bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Roles of HERC2 and the NEDD4L HECT E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Subfamily in p53 Signaling and the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Mathieu Nicholas A. , Levin Rafael H. , Spratt Donald E.
Published: March 2021

Cellular homeostasis is governed by the precise expression of genes that control the translation, localization, and termination of proteins. Oftentimes, environmental and biological factors can introduce mutations into the genetic framework of cells during their growth and division, and these genetic abnormalities can result in malignant transformations caused by protein malfunction. For example, p53 is a prominent tumor suppressor protein that is capable of undergoing more than 300 posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and is involved with controlling apoptotic signaling, transcription, and the DNA damage response (DDR). In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and interactions that occur between p53, the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases WWP1, SMURF1, HECW1 and HERC2, and other oncogenic proteins in the cell to explore how irregular HECT-p53 interactions can induce tumorigenesis.
Risk Compounds, Preclinical Toxicity Evaluation, and Potential Mechanisms of Chinese Materia Medica–Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Zhou Jie , Peng Fu , Cao Xiaoyu , Xie Xiaofang , Chen Dayi , Yang Lian , Rao Chaolong , Peng Cheng , Pan Xiaoqi
Published: March 2021

Chinese materia medica (CMM) has been applied for the prevention and treatment of diseases for thousands of years. However, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, and other cardiac adverse reactions during CMM application were gradually reported. CMM-induced cardiotoxicity has aroused widespread attention. Our review aimed to summarize the risk compounds, preclinical toxicity evaluation, and potential mechanisms of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity. All relevant articles published on the PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for the latest twenty years were searched and manually extracted. The risk substances of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity are relatively complex. A single CMM usually contains various risk compounds, and the same risk substance may exist in various CMM. The active and risk substances in CMM may be transformed into each other under different conditions, such as drug dosage, medication methods, and body status. Generally, the risk compounds of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity can be classified into alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, heavy metals, organic acids, toxic proteins, and peptides. Traditional evaluation methods of chemical drug-induced cardiotoxicity primarily include cardiac function monitoring, endomyocardial biopsy, myocardial zymogram, and biomarker determination. In the preclinical stage, CMM-induced cardiotoxicity should be systematically evaluated at the overall, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels, including cardiac function, histopathology, cytology, myocardial zymogram, and biomarkers. Thanks to the development of systematic biology, the higher specificity and sensitivity of biomarkers, such as genes, proteins, and metabolic small molecules, are gradually applied for evaluating CMM-induced cardiotoxicity. Previous studies on the mechanisms of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity focused on a single drug, monomer or components of CMM. The interaction among ion homeostasis (sodium, potassium, and calcium ions), oxidative damage, mitochondrial injury, apoptosis and autophagy, and metabolic disturbance is involved in CMM-induced cardiotoxicity. Clarification on the risk compounds, preclinical toxicity evaluation, and potential mechanisms of CMM-induced cardiotoxicity must be beneficial to guide new CMM development and post-marketed CMM reevaluation.
COE Inhibits Vasculogenic Mimicry by Targeting EphA2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a Research Based on Proteomics Analysis
Authors: Chu Zewen , Shi Xin , Chen Gaoyang , He Xuejun , Qian Yayun , Wang Haibo , Tao Li , Liu Yanqing , Jiang Wei , Chen Jue
Published: March 2021

New strategies and drugs are urgently needed to improve the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has been elucidated being associated with the progression of HCC and anti-VM could be a promising strategy. Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE), a mixture of 26 compounds isolated from the Chinese Herb Celastrus Orbiculatus Vine, has been elucidated to be able to disrupt VM formation in HCC. This study aims to dissect and identify the potential targets of COE on anti-VM formation both in vitro and in vivo that are distinct from our previous study. Proteomics analysis was used to identify differential proteins in HCC cells treated with or without COE (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD022203). Cells invasion was examined using Transwell. Matrigel was used to establish a 3-D culture condition for VM formation in vitro. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to examine changes of mRNA and protein respectively. Clinical resected samples were applied to confirm association between VM formation and identified targets. Subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established to observe tumor growth and VM formation in vivo. PAS-CD34 dual staining was used to detect VM in vivo. A total of 194 proteins were identified to be differentially expressed in HCC cells treated with or without COE. In the 93 down-regulated proteins EphA2 stood out to be regulated on both RNA and protein level. Disruption EphA2 using COE or NVP inhibited VM formation and decreased VM associated biomarkers. In xenograft mouse model, COE inhibited tumor growth and VM formation via down-regulating EphA2. Taken together, our results indicate that COE could be used in HCC treatment because of its promising anti-VM effect.
Edible Bird’s Nest Supplementation Improves Male Reproductive Parameters of Sprague Dawley Rat
Authors: Jaffar Farah Hanan Fathihah , Osman Khairul , Hui Chua Kien , Zulkefli Aini Farzana , Ibrahim Siti Fatimah
Published: March 2021

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is reported to have a positive in vitro proliferative effect and contain male reproductive hormones. Spermatogonia cells proliferate during spermatogenesis under male reproductive hormones stimulation that include testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Characterization of EBN through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) has found testosterone as a base peak. Six types of amino acids, estradiol and sialic acid were among the major peaks that have been characterized. Based on the presence of these reproductive components, this study evaluated different doses of EBN on sperm parameters and male reproductive hormones of Sprague Dawley rats. Sixteen Sprague Dawley rats at the age of eight weeks were randomly and equally divided into four groups, which are Control, 10 mg/kg BW/d 50 mg/kg BW/d, and 250 mg/kg BW/d EBN group. The rats were fed with EBN enriched pellet daily and water ad-libitum. Rats were sacrificed and the organ was weighed for organ coefficients after eight weeks of treatment. Sperm concentration, percentage of sperm motility, and sperm viability were evaluated. Meanwhile, ELISA method was used to measure testosterone, FSH, and LH. Findings showed that there were no significant differences in organ coefficient between groups. Supplementation of 250 mg/kg BW/d EBN demonstrated a significant increase in sperm concentration, percentage of sperm motility as well as FSH and LH level compared to 10 mg/kg BW/d group. There was a dose-dependent increase in testosterone level but was not significant between groups. Based on these findings, EBN is concluded to have crucial effects on male reproductive parameters.
Transfer Reactions As a Tool in Nuclear Astrophysics
Authors: Hammache Faïrouz , de Séréville Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Nuclear reaction rates are one of the most important ingredients in describing how stars evolve. The study of the nuclear reactions involved in different astrophysical sites is thus mandatory to address most questions in nuclear astrophysics. Direct measurements of the cross-sections at stellar energies are very challenging–if at all possible. This is essentially due to the very low cross-sections of the reactions of interest (especially when it involves charged particles), and/or to the radioactive nature of many key nuclei. In order to overcome these difficulties, various indirect methods such as the transfer reaction method at energies above or near the Coulomb barrier are used to measure the spectroscopic properties of the involved compound nucleus that are needed to calculate cross-sections or reaction rates of astrophysical interest. In this review, the basic features of the transfer reaction method and the theoretical concept behind are first discussed, then the method is illustrated with recent performed experimental studies of key reactions in nuclear astrophysics.
Study Protocol: The Heart and Brain Study
Authors: Suri Sana , Bulte Daniel , Chiesa Scott T. , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Jezzard Peter , Rieger Sebastian W. , Pitt Jemma E. , Griffanti Ludovica , Okell Thomas W. , Craig Martin , Chappell Michael A. , Blockley Nicholas P. , Kivimäki Mika , Singh-Manoux Archana , Khir Ashraf W. , Hughes Alun D. , Deanfield John E. , Jensen Daria E. A. , Green Sebastian F. , Sigutova Veronika , Jansen Michelle G. , Zsoldos Enikő , Mackay Clare E.
Published: March 2021

Background

It is well-established that what is good for the heart is good for the brain. Vascular factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and genetic factors such as the apolipoprotein E4 allele increase the risk of developing both cardiovascular disease and dementia. However, the mechanisms underlying the heart–brain association remain unclear. Recent evidence suggests that impairments in vascular phenotypes and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) may play an important role in cognitive decline. The Heart and Brain Study combines state-of-the-art vascular ultrasound, cerebrovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive testing in participants of the long-running Whitehall II Imaging cohort to examine these processes together. This paper describes the study protocol, data pre-processing and overarching objectives.

Methods and Design

The 775 participants of the Whitehall II Imaging cohort, aged 65 years or older in 2019, have received clinical and vascular risk assessments at 5-year-intervals since 1985, as well as a 3T brain MRI scan and neuropsychological tests between 2012 and 2016 (Whitehall II Wave MRI-1). Approximately 25% of this cohort are selected for the Heart and Brain Study, which involves a single testing session at the University of Oxford (Wave MRI-2). Between 2019 and 2023, participants will undergo ultrasound scans of the ascending aorta and common carotid arteries, measures of central and peripheral blood pressure, and 3T MRI scans to measure CVR in response to 5% carbon dioxide in air, vessel-selective cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebrovascular lesions. The structural and diffusion MRI scans and neuropsychological battery conducted at Wave MRI-1 will also be repeated. Using this extensive life-course data, the Heart and Brain Study will examine how 30-year trajectories of vascular risk throughout midlife (40–70 years) affect vascular phenotypes, cerebrovascular health, longitudinal brain atrophy and cognitive decline at older ages.

Discussion

The study will generate one of the most comprehensive datasets to examine the longitudinal determinants of the heart–brain association. It will evaluate novel physiological processes in order to describe the optimal window for managing vascular risk in order to delay cognitive decline. Ultimately, the Heart and Brain Study will inform strategies to identify at-risk individuals for targeted interventions to prevent or delay dementia.
The Physiology of Reproduction – Quo vadis?
Authors: Ivell Richard , Anand-Ivell Ravinder
Published: March 2021

The reproductive system in males and females reflects a highly dynamic underlying physiology. Yet our current understanding of this system is still largely based upon relatively simplistic snapshots of individual component cells and tissues. Gamete production as well as gonadal hormone synthesis and its influence are the manifestations of dynamic and redundant informational networks and processes, whose qualitative and quantitative dimensions, especially through development from embryo through puberty and adulthood into ageing, are still largely uncharted. Whilst the recent huge advances in molecular science have helped to describe the components of the reproductive system in ever greater detail, how these interact and function in space and time dimensions is still largely obscure. Recent developments in microfluidics, stem cell biology, and the integration of single-cell transcriptomics with tissue dynamics are offering possible methodological solutions to this issue. Such knowledge is essential if we are to understand not only the normal healthy functioning of this system, but also how and why it is affected in disease or by external impacts such as those from environmental endocrine disruptors, or in ageing. Moreover, operating within a complex network of other physiological systems, its integrational capacity is much more than the generation of male and female gametes and their roles in fertility and infertility; rather, it represents the underpinning support for health and well-being across the lifespan, through pregnancy, puberty, and adulthood, into old age.
Musculoskeletal Injuries in Ultra-Endurance Running: A Scoping Review
Authors: Scheer Volker , Krabak Brian J.
Published: March 2021

Ultra-endurance running (UER) has seen an important increase in participation over the last few decades. Long hours of UER can lead to excessive stress on the body, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI). UER is not a uniform sport and events can differ considerably in distance (over 42.195 km), time (e.g., events over 6 h) and multi-day or multi-stage events on various surfaces (e.g., track, on-road, off-road). The aims of this scoping review were therefore: (1) to examine the current evidence of MSKI, providing a synthesis of the most common MSKI by anatomical region and specific diagnosis; (2) categorize MSKI by type of UER activity (competition: time-limited; multi-stage; continuous UER events and training); (3) describe knowledge gaps in the literature and provide advice on potential further research. Our electronic literature search (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) identified a total of 13 studies (9 in competition, and 4 in training). Anatomical site, diagnosis and rate of injuries differ between competition and training as well as between different UER types. MSKI are observed in 18% of multi-stage events (0.7–1.8 injuries/runner and 7.2 injuries/1000 h). Most MSKI involve the lower leg (35.0%), ankle (16.8%), knee (13.1%) and foot (12.6%), with main diagnosis of medial tibial stress syndrome (30.1%) and patella femoral pain syndrome (PFPS; 7.2%). Single, continuous UER events differ between a 1005 km road race with almost all of the injuries due to overuse, with the main anatomical site of the knee (31%), ankle (28%) and lower leg (14%) and main diagnosis of PFPS (15.6%), compared to a 65 km trail race, with 32.8% of MSKI, mainly on the foot [plantar fasciitis (28.6%)], ankle [sprain (28.6%)] and knee. Timed-UER events (injury rate of 2.1 injuries/athlete) observed most injuries on the ankle (36%) and knee (19%), with the main diagnosis of tendinitis of the foot dorsiflexors (30%). Injuries during training most commonly affect, the back (42%), and knee (40%) and bone stress injuries (22%). Main diagnoses include ankle sprain (18%), iliotibial band injury (16%) and Achilles tendinopathy (11%). Future considerations include examining MSKI in different UER events, environments and surfaces, and on larger study populations. Establishing risk factors, examining sex differences and using a standard reporting system of MSKI in UER are also important.
RGB1 Regulates Grain Development and Starch Accumulation Through Its Effect on OsYUC11-Mediated Auxin Biosynthesis in Rice Endosperm Cells
Authors: Zhang Dongping , Zhang Minyan , Liang Jiansheng
Published: March 2021

RGB1, a subunit of heterotrimeric G protein, plays important roles in regulating grain size and weight of rice. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying controlling grain filling process by G protein are still largely unclear. In the present study, we show that RGB1 controls not only the grain size but also the grain filling process. Knock-down of RGB1 significantly delayed grain development and reduced starch accumulation and grain weight, which was closely related to the delayed and the lower expression of genes encoding sucrose metabolism and starch biosynthesis related enzymes during grain filling stage. Suppression of RGB1 expression also resulted in the lower auxin content in grains, which was correlated with the lower expression of OsNF-YB1 and OsYUC11 during grain filling stage. Further biochemical evidence showed that OsYUC11 expression was under control of OsNF-YB1 by its interaction with promoter of OsYUC11. Taken together, we propose that RGB1 controls rice grain development and grain filling process by changing auxin homeostasis in endosperm cells. OsNF-YB1, which acts as a key downstream effector of RGB1, interacts directly with the promoter of OsYUC11 and stimulates the OsYUC11 expression, thereby regulating auxin biosynthesis and starch accumulation and grain size.
General Control Non-derepressible 1 (AtGCN1) Is Important for Flowering Time, Plant Growth, Seed Development, and the Transcription/Translation of Specific Genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cui Xiaona , Gao Kaili , Wang Linjuan , Lv Mengyang , Li Ziwen , Zheng Donghua , Wu Wenwu , Yao Wen , Ding Liying , Li Xiao , Zhu Jian-Kang , Zhang Hairong
Published: March 2021

We have previously demonstrated that General Control Non-derepressible 1 (AtGCN1) is essential for translation inhibition under cold stress through interacting with GCN2 to phosphorylate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2). Here, we report that the flower time of the atgcn1 mutant is later than that of the wild type (WT), and some siliques of atgcn1 cannot develop and produce seeds. Total and polysomal RNA of atgcn1-1 and wild type (WT) after cold treatments were sequenced. The sequencing results show that the mutation of atgcn1 selectively alters the expression of genes at both transcriptional and translational levels. The classification of AtGCN1 target genes reveals that AtGCN1 regulated gens are involved in flower development, seed dormancy and seed development, response to osmotic stress, amino acid biosynthesis, photosynthesis, cell wall organization, protein transport and localization, lipid biosynthesis, transcription, macroautophagy, proteolysis and cell death. Further analysis of AtGCN1 regulated genes at translational levels shows that the Kozak sequence and uORFs (upstream open reading frame) of transcripts affect translation selection. These results show that AtGCN1 is required for the expression of selective genes in Arabidopsis.
The Role of Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes Complexes in Meiosis and Genome Maintenance: Translating Biomedical and Model Plant Research Into Crop Breeding Opportunities
Authors: Bolaños-Villegas Pablo
Published: March 2021

Cohesin is a multi-unit protein complex from the structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) family, required for holding sister chromatids together during mitosis and meiosis. In yeast, the cohesin complex entraps sister DNAs within tripartite rings created by pairwise interactions between the central ring units SMC1 and SMC3 and subunits such as the α-kleisin SCC1 (REC8/SYN1 in meiosis). The complex is an indispensable regulator of meiotic recombination in eukaryotes. In Arabidopsis and maize, the SMC1/SMC3 heterodimer is a key determinant of meiosis. In Arabidopsis, several kleisin proteins are also essential: SYN1/REC8 is meiosis-specific and is essential for double-strand break repair, whereas AtSCC2 is a subunit of the cohesin SCC2/SCC4 loading complex that is important for synapsis and segregation. Other important meiotic subunits are the cohesin EXTRA SPINDLE POLES (AESP1) separase, the acetylase ESTABLISHMENT OF COHESION 1/CHROMOSOME TRANSMISSION FIDELITY 7 (ECO1/CTF7), the cohesion release factor WINGS APART-LIKE PROTEIN 1 (WAPL) in Arabidopsis (AtWAPL1/AtWAPL2), and the WAPL antagonist AtSWITCH1/DYAD (AtSWI1). Other important complexes are the SMC5/SMC6 complex, which is required for homologous DNA recombination during the S-phase and for proper meiotic synapsis, and the condensin complexes, featuring SMC2/SMC4 that regulate proper clustering of rDNA arrays during interphase. Meiotic recombination is the key to enrich desirable traits in commercial plant breeding. In this review, I highlight critical advances in understanding plant chromatid cohesion in the model plant Arabidopsis and crop plants and suggest how manipulation of crossover formation during meiosis, somatic DNA repair and chromosome folding may facilitate transmission of desirable alleles, tolerance to radiation, and enhanced transcription of alleles that regulate sexual development. I hope that these findings highlight opportunities for crop breeding.
Empowering Through Psychodrama: A Qualitative Study at Domestic Violence Shelters
Authors: Ron Yiftach , Yanai Liat
Published: March 2021

Psychodrama is a therapeutic method in which the stage is used to enact and reenact life events with the aim of instilling, among other positive changes, hope and empowerment in a wide range of populations suffering from psychological duress. The therapeutic process in psychodrama moves away from the classic treatment of the individual in isolation to treatment of the individual in the context of a group. In domestic violence situations, in which abusive men seek to socially isolate their victims from family and friends, the social support that psychodrama provides can positively influence the psychological health and well-being of the participants. This qualitative study examines the manner in which psychodramatic treatment can empower abused women residing in domestic violence shelters and help them regain control of their lives. An action research study of domestic violence survivors living in a women's shelter in Israel, over a 12-month period, demonstrates the role of psychodrama therapy in promoting the reduction of anxiety, stress, guilt, and self-blame, while reinforcing perceptions of self-worth and confidence. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential of psychodrama in helping reshape life roles and reframe experiences within a creative process, with the aim of facilitating a transition from powerlessness to powerfulness among vulnerable populations.
A Translational Perspective of Maternal Immune Activation by SARS-CoV-2 on the Potential Prenatal Origin of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Role of the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Reyes-Lagos José Javier , Abarca-Castro Eric Alonso , Echeverría Juan Carlos , Mendieta-Zerón Hugo , Vargas-Caraveo Alejandra , Pacheco-López Gustavo
Published: March 2021

The emergent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could produce a maternal immune activation (MIA) via the inflammatory response during gestation that may impair fetal neurodevelopment and lead to postnatal and adulthood mental illness and behavioral dysfunctions. However, so far, limited evidence exists regarding long-term physiological, immunological, and neurodevelopmental modifications produced by the SARS-CoV-2 in the human maternal-fetal binomial and, particularly, in the offspring. Relevant findings derived from epidemiological and preclinical models show that a MIA is indeed linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. We hypothesize that a gestational infection triggered by SARS-CoV-2 increases the risks leading to neurodevelopmental disorders of the newborn, which can affect childhood and the long-term quality of life. In particular, disruption of either the maternal or the fetal cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) could cause or exacerbate the severity of COVID-19 in the maternal-fetal binomial. From a translational perspective, in this paper, we discuss the possible manifestation of a MIA by SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent neurodevelopmental disorders considering the role of the fetal-maternal cytokine cross-talk and the CAP. Specifically, we highlight the urgent need of preclinical studies as well as multicenter and international databanks of maternal-fetal psychophysiological data obtained pre-, during, and post-infection by SARS-CoV-2 from pregnant women and their offspring.
Assessing the Impact of Precision Parameter Prior in Bayesian Non-parametric Growth Curve Modeling
Authors: Tong Xin , Ke Zijun
Published: March 2021

Bayesian non-parametric (BNP) modeling has been developed and proven to be a powerful tool to analyze messy data with complex structures. Despite the increasing popularity of BNP modeling, it also faces challenges. One challenge is the estimation of the precision parameter in the Dirichlet process mixtures. In this study, we focus on a BNP growth curve model and investigate how non-informative prior, weakly informative prior, accurate informative prior, and inaccurate informative prior affect the model convergence, parameter estimation, and computation time. A simulation study has been conducted. We conclude that the non-informative prior for the precision parameter is less preferred because it yields a much lower convergence rate, and growth curve parameter estimates are not sensitive to informative priors.
Pregnancy or Psychological Outcomes of Psychotherapy Interventions for Infertility: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Rong , Cao Yu-Ming , Liu Dan , Xiao Jing-Song
Published: March 2021

Background: The pregnancy and psychological status of infertile couples has always been a concern, but there is no clear evidence for the efficacy of psychotherapy for infertile couples. This study aimed to summarize the current evidence of the effects of psychotherapy on psychological and pregnancy outcomes for infertile couples.

Method: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMbase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (ISI) for articles published from 1946 to June 26, 2020. The pregnancy outcomes, psychological outcomes, and acceptability were involved in the study.

Results: Overall, 29 studies with a combined total of 3,522 adult participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with a placebo, psychotherapy was associated with the pregnancy rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.43, 95% CI [1.07, 1.93]], total psychological scales associated with infertility [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.33 95% CI [−0.63, −0.02]], subsymptoms of psychological scores using the 28-item version of GHQ (including social function [MD = −3.10, 95% CI [−4.30, −1.90]] and depression [MD = −3.90, 95% CI [−5.36, −2.44]], and depression [MD = 3.60, 95% CI [2.25, 4.95]] using the 14-item version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, but it had no statistically significant association with the other outcomes. In the stratified analyses, the pregnancy rate using assisted reproduction, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the integrative body–mind–spirit (BMS); total psychological scales associated with infertility using other treatments and more than a month; and anxiety using BMS had significant statistical significance. The funnel plots of all outcomes were approximately symmetrical, and no significant publication bias was found.

Conclusions: The study showed that psychotherapy can lead to improvements in the pregnancy rate for infertile patients, especially for patients receiving assisted fertility. In addition, it may help improve total psychological scales associated with infertility and depression. CBT and BMS play an important role in improving rate of pregnancy, and BMS is associated with reducing anxiety. Although psychological interventions had limited effects on the pregnancy outcomes of infertility, our study still recommended that psychotherapies, in particular CBT and BMS, were applied to the therapeutic regimen for infertility, especially for patients receiving assisted fertility.
Optimal Sense-Making and Resilience in Times of Pandemic: Integrating Rationality and Meaning in Psychotherapy
Authors: Russo-Netzer Pninit , Ameli Matti
Published: March 2021

The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a wide variety of psychological crises worldwide. In order to respond rapidly and efficiently to the complex challenges, mental health professionals are required to adopt a multidimensional and integrative view. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) founded by Albert Ellis promotes rationality and self-acceptance. Logotherapy, pioneered by Viktor Frankl potentiates meaning and resilience. Both approaches are complementary and mutually enriching. The goal of this paper is to propose an integrative model of “optimal sense-making,” a concept that combines both rationality and meaning, as well as the role of self-transcendence and healthy negative emotions. The model offers a theoretical and clinical foundation for efficient and effective psychological intervention plans for those affected by the pandemic. Along with theoretical background, illustrating case studies are presented to support potential application of the integrative model to affected individuals as well as the work of first-line health professionals during these times of pandemic. Implications are considered for utilizing theoretical and applied insights from the model to cultivate resilience in face of adversity and suffering.
Vigilance-Avoidance Toward Negative Faces in Social Anxiety With and Without Comorbid Depression
Authors: Kishimoto Tomoko , Wen Xu , Li Mingzhu , Zhang Ru-Yuan , Yao Nisha , Huang Yunzhen , Qian Mingyi
Published: March 2021

Despite the growing evidence for the attentional bias toward emotional related stimuli in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD), it remains unclear how the attentional bias manifests in normal individuals with SAD and/or depressive traits. To address this question, we recruited three groups of normal participants with different psychiatric traits—individuals with comorbid SAD and depression (SADd, N = 19), individuals with only SAD (SAD, N = 15), and healthy control individuals (HC, N = 19). In a dot-probe paradigm, participants view angry, disgusted, and sad face stimuli with durations ranging from very brief (i.e., 14ms) that renders stimuli completely intangible, to relatively long (i.e., 2000ms) that guarantees image visibility. We find significant early vigilance (i.e., on brief stimuli) and later avoidance (i.e., on long stimuli) toward angry faces in the SADd group. We also find vigilance toward angry and disgusted faces in the SAD group. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to unify both vigilance and avoidance within the same experimental paradigm, providing direct evidence for the “vigilance-avoidance” theory of comorbid SAD and depression. In sum, these results provide evidence for the potential behavioral differences induced by anxiety-depression comorbidity and a single trait in non-clinical populations, but the lack of a depression-only group cannot reveal the effects of high levels of depression on the results. The limitations are discussed.
Who Was Shopping More During the Spring Lockdown 2020 in Germany?
Authors: Georgiadou Ekaterini , Koopmann Anne , Müller Astrid , Leménager Tagrid , Hillemacher Thomas , Kiefer Falk
Published: March 2021

Background: During the lockdown, governmental restrictions resulted in changes to the day-to-day routines of many individuals. Some people appear to cope with stress by panic buying in an attempt to stockpile specific goods, resulting in empty supermarket shelves. Moreover, e-commerce experienced significant growth during this period. We aimed to investigate potential changes in shopping frequencies and preferred shopping type (offline/online) and their relationship with pandemic-specific anxiety and stress during the 2020 spring lockdown in Germany.

Methods: To address this question, we assessed self-reported changes in shopping behavior in a German sample via an online survey conducted during April and May 2020.

Results: A total of 3,122 adults were included in the analysis. Of the total sample, 35% reported no changes in their shopping behavior, 46.8% shopped less, while 18.2% shopped more during the lockdown. The groups differed with respect to sociodemographic variables, and those participants who were shopping more reported greater pandemic-related health fears and stress due to the restrictions. Moreover, they shopped online more often during the lockdown than the other two groups.

Conclusion: While the majority of the sample reported no changes in their shopping behavior or even shopped less during the 2020 spring lockdown, a subgroup of individuals was shopping more during this time, especially food and drugstore products. It is important to understand which factors influenced individuals to shop more so that policy makers can target this group and prevent panic buying, especially during subsequent waves of infection. It is also important to inform vulnerable persons about the risk of developing a buying–shopping disorder.
Encouraging Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Innovation in Epidemiology in Japan
Authors: Yokomichi Hiroshi , Mochizuki Mie , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: March 2021

Background: Scientific innovation is often achieved through the intersection of ideas from different fields. However, barriers prevent non-epidemiologists from cultivating interests in epidemiology or undertaking epidemiologic work. In this study, we evaluated changes in the diversity of research topics in an epidemiologic journal over time. We aimed to understand how epidemiologists and non-epidemiologists communicate about epidemiologic data and how this impacts innovation in the field.

Methods: We categorized the topics of articles published in the Journal of Epidemiology during the early and late 2010s based on their titles. We calculated the Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′) to measure changes in the diversity of topics addressed by published articles.

Results: Comparing 2011–2013 with 2017–2019, there was no significant change in the diversity of article topics (H′ = 4.25 and 4.21, respectively) published in the Journal of Epidemiology.

Conclusion: To encourage healthcare providers and public administrators to conduct or comment on epidemiologic studies, epidemiologists should present their findings in easily understood language with appropriate and relevant statistical indicators and useful illustrations. Bringing experience from other specialties into epidemiology may yield new findings from epidemiologic data because of the exposure of non-epidemiologists to different values, workplaces, and occupations. Collaboration among professionals from varied backgrounds and with varied occupational experiences may help to promote scientific innovation by broadening perspectives. In addition, a range of professional experiences may enable individuals to solve difficult research questions more easily by themselves.
Trans Women and Public Restrooms: The Legal Discourse and Its Violence
Authors: Bagagli Beatriz Pagliarini , Chaves Tyara Veriato , Zoppi Fontana Mónica G.
Published: March 2021

Safe access to public restrooms is an essential need for participation in civic life, in the workplace, in educational settings, and other public spaces. This is no different for transgender people. However, access to public restrooms according to gender identity has sparked controversy to the extent that transgender people face embarrassment and even expulsion from these spaces. The lack of access of the transgender population to public restrooms has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of this population. Thus, this article aims to address the main consequences that the ban on the use of bathrooms has for the transgender population, specifically the access of transgender women to the women's restroom. We covered some legal aspects of “bathroom laws” and the main arguments in this discussion. We understand that the prohibition of access to the restroom constitutes a form of gender violence and discrimination, as we conclude that the arguments that express concerns about safety are not supported.
Trends in Emergent Groin Hernia Repair—An Analysis From the Herniamed Registry
Authors: Köckerling Ferdinand , Heine Till , Adolf Daniela , Zarras Konstaninos , Weyhe Dirk , Lammers Bernhard , Mayer Franz , Reinpold Wolfgang , Jacob Dietmar
Published: March 2021

Introduction: While the proportion of emergency groin hernia repairs in developed countries is 2.5–7.7%, the percentage in developing countries can be as high as 76.9%. The mortality rate for emergency groin hernia repair in developed countries is 1.7–7.0% and can rise to 6–25% if bowel resection is needed. In this present analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry, patients with emergency admission and operation within 24 h are analyzed.

Methods: Between 2010 and 2019 a total of 13,028 patients with emergency admission and groin hernia repairs within 24 h were enrolled in the Herniamed Registry. The outcome results were assigned to the year of repair and summarized as curves. The total patient collective is broken down into the subgroups with pre-operative manual reduction (taxis) of the hernia content, operative reduction of the hernia content without bowel resection and with bowel resection. The explorative Fisher's exact test was used for statistical assessment of significant differences with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing.

Results: The proportion of emergency admissions with groin hernia repair within 24 h was 2.7%. The percentage of women across the years was consistently 33%. The part of femoral hernias was 16%. The proportion of patients with pre-operative reduction (taxis) remained unchanged at around 21% and the share needing bowel resection was around 10%. The proportion of TAPP repairs rose from 21.9% in 2013 to 38.0% in 2019 (p < 0.001). Between the three groups with pre-operative taxis, without bowel resection and with bowel resection, highly significant differences were identified between the patients with regard to the rates of post-operative complications (4% vs. 6.5% vs. 22.7%; p < 0.0001), complication-related reoperations (1.9% vs. 3.8% vs. 17.7%; p < 0.0001), and mortality rate (0.3% vs. 0.9% vs. 7.5%; p < 0.001). In addition to emergency groin hernia repair subgroups female gender and age ≥66 years are unfavorable influencing factors for perioperative outcomes.

Conclusion: For patients with emergency groin hernia repair the need for surgical reduction or bowel resection, female gender and age ≥66 years have a highly significantly unfavorable influence on the perioperative outcomes.
Heterogeneous Expression of Proangiogenic and Coagulation Proteins in Gliomas of Different Histopathological Grade
Authors: Wojtukiewicz Marek Z. , Mysliwiec Marta , Matuszewska Elwira , Sulkowski Stanislaw , Zimnoch Lech , Politynska Barbara , Wojtukiewicz Anna M. , Tucker Stephanie C. , Honn Kenneth V.
Published: March 2021

Brain gliomas are characterized by remarkably intense invasive growth and the ability to create new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is a key process in the progression of these tumors. Coagulation and fibrinolysis factors play a role in promoting angiogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of proangiogenic proteins (VEGF and bFGF) and hemostatic proteins (TF, fibrinogen, fibrin, D-dimers) associated with neoplastic cells and vascular endothelial cells in brain gliomas of various degrees of malignancy. Immunohistochemical tests were performed using the ABC method with the use of mono- and polyclonal antibodies. The obtained results indicated that both neoplastic cells and vascular endothelial cells in gliomas of various degrees of malignancy are characterized by heterogeneous expression of proteins of the hemostatic system and angiogenesis markers. The strongest expression of proangiogenic factors and procoagulant factors was demonstrated in gliomas of higher-grade malignancy.
Discovery of Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Pathway in Cosmos caudatus Kunth. Using Omics Analysis
Authors: Gunasekaran Darvien , Tahir Noor Idayu , Akbar Muhamad Afiq , Basir Syazwani , Ismail Ismanizan , Talip Noraini , Ramzi Ahmad Bazli , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Noor Normah Mohd , Bunawan Hamidun
Published: March 2021

Cosmos caudatus Kunth. or “king’s salad” contains high values of nutritional compounds that act as health promoters. Although widely consumed for its medicinal value, information on phytochemical contents and their biosynthesis in the species is scarce. Among the interesting compounds are the anthocyanins that possess a dual role; an antioxidant and natural colorant. A complete anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in C. caudatus was elucidated using transcriptomics, metabolomics, and anatomical approaches in this study. The transcriptomic analysis revealed genes encoding enzymes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway and the genes encoding the transcription factors relevant to the latter pathway. A total of 11 anthocyanins of cyanidin, pelargonidin, and delphinidin derivatives that are significantly abundant in the species were identified, correlating with the anthocyanin mainstream gene pathway. The occurrence of anthocyanin was further validated by light microscopy. Anthocyanin pigments in C. caudatus were detected at the epidermal layer of the leaf, stem, and flower, and at the cortex of stem and root. To our knowledge, this is the first work that has delineated the complete anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in Malaysia’s underutilized plant, C. caudatus Kunth. This study correlated multi-omics data that will help integrate systems biology and synthetic biology, for a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanism and characterization of the anthocyanin biosynthesis using heterologous expression studies.
Assessment of In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Polyphenols from Annurca, Limoncella, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious Apples Using a Sequential Enzymatic Digestion Model
Authors: Graziani Giulia , Gaspari Anna , Di Vaio Claudio , Cirillo Aurora , Ronca Carolina Liana , Grosso Michela , Ritieni Alberto
Published: March 2021

Four different varieties of apples have been considered (Limoncella, Annurca, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious) to estimate the extent of colon polyphenolics release after in vitro sequential enzyme digestion. Since several studies report a positive effect of apple polyphenols in colonic damage, we found of interest to investigate the colon release of polyphenols in different varieties of apples in order to assess their prevention of colonic damage. UHPLC-HRMS analysis and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays) were carried out on the apple extracts (peel, flesh, and whole fruit) obtained from not digested samples and on bioaccessible fractions (duodenal and colon bioaccessible fractions) after in vitro digestion. Polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities were found to vary significantly among the tested cultivars with Limoncella showing the highest polyphenol content accompanied by an excellent antioxidant activity in both flesh and whole fruit. The overall trend of soluble antioxidant capacity from the soluble duodenal phase (SDP) and soluble colonic phase (SCP) followed the concentrations of flavanols, procyandinis, and hydroxycinnamic acids under the same digestive steps. Our results highlighted that on average 64.2% of the total soluble antioxidant activity was released in the SCP with Limoncella exhibiting the highest values (82.31, 70.05, and 65.5%, respectively for whole fruit, flesh, and peel). This result suggested that enzymatic treatment with pronase E and viscozyme L, to reproduce biochemical conditions occurring in the colon, is effective for breaking the dietary fiber-polyphenols interactions and for the release of polyphenols which can exercise their beneficial effects in the colon. The beneficial effects related to the Limoncella consumption could thus be of potential great relevance to counteract the adverse effects of pro-oxidant and inflammatory processes on intestinal cells.
Application of Sludge-Based Activated Carbons for the Effective Adsorption of Neonicotinoid Pesticides
Authors: Sanz-Santos Eva , Álvarez-Torrellas Silvia , Ceballos Lucía , Larriba Marcos , Águeda V. Ismael , García Juan
Published: March 2021

The amount of sludge produced in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has increased over the years, and the methods used to reduce this waste, such as incineration, agricultural use, or disposal in landfills, cause problems of secondary pollution. For this reason, it is necessary to find sustainable and low-cost solutions to manage this waste. Additionally, emerging and priority pollutants are attracting attention from the scientific community as they can generate health problems due to inadequate removal in conventional WWTPs. In this work, a pharmaceutical industry sludge was used as a precursor in the synthesis of four activated carbons (ACs) using different activating agents (ZnCl2, FeCl3∙6H2O, Fe(NO3)3∙9H2O, and Fe(SO4)3∙H2O), to be used for the removal by adsorption of three neonicotinoid pesticides included in latest EU Watch List (Decision 2018/840): acetamiprid (ACT), thiamethoxam (THM), and imidacloprid (IMD). The prepared ACs showed micro–mesoporous properties, obtaining relatively slow adsorption kinetics to reach equilibrium, but despite this, high values of adsorption capacity (qe) were obtained. For example, for AC-ZnCl2 (SBET = 558 m2/g), high adsorption capacities of qe = 128.9, 126.8, and 166.1 mg/g for ACT, THM, and IMD, respectively, were found. In most cases, the adsorption isotherms showed a multilayer profile, indicating an important contribution of the mesoporosity of the activated carbons in the adsorption process.
Physically Based Soap Bubble Synthesis for VR
Authors: Yoo Sangwook , Lee Cheongho , Chin Seongah
Published: March 2021

To experience a real soap bubble show, materials and tools are required, as are skilled performers who produce the show. However, in a virtual space where spatial and temporal constraints do not exist, bubble art can be performed without real materials and tools to give a sense of immersion. For this, the realistic expression of soap bubbles is an interesting topic for virtual reality (VR). However, the current performance of VR soap bubbles is not satisfying the high expectations of users. Therefore, in this study, we propose a physically based approach for reproducing the shape of the bubble by calculating the measured parameters required for bubble modeling and the physical motion of bubbles. In addition, we applied the change in the flow of the surface of the soap bubble measured in practice to the VR rendering. To improve users’ VR experience, we propose that they should experience a bubble show in a VR HMD (Head Mounted Display) environment.