bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Patient-Derived Organoid-Based Radiosensitivity Model for the Prediction of Radiation Responses in Patients with Rectal Cancer
Authors: Park Misun , Kwon Junhye , Kong Joonseog , Moon Sun Mi , Cho Sangsik , Yang Ki Young , Jang Won Il , Kim Mi Sook , Kim Younjoo , Shin Ui Sup
Published: July 2021

Patient-derived tumor organoids closely resemble original patient tumors. We conducted this co-clinical trial with treatment-naive rectal cancer patients and matched patient-derived tumor organoids to determine whether a correlation exists between experimental results obtained after irradiation in patients and organoids. Between November 2017 and March 2020, we prospectively enrolled 33 patients who were diagnosed with mid-to-lower rectal adenocarcinoma based on endoscopic biopsy findings. We constructed a prediction model through a machine learning algorithm using clinical and experimental radioresponse data. Our data confirmed that patient-derived tumor organoids closely recapitulated original tumors, both pathophysiologically and genetically. Radiation responses in patients were positively correlated with those in patient-derived tumor organoids. Our machine learning-based prediction model showed excellent performance. In the prediction model for good responders trained using the random forest algorithm, the area under the curve, accuracy, and kappa value were 0.918, 81.5%, and 0.51, respectively. In the prediction model for poor responders, the area under the curve, accuracy, and kappa value were 0.971, 92.1%, and 0.75, respectively. Our patient-derived tumor organoid-based radiosensitivity model could lead to more advanced precision medicine for treating patients with rectal cancer.
Heterogeneous Myeloid Cells in Tumors
Authors: Dou Aixia , Fang Jing
Published: July 2021

Accumulating studies highlight a critical role of myeloid cells in cancer biology and therapy. The myeloid cells constitute the major components of tumor microenvironment (TME). The most studied tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs) include monocytes, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), dendritic cells (DCs), cancer-related circulating neutrophils, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These heterogenous myeloid cells perform pro-tumor or anti-tumor function, exerting complex and even opposing effects on all stages of tumor development, such as malignant clonal evolution, growth, survival, invasiveness, dissemination and metastasis of tumor cells. TAMCs also reshape TME and tumor vasculature to favor tumor development. The main function of these myeloid cells is to modulate the behavior of lymphocytes, forming immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive TME cues. In addition, TAMCs play a critical role in modulating the response to cancer therapy. Targeting TAMCs is vigorously tested as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This review briefly introduces the TAMC subpopulations and their function in tumor cells, TME, angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and cancer therapy.
Targeting BRF2 in Cancer Using Repurposed Drugs
Authors: Rashidieh Behnam , Molakarimi Maryam , Mohseni Ammar , Tria Simon Manuel , Truong Hein , Srihari Sriganesh , Adams Rachael C. , Jones Mathew , Duijf Pascal H. G. , Kalimutho Murugan , Khanna Kum Kum
Published: July 2021

The overexpression of BRF2, a selective subunit of RNA polymerase III, has been shown to be crucial in the development of several types of cancers, including breast cancer and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Predominantly, BRF2 acts as a central redox-sensing transcription factor (TF) and is involved in rescuing oxidative stress (OS)-induced apoptosis. Here, we showed a novel link between BRF2 and the DNA damage response. Due to the lack of BRF2-specific inhibitors, through virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation, we identified potential drug candidates that interfere with BRF2-TATA-binding Protein (TBP)-DNA complex interactions based on binding energy, intermolecular, and torsional energy parameters. We experimentally tested bexarotene as a potential BRF2 inhibitor. We found that bexarotene (Bex) treatment resulted in a dramatic decline in oxidative stress and Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ)-induced levels of BRF2 and consequently led to a decrease in the cellular proliferation of cancer cells which may in part be due to the drug pretreatment-induced reduction of ROS generated by the oxidizing agent. Our data thus provide the first experimental evidence that BRF2 is a novel player in the DNA damage response pathway and that bexarotene can be used as a potential inhibitor to treat cancers with the specific elevation of oxidative stress.
Cyclic Derivatives of the Chemerin C-Terminus as Metabolically Stable Agonists at the Chemokine-like Receptor 1 for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Fischer Tobias F. , Czerniak Anne S. , Weiß Tina , Zellmann Tristan , Zielke Lina , Els-Heindl Sylvia , Beck-Sickinger Annette G.
Published: July 2021

Chemerin is a small chemotactic protein and a modulator of the innate immune system. Its activity is mainly mediated by the chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), a receptor expressed by natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Downregulation of chemerin is part of the immune evasion strategy exploited by several cancer types, including melanoma, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Administration of chemerin can potentially counteract these effects, but synthetically accessible, metabolically stable analogs are required. Other tumors display overexpression of CMKLR1, offering a potential entry point for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics. Here, we present cyclic derivatives of the chemerin C-terminus (chemerin-9), the minimal activation sequence of chemerin. Chemerin-9 derivatives that were cyclized through positions four and nine retained activity while displaying full stability in blood plasma for more than 24 h. Therefore, these peptides could be used as a drug shuttle system to target cancer cells as demonstrated here by methotrexate conjugates.
Improved Method for Efficient Generation of Functional Neurons from Murine Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Soni Abhinav , Klütsch Diana , Hu Xin , Houtman Judith , Rund Nicole , McCloskey Asako , Mertens Jerome , Schafer Simon T. , Amin Hayder , Toda Tomohisa
Published: July 2021

Neuronal culture was used to investigate neuronal function in physiological and pathological conditions. Despite its inevitability, primary neuronal culture remained a gold standard method that requires laborious preparation, intensive training, and animal resources. To circumvent the shortfalls of primary neuronal preparations and efficiently give rise to functional neurons, we combine a neural stem cell culture method with a direct cell type-conversion approach. The lucidity of this method enables the efficient preparation of functional neurons from mouse neural progenitor cells on demand. We demonstrate that induced neurons (NPC-iNs) by this method make synaptic connections, elicit neuronal activity-dependent cellular responses, and develop functional neuronal networks. This method will provide a concise platform for functional neuronal assessments. This indeed offers a perspective for using these characterized neuronal networks for investigating plasticity mechanisms, drug screening assays, and probing the molecular and biophysical basis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
Role of Neuroglobin in the Neuroprotective Actions of Estradiol and Estrogenic Compounds
Authors: Barreto George E. , McGovern Andrew J. , Garcia-Segura Luis M.
Published: July 2021

Estradiol exerts neuroprotective actions that are mediated by the regulation of a variety of signaling pathways and homeostatic molecules. Among these is neuroglobin, which is upregulated by estradiol and translocated to the mitochondria to sustain neuronal and glial cell adaptation to injury. In this paper, we will discuss the role of neuroglobin in the neuroprotective mechanisms elicited by estradiol acting on neurons, astrocytes and microglia. We will also consider the role of neuroglobin in the neuroprotective actions of clinically relevant synthetic steroids, such as tibolone. Finally, the possible contribution of the estrogenic regulation of neuroglobin to the generation of sex differences in brain pathology and the potential application of neuroglobin as therapy against neurological diseases will be examined.
Processing and Ex Vivo Expansion of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for the Development of an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product for use in Humans
Authors: Labedz-Maslowska Anna , Szkaradek Agnieszka , Mierzwinski Tomasz , Madeja Zbigniew , Zuba-Surma Ewa
Published: July 2021

Adipose tissue (AT) represents a commonly used source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) whose proregenerative potential has been widely investigated in multiple clinical trials worldwide. However, the standardization of the manufacturing process of MSC-based cell therapy medicinal products in compliance with the requirements of the local authorities is obligatory and will allow us to obtain the necessary permits for product administration according to its intended use. Within the research phase (RD), we optimized the protocols used for the processing and ex vivo expansion of AT-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) for the development of an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) for use in humans. Critical process parameters (including, e.g., the concentration of enzyme used for AT digestion, cell culture conditions) were identified and examined to ensure the high quality of the final product containing AT-MSCs. We confirmed the identity of isolated AT-MSCs as MSCs and their trilineage differentiation potential according to the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) recommendations. Based on the conducted experiments, in-process quality control (QC) parameters and acceptance criteria were defined for the manufacturing of hospital exemption ATMP (HE-ATMP). Finally, we conducted a validation of the manufacturing process in a GMP facility. In the current study, we presented a process approach leading to the optimization of processing and the ex vivo expansion of AT-MSCs for the development of ATMP for use in humans.
Complementary Feeding in Italy: From Tradition to Innovation
Authors: Alvisi Patrizia , Congiu Marco , Ficara Monica , De Gregorio Patrizia , Ghio Roberto , Spisni Enzo , Di Saverio Pietro , Labriola Flavio , Lacorte Doriana , Lionetti Paolo
Published: July 2021

Complementary feeding (CF) is a pivotal phase of the individual’s growth, during which children develops their future dietary habits. To date, only few studies investigated and compared weaning modalities between different geographical areas. The aim of this article is to describe the current Italian practice for CF in healthy term infants among different areas (North, Center, South) of Italy. Two different multiple-choice questionnaires were produced and sent to 665 Italian primary care pediatricians (PCP) and 2023 families with children under 1 year of age. As emerged from our investigation, in Italy CF is usually started between the 5th and 6th month of life. The preferred approach (chosen by 77% of families) involves the use of home-cooked liquid or semi-liquid ailments, or industrial baby foods. A new CF modality is emerging, consisting of traditional complementary foods with adult food tastings (10% of families). Approximately 91% of pediatricians give written dietary suggestions, and 83% of families follow their advice. We found significantly divergent weaning habits among different areas of Italy. PCP have a key role in guiding parents during the introduction of new foods in their infant’s diet and should take this as an opportunity to educate the whole family to healthy dietary habits.
Preparation and Properties of Multilayer Ca/P Bio-Ceramic Coating by Laser Cladding
Authors: Liu Boda , Deng Zixin , Liu Defu
Published: July 2021

In order to enhance the bioactivity and wear resistance of titanium (Ti) and its alloy for use as an implant surface, a multilayer Ca/P (calcium/phosphorus) bio-ceramic coating on a Ti6Al4V alloy surface was designed and prepared by a laser cladding technique, using the mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA) powder and Ti powder as a cladding precursor. The main cladding process parameters were 400 W laser power, 3 mm/s scanning speed, 2 mm spot diameter and 30% lapping rate. When the Ca/P ceramic coating was immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF), ion exchange occurred between the coating and the immersion solution, and hydroxyapatite (HA) was induced and deposited on its surface, which indicated that the Ca/P bio-ceramic coating had good bioactivity. The volume wear of Ca/P ceramic coating was reduced by 43.2% compared with that of Ti6Al4V alloy by the pin-disc wear test, which indicated that the Ca/P bio-ceramic coating had better wear resistance.
A New Device Hypothesis for Water Extraction from Air and Basic Air Condition System in Developing Countries
Authors: Congedo Paolo Maria , Baglivo Cristina , Negro Giulia
Published: July 2021

This work proposes a new device for air treatment with dehumidification and water recovery/storage, with possible mitigation of indoor environmental conditions. The system is based on Peltier cells coupled with a horizontal earth-to-air heat exchanger, it is proposed as an easy-to-implement alternative to the heat pumps and air handling units currently used on the market, in terms of cost, ease of installation, and maintenance. The process provides the water collection from the cooling of warm-humid air through a process that leads to condensation and water vapor separation. The airflow generated by a fan splits into two dual flows that lap the two surfaces of the Peltier cells, one flow laps the cold surfaces undergoing sensible, latent cooling with dehumidification; the other flow laps the hot surfaces and heats up. The airflow undergoes thermal pre-treatment through the underground horizontal geothermal pipe that precedes the Peltier cells. In the water storage tank, which also works as a mixing chamber, the two air streams are mixed to regulate the outlet temperature. The system can be stand-alone if equipped with a photovoltaic panel and a micro wind turbine, able to be used in places where electricity is absent. The system, with different configurations, is modeled in the African city Kigali, in Rwanda.
Basic Experimental Study of Plasticity Material for Coal Rock Fracture Grouting Based on RSM-PCA Technology
Authors: Liu Weitao , Qin Yueyun , Meng Xiangxi , Pang Lifu , Han Mengke , Song Zengmou
Published: July 2021

The internal fractures in coal and rock mass are important factors affecting the safety of underground engineering such as coalbed methane exploitation, so the comprehensive properties of materials used to seal the fractures are particularly critical. In this paper, firstly, the indexes of the main factors affecting the plugging material (viscosity, bleeding rate, setting time, and strength) were analyzed. Then, the sensitivity of the materials used to seal the fractures was studied and discussed using a principal component analysis and response surface analysis (RSM-PCA). The primary conclusions are as follows: (1) Bleed rate and setting time were the first principal components affecting the comprehensive properties of the plugging materials, and compressive strength was the second principal component. (2) The regression equation was established to characterize the comprehensive properties of the integrated plugging materials, and the optimal mix ratio was 34% of cement content, 11% of sand content, and 0.53 of the W/C. (3) The microscopic results showed that the silicate minerals in the consolidated body grow in a bridging manner and formed a mixed gel with cement hydration product to fill the pores and microcracks and improved the interface transition zone.
Experimental Study on Critical Membrane Water Content of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells for Cold Storage at −50 °C
Authors: Yang Xiaokang , Sun Jiaqi , Jiang Guang , Sun Shucheng , Shao Zhigang , Yu Hongmei , Duan Fangwei , Yang Yingxuan
Published: July 2021

Membrane water content is of vital importance to the freezing durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Excessive water freezing could cause irreversible degradation to the cell components and deteriorate the cell performance and lifetime. However, there are few studies on the critical membrane water content, a threshold beyond which freezing damage occurs, for cold storage of PEMFCs. In this work, we first proposed a method for measuring membrane water content using membrane resistance extracted from measured high frequency resistance (HFR) based on the finding that the non-membrane resistance part of the measured HFR is constant within the range of membrane water content of 2.98 to 14.0. Then, freeze/thaw cycles were performed from −50 °C to 30 °C with well controlled membrane water content. After 30 cycles, cells with a membrane water content of 8.2 and 7.7 exhibited no performance degradation, while those higher than 8.2 showed significant performance decay. Electrochemical tests revealed that electrochemical surface area (ECSA) reduction and charge transfer resistance increase are the main reasons for the degradation. These results indicate that the critical membrane water content for successful cold storage at −50 °C is 8.2.
Energy and Exergy Efficiency Analysis of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Sinter Vertical Cooler
Authors: Cheng Zude , Wang Haitao , Feng Junsheng , Xia Yongfang , Dong Hui
Published: July 2021

In order to fully understand the energy and exergy transfer processes in sinter vertical coolers, a simulation model of the fluid flow and heat transfer in a vertical cooler was established, and energy and exergy efficiency analyses of the gas–solid heat transfer in a vertical cooler were conducted in detail. Based on the calculation method of the whole working condition, the suitable operational parameters of the vertical cooler were obtained by setting the net exergy efficiency in the vertical cooler as the indicator function. The results show that both the quantity of sinter waste heat recovery (SWHR) and energy efficiency increased as the air flow rate (AFR) increased, and they decreased as the air inlet temperature (AIT) increased. The increase in the sinter inlet temperature (SIT) resulted in an increase in the quantity of SWHR and a decrease in energy efficiency. The air net exergy had the maximum value as the AFR increased, and it only increased monotonically as the SIT and AIT increased. The net exergy efficiency reached the maximum value as the AFR and AIT increased, and the increase in the SIT only resulted in a decrease in the net exergy efficiency. When the sinter annual production of a 360 m2 sintering machine was taken as the processing capacity of the vertical cooler, the suitable operational parameters of the vertical cooler were 190 kg/s for the AFR, and 353 K for the AIT.
Modeling and Harmonic Impact Mitigation of Grid-Connected SCIG Driven by an Electromagnetic Frequency Regulator
Authors: da Silva Juliano C. L. , Ramos Thales , Júnior Manoel F. Medeiros
Published: July 2021

The power quality analysis is an essential issue in the integration of distributed energy resources to the grid. Recent standards regulate the harmonics disturbances due to the increasing penetration of intermittent energy sources interconnected with the grid employing power converters. This paper aims to analyze the power quality of an interconnected wind turbine system based on a Squirrel Cage Induction Generator (SCIG) driven by an Electromagnetic Frequency Regulator (EFR). The steady state of the EFR harmonic model is developed in the stationary frame based on the conventional induction generator modeling, which allows the study of the harmonic disturbances in the electrical and mechanical variables due to the PWM inverter of the EFR’s armature voltage. There is no electrical connection between the EFR and SCIG, and the results show that the inherent system inertia contributes to the mitigation of the harmonic content at the grid side generated by the switching. In addition to the steady-state results, the Total Rated Distortion (TRD), which considers the harmonics and interharmonics components, was computed and presented a good performance compared to the IEEE 1547 standard and real data extracted of a single Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG). Finally, the harmonic performance of the proposed system was evaluated considering the impact of the equivalent Thevenin impedance of the grid at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC).
Fabrication of Silicon Nanowire Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Capacitors with Al2O3/TiO2/Al2O3 Stacked Dielectric Films for the Application to Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Nezasa Ryota , Gotoh Kazuhiro , Kato Shinya , Miyamoto Satoru , Usami Noritaka , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi
Published: July 2021

Silicon nanowire (SiNW) metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors with Al2O3/TiO2/Al2O3 (ATA) stacked dielectric films were fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). High-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) images revealed that SiNWs were conformally coated with ATA although the cross-sectional shapes of MACE-SiNWs were non-uniform and sharp spikes can be seen locally. The dielectric capacitance density of 5.9 μF/cm2 at V = −4 V of the perfect accumulation region was achieved due to the combination of the large surface area of the SiNW array and the high dielectric constant of ATA. The capacitance changed exponentially with the voltage at V < −4.3 V and the capacitance of 84 μF/cm2 was successfully achieved at V = −10 V. It was revealed that not only 3D structure and high-k material but also local nanostructure of SiNWs and stacked dielectric layers could contribute to the considerable high capacitance.
Comparative Performance of Multi-Period ACOPF and Multi-Period DCOPF under High Integration of Wind Power
Authors: Larrahondo Diego , Moreno Ricardo , Chamorro Harold R. , Gonzalez-Longatt Francisco
Published: July 2021

Today, the power system operation represents a challenge given the security and reliability requirements. Mathematical models are used to represent and solve operational and planning issues related with electric systems. Specifically, the AC optimal power flow (ACOPF) and the DC optimal power flow (DCOPF) are tools used for operational and planning purposes. The DCOPF versions correspond to lineal versions of the ACOPF. This is due to the fact that the power flow solution is often hard to obtain with the ACOPF considering all constraints. However, the simplifications use only active power without considering reactive power, voltage values and losses on transmission lines, which are crucial factors for power system operation, potentially leading to inaccurate results. This paper develops a detailed formulation for both DCOPF and ACOPF with multiple generation sources to provide a 24-h dispatching in order to compare the differences between the solutions with different scenarios under high penetration of wind power. The results indicate the DCOPF inaccuracies with respect to the complete solution provided by the ACOPF.
Influence of Informal Education in the Forest Stand Redevelopment Area on the Psychological Restoration of Working Adults
Authors: Korcz Natalia , Janeczko Emilia , Bielinis Ernest , Urban Danuta , Koba Jacek , Szabat Paweł , Małecki Michał
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, a significant part of the human population lives and works in urban agglomerations. Limited contact with nature, polluted air, stress, and a sedentary work style all contribute to problems with the physical and mental health of a considerable number of city dwellers. There are many studies indicating the positive, restorative properties of natural environments, such as forests, on human well-being. Our aim was to investigate whether suburban commercial forests in combination with informal environmental education can bring restorative properties to people, especially those who are economically active. Materials and Methods: Four psychological questionnaires were used to determine the restorative properties of a suburban commercial forest on young active people: the Profile of Mood Scale (POMS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS), and the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). The experiment involved 60 participants who took forest baths (the act of spending time in a forest and opening your senses to the natural surroundings to experience feelings of peace and wellbeing) in a suburban commercial forest surrounding Świdnik, a city of 40,000 inhabitants located directly next to Lublin (a provincial city with a population of 339,811). The volunteers were divided into three groups; Group A walked an educational route with educational boards (route A1). Group B walked another route with a forest educator who described various forest management activities conducted in this forest (route A2). Group C walked alone, without an educator, along route A2. All three groups arrived at the site of forest stand redevelopment as the end of their route. After a short 10-min exposure to this site, the volunteers again completed the psychological questionnaires. Results: Our study clearly indicates a positive effect from forest bathing in suburban commercial forests. Both the walk with a forest educator and the walk along the educational trail supported psychological recovery for the participants of the experiment, which shows that informal environmental education carried out in forests can be successfully combined with forest bathing, supporting the positive effects of this activity.
Soil Temperature in Disturbed Ecosystems of Central Siberia: Remote Sensing Data and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Ponomareva Tatiana V. , Litvintsev Kirill Yu. , Finnikov Konstantin A. , Yakimov Nikita D. , Sentyabov Andrey V. , Ponomarev Evgenii I.
Published: July 2021

We investigated changes in the temperature regime of post-fire and post-technogenic cryogenic soils of Central Siberia using remote sensing data and results of numerical simulation. We have selected the time series of satellite data for two variants of plots with disturbed vegetation and on-ground cover: natural ecosystems of post-fire plots and post-technogenic plots with reclamation as well as dumps without reclamation. Surface thermal anomalies and temperature in soil horizons were evaluated from remote data and numerical simulation and compared with summarized experimental data. We estimated the influence of soil profile disturbances on the temperature anomalies forming on the surface and in soil horizons based on the results of heat transfer modeling in the soil profile. According to remote sensing data, within 20 years, the thermal insulation properties of the vegetation cover restore in the post-fire areas, and the relative temperature anomaly reaches the level of background values. In post-technogenic plots, conditions are more “contrast” comparing to the background, and the process of the thermal regime restoration takes a longer time (>60 years). Forming “neo-technogenic ecosystems” are distinct in special thermal regimes of soils that differ from the background ones both in reclamated and in non-reclamated plots. An assumption was made of the changes in the moisture content regime as the main factor causing the long-term existence of thermal anomalies in the upper soil horizons of disturbed plots. In addition, we discussed the formation of transition zones (“ecotones”) along the periphery of the disturbed plots due to horizontal heat transfer.
Challenges for FSC Forest Certification: Audits in the Context of Pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Nicorescu Adelin-Ionuț , Hălălișan Aureliu-Florin , Popa Bogdan , Neykov Nikolay
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused economic difficulties for companies in forestry as well as significant issues for entities dealing with Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. Global certification schemes, like FSC and PEFC, based on some preventive provisions in their procedural frame, developed new approaches and derogations to maintain quality evaluation and the power of standards. Arising from COVID-19 restrictions, postponed audits (and the extension of the validity of existing certifications) or remote auditing became increasingly common. Based on a survey applied to companies that had CoC FSC audits in 2020, this study aimed at evaluating the perceptions of companies regarding the audits performed under COVID pandemic procedural derogations, along with other research objectives like the continuous investigation of certification drivers or advantages. Companies indicated that the certification bodies explained the characteristics of pandemic-adapted audits and conducted risk assessments before choosing the adapted approach. Almost half of the companies perceived significant differences between the on-site previous audits and the audits performed during the pandemic due to the imposed restrictions and adapted approaches. Additionally, companies found that hybrid or remote audits are not so efficient, and for the future on-site audits are preferred. The study concluded that making the auditing procedures less interactional is not yet a sufficiently mature approach; there is a clear need for better procedures, building online tools usage capacity, to better communicate the specificity of such procedures better, and to better balance the online evaluations with on-site assessments.
Mitochondrial Genomes from Two Specialized Subfamilies of Reduviidae (Insecta: Hemiptera) Reveal Novel Gene Rearrangements of True Bugs
Authors: Ye Fei , Li Hu , Xie Qiang
Published: July 2021

Reduviidae, a hyper-diverse family, comprise 25 subfamilies with nearly 7000 species and include many natural enemies of crop pests and vectors of human disease. To date, 75 mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of assassin bugs from only 11 subfamilies have been reported. The limited sampling of mitogenome at higher categories hinders a deep understanding of mitogenome evolution and reduviid phylogeny. In this study, the first mitogenomes of Holoptilinae (Ptilocnemus lemur) and Emesinae (Ischnobaenella hainana) were sequenced. Two novel gene orders were detected in the newly sequenced mitogenomes. Combined 421 heteropteran mitogenomes, we identified 21 different gene orders and six gene rearrangement units located in three gene blocks. Comparative analyses of the diversity of gene order for each unit reveal that the tRNA gene cluster trnI-trnQ-trnM is the hotspot of heteropteran gene rearrangement. Furthermore, combined analyses of the gene rearrangement richness of each unit and the whole mitogenome among heteropteran lineages confirm Reduviidae as a ‘hot-spot group’ of gene rearrangement in Heteroptera. The phylogenetic analyses corroborate the current view of phylogenetic relationships between basal groups of Reduviidae with high support values. Our study provides deeper insights into the evolution of mitochondrial gene arrangement in Heteroptera and the early divergence of reduviids.
Glaucoma Heritability: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
Authors: Zukerman Ryan , Harris Alon , Oddone Francesco , Siesky Brent , Verticchio Vercellin Alice , Ciulla Thomas A.
Published: July 2021

Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of irreversible blindness. A complex, multifactorial disease, the underlying pathogenesis and reasons for disease progression are not fully understood. The most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), was traditionally understood to be the result of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to optic nerve damage and functional vision loss. Recently, researchers have suggested that POAG may have an underlying genetic component. In fact, studies of genetic association and heritability have yielded encouraging results showing that glaucoma may be influenced by genetic factors, and estimates for the heritability of POAG and disease-related endophenotypes show encouraging results. However, the vast majority of the underlying genetic variants and their molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. Several genes have been suggested to have molecular mechanisms contributing to alterations in key endophenotypes such as IOP (LMX1B, MADD, NR1H3, and SEPT9), and VCDR (ABCA1, ELN, ASAP1, and ATOH7). Still, genetic studies about glaucoma and its molecular mechanisms are limited by the multifactorial nature of the disease and the large number of genes that have been identified to have an association with glaucoma. Therefore, further study into the molecular mechanisms of the disease itself are required for the future development of therapies targeted at genes leading to POAG endophenotypes and, therefore, increased risk of disease.
Meiotic Silencing in Pigs: A Case Study in a Translocated Azoospermic Boar
Authors: Mary Nicolas , Calgaro Anne , Barasc Harmonie , Bonnet Nathalie , Ferchaud Stéphane , Raymond-Letron Isabelle , Ducos Alain , Pinton Alain
Published: July 2021

Carriers of balanced constitutional reciprocal translocations usually present a normal phenotype, but often show reproductive disorders. For the first time in pigs, we analyzed the meiotic process of an autosome–autosome translocation associated with azoospermia. Meiotic process analysis revealed the presence of unpaired autosomal segments with histone γH2AX accumulation sometimes associated with the XY body. Additionally, γH2AX signals were observed on apparently synapsed autosomes other than the SSC1 or SSC15, as previously observed in Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 patients or knock-out mice for the Senataxin gene. Gene expression showed a downregulation of genes selected on chromosomes 1 and 15, but no upregulation of SSCX genes. We hypothesized that the total meiotic arrest observed in this boar might be due to the silencing of crucial autosomal genes by the mechanism referred to as meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin (MSUC).
Differences between Active and Semi-Active Students Regarding the Parameters of Body Composition Using Bioimpedance and Magnetic Bioresonance Technologies
Authors: Badau Dana , Badau Adela , Trambitas Cristian , Trambitas-Miron Dia , Moraru Raluca , Stan Alexandru Antoniu , Oancea Bogdan Marian , Turcu Ioan , Grosu Emilia Florina , Grosu Vlad Teodor , Daina Lucia Georgeta , Daina Cristian Marius , Suteu Corina Lacramioara , Moraru Liviu
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to identify differences in obesity-related parameters between active sports students and semi-active or sedentary students, differentiated by sex, in order to optimize health. The study sample included 286 students, of which the male experimental sample consisted of 86 active sports students, age X ± SD 21.25 ± 0.32 years; height X ± SD 181.08 ± 3.52 cm; control group consisting of 89 semi-active students aged X ± SD 21.07 ± 0.1.13 years; height X ± SD 182.11 ± 1.32. The female experimental sample includes 57 active sports students, age X ± SD 21.02 ± 0.92 years; height X ± SD 167.48 ± 1.34 cm; the control group includes 54 semi-active students aged X ± SD 21.57 ± 0.1.98 years; height X ± SD 168.42 ± 1.76. The study used a thalliometer, Tanita Health Ware software and Quantum Resonance Magnetic Analyzer equipment to investigate height (cm), Body Mass Index (BMI), muscle mass (kg, %), as well as the obesity analysis report, and componential analysis of body and nourishment. The differences registered between the samples of active and semi-active sports subjects were predominantly statistically significant for p < 0.05. The differences registered between the samples of active and semi-active sports subjects were predominantly statistically significant for p < 0.05. The most important parameters regarding obesity and body composition that registered significant differences between the two male groups were in favor of the group of active athletes: triglyceride content of abnormal coefficient 0.844 (CI95% 0.590–1.099), abnormal lipid metabolism coefficient 0.798 (CI95% 1.091–0.504), obesity degree of body (ODB %) 10.290 (CI95% 6.610–13.970), BMI 2.326 (CI95% 1.527–3.126), body fat (kg) 2.042 (CI95% 0.918–3.166), muscle volume (kg) 2.565 (CI95% 1.100–4.031), Lean body weight (kg) 2.841 (CI95% 5.265–0.418). In the case of female samples, the group of active sportswomen registered the biggest differences compared to the group of students who were significantly active in the parameters: abnormal lipid metabolism coefficient 1.063 (CI95% 1.380–0.746), triglyceride content of abnormal coefficient 0.807 (CI95% 0.437–1.178), obesity degree of body (ODB%) 8.082 (CI95% 2.983–13.181), BMI 2.285 (CI95% 1.247–3.324), body fat (kg) 2.586 (CI95% 0.905–4.267), muscle volume (kg) 2.570 (CI95% 0.154–4.985), lean body weight (kg) 4.118 (CI95% 1.160–7.077). The results of the study directly facilitate the understanding of the complexity of the impact of obesity on multiple parameters of body composition and health.
Performance Evaluation of Commercially Available Masks in Korea for Filtering Airborne Droplets Containing Bacteria
Authors: Lee Eun-Hee , Lee Seung-Woo , Moon Seon Young , Son Jangyup
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health threat and has posed a challenge for society and social care services as well as healthcare systems. Due to the risks involved in being exposed to the virus, public health actions such as wearing masks and physical distancing are necessary to reduce its spread. However, using non-validated masks is a serious issue as such masks may provide inadequate protection against airborne bioaerosol transmission, resulting in the spread of the virus. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the filtering performances of the masks against bioaerosols as well as particulate matter (PM). Here, we evaluated the filtering performances of sixteen different masks (four brands each of woven, antidroplet, KF80, and KF94 masks) commercially available in Korea with high market shares. As a simulation of being exposed to bioaerosols and to the yellow dust commonly found in Korea, the filtration efficiency levels of the masks were tested against airborne bacteria-containing droplets and against fine dusts of different ranges of particle sizes. Their filtration efficiency levels against the droplets showed strong positive correlations, specifically Pearson correlation coefficient r values of 0.917, 0.905, and 0.894, with their efficiency levels against PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. The results of this study should be useful for choosing appropriate masks, including those that meet filtering performance requirements.
Demographic and Habitual Factors of Periodontal Disease among South Indian Adults
Authors: Selvaraj Siddharthan , Naing Nyi Nyi , Wan-Arfah Nadiah , de Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a set of sociodemographic and habits measures on estimating periodontal disease among south Indian adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 288 individuals above 18 years old in Tamil Nadu, India. The outcome of the study was periodontal disease, measured by WHO criteria. The covariates were age, ethnicity, smoking and alcohol habit. The assessment of factors predicting periodontal disease was carried out by multiple logistic regression analysis using R version 3.6.1. The demographic factors like age group (AOR = 3.56; 95% CI 1.69–7.85), ethnicity (AOR = 6.07; 95% CI 2.27–18.37), non-alcoholic (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.13–0.64) and non-smoking (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.15–0.67) were found to be associated with the outcome. The maximum log likelihood estimate value was −30.5 and AIC was 385 for the final model, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the periodontal disease was 0.737. We can conclude that sociodemographic factors and habits were useful for predicting periodontal diseases.
Factors Influencing Care Pathways for Breast and Prostate Cancer in a Hospital Setting
Authors: Bardhi Ornela , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya , Nuño-Solinis Roberto
Published: July 2021

Breast cancer (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most prevalent types of cancers. We aimed to understand and analyze the care pathways for BCa and PCa patients followed at a hospital setting by analyzing their different treatment lines. We evaluated the association between different treatment lines and the lifestyle and demographic characteristics of these patients. Two datasets were created using the electronic health records (EHRs) and information collected through semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Statistical analysis was performed to examine which variable had an impact on the treatment each patient followed. In total, 83 patients participated in the study that ran between January and November 2018 in Beacon Hospital. Results show that chemotherapy cycles indicate if a patient would have other treatments, i.e., patients who have targeted therapy (25/46) have more chemotherapy cycles (95% CI 4.66–9.52, p = 0.012), the same is observed with endocrine therapy (95% CI 4.77–13.59, p = 0.044). Patients who had bisphosphonate (11/46), an indication of bone metastasis, had more chemotherapy cycles (95% CI 5.19–6.60, p = 0.012). PCa patients with tall height (95% CI 176.70–183.85, p = 0.005), heavier (95% CI 85.80–99.57, p < 0.001), and a BMI above 25 (95% CI 1.85–2.62, p = 0.017) had chemotherapy compared to patients who were shorter, lighter and with BMI less than 25. Initial prostate-specific antigen level (PSA level) indicated if a patient would be treated with bisphosphonate or not (95% CI 45.51–96.14, p = 0.002). Lifestyle variables such as diet (95% CI 1.46–1.85, p = 0.016), and exercise (95% CI 1.20–1.96, p = 0.029) indicated that healthier and active BCa patients had undergone surgeries. Our findings show that chemotherapy cycles and lifestyle for BCa, and tallness and weight for PCa may indicate the rest of treatment plan for these patients. Understanding factors that influence care pathways allow a more person-centered care approach and the redesign of care processes.
I Need a Doctor, Call Me a Doctor: Attachment and the Evaluation of General Practitioners before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gruda Dritjon , Kafetsios Konstantinos
Published: July 2021

Attachment is a system of threat regulation, and insecure (anxious and avoidant) attachment orientations are important individual difference antecedents to the cognitive and affective attributions of trait inferences. However, little is known about how threat-related contexts, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, influence attachment-related socio-cognitive schemas. Using an experimental research design across two independent samples of 330 (pre-onset of COVID-19) and 233 (post-onset of COVID-19) participants, we tested whether attachment orientations influenced general practitioner (GP) ratings and selection differently pre- and post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when presented with only negative information signals, avoidant individuals attributed positive ratings to GPs, with differing ratings as the number of positive signals increased. Differences between pre- and post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were less pronounced with regards to positive signals. We discuss these results in line with signal detection theory (SDT) and provide practical implications in response to our findings.
The Unmet Rehabilitation Needs in an Inclusion Health Integrated Care Programme for Homeless Adults in Dublin, Ireland
Authors: Carroll Áine , O’Brien Siobhan , Harrington Dee , Cheallaigh Clíona Ní , Lawlee Ann-Marie , Sukumar Prasanth
Published: July 2021

Background: People who become homeless have higher morbidity and mortality, use a disproportionate amount of healthcare resources, and generate a large volume of potentially preventable healthcare and other costs compared to more privileged individuals. Although access to rehabilitation is a human right under article 26 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the rehabilitation needs of individuals with homelessness have not been explored, and this project’s purpose was to establish a baseline of need for this cohort. Methods: A prospective audit of case discussions at an inclusion health service over a 2-month period in 2018. Results: Four multidisciplinary inclusion health clinics were observed with over 20 cases discussed in each and data were extracted using a bespoke audit data extraction tool. The inclusion health needs were diverse and complex with many unmet rehabilitation needs. Physical and cognitive rehabilitation needs were identified in over 50% of cases discussed. Musculoskeletal problems and acquired brain injuries were the most common cause of activity limitation. Most had concurrent medical conditions and addiction and/or mental health needs. None had access to rehabilitation services. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the rehabilitative needs of this cohort are significant and are not being met through traditional models of care. We are currently exploring innovative ways to provide appropriate services to these individuals.
Psychosocial Burden and Strains of Pedagogues—Using the Job Demands-Resources Theory to Predict Burnout, Job Satisfaction, General State of Health, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Drüge Marie , Schladitz Sandra , Wirtz Markus Antonius , Schleider Karin
Published: July 2021

The current study examines the Job Demands-Resources theory among pedagogical professionals. A total of 466 pedagogues (n = 227 teachers; n = 239 social workers) completed the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire online. After testing the questionnaire structure using confirmatory factor analysis, a JD-R-based prediction model to predict effects of strains on the outcome constructs of burnout, job satisfaction, general state of health, and life satisfaction was estimated. The results confirm the questionnaire structure (RMSEA= 0.038; CFI = 0.94) as well as the fit of the prediction model (RMSEA = 0.039; CFI = 0.93). The outcome constructs could be predicted by emotional demands, work–privacy conflict, role conflicts, influence at work, scope for decision making, and opportunities for development (0.41 ≤ R² ≤ 0.57). Especially for life satisfaction, a moderator analysis proved the differences between teachers and social workers in the structure of the prediction model. For teachers, quantitative demands and work–privacy conflict are predictive, and for social workers, role conflicts and burnout are predictive. The study offers starting points for job-related measures of prevention and intervention.