bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corona Health—A Study- and Sensor-Based Mobile App Platform Exploring Aspects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Beierle Felix , Schobel Johannes , Vogel Carsten , Allgaier Johannes , Mulansky Lena , Haug Fabian , Haug Julian , Schlee Winfried , Holfelder Marc , Stach Michael , Schickler Marc , Baumeister Harald , Cohrdes Caroline , Deckert Jürgen , Deserno Lorenz , Edler Johanna-Sophie , Eichner Felizitas A. , Greger Helmut , Hein Grit , Heuschmann Peter , John Dennis , Kestler Hans A. , Krefting Dagmar , Langguth Berthold , Meybohm Patrick , Probst Thomas , Reichert Manfred , Romanos Marcel , Störk Stefan , Terhorst Yannik , Weiß Martin , Pryss Rüdiger
Published: July 2021

Physical and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic is typically assessed via surveys, which might make it difficult to conduct longitudinal studies and might lead to data suffering from recall bias. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) driven smartphone apps can help alleviate such issues, allowing for in situ recordings. Implementing such an app is not trivial, necessitates strict regulatory and legal requirements, and requires short development cycles to appropriately react to abrupt changes in the pandemic. Based on an existing app framework, we developed Corona Health, an app that serves as a platform for deploying questionnaire-based studies in combination with recordings of mobile sensors. In this paper, we present the technical details of Corona Health and provide first insights into the collected data. Through collaborative efforts from experts from public health, medicine, psychology, and computer science, we released Corona Health publicly on Google Play and the Apple App Store (in July 2020) in eight languages and attracted 7290 installations so far. Currently, five studies related to physical and mental well-being are deployed and 17,241 questionnaires have been filled out. Corona Health proves to be a viable tool for conducting research related to the COVID-19 pandemic and can serve as a blueprint for future EMA-based studies. The data we collected will substantially improve our knowledge on mental and physical health states, traits and trajectories as well as its risk and protective factors over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and its diverse prevention measures.
Aircraft Noise Distribution as a Fairness Dilemma—A Review of Aircraft Noise through the Lens of Social Justice Research
Authors: Hauptvogel Dominik , Bartels Susanne , Schreckenberg Dirk , Rothmund Tobias
Published: July 2021

Aircraft noise exposure is a health risk and there is evidence that noise annoyance partly mediates the association between noise exposure and stress-related health risks. Thus, approaches to reduce annoyance may be beneficial for health. Annoyance is influenced by manifold non-acoustic factors and perceiving a fair and trustful relationship between the airport and its residents may be one of them. The distribution of aircraft noise exposure can be regarded as a fairness dilemma: while residents living near an airport may seem to have some advantages, the majority of residents living under certain flight routes or in their immediate proximity suffer from the disadvantages of the airport, especially the noise. Moreover, a dilemma exists between the airport’s beneficial economic impact for a region and the physical and psychological integrity of residents. Aircraft noise exposure through the lens of social justice research can help to improve our understanding of noise annoyance. Research indicates that the fairness perceptions of the parties involved can be enhanced by (a) improving individual cost–benefit ratios, (b) providing a fair procedure for deciding upon the noise distribution, and (c) implementing fair social interaction with residents. Based on the review of evidence from social justice research, we derive recommendations on how fairness aspects can be integrated into aircraft noise management with the purpose of improving the relationship between the airport and its residents, to reduce annoyance, and to enhance the acceptance of local aviation and the airport as a neighbor.
Coating with Hypertonic Saline Improves Virus Protection of Filtering Facepiece Manyfold—Benefit of Salt Impregnation in Times of Pandemic
Authors: Tatzber Franz , Wonisch Willibald , Balka Gyula , Marosi Andras , Rusvai Miklós , Resch Ulrike , Lindschinger Meinrad , Moerkl Sabrina , Cvirn Gerhard
Published: July 2021

Recently, as is evident with the COVID-19 pandemic, virus-containing aerosols can rapidly spread worldwide. As a consequence, filtering facepieces (FFP) are essential tools to protect against airborne viral particles. Incorrect donning and doffing of masks and a lack of hand-hygiene cause contagion by the wearers’ own hands. This study aimed to prove that hypertonic saline effectively reduces the infectious viral load on treated masks. Therefore, a hypertonic salt solution´s protective effect on surgical masks was investigated, specifically analyzing the infectivity of aerosolized Alphacoronavirus 1 in pigs (Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV)). Uncoated and hypertonic salt pre-coated FFPs were sprayed with TGEV. After drying, a defined part of the mask was rinsed with the medium, and the eluent was used for the infection of a porcine testicular cell line. Additionally, airborne microorganisms´ long-term infectivity of sodium-chloride in phosphate-buffered saline comprising 5% saccharose was investigated. In the results from an initial Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose, infection rate of TGEV was minimally reduced by untreated FFP. In contrast, this could be reduced by a factor of 104 if FFPs were treated with hypertonic salt solutions. Airborne pathogens did not contaminate the growth medium if salt concentrations exceeded 5%. We conclude that hypertonic saline is a vital tool for anti-virus protection, exponentially improving the impact of FFPs.
Analysis of Hydrothermal Systems Beneath Tayukeng through Long-Term Geochemical Signals of Hydrothermal Fluids in Tatun Volcano Group, Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Fu , Hsu Hung-Hsiang
Published: July 2021

The Tatun Volcano Group (TVG) is located in northern Taiwan and consists of many springs and fumaroles. The Tayukeng (TYK) area is the most active fumarole site in the TVG. In this study, we analyzed the long-term geochemical variations of hydrothermal fluids and proposed a mechanism responsible for the variation in TYK. There are two different aquifers beneath the TYK area: a shallow SO42−-rich aquifer and a deeper aquifer rich in Cl−. TYK thermal water was mainly supplied by the shallow SO42−-rich aquifer; therefore, the thermal water showed high SO42− concentrations. After 2015, the inflow of deep thermal water increased, causing the Cl− concentrations of the TYK to increase. Notably, the inferred reservoir temperatures based on quartz geothermometry increased; however, the surface temperature of the spring decreased. We inferred that the enthalpy was lost during transportation to the surface. Therefore, the surface temperature of the spring does not increase with an increased inflow of deep hydrothermal fluid. The results can serve as a reference for understanding the complex evolution of the magma-hydrothermal system in the TVG.
Effects of Fatigue and Grit on Club Sports Coaches
Authors: Martínez-Moreno Alfonso , Cavas-García Francisco , López-Gullón José María , Díaz-Suárez Arturo
Published: July 2021

The objective of this research is to identify the level of general fatigue (FG), physical fatigue (FF) and concentration/motivation (C/M) in sports coaches. Two components of grit, consistency of interest (CI) and perseverance in effort (PE), are also assessed. The possible effects of sex, age, marital status, employment contract, work dedication and grit on FG, FF and C/M in sports coaches are examined. This cross-sectional study analyses 335 sports club coaches (21.2% women, 78.8% male) with a mean age of 29.88 (SD = 9.97) years, at a significance level of p < 0.05 for all analyses. Different aspects of fatigue were determined using the Spanish translation of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (IMF-20). The Grit-S scale was used to measure the ability to persevere, have passion and commit. The results indicated that men scored higher in FF, C/M and PE, while women obtained higher values in FG and CI. Non-contract coaches had higher FG, CI and PE, while coaches with contracts scored higher on C/M and FF. In conclusion, coaches with higher CI had higher FG, and high levels of PE were associated with low FG levels.
Body Mass Index and Dental Caries, a Five-Year Follow-Up Study in Mexican Children
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Leonor , Sáenz-Martínez Laura Patricia , Molina-Frechero Nelly , Irigoyen-Camacho María Esther , Zepeda-Zepeda Marco , Acosta-Gío Enrique
Published: July 2021

There are conflicting reports on a possible association between body mass index (BMI) and caries. Given the ongoing worldwide increase in obesity, we undertook a 5-year follow-up study on 201 Mexican schoolchildren to analyse their BMI and dental caries experience. The children’s weight and height were recorded, and their BMI was calculated using the WHO tables. Decayed, missing, and filled surfaces in both dentitions (dmf/DMFS) were assessed annually according to WHO criteria by two calibrated researchers (Kappa value 0.92 p < 0.001). The means, standard deviation, an ANOVA, and Student’s t-test were calculated to analyse the relationship between the variables. At baseline, the children had an average of 6.5 ± 0.5 years, a BMI of 17.2 ± 3.1 (CI95% 16.8–17.6). Their weight’s classifications were 61% normal, 19% obese, 17% overweight, and 3% showed thinness. At the end of the study, their BMI were 20.6 ± 4.4 (CI95% 19.8–21.5), 53% normal, 15% obese, 30% overweight, and 2% thin. The children’s dmfs decreased from 5.8 ± 9.2 to 1.8 ± 3.4 and the DMFS increased from 0.07 ± 05 to 1.4 ± 2.3. In this population based on a 5-year follow-up, caries prevalence and incidence were not significantly associated with the BMI. However, schoolchildren with malnutrition had the highest caries indexes.
The Lived Experiences of COVID-19 Patients in South Korea: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Son Haeng-Mi , Choi Won-Hee , Hwang Young-Hui , Yang Hye-Ryun
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this qualitative study is to provide an in-depth understanding and description of the disease experiences of COVID-19 patients. The participants were 16 patients discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment for COVID-19 in isolation. Data collection was conducted through individual in-depth interviews until data saturation, and the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The participants were quarantined after their COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed, and they experienced desperate and uncertain times during treatment. The participants expressed shock and dissatisfaction due to an excessive invasion of privacy during the quarantine process and in the quarantine system. As confirmed COVID-19 cases, the participants experienced social stigma and feelings of guilt, negative attitudes from others and society, and negative influences from social networking services and the media. The participants also experienced mental and physical difficulties due to COVID-19 symptoms. However, they rediscovered meaningful relationships through the support of their family and friends in the midst of adversity. It is necessary to provide an integrated psychosocial rehabilitation program to reduce social stigma and improve the resilience of COVID-19 patients.
Urban Hotspot Area Detection Using Nearest-Neighborhood-Related Quality Clustering on Taxi Trajectory Data
Authors: Yu Qingying , Chen Chuanming , Sun Liping , Zheng Xiaoyao
Published: July 2021

Urban hotspot area detection is an important issue that needs to be explored for urban planning and traffic management. It is of great significance to mine hotspots from taxi trajectory data, which reflect residents’ travel characteristics and the operational status of urban traffic. The existing clustering methods mainly concentrate on the number of objects contained in an area within a specified size, neglecting the impact of the local density and the tightness between objects. Hence, a novel algorithm is proposed for detecting urban hotspots from taxi trajectory data based on nearest neighborhood-related quality clustering techniques. The proposed spatial clustering algorithm not only considers the maximum clustering in a limited range but also considers the relationship between each cluster center and its nearest neighborhood, effectively addressing the clustering issue of unevenly distributed datasets. As a result, the proposed algorithm obtains high-quality clustering results. The visual representation and simulated experimental results on a real-life cab trajectory dataset show that the proposed algorithm is suitable for inferring urban hotspot areas, and that it obtains better accuracy than traditional density-based methods.
Genome Annotation of Poly(lactic acid) Degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sphingobacterium sp. and Geobacillus sp.
Authors: Satti Sadia Mehmood , Castro-Aguirre Edgar , Shah Aamer Ali , Marsh Terence L. , Auras Rafael
Published: July 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Sphingobacterium sp. are well known for their ability to decontaminate many environmental pollutants while Geobacillus sp. have been exploited for their thermostable enzymes. This study reports the annotation of genomes of P. aeruginosa S3, Sphingobacterium S2 and Geobacillus EC-3 that were isolated from compost, based on their ability to degrade poly(lactic acid), PLA. Draft genomes of the strains were assembled from Illumina reads, annotated and viewed with the aim of gaining insight into the genetic elements involved in degradation of PLA. The draft genome of Sphinogobacterium strain S2 (435 contigs) was estimated at 5,604,691 bp and the draft genome of P. aeruginosa strain S3 (303 contigs) was estimated at 6,631,638 bp. The draft genome of the thermophile Geobacillus strain EC-3 (111 contigs) was estimated at 3,397,712 bp. A total of 5385 (60% with annotation), 6437 (80% with annotation) and 3790 (74% with annotation) protein-coding genes were predicted for strains S2, S3 and EC-3, respectively. Catabolic genes for the biodegradation of xenobiotics, aromatic compounds and lactic acid as well as the genes attributable to the establishment and regulation of biofilm were identified in all three draft genomes. Our results reveal essential genetic elements that facilitate PLA metabolism at mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures in these three isolates.
Internalization of Neutrophil-Derived Microvesicles Modulates TNFα-Stimulated Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Zhan Dong , Cross Andrew , Wright Helen L. , Moots Robert J. , Edwards Steven W. , Honsawek Sittisak
Published: July 2021

Neutrophil-derived microvesicles (NDMVs) have the potential to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Our study aimed to explore the effects of NDMVs on proinflammatory cytokines expressed by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). FLS were isolated from the synovium of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing surgery. NDMVs, isolated from TNFα-stimulated healthy neutrophils, were characterized by electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. MTT and scratch wound healing assays were used to measure FLS viability and migration after treatment with NDMVs, while internalization of fluorescently labeled NDMVs was appraised by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines in supernatants were quantified by the Bio-Plex system. Incubation of FLS with NDMVs at a vesicle/cell ratio of 100 resulted in a time-dependent uptake, with 35% of synoviocytes containing microvesicles over a 6–24 h time period, with no significant change in cell viability. TNFα stimulated the cytokine expression in FLS, and NDMVs down-regulated TNFα-induced expression of IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, IFNγ and MIP-1β. However, this down-regulation was selective, as NDMVs had no significant effects on TNFα-stimulated expression of IL-2 or IL-4. NDMVs were internalized by FLS to inhibit TNFα-stimulated broad-spectrum proinflammatory cytokine secretion. NDMVs, therefore, may exhibit an anti-inflammatory role in the regulation of the FLS function.
Structural Evaluation of the Spike Glycoprotein Variants on SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Immune Evasion
Authors: Salleh Mohd Zulkifli , Derrick Jeremy P. , Deris Zakuan Zainy
Published: July 2021

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents significant social, economic and political challenges worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 3.5 million deaths since late 2019. Mutations in the spike (S) glycoprotein are of particular concern because it harbours the domain which recognises the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and is the target for neutralising antibodies. Mutations in the S protein may induce alterations in the surface spike structures, changing the conformational B-cell epitopes and leading to a potential reduction in vaccine efficacy. Here, we summarise how the more important variants of SARS-CoV-2, which include cluster 5, lineages B.1.1.7 (Alpha variant), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (B.1.1.28/Gamma), B.1.427/B.1.429 (Epsilon), B.1.526 (Iota) and B.1.617.2 (Delta) confer mutations in their respective spike proteins which enhance viral fitness by improving binding affinity to the ACE2 receptor and lead to an increase in infectivity and transmission. We further discuss how these spike protein mutations provide resistance against immune responses, either acquired naturally or induced by vaccination. This information will be valuable in guiding the development of vaccines and other therapeutics for protection against the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Adipose-Derived Exosomes as Possible Players in the Development of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Żbikowski Arkadiusz , Błachnio-Zabielska Agnieszka , Galli Mauro , Zabielski Piotr
Published: July 2021

Adipose tissue (AT) is an endocrine organ involved in the management of energy metabolism via secretion of adipokines, hormones, and recently described secretory microvesicles, i.e., exosomes. Exosomes are rich in possible biologically active factors such as proteins, lipids, and RNA. The secretory function of adipose tissue is affected by pathological processes. One of the most important of these is obesity, which triggers adipose tissue inflammation and adversely affects the release of beneficial adipokines. Both processes may lead to further AT dysfunction, contributing to changes in whole-body metabolism and, subsequently, to insulin resistance. According to recent data, changes within the production, release, and content of exosomes produced by AT may be essential to understand the role of adipose tissue in the development of metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize actual knowledge about the possible role of AT-derived exosomes in the development of insulin resistance, highlighting methodological challenges and potential gains resulting from exosome studies.
A Beckwith–Wiedemann-Associated CDKN1C Mutation Allows the Identification of a Novel Nuclear Localization Signal in Human p57Kip2
Authors: Stampone Emanuela , Bencivenga Debora , Barone Clementina , Di Finizio Marilena , Della Ragione Fulvio , Borriello Adriana
Published: July 2021

p57Kip2 protein is a member of the CIP/Kip family, mainly localized in the nucleus where it exerts its Cyclin/CDKs inhibitory function. In addition, the protein plays key roles in embryogenesis, differentiation, and carcinogenesis depending on its cellular localization and interactors. Mutations of CDKN1C, the gene encoding human p57Kip2, result in the development of different genetic diseases, including Beckwith–Wiedemann, IMAGe and Silver–Russell syndromes. We investigated a specific Beckwith–Wiedemann associated CDKN1C change (c.946 C>T) that results in the substitution of the C-terminal amino acid (arginine 316) with a tryptophan (R316W-p57Kip2). We found a clear redistribution of R316W-p57Kip2, in that while the wild-type p57Kip2 mostly occurs in the nucleus, the mutant form is also distributed in the cytoplasm. Transfection of two expression constructs encoding the p57Kip2 N- and C-terminal domain, respectively, allows the mapping of the nuclear localization signal(s) (NLSs) between residues 220–316. Moreover, by removing the basic RKRLR sequence at the protein C-terminus (from 312 to 316 residue), p57Kip2 was confined in the cytosol, implying that this sequence is absolutely required for nuclear entry. In conclusion, we identified an unreported p57Kip2 NLS and suggest that its absence or mutation might be of relevance in CDKN1C-associated human diseases determining significant changes of p57Kip2 localization/regulatory roles.
TP53-Induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR) Is Upregulated in Lymphocytes Stimulated with Concanavalin A
Authors: Simon-Molas Helga , Vallvé-Martínez Xavier , Caldera-Quevedo Irene , Fontova Pere , Arnedo-Pac Claudia , Vidal-Alabró Anna , Castaño Esther , Navarro-Sabaté Àurea , Lloberas Núria , Bartrons Ramon , Manzano Anna
Published: July 2021

The glycolytic modulator TP53-Inducible Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator (TIGAR) is overexpressed in several types of cancer and has a role in metabolic rewiring during tumor development. However, little is known about the role of this enzyme in proliferative tissues under physiological conditions. In the current work, we analysed the role of TIGAR in primary human lymphocytes stimulated with the mitotic agent Concanavalin A (ConA). We found that TIGAR expression was induced in stimulated lymphocytes through the PI3K/AKT pathway, since Akti-1/2 and LY294002 inhibitors prevented the upregulation of TIGAR in response to ConA. In addition, suppression of TIGAR expression by siRNA decreased the levels of the proliferative marker PCNA and increased cellular ROS levels. In this model, TIGAR was found to support the activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), the first enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), since the inhibition of TIGAR reduced G6PDH activity and increased autophagy. In conclusion, we demonstrate here that TIGAR is upregulated in stimulated human lymphocytes through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which contributes to the redirection of the carbon flux to the PPP.
Improving Physical Layer Security of Cooperative NOMA System with Wireless-Powered Full-Duplex Relaying
Authors: Ren Yuan , Tan Yixuan , Makhanbet Meruyert , Zhang Xuewei
Published: July 2021

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and wireless energy harvesting are two promising technologies for improving spectral efficiency and energy efficiency, respectively. In this paper, we study the physical layer security of a wireless-powered full-duplex (FD) relay-aided cooperative NOMA system. In particular, the source is wiretapped by an eavesdropper, and the FD relay assists the transmission from the source to a near user and a far user with self-energy recycling. To enhance the security performance of the system, we propose an artificial noise (AN)-aided cooperative transmission scheme, in which the relay emits a jamming signal to confuse the eavesdropper while receiving the signal from the source. For the proposed scheme, the ergodic secrecy sum rate (ESSR) is derived to characterize the secrecy performance and a lower bound of ESSR is obtained. Finally, numerical results verify the accuracy of the theoretical analysis of the proposed AN-aided secure transmission scheme. The superiority of the proposed scheme is also demonstrated since this scheme can achieve better secrecy performance, compared to the conventional cooperative NOMA scheme.
Geomaterials for Transportation Infrastructures
Authors: Islam Md Rashadul , Khan Mohammad Sadik , Ahmed Asif
Published: July 2021

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) quadrennial report card exhibited the grim picture of nation’s transportation infrastructure [...]
Isomeric 4,2′:6′,4″- and 3,2′:6′,3″-Terpyridines with Isomeric 4′-Trifluoromethylphenyl Substituents: Effects on the Assembly of Coordination Polymers with [Cu(hfacac)2] (Hhfacac = Hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione)
Authors: Manfroni Giacomo , Capomolla Simona S. , Prescimone Alessandro , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: July 2021

The isomers 4′-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridine (1), 4′-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridine (2), 4′-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3,2′:6′,3″-terpyridine (3), and 4′-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3,2′:6′,3″-terpyridine (4) have been prepared and characterized. The single crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined. The 1D-polymers [Cu2(hfacac)4(1)2]n·2nC6H4Cl2 (Hhfacac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione), [Cu(hfacac)2(2)]n·2nC6H5Me, [Cu2(hfacac)4(3)2]n·nC6H4Cl2, [Cu2(hfacac)4(3)2]n·nC6H5Cl, and [Cu(hfacac)2(4)]n·nC6H5Cl have been formed by reactions of 1, 2, 3 and 4 with [Cu(hfacac)2]·H2O under conditions of crystal growth by layering and four of these coordination polymers have been formed on a preparative scale. [Cu2(hfacac)4(1)2]n·2nC6H4Cl2 and [Cu(hfacac)2(2)]n·2nC6H5Me are zig-zag chains and the different substitution position of the CF3 group in 1 and 2 does not affect this motif. Packing of the polymer chains is governed mainly by C–F...F–C contacts, and there are no inter-polymer π-stacking interactions. The conformation of the 3,2′:6′,3″-tpy unit in [Cu2(hfacac)4(3)2]n·nC6H4Cl2 and [Cu(hfacac)2(4)]n·nC6H5Cl differs, leading to different structural motifs in the 1D-polymer backbones. In [Cu(hfacac)2(4)]n·nC6H5Cl, the peripheral 3-CF3C6H4 unit is accommodated in a pocket between two {Cu(hfacac)2} units and engages in four C–Hphenyl...F–Chfacac contacts which lock the phenylpyridine unit in a near planar conformation. In [Cu2(hfacac)4(3)2]n·nC6H4Cl2 and [Cu(hfacac)2(4)]n·nC6H5Cl, π-stacking interactions between 4′-trifluoromethylphenyl-3,2′:6′,3″-tpy domains are key packing interactions, and this contrasts with the packing of polymers incorporating 1 and 2. We use powder X-ray diffraction to demonstrate that the assemblies of the coordination polymers are reproducible, and that a switch from a 4,2′:6′,4″- to 3,2′:6′,3″-tpy metal-binding unit is accompanied by a change from dominant C–F...F–C and C–F...H–C contacts to π-stacking of arene domains between ligands 3 or 4.
More Power with Flower for the Pupal Parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae: A Candidate for Biological Control of the Spotted Wing Drosophila
Authors: Herz Annette , Dingeldey Eva , Englert Camilla
Published: July 2021

Parasitoids are currently considered for biological control of the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in berry crops. Releases of mass-reared parasitoids require the presence of all resources necessary to ensure their effectiveness in the crop system. The use of floral resources to feed Trichopria drosophilae, one of the candidate species, was investigated in a laboratory study. The life expectancy of males and females increased by three to four times when they had access to flowers of buckwheat or of two cultivars of sweet alyssum. Female realized lifetime fecundity increased from 27 offspring/female exposed to water only to 69 offspring/female exposed to buckwheat flowers. According to this almost threefold increase in parasitoid fitness, it is advisable to introduce flowering plants into the crop system, when parasitoid releases are carried out. Sweet alyssum offers the advantage of not growing too tall in combination with an extended blooming. However, adult SWD were also able to feed on flowers of both plants and survived for at least 27 days, much longer than starving flies. The introduction of flowering plants to promote natural enemies therefore requires further consideration of the risk–benefit balance under field conditions to prevent unintended reinforcement of this pest.
Altered Electrical, Biomolecular, and Immunologic Phenotypes in a Novel Patient-Derived Stem Cell Model of Desmoglein-2 Mutant ARVC
Authors: Hawthorne Robert N. , Blazeski Adriana , Lowenthal Justin , Kannan Suraj , Teuben Roald , DiSilvestre Deborah , Morrissette-McAlmon Justin , Saffitz Jeffrey E. , Boheler Kenneth R. , James Cynthia A. , Chelko Stephen P. , Tomaselli Gordon , Tung Leslie
Published: July 2021

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a progressive heart condition which causes fibro-fatty myocardial scarring, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Most cases of ARVC can be linked to pathogenic mutations in the cardiac desmosome, but the pathophysiology is not well understood, particularly in early phases when arrhythmias can develop prior to structural changes. Here, we created a novel human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) model of ARVC from a patient with a c.2358delA variant in desmoglein-2 (DSG2). These DSG2-mutant (DSG2Mut) hiPSC-CMs were compared against two wildtype hiPSC-CM lines via immunostaining, RT-qPCR, Western blot, RNA-Seq, cytokine expression and optical mapping. Mutant cells expressed reduced DSG2 mRNA and had altered localization of desmoglein-2 protein alongside thinner, more disorganized myofibrils. No major changes in other desmosomal proteins were noted. There was increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression that may be linked to canonical and non-canonical NFκB signaling. Action potentials in DSG2Mut CMs were shorter with increased upstroke heterogeneity, while time-to-peak calcium and calcium decay rate were reduced. These were accompanied by changes in ion channel and calcium handling gene expression. Lastly, suppressing DSG2 in control lines via siRNA allowed partial recapitulation of electrical anomalies noted in DSG2Mut cells. In conclusion, the aberrant cytoskeletal organization, cytokine expression, and electrophysiology found DSG2Mut hiPSC-CMs could underlie early mechanisms of disease manifestation in ARVC patients.
Modified Technique for Wirsung-Pancreatogastric Anastomosis after Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Single Center Experience and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Bizzoca Cinzia , Fedele Salvatore , Lippolis Anna Stella , Aquilino Fabrizio , Castellana Marco , Basile Maria Raffaella , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Vincenti Leonardo
Published: July 2021

Background: The mortality rate following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has been decreasing over the past few years; nonetheless, the morbidity rate remains elevated. The most common complications after PD are post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) syndrome. The issue as to which is the best reconstruction method for the treatment of the pancreatic remnant after PD is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the morbidity rate in 100 consecutive PD reconstructed with Wirsung-Pancreato-Gastro-Anastomosis (WPGA), performed by a single surgeon applying a personal modification of the pancreatic reconstruction technique. Methods: During an 8-year period (May 2012 to March 2020), 100 consecutive patients underwent PD reconstructed with WPGA. The series included 57 males and 43 females (M/F 1.32), with a mean age of 68 (range 41–86) years. The 90-day morbidity and mortality were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, a systematic review was conducted, comparing our technique with the existing literature on the topic. Results: We observed eight cases of clinically relevant POPF (8%), three cases of “primary” DGE (3%) and four patients suffering “secondary” DGE. The surgical morbidity and mortality rate were 26% and 6%, respectively. The median hospital stay was 13.6 days. The systematic review of the literature confirmed the originality of our modified technique for Wirsung-Pancreato-Gastro-Anastomosis. Conclusions: Our modified double-layer WPGA is associated with a very low incidence of POPF and DGE. Also, the technique avoids the risk of acute hemorrhage of the pancreatic parenchyma.
Synthesis and Characterizations of Barium Zirconate–Alkali Carbonate Composite Electrolytes for Intermediate Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Taillades Gilles , Hachemi Ismahan , Pers Paul , Dailly Julian , Marrony Mathieu
Published: July 2021

Composite ionic conductors for intermediate temperature fuel cells (ITFC) were produced by a combination of yttrium-substituted barium zirconate (BaZr0.9Y0.1 O2.95, BZY) and eutectic compositions of alkali carbonates (Li2CO3, Na2CO3, and K2CO3, abbreviated L, N, K). These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. The combination of BZY with alkali metal carbonate promotes the densification and enhances the ionic conductivity, which reaches 87 mS·cm−1 at 400 °C for the BZY–LNK40 composite. In addition, the increase of the conductivity as a function of hydrogen partial pressure suggests that protons are the main charge carriers. The results are interpreted in terms of the transfer of protons from the ceramic component to the carbonate phase in the interfacial region.
Trends in Vessel Atmospheric Emissions in the Central Mediterranean over the Last 10 Years and during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Saliba Martin , Azzopardi Francelle , Muscat Rebecca , Grima Marvic , Smyth Alexander , Jalkanen Jukka-Pekka , Johansson Lasse , Deidun Alan , Gauci Adam , Galdies Charles , Caruana Tonio , Ellul Raymond
Published: July 2021

Giordan Lighthouse, located on the island of Gozo in the Malta-Sicily Channel within the central Mediterranean region, is ideally located to study the primary sources of atmospheric pollution. A total of 10 years of data have been accumulated from the reactive gas and greenhouse gas detectors and the aerosol analyzers found at this Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) regional station. The data has been evaluated, resulting in trends in emissions from shipping recorded within the same region coming to the fore. The other source of emissions that was evident within the recorded data originated from Mt. Etna, located on the island of Sicily and representing the highest active volcano in Europe. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of ship emissions on trace gases and aerosol background measurements at Giordan Lighthouse, including the putative influence of COVID-19 on the same emissions. The model used to evaluate ship emissions was the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM). From trace gas measurements at Giordan Lighthouse, a slowly decreasing trend in sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions was noted. To better understand the air quality results obtained, the STEAM model was fed, as an input, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) dataset to describe the vessel activity in the area concerned. This study also investigates the effects of the COVID19 pandemic on marine traffic patterns within the area and any corresponding changes in the air quality. Such an analysis was carried out through the use of SENTINEL 5 data.
New and High Virulent Pathotypes of Sunflower Downy Mildew (Plasmopara halstedii) in Seven Countries in Europe
Authors: Bán Rita , Kovács Attila , Nisha Nisha , Pálinkás Zoltán , Zalai Mihály , Yousif Ahmed Ibrahim Alrashid , Körösi Katalin
Published: July 2021

Downy mildew of sunflower, caused by Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni, is a relevant disease of this crop. High virulent pathotypes have been identified in several countries, while there are few data on the spread of P. halstedii pathotypes in some important sunflower-growing areas of Europe. The goal of this study was to give up-to-date information on the pathotype structure of P. halstedii in Hungary and provide some actual data on the virulence phenotype of the pathogen for six European countries. Infected leaves of different sunflower hybrids and volunteers were collected in seven countries (Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey, Greece, Romania, and Italy) between 2012 and 2019. A universally accepted nomenclature was used with a standardized set of sunflower differential lines for pathotype characterization of isolates. The virulence pattern of the isolates was determined by a three-digit code (coded virulence formula, CVF). A total of 109 P. halstedii isolates were characterized. As a result of our survey, 18 new P. halstedii pathotypes were identified in Europe. Two out of the eighteen pathotypes were detected from the Asian part of Turkey. The detailed distribution of pathotypes in Hungary is also discussed.
Analysis of Microbiota and Mycobiota in Fungal Ball Rhinosinusitis: Specific Interaction between Aspergillus fumigatus and Haemophilus influenza?
Authors: Dellière Sarah , Dannaoui Eric , Fieux Maxime , Bonfils Pierre , Gricourt Guillaume , Demontant Vanessa , Podglajen Isabelle , Woerther Paul-Louis , Angebault Cécile , Botterel Françoise
Published: July 2021

Fungal ball (FB) rhinosinusitis (RS) is the main type of non-invasive fungal RS. Despite positive direct examination (DE) of biopsies, culture remains negative in more than 60% of cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance/efficacy of targeted metagenomics (TM) to analyze microbiota and mycobiota in FB and find microbial associations. Forty-five sinus biopsies from patients who underwent surgery for chronic RS were included. After DE and culture, DNA was extracted, then fungal ITS1–ITS2 and bacterial V3–V4 16S rDNA loci were sequenced (MiSeqTM Illumina). Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were defined via QIIME and assigned to SILVA (16S) and UNITE (ITS) databases. Statistical analyses were performed using SHAMAN. Thirty-eight patients had FB and seven had non-fungal rhinosinusitis (NFRS). DE and culture of FB were positive for fungi in 97.3 and 31.6% of patients, respectively. TM analysis of the 38 FB yielded more than one fungal genus in 100% of cases, with Aspergillus in 89.5% (34/38). Haemophilus was over-represented in FB with >1000 reads/sample in 47.3% (18/38) compared to NFRS (p < 0.001). TM allowed fungal identification in biopsies with negative culture. Haemophilus was associated with FB. Pathogenesis could result from fungi–bacteria interactions in a mixed biofilm-like structure.
Antifungal Drug Susceptibility and Genetic Characterization of Fungi Recovered from COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Kordalewska Milena , Guerrero Kevin D. , Garcia-Rubio Rocio , Jiménez-Ortigosa Cristina , Mediavilla José R. , Cunningham Marcus H. , Hollis Frank , Hong Tao , Chow Kar Fai , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Perlin David S.
Published: July 2021

Fungal infections are common complications of respiratory viral infections and are associated with the increased need for intensive care and elevated mortality. Data regarding microbiological and molecular characteristics of such infections in COVID-19 patients are scarce. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis, including species identification, antifungal susceptibility testing, molecular resistance determinants analysis, typing, and retrospective clinical data review, of fungal isolates recovered from 19 COVID-19 patients, who were hospitalized at the Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) in Hackensack, New Jersey, USA, in the initial phase of the pandemic from April–May 2020. In total, 17 Candida albicans, two C. parapsilosis, and two Aspergillus fumigatus were analyzed. All Candida spp. isolates were susceptible to micafungin and azole drugs (fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, isavuconazole). A. fumigatus isolates were susceptible to micafungin and all triazole drugs except fluconazole (intrinsic resistance). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of C. albicans isolates revealed 15 different sequence types (STs), which clustered below the clade-defining limit of p-distance < 0.04. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) karyotyping revealed no chromosomal rearrangements in these isolates. A. fumigatus isolates were of different, non-related genotypes. We speculate that virus- and drug-induced immunosuppression (94.7% of the patients received corticosteroids), together with prolonged hospital stay (median duration of 29 days) and mechanical ventilation (median duration of 24 days) likely increased the susceptibility to secondary respiratory and bloodstream infections in the studied patient population. The presence of fungi in blood or respiratory tract fluid was a prognosticator for poor clinical outcome, which presented as an 89.5% 30-day mortality in our patient cohort.
Personalized Medicine in Parkinson’s Disease: New Options for Advanced Treatments
Authors: Mishima Takayasu , Fujioka Shinsuke , Morishita Takashi , Inoue Tooru , Tsuboi Yoshio
Published: July 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) presents varying motor and non-motor features in each patient owing to their different backgrounds, such as age, gender, genetics, and environmental factors. Furthermore, in the advanced stages, troublesome symptoms vary between patients due to motor and non-motor complications. The treatment of PD has made great progress over recent decades and has directly contributed to an improvement in patients’ quality of life, especially through the progression of advanced treatment. Deep brain stimulation, radiofrequency, MR–guided focused ultrasound, gamma knife, levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel, and apomorphine are now used in the clinical setting for this disease. With multiple treatment options currently available for all stages of PD, we here discuss the most recent options for advanced treatment, including cell therapy in advanced PD, from the perspective of personalized medicine.
Investigational Drug Treatments for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Damaskos Christos , Garmpis Nikolaos , Garmpi Anna , Nikolettos Konstantinos , Sarantis Panagiotis , Georgakopoulou Vasiliki E. , Nonni Afroditi , Schizas Dimitrios , Antoniou Efstathios A. , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Nikolettos Nikos , Kontzoglou Konstantinos , Patsouras Alexandros , Voutyritsa Errika , Syllaios Athanasios , Koustas Evangelos , Trakas Nikolaos , Dimitroulis Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC) and accounts for 10–20% of cases. Due to the lack of expression of several receptors, hormone therapy is largely ineffective for treatment purposes. Nevertheless, TNBC often responds very well to chemotherapy, which constitutes the most often recommended treatment. New beneficial targeted therapies are important to be investigated in order to achieve enhanced outcomes in patients with TNBC. This review will focus on recent therapeutic innovations for TNBC, focusing on various inhibitors such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway inhibitors, poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, aurora kinase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
How Do Speakers of a Language with a Transparent Orthographic System Perceive the L2 Vowels of a Language with an Opaque Orthographic System? An Analysis through a Battery of Behavioral Tests
Authors: Georgiou Georgios P.
Published: July 2021

Background: The present study aims to investigate the effect of the first language (L1) orthography on the perception of the second language (L2) vowel contrasts and whether orthographic effects occur at the sublexical level. Methods: Fourteen adult Greek learners of English participated in two AXB discrimination tests: one auditory and one orthography test. In the auditory test, participants listened to triads of auditory stimuli that targeted specific English vowel contrasts embedded in nonsense words and were asked to decide if the middle vowel was the same as the first or the third vowel by clicking on the corresponding labels. The orthography test followed the same procedure as the auditory test, but instead, the two labels contained grapheme representations of the target vowel contrasts. Results: All but one vowel contrast could be more accurately discriminated in the auditory than in the orthography test. The use of nonsense words in the elicitation task eradicated the possibility of a lexical effect of orthography on auditory processing, leaving space for the interpretation of this effect on a sublexical basis, primarily prelexical and secondarily postlexical. Conclusions: L2 auditory processing is subject to L1 orthography influence. Speakers of languages with transparent orthographies such as Greek may rely on the grapheme–phoneme correspondence to decode orthographic representations of sounds coming from languages with an opaque orthographic system such as English.
Exploring the Ability of LARS2 Carboxy-Terminal Domain in Rescuing the MELAS Phenotype
Authors: Capriglia Francesco , Rizzo Francesca , Petrosillo Giuseppe , Morea Veronica , d’Amati Giulia , Cantatore Palmiro , Roberti Marina , Loguercio Polosa Paola , Bruni Francesco
Published: July 2021

The m.3243A>G mutation within the mitochondrial mt-tRNALeu(UUR) gene is the most prevalent variant linked to mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. This pathogenic mutation causes severe impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis due to alterations of the mutated tRNA, such as reduced aminoacylation and a lack of post-transcriptional modification. In transmitochondrial cybrids, overexpression of human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS2) has proven effective in rescuing the phenotype associated with m.3243A>G substitution. The rescuing activity resides in the carboxy-terminal domain (Cterm) of the enzyme; however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not been fully elucidated. To deepen our knowledge on the rescuing mechanisms, we demonstrated the interactions of the Cterm with mutated mt-tRNALeu(UUR) and its precursor in MELAS cybrids. Further, the effect of Cterm expression on mitochondrial functions was evaluated. We found that Cterm ameliorates de novo mitochondrial protein synthesis, whilst it has no effect on mt-tRNALeu(UUR) steady-state levels and aminoacylation. Despite the complete recovery of cell viability and the increase in mitochondrial translation, Cterm-overexpressing cybrids were not able to recover bioenergetic competence. These data suggest that, in our MELAS cell model, the beneficial effect of Cterm may be mediated by factors that are independent of the mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Endogenous Endophthalmitis—A Global Emerging Disease
Authors: Serban Dragos , Popa Cherecheanu Alina , Dascalu Ana Maria , Socea Bogdan , Vancea Geta , Stana Daniela , Smarandache Gabriel Catalin , Sabau Alexandru Dan , Costea Daniel Ovidiu
Published: July 2021

The review aims to document the new emerging hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) endogenous endophthalmitis (EKE) in terms of incidence, microbiological characterization of the pathogenic agent, associated risk factors, management, and outcomes. Hypervirulent (hv) strains of KP (hvKp) induce invasive liver abscesses (LA) with specific clinical features. Up to 80–90% of cases have hepatic liver abscess as a primary focus of infection, followed by renal or lung hvKp infections. However, the incidence of EKE in patients with KPLA varied between 3.4% (19) and 12.6% (13), with a total of 95 cases of endophthalmitis in 1455 cases of KPLA (6.5%). Severe visual loss was encountered in 75% of cases, with 25% bilateral involvement. Intravitreal antibiotics are the mainstay therapeutic approach. Pars plana vitrectomy is a subject of controversy. HvKp strains present mostly natural “wild-type” antibiotic resistance profile suggestive for community-acquired infections, being highly susceptive to the third and fourth generation of cephalosporins and carbapenems. Antimicrobial resistance in hypervirulent strains was recently documented via plasmid transfer and may result in extremely difficult to treat cases. Global dissemination of these strains is a major epidemiologic shift that should be considered in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with endogenous endophthalmitis. Ophthalmologic screening in patients with KPLA and other hvKp infections and a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is extremely important for early diagnosis and preservation of the visual function.