAL. Eleven adults wore a Fitbit Charge 3 and activPAL device for 14 days and self-reported their sedentary behavior each week. ActivPAL epoch data were summed into minute-by-minute data and processed with two cutpoints (activPAL_Half and activPAL_Full) to compare to Fitbit data. Paired t-tests were used to examine differences between the two devices for sedentary behavior variables. Intraclass correlations were used to examine device agreement. There was no significant difference in sedentary time between activPAL_Half and Fitbit data, but activPAL_Full estimated significantly lower sedentary time than Fitbit. Intraclass correlations showed high agreement. We suggest that Fitbit could replace activPAL when measuring total sedentary time.
The Impact of Peer Educators or Community Health Workers on the Progress of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 Targets in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Kebede Hafte Kahsay , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Mwanri Lillian , Ward Paul
Published: April 2021

Background: Africa is far behind from achieving the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets. Evidence shows that the participation of HIV patients as peer educators and other community health workers is substantially improving the entire HIV care continuum and subsequently the UNAIDS targets. This review aims to provide the best available evidence on the impact of peer educators and/or community health workers for the three targets in Africa. Methods: We will include cohort and experimental studies published in English between 2003 and 2020. Studies which reported interventions for HIV diagnosis, initiation of ART, or virological suppression will be included for review. Three steps searching will be conducted: (i) initial search across Google Scholar, (ii) full search strategy across five databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science, and (iii) screening titles and abstracts. Data will be extracted using standardized instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) and analyzed through narrative synthesis, and meta-analyses and regression. Heterogeneity among quantitative studies will be assessed using Cochran Q test and Higgins I2. Ethics: A formal ethical approval will not be required as primary data will not be collected.
Identification of Important Factors Affecting Use of Digital Individualised Coaching and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in General Practice: A Qualitative Feasibility Study
Authors: Jakobsen Pernille Ravn , Christensen Jeanette Reffstrup , Nielsen Jesper Bo , Søndergaard Jens , Ejg Jarbøl Dorte , Olsen Michael Hecht , Nielsen Jens Steen , Kristensen Jette Kolding , Brandt Carl J.
Published: April 2021

Most type 2 diabetes patients are treated in general practice and there is a need of developing and implementing efficient lifestyle interventions. eHealth interventions have shown to be effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility, including the identification of factors of importance, when offering digital lifestyle coaching to type 2 diabetes patients in general practice. We conducted a qualitative feasibility study with focus group interviews in four general practices. We identified two overall themes and four subthemes: (1) the distribution of roles and lifestyle interventions in general practice (subthemes: external and internal distribution of roles) and (2) the pros and cons for digital lifestyle interventions in general practice (subthemes: access to real life data and change in daily routines). We conclude that for digital lifestyle coaching to be feasible in a general practice setting, it was of great importance that the general practitioners and practice nurses knew the role and content of the intervention. In general, there was a positive attitude in the general practice setting towards referring type 2 diabetes patients to digital lifestyle intervention if it was easy to refer the patients and if easily understandable and accessible feedback was implemented into the electronic health record. It was important that the digital lifestyle intervention was flexible and offered healthcare providers in general practice an opportunity to follow the type 2 diabetes patient closely.
Circulating Tumour Cells as Prognostic Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Veyrune Léa , Naumann David N. , Christou Niki
Published: April 2021

Despite therapeutic advances, colorectal cancer (CRC) is still one of the deadliest cancers, partly due to local recurrence and metastatic disease. Tumour cells that spread by gaining access to peripheral blood are called circulating tumour cells (CTCs). These may be present before there are any clinical signs, but can be detected within blood samples. CTCs from patients with CRC may be isolated in a laboratory for characterization and multiple analyses. In this review, we focus on the prognostic potential of CTCs detection, by evaluating the reported progress and applications of such analyses. Our search found 77 relevant studies that reported CTC detection in CRC. Both cell count and features were reported as promising prognosis biomarkers. Since CTCs are rare and can lose their differentiation, new tools are being developed to improve detection. CTCs may have potential as prognostic biomarkers for CRC in terms of survival prediction, anticipating chemotherapy resistance, and surgical planning. CTCs are not yet used in clinical practice, and further investigations are required in order to better frame their practical value.
Influence of Previous COVID-19 and Mastitis Infections on the Secretion of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in Human Milk
Authors: Demers-Mathieu Veronique , Hines Dustin J. , Hines Rochelle M. , Lavangnananda Sirima , Fels Shawn , Medo Elena
Published: April 2021

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) play a critical role in neurodevelopment, where breast milk is a significant dietary source. The impact of previous COVID-19 infection and mastitis on the concentration of BDNF and NGF in human milk was investigated. Methods: Concentrations of BDNF and NGF were measured via ELISA in human milk samples collected from 12 mothers with a confirmed COVID-19 PCR, 13 mothers with viral symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, and 22 unexposed mothers (pre-pandemic Ctl-2018). These neurotrophins were also determined in 12 mothers with previous mastitis and 18 mothers without mastitis. Results: The NGF concentration in human milk was lower in the COVID-19 PCR and viral symptoms groups than in the unexposed group, but BDNF did not differ significantly. Within the COVID-19 group, BDNF was higher in mothers who reported headaches or loss of smell/taste when compared with mothers without the respective symptom. BDNF was lower in mothers with mastitis than in mothers without mastitis. Conclusions: Previous COVID-19 and mastitis infections changed differently the secretion of NGF and BDNF in human milk. Whether the changes in NGF and BDNF levels in milk from mothers with infection influence their infant’s development remains to be investigated.
Endothelial Dysfunction, Inflammation and Coronary Artery Disease: Potential Biomarkers and Promising Therapeutical Approaches
Authors: Medina-Leyte Diana Jhoseline , Zepeda-García Oscar , Domínguez-Pérez Mayra , González-Garrido Antonia , Villarreal-Molina Teresa , Jacobo-Albavera Leonor
Published: April 2021

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications are the leading cause of death worldwide. Inflammatory activation and dysfunction of the endothelium are key events in the development and pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and are associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. There is great interest to further understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis progression, and to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to prevent endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and to reduce the risk of developing CAD and its complications. The use of liquid biopsies and new molecular biology techniques have allowed the identification of a growing list of molecular and cellular markers of endothelial dysfunction, which have provided insight on the molecular basis of atherosclerosis and are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the prevention and or treatment of atherosclerosis and CAD. This review describes recent information on normal vascular endothelium function, as well as traditional and novel potential biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies aimed to protect the endothelium or reverse endothelial damage, as a preventive treatment for CAD and related complications.
Multiple Facets of Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Brill Alexander
Published: April 2021

Venous thromboembolism, a complex disease combining deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its most dangerous complication, pulmonary embolism (PE), strikes millions of people worldwide [...]
Acceptive Immunity: The Role of Fucosylated Glycans in Human Host–Microbiome Interactions
Authors: Kononova Svetlana , Litvinova Ekaterina , Vakhitov Timur , Skalinskaya Maria , Sitkin Stanislav
Published: April 2021

The growth in the number of chronic non-communicable diseases in the second half of the past century and in the first two decades of the new century is largely due to the disruption of the relationship between the human body and its symbiotic microbiota, and not pathogens. The interaction of the human immune system with symbionts is not accompanied by inflammation, but is a physiological norm. This is achieved via microbiota control by the immune system through a complex balance of pro-inflammatory and suppressive responses, and only a disturbance of this balance can trigger pathophysiological mechanisms. This review discusses the establishment of homeostatic relationships during immune system development and intestinal bacterial colonization through the interaction of milk glycans, mucins, and secretory immunoglobulins. In particular, the role of fucose and fucosylated glycans in the mechanism of interactions between host epithelial and immune cells is discussed.
Protocatechuic Aldehyde Inhibits α-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells via PKA/CREB-Associated MITF Downregulation
Authors: Ko Seok-Chun , Lee Seung-Hong
Published: April 2021

Protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound that is a potent inhibitor of mushroom tyrosinase. However, the molecular mechanisms of the anti-melanogenesis activity of PA have not yet been reported. The aim of the current study was to clarify the melanogenesis inhibitory effects of PA and its molecular mechanisms in murine melanoma cells (B16F10). We first predicted the 3D structure of tyrosinase and used a molecular docking algorithm to simulate binding between tyrosinase and PA. These molecular modeling studies calculated a binding energy of −527.42 kcal/mol and indicated that PA interacts with Cu400 and 401, Val283, and His263. Furthermore, PA significantly decreased α-MSH-induced intracellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content in a dose-dependent manner. PA also inhibited key melanogenic proteins such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), and TRP-2 in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. In addition, PA decreased MITF expression levels by inhibiting phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). These results demonstrate that PA can effectively suppress melanin synthesis in melanoma cells. Taken together, our results show that PA could serve as a potential inhibitor of melanogenesis, and hence could be explored as a possible skin-lightening agent.
Pickle Recruits Retinoblastoma Related 1 to Control Lateral Root Formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ötvös Krisztina , Miskolczi Pál , Marhavý Peter , Cruz-Ramírez Alfredo , Benková Eva , Robert Stéphanie , Bakó László
Published: April 2021

Lateral root (LR) formation is an example of a plant post-embryonic organogenesis event. LRs are issued from non-dividing cells entering consecutive steps of formative divisions, proliferation and elongation. The chromatin remodeling protein PICKLE (PKL) negatively regulates auxin-mediated LR formation through a mechanism that is not yet known. Here we show that PKL interacts with RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED 1 (RBR1) to repress the LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES-DOMAIN 16 (LBD16) promoter activity. Since LBD16 function is required for the formative division of LR founder cells, repression mediated by the PKL–RBR1 complex negatively regulates formative division and LR formation. Inhibition of LR formation by PKL–RBR1 is counteracted by auxin, indicating that, in addition to auxin-mediated transcriptional responses, the fine-tuned process of LR formation is also controlled at the chromatin level in an auxin-signaling dependent manner.
Acid-Sphingomyelinase Triggered Fluorescently Labeled Sphingomyelin Containing Liposomes in Tumor Diagnosis after Radiation-Induced Stress
Authors: Heneweer Carola , Peñate Medina Tuula , Tower Robert , Kalthoff Holger , Kolesnick Richard , Larson Steven , Peñate Medina Oula
Published: April 2021

In liposomal delivery, a big question is how to release the loaded material into the correct place. Here, we will test the targeting and release abilities of our sphingomyelin-consisting liposome. A change in release parameters can be observed when sphingomyelin-containing liposome is treated with sphingomyelinase enzyme. Sphingomyelinase is known to be endogenously released from the different cells in stress situations. We assume the effective enzyme treatment will weaken the liposome making it also leakier. To test the release abilities of the SM-liposome, we developed several fluorescence-based experiments. In in vitro studies, we used molecular quenching to study the sphingomyelinase enzyme-based release from the liposomes. We could show that the enzyme treatment releases loaded fluorescent markers from sphingomyelin-containing liposomes. Moreover, the release correlated with used enzymatic activities. We studied whether the stress-related enzyme expression is increased if the cells are treated with radiation as a stress inducer. It appeared that the radiation caused increased enzymatic activity. We studied our liposomes’ biodistribution in the animal tumor model when the tumor was under radiation stress. Increased targeting of the fluorescent marker loaded to our liposomes could be found on the site of cancer. The liposomal targeting in vivo could be improved by radiation. Based on our studies, we propose sphingomyelin-containing liposomes can be used as a controlled release system sensitive to cell stress.
Medicines for the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Shin Soonshik , Yoon Michung
Published: April 2021

Obesity is the result of an energy imbalance caused by an increased ratio of caloric intake to energy expenditure [...]
Effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 Transporter: Implication in HepG2 Migration
Authors: Abruzzese Vittorio , Matera Ilenia , Martinelli Fabio , Carmosino Monica , Koshal Prashant , Milella Luigi , Bisaccia Faustino , Ostuni Angela
Published: April 2021

Quercetin is a member of the flavonoid group of compounds, which is abundantly present in various dietary sources. It has excellent antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activity and is very effective as an anti-cancer agent against various types of tumors, both in vivo and in vitro. Quercetin has been also reported to modulate the activity of some members of the multidrug-resistance transporters family, such as P-gp, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCG2, and the activity of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E/CD73), a key regulator in some tumor processes such as invasion, migration, and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of Quercetin on ABCC6 expression in HepG2 cells. ABCC6 is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, poorly involved in drug resistance, whose mutations cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum, an inherited disease characterized by ectopic calcification of soft connective tissues. Recently, it has been reported that ABCC6 contributes to cytoskeleton rearrangements and HepG2 cell motility through purinergic signaling. Gene and protein expression were evaluated by quantitative Reverse-Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. Actin cytoskeleton dynamics was evaluated by laser confocal microscopy using fluorophore-conjugated phalloidin. Cell motility was analyzed by an in vitro wound-healing migration assay. We propose that ABCC6 expression may be controlled by the AKT pathway as part of an adaptative response to oxidative stress, which can be mitigated by the use of Quercetin-like flavonoids.
Zebrafish as a New Tool in Heart Preservation Research
Authors: Da Silveira Cavalcante Luciana , Tessier Shannon N.
Published: April 2021

Heart transplantation became a reality at the end of the 1960s as a life-saving option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Static cold storage (SCS) at 4–6 °C has remained the standard for heart preservation for decades. However, SCS only allows for short-term storage that precludes optimal matching programs, requires emergency surgeries, and results in the unnecessary discard of organs. Among the alternatives seeking to extend ex vivo lifespan and mitigate the shortage of organs are sub-zero or machine perfusion modalities. Sub-zero approaches aim to prolong cold ischemia tolerance by deepening metabolic stasis, while machine perfusion aims to support metabolism through the continuous delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Each of these approaches hold promise; however, complex barriers must be overcome before their potential can be fully realized. We suggest that one barrier facing all experimental efforts to extend ex vivo lifespan are limited research tools. Mammalian models are usually the first choice due to translational aspects, yet experimentation can be restricted by expertise, time, and resources. Instead, there are instances when smaller vertebrate models, like the zebrafish, could fill critical experimental gaps in the field. Taken together, this review provides a summary of the current gold standard for heart preservation as well as new technologies in ex vivo lifespan extension. Furthermore, we describe how existing tools in zebrafish research, including isolated organ, cell specific and functional assays, as well as molecular tools, could complement and elevate heart preservation research.
Hepatitis C: A Pharmacological Therapeutic Update
Authors: Santander Ballestín Sonia , Gómez Martín David , Lorente Pérez Sara , Luesma Bartolomé María José
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: Hepatitis C is a high-prevalence disease, representing a global impact health problem. Lately, many changes have been made in treatment guidelines because of the commercialization of second-generation direct-acting antivirals due to their high effectiveness, few side effects and pangenotypic action. We address the pharmacological possibilities available and compare them with the current recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). (2) Methods: The search for articles was made through the PubMed database using different search strategies and we consulted technical data sheets of the treatments that have been included in the study. (3) Results: Combinations of “glecaprevir/pibrentasvir”, “sofosbuvir/velpatasvir” and “sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir” have been recently incorporated. Phase II studies have shown that they are safe and effective therapies with very comfortable posologies and easy therapeutic adherence; furthermore, they suppose shorter treatment duration. Subsequently, phase III studies have shown they were effective for previously treated or compensated cirrhotic patients that previously had more complex treatment regimens. (4) Conclusions: These results suppose a simplification in Hepatitis C therapeutic approach, and open new study possibilities.
Structures in Shallow Marine Sediments Associated with Gas and Fluid Migration
Authors: Ma Gongzheng , Zhan Linsen , Lu Hailong , Hou Guiting
Published: April 2021

Geological structure changes, including deformations and ruptures, developed in shallow marine sediments are well recognized but were not systematically reviewed in previous studies. These structures, generally developed at a depth less than 1000 m below seafloor, are considered to play a significant role in the migration, accumulation, and emission of hydrocarbon gases and fluids, and the formation of gas hydrates, and they are also taken as critical factors affecting carbon balance in the marine environment. In this review, these structures in shallow marine sediments are classified into overpressure-associated structures, diapir structures and sediment ruptures based on their geometric characteristics and formation mechanisms. Seepages, pockmarks and gas pipes are the structures associated with overpressure, which are generally induced by gas/fluid pressure changes related to gas and/or fluid accumulation, migration and emission. The mud diapir and salt diapir are diapir structures driven by gravity slides, gravity spread and differential compaction. Landslides, polygonal faults and tectonic faults are sediment ruptures, which are developed by gravity, compaction forces and tectonic forces, respectively. Their formation mechanisms can be attributed to sediment diagenesis, compaction and tectonic activities. The relationships between the different structures, between structures and gas hydrates and between structures and authigenic carbonate are also discussed.
Does Internet and Information Technology Help Farmers to Maximize Profit: A Cross-Sectional Study of Apple Farmers in Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang Fuhong , Sarkar Apurbo , Wang Hongyu
Published: April 2021

The adoption of Internet and Information Technology (IIT) in organizations has been growing at a staggering pace. In agriculture, IIT has emerged from the prospects of modern agricultural structure, which profoundly bring revolution in the way of agribusiness. While the impacts of IIT for selecting productive sales and marketing channels is evidenced by the substantial literature in the field, there is a crucial research scope of inclusive analytical views, especially in an economics context. The prime objective of the article is to assess the impacts of IIT for choosing a productive sales and marketing channel. Moreover, we tend to find whether the usage of IIT can eventually foster the profitability of the farmers. The empirical set of data is collected from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Shandong province, China. We utilize the Ordinary Least-Squares (OLS) regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and Heckman’s two-stage regression approaches to craft the findings. The greater extent of the use of IIT, the more significant and positive the impact of agricultural income is. After using the Heckman regression and PSM model, IIT’s use significantly increases the efficiency for selecting the sales channel, and the impact on agricultural income is also prominent (around 40%). We also find that the supporting and nonagricultural income exceeded 30%. Finally, the outcomes of the study reveal significant positive impacts for selecting productive sales and marketing channels. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that the government and relevant departments should strengthen the construction of agricultural information platforms and websites. Authorities should also extend the training facilities of fruit farmers regarding the use of IIT, which could be useful to boost the capability of fruit farmers to develop markets and promote the value chain.
Designing a Sustainable Green Closed-Loop Supply Chain under Uncertainty and Various Capacity Levels
Authors: Tehrani Mohsen , Gupta Surendra M.
Published: April 2021

The ever-increasing concerns of the growth in the volume of waste tires and new strict government legislations to reduce the environmental impact of the end-of-life (EOL) tires have increased interest among companies to design a sustainable and efficient closed-loop supply-chain (CLSC) network. In the real world, the CLSC network design is subject to a variety of uncertainties, such as random and fuzzy (epistemic) uncertainties. Designing a reliable and environmentally cautious CLSC with consideration of risks and the uncertainty of the parameters in the network is necessary for a successful supply-chain network. This study proposes a sustainable and environmentally cautious closed-loop supply-chain network for the tire industry, by considering several recovery options, including retreading, recycling, and energy recovery. This study aims to design and develop a robust multi-objective, multi-product, multi-echelon, multi-cycle, multi-capacity, green closed-loop supply-chain network under hybrid uncertainty. There are two types of uncertainties associated with the parameters in the network. There is an uncertainty associated with the demand, which is expressed in some future scenarios according to the probability of their occurrences, as well as fuzzy-based uncertainty associated with return rates, retreading rates, recycling rates, procurement, and production costs, which are expressed with possibilistic distributions. In order to deal with this hybrid uncertainty, a robust fuzzy stochastic programming approach has been proposed, and the proposed mixed integer programming model is applied to a case study in the tire industry to validate the model. The result indicates the applicability of the proposed model and its efficiency to control the hybrid uncertainties and the risk level in the network.
Investigation of the Microstructural Evolution during Hot Stamping of a Carburized Complex Phase Steel by Laser-Ultrasonics
Authors: Horn Alexander , Merklein Marion
Published: April 2021

Prior carburization of semi-finished steel sheets is a new process variant in hot stamping to manufacture parts with tailored properties. Compared to conventional hot stamping processes, a complex phase typed steel alloy is used instead of 22MnB5. Yet recent investigations focused on final mechanical properties rather than microstructural mechanisms cause an increase in strength. Thus, the influence of additional carburization on the microstructural evolution during hot stamping of a complex phase steel CP-W®800 is investigated within this work. The phase transformation behavior, as well as the grain growth during austenitization, is evaluated by in-situ measurements employing a laser-ultrasound sensor. The results are correlated with additional hardness measurements in as-quenched condition and supplementary micrographs. The experiments reveal that the carburization process significantly improves the hardenability of the CP-W®800. However, even at quenching rates of 70 K/s no fully martensitic microstructure was achievable. Still, the resulting hardness of the carburized samples might exceed the fully martensitic hardness of 22MnB5 derived from literature. Furthermore, the carburization process has no adverse effect on the fine grain stability of the complex phase steel. This makes it more robust in terms of grain size than the conventional hot stamping steel 22MnB5.
The Role of Hydrogen Bonding in Paracetamol–Solvent and Paracetamol–Hydrogel Matrix Interactions
Authors: Miotke-Wasilczyk Marta , Józefowicz Marek , Strankowska Justyna , Kwela Jerzy
Published: April 2021

The photophysical and photochemical properties of antipyretic drug – paracetamol (PAR) and its two analogs with different substituents (acetanilide (ACT) and N-ethylaniline (NEA)) in 14 solvents of different polarity were investigated by the use of steady–state spectroscopic technique and quantum–chemical calculations. As expected, the results show that the spectroscopic behavior of PAR, ACT, and NEA is highly dependent on the nature of the solute–solvent interactions (non-specific (dipole-dipole) and specific (hydrogen bonding)). To characterize these interactions, the multiparameter regression analysis proposed by Catalán was used. In order to obtain a deeper insight into the electronic and optical properties of the studied molecules, the difference of the dipole moments of a molecule in the ground and excited state were determined using the theory proposed by Lippert, Mataga, McRae, Bakhshiev, Bilot, and Kawski. Additionally, the influence of the solute polarizability on the determined dipole moments was discussed. The results of the solvatochromic studies were related to the observations of the release kinetics of PAR, ACT, and NEA from polyurethane hydrogels. The release kinetics was analyzed using the Korsmayer-Peppas and Hopfenberg models. Finally, the influence of the functional groups of the investigated compounds on the release time from the hydrogel matrix was analyzed.
A State of the Art of the Overall Energy Efficiency of Wood Buildings—An Overview and Future Possibilities
Authors: Cabral Matheus Roberto , Blanchet Pierre
Published: April 2021

The main goal of this study was to review current studies on the state of the art of wood constructions with a particular focus on energy efficiency, which could serve as a valuable source of information for both industry and scholars. This review begins with an overview of the role of materials in wood buildings to improve energy performance, covering structural and insulation materials that have already been successfully used in the market for general applications over the years. Subsequently, studies of different wood building systems (i.e., wood-frame, post-and-beam, mass timber and hybrid constructions) and energy efficiency are discussed. This is followed by a brief introduction to strategies to increase the energy efficiency of constructions. Finally, remarks and future research opportunities for wood buildings are highlighted. Some general recommendations for developing more energy-efficient wood buildings are identified in the literature and discussed. There is a lack of emerging construction concepts for wood-frame and post-and-beam buildings and a lack of design codes and specifications for mass timber and hybrid buildings. From the perspective of the potential environmental benefits of these systems as a whole, and their effects on energy efficiency and embodied energy in constructions, there are barriers that need to be considered in the future.
Waste-to-Fuels: Pyrolysis of Low-Density Polyethylene Waste in the Presence of H-ZSM-11
Authors: Lee Nahyeon , Joo Junghee , Lin Kun-Yi Andrew , Lee Jechan
Published: April 2021

Herein, the pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) scrap in the presence of a H-ZSM-11 zeolite was conducted as an effort to valorize plastic waste to fuel-range chemicals. The LDPE-derived pyrolytic gas was composed of low-molecular-weight aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, ethane, propane, ethylene, and propylene) and hydrogen. An increase in pyrolysis temperature led to increasing the gaseous hydrocarbon yields for the pyrolysis of LDPE. Using the H-ZSM-11 catalyst in the pyrolysis of LDPE greatly enhanced the content of propylene in the pyrolytic gas because of promoted dehydrogenation of propane formed during the pyrolysis. Apart from the light aliphatic hydrocarbons, jet fuel-, diesel-, and motor oil-range hydrocarbons were found in the pyrolytic liquid for the non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis. The change in pyrolysis temperature for the catalytic pyrolysis affected the hydrocarbon compositions of the pyrolytic liquid more materially than for the non-catalytic pyrolysis. This study experimentally showed that H-ZSM-11 can be effective at producing fuel-range hydrocarbons from LDPE waste through pyrolysis. The results would contribute to the development of waste valorization process via plastic upcycling.
Sequential Oxidation on Wood and Its Application in Pb2+ Removal from Contaminated Water
Authors: Sharma Priyanka R. , Sharma Sunil K. , Nolan Marc , Li Wenqi , Kundal Lakshta , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: April 2021

Raw wood was subjected to sequential oxidation to produce 2,3,6-tricarboxycellulose (TCC) nanofibers with a high surficial charge of 1.14 mmol/g in the form of carboxylate groups. Three oxidation steps, including nitro-oxidation, periodate, and sodium chlorite oxidation, were successfully applied to generate TCC nanofibers from raw wood. The morphology of extracted TCC nanofibers measured using TEM and AFM indicated the average length, width, and thickness were in the range of 750 ± 110, 4.5 ± 1.8, and 1.23 nm, respectively. Due to high negative surficial charges on TCC, it was studied for its absorption capabilities against Pb2+ ions. The remediation results indicated that a low concentration of TCC nanofibers (0.02 wt%) was able to remove a wide range of Pb2+ ion impurities from 5–250 ppm with an efficiency between 709–99%, whereby the maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) was 1569 mg/g with R2 0.69531 calculated from Langmuir fitting. It was observed that the high adsorption capacity of TCC nanofibers was due to the collective effect of adsorption and precipitation confirmed by the FTIR and SEM/EDS analysis. The high carboxylate content and fiber morphology of TCC has enabled it as an excellent substrate to remove Pb2+ ions impurities.
Quality of Hand Radiograph Collimation Determined by Artificial Intelligence Algorithm Correlates with Radiograph Quality Scores Assigned by Radiologists
Authors: Ashikyan Oganes , Chan Donald , Moore Daniel S. , Thakur Uma , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: April 2021

Providing direct feedback to technologists has become challenging for radiologists due to geographic separation and other reasons. As such, there is a need for automated solutions to solve quality issues in radiography. We evaluated the feasibility of using a computer vision artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to classify hand radiographs into quality categories in order to automate quality assurance processes in radiology. A bounding box was placed over the hand on 300 hand radiographs. These inputs were employed to train the computational neural network (CNN) to automatically detect hand boundaries. The trained CNN detector was used to place bounding boxes over the hands on an additional 100 radiographs, independently of the training or validation sets. A computer algorithm processed each output image to calculate unused air spaces. The same 100 images were classified by two musculoskeletal radiologists into four quality categories. The correlation between the AI-calculated unused space metric and radiologist-assigned quality scores was determined using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The kappa statistic was used to calculate the inter-reader agreement. The best negative correlation between the AI-assigned metric and the radiologists’ assigned quality scores was achieved using the calculation of the unused space at the top of the image. The Spearman correlation coefficients were −0.7 and −0.6 for the two radiologists. The kappa correlation coefficient for interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was 0.6. Automatic calculation of the percentage of unused space or indirect collimation at the top of hand radiographs correlates moderately well with radiographic collimation quality.
The History of the Discovery of Ectopic Epithelial Cells in Lower Peritoneal Organs: The So-Called Mucosal Invasion
Authors: Habiba Marwan , Lippi Donatella , Benagiano Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Through microscopy, early researchers identified the epithelium on the inner surfaces of the uterus, cervix and Fallopian tubes. The identification of ectopic epithelium was gradual, starting from the gross pathology study of unusual cystic lesions. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, attention focused on the epithelium as a critical component. The term ‘adenomyoma’ was coined around eighteen eighty to designate the majority of mucosa-containing lesions. Several theories were advanced to explain its aetiology. In the main, lesions were considered to arise from invasion from uterine epithelium; implantation of endometrium through retrograde menstruation; hematogenous or lymphatic spread; or from embryonic remnants. Although initially widely rejected, around 1920, an almost unanimous consensus formed on the endometrial nature of epithelial invasions. During the following years, adenomyosis and endometriosis came to be used to distinguished lesions within or outside the uterus. Adenomyosis was attributed to direct infiltration of uterine mucosa into the myometrium, and endometriosis to the implantation of endometrial cells and stroma into the peritoneal cavity through retrograde menstruation. Around the same time, ovarian lesions, initially described as ovarian hematomas or chocolate cysts, were regarded as a form of endometriosis. Three variants of endometriosis were thus described: superficial peritoneal, deep nodular and ovarian endometriomas. Ectopic epithelium has long been recognised as having similarities to tubal, or cervical epithelium. Lesions containing mixed epithelium are often termed Müllerianosis. This article demonstrates the stepwise evolution of knowledge, the role of the pioneers and the difficulties that needed to be overcome. It also demonstrates the value of collaboration and the inter-connected nature of the scientific endeavour.