bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Emerging Variants: Evidence from Six Countries
Authors: Mangla Sherry , Zohra Makkia Fatima Tuz , Pathak Ashok Kumar , Robinson Renee , Sultana Nargis , Koonisetty Kranthi Swaroop , Karamehic-Muratovic Ajlina , Nguyen Uyen-Sa D.T. , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Sanchez-Duque Jorge A. , Zamba Patrick T. , Aghamohammadi Nasrin , CS Fong , Haque Ubydul
Published: October 2021

As the world tries to cope with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging variants of the virus, COVID-19 vaccination has become an even more critical tool toward normalcy. The effectiveness of the vaccination program and specifically vaccine uptake and coverage, however, is a function of an individual’s knowledge and individual opinion about the disease and available vaccines. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and resulting community practice(s) associated with the new COVID-19 variants and vaccines in Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, and the USA. A cross-sectional web-based Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was administered to respondents living in six different countries using a structured and multi-item questionnaire. Survey questions were translated into English, Spanish, and Malay to accommodate the local language in each country. Associations between KAP and a range of explanatory variables were assessed using univariate and multiple logistic regression. A total of 781 responses were included in the final analysis. The Knowledge score mean was 24 (out of 46), Attitude score 28.9 (out of 55), and Practice score 7.3 (out of 11). Almost 65% of the respondents reported being knowledgeable about COVID-19 variants and vaccination, 55% reported a positive attitude toward available COVID-19 vaccines, and 85% reported engaging in practices that supported COVID-19 vaccination. From the multiple logistic models, we found post-graduate education (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.23–2.74) and an age range 45–54 years (AOR = 5.81, 95% CI: 2.30–14.69) to be significantly associated with reported COVID-19 knowledge. In addition, positive Attitude scores were associated with respondents living in Zimbabwe (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.04–9.90) and positive Practice scores were found to be associated with people from India (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.15–11.74) and high school education (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.07–4.38). This study contributes to the identification of socio-demographic factors associated with poor knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to COVID-19 variants and vaccines. It presents an opportunity for collaboration with diverse communities to address COVID-19 misinformation and common sources of vaccine hesitancy (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, and practices).
MR-Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Prospective Evaluation of Migration and Anatomical Changes of the Major Salivary Glands
Authors: van Timmeren Janita E. , Chamberlain Madalyne , Bogowicz Marta , Ehrbar Stefanie , Dal Bello Riccardo , Garcia Schüler Helena , Krayenbuehl Jérôme , Wilke Lotte , Andratschke Nicolaus , Guckenberger Matthias , Tanadini-Lang Stephanie , Balermpas Panagiotis
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to quantify anatomical changes of parotids and submandibular glands and evaluate potential dosimetric advantages during weekly adaptive MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) for the definitive treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). The data and plans of 12 patients treated with bilateral intensity-modulated radiotherapy for HNC using MR-linac, with weekly offline adaptations, were prospectively evaluated. The positional and volumetric changes of the salivary glands were analyzed by manual segmentation in weekly MRI images and the dosimetric impact of these anatomical changes on the adapted treatment plans was assessed. The mean volume change in parotid and submandibular gland volume was −31.9% (p < 0.0001) and −29.7% (p < 0.0001) after five weeks, respectively. The volume change was significantly correlated with the cumulative dose for the respective gland at the time of volume measurement. Inter-parotid distance changed by −5.4% (6.5 mm) on average after five weeks (p = 0.0005). The distance became significantly smaller only in the left-right direction. The inter-submandibular gland distance changed by 0.7 mm (p = 0.38). This study demonstrated significant changes in salivary gland volumes and position following daily MR guidance and weekly plan adaptation. Ongoing clinical trials will provide data on the clinical impact of these changes and novel MR-based adaptation strategies.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Circulating Tumor Cell Lines Sequentially Derived from a Patient with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Balcik-Ercin Pelin , Cayrefourcq Laure , Soundararajan Rama , Mani Sendurai A. , Alix-Panabières Catherine
Published: October 2021

Metastasis is a complicated and only partially understood multi-step process of cancer progression. A subset of cancer cells that can leave the primary tumor, intravasate, and circulate to reach distant organs are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Multiple lines of evidence suggest that in metastatic cancer cells, epithelial and mesenchymal markers are co-expressed to facilitate the cells’ ability to go back and forth between cellular states. This feature is called epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). CTCs represent a unique source to understand the EMP features in metastatic cascade biology. Our group previously established and characterized nine serial CTC lines from a patient with metastatic colon cancer. Here, we assessed the expression of markers involved in epithelial–mesenchymal (EMT) and mesenchymal–epithelial (MET) transition in these unique CTC lines, to define their EMP profile. We found that the oncogenes MYC and ezrin were expressed by all CTC lines, but not SIX1, one of their common regulators (also an EMT inducer). Moreover, the MET activator GRHL2 and its putative targets were strongly expressed in all CTC lines, revealing their plasticity in favor of an increased MET state that promotes metastasis formation.
Individualized Proteogenomics Reveals the Mutational Landscape of Melanoma Patients in Response to Immunotherapy
Authors: Schmitt Marisa , Sinnberg Tobias , Niessner Heike , Forschner Andrea , Garbe Claus , Macek Boris , Nalpas Nicolas C.
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used to restore or augment antitumor immune responses and show great promise in the treatment of melanoma and other types of cancers. However, only a small percentage of patients are fully responsive to immune checkpoint inhibition, mostly due to tumor heterogeneity and primary resistance to therapy. Both of these features are largely driven by the accumulation of patient-specific mutations, pointing to the need for personalized approaches in diagnostics and immunotherapy. Proteogenomics integrates patient-specific genomic and proteomic data to study cancer development, tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms. Using this approach, we characterized the mutational landscape of four clinical melanoma patients. This enabled the quantification of hundreds of sample-specific amino acid variants, among them many that were previously not reported in melanoma. Changes in abundance at the protein and phosphorylation site levels revealed patient-specific over-represented pathways, notably linked to melanoma development (MAPK1 activation) or immunotherapy (NLRP1 inflammasome). Personalized data integration resulted in the prediction of protein drug targets, such as the drugs vandetanib and bosutinib, which were experimentally validated and led to a reduction in the viability of tumor cells. Our study emphasizes the potential of proteogenomic approaches to study personalized mutational landscapes, signaling networks and therapy options.
Clinical, Pathological, and Molecular Features of Breast Carcinoma Cutaneous Metastasis
Authors: González-Martínez Silvia , Pizarro David , Pérez-Mies Belén , Caniego-Casas Tamara , Curigliano Giuseppe , Cortés Javier , Palacios José
Published: October 2021

Cutaneous metastases (CMs) account for 2% of all skin malignancies, and nearly 70% of CMs in women originate from breast cancer (BC). CMs are usually associated with poor prognosis, are difficult to treat, and can pose diagnostic problems, such as in histopathological diagnosis when occurring long after development of the primary tumor. In addition, the molecular differences between the primary tumors and their CMs, and between CMs and metastases in other organs, are not well defined. Here, we review the main clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics of breast cancer CMs. Identifying molecular markers in primary BC that predict CM and can be used to determine the molecular differences between primary tumors and their metastases is of great interest for the design of new therapeutic approaches.
Androgen Receptor Signaling in Prostate Cancer and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Jacob Aasems , Raj Rishi , Allison Derek B. , Myint Zin W.
Published: October 2021

Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer has led to development of therapeutic strategies targeting androgen receptor (AR). These androgen-receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) include androgen synthesis inhibitor-abiraterone and androgen receptor antagonists-enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide. Although these medications provide significant improvement in survival among men with prostate cancer, drug resistance develops in nearly all patients with time. This could be through androgen-dependent or androgen-independent mechanisms. Even weaker signals and non-canonical steroid ligands can activate AR in the presence of truncated AR-splice variants, AR overexpression, or activating mutations in AR. AR splice variant, AR-V7 is the most studied among these and is not targeted by available ARSIs. Non-androgen receptor dependent resistance mechanisms are mediated by activation of an alternative signaling pathway when AR is inhibited. DNA repair pathway, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, BRAF-MAPK and Wnt signaling pathway and activation by glucocorticoid receptors can restore downstream signaling in prostate cancer by alternative proteins. Multiple clinical trials are underway exploring therapeutic strategies to overcome these resistance mechanisms.
Pathogenic Mitochondrial DNA Mutation Load Inversely Correlates with Malignant Features in Familial Oncocytic Parathyroid Tumors Associated with Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor Syndrome
Authors: De Luise Monica , Iommarini Luisa , Marchio Lorena , Tedesco Greta , Coadă Camelia Alexandra , Repaci Andrea , Turchetti Daniela , Tardio Maria Lucia , Salfi Nunzio , Pagotto Uberto , Kurelac Ivana , Porcelli Anna Maria , Gasparre Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

While somatic disruptive mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations that severely affect the respiratory chain are counter-selected in most human neoplasms, they are the genetic hallmark of indolent oncocytomas, where they appear to contribute to reduce tumorigenic potential. A correlation between mtDNA mutation type and load, and the clinical outcome of a tumor, corroborated by functional studies, is currently lacking. Recurrent familial oncocytomas are extremely rare entities, and they offer the chance to investigate the determinants of oncocytic transformation and the role of both germline and somatic mtDNA mutations in cancer. We here report the first family with Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome showing the inherited predisposition of four individuals to develop parathyroid oncocytic tumors. MtDNA sequencing revealed a rare ribosomal RNA mutation in the germline of all HPT-JT affected individuals whose pathogenicity was functionally evaluated via cybridization technique, and which was counter-selected in the most aggressive infiltrating carcinoma, but positively selected in adenomas. In all tumors different somatic mutations accumulated on this genetic background, with an inverse clear-cut correlation between the load of pathogenic mtDNA mutations and the indolent behavior of neoplasms, highlighting the importance of the former both as modifiers of cancer fate and as prognostic markers.
Temporal and Site-Specific ADP-Ribosylation Dynamics upon Different Genotoxic Stresses
Authors: Buch-Larsen Sara C. , Rebak Alexandra K. L. F. S. , Hendriks Ivo A. , Nielsen Michael L.
Published: October 2021

The DNA damage response revolves around transmission of information via post-translational modifications, including reversible protein ADP-ribosylation. Here, we applied a mass-spectrometry-based Af1521 enrichment technology for the identification and quantification of ADP-ribosylation sites as a function of various DNA damage stimuli and time. In total, we detected 1681 ADP-ribosylation sites residing on 716 proteins in U2OS cells and determined their temporal dynamics after exposure to the genotoxins H2O2 and MMS. Intriguingly, we observed a widespread but low-abundance serine ADP-ribosylation response at the earliest time point, with later time points centered on increased modification of the same sites. This suggests that early serine ADP-ribosylation events may serve as a platform for an integrated signal response. While treatment with H2O2 and MMS induced homogenous ADP-ribosylation responses, we observed temporal differences in the ADP-ribosylation site abundances. Exposure to MMS-induced alkylating stress induced the strongest ADP-ribosylome response after 30 min, prominently modifying proteins involved in RNA processing, whereas in response to H2O2-induced oxidative stress ADP-ribosylation peaked after 60 min, mainly modifying proteins involved in DNA damage pathways. Collectively, the dynamic ADP-ribosylome presented here provides a valuable insight into the temporal cellular regulation of ADP-ribosylation in response to DNA damage.
Decoupled Glucose and Lipid Metabolic Recovery after Viral Clearance in Direct-Acting Antiviral-Treated HCV Patients: A 3-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Heng , Chien Rong-Nan , Pao Li-Heng , Kuo Chia-Jung , Huang Po-Han , Chang Ming-Ling
Published: October 2021

Background/Aim: The recovery pattern of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated metabolic alteration after sustained virological response (SVR) following direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) remains elusive. Methods: A prospective cohort study of chronic HCV-infected (CHC) patients (n = 415) receiving DAAs (n = 365) was conducted. Metabolic profiles were examined in SVR patients (n = 360) every 3–6 months after therapy and compared with those of sex- and age-matched controls (n = 470). Results: At baseline, of 415, 168 (40.5%) had insulin resistance (IR). The following were associated: levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), HCV RNA, fibrosis-4 score, and interferon-λ3-rs12979860 genotype with total cholesterol (TC) levels; and TG levels and BMI with HOMA-IR. Over a 3-year follow-up, in SVR patients, BMI and TC levels and TG/HDL-C ratios increased from baseline, while HOMA-IR trended downward by 72 weeks after therapy and then increased. The increased HDL-C levels began to decrease after 72 weeks after therapy. TC and HOMA-IR were negatively associated with each other until 24 weeks after therapy. Earlier increases in BMI and decreases in HOMA-IR were noted in SVR patients with than in those without baseline IR. Compared with controls, in the subgroup without baseline IR, SVR patients had increased BMI and HOMA-IR levels. Metabolic profiles were similar between SVR patients and controls in the subgroup with baseline IR. Conclusions: In SVR patients treated with DAAs, the recovery of altered lipid and glucose metabolism was not coupled until 72-week post-therapy, when HOMA-IR reached its nadir. SVR patients with baseline IR recovered from HCV-associated metabolic alterations earlier than those without baseline IR.
Dysregulation of Caveolin-1 Phosphorylation and Nuclear Translocation Is Associated with Senescence Onset
Authors: Goutas Andreas , Outskouni Zozo , Papathanasiou Ioanna , Satra Maria , Koliakos George , Trachana Varvara
Published: October 2021

We recently reported that the inability of osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes to repair oxidative stress (OS) induced DNA damage is linked to Cav-1 overexpression/improper localization. We speculated that the senescent status of OA cells was responsible for this Cav-1 dysregulation. Here, to further investigate this hypothesis, we used Wharton Jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) and investigated Cav-1 function as cells reached replicative senescence or upon stress induced senescence (SIPS). We showed that Cav-1 is upregulated, phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus in young WJ-MSCs upon acute exogenous OS, and that it returns back to basal/nonphosphorylated levels and exports the nucleus in the recovery phase. However, as cells reach senescence, this regulation is lost. OS did not induce any Cav-1-mediated response, which is concomitant with the inability of older cells to restore DNA damage. Furthermore, downregulation of Cav-1 resulted in persistent OS-induced DNA damage and subsequent onset of senescence. We also report that the establishment of senescence is mediated by autophagy stimulation, since downregulation of autophagy key molecule Atg5, simultaneously with Cav-1 downregulation, was found to inhibit SIPS. Basically, we propose that Cav-1 involvement in DNA damage response can lead to senescence, either because the damage is extensive or because Cav-1 is absent/unable to perform its homeostatic role.
Ultra-Fast Growth of ZnO Nanorods on Cotton Fabrics and Their Self-Cleaning and Physiological Comfort Properties
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zaman , Militky Jiri , Petru Michal , Tomková Blanka , Ali Azam , Javed Asif , Azeem Musaddaq , Křemenáková Dana
Published: October 2021

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of microwave irradiation time on the photocatalytic and physiological comfort characteristics of zinc-oxide-nanorod-coated cotton fabrics. An ultra-fast technique was employed to grow the zinc oxide nanorods on cotton fabrics using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The axial (length) and lateral (diameter) growth of the zinc oxide nanorods was observed to increase with microwave irradiation time. The ZnO nanorods uniformly and entirely covered the cotton fibers. The surface morphology, topography and chemical characteristics of the ZnO nanorods were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The degradation of orange II dye under UV light irradiation was observed to assess photocatalytic self-cleaning and solution discoloration ability. The ZnO-nanorod-coated cotton fabrics exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, as the stains of orange II dye disappeared predominantly within 4 h and the coated fabrics became almost white after 6 h. Analyses of thermal properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), air permeability and stiffness were also performed to investigate the physiological comfort of the ZnO-nanorod-coated fabrics. The thermal conductivity and thermal absorptivity were observed to increase with an increase in the size and density of the ZnO nanorods. Moreover, non-significant reductions in water vapor permeability and air permeability were observed with application of the ZnO nanorods. The stiffness of the ZnO-nanorod-coated cotton fabric increased due to the complete coverage of fibers by the uniform growth of the ZnO nanorods. The ZnO-nanorod-coated cotton fabrics also showed good washing durability and reusability.
Active Corrosion Protection of Mg–Al Layered Double Hydroxide for Magnesium Alloys: A Short Review
Authors: Zhang Xinfang , Zhang Min , Li Ruihong , Feng Xiaoyan , Pang Xue , Rao Jinsong , Cong Dalong , Yin Changqing , Zhang Yuxin
Published: October 2021

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been successfully applied in surface protection and functionalization of metal materials owing to their special structure, composition, controllability, anion exchange, and other excellent properties. Herein, this review focused on the most common LDH preparation methods on magnesium alloys in the past 10 years by summarizing about 70 research papers. At the same time, based on the corrosion protection mechanism of LDH materials, the performance of LDH films and LDH as filler on metal substrates was briefly introduced. The surface of LDH materials were chemically modified to enhance their compatibility with solvents, and their corrosion resistance function was developed as an additive. Finally, LDH-based composite coatings on Mg alloys by surface pretreatment and chemical modification were discussed.
Carbonation of High-Ca Fly Ashes under Flue Gas Conditions: Implications for Their Valorization in the Construction Industry
Authors: Rausis Kwon , Ćwik Agnieszka , Casanova Ignasi , Zarębska Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

The utilization of high-calcium fly ashes (HCFA) from coal-fired power plants in the construction industry is problematic, since their high free lime contents can lead to durability problems. In this research, the carbonation of a high-CaO fly ash has been carried out using simulated flue gas and concentrated CO2, with the aim to assess the valorization potential of such materials in the construction industry. The results show that, at 7 bars total pressure, an up to 36% carbonation efficiency can be achieved in just 30 min when pure CO2 is used; a comparable result with flue gas requires about 4 h of reaction. On the other hand, experiments carried out at atmospheric pressure show significantly different carbonation efficiencies depending on the CO2 concentration of the gas used. All experiments resulted in a substantial reduction in the original free lime content, and after reaction times of 4 h (at atmospheric pressure) and pressures of 7 bars (for any reaction time >30 min), the final free lime values were low enough to comply with the requirements of European Standards for their utilization as additions in cement.
Characterization of the Strain-Rate-Dependent Plasticity of Alloys Using Instrumented Indentation Tests
Authors: Chen Ta-Te , Watanabe Ikumu , Funazuka Tatsuya
Published: October 2021

Instrumented indentation tests are an efficient approach for the characterization of stress–strain curves instead of tensile or compression tests and have recently been applied for the evaluation of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. In high-temperature tests, the rate dependence of the applied load appears to be dominant. In this study, the strain-rate-dependent plasticity in instrumented indentation tests at high temperatures was characterized through the assimilation of experiments with a simulation model. Accordingly, a simple constitutive model of strain-rate-dependent plasticity was defined, and the material constants were determined to minimize the difference between the experimental results and the corresponding simulations at a constant high temperature. Finite element simulations using a few estimated mechanical properties were compared with the corresponding experiments in compression tests at the same temperature for the validation of the estimated material responses. The constitutive model and determined material constants can reproduce the strain-rate-dependent material behavior under various loading speeds in instrumented indentation tests; however, the load level of computational simulations is lower than those of the experiments in the compression tests. These results indicate that the local mechanical responses evaluated in the instrumented indentation tests were not consistent with the bulk responses in the compression tests at high temperature. Consequently, the bulk properties were not able to be characterized using instrumented indentation tests at high temperature because of the scale effect.
Autonomic and Somatic Nerve Functions in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Electrophysiological Aspects
Authors: Motataianu Anca , Barcutean Laura , Bajko Zoltan , Stoian Adina , Maier Smaranda , Voidazan Septimiu , Balasa Rodica
Published: October 2021

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between neurophysiological sensory and motor nerve function parameters, assessed by nerve conduction studies (NCS) with parasympathetic autonomic function and by heart rate variability (HRV) tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Material and Methods: A total of 161 T2DM patients underwent NCS. Cardiac autonomic response was assessed by HRV tests to deep breathing (HRV DB), to Valsalva manoeuvre, and during postural change from lying to standing. Results: The amplitude of motor response in the median nerve, tibial nerve, and peroneal nerve was associated with reduced HRV DB (p = 0.0001). The amplitude of motor response in the median nerve, tibial nerve, and peroneal nerve was associated with reduced HRV Valsalva (p = 0.0001). The correlation between the amplitude of response in all sensory nerves (sural, median, and ulnar) and HRV DB was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The results indicate that there is a correlation in T2DM patients between the damage of small myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres from cardiac autonomic nerves, assessed by HRV tests and damage of large motor and sensory fibres, assessed by NCS. Based on the above results, a combination of NCS and HRV tests should be considered in the neurophysiological approach to diabetic neuropathy.
Clinical Relevance of the Serial Measurement of Krebs von den Lungen-6 Levels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Shirai Yuichiro , Fukue Ryosuke , Kaneko Yuko , Kuwana Masataka
Published: October 2021

Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels measured at baseline have been reported as a circulating biomarker useful for the detection, evaluation of severity and assessment of risk of the progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this retrospective study, longitudinal changes in serum KL-6 levels over 2 years were examined in 110 patients with SSc using prospectively collected cohort data. Serum KL-6 levels fluctuated in a significant proportion of the patients but remained stable in the remaining patients. A wide range of variability of longitudinal KL-6 levels was associated with the presence of ILD, diffuse cutaneous SSc, positive anti-topoisomerase I antibodies, negative anticentromere antibodies, increased ILD extent on high-resolution computed tomography, extensive disease, low pulmonary function parameters, high KL-6 levels at baseline and immunomodulatory treatment. Extensive disease was consistently identified as an independent factor associated with variability in KL-6 levels in different models of multiple regression analysis. We failed to demonstrate correlations between trends for KL-6 level changes during the 6 months after SSc diagnosis and ILD progression over 2 years in patients with SSc-ILD. Serum KL-6 levels fluctuate in SSc patients with ILD, especially in those with extensive disease, but the clinical utility of a serial KL-6 level measurement remains uncertain.
Calorific Value and Ash Content of Extracted Birch Bark
Authors: Gruber Lukas , Seidl Lukas , Zanetti Michela , Schnabel Thomas
Published: October 2021

Wood bark is one of the main residues in the forest industry worldwide. Currently, the bark is used to produce process heat and energy. A major amount of this is mainly used in power and heating plants. Due to the fact that the demand for heating energy is seasonal, the storage of bark is necessary. The storage process of bark and therefore related problems (like biomass loss, increase of ash content etc.) were discussed in previous studies. Different approaches to increase the economic and ecologic value of wood bark through gaining extractives from the bark were investigated in order to revalue this by-product as well. This study shows the change in calorific value and ash content of birch bark based on results of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Regarding the energy content (gross calorific value), a comparison was made that showed that due to the extraction process, the energy content of the birch bark is decreased. The extraction yield of the methanol extracts results as 17.74%. The total phenolic content (TPC) of this extract was 447.75 mg GAE/g of oven-dried bark extracts. The amount of ash increased by 23.74% after the extraction. The gross calorific value of the birch bark decreased by 6.98%. The calculated energy content decreased from 2.48 MWh/m3 before extraction to 1.61 MWh/m3 after extraction, which is a loss of 35.08%. The obtained results show that through the extraction of birch bark via ultrasound-assisted extraction, valuable substances can be produced. At the same time, the ash content of extracted birch bark increased whereas the energy content decreased.
Dynamics of Carbon Storage and Its Drivers in Guangdong Province from 1979 to 2012
Authors: Li Tao , Li Ming-Yang , Tian Lei
Published: October 2021

Accurately estimating the carbon storage of forest ecosystems and deriving the driving factors affecting forest carbon storage are the prerequisites and foundations for promoting the development of global carbon sinks. In order to explore an effective approach for monitoring the carbon sink of forests in developed coastal areas on a large scale, in this paper, Guangdong Province was taken as the case study region; eight periods plots of data of national forest resources continuous inventory were used to estimate the forest carbon storage and carbon density in Guangdong Province from 1979 to 2012; unary linear regression and standard deviation ellipse were used to analyze the dynamic change of carbon storage; and the structural equation model was used to study the driving factors of forest carbon storage. The results showed that: (1) From 1979 to 2012, the forest carbon storage in Guangdong Province increased by 15,087.93 × 104 t, and the forest carbon density increased by 17.66 t/ha. (2) After 2007, the main body of forest carbon storage changed from coniferous species to broadleaf species. (3) From 1979 to 2012, the proportion of young and middle-aged forest carbon storage continued to decline, but it still occupied the dominant component. (4) The forest carbon storage and carbon density in the northern region of Guangdong Province are higher than those in the southern region. (5) Stand factors and environmental factors have a positive effect on forest carbon storage, and understory factors have a negative effect. In conclusion, although forest carbon storage has fluctuated under the influence of forestry policies and human activities, the overall carbon storage and carbon density of Guangdong Province have been increasing. Tree species have become more abundant and the proportion of coniferous forest to broadleaf forest became more rationalized. The forest age group structure is continuously optimized. We also compared our results with that of other provinces in China and other countries with approximate latitude and climatic conditions. The carbon sink potential of Guangdong Province is huge in the future.
Transcriptional Changes in Pearl Millet Leaves under Heat Stress
Authors: Huang Dejun , Sun Min , Zhang Ailing , Chen Jishan , Zhang Jian , Lin Chuang , Zhang Huan , Lu Xiaowen , Wang Xiaoshan , Yan Haidong , Tang Jianan , Huang Linkai
Published: October 2021

High-temperature stress negatively affects the growth and development of plants, and therefore threatens global agricultural safety. Cultivating stress-tolerant plants is the current objective of plant breeding programs. Pearl millet is a multi-purpose plant, commonly used as a forage but also an important food staple. This crop is very heat-resistant and has a higher net assimilation rate than corn under high-temperature stress. However, the response of heat resistant pearl millet has so far not been studied at the transcriptional level. In this study, transcriptome sequencing of pearl millet leaves exposed to different lengths of heat treatment (1 h, 48 h and 96 h) was conducted in order to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the heat stress response and to identify key genes related to heat stress. The results showed that the amount of heat stress-induced DEGs in leaves differs with the length of exposure to high temperatures. The highest value of DEGs (8286) was observed for the group exposed to heat stress for 96 h, while the other two treatments showed lower DEGs values of 4659 DEGs after 1 h exposure and 3981 DEGs after 48 h exposure to heat stress. The DEGs were mainly synthesized in protein folding pathways under high-temperature stress after 1 h exposure. Moreover, a large number of genes encoding ROS scavenging enzymes were activated under heat stress for 1 h and 48 h treatments. The flavonoid synthesis pathway of pearl millet was enriched after heat stress for 96 h. This study analyzed the transcription dynamics under short to long-term heat stress to provide a theoretical basis for the heat resistance response of pearl millet.
The Unique Identification of an Unknown Soldier from the Estonian War of Independence
Authors: Aaspõllu Anu , Allmäe Raili , Puss Fred , Parson Walther , Pihkva Küllike , Kriiska-Maiväli Kairi , Unt Arnold
Published: October 2021

The identification of human remains is challenging mostly due to the bad condition of the remains and the available background information that is sometimes limited. The current case report is related to the identification of an unknown soldier from the Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920). The case includes an anthropological study of the remains, examinations of documents found with the exhumed remains, and kinship estimations based on archival documents, and DNA analyses. As the preliminary data pointed to remains of male origin, Y-chromosomal STR (short tandem repeat) analyses of 22 Y-STR loci were used to analyze the exhumed teeth. Reference samples from individuals from two paternal lineages were collected based on archival documents. Y-chromosomal STR results for the tooth samples were consistent with a patrilineal relationship to only one reference sample out of two proposed paternal lineages. Based on the provided pedigrees in the consistent case, the Y-STR results are approximately four million times more likely if the tooth sample originated from an individual related along the paternal line to the matching reference sample, than if the tooth sample originated from another person in the general population. Special considerations have to be met when limited evidence is available.
Ultrasound-Based Method for the Identification of Novel MicroRNA Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cornice Jessica , Capece Daria , Di Vito Nolfi Mauro , Di Padova Monica , Compagnoni Chiara , Verzella Daniela , Di Francesco Barbara , Vecchiotti Davide , Flati Irene , Tessitore Alessandra , Alesse Edoardo , Barbato Gaetano , Zazzeroni Francesca
Published: October 2021

The detection of circulating microRNA (miRNA)-based biomarkers represents an innovative, non-invasive method for the early detection of cancer. However, the low concentration of miRNAs released in body fluids and the difficult identification of the tumor site have limited their clinical use as effective cancer biomarkers. To evaluate if ultrasound treatment could amplify the release of extracellular cancer biomarkers, we treated a panel of prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines with an ultrasound-based prototype and profiled the release of miRNAs in the extracellular space, with the aim of identifying novel miRNA-based biomarkers that could be used for PCa diagnosis and the monitoring of tumor evolution. We provide evidence that US-mediated sonoporation amplifies the release of miRNAs from both androgen-dependent (AD) and -independent (AI) PCa cells. We identified four PCa-related miRNAs, whose levels in LNCaP and DU145 supernatants were significantly increased following ultrasound treatment: mir-629-5p, mir-374-5p, mir-194-5p, and let-7d-5p. We further analyzed a publicly available dataset of PCa, showing that the serum expression of these novel miRNAs was upregulated in PCa patients compared to controls, thus confirming their clinical relevance. Our findings highlight the potential of using ultrasound to identify novel cell-free miRNAs released from cancer cells, with the aim of developing new biomarkers with diagnostic and predictive value.
On the Identification of Body Fluids and Tissues: A Crucial Link in the Investigation and Solution of Crime
Authors: Sijen Titia , Harbison SallyAnn
Published: October 2021

Body fluid and body tissue identification are important in forensic science as they can provide key evidence in a criminal investigation and may assist the court in reaching conclusions. Establishing a link between identifying the fluid or tissue and the DNA profile adds further weight to this evidence. Many forensic laboratories retain techniques for the identification of biological fluids that have been widely used for some time. More recently, many different biomarkers and technologies have been proposed for identification of body fluids and tissues of forensic relevance some of which are now used in forensic casework. Here, we summarize the role of body fluid/ tissue identification in the evaluation of forensic evidence, describe how such evidence is detected at the crime scene and in the laboratory, elaborate different technologies available to do this, and reflect real life experiences. We explain how, by including this information, crucial links can be made to aid in the investigation and solution of crime.
Data Linkage in Australia: The First 50 Years
Authors: Smith Merran , Flack Felicity
Published: October 2021

Population-based data linkage has a long history in Australia from its beginnings in Western Australia in the 1970s to the coordinated national data linkage infrastructure that exists today. This article describes the journey from an idea to a national data linkage network which has impacts on the health and well-being of Australians from preventing developmental anomalies to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many enthusiastic and dedicated people have contributed to Australia’s data linkage capability over the last 50 years. They have managed to overcome a number of challenges including gaining stakeholder and community support; navigating complex legal and ethical environments; establishing cross-jurisdictional collaborations, and gaining ongoing financial support. The future is bright for linked data in Australia as the infrastructure built over the last 50 years provides a firm foundation for further expansion and development, ensuring that Australia’s linked health and human services data continues to be available to address the evolving challenges of the next half century.
Prevalence of Cancer in Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency
Authors: Mauhin Wladimir , Levade Thierry , Vanier Marie T. , Froissart Roseline , Lidove Olivier
Published: October 2021

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is an inherited lysosomal disease characterised by a diffuse accumulation of sphingomyelin that cannot be catabolised into ceramide and phosphocholine. We studied the incidence of cancer in ASMD patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the adult chronic visceral ASMD patients in our cohort. Thirty-one patients (12 females, 19 males) were included with a median age of 48.7 y. (IQ: 30.3–55.1). Five cancers were observed in 1 female (breast cancer) and 4 males (two lung cancers, one thyroid cancer and one bladder cancer), resulting in a prevalence of 16.1%. The existence of cancer was associated with a more severe ASMD characterised by a larger spleen (25 cm (22.5–25) vs. 18 cm (17–20); p = 0.042); lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO; 29.5 % (17.8–43.0) vs. 58.5 % (49.8–69.5%); p = 0.01) and tobacco use (100% vs. 45%; p = 0.04). Three patients died, all from cancer (p = 0.002). The prevalence of cancer appeared to be strikingly elevated in our cohort of patients, without any specificity in the type of cancer. Systematic screening for cancer should be performed, and carcinogenic substances such as tobacco should be avoided in patients with ASMD.
Myocarditis and Pericarditis following COVID-19 Vaccination: Inequalities in Age and Vaccine Types
Authors: Li Minghui , Yuan Jing , Lv Gang , Brown Jacob , Jiang Xiangxiang , Lu Zhiqiang Kevin
Published: October 2021

An increasing number of myocarditis/pericarditis incidences has been reported after coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccination in adolescents and young adults. This study was designed to investigate the incidence rate of—and risk for—myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination in the United States according to age and vaccine type. This study used the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) from 11 December 2020 to 13 August 2021. A population-based data mining approach was performed based on the reporting odds ratio (ROR). Adverse events of myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination were rare, with an incidence rate of 5.98 (95% CI = 5.73–6.24) cases per million doses administered. The incidence rate was higher in adolescents and after the administration of the second dose of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. Overall, two mRNA vaccines were significantly associated with increased risks for myocarditis/pericarditis (mRNA-1273 (Moderna): ROR = 2.91, 95% CI = 2.21–3.83; BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech): ROR = 5.37, 95% CI = 4.10–7.04) compared to all other vaccines from VAERS. The viral vector vaccine of Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen) was not associated with signals of myocarditis/pericarditis (ROR = 1.39; 95% CI = 0.99–1.97). This study found increased risks for myocarditis/pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. For patients at high risk for myocarditis/pericarditis or with myocardial injuries, the viral vector vaccine may be an alternative for consideration.
Polymer Membranes in Separation Process
Authors: Ulewicz Malgorzata
Published: October 2021

Among the many known physicochemical methods for the separation of organic compounds and metal ions from aqueous solutions, liquid–liquid extraction and membrane techniques hold a special position, enabling their recovery from dilute aqueous solutions [...]
Surface Design of Liquid Separation Membrane through Graft Polymerization: A State of the Art Review
Authors: Suresh Deepa , Goh Pei Sean , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Hilal Nidal
Published: October 2021

Surface modification of membranes is an effective approach for imparting unique characteristics and additional functionalities to the membranes. Chemical grafting is a commonly used membrane modification technique due to its versatility in tailoring and optimizing the membrane surface with desired functionalities. Various types of polymers can be precisely grafted onto the membrane surface and the operating conditions of grafting can be tailored to further fine-tune the membrane surface properties. This review focuses on the recent strategies in improving the surface design of liquid separation membranes through grafting-from technique, also known as graft polymerization, to improve membrane performance in wastewater treatment and desalination applications. An overview on membrane technology processes such as pressure-driven and osmotically driven membrane processes are first briefly presented. Grafting-from surface chemical modification approaches including chemical initiated, plasma initiated and UV initiated approaches are discussed in terms of their features, advantages and limitations. The innovations in membrane surface modification techniques based on grafting-from techniques are comprehensively reviewed followed by some highlights on the current challenges in this field. It is concluded that grafting-from is a versatile and effective technique to introduce various functional groups to enhance the surface properties and separation performances of liquid separation membranes.
Flexible Powder Production for Additive Manufacturing of Refractory Metal-Based Alloys
Authors: Hinrichs Frauke , Kauffmann Alexander , Schliephake Daniel , Seils Sascha , Obert Susanne , Ratschbacher Karin , Allen Melissa , Pundt Astrid , Heilmaier Martin
Published: October 2021

The quality and properties of metal powders are essential for powder metallurgical (PM) processes in general and for additive manufacturing (AM) processing routes in particular. Thus, a variety of atomization technologies were established meeting the multiple needs of the different processing technologies. However, the production of refractory metal alloy powder remains challenging due to their high liquidus temperatures (>2000 °C), the formation of brittle intermetallic phases, as well as the reactivity with and sensitivity to interstitials of the constituting elements. In this contribution, powders made of Mo-20Si-52.8-Ti (at.%) were produced by a novel ultrasonic atomization (UA) process at laboratory-scale using an industrial electrode induction gas atomization (EIGA) process with a modified electrode concept for the first time. UA allows flexibility in alloy composition due to the arc melting-based principle, while the EIGA electrode is PM manufactured from elemental powders to provide similar flexibility on a larger scale. The powders resulting from these two processes were compared with respect to size distribution, sphericity, microstructure and phase constitution, chemical composition, and interstitial impurity content. In addition, several powder batches were produced with the UA process in order to assess the process reliability and stability. The properties, quality, and quantities of UA powders perfectly meet the requests for alloy development for powder bed fusion AM, while the modified EIGA process allows the upscaling of the alloy powder quantities.
Effect of n-3 (Omega-3) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Metabolic and Inflammatory Biomarkers and Body Weight in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs
Authors: Khalili Leila , Valdes-Ramos Roxana , Harbige Laurence S.
Published: October 2021

Beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on metabolic biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has been reported. The objectives of this current research were to investigate the effects of n-3 supplementation on metabolic factors, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). Online databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched until 2021 to identify eligible articles. Thirty trials were included. The results showed that n-3 consumption can significantly reduce glycemic factors including fasting blood sugar (FBS) (−0.36 (−0.71 to −0.01)), glycated hemoglobulin (HbA1c) (−0.74 (−1.13 to −0.35)), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA.IR) (−0.58 (−1.13 to −0.03)). Furthermore, significant improvement in lipid profile including triglycerides (TG) (−0.27 (−0.37 to −0.18)), total cholesterol (−0.60 (−0.88 to −0.32)), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (−0.54 (−0.85 to −0.23)), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (0.60 (0.23 to 0.96)) levels were found in the present meta-analysis. The reduction in the inflammatory marker’s tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (−0.13 (−0.75 to 0.48)) and c-reactive protein (CRP) (−0.72 (−1.70 to 0.27)), as well as weight (−0.09 (−0.24 to 0.07)) and BMI (−0.13 (−0.29 to 0.02)) were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the optimal dose and duration of n-3 consumption for patients with T2DM is 1000–2000 mg/d for more than 8 weeks. The present meta-analysis and review reveals that n-3 supplementation can improve glycemic factors and lipid profile in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, n-3 supplementation may provide beneficial effects on inflammatory markers and body weight if used at the appropriate dose and duration.