bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prokaryotic, Fungal, and Unicellular Eukaryotic Core Communities Across Three Sympatric Marine Sponges From the Southwestern Atlantic Coast Are Dominated Largely by Deterministic Assemblage Processes
Authors: Hardoim Cristiane C. P. , Lôbo-Hajdu Gisele , Custódio Márcio R. , Hardoim Pablo R.
Published: June 2021

Marine sponges are known to harbor a diverse and complex microbiota; however, a vast majority of surveys have been investigating the prokaryotic communities in the north hemisphere and Australia. In addition, the mechanisms of microbial community assembly are poorly understood in this pivotal player of the ecosystem. Thus, this survey addressed the holobiome of the sponge species in the São Paulo region (Brazil) for the first time and investigated the contribution of neutral and niche processes of prokaryotic, fungal, and unicellular eukaryotic assemblage in three sympatric species Aplysina caissara, Aplysina fulva, and Tedania ignis along with environmental samples. The compositions of the holobiome associated with the sponges and detected in environmental samples were strikingly different. Remarkably, between 47 and 88% of the assigned operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were specifically associated with sponge species. Moreover, around 77, 69, and 53% of the unclassified OTUs from prokaryotic, fungal, and unicellular eukaryotic communities, respectively, showed less than 97% similarity with well-known databases, suggesting that sponges from the southwestern Atlantic coast are an important source of microbial novelty. These values are even higher, around 80 and 61% of the unclassified OTUs, when excluding low abundance samples from fungal and unicellular eukaryotic datasets, respectively. Host species were the major driver shaping the sponge-associated microbial community. Deterministic processes were primarily responsible for the assembly of microbial communities in all sponge species, while neutral processes of prokaryotic and fungal community assembly were also detected in the sympatric A. caissara and T. ignis replicates, respectively. Most of the species-rich sponge-associated lineages from this region are also found in the Northern seas and many of them might play essential roles in the symbioses, such as biosynthesis of secondary metabolites that exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral activities, as well as provide protection against host predation. Overall, in this study the microbiota was assembled by interactions with the host sponge in a deterministic-based manner; closely related sponge species shared a strong phylogenetic signal in their associated prokaryotic and fungal community traits and Brazilian sponges were a reservoir of novel microbial species.
Proteomics Analysis Reveals Bacterial Antibiotics Resistance Mechanism Mediated by ahslyA Against Enoxacin in Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Lishan , Song Qingli , Wang Guibin , Yang Wenxiao , Tang Huamei , Srinivasan Ramanathan , Lin Ling , Lin Xiangmin
Published: June 2021

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is a serious global problem; the underlying regulatory mechanisms are largely elusive. The earlier reports states that the vital role of transcriptional regulators (TRs) in bacterial antibiotic resistance. Therefore, we have investigated the role of TRs on enoxacin (ENX) resistance in Aeromonas hydrophila in this study. A label-free quantitative proteomics method was utilized to compare the protein profiles of the ahslyA knockout and wild-type A. hydrophila strains under ENX stress. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the deletion of ahslyA triggers the up-regulated expression of some vital antibiotic resistance proteins in A. hydrophila upon ENX stress and thereby reduce the pressure by preventing the activation of SOS repair system. Moreover, ahslyA directly or indirectly induced at least 11 TRs, which indicates a complicated regulatory network under ENX stress. We also deleted six selected genes in A. hydrophila that altered in proteomics data in order to evaluate their roles in ENX stress. Our results showed that genes such as AHA_0655, narQ, AHA_3721, AHA_2114, and AHA_1239 are regulated by ahslyA and may be involved in ENX resistance. Overall, our data demonstrated the important role of ahslyA in ENX resistance and provided novel insights into the effects of transcriptional regulation on antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
An Overview of RNA-Based Scaffolds for Osteogenesis
Authors: Damiati Laila A. , El-Messeiry Sarah
Published: June 2021

Tissue engineering provides new hope for the combination of cells, scaffolds, and bifactors for bone osteogenesis. This is achieved by mimicking the bone’s natural behavior in recruiting the cell’s molecular machinery for our use. Many researchers have focused on developing an ideal scaffold with specific features, such as good cellular adhesion, cell proliferation, differentiation, host integration, and load bearing. Various types of coating materials (organic and non-organic) have been used to enhance bone osteogenesis. In the last few years, RNA-mediated gene therapy has captured attention as a new tool for bone regeneration. In this review, we discuss the use of RNA molecules in coating and delivery, including messenger RNA (mRNA), RNA interference (RNAi), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) on different types of scaffolds (such as polymers, ceramics, and metals) in osteogenesis research. In addition, the effect of using gene-editing tools—particularly CRISPR systems—to guide RNA scaffolds in bone regeneration is also discussed. Given existing knowledge about various RNAs coating/expression may help to understand the process of bone formation on the scaffolds during osseointegration.
Basic Spatiotemporal Gait Variables of Young and Older Healthy Volunteers Walking Along a Novel Figure-of-8 Path
Authors: Zancan Arturo , Sozzi Stefania , Schieppati Marco
Published: June 2021

Background: Locomotion along curved trajectories requires fine coordination among body segments. Elderly people may adopt a cautious attitude when steering. A simple, expeditious, patient-friendly walking protocol can be a tool to help clinicians. We evaluated the feasibility of a procedure based upon a newly designed Figure-of-eight (nFo8) path and an easy measurement operation.

Methods: Sixty healthy volunteers, aged from 20 to 86 years, walked three times at self-selected speed along a 20 m linear (LIN) and the 20 m nFo8 path. Number of steps, mean speed and walk ratio (step length/cadence) were collected. Data were analysed for the entire cohort and for the groups aged 20–45, 46–65, and >65 years.

Results: There was no difference in mean LIN walking speed between the two younger groups but the oldest was slower. During nFo8, all groups were slower (about 16%) than during LIN. Cadence was not different across groups but lower during nFo8 in each group. Step length was about 8% shorter in the two younger groups and 14% shorter in the oldest during nFo8 compared to LIN. Walk ratio was the smallest in the oldest group for both LIN and nFo8.

Conclusions: A complex nFo8 walking path, with fast and easy measurement of a simple set of variables, detects significant differences with moderate and large effects in gait variables in people >65 years. This challenging trajectory is more revealing than LIN. Further studies are needed to develop a quick clinical tool for assessment of gait conditions or outcome of rehabilitative treatments.
Ictal Occurrence of High-Frequency Oscillations Correlates With Seizure Severity in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Birk Nadja , Schönberger Jan , Somerlik-Fuchs Karin Helene , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Jacobs Julia
Published: June 2021

High-frequency oscillations (HFOs, ripples 80–250 Hz, fast ripples 250–500 Hz) are biomarkers of epileptic tissue. They are most commonly observed over areas generating seizures and increase in occurrence during the ictal compared to the interictal period. It has been hypothesized that their rate correlates with the severity of epilepsy and seizure in affected individuals. In the present study, it was aimed to investigate whether the HFO count mirrors the observed behavioral seizure severity using a kainate rat model for temporal lobe epilepsy. Seizures were selected during the chronic epilepsy phase of this model and classified by behavioral severity according to the Racine scale. Seizures with Racine scale 5&6 were considered generalized and severe. HFOs were marked in 24 seizures during a preictal, ictal, and postictal EEG segment. The duration covered by the HFO during these different segments was analyzed and compared between mild and severe seizures. HFOs were significantly increased during ictal periods (p < 0.001) and significantly decreased during postictal periods (p < 0.03) compared to the ictal segment. Ictal ripples (p = 0.04) as well as fast ripples (p = 0.02) were significantly higher in severe seizures compared to mild seizures. The present study demonstrates that ictal HFO occurrence mirrors seizure severity in a chronic focal epilepsy model in rats. This is similar to recent observations in patients with refractory mesio-temporal lobe epilepsy. Moreover, postictal HFO decrease might reflect postictal inhibition of epileptic activity. Overall results provide additional evidence that HFOs can be used as biomarkers for measuring seizure severity in epilepsy.
A Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation-Related Gene Signature as Prognostic Biomarker for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Qiu Yan , Pan Min , Chen Xuemei
Published: June 2021

Objective

The aim of the present study was to construct and test a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-related gene signature as a prognostic tool for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Materials and Methods

The data set GSE26712 was used to screen the differentially expressed LLPS-related genes. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to reveal the potential biological functions. GSE17260 and GSE32062 were combined as the discovery to construct an LLPS-related gene signature through a three-step analysis (univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox analyses). The EOC data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas as the test set was used to test the LLPS-related gene signature.

Results

The differentially expressed LLPS-related genes involved in several cancer-related pathways, such as MAPK signaling pathway, cell cycle, and DNA replication. Eleven genes were selected to construct the LLPS-related gene signature risk index as prognostic biomarker for EOC. The risk index could successfully divide patients with EOC into high- and low-risk groups. The patients in high-risk group had significantly shorter overall survival than those with in low-risk group. The LLPS-related gene signature was validated in the test set and may be an independent prognostic factor compared to routine clinical features.

Conclusion

We constructed and validated an LLPS-related gene signature as a prognosis tool in EOC through integrated analysis of multiple data sets.
Impact of Previous Nephrectomy on Clinical Outcome of Metastatic Renal Carcinoma Treated With Immune-Oncology: A Real-World Study on Behalf of Meet-URO Group (MeetUro-7b)
Authors: Stellato Marco , Santini Daniele , Verzoni Elena , De Giorgi Ugo , Pantano Francesco , Casadei Chiara , Fornarini Giuseppe , Maruzzo Marco , Sbrana Andrea , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Soraru Mariella , Naglieri Emanuele , Buti Sebastiano , De Vivo Rocco , Napolitano Andrea , Vignani Francesca , Mucciarini Claudia , Grillone Francesco , Roviello Giandomenico , Di Napoli Marilena , Procopio Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Background

Immune-Oncology (IO) improves Overall Survival (OS) in metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC). The prognostic impact of previous Cytoreductive Nephrectomy (CN) and radical nephrectomy (RN), with curative intent, in patients treated with IO is not well defined. The aim of our paper is to evaluate the impact of previous nephrectomy on outcome of mRCC patients treated with IO.

Methods

287 eligible patients were retrospectively collected from 16 Italian referral centers adhering to the MeetUro association. Patients treated with IO as second and third line were included, whereas patients treated with IO as first line were excluded. Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were performed to compare Progression Free Survival (PFS) and OS between groups. In our analysis, both CN and RN were included. The association between nephrectomy and other variables was analyzed in univariate and multivariate setting using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

246/287 (85.7%) patients had nephrectomy before IO treatment. Median PFS in patients who underwent nephrectomy (246/287) was 4.8 months (95%CI 3.9–5.7) vs 3.7 months (95%CI 1.9–5.5) in patients who did not it (HR log rank 0.78; 95%CI 0.53 to 1.15; p = 0.186). Median OS in patients who had previous nephrectomy (246/287) was 20.9 months (95%CI 17.6–24.1) vs 13 months (95%CI 7.7–18.2) in patients who did not it (HR log rank 0.504; 95%CI 0.337 to 0.755; p = 0.001). In the multivariate model, nephrectomy showed a significant association with OS (HR log rank 0.638; 95%CI 0.416 to 0.980), whereas gland metastases were still associated with better outcome in terms of both OS (HR log rank 0.487; 95%CI 0.279 to 0.852) and PFS (HR log rank 0.646; 95%CI 0.435 to 0.958).

Conclusions

IO treatment, in patients who had previously undergone nephrectomy, was associated with a better outcome in terms of OS. Further prospective trials would assess this issue in order to guide clinicians in real word practice.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials With Novel Hormonal Therapies for Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: An Update From Mature Overall Survival Data
Authors: Maggi Martina , Salciccia Stefano , Del Giudice Francesco , Busetto Gian Maria , Falagario Ugo G. , Carrieri Giuseppe , Ferro Matteo , Porreca Angelo , Di Pierro Giovanni Battista , Fasulo Vittorio , Frantellizzi Viviana , De Vincentis Giuseppe , De Berardinis Ettore , Sciarra Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Introduction

To get better insight into the management of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (M0 CRPC), in this meta-analysis and review we aimed to present an updated evaluation of the efficacy and safety of novel hormonal therapies (nHT) for M0 CRPC according to final analyses with mature overall survival (OS) and safety data.

Methods

We analyzed metastasis-free survival (MFS), OS, time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression, second-line therapies data, adverse events (AEs), including all AEs, serious AEs (SAEs), AEs leading to discontinuation of trial regimen, AEs leading to death, fatigue, dizziness, cardiovascular events, and fractures; moreover, we evaluated the impact of PSA doubling time (PSA-DT), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, use of bone-targeted therapy, lymph lodes (LN) status, and prior HT on final OS data. A comparison among the placebo arms of the included trials in terms of survival and safety profiles was assessed.

Results

According to the pooled analysis with updated and mature OS data, OS was significantly improved with nHT compared to placebo (hazard ratio (HR)= 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 0.66–0.84). nHT significantly improved OS over placebo across all pre-specified subgroups. Subgroup analysis revealed a greater OS benefit in patients with PSA-DT >6 months than ≤6 months (HR= 0.69 versus HR= 0.75), ECOG 0 than 1 (HR= 0.70 versus HR= 0.80), N1 disease than N0 (HR= 0.61 versus HR= 0.78), and in those receiving bone-targeted therapy (HR= 0.65 versus HR= 0.74), and a comparable OS by number of prior HT (HR= 0.75 versus HR= 0.76, for HT= 1 and ≥2); yet, differences between pre-specified subgroups were not significant (all p> 0.05). Overall, the nHT arm was significantly associated with higher rates of AEs, when compared with the placebo arm. The long-term analysis showed a worse safety profile with nHT than the interim analysis.

Conclusions

According to final analyses, nHT have shown to improve OS over placebo in the setting of high-risk M0 CRPC. The long-term analysis showed a worse safety profile with nHT than the interim analysis, whit distinct profiles among different nHT. The lack of survival data regarding second-line therapies remains a major issue.
Use and Misuse of Emergency Room for Children: Features of Walk-In Consultations and Parental Motivations in a Hospital in Southern Italy
Authors: Calicchio Maria , Valitutti Francesco , Della Vecchia Antonio , De Anseris Anna Giulia Elena , Nazzaro Lucia , Bertrando Sara , Bruzzese Dario , Vajro Pietro
Published: June 2021

Objective: Inappropriate use of the emergency department (ED) represents a major worldwide issue both in pediatric and adult age. Herein, we aim to describe features of pediatric visits to the ED of Salerno University Hospital and to evaluate parental reasons behind the decision to walk in.

Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study evaluating ED encounters for children from January 2014 to December 2019. The appropriateness of visits was measured with a national tool assessing every ED encounter, namely, “the Mattoni method,” which consists of the combination of the triage code assigned, the diagnostic resources adopted, and the consultation outcomes. Moreover, 64 questionnaires were collected from a sample of parents in the waiting rooms in January 2020.

Results: A total number of 42,507 visits were recorded during the study period (19,126 females; mean age ± SD: 4.3 ± 3.8 years), the majority of whom were inappropriate (75.8% over the considered period; 73.6% in 2014; 74.6% in 2015; 76.3% in 2016; 76.7% in 2017; 77.9% in 2018; 75.5% in 2019). Most of the inappropriate consultations arrived at the ED by their own vehicle (94.4%), following an independent decision of the parents (97.2%), especially in the evening and at night on Saturdays/Sundays/holidays (69.7%). A multivariate analysis revealed the following: patients of younger age (OR: 1.11, 95% C.I. 1.06–1.16; p < 0.0019), night visits (OR 1.39; 95% C.I.: 1.32–1.47; p < 0.001), patients living in the municipality of Salerno (OR 1.28; 95% C.I.: 1.22–1.34; p < 0.001), weekend day visits (OR 1.48; 95% C.I.: 1.41–1.56; p < 0.001), and independent parental decision without previous contact with primary care pediatrician (OR 3.01; 95% C.I.: 2.64–3.44; p < 0.001) were all significant independent predictors of inappropriate consultation. The most frequent trigger of ED encounters was fever (51.4%). Hospital admission made up 17.6% of all consultations. The questionnaire showed that most parents were aware of the lack of urgency (20.3%) or minor urgency (53.1%) of the visit. The reasons for walking in were the impossibility to receive a home consultation (70%), the difficulty of contacting their family pediatrician during weekends and holidays (54.4%), as well as the search for a quick, effective, diagnosis and therapy (48.4%).

Conclusions: The study suggests a highly inappropriate use of ED for children in our region. This issue deserves considerable attention by health care system leaders in order to optimally integrate hospitals and primary care.
A Study of Dramatic Action and Emotion Using a Systematic Scan of Stick Figure Configurations
Authors: Raindel Noa , Liron Yuvalal , Alon Uri
Published: June 2021

Comprehending the meaning of body postures is essential for social organisms such as humans. For example, it is important to understand at a glance whether two people seen at a distance are in a friendly or conflictual interaction. However, it is still unclear what fraction of the possible body configurations carry meaning, and what is the best way to characterize such meaning. Here, we address this by using stick figures as a low-dimensional, yet evocative, representation of body postures. We systematically scanned a set of 1,470 upper-body postures of stick figures in a dyad with a second stick figure with a neutral pose. We asked participants to rate the stick figure in terms of 20 emotion adjectives like sad or triumphant and in terms of eight active verbs that connote intent like to threaten and to comfort. The stick figure configuration space was dense with meaning: people strongly agreed on more than half of the configurations. The meaning was generally smooth in the sense that small changes in posture had a small effect on the meaning, but certain small changes had a large effect. Configurations carried meaning in both emotions and intent, but the intent verbs covered more configurations. The effectiveness of the intent verbs in describing body postures aligns with a theory, originating from the theater, called dramatic action theory. This suggests that, in addition to the well-studied role of emotional states in describing body language, much can be gained by using also dramatic action verbs which signal the effort to change the state of others. We provide a dictionary of stick figure configurations and their perceived meaning. This systematic scan of body configurations might be useful to teaching people and machines to decipher body postures in human interactions.
Characterization of Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina) PsMYB10 Alleles Reveals Structural Variation and Polymorphisms Correlating With Fruit Skin Color
Authors: Fiol Arnau , García-Gómez Beatriz E. , Jurado-Ruiz Federico , Alexiou Konstantinos , Howad Werner , Aranzana Maria José
Published: June 2021

The red to blue hue of plant organs is caused due to anthocyanins, which are water-soluble flavonoid pigments. The accumulation of these pigments is regulated by a complex of R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs), basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH), and WD-repeat (WDR) proteins (MBW complex). In Rosaceae species, R2R3-MYBs, particularly MYB10 genes, are responsible for part of the natural variation in anthocyanin colors. Japanese plum cultivars, which are hybrids of Prunus salicina, have high variability in the color hue and pattern, going from yellow-green to red and purple-blue, probably as a result of the interspecific hybridization origin of the crop. Because of such variability, Japanese plum can be considered as an excellent model to study the color determination in Rosaceae fruit tree species. Here, we cloned and characterized the alleles of the PsMYB10 genes in the linkage group LG3 region where quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the organ color have been mapped to other Prunus species. Allele segregation in biparental populations as well as in a panel of varieties, combined with the whole-genome sequence of two varieties with contrasting fruit color, allowed the organization of the MYB10 alleles into haplotypes. With the help of this strategy, alleles were assigned to genes and at least three copies of PsMYB10.1 were identified in some varieties. In total, we observed six haplotypes, which were able to characterize 91.36% of the cultivars. In addition, two alleles of PsMYB10.1 were found to be highly associated with anthocyanin and anthocyanin-less skin. Their expression during the fruit development confirms their role in the fruit skin coloration. Here, we provide a highly efficient molecular marker for the early selection of colored or non-colored fruits in Japanese plum breeding programs.
Proactive Personality and Academic Engagement: The Mediating Effects of Teacher-Student Relationships and Academic Self-Efficacy
Authors: Chen Peiyao , Bao Chenye , Gao Qiyang
Published: June 2021

A proactive personality provides students with strong competitiveness in academic learning. However, previous research primarily focused on the effects of the big five facets, and less attention was paid to proactive personality which shows more incremental validity in learning. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between proactive personality and academic engagement. The sample consisted of 519 students (245 females, 274 males; Mage = 10.20, SD = 0.891). The study used Mplus 7.0 software to establish structural equation models (SEM). The results showed a significant positive relationship between proactive personality and academic engagement. Teacher-student relationships and academic self-efficacy were found to fully mediate separately between proactive personality and academic engagement. Moreover, the serial mediator model indicated that proactive personality was sequentially related to academic engagement through teacher-student relationships and academic self-efficacy. The implications for learning and teaching are discussed.
When Love Just Ends: An Investigation of the Relationship Between Dysfunctional Behaviors, Attachment Styles, Gender, and Education Shortly After a Relationship Dissolution
Authors: Civilotti Cristina , Dennis John Lawrence , Acquadro Maran Daniela , Margola Davide
Published: June 2021

Much information is known about the long-term consequences of separation and divorce, whereas there is a paucity of studies about the short-term consequences of such experiences. This study investigates the adoption of dysfunctional behaviors (e.g., insistent telephone calls and text messages, verbal threats, and sending unwanted objects) shortly after a relationship dissolution. A total of 136 participants who declared to have been left by their former partner in the previous 6 months were included in this study (i.e., females: n = 84; males: n = 52; mean age = 30.38; SD = 4.19). Attachment styles were evaluated as explanatory variables when facing a relationship dissolution, in connection with a set of (1) demographic variables (i.e., gender, education, and current marital/relationship status), (2) dysfunctional behaviors, and (3) motivations on the basis of those behaviors. Results showed that a secure or dismissing attachment style, a higher education, and currently married (but awaiting separation) status were the protective factors in adopting such dysfunctional behaviors, while the preoccupied and fearful-avoidant subjects, especially females, tended to adopt dysfunctional behaviors (i.e., communication attempts and defamation) and reported fear of abandonment and need for attention as underlying motivations. Future study on longitudinal aspects of the relationship dissolution processes is required to have deeper insights into this phenomenon. This study sheds light on the relationship between adult attachment styles and the motivations behind the adoption of dysfunctional behaviors after a relationship dissolution.
Based on a Decision Tree Model for Exploring the Risk Factors of Smartphone Addiction Among Children and Adolescents in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Duan Li , He Juan , Li Min , Dai Jiali , Zhou Yurong , Lai Feiya , Zhu Gang
Published: June 2021

Background: Smartphone addiction has emerged as a major concern among children and adolescents over the past few decades and may be heightened by the outbreak of COVID-19, posing a threat to their physical and mental health. Then we aimed to develop a decision tree model as a screening tool for unrecognized smartphone addiction by conducting large sample investigation in mainland China.

Methods: The data from cross-sectional investigation of smartphone addiction among children and adolescents in mainland China (n = 3,615) was used to build models of smartphone addiction by employing logistic regression, visualized nomogram, and decision tree analysis.

Results: Smartphone addiction was found in 849 (23.5%) of the 3,615 respondents. According to the results of logistic regression, nomogram, and decision tree analyses, Internet addiction, hours spend on smartphone during the epidemic, levels of clinical anxiety symptoms, fear of physical injury, and sex were used in predictive model of smartphone addiction among children and adolescents. The C-index of the final adjusted model of logistic regression was 0.804. The classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and AUC area of decision tree for detecting smartphone addiction were 87.3, 71.4, 92.1, 73.5, 91.4, and 0.884, respectively.

Conclusions: It was found that the incidence of smartphone addiction among children and adolescents is significant during the epidemic. The decision tree model can be used to screen smartphone addiction among them. Findings of the five risk factors will help researchers and parents assess the risk of smartphone addiction quickly and easily.
The Electron Structure of the Solar Wind
Authors: Borovsky Joseph E. , Halekas Jasper S. , Whittlesey Phyllis L.
Published: June 2021

Time-series measurements of the number density ncore and temperature Tcore of the core-electron population of the solar wind are examined at 1 AU and at 0.13 AU using measurements from the WIND and Parker Solar Probe spacecraft, respectively. A statistical analysis of the ncore and Tcore measurements at 1 AU finds that the core-electron spatial structure of the solar wind is related to the magnetic-flux-tube structure of the solar wind; this electron structure is characterized by jumps in the values of ncore and Tcore when passing from one magnetic flux tube into the next. The same types of flux-tube jumps are seen for Tcore at 0.13 AU. Some models of the interplanetary electrical potential of the heliosphere predict that Tcore is a direct measure of the local electrical potential in the heliosphere. If so, then jumps seen in Tcore represent jumps in the electrical potential from flux tube to flux tube. This may imply that the interplanetary electrical potential (and its effect on the radial evolution away from the Sun of solar-wind ions and electrons) independently operates in each flux tube of the heliosphere.
Determinants of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption among In-School Adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Frimpong James Boadu , Iddrisu Hawa , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Budu Eugene , Hagan John Elvis , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: June 2021

Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption is an important source of nutrients for healthy growth and development, as well as a protective factor against chronic non-communicable diseases. Paucity of data exists on adolescents’ fruit and vegetable consumption in Ghana. This study, therefore, sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption among in-school adolescents in Ghana. Methods: Data for this study were extracted from the 2012 Global School-Based Health Survey. A cross-sectional analysis on 2786 in-school adolescents from junior and senior high schools was conducted. Descriptive analyses using frequencies and percentages were used to present the results on the prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption. Multivariable binomial regression analysis was performed to determine the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and explanatory variables. The results of the regression analyses were presented using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with their respective confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of adequate fruits, adequate vegetables, and adequate fruit and vegetable consumption were 35.7%, 26.8%, and 27.8%, respectively. In-school male adolescents had lower odds of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption compared to female adolescents (aOR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.51–0.82). Adolescents in senior high schools (aOR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.22–0.61) were less likely to consume adequate fruits and vegetables compared to those in junior high schools. The odds of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption were higher among adolescents who consumed soft drinks (aOR = 3.29, 95%CI = 2.42–4.46), fast foods (aOR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.13–1.77), and those who had sedentary behavior (aOR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.07–1.77). Conclusions: The findings revealed that fruit and vegetable consumption among Ghanaian adolescents is relatively low. Sex of adolescents, grade, soft drink intake, fast food consumption, and sedentary behavior were factors associated with adequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Health promotion interventions to scale up fruit and vegetable consumption should pay attention to the factors identified in this study.
What Goes Wrong during Early Development of Artificially Reproduced European Eel Anguilla anguilla? Clues from the Larval Transcriptome and Gene Expression Patterns
Authors: Jéhannet Pauline , Palstra Arjan P. , Heinsbroek Leon T. N. , Kruijt Leo , Dirks Ron P. , Swinkels William , Komen Hans
Published: June 2021

In eels, large variations in larval mortality exist, which would impede the viable production of juvenile glass eels in captivity. The transcriptome of European eel larvae was investigated to identify physiological pathways and genes that show differential regulation between non-viable vs. viable larvae. Expression of genes involved in inflammation and host protection was higher, suggesting that non-viable larvae suffered from microbial infection. Expression of genes involved in osmoregulation was also higher, implying that non-viable larvae tried to maintain homeostasis by strong osmoregulatory adaptation. Expression of genes involved in myogenesis, neural, and sensory development was reduced in the non-viable larvae. Expression of the major histocompatibility complex class-I (mhc1) gene, M-protein (myom2), the dopamine 2B receptor (d2br), the melatonin receptor (mtr1), and heat-shock protein beta-1 (hspb1) showed strong differential regulation and was therefore studied in 1, 8, and 15 days post-hatch (dph) larvae by RT-PCR to comprehend the roles of these genes during ontogeny. Expression patterning of these genes indicated the start of active swimming (8 dph) and feed searching behavior (15 dph) and confirmed immunocompetence immediately after hatching. This study revealed useful insights for improving larval survival by microbial control and salinity reduction.
Molecular Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance among Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Diarrhoeic Calves in Egypt
Authors: Meshref Abdel-Moamen E. , Eldesoukey Ibrahim E. , Alouffi Abdulaziz S. , Alrashedi Saleh A. , Osman Salama A. , Ahmed Ashraf M.
Published: June 2021

The present study was designed to investigate the presence of genes that conferred resistance to antimicrobials among Enterobacteriaceae that were isolated from diarrhoeic calves. A total of 120 faecal samples were collected from diarrhoeic calves that were raised in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt. The samples were screened for Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 149 isolates of bacteria were recovered and identified; Escherichia coli was found to be the most overwhelming species, followed by Citrobacter diversus, Shigella spp., Serratia spp., Providencia spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus spp., Klebsiella oxytoca, and Morganella morganii. All isolates were tested for susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials; resistant and intermediately resistant strains were screened by conventional polymerase chain reaction for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Of the 149 isolates, 37 (24.8%) exhibited multidrug resistant phenotypes. The most prevalent multidrug resistant species were E. coli, C. diversus, Serratia spp., K. pneumoniae, Shigella spp., Providencia spp., and K. oxytoca. Class 1 integrons were detected in 28 (18.8%) isolates. All isolates were negative for class 2 integrons. The blaTEM gene was identified in 37 (24.8%) isolates, whereas no isolates carried the blaCTX-M gene. The florfenicol gene (floR) was detected in two bacterial isolates (1.3%). The findings of this study reveal that calves may act as potential reservoirs of multidrug resistant bacteria that can be easily transmitted to humans.
Effect of Yeast-Fermented Citrus Pulp as a Protein Source on Nutrient Intake, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance and In Situ Digestion Kinetics in Nili Ravi Buffalo Bulls
Authors: Shabbir Awais , Sharif Muhammad , Ashfaq Khurram , Aqib Amjad , Saeed Muhammad , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Alagawany Mahmoud
Published: June 2021

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of single cell protein (SCP) supplement as a protein source on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and in situ digestion kinetics in four Nili Ravi buffalo bulls. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous concentrates containing 3, 6, 9 and 12% of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-fermented citrus pulp were formulated. All animals were fed a ration with a concentrate/forage ratio of 50:50. Diets were provided ad libitum twice a day as a total mixed ration in a 4 × 4 Latin Square Design. Each experimental period lasted 3 weeks while the overall study 12 weeks. The first 2 weeks of each experimental period were used as adaptation period while the third week as collection period. Chemical composition of fermented citrus pulp appeared as an excellent source of protein. No significant difference was observed on dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients and SCP among all the treatments. Moreover, no significant effect was observed on ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen at different times. Rate of disappearance and lag time of in situ dry matter digestion kinetics remained nonsignificant regardless of SCP percentage. Based on results of similar nutrients intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal parameters it is concluded that SCP could be used in the concentrate diet of ruminant up to 12%. Furthermore, the SCP has the potential of an alternative protein source in animal diet formulation.
Changes of Plasma Analytes Reflecting Metabolic Adaptation to the Different Stages of the Lactation Cycle in Healthy Multiparous Holstein Dairy Cows Raised in High-Welfare Conditions
Authors: Premi Michele , Mezzetti Matteo , Ferronato Giulia , Barbato Mario , Piccioli Cappelli Fiorenzo , Minuti Andrea , Trevisi Erminio
Published: June 2021

Here, we tested the changes occurring in several plasma analytes during different stages of the lactation cycle of high welfare raised multiparous Holstein cows, and provided reference intervals (RI) for plasma analytes concentrations. Eleven high-welfare farms (HWF) located in Northern Italy were selected and their herds used to recruit 361 clinically healthy cows undergoing the dry (from −30 to −10 days from real calving; DFC), the postpartum (from 3 to 7 DFC), the early lactation (from 28 to 45 DFC) and the late lactation phases (from 160 to 305 DFC). Cows affected by subclinical diseases (SCD) were retrospectively excluded, and a subset of 285 cows was selected. Data of plasma analytes underwent ANOVA testing using physiological phases as predictors. The individual effect of each phase was assessed using a pairwise t-test assuming p ≤ 0.05 as a significance limit. A bootstrap approach was used to define the reference interval (RI) for each blood analyte within physiological phases having a pairwise t-test p ≤ 0.05. The concentration of nonesterified fatty acids, albumin, cholesterol, retinol, paraoxonase and tocopherol changed throughout all the physiological phases, whereas the concentration of K, alkaline phosphatase and thiol groups remained stable. Triglycerides, Zn, and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power in the dry phase and BHB, Ca, myeloperoxidase, haptoglobin, reactive oxygen metabolites and advanced oxidation of protein product in postpartum differed compared with other physiological phases. During the dry phase, Packed cell volume, Cl, and urea concentrations were similar to during the postpartum phase. Similarly, Na, γ-glutamyl transferase and β-carotene concentrations were similar to during the early lactation phase; fructosamine and bilirubin concentrations were similar to during the late lactation phase. During the postpartum phase, fructosamine and P concentrations were similar to during the early lactation phase, and the aspartate transaminase concentration was similar to during the late lactation phase. During the early lactation phase, Mg, creatinine, total protein, globulin and ceruloplasmin concentrations were similar to during the postpartum phase, while the urea concentration was similar to during the late lactation phase. All these plasma analytes differed among the other phases. This study identifies physiological trends affecting plasma analytes concentrations during the different stages of the lactation cycle and provides a guideline for the duration and magnitude of their changes when animals are healthy and raised in optimal welfare conditions.
Effect of Metal Oxides and Smelting Dust on SO2 Conversion to SO3
Authors: Liu Haipeng , Zhang Qin , Yang Hongying , Wu Yanan , Chen Jiacheng , Hu Shen
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of metal oxides and smelting dust on the formation of sulfur trioxide during copper, lead, zinc smelting process and flue. Focusing on the effects of SO2 concentration, O2 concentration, and temperature on SO2 oxidation conversion rate under homogeneous test conditions, and under various metal oxide oxidation conditions, further in dust (mainly electric dust removal ash in copper, lead, zinc smelting process), which were studied by single factor experiment test. The results showed that the effect of heterogeneous catalytic oxidation on SO2 conversion rate is much greater than that of pure gas phase oxidation. The addition of five pure metal oxides such as Fe2O3, CuO, Al2O3, ZnO, and CaO obviously promoted the SO2 conversion rate under different conditions. At different temperatures, the ability of metal oxides to promote SO2 conversion is ranked: Fe2O3 > CuO > CaO > ZnO > Al2O3. The catalytic oxidation of copper, lead, and zinc smelting dust to SO2 conversion rate was studied, and the conclusion was drawn that the metal oxides that promoted SO2 conversion rate in copper smelting dust were Fe2O3, Al2O3, ZnO, CaO, and the main substance was Fe2O3; the metal oxides that promoted SO2 conversion in zinc smelting dust were Fe2O3, Al2O3, ZnO, CaO, CuO, and the main substances were Fe2O3 and ZnO; the metal oxides that promoted SO2 conversion rate in lead smelting dust were Fe2O3. Whether metal oxides or copper, zinc, lead smelting dust in the experiment, Fe2O3 displayed the strongest catalytic oxidation capacity.
Quantifying the Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown and Spring Festival on Air Quality over Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Javed Zeeshan , Tanvir Aimon , Wang Yuhang , Waqas Ahmed , Xie Mingjie , Abbas Adnan , Sandhu Osama , Liu Cheng
Published: June 2021

The emergence of the novel corona virus and the resulting lockdowns over various parts of the world have substantially impacted air quality due to reduced anthropogenic activity. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown and Spring Festival on air quality of four major cities of Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, including Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Hangzhou. In situ measurements were taken for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). In situ measurements from 1 January to 25 April were taken two years prior to COVID-19 (2018–19), during COVID-19 lockdown (2020), and one year after the COVID-19 (2021). The results indicated that the concentration of NO2 and PM2.5 dropped considerably during the lockdown days compared to normal days while the O3 concentration showed an upsurge. The NO2 showed reduction of about 54% on average during lockdown level 1 in 2020 whereas, PM 2.5 showed reduction of about 36% through the YRD. A substantial drop was observed in concentration of NO2 during the Spring Festival holidays throughout the YRD from 2019 to 2021.
Transformative Potential and Learning Outcomes of Air Quality Citizen Science Projects in High Schools Using Low-Cost Sensors
Authors: Grossberndt Sonja , Passani Antonella , Di Lisio Giulia , Janssen Annelli , Castell Nuria
Published: June 2021

The rise of advanced ICT technologies has made it possible to apply low-cost sensor systems for measuring air quality in citizen science projects, including education. High school students in Norway used these sensor systems in a citizen science project to design, carry out, and evaluate their own research projects on air quality. An impact assessment framework was designed to assess the impact of these activities, considering five areas of impact: scientific, social, economic, political, and environmental. In addition, the framework also considers the transformative potential of the citizen science pilot, i.e., the degree to which the pilot can help to change, alter, or replace current systems, and the business-as-usual in one or more fields such as knowledge production or environmental protection. Data for this assessment were gathered in the form of questionnaires that the students had to complete before starting and after finalizing the pilot activities. The results showed positive impacts on learning, a pro-environmental world view, and an increase in pro-science attitudes and interest in scientific and environmental-related topics at the end of the pilot activities. Only weak impacts were measured for behavioral change. The activities showed transformative potential, which makes the student activities an example of good practice for citizen science activities on air quality with low-cost sensors.
Relaying Aversive Ultrasonic Alarm Calls Depends on Previous Experience. Empathy, Social Buffering, or Panic?
Authors: Karwicka Wiktoria , Wiatrowska Marta , Kondrakiewicz Kacper , Knapska Ewelina , Kursa Miron Bartosz , Hamed Adam
Published: June 2021

Ultrasonic vocalizations are among the oldest evolutionarily forms of animal communication. In order to study the communication patterns in an aversive social situation, we used a behavioral model in which one animal, the observer, is witnessing as his cagemate, the demonstrator, is experiencing a series of mild electrical foot shocks. We studied the effect of the foot shock experience on the observer and the influence of a warning sound (emitted shortly before the shock) on USV communication. These experiments revealed that such a warning seems to increase the arousal level, which differentiates the responses depending on previous experience. This can be identified by the emission of characteristic, short 22 kHz calls of a duration below 100 ms. Two rats emitted calls that overlapped in time. Analysis of these overlaps revealed that in ‘warned’ pairs with a naive observer, 22 kHz calls were mixed with 50 kHz calls. This fact, combined with a high fraction of very high-pitched 50 kHz calls (over 75 kHz), suggests the presence of the phenomenon of social buffering. Pure 22 kHz overlaps were mostly found in ‘warned’ pairs with an experienced observer, suggesting a possible fear contagion with distress sharing. The results show the importance of dividing 22 kHz calls into long and short categories.
Duplicate Detection of Spike Events: A Relevant Problem in Human Single-Unit Recordings
Authors: Dehnen Gert , Kehl Marcel S. , Darcher Alana , Müller Tamara T. , Macke Jakob H. , Borger Valeri , Surges Rainer , Mormann Florian
Published: June 2021

Single-unit recordings in the brain of behaving human subjects provide a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of neural mechanisms of cognition. These recordings are exclusively performed in medical centers during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The presence of medical instruments along with other aspects of the hospital environment limit the control of electrical noise compared to animal laboratory environments. Here, we highlight the problem of an increased occurrence of simultaneous spike events on different recording channels in human single-unit recordings. Most of these simultaneous events were detected in clusters previously labeled as artifacts and showed similar waveforms. These events may result from common external noise sources or from different micro-electrodes recording activity from the same neuron. To address the problem of duplicate recorded events, we introduce an open-source algorithm to identify these artificial spike events based on their synchronicity and waveform similarity. Applying our method to a comprehensive dataset of human single-unit recordings, we demonstrate that our algorithm can substantially increase the data quality of these recordings. Given our findings, we argue that future studies of single-unit activity recorded under noisy conditions should employ algorithms of this kind to improve data quality.