bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transcriptional Co-factor IRF2BP2: A New Player in Tumor Development and Microenvironment
Authors: Pastor Tatiane P. , Peixoto Barbara C. , Viola João P. B.
Published: April 2021

Interferon regulatory factor 2-binding protein 2 (IRF2BP2) encodes a member of the IRF2BP family of transcriptional regulators, which includes IRF2BP1, IRF2BP2, and IRF2BPL (EAP1). IRF2BP2 was initially identified as a transcriptional corepressor that was dependent on Interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2). The IRF2BP2 protein is found in different organisms and has been described as ubiquitously expressed in normal and tumor cells and tissues, indicating a possible role for this transcriptional cofactor in different cell signaling pathways. Recent data suggest the involvement of IRF2BP2 in the regulation of several cellular functions, such as the cell cycle, cell death, angiogenesis, inflammation and immune response, thereby contributing to physiological cell homeostasis. However, an imbalance in IRF2BP2 function may be related to the pathophysiology of cancer. Some studies have shown the association of IRF2BP2 expression in hematopoietic and solid tumors through mechanisms based on gene fusion and point mutations in gene coding sequences, and although the biological functions of these types of hybrid and mutant proteins are not yet known, they are thought to be involved in an increase in the likelihood of tumor development. In this review, we address the possible involvement of IRF2BP2 in tumorigenesis through its regulation of important pathways involved in tumor development.
Evaluating the Consistency of Gene Methylation in Liver Cancer Using Bisulfite Sequencing Data
Authors: Zheng Xubin , Wu Qiong , Wu Haonan , Leung Kwong-Sak , Wong Man-Hon , Liu Xueyan , Cheng Lixin
Published: April 2021

Bisulfite sequencing is considered as the gold standard approach for measuring DNA methylation, which acts as a pivotal part in regulating a variety of biological processes without changes in DNA sequences. In this study, we introduced the most prevalent methods for processing bisulfite sequencing data and evaluated the consistency of the data acquired from different measurements in liver cancer. Firstly, we introduced three commonly used bisulfite sequencing assays, i.e., reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), and targeted bisulfite sequencing (targeted BS). Next, we discussed the principles and compared different methods for alignment, quality assessment, methylation level scoring, and differentially methylated region identification. After that, we screened differential methylated genes in liver cancer through the three bisulfite sequencing assays and evaluated the consistency of their results. Ultimately, we compared bisulfite sequencing to 450 k beadchip and assessed the statistical similarity and functional association of differentially methylated genes (DMGs) among the four assays. Our results demonstrated that the DMGs measured by WGBS, RRBS, targeted BS and 450 k beadchip are consistently hypo-methylated in liver cancer with high functional similarity.
Application of Amino Acids in the Structural Modification of Natural Products: A Review
Authors: Xu Qian , Deng Hao , Li Xiaoting , Quan Zhe-Shan
Published: April 2021

Natural products and their derivatives are important sources for drug discovery; however, they usually have poor solubility and low activity and require structural modification. Amino acids are highly soluble in water and have a wide range of activities. The introduction of amino acids into natural products is expected to improve the performance of these products and minimize their adverse effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the application of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products and provides a theoretical basis for the structural modification of natural products in the future. The articles were divided into six types based on the backbone structures of the natural products, and the related applications of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products were discussed in detail.
Structural Insights of Shigella Translocator IpaB and Its Chaperone IpgC in Solution
Authors: Ferrari Mariana L. , Charova Spyridoula N. , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Mylonas Efstratios , Gazi Anastasia D.
Published: April 2021

Bacterial Type III Secretion Systems (T3SSs) are specialized multicomponent nanomachines that mediate the transport of proteins either to extracellular locations or deliver Type III Secretion effectors directly into eukaryotic host cell cytoplasm. Shigella, the causing agent of bacillary dysentery or shigellosis, bears a set of T3SS proteins termed translocators that form a pore in the host cell membrane. IpaB, the major translocator of the system, is a key factor in promoting Shigella pathogenicity. Prior to secretion, IpaB is maintained inside the bacterial cytoplasm in a secretion competent folding state thanks to its cognate chaperone IpgC. IpgC couples T3SS activation to transcription of effector genes through its binding to MxiE, probably after the delivery of IpaB to the secretion export gate. Small Angle X-ray Scattering experiments and modeling reveal that IpgC is found in different oligomeric states in solution, as it forms a stable heterodimer with full-length IpaB in contrast to an aggregation-prone homodimer in the absence of the translocator. These results support a stoichiometry of interaction 1:1 in the IpgC/IpaB complex and the multi-functional nature of IpgC under different T3SS states.
Tailoring Content for Authenticity and Adoption: Community-Based Participatory Research and the Co-creation of Story-Based Health Communication for Underserved Communities
Authors: Villar Maria Elena , Johnson Paige W.
Published: April 2021

This perspective presents concrete examples of how community-based participatory research can be used effectively to decolonize health communication through the co-creation of health communication content specifically tailored to minoritized and underserved communities. The authors describe how community members and researchers partnered to conduct community listening, observation and co-create stories to be used in fotonovelas (graphic stories), radio stories, serious games and community theater. Community members are experts on their experiences and can best translate those experiences into stories that ring true for target audiences from similar backgrounds. Truly participatory research grounded in community values can be slow and take unexpected turns, but it is critical to create health communication content that resonates with audiences and contributes to influencing attitudes and behaviors. When Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is used in true collaboration with the community, marginalized communities, which were historically exploited by community researchers, can become the architects of their own health outcomes.
Small-Scale Geochemical Heterogeneities and Seasonal Variation of Iron and Sulfide in Salt Marshes Revealed by Two-Dimensional Sensors
Authors: Zhu Qingzhi , Cochran J. Kirk , Heilbrun Christina , Yin Hang , Feng Huan , Tamborski Joseph J. , Fitzgerald Patrick , Cong Wen
Published: April 2021

Loss of tidal wetlands is a world-wide phenomenon. Many factors may contribute to such loss, but among them are geochemical stressors such as exposure of the marsh plants to elevated levels on hydrogen sulfide in the pore water of the marsh peat. Here we report the results of a study of the geochemistry of iron and sulfide at different seasons in unrestored (JoCo) and partially restored (Big Egg) salt marshes in Jamaica Bay, a highly urbanized estuary in New York City where the loss of salt marsh area has accelerated in recent years. The spatial and temporal 2-dimensional distribution patterns of dissolved Fe2+and H2S in salt marshes werein situmapped with high resolution planar sensors for the first time. The vertical profiles of Fe2+and hydrogen sulfide, as well as related solutes and redox potentials in marsh were also evaluated by sampling the pore water at discrete depths. Sediment cores were collected at various seasons and the solid phase Fe, S, N, C, and chromium reducible sulfide in marsh peat at discrete depths were further investigated in order to study Fe and S cycles, and their relationship to the organic matter cycling at different seasons. Our results revealed that the redox sensitive elements Fe2+and S2–showed significantly heterogeneous and complex three dimensional distribution patterns in salt marsh, over mm to cm scales, directly associated with the plant roots due to the oxygen leakage from roots and redox diagenetic reactions. We hypothesize that the oxic layers with low/undetected H2S and Fe2+formed around roots help marsh plants to survive in the high levels of H2S by reducing sulfide absorption. The overall concentrations of Fe2+and H2S and distribution patterns also seasonally varied with temperature change. H2S level in JoCo sampling site could change from <0.02 mM in spring to >5 mM in fall season, reflecting significantly seasonal variation in the rates of bacterial oxidation of organic matter at this marsh site. Solid phase Fe and S showed that very high fractions of the diagenetically reactive iron at JoCo and Big Egg were associated with pyrite that can persist for long periods in anoxic sediments. This implies that there is insufficient diagenetically reactive iron to buffer the pore water hydrogen sulfide through formation of iron sulfides at JoCo and Big Egg.
Significance of Molten Hydroxides With or Without Molten Carbonates in High-Temperature Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Gürbüz Ersan , Grépin Elisa , Ringuedé Armelle , Lair Virginie , Cassir Michel
Published: April 2021

Due to their low melting point and high conductivity molten hydroxides are interesting electrolytes, or additive to other molten electrolytes for high-temperature electrochemical devices. There is nowadays a revival of such reactive media, first of all for their significant role in the electrode mechanisms in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) and the reverse co-electrolysis of water and carbon dioxide process, but also in different applications, among which direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs), hybrid carbonate/oxide fuel cells. This overview shows the properties and interest of molten hydroxides and their use in relevant energy devices, pointing out their direct use as electrolytic media or as key species in complex kinetic processes. A thorough understanding of their behavior should allow improving and optimizing significantly fuel cells, electrolyzers, and probably also CO2 capture and valorization.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils of the Vicinity of the Bulgarian Antarctic Station “St. Kliment Ohridski” (Antarctic Peninsula)
Authors: Abakumov Evgeny , Nizamutdinov Timur , Yaneva Rossitsa , Zhiyanski Miglena
Published: April 2021

The investigation conducted was dialed to quantitative and qualitative evaluation of 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Potentially Toxic Elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr) is soils and cryoconites on “St. Kliment Ohridski” Antarctic station territory and its vicinities. Estimation of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)–equivalents, PAHs and different PAHs isomer pair ratios were used for identification of general toxicity, nature and origin of individual PAHs and their groups. Total concentrations of PAHs in BaP–equivalents showed, that ∑15PAH of all selected points was higher than the threshold concentration (20 μg × kg−1–Russian environmental legislation) for benzo(a)pyrene. Different PAHs isomer ratios showed the natural (petrogenic) source of PAHs at all soils examples (except Cryosol Toxic Transportic). The maximum content among potentially toxic elements was recorded for Zn (75.7 mg × kg−1 at L26), the minimum for Cd (0.201 mg × kg−1 at L1A). Average concentrations of potentially toxic elements are generally lower compared to the results of previous studies. Application of Igeo index, characterizes the majority of the studied soils as unpolluted or practically unpolluted. Data obtained indicates that there is no current critical anthropogenic load on the environmental components of the landscapes investigated.
Cumulative Impacts of Land Cover Change and Dams on the Land–Water Interface of the Tocantins River
Authors: Swanson A. Christine , Bohlman Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Riparian vegetation performs important ecosystems services, improving water quality, mitigating erosion, and maintaining regional plant and animal biodiversity. Regular annual flooding maintains riparian forests through an intermediate disturbance regime. In response, seasonally flooded vegetation has developed adaptations for seed dispersal and gas transfer to survive and reproduce while undergoing periods of flooding. In the Amazon, a dam building boom threatens the integrity of riparian vegetation by moving riparian corridors into dry-adapted ecosystems and reducing downstream flooding of riparian areas. Additionally, the region is undergoing intense development pressure resulting in the conversion of native riparian vegetation into agriculture. In this study, we measure how the installation of six large dams on the Tocantins River, coupled with land cover change from native forest and savanna to cattle pasture, has changed the land–water interface of this region. Using land cover data provided by MapBiomas, we quantified land cover change from 1985 to 2018 and measured changes in the riparian areas of the still free-flowing areas of the Tocantins River, riparian areas surrounding reservoirs, and in-stream vegetation dynamics. We found that deforestation in the riparian areas of the Tocantins River downstream of the dams is occurring at a higher rate than deforestation in the watershed. Additionally, reservoir filling resulted in creating hundreds of square kilometers of new riparian areas, pushing the riparian zone away from forest-dominated ecosystems into savanna-dominated areas. The quantity of in-stream vegetation throughout the study was dynamic and initially increased after damming before declining for the last decade of the study. Changes to native land cover in riparian areas of the Tocantins River threaten the integrity of ecosystem services provided by riparian vegetation and are likely to lead to further degradation of these areas.
Transcriptional Profiling of Porcine HCC Xenografts Provides Insights Into Tumor Cell Microenvironment Signaling
Authors: Patel Shovik S. , Sandur Amitha , El-Kebir Mohammed , Gaba Ron C. , Schook Lawrence B. , Schachtschneider Kyle M.
Published: April 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, representing the most common form of liver cancer. As HCC incidence and mortality continue to increase, there is a growing need for improved translational animal models to bridge the gap between basic HCC research and clinical practice to improve early detection and treatment strategies for this deadly disease. Recently the Oncopig cancer model—a novel transgenic swine model that recapitulates human cancer through Cre recombinase induced expression of KRASG12D and TP53R167H driver mutations—has been validated as a large animal translational model for human HCC. Due to the similar size, anatomy, physiology, immunology, genetics, and epigenetics between pigs and humans, the Oncopig has the potential to improve translation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities into clinical practice. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of tumor cells in shaping its surrounding microenvironment into one that is more proliferative, invasive, and metastatic; however, little is known about the impact of microenvironment signaling on HCC tumor biology and differential gene expression between HCC tumors and its tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, transcriptional profiling was performed on Oncopig HCC xenograft tumors (n = 3) produced via subcutaneous injection of Oncopig HCC cells into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. To differentiate between gene expression in the tumor and surrounding tumor microenvironment, RNA-seq reads originating from porcine (HCC tumor) and murine (microenvironment) cells were bioinformatically separated using Xenome. Principle component analysis (PCA) demonstrated clustering by group based on the expression of orthologous genes. Genes contributing to each principal component were extracted and subjected to functional analysis to identify alterations in pathway signaling between HCC cells and the microenvironment. Altered expression of genes associated with hepatic fibrosis deposition, immune response, and neo angiogenesis were observed. The results of this study provide insights into the interplay between HCC and microenvironment signaling in vivo, improving our understanding of the interplay between HCC tumor cells, the surrounding tumor microenvironment, and the impact on HCC development and progression.
Seasonal Photophysiological Performance of Adult Western Baltic Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyceae) Under Ocean Warming and Acidification
Authors: Graiff Angelika , Bartsch Inka , Glaser Karin , Karsten Ulf
Published: April 2021

Shallow coastal marine ecosystems are exposed to intensive warming events in the last decade, threatening keystone macroalgal species such as the bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus, Phaeophyceae) in the Baltic Sea. Herein, we experimentally tested in four consecutive benthic mesocosm experiments, if the single and combined impact of elevated seawater temperature (Δ + 5°C) and pCO2 (1100 ppm) under natural irradiance conditions seasonally affected the photophysiological performance (i.e., oxygen production, in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence, energy dissipation pathways and chlorophyll concentration) of Baltic Sea Fucus. Photosynthesis was highest in spring/early summer when water temperature and solar irradiance increases naturally, and was lowest in winter (December to January/February). Temperature had a stronger effect than pCO2 on photosynthetic performance of Fucus in all seasons. In contrast to the expectation that warmer winter conditions might be beneficial, elevated temperature conditions and sub-optimal low winter light conditions decreased photophysiological performance of Fucus. In summer, western Baltic Sea Fucus already lives close to its upper thermal tolerance limit and future warming of the Baltic Sea during summer may probably become deleterious for this species. However, our results indicate that over most of the year a combination of future ocean warming and increased pCO2 will have slightly positive effects for Fucus photophysiological performance.
The Potential of Physical Exercise to Mitigate Radiation Damage—A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim David S. , Weber Tobias , Straube Ulrich , Hellweg Christine E. , Nasser Mona , Green David A. , Fogtman Anna
Published: April 2021

There is a need to investigate new countermeasures against the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation as deep space exploration missions are on the horizon.

Objective: In this systematic review, the effects of physical exercise upon ionizing radiation-induced damage were evaluated.

Methods: Systematic searches were performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, and the databases from space agencies. Of 2,798 publications that were screened, 22 studies contained relevant data that were further extracted and analyzed. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed. Due to the high level of heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not performed. Five outcome groups were assessed by calculating Hedges' g effect sizes and visualized using effect size plots.

Results: Exercise decreased radiation-induced DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, while increasing antioxidant activity. Although the results were highly heterogeneous, there was evidence for a beneficial effect of exercise in cellular, clinical, and functional outcomes.

Conclusions: Out of 72 outcomes, 68 showed a beneficial effect of physical training when exposed to ionizing radiation. As the first study to investigate a potential protective mechanism of physical exercise against radiation effects in a systematic review, the current findings may help inform medical capabilities of human spaceflight and may also be relevant for terrestrial clinical care such as radiation oncology.
Automatic Detection of Fiducial Landmarks Toward the Development of an Application for Digitizing the Locations of EEG Electrodes: Occipital Structure Sensor-Based Work
Authors: Gallego Martínez Elieser E. , González Mitjans Anisleidy , Garea-Llano Eduardo , Bringas-Vega Maria L. , Valdes-Sosa Pedro A.
Published: April 2021

The reconstruction of electrophysiological sources within the brain is sensitive to the constructed head model, which depends on the positioning accuracy of anatomical landmarks known as fiducials. In this work, we propose an algorithm for the automatic detection of fiducial landmarks of EEG electrodes on the 3D human head model. Our proposal combines a dimensional reduction approach with a perspective projection from 3D to 2D object space; the eye and ear automatic detection in a 2D face image by two cascades of classifiers and geometric transformations to obtain 3D spatial coordinates of the landmarks and to generate the head coordinate system, This is accomplished by considering the characteristics of the scanner information. Capturing the 3D model of the head is done with Occipital Inc. ST01 structure sensor and the implementation of our algorithm was carried out on MATLAB R2018b using the Computer Vision Toolbox and the FieldTrip Toolbox. The experimental results were aimed at recursively exploring the efficacy of the facial feature detectors as a function of the projection angle; they show that robust results are obtained in terms of false acceptance rate. Our proposal is an initial step of an approach for the automatic digitization of electrode locations. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method detects anatomical facial landmarks automatically, accurately, and rapidly.
Neuronal Representation of Locomotion During Motivated Behavior in the Mouse Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Sachuriga  , Nishimaru Hiroshi , Takamura Yusaku , Matsumoto Jumpei , Ferreira Pereira de Araújo Mariana , Ono Taketoshi , Nishijo Hisao
Published: April 2021

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is located within the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (PFC), and processes and facilitates goal-directed behaviors relating to emotion, reward, and motor control. However, it is unclear how ACC neurons dynamically encode motivated behavior during locomotion. In this study, we examined how information for locomotion and behavioral outcomes is temporally represented by individual and ensembles of ACC neurons in mice during a self-paced locomotor reward-based task. By recording and analyzing the activity of ACC neurons with a microdrive tetrode array while the mouse performed the locomotor task, we found that more than two-fifths of the neurons showed phasic activity relating to locomotion or the reward behavior. Some of these neurons showed significant differences in their firing rate depending on the behavioral outcome. Furthermore, by applying a demixed principal component analysis, the ACC population activity was decomposed into components representing locomotion and the previous/future outcome. These results indicated that ACC neurons dynamically integrate motor and behavioral inputs during goal-directed behaviors.
Normalization of B Cell Subsets but Not T Follicular Helper Phenotypes in Infants With Very Early Antiretroviral Treatment
Authors: Shalekoff Sharon , Loubser Shayne , Dias Bianca Da Costa , Strehlau Renate , Shiau Stephanie , Wang Shuang , He Yun , Abrams Elaine J. , Kuhn Louise , Tiemessen Caroline T.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Infant HIV-1-infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality if antiretroviral treatment (ART) is not initiated promptly. We characterized development of circulating T follicular helper cells (cTfh) and their relationship to naïve/memory B cell subsets in a cohort of neonates initiating ART within the first week of life.

Methods: Infants were diagnosed within 48 hours of birth and started ART as soon as possible. The frequency and phenotype of cTfh and B cells were analyzed at enrollment (birth −19 days) and at 4, 12, and 72 weeks of age in blood of 27 HIV-1-intrauterine-infected and 25 HIV-1 exposed uninfected (HEU) infants as part of a study in Johannesburg, South Africa. cTfh cells were divided into Tfh1, Tfh2, and Tfh17 subsets. B cell phenotypes were defined as naïve, resting memory, activated memory and tissue-like memory cells.

Results: HIV-1-infected infants had higher frequencies of cTfh cells than HEU infants up to 12 weeks of age and these cTfh cells were polarized toward the Tfh1 subset. Higher frequencies of Tfh1 and lower frequencies of Tfh2 and Tfh17 correlated with lower CD4+ T cell percentages. Lower frequencies of resting memory, with corresponding higher frequencies of activated memory B cells, were observed with HIV-1 infection. Importantly, dysregulations in B cell, but not cTfh cell, subsets were normalized by 72 weeks.

Conclusion: Very early ART initiation in HIV-1-infected infants normalizes B cell subsets but does not fully normalize perturbations in cTfh cell subsets which remain Tfh1 polarized at 72 weeks. It remains to be determined if very early ART improves vaccine antibody responses despite the cTfh and B cell perturbations observed over the time course of this study.
Efficacy and Safety of Veverimer in the Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis Caused by Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Wenlin , Li Lili , Zhang Xuemei , Dong Haonan , Lu Miaomiao
Published: April 2021

Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Veverimer is an orally administrated, free amine polymer with high capacity and binding selectivity to hydrochloric acid from the gastrointestinal tract. This study pooled the current evidence of the efficacy and safety of veverimer for the treatment of metabolic acidosis associated with CKD. We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in June 2020. In this study, three RCTs with 548 patients were included in our analysis. The analysis revealed that veverimer was associated with increased bicarbonate level of patients (weight mean difference [WMD] 3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.40, 3.77], p < 0.001) and improved physical function compared with placebo measured by Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form 36, question 3 (physical functioning domain) (KDQoL-PFD) score (WMD 5.25, 95% CI [1.58, 8.92], p = 0.005). For safety outcomes, both groups exhibited similar risks for developing headache, diarrhea, flatulence, and hyperkalemia. In conclusion, current clinical evidence indicates that veverimer is efficacious and safe against metabolic acidosis related to CKD compared with placebo. Further research comparing long-term veverimer use with traditional alkali therapy is needed.
ABCG2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Affects Imatinib Pharmacokinetics in Lower Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein Levels in Humans
Authors: Park Jin-Woo , Chung Hyewon , Kim Kyoung-Ah , Kim Jong-Min , Park In-Hwan , Lee Sangjin , Park Ji-Young
Published: April 2021

Imatinib is transported extracellularly by ABCB1 and ABCG2 efflux transporters and bound to alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in the bloodstream. However, the clinical and pharmacokinetic effects of ABCB1 and ABCG2 on imatinib were inconsistent in the previous literature and have not been confirmed. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the effects of the ABCG2 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on imatinib pharmacokinetics in association with plasma AGP levels in healthy subjects. Twenty-seven healthy individuals were recruited, genotyped for ABCG2 and ABCB1, and given a single oral dose of 400 mg imatinib. Plasma imatinib concentrations were measured and its pharmacokinetics was assessed with respect to ABCG2 (c.421C>A and c.34G>A) and ABCB1 (c.1236C>T, c.2677C>T/A, and c.3435C>T) genotypes, and plasma AGP levels. AGP levels showed a strong positive correlation with imatinib pharmacokinetics. ABCG2 c.421C>A single nucleotide polymorphism showed a statistically significant effect on imatinib pharmacokinetics in low plasma AGP levels groups (<80 mg/dl); subjects with high plasma AGP levels (n = 5, ≥80 mg/dl) were excluded. The results indicate that plasma AGP levels and ABCG2 polymorphisms modulated imatinib pharmacokinetics; however, the effects of the ABCG2 transporter was masked at high plasma AGP levels.
Relationship Between Total Rewards Perceptions and Work Engagement Among Chinese Kindergarten Teachers: Organizational Identification as a Mediator
Authors: Ji Dongying , Cui Li
Published: April 2021

Kindergarten teachers' engagement in work is influenced by many factors. Total rewards perceptions, as an individual's evaluation of the rewards provided by the organization, may promote work engagement when it can meet their intrinsic and extrinsic work demands. To explore the relationship between kindergarten teachers' total rewards perceptions and work engagement, and the mediating role of organizational identification, a survey was conducted among 1,014 kindergarten teachers applying the Chinese versions of the Total Rewards Perceptions Scale for Kindergarten Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher Organizational Identification Scale, and Kindergarten Teacher Work Engagement Scale. The results showed that kindergarten teachers' total rewards perceptions and its four factors were positively correlated with organizational identification and work engagement. Organizational identification was positively related to work engagement. Organizational identification partially mediated the relationship between total rewards perception and work engagement among kindergarten teachers. We discussed the result of the relationship between total rewards perceptions, organizational identification, and work engagement among Chinese kindergarten teachers.
Using Modified Equipment in Field Hockey Leads to Positive Transfer of Learning Effect
Authors: Brocken Johanna E. A. , van der Kamp John , Lenior Matthieu , Savelsbergh Geert J. P.
Published: April 2021

Cross-education is the phenomenon in which repeated practice of a unilateral motor task does not only result in performance improvement of the trained limb, but also in the untrained contralateral limb. The aim of this study was to test whether cross-education or positive transfer of learning is also achieved for tasks in which both limbs contribute in different ways by using modified equipment that switches the limbs’ role. To this end, a reverse field hockey stick was used that requires a mirroring of arm and hand use and dominance (i.e., right hand on top of the hockey stick instead of the left hand). Two groups of young skilled female field hockey players participated in a crossover-design, in which participants received four training sessions with a reverse hockey stick followed by four training sessions with a regular hockey stick, or vice versa. In a pre-test, intermediate test (following the first intervention period), a post-test (after the second intervention period) and a retention test, participants’ performance on a field hockey skill test with a regular hockey stick was measured. The results revealed that training with the reversed hockey stick led to significantly increased improvements compared to training with a regular hockey stick. We conclude that modified equipment can be used to exploit positive transfer of learning by switching the limbs’ roles. The findings are discussed by referring to the symmetry preservation principle in dynamic systems theory and have clear practical relevance for field hockey trainers and players seeking to further improve field hockey skills.
Adolescent Eating Disorder Day Programme Treatment Models and Outcomes: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Baudinet Julian , Simic Mima
Published: April 2021

Background: Adolescent eating disorder day programmes (DP), or partial hospitalization programs, are becoming increasingly widespread worldwide. They typically function as an alternative to inpatient care and/or a step up or down in treatment intensity. There has been an increase in the number of publications within the last 5 years investigating DP outcomes. While there are now numerous programmes operating internationally, there is large variability in the content, structure and theoretical underpinnings of each programme. This makes it difficult to compare programme outcomes, and the impact the therapeutic model may have.

Aims: To review existing literature on adolescent eating disorder DP treatment models and outcomes.

Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted. Four databases (PsychInfo, EMBASE, Medline, CENTRAL) were searched for relevant peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters investigating adolescent eating disorder DPs that function as alternatives to inpatient treatment. No restrictions on study methodology were imposed. Studies were first mapped by location, study characteristics and day programme treatment characteristics, then narratively synthesized.

Results: Forty nine studies were included in this review. All used a quantitative methodology. One study also included qualitative methods. The majority of studies included describe DPs in the USA (69%). Seventy-six percent of the studies described DPs that operate 5-days per week and most (57%) either only admit or only report on outcomes for restrictive eating disorders. Two-thirds (69%) reported on DPs that had a family focused treatment model, the remainder had a more integrated treatment model informed mostly by individual psychotherapeutic models. Generally, DP treatment is associated with weight gain and improvements in eating disorder and comorbid psychopathology. The studies that include follow-up data (27%) reveal improvements are usually maintained from 3 months to 2 years post-treatment. Early weight gain, early psychological change and early therapeutic alliance are associated with improved end of treatment outcomes. Findings regarding other potential predictors of outcome are mixed.

Conclusions: Current evidence suggests day programmes are an effective alternative to inpatient treatment that lead to sustained improvements. DPs tend to either be young-person-only with a family-focused treatment model or all age with a more integrative model. Controlled, empirical investigations into the impact of the therapeutic model on outcomes are needed, as are investigations into treatment mechanisms and the individual and parent experience of day programme treatment.
Off-Policy Evaluation of the Performance of a Robot Swarm: Importance Sampling to Assess Potential Modifications to the Finite-State Machine That Controls the Robots
Authors: Pagnozzi Federico , Birattari Mauro
Published: April 2021

Due to the decentralized, loosely coupled nature of a swarm and to the lack of a general design methodology, the development of control software for robot swarms is typically an iterative process. Control software is generally modified and refined repeatedly, either manually or automatically, until satisfactory results are obtained. In this paper, we propose a technique based on off-policy evaluation to estimate how the performance of an instance of control software—implemented as a probabilistic finite-state machine—would be impacted by modifying the structure and the value of the parameters. The proposed technique is particularly appealing when coupled with automatic design methods belonging to the AutoMoDe family, as it can exploit the data generated during the design process. The technique can be used either to reduce the complexity of the control software generated, improving therefore its readability, or to evaluate perturbations of the parameters, which could help in prioritizing the exploration of the neighborhood of the current solution within an iterative improvement algorithm. To evaluate the technique, we apply it to control software generated with an AutoMoDe method, Chocolate−6S . In a first experiment, we use the proposed technique to estimate the impact of removing a state from a probabilistic finite-state machine. In a second experiment, we use it to predict the impact of changing the value of the parameters. The results show that the technique is promising and significantly better than a naive estimation. We discuss the limitations of the current implementation of the technique, and we sketch possible improvements, extensions, and generalizations.
Leveraging Human Perception in Robot Grasping and Manipulation Through Crowdsourcing and Gamification
Authors: Gorjup Gal , Gerez Lucas , Liarokapis Minas
Published: April 2021

Robot grasping in unstructured and dynamic environments is heavily dependent on the object attributes. Although Deep Learning approaches have delivered exceptional performance in robot perception, human perception and reasoning are still superior in processing novel object classes. Furthermore, training such models requires large, difficult to obtain datasets. This work combines crowdsourcing and gamification to leverage human intelligence, enhancing the object recognition and attribute estimation processes of robot grasping. The framework employs an attribute matching system that encodes visual information into an online puzzle game, utilizing the collective intelligence of players to expand the attribute database and react to real-time perception conflicts. The framework is deployed and evaluated in two proof-of-concept applications: enhancing the control of a robotic exoskeleton glove and improving object identification for autonomous robot grasping. In addition, a model for estimating the framework response time is proposed. The obtained results demonstrate that the framework is capable of rapid adaptation to novel object classes, based purely on visual information and human experience.
Reflections on Sustainable Consumption in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Perkins Krystal M. , Velazquez Luis , Munguia Nora
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly disrupted progress toward many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Accordingly, the UN has underscored the need to design short-term responses to halt and reverse the adverse effects of the current COVID-19 crisis. However, some researchers have scrutinized the feasibility and note the potential counterproductivity of particular SDGs in our post-pandemic world. This perspective paper holds a more hopeful outlook and contends that the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to prompt efforts to carry out the UN's 2030 Agenda. In this regard, this paper engages the theme of “sustainable consumption” in the context of COVD-19 by discussing two perspectives or bodies of work-supply chain sustainability and post-colonial theory. Supply chain sustainability is discussed as one such promising, though underutilized practice, that could potentially catalyze progress toward SDG 12. Likewise, post-colonial theory, a body of knowledge rarely drawn upon in sustainable consumption and SDG conversations, is presented to call attention to some of the gaps in the orthodoxy of sustainable consumption approaches, practices, and theoretical perspectives. This perspective paper's novelty lies in the fact that it calls attention to the promise of the SDGs and the limits of our current theoretical frameworks related to sustainable consumption. For these reasons, these bodies of work can provoke additional questions and avenues for future research.
XR-Immersive Labs Improve Student Motivation to Learn Kinesiology
Authors: Tunur Tumay , Hauze Sean W. , Frazee James P. , Stuhr Paul T.
Published: April 2021

Kinesiology is an inherently spatial discipline, both physically and visually. The use of extended reality-immersive lab activities may enhance students’ motivation to learn by enabling students to interact with visual content and illustrate and demonstrate kinesiology content and concepts. Using an instrumental case study method, this article assesses the use of extended reality immersion across three semesters of an upper division kinesiology course focused on motor control. This is a unique approach because it blends established physical motor control and biomechanical data collection techniques with emerging virtual reality technology to enhance—rather than replace—the lab experience. The effectiveness is measured via an experimental design to contribute to the small, but growing, body of knowledge on the efficacy of immersive learning.
Care Poverty Within the Home Space: Exploring the Emotional Experiences of Unmet Care Needs
Authors: Sihto Tiina , Van Aerschot Lina
Published: April 2021

Older adults face inequalities in care. The concept of care poverty has been developed to point out how unmet care needs are not just an individual issue but a phenomenon linked to social and economic disadvantage and societal inequality. In this paper, we approach the question of care poverty by focusing on its intertwinement with emotions and the home space. We analyze how the presence, or more commonly absence, of care shapes interviewees’ descriptions of emotional experiences tied to the home space. Our data consists of 12 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2019 and 2020 with customers of outreach work for older adults in Finland. These customers typically face a situation that can be characterized as care poverty: their care needs are not (or have not been) met by either the service system or informal sources. When analyzing the data, we followed the guidelines for thematic analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke. Our analysis shows how care and lack of care transform interviewees’ emotional connections with the home space, highlighting particularly three main themes: insecurity, isolation and belongingness. Our analysis reveals how lack of care can transform the home into an unsafe place; a space characterized by isolation, or a space where one sometimes ceases to feel at ease or “like oneself.” The emotional experience of home and being adequately cared for is also tied to the sense of (not) belonging to a place. Based on our analysis, we argue that as an experience, care poverty is not just about individual unmet needs and/or a scarcity of resources at the societal level; it should also be understood as deeply relational—born and shaped in interactions (or the lack of interactions) among people, and lived in and through relationships with others. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of a sense of belonging to the feeling of being adequately cared for.
Potential Use of Beneficial Microorganisms for Soil Amelioration, Phytopathogen Biocontrol, and Sustainable Crop Production in Smallholder Agroecosystems
Authors: Koskey Gilbert , Mburu Simon Wambui , Awino Richard , Njeru Ezekiel Mugendi , Maingi John M.
Published: April 2021

Smallholder agroecosystems play a key role in the world's food security providing more than 50% of the food produced globally. These unique agroecosystems face a myriad of challenges and remain largely unsupported, yet they are thought to be a critical resource for feeding the projected increasing human population in the coming years. The new challenge to increase food production through agricultural intensification in shrinking per capita arable lands, dwindling world economies, and unpredictable climate change, has led to over-dependence on agrochemical inputs that are often costly and hazardous to both human and animal health and the environment. To ensure healthy crop production approaches, the search for alternative ecofriendly strategies that best fit to the smallholder systems have been proposed. The most common and widely accepted solution that has gained a lot of interest among researchers and smallholder farmers is the use of biological agents; mainly plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) that provide essential agroecosystem services within a holistic vision of enhancing farm productivity and environmental protection. PGPMs play critical roles in agroecological cycles fundamental for soil nutrient amelioration, crop nutrient improvement, plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, biocontrol of pests and diseases, and water uptake. This review explores different research strategies involving the use of beneficial microorganisms, within the unique context of smallholder agroecosystems, to promote sustainable maintenance of plant and soil health and enhance agroecosystem resilience against unpredictable climatic perturbations.
Adverse Outcome Pathway Development for Assessment of Lung Carcinogenicity by Nanoparticles
Authors: Nymark Penny , Karlsson Hanna L. , Halappanavar Sabina , Vogel Ulla
Published: April 2021

Lung cancer, one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer, is in some cases associated with exposure to certain types of particles. With the rise of nanotechnology, there is concern that some engineered nanoparticles may be among such particles. In the absence of epidemiological evidence, assessment of nanoparticle carcinogenicity is currently performed on a time-consuming case-by-case basis, relying mainly on animal experiments. Non-animal alternatives exist, including a few validated cell-based methods accepted for regulatory risk assessment of nanoparticles. Furthermore, new approach methodologies (NAMs), focused on carcinogenic mechanisms and capable of handling the increasing numbers of nanoparticles, have been developed. However, such alternative methods are mainly applied as weight-of-evidence linked to generally required animal data, since challenges remain regarding interpretation of the results. These challenges may be more easily overcome by the novel Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework, which provides a basis for validation and uptake of alternative mechanism-focused methods in risk assessment. Here, we propose an AOP for lung cancer induced by nanosized foreign matter, anchored to a selection of 18 standardized methods and NAMs for in silico- and in vitro-based integrated assessment of lung carcinogenicity. The potential for further refinement of the AOP and its components is discussed in relation to available nanosafety knowledge and data. Overall, this perspective provides a basis for development of AOP-aligned alternative methods-based integrated testing strategies for assessment of nanoparticle-induced lung cancer.
Reduced Retinal Degeneration in an Oxidative Stress Organ Culture Model through an iNOS-Inhibitor
Authors: Mueller-Buehl Ana M. , Tsai Teresa , Hurst José , Theiss Carsten , Peters Laura , Hofmann Lisa , Herms Fenja , Kuehn Sandra , Schnichels Sven , Joachim Stephanie C.
Published: April 2021

In retinal organ cultures, H2O2 can be used to simulate oxidative stress, which plays a role in the development of several retinal diseases including glaucoma. We investigated whether processes underlying oxidative stress can be prevented in retinal organ cultures by an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-inhibitor. To this end, porcine retinal explants were cultivated for four and eight days. Oxidative stress was induced via 300 µM H2O2 on day one for three hours. Treatment with the iNOS-inhibitor 1400 W was applied simultaneously, remaining for 72 h. Retinal ganglion cells (RGC), bipolar and amacrine cells, apoptosis, autophagy, and hypoxia were evaluated immunohistologically and by RT-qPCR. Additionally, RGC morphology was analyzed via transmission electron microscopy. H2O2-induced RGCs loss after four days was prevented by the iNOS-inhibitor. Additionally, electron microscopy revealed a preservation from oxidative stress in iNOS-inhibitor treated retinas at four and eight days. A late rescue of bipolar cells was seen in iNOS-inhibitor treated retinas after eight days. Hypoxic stress and apoptosis almost reached the control situation after iNOS-inhibitor treatment, especially after four days. In sum, the iNOS-inhibitor was able to prevent strong H2O-induced degeneration in porcine retinas. Hence, this inhibitor seems to be a promising treatment option for retinal diseases.