bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAND2/PMTR1 Is Required for Melatonin-Conferred Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Lin-Feng , Li Ting-Ting , Zhang Yu , Guo Jia-Xing , Lu Kai-Kai , Liu Wen-Cheng
Published: April 2021

Osmotic stress severely inhibits plant growth and development, causing huge loss of crop quality and quantity worldwide. Melatonin is an important signaling molecule that generally confers plant increased tolerance to various environmental stresses, however, whether and how melatonin participates in plant osmotic stress response remain elusive. Here, we report that melatonin enhances plant osmotic stress tolerance through increasing ROS-scavenging ability, and melatonin receptor CAND2 plays a key role in melatonin-mediated plant response to osmotic stress. Upon osmotic stress treatment, the expression of melatonin biosynthetic genes including SNAT1, COMT1, and ASMT1 and the accumulation of melatonin are increased in the wild-type plants. The snat1 mutant is defective in osmotic stress-induced melatonin accumulation and thus sensitive to osmotic stress, while exogenous melatonin enhances the tolerance of the wild-type plant and rescues the sensitivity of the snat1 mutant to osmotic stress by upregulating the expression and activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase to repress H2O2 accumulation. Further study showed that the melatonin receptor mutant cand2 exhibits reduced osmotic stress tolerance with increased ROS accumulation, but exogenous melatonin cannot revert its osmotic stress phenotype. Together, our study reveals that CADN2 functions necessarily in melatonin-conferred osmotic stress tolerance by activating ROS-scavenging ability in Arabidopsis.
Endurance Training Depletes Antioxidant System but Does Not Affect Endothelial Functions in Women with Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Trial with a Comparison to Endurance-Strength Training
Authors: Jamka Małgorzata , Bogdański Paweł , Krzyżanowska-Jankowska Patrycja , Miśkiewicz-Chotnicka Anna , Karolkiewicz Joanna , Duś-Żuchowska Monika , Mądry Radosław , Lisowska Aleksandra , Gotz-Więckowska Anna , Iskakova Saule , Walkowiak Jarosław , Mądry Edyta
Published: April 2021

Limited data suggested that inclusion of a strength component into endurance exercises might intensify the beneficial effect of training. However, the available data is limited. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effect of endurance and endurance-strength training on anthropometric parameters, endothelial function, arterial stiffness, antioxidant status, and inflammatory markers in abdominally obese women without serious comorbidities. A total of 101 women were recruited and randomly divided into endurance (n = 52) and endurance-strength (n = 49) groups. During the three-month intervention, both groups performed supervised sixty-minute training three times a week. All studied parameters were measured pre- and post-intervention period. In total, 85 women completed the study. Both training significantly decreased anthropometric parameters. Besides, endurance training decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase, central aortic systolic pressure, pulse wave velocity, glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), interleukin (IL) 8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, while endurance-strength training decreased MMP-2 concentrations, and increased IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and MMP-9 levels. We observed significant differences between groups for GSH, TAS, and MMP-9 levels. In summary, endurance and endurance-strength training did not differ in the impact on endothelial function and arterial stiffness. However, endurance training significantly depleted the antioxidant defense, simultaneously reducing MMP-9 levels. The study was retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register within the number DRKS00019832.
Comparison of Equations Estimating Resting Metabolic Rate in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Buch Assaf , Diener Jonathan , Stern Naftali , Rubin Amir , Kis Ofer , Sofer Yael , Yaron Mariana , Greenman Yona , Eldor Roy , Eilat-Adar Sigal
Published: April 2021

Measuring resting metabolic rate (RMR) is time-consuming and expensive, and thus various equations for estimating RMR have been developed. This study’s objective was to compare five equations in elderly people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). RMR was measured in 90 older adults (≥65 years) with T2DM (mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.5 kg/m2), using indirect calorimetry. Results were compared to four frequently used equations (those of Cunningham, Harris and Benedict, and Gougeon developed for young adults with T2DM, and that of Lührmann, which was developed for the elderly), in addition to a new equation developed recently at the Academic College at Wingate (Nachmani) for overweight individuals. Estimation accuracy was defined as the percentage of subjects with calculated RMR within ±10% of measured RMR. Measured RMR was significantly underestimated by all equations. The equations of Nachmani and Lührmann had the best estimation accuracy: 71.4% in males and 50.9% in females. Skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and the use of insulin explained 70.6% of the variability in measured RMR. RMR in elderly participants with T2DM was higher than that calculated using existing equations. The most accurate equations for this specific population were those developed for obesity or the elderly. Unbalanced T2DM may increase caloric demands in the elderly. It is recommended to adjust the RMR equations used for the target population.
Bacterial Colonization as a Possible Source of Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Pediatric Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: Kilis-Pstrusinska Katarzyna , Rogowski Artur , Bienkowski Przemysław
Published: April 2021

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition that is known to have a significant impact on daily activities and quality of life. The pathophysiology of OAB is not completely understood. One of the new hypothetical causative factors of OAB is dysbiosis of an individual urinary microbiome. The major aim of the present review was to identify data supporting the role of bacterial colonization in overactive bladder symptoms in children and adolescents. The second aim of our study was to identify the major gaps in current knowledge and possible areas for future clinical research. There is a growing body of evidence indicating some relationship between qualitative and quantitative characteristics of individual urinary microbiome and OAB symptoms in adult patients. There are no papers directly addressing this issue in children or adolescents. After a detailed analysis of papers relating urinary microbiome to OAB, the authors propose a set of future preclinical and clinical studies which could help to validate the concept in the pediatric population.
Influence of Oral Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Drugs on Outcome of Elderly Severely Injured Patients
Authors: Kerschbaum Maximilian , Lang Siegmund , Henssler Leopold , Ernstberger Antonio , Alt Volker , Pfeifer Christian , Worlicek Michael , Popp Daniel
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Severely injured elderly patients have a poorer prognosis and higher mortality rates after severe trauma compared with younger patients. The aim of this study was to correlate the influence of pre-existing oral anticoagulation (OAC) and antiplatelet drugs (PAI) on the outcome of severely injured elderly patients. Methods: Using a prospective cohort study model over an 11-year period, severely injured elderly patients (≥65 years and ISS ≥ 16) were divided into two groups (no anticoagulation/platelet inhibitors: nAP and OAC/PAI). A comparison of the groups was conducted regarding injury frequency, trauma mechanism, severity of head injuries, and medication-related mortality. Results: In total, 254 out of 301 patients were analyzed (nAP: n = 145; OAC/PAI: n = 109, unknown data: n = 47). The most relevant injury was falling from low heights (<3 m), which led to a significantly higher number of severe injuries in patients with OAC/PAI. Patients with pre-existing OAC/PAI showed a significantly higher overall mortality rate compared to the group without (38.5% vs. 24.8%; p = 0.019). The severity of head injuries in OAC/PAI was also higher on average (AIS 3.7 ± 1.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9; p = 0.000). Conclusion: Pre-existing oral anticoagulation and/or platelet aggregation inhibitors are related to a higher mortality rate in elderly polytrauma patients. Low-energy trauma can lead to even more severe head injuries due to pre-existing medication than is already the case in elderly patients without OAC/PAI.
Coaching via Telehealth: Caregiver-Mediated Interventions for Young Children on the Waitlist for an Autism Diagnosis Using Single-Case Design
Authors: Kunze Megan G. , Machalicek Wendy , Wei Qi , St. Joseph Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Years can elapse between parental suspicion of a developmental delay and a diagnostic assessment, ultimately delaying access to medically necessary, autism-specific intervention. Using a single-case, concurrent multiple baseline design, autism spectrum disorder symptomology (i.e., higher-order restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests; higher-order RRBIs) was targeted in toddlers (21–35 months) waiting for a diagnostic appointment. Caregivers were coached via telehealth to mediate early intervention to decrease interfering, inflexible higher-order RRBIs during play using four evidence-based applied behavior analytic strategies: modeling, prompting, differential reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, and response interruption and redirection. Six mother–child dyads were recruited from pediatrician offices and early intervention service districts in the United States. All families were considered under-served, under-resourced, or living in rural locations. A visual analysis of the data combined with Tau-U revealed a strong basic effect between the intervention package and parent strategy use and child flexible and inflexible behavior. Findings were consistent across participants with one exception demonstrating a moderate effect for flexible behaviors yet a strong effect for inflexible behaviors. Standardized mean difference was beyond zero for all participants. Implications for science and practice include support for early intervention of higher-order RRBIs for young children with and at risk for ASD.
Small-Scale Morpho-Sedimentary Dynamics in the Swash Zone of a Megatidal Mixed Sand–Gravel Beach
Authors: Guest Tristan B. , Hay Alex E.
Published: April 2021

On mixed sand–gravel beaches, impacts from gravel- and cobble-sized grains—mobilized by the energetic shorebreak—limit the utility of in situ instrumentation for measuring the small-scale response of the beach face on wave period time scales. We present field observations of swash zone morpho-sedimentary dynamics at a steep, megatidal mixed sand–gravel beach using aeroacoustic and optical remote sensing. Coincident observations of bed level and mean surficial sediment grain size in the swash zone were obtained using an array of optical cameras paired with acoustic range sensors. Lagrangian tracking of swash-transported cobbles was carried out using an additional downward-oriented camera. The principal objective of the study was to investigate linkages between sediment grain size dynamics and swash zone morphological change. In general, data from the range sensor and camera array show that increases in bed level corresponded to increases in mean grain size. Finer-scale structures in the bed level and mean grain size signals were observable over timescales of minutes, including signatures of bands of coarse-grained material that migrated shoreward with the leading edge of the swash prior to high tide berm formation. The direction and magnitude of cobble transport in the swash varied with cross-shore position, and with the composition of the underlying bed. These results demonstrate that close-range remote sensing techniques can provide valuable insights into the roles of cobble-sized versus sand-sized particle dynamics in the swash zone on mixed sand–gravel beaches.
Horizontal Correlation of Long-Range Bottom Reverberation in Shallow Sloping Seabed
Authors: Li Nansong , Zhang Minghui , Gao Bo
Published: April 2021

The performance of active sonar detection systems is seriously affected by the reverberation at the bottom of the waveguide in shallow water. In order to improve the performance of active sonar detection, it is necessary to understand the horizontal correlation of shallow-water bottom reverberation in active towed-array processing technology. However, the current research on the spatial correlation of reverberation is mainly based on vertical correlation, little work has been done on the horizontal correlation characteristics of long-distance seabed reverberation, and there is no support from sea test data. In this paper, the coupled mode reverberation model is applied to the horizontal correlation, and is studied according to the receiving position, time, and frequency. The simulation results show that, for the long-range bottom reverberation, the lateral correlation is greater than the longitudinal correlation in the horizontal space. By introducing the adiabatic mode solution, the mathematical model of horizontal correlation in the range-dependent waveguide with depth is derived. The numerical results show that the influence of the seabed dip angle on the horizontal correlation should be considered and that the horizontal correlation is affected obviously by the propagation effects of the sloped sea floor. Finally, the experimental data processing and analysis are given and verify the correctness of the algorithm.
Numerical Modelling for Synthetic Fibre Mooring Lines Taking Elongation and Contraction into Account
Authors: Ćatipović Ivan , Alujević Neven , Rudan Smiljko , Slapničar Vedran
Published: April 2021

Synthetic fibre mooring lines are used as an alternative to traditional steel wire ropes due to their higher strength to weight ratio. Benefits are also found in relative ease of handling, and therefore the marine industry has largely accepted this type of mooring line. By rules and regulations, the design of mooring lines should be based on a coupled dynamic analysis of a particular mooring system and moored vessel. This approach incorporates damping and inertial forces (i.e., hydrodynamic reactions) acting directly on the mooring lines due to their motion through the seawater. On the basis of the outer diameter of the synthetic fibre rope, the Morison equation gives estimations of the mooring line hydrodynamic reactions. In comparison to the traditional steel wire ropes, the synthetic mooring lines usually have relatively larger elongations and consequently larger reductions of the outer diameter. Furthermore, the lower diameter certainly leads to reduced values of damping and added mass (of mooring lines) that should be considered in the coupled model. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a new numerical model that includes diameter changes and axial deformations when estimating the hydrodynamic reactions. The development of the model is carried out with a nonlinear finite element method for mooring lines with the assumption of large three-dimensional motions. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the newly developed model as a more accurate approach in calculation of hydrodynamic reactions.
Sectoral Performance and the Government Interventions during COVID-19 Pandemic: Australian Evidence
Authors: Huynh Nhan , Nguyen Dat , Dao Anh
Published: April 2021

This study explores the contrasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on various industries in Australia. Considering all daily announced information, we analyzed the diverse impacts of COVID-19 on the sectoral stock returns from 26 January to 20 July 2020. Sixteen out of twenty examined stock indices negatively react to the daily rise in COVID-19 confirmed cases. Several actions from the Australian government to control the pandemic are relatively ineffective in boosting the overall financial market; however, some positive interactions are captured in five sectors of industrials, health care, metals and mining, materials, and resources. The result shows that all industries that benefited from government financial assistance are either shielded or less severely affected by the pandemic. While sectors that did not directly receive financial remedies relatively showed no enhancement in their overall performance. Having achieved short-term success in helping the economy, the government recorded an all-time high deficit since 2004 that might eventually lead to adverse effects on the overall economy. The Australian equity market is found to be rationally distinct to the crude oil price risk, while positive correlations between AUD/USD rate and real estate-related sectors are reported.
A Structural Equation Modelling Evaluation of Antecedents and Interconnections of Call Centre Agents’ Intention to Quit
Authors: Iwu Chux Gervase , Opute Abdullah Promise , Aliyu Olayemi Abdullateef , Eresia-Eke Chukuakadibia , Musikavanhu Tichaona Buzy , Jaiyeola Afeez Olalekan
Published: April 2021

Call centers play a significant role in the operational dynamics of different types of businesses. This is especially the case because a call center agent’s demeanor can impair or engender customer satisfaction, which has ramifications for business patronage. Unfortunately, the pressures associated with the role of the call center agent have made staff attrition a norm in the industry. While this does not augur well for the call center or the organizations that they serve, the role of possible antecedents in the equation of staff attrition in South African call centers remains largely unexplored. Using a structural equation modeling approach, this study examined the interconnections between customer orientation, knowledge management, job satisfaction, and employees’ intention to quit. Additionally, the mediating influence of job satisfaction on the association between customer orientation and knowledge management of the intention to quit is examined. This study found significant relationships between knowledge management, customer orientation, and job satisfaction and the dependent variable (intention to quit). In addition, this study establishes that the extent to which job satisfaction may mediate the influence on the intention to quit hinges on the organizational element considered. Two factors limit the extent to which the findings from this study can be generalized. First, this study focused on the call center setting in South Africa. Second, convenience sampling was used in this study. This study points to critical operational practices that call center managers can embrace toward enhancing job satisfaction and reducing intention to quit propensity. Using structural equation analysis, we contend that call centers in the South African setting would effectively address staff attrition if appropriate organizational practices are endorsed toward ensuring employee job satisfaction.
Cultural Landscape Development Integrated with Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of Songkou Ancient Town
Authors: Shen Jing , Chou Rung-Jiun
Published: April 2021

As a form of World Heritage, cultural landscapes have evolved linked with production systems and living space and have become an important topic of rural studies worldwide. This paper attempts to examine the development experiences of local revitalization combined with the cultural landscape in Songkou ancient town, China. Firstly, the rural livelihood-based landscape characteristics of mixing natural and man-made environments are the resources of cultural landscape development. Secondly, community action forms the cultural landscape through a spatial identification process involving place, identity, and heritage. Thirdly, “experience grafting” is a coordinated action for industrial development that has allowed the experience of community revitalization in Taiwan to make an effective contribution to the cultural landscape development of Songkou ancient town. The main findings are as follows: (1) The close connection between man and nature is confirmed from the perspective of landscape cognition and provides farmers with a means of earning a living. Hence, agricultural activities meet the principles of sustainable and organic agriculture by using natural resources responsibly. (2) By considering ecological orchards as cultural landscapes, community actions promote a consensus of local values and an effective way of making a livelihood.
Why We Need a National CROWN Act
Authors: Donahoo Saran
Published: April 2021

Discrimination and intersecting forms of oppression directed at Black women influence how they look, live, work, interact with others, and even view their bodies and identities. Black hair has been and remains a target of this discrimination and oppression by obligating Black women to strive toward White beauty norms. Still under consideration in several states, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act provides a legislative intervention to protect Black women (and men) from hair discrimination at work, during school, and as they go about their daily lives. This article examines the politics affecting Black hair. The data for this study came from semi-structured interviews with 22 Black women who define their hair as natural. The results indicate that racial history and stereotypes continue to create unachievable standards for Black hair; that Black women continue to encounter discrimination when embracing their natural hair; and that wearing Black natural hair is often an uplifting decision for the women who elect to do so. The fact that others continue to challenge and discriminate against Black natural in multiple venues confirms the need for a national CROWN Act.
The Eritrean Military/National Service Programme: Slavery and the Notion of Persecution in Refugee Status Determination
Authors: Palacios-Arapiles Sara
Published: April 2021

Despite the overwhelming evidence of human rights violations within the Eritrean Military/National Service Programme (“MNSP”), adjudication of asylum applications made by Eritreans remains a challenge. Narrow interpretations of slavery have created obstacles for protection under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (“1951 Refugee Convention”). This article discusses MST and Others, the latest Country Guidance case on Eritrea issued by the UK Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber (“UTIAC”), and also the lead case E-5022/2017 of the Swiss Federal Administrative Court (“FAC”), which to a large extent replicated the UTIAC’s approach. The article focuses on how slavery, servitude and forced labour under article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights (“ECHR”) have been interpreted in the British and Swiss case-law. While both, the British and the Swiss Courts, had recourse to the European Court of Human Rights’ (“ECtHR”) interpretation of article 4(1) ECHR (the right not to be subjected to slavery or servitude), they refused the applicability of international criminal law notions to this provision, and thus to the concept of “persecution” in article 1A(2) of the 1951 Refugee Convention. In doing so, the UTIAC and the FAC set unreasonable requirements to satisfy article 4(1) ECHR. Due to the very limited case-law pertaining to slavery by the ECtHR, the ECHR does not offer an appropriate framework for examining asylum applications of victims of slavery. It is therefore suggested that slavery cases are considered against a wider legal framework, which involves the examination of concepts developed by international criminal law (“ICL”). ICL has indeed developed a significant body of jurisprudence on the interpretation of the international law concept of slavery and its application to contemporary situations. The article contrasts the British and Swiss Courts’ position to develop an interpretative approach that connects different areas of international law, including not only international refugee law and international human rights law (“IHRL”), but also ICL. If applied in line with the principle of systemic integration and according to the overall purposes of the 1951 Refugee Convention, this approach would yield consistent results. Ultimately, this article seeks to assist asylum decision-makers and practitioners in the interpretation and application of the refugee definition to asylum applications of persons from Eritrea.
On the Norm of the Abelian p-Group-Residuals
Authors: Li Baojun , Han Yu , Gong Lü , Jiang Tong
Published: April 2021

Let G be a group. Dp(G)=⋂H≤GNG(H′(p)) is defined and, the properties of Dp(G) are investigated. It is proved that Dp(G)=P[A], where P=D(P) is the Sylow p-subgroup and A=N(A) is a Hall p′-subgroup of Dp(G), respectively. Furthermore, it is proved in a group G that (1) Dp(G)=1 if and only if CG(G′(p))=1; (2) Op′(Dp(G))≤Z∞(Op(G)) and (3) if Z(G′(p))=1, then CG(G′(p))=Dp(G).
Possibilities and Advantages of Rational Envelope and Minkowski Pythagorean Hodograph Curves for Circle Skinning
Authors: Kruppa Kinga , Kunkli Roland , Hoffmann Miklós
Published: April 2021

Minkowski Pythagorean hodograph curves are widely studied in computer-aided geometric design, and several methods exist which construct Minkowski Pythagorean hodograph (MPH) curves by interpolating Hermite data in the R2,1 Minkowski space. Extending the class of MPH curves, a new class of Rational Envelope (RE) curve has been introduced. These are special curves in R2,1 that define rational boundaries for the corresponding domain. A method to use RE and MPH curves for skinning purposes, i.e., for circle-based modeling, has been developed recently. In this paper, we continue this study by proposing a new, more flexible way how these curves can be used for skinning a discrete set of circles. We give a thorough overview of our algorithm, and we show a significant advantage of using RE and MPH curves for skinning purposes: as opposed to traditional skinning methods, unintended intersections can be detected and eliminated efficiently.
Availability Analysis of Software Systems with Rejuvenation and Checkpointing
Authors: Zheng Junjun , Okamura Hiroyuki , Dohi Tadashi
Published: April 2021

In software reliability engineering, software-rejuvenation and -checkpointing techniques are widely used for enhancing system reliability and strengthening data protection. In this paper, a stochastic framework composed of a composite stochastic Petri reward net and its resulting non-Markovian availability model is presented to capture the dynamic behavior of an operational software system in which time-based software rejuvenation and checkpointing are both aperiodically conducted. In particular, apart from the software-aging problem that may cause the system to fail, human-error factors (i.e., a system operator’s misoperations) during checkpointing are also considered. To solve the stationary solution of the non-Markovian availability model, which is derived on the basis of the reachability graph of stochastic Petri reward nets and is actually not one of the trivial stochastic models such as the semi-Markov process and the Markov regenerative process, the phase-expansion approach is considered. In numerical experiments, we illustrate steady-state system availability and find optimal software-rejuvenation policies that maximize steady-state system availability. The effects of human-error factors on both steady-state system availability and the optimal software-rejuvenation trigger timing are also evaluated. Numerical results showed that human errors during checkpointing both decreased system availability and brought a significant effect on the optimal rejuvenation-trigger timing, so that it should not be overlooked during system modeling.
Time-Varying Comovement of Foreign Exchange Markets: A GLS-Based Time-Varying Model Approach
Authors: Ito Mikio , Noda Akihiko , Wada Tatsuma
Published: April 2021

How strongly are foreign exchange markets linked in terms of their similarities in long-run fluctuations? Are they cointegrating? To analyze such “comovements,” we present a time-varying cointegration model for the foreign exchange rates of the currencies of Canada, Japan, and the UK vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar from May 1990 through July 2015. Unlike previous studies, we allow the loading matrix in the vector error-correction (VEC) model to be varying over time. Because the loading matrix in the VEC model is associated with the speed at which deviations from the long-run relationship disappear, we propose a new degree of market comovement based on the time-varying loading matrix to measure the strength or robustness of the long-run relationship over time. Since exchange rates are determined by macrovariables, cointegration among exchange rates implies these variables share common stochastic trends. Therefore, the proposed degree measures the degree of market comovement. Our main finding is that the market comovement has become stronger over the past quarter-century, but at a decreasing rate with two major turning points: one in 1995 and the other one in 2008.
Creation of a New Frailty Scale in Primary Care: The Zulfiqar Frailty Scale (ZFS)
Authors: Zulfiqar Abrar-Ahmad
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Very few frailty scales are used by general practitioners as they are time consuming and cumbersome. We designed a new scale for the rapid detection of frailty. Methods: We developed a frailty screening tool for use in primary care, referred to as the Zulfiqar Frailty Scale (ZFS). This scale was tested in a general practitioner’s office for six months in Plancoët, France. Only patients over 75 years of age with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) ≥4 were included. The objective of this research was to validate the scale, evaluate its performance, and compare this screening tool with other scales such as the Fried Scale, the Gerontopole Frailty Screening Tool (GFST), the modified Short Emergency Geriatric Assessment (mSEGA) Grid A, and the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Results: A total of 102 patients were included, with a mean age of 82.65 ± 4.79; 55 were women and 47 were men. The percentage of frail subjects was 63.7% in our scale, 67.7% in the mSEGA grid A, 75.5% in the GFST, and 60.8% for the Fried criteria. After a comprehensive geriatric assessment, frailty syndrome was found in 57 patients (55.9%). In general, both scales showed solid performance, and differences between them in the sample were minimal. As the CGA showed a prevalence of frailty of 55.9%, a similar prevalence threshold for the ZFS (i.e., 64% at the threshold ≥3 could be assessed). The completion time for our scale was less than two minutes, and staff required no training beforehand. Its sensitivity was 83.9%, and its specificity was 67.5%. Its positive predictive value was 80%, and its negative predictive value was 73%. The Pearson correlations between the geriatric scores were all strong and roughly equivalent to each other. Conclusions: Our frailty screening scale is simple, relevant, and rapid (taking less than two minutes).
Manipulating the Microbiome: An Alternative Treatment for Bile Acid Diarrhoea
Authors: Hillman Evette B. M. , Rijpkema Sjoerd , Carson Danielle , Arasaradnam Ramesh P. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. , Amos Gregory C. A.
Published: April 2021

Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a widespread gastrointestinal disease that is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome and is estimated to affect 1% of the United Kingdom (UK) population alone. BAD is associated with excessive bile acid synthesis secondary to a gastrointestinal or idiopathic disorder (also known as primary BAD). Current licensed treatment in the UK has undesirable effects and has been the same since BAD was first discovered in the 1960s. Bacteria are essential in transforming primary bile acids into secondary bile acids. The profile of an individual’s bile acid pool is central in bile acid homeostasis as bile acids regulate their own synthesis. Therefore, microbiome dysbiosis incurred through changes in diet, stress levels and the introduction of antibiotics may contribute to or be the cause of primary BAD. This literature review focuses on primary BAD, providing an overview of bile acid metabolism, the role of the human gut microbiome in BAD and the potential options for therapeutic intervention in primary BAD through manipulation of the microbiome.
Involvement of a Quorum Sensing Signal Molecule in the Extracellular Amylase Activity of the Thermophilic Anoxybacillus amylolyticus
Authors: Tramice Annabella , Cutignano Adele , Iodice Annalaura , Poli Annarita , Finore Ilaria , Tommonaro Giuseppina
Published: April 2021

Anoxybacillus amylolyticus is a moderate thermophilic microorganism producing an exopolysaccharide and an extracellular α-amylase able to hydrolyze starch. The synthesis of several biomolecules is often regulated by a quorum sensing (QS) mechanism, a chemical cell-to-cell communication based on the production and diffusion of small molecules named “autoinducers”, most of which belonging to the N-acyl homoserine lactones’ (AHLs) family. There are few reports about this mechanism in extremophiles, in particular thermophiles. Here, we report the identification of a signal molecule, the N-butanoyl-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), from the milieu of A. amylolyticus. Moreover, investigations performed by supplementing a known QS inhibitor, trans-cinnamaldehyde, or exogenous C4-HSL in the growth medium of A. amylolyticus suggested the involvement of QS signaling in the modulation of extracellular α-amylase activity. The data showed that the presence of the QS inhibitor trans-cinnamaldehyde in the medium decreased amylolytic activity, which, conversely, was increased by the effect of exogenous C4-HSL. Overall, these results represent the first evidence of the production of AHLs in thermophilic microorganisms, which could be responsible for a communication system regulating thermostable α-amylase activity.
Bacillus velezensis CE 100 Inhibits Root Rot Diseases (Phytophthora spp.) and Promotes Growth of Japanese Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) Seedlings
Authors: Moon Jae-Hyun , Won Sang-Jae , Maung Chaw Ei Htwe , Choi Jae-Hyeok , Choi Su-In , Ajuna Henry B. , Ahn Young Sang
Published: April 2021

Root rot diseases, caused by phytopathogenic oomycetes, Phytophthora spp. cause devastating losses involving forest seedlings, such as Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) in Korea. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a promising strategy to control root rot diseases and promote growth in seedlings. In this study, the potential of Bacillus velezensis CE 100 in controlling Phytophthora root rot diseases and promoting the growth of C. obtusa seedlings was investigated. B. velezensis CE 100 produced β-1,3-glucanase and protease enzymes, which degrade the β-glucan and protein components of phytopathogenic oomycetes cell-wall, causing mycelial growth inhibition of P. boehmeriae, P. cinnamomi, P. drechsleri and P. erythoroseptica by 54.6%, 62.6%, 74.3%, and 73.7%, respectively. The inhibited phytopathogens showed abnormal growth characterized by swelling and deformation of hyphae. B. velezensis CE 100 increased the survival rate of C. obtusa seedlings 2.0-fold and 1.7-fold compared to control, and fertilizer treatment, respectively. Moreover, B. velezensis CE 100 produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) up to 183.7 mg/L, resulting in a significant increase in the growth of C. obtusa seedlings compared to control, or chemical fertilizer treatment, respectively. Therefore, this study demonstrates that B. velezensis CE 100 could simultaneously control Phytophthora root rot diseases and enhance growth of C. obtusa seedlings.
Pythium Damping-Off and Root Rot of Capsicum annuum L.: Impacts, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Arora Himanshu , Sharma Abhishek , Sharma Satyawati , Haron Farah Farhanah , Gafur Abdul , Sayyed R. Z. , Datta Rahul
Published: April 2021

Capsicum annuum L. is a significant horticulture crop known for its pungent varieties and used as a spice. The pungent character in the plant, known as capsaicinoid, has been discovered to have various health benefits. However, its production has been affected due to various exogenous stresses, including diseases caused by a soil-borne pathogen, Pythium spp. predominantly affecting the Capsicum plant in younger stages and causing damping-off, this pathogen can incite root rot in later plant growth stages. Due to the involvement of multiple Pythium spp. and their capability to disperse through various routes, their detection and diagnosis have become crucial. However, the quest for a point-of-care technology is still far from over. The use of an integrated approach with cultural and biological techniques for the management of Pythium spp. can be the best and most sustainable alternative to the traditionally used and hazardous chemical approach. The lack of race-specific resistance genes against Pythium spp. can be compensated with the candidate quantitative trait loci (QTL) genes in C. annuum L. This review will focus on the epidemiological factors playing a major role in disease spread, the currently available diagnostics in species identification, and the management strategies with a special emphasis on Pythium spp. causing damping-off and root rot in different cultivars of C. annuum L.
Sustainable Production of N-methylphenylalanine by Reductive Methylamination of Phenylpyruvate Using Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Kerbs Anastasia , Mindt Melanie , Schwardmann Lynn , Wendisch Volker F.
Published: April 2021

N-alkylated amino acids occur widely in nature and can also be found in bioactive secondary metabolites such as the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin and the immunosuppressant cyclosporine A. To meet the demand for N-alkylated amino acids, they are currently produced chemically; however, these approaches often lack enantiopurity, show low product yields and require toxic reagents. Fermentative routes to N-alkylated amino acids like N-methyl-l-alanine or N-methylantranilate, a precursor of acridone alkaloids, have been established using engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum, which has been used for the industrial production of amino acids for decades. Here, we describe metabolic engineering of C. glutamicum for de novo production of N-methylphenylalanine based on reductive methylamination of phenylpyruvate. Pseudomonas putida Δ-1-piperideine-2-carboxylate reductase DpkA containing the amino acid exchanges P262A and M141L showed comparable catalytic efficiencies with phenylpyruvate and pyruvate, whereas the wild-type enzyme preferred the latter substrate over the former. Deletion of the anthranilate synthase genes trpEG and of the genes encoding branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase IlvE and phenylalanine aminotransferase AroT in a strain engineered to overproduce anthranilate abolished biosynthesis of l-tryptophan and l-phenylalanine to accumulate phenylpyruvate. Upon heterologous expression of DpkAP262A,M141L, N-methylphenylalanine production resulted upon addition of monomethylamine to the medium. In glucose-based minimal medium, an N-methylphenylalanine titer of 0.73 ± 0.05 g L−1, a volumetric productivity of 0.01 g L−1 h−1 and a yield of 0.052 g g−1 glucose were reached. When xylose isomerase gene xylA from Xanthomonas campestris and the endogenous xylulokinase gene xylB were expressed in addition, xylose as sole carbon source supported production of N-methylphenylalanine to a titer of 0.6 ± 0.04 g L−1 with a volumetric productivity of 0.008 g L−1 h−1 and a yield of 0.05 g g−1 xylose. Thus, a fermentative route to sustainable production of N-methylphenylalanine by recombinant C. glutamicum has been established.
Probiotic Properties and Immunomodulatory Activity of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Dairy Products
Authors: Rocha-Ramírez Luz María , Hernández-Chiñas Ulises , Moreno-Guerrero Silvia Selene , Ramírez-Pacheco Arturo , Eslava Carlos A.
Published: April 2021

Lactobacilli species are an effective biotherapeutic alternative against bacterial infections and intestinal inflammatory disorders. However, it is important to evaluate their beneficial properties, before considering them as probiotics for medical use. In this study we evaluated some probiotic properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus KLSD, Lactobacillus helveticus IMAU70129, and Lactobacillus casei IMAU60214 previously isolated from dairy products and as control Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Experimental evaluations revealed that all strains expressed hydrophobicity (25–40%), auto-aggregation (55–60%), NaCl tolerance (1–4%), adhesion to Caco-2 cells (25–33%), partial inhibition on adherence of Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 23219. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) of Lactobacilli also inhibit growth of these pathogens. In immunomodulatory properties a reduction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and nitric oxide (NO) release was observed in assays with Caco-2 cells stimulated with interleukin-1β (1 ng/mL), or lipopolysaccharide (0.1 µg/mL). On the other hand, the damage induced to Caco-2 cells with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was attenuated when the cultured cells were pretreated with L. rhamnosus KLDS, L. helveticus IMAU70129 and L. casei IMAU60214. These Lactobacilli possess probiotic properties determined by both an antagonistic activity on pathogenic bacteria and reduction in the inflammatory response of cells treated with SDS, a pro-inflammatory stimulant.
Maleimide Self-Reaction in Furan/Maleimide-Based Reversibly Crosslinked Polyketones: Processing Limitation or Potential Advantage?
Authors: Orozco Felipe , Niyazov Zafarjon , Garnier Timon , Migliore Nicola , Zdvizhkov Alexander , Raffa Patrizio , Moreno-Villoslada Ignacio , Picchioni Francesco , Bose Ranjita
Published: April 2021

Polymers crosslinked via furan/maleimide thermo-reversible chemistry have been extensively explored as reprocessable and self-healing thermosets and elastomers. For such applications, it is important that the thermo-reversible features are reproducible after many reprocessing and healing cycles. Therefore, side reactions are undesirable. However, we have noticed irreversible changes in the mechanical properties of such materials when exposing them to temperatures around 150 °C. In this work, we study whether these changes are due to the self-reaction of maleimide moieties that may take place at this rather low temperature. In order to do so, we prepared a furan-grafted polyketone crosslinked with the commonly used aromatic bismaleimide (1,1′-(methylenedi-4,1-phenylene)bismaleimide), and exposed it to isothermal treatments at 150 °C. The changes in the chemistry and thermo-mechanical properties were mainly studied by infrared spectroscopy, 1H-NMR, and rheology. Our results indicate that maleimide self-reaction does take place in the studied polymer system. This finding comes along with limitations over the reprocessing and self-healing procedures for furan/maleimide-based reversibly crosslinked polymers that present their softening (decrosslinking) point at relatively high temperatures. On the other hand, the side reaction can also be used to tune the properties of such polymer products via in situ thermal treatments.
Recent Advances on Gallium-Modified ZSM-5 for Conversion of Light Hydrocarbons
Authors: Feng Zhe , Liu Xin , Wang Yu , Meng Changgong
Published: April 2021

Light olefins are key components of modern chemical industry and are feedstocks for the production of many commodity chemicals widely used in our daily life. It would be of great economic significance to convert light alkanes, produced during the refining of crude oil or extracted during the processing of natural gas selectively to value-added products, such as light alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc., through catalytic dehydrogenation. Among various catalysts developed, Ga-modified ZSM-5-based catalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance and stability in dehydrogenation of light alkanes. In this mini review, we summarize the progress on synthesis and application of Ga-modified ZSM-5 as catalysts in dehydrogenation of light alkanes to olefins, and the dehydroaromatization to aromatics in the past two decades, as well as the discussions on in-situ formation and evolution of reactive Ga species as catalytic centers and the reaction mechanisms.
Green Synthesis and Applications of ZnO and TiO2 Nanostructures
Authors: Gonçalves Rosana A. , Toledo Rosimara P. , Joshi Nirav , Berengue Olivia M.
Published: April 2021

Over the last two decades, oxide nanostructures have been continuously evaluated and used in many technological applications. The advancement of the controlled synthesis approach to design desired morphology is a fundamental key to the discipline of material science and nanotechnology. These nanostructures can be prepared via different physical and chemical methods; however, a green and ecofriendly synthesis approach is a promising way to produce these nanostructures with desired properties with less risk of hazardous chemicals. In this regard, ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures are prominent candidates for various applications. Moreover, they are more efficient, non-toxic, and cost-effective. This review mainly focuses on the recent state-of-the-art advancements in the green synthesis approach for ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures and their applications. The first section summarizes the green synthesis approach to synthesize ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures via different routes such as solvothermal, hydrothermal, co-precipitation, and sol-gel using biological systems that are based on the principles of green chemistry. The second section demonstrates the application of ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures. The review also discusses the problems and future perspectives of green synthesis methods and the related issues posed and overlooked by the scientific community on the green approach to nanostructure oxides.
ROS Dependent Antifungal and Anticancer Modulations of Piper colubrinum Osmotin
Authors: Geetha Rajeswari Gopal , Krishnankutty Nair Chandrika Sivakumar , Saraswathy Gayathri G. , Nair Sivakumari Asha , Sakuntala Manjula
Published: April 2021

Osmotin, a plant defense protein, has functional similarity to adiponectin, an insulin sensitizingsensitising hormone secreted by adipocytes. We speculated that Piper colubrinum Osmotin (PcOSM) could have functional roles in obesity-related cancers, especially breast cancer. Immunofluorescence assays, flow cytometry, cell cycle analysis and a senescence assay were employed to delineate the activity in MDAMB231 breast cancer cell line. PcOSM pre-treated P. nigrum leaves showed significant reduction in disease symptoms correlated with high ROS production. In silico analysis predicted that PcOSM has higher binding efficiency with adiponectin receptor compared to adiponectin. PcOSM was effectively taken up by MDAMB231 cancer cells which resulted in marked increase in intracellular ROS levels leading to senescence and cell cycle arrest in G2/M stage. This study provides evidence on the ROS mediated direct inhibitory activity of the plant derived osmotin protein on the phytopathogen Phytophthora capsici, and the additional functional roles of this plant defense protein on cancer cells through inducing ROS associated senescence. The strong leads produced from this study could be pursued further to obtain more insights into the therapeutic potential of osmotin in human cancers.