bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a Targeted Intervention Method to Improve the Use of Hearing Protection Devices among Agro-Industrial Workers in Malaysia
Authors: Ammar Sirri , Daud Aziah , Ismail Ahmad Filza , Razali Ailin
Published: February 2022

Hearing-protection devices (HPD) are crucial in protecting workers from hazardous noise exposures. Despite the mandatory implementation of hearing-conservation programmes at the workplace, compliance with proper HPD usage among workers has been shown to be poor. This study aims to develop and determine the efficacy of a targeted intervention to improve the use of HPD among noise-exposed agro-industrial workers. One group of workers was given a targeted training module, while another group received a standard training module. Their self-reported HPD use and the intention to use HPD in the future were compared to evaluate the effect of the interventions. The targeted intervention significantly increased HPD use after four months compared to the control intervention. The findings showed that improving the workers’ compliance with HPD usage is possible by implementing a well-designed training method.
Triangular-Shaped 5-DOF Piezoelectric Robot for Optical Lens Positioning
Authors: Čeponis Andrius , Jūrėnas Vytautas , Mažeika Dalius
Published: February 2022

The paper represents numerical and experimental investigations on a 5-DOF piezoelectric robot that can provide rotary and planar motions of the payload. The design of the robot is based on a single piezoelectric ring and a triangular-shaped passive layer made from stainless steel. Six semispherical contacts of alumina oxide were used as contact points for rotary and planar motions. Finally, the top electrode of the piezo ceramic ring was divided into six equal segments to control the 3-DOF angular and 2-DOF planar motions of the payload. Two harmonic signals of different frequencies are used to drive the piezoelectric robot. The robot operation is based on the excitation of the third radial vibration mode of the ring and the first bending mode of the trapezoidal-shaped cantilever. Motion control is performed by switching electric signals between the particular segments of the piezoelectric ring. A numerical investigation was performed to validate the operation principle of the robot and to analyze electrical and mechanical characteristics. Numerical investigations showed that the first bending mode of trapezoidal cantilevers and the third radial mode of the piezo ceramic ring were obtained at a frequency of 13.79 kHz and 95.75 kHz, respectively. Moreover, it was revealed that the coupling ratio between vibration amplitudes of passive and active segments is more than 4 times. The prototype of the piezoelectric robot was made and an experimental study was performed to validate the operating principle of the robot, as well as to investigate the dynamic characteristics. The investigation showed that the highest velocity of the planar motion is 22.3 mm/s while the maximum angular motion speed is 29.3 RPM when an excitation voltage of 200 Vp-p and payload of 25.1 g was applied.
Experience of Using Antifungal Rocima GT for Protection of Paper from Biological Damage Caused by Fungi
Authors: Vlasov Alexey D. , Sazanova Katerina V. , Hosid Elena G. , Tkachenko Tat’yana S. , Alekseev Andrey I. , Pchelin Ivan M. , Galushkin Alexandr A.
Published: February 2022

This study proposes a method for the chamber disinfection of paper with biocide in the form of fine, volatile droplets using antifungal Rocima GT. This method provides a fungicidal effect, and within a short exposure time, a fungistatic one. At a concentration of 5% Rocima GT solution, the minimum treatment time to ensure the complete disinfection of paper was 15 min. The proposed method of disinfection by a chemical mist was less harmful to paper than disinfection using a swab saturated in a biocide solution. It was noted that when using Rocima GT at insufficient concentrations to inhibit fungal growth completely, Rocima GT can induce, as well as suppress, organic acid produced by Aspergillus niger depending on the concentration.
Microalgae, in Spatial Assessment of the Drainage Basin, Influences on the Ecosystem of Lake Agmon, Israel
Authors: Barinova Sophia , Smith Thomas , Tsarenko Petro
Published: February 2022

Based on the collected data on the diversity of microalgae and environmental indicators in dry and wet seasons during 2011–2018, from 45 samples, 59 species of microalgae were identified in the ornithological object—Lake Agmon in the Hula Valley. In the samples of periphyton and microphytobenthos, diatoms predominated. Bioindication analysis and statistical mapping revealed the most pronounced zones of influence on the lake ecosystem, as well as indicators of the environment and diversity that clearly demonstrate them. The correlation between the distribution of TDS of water over the lake surface and the distribution of green, diatom microalgae and cyanobacteria detected two areas of impact from the old channel of the Jordan River in the northwestern part and from the drainage channel in the northeastern parts of the lake. The area on the east coast, in contact with the resting fields of migratory birds, has provided nutrients that stimulate the development of green algae and cyanobacteria. This showed implicit links in the lake ecosystem using bioindicators make it possible to recommend them for monitoring in combination with statistical mapping, which visualizes the distribution of data and is easily accessible for the decision-making system for the management of a protected ornithological lake.
Citizen Participation in Architecture and Urban Planning Confronted with Arnstein’s Ladder: Four Experiments into Popular Neighbourhoods of Hainaut Demonstrate Another Hierarchy
Authors: Romariz Peixoto Larissa , Rectem Laura , Pouleur Jean-Alexandre
Published: February 2022

Widely used and disseminated, Arnstein’s ladder is considered a reference for citizen participation. It, nevertheless, involves a recurrent bias and a certain confusion when confronted with projects in the Belgian and French working-class districts of cross-border Hainaut. Characterised by fundamentally opposed management systems (one bureaucratic and hierarchical, the other democratic or even delegative), these worksites challenge Arnstein’s concepts and allow us to understand that information is not a level in the participation ladder, but the condition for the functioning of the whole system. Likewise, they also teach us that manipulation and delegation are not opposite extremes but can percolate in any level of participation. Finally, they reveal that the interlocking of powers and the interplay of stakeholders can easily turn the established participation mechanism from exemplary to revolting and vice versa.
Optical Characterization of Fresh and Photochemically Aged Aerosols Emitted from Laboratory Siberian Peat Burning
Authors: Iaukea-Lum Michealene , Bhattarai Chiranjivi , Sengupta Deep , Samburova Vera , Khlystov Andrey Y. , Watts Adam C. , Arnott William P. , Moosmüller Hans
Published: February 2022

Carbonaceous aerosols emitted from biomass burning influence radiative forcing and climate change. Of particular interest are emissions from high-latitude peat burning because amplified climate change makes the large carbon mass stored in these peatlands more susceptible to wildfires and their emission can affect cryosphere albedo and air quality after undergoing transport. We combusted Siberian peat in a laboratory biomass-burning facility and characterized the optical properties of freshly emitted combustion aerosols and those photochemically aged in an oxidation flow reactor (OFR) with a three-wavelength photoacoustic instrument. Total particle count increased with aging by a factor of 6 to 11 while the total particle volume either changed little (<8%) for 19 and 44 days of equivalent aging and increased by 88% for 61 days of equivalent aging. The aerosol single-scattering albedo (SSA) of both fresh and aged aerosol increased with the increasing wavelength. The largest changes in SSA due to OFR aging were observed at the shortest of the three wavelengths (i.e., at 405 nm) where SSA increased by less than ~2.4% for 19 and 44 days of aging. These changes were due to a decrease in the absorption coefficients by ~45%, with the effect on SSA somewhat reduced by a concurrent decrease in the scattering coefficients by 20 to 25%. For 61 days of aging, we observed very little change in SSA, namely an increase of 0.31% that was caused a ~56% increase in the absorption coefficients that was more than balanced by a somewhat larger (~71%) increase in the scattering coefficients. These large increases in the absorption and scattering coefficients for aging at 7 V are at least qualitatively consistent with the large increase in the particle volume (~88%). Overall, aging shifted the absorption toward longer wavelengths and decreased the absorption Ångström exponents, which ranged from ~5 to 9. Complex refractive index retrieval yielded real and imaginary parts that increased and decreased, respectively, with the increasing wavelength. The 405 nm real parts first increased and then decreased and imaginary parts decreased during aging, with little change at other wavelengths.
Extreme Precipitation Events in Alaska: Historical Trends and Projected Changes
Authors: Bachand Claire L. , Walsh John E.
Published: February 2022

While recent increases in heavy precipitation events in some midlatitude regions are consistent with climate model simulations, evidence of such increases in high latitudes is more tenuous, partly because of data limitations. The present study evaluates historical and future changes in extreme precipitation events in Alaska. Using the ERA5 reanalysis, station data, and output from two downscaled global climate models, we examine precipitation-driven flood events at five diverse locations in Alaska where major historical floods provide benchmarks: Fairbanks (August 1967), Seward (October 1986), Allakaket/Bettles (August 1994), Kivalina (August 2012), and Haines (December 2020). We place these precipitation events into a framework of historical trends and end-of-century (2065–2100) model projections. In all but one of the flood events, the amount of rainfall was the highest on record for the event duration, and precipitation events of this magnitude are generally projected by the models to remain infrequent. All of the cases had subtropical or tropical moisture sources. None of the locations show statistically significant historical trends in the magnitude of extreme precipitation events. However, the frequencies of heavy precipitation events are projected to increase at most of the locations. The frequency of events with 2 year and 5 year historical return intervals is projected to become more frequent, especially in the Interior, and in some cases increase to several times per year. Decreases are projected only for Seward along Alaska’s southern coast.
Ionospheric Science: An Example of the Importance of Diversity in Approaches to Scientific Research
Authors: Hapgood Mike
Published: February 2022

This paper discusses the strategic importance of contemporary ionospheric science. It outlines some key features of the evolution of the science from the first practical experiments in the 1920s through to the diverse inter-disciplinary science of today. This science includes fundamental studies of partially ionised plasmas and of the complex systems that arise when those plasmas are coupled to neutral atmospheres and magnetospheres. However, the science also has great potential to deliver societal benefits if the science can be refined to obtain a deep physical understanding of ionospheric phenomena and that understanding is then transitioned into use by operational services such as forecasts of ionospheric conditions. Thus, ionospheric science is now very similar in form to other environment sciences and, the same as them, needs to be positioned in a diverse scientific culture that supports the full range of science research, including not only curiosity-driven studies, but also targeted research to deepen our physical understanding to a level that is sufficient to enable a transition to operational services. That diversity also includes support for that transition and also facilitates feedback from operations teams to researchers. Such feedback can be a powerful stimulus for future research.
Is Skull Vibration-Induced Nystagmus Useful in Vestibular Neuritis Follow Up?
Authors: Díaz Ma Piedad García , Torres-García Lidia , Zamora Enrique García , Belén Castilla Jiménez Ana , Pérez Guillén Vanesa
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain and the saccade regrouping pattern PR score of the Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) and its relationship with the slow-phase velocity (SPV) of skull vibration-induced nystagmus (SVIN) in recovery after a unilateral vestibular loss (UVL). A total of 36 patients suffering from vestibular neuritis (VN) were recruited and followed up for twelve months. In every visit, horizontal vHIT and an SVIN were performed, as well as VOR gain; PR score and the SPV of SVIN were measured. We observed a positive association between the VOR gain difference and the SPV of SVIN over time (probability greater than 0.86). Additionally, we obtained a positive association between the SPV of SVIN and the PR score in successive visits (odds ratio (OR) = −0.048; CI [0.898, 1.01]), with a probability of 0.95. Our results confirm that SPV of SVIN; VOR gain difference; and PR score decrease over time after a UVL. Both tests are useful in the follow-up of VN, as they could reflect its clinical compensation or partial recovery.
On the Validity of Onsager Reciprocal Relations (ORR) for Heat Transfer in Anisotropic Solids
Authors: Arya Raj Kumar , Verros George D.
Published: February 2022

In this work, we investigate the validity of axioms such as Onsager Reciprocal Relations (ORR) for heat transfer in irreversible thermodynamics close to equilibrium. We show that the ORR for this case could be directly derived by introducing the widely accepted concept of heat transfer coefficients into the entropy production rate and by assuming that the thermal conductivity coefficients are uniquely defined. It is believed that this work can not only be used for pedagogical purposes but may also be generalized to other processes beyond heat transfer, thus leading to a generalized framework for transport phenomena and irreversible thermodynamics.
On the Factors of Successful e-Commerce Platform Design during and after COVID-19 Pandemic Using Extended Fuzzy AHP Method
Authors: Simjanović Dušan J. , Zdravković Nemanja , Vesić Nenad O.
Published: February 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a paradigm shift in all aspects of contemporary human life. Everyday activities such as shopping have shifted from traditional methods to the ever-more growing online variants, allowing for an increase in electronic commerce (e-commerce) industry. As more services become available online, consumers often rely on trusted services, which are often reflected on the web and mobile platforms they are presented on. In this paper, we study the factors for successful e-commerce platform design in the Western Balkans region using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) with triangular fuzzy numbers. After an extensive literature overview, interviews with representatives of top-ranking e-commerce companies in the region, and the analysis of experts’ opinions, we select a number of factors and sub-factors for prioritization, taking into account pre-pandemic factors, as well as the ones of the pandemic itself. We extend the FAHP model, which now consists of five (instead of three) points of view. Finally, we present and discuss the results in the form of tables and graphs, as well as an overall recommendation of what should be taken into account when designing an e-commerce platform. Our results rank service quality and security factors first and criteria such as multilingual support last.
NF-κB Signaling and Inflammation—Drug Repurposing to Treat Inflammatory Disorders?
Authors: Roberti Annabell , Chaffey Laura Elizabeth , Greaves David R.
Published: February 2022

NF-κB is a central mediator of inflammation, response to DNA damage and oxidative stress. As a result of its central role in so many important cellular processes, NF-κB dysregulation has been implicated in the pathology of important human diseases. NF-κB activation causes inappropriate inflammatory responses in diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, modulation of NF-κB signaling is being widely investigated as an approach to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity and cancer. The emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019, the subsequent pandemic and the huge clinical burden of patients with life-threatening SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia led to a massive scramble to repurpose existing medicines to treat lung inflammation in a wide range of healthcare systems. These efforts continue and have proven to be controversial. Drug repurposing strategies are a promising alternative to de novo drug development, as they minimize drug development timelines and reduce the risk of failure due to unexpected side effects. Different experimental approaches have been applied to identify existing medicines which inhibit NF-κB that could be repurposed as anti-inflammatory drugs.
Acute Effects of Soleus Stretching on Ankle Flexibility, Dynamic Balance and Speed Performances in Soccer Players
Authors: Huang Shi , Zhang Hong-Jia , Wang Xin , Lee Winson Chiu-Chun , Lam Wing-Kai
Published: February 2022

Most dynamic stretching protocols include the gastrocnemius muscle, but soleus stretches are often neglected, which is the key powerful muscle for the push-off (concentric) of all speed movements. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the added soleus stretch in a regular stretching protocol would have greater benefits for ankle flexibility, dynamic balance and functional performance. Fourteen healthy male soccer players received each of the stretching conditions (regular stretching only (Regular), regular stretching with soleus stretching (Soleus) and no stretching (Control)) randomly on different training days, with two-day separation. The ankle flexibility, standing heel-lift balance and speed performances were assessed following each stretching intervention. The active dynamic stretches were performed for 30 s with three repetitions on each of the three (Regular) and four (Soleus) muscles. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures (or the Friedman non-parametric test) was performed to determine any significant effect with alpha = 0.05. Our findings revealed that both the Regular and Soleus stretching groups showed an increased active range of ankle motion compared to the no-stretching control (Ps < 0.05). In the heel raise balance test, both stretching groups experienced a significant increase in maximum plantarflexion strength as well as resultant anterior–posterior and medial–lateral CoP excursions compared to the no-stretching control (Ps < 0.05). In the sprinting tasks, both the Soleus and Regular stretching groups induced faster linear and curved running times (Ps < 0.05). When comparing the two stretching groups, Soleus stretching led to better ankle flexibility, maximum plantarflexion strength and curved running time (Ps < 0.05). Thus, added stretches on the soleus muscles can provide further benefits to speed performances in soccer.
Effects of Tai-Chi and Running Exercises on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biomarkers in Sedentary Middle-Aged Males: A 24-Week Supervised Training Study
Authors: Wang Yi , Guo Xian , Liu Liangchao , Xie Minhao , Lam Wing-Kai
Published: February 2022

This study examined the effectiveness of Tai-Chi and running exercises on cardiorespiratory fitness and biomarkers in sedentary middle-aged adults under 24 weeks of supervised training. Methods Thirty-six healthy middle-aged adults (55.6 ± 5.3 yr) were randomly assigned into Tai-Chi, running and control groups. During a 24-week training period, the Tai-Chi and running groups were asked to perform exercises for 60 min/day and 5 days/week, which were supervised by Tai-Chi and running instructors throughout. Resting heart rate, lean mass, blood pressure and blood lipids were measured, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max, Vmax and Peak heart rate) was assessed at the baseline and the 12- and 24-week interventions. Results Compared to the no-exercise control group, both the Tai-Chi and running groups significantly decreased resting heart rate, diastolic blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness and increased lean mass across the training session (p < 0.05). Compared to the Tai-Chi group, the running group showed greater improvement in VO2max and Vmax (p < 0.05) and reduced triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). Conclusion Both Tai-Chi and running exercise showed beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and enhanced health-related outcomes in middle-aged adults. Although Tai-Chi exercises were less effective in VO2max than running, Tai-Chi may be considered as a plausible alternative to running exercises that can be achieved in the indoor-based setting.
Comparative Study of Potentially Toxic Nickel and Their Potential Human Health Risks in Seafood (Fish and Mollusks) from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Yap Chee Kong , Al-Mutairi Khalid Awadh
Published: February 2022

Human exposure to highly nickel (Ni)-polluted environments through oral ingestion pathways may cause various pathological effects. This biomonitoring study aimed to assess the human health risk of potentially toxic Ni in 19 species of marine fishes from Setiu (Terengganu) and two popular seafood molluscs (mangrove snail Cerithidea obtusa and cockle Anadara granosa) from the coastal area of Peninsular Malaysia. The Ni levels of the three seafood types were found below the maximum permissible limit for Ni. The Ni target hazard quotient values of all seafood were lower than 1.00 for average and high-level (AHL) Malaysian consumers, indicating no Ni’s non-carcinogenic risk of seafood consumption. It was also found that the calculated values of estimated weekly intake were below than established provisional tolerable weekly intake of Ni for both AHL consumers. It can be concluded that both the AHL consumption of seafood would not pose adverse effects of Ni to the consumers. This study provided a scientific basis for the food safety assessment of Ni and suggestions for risk management of potentially toxic Ni of seafood consumption in Malaysia.
Evaluation of the BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel Plus to the Conventional Diagnostic Methods in Determining the Microbiological Etiology of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Kamel Noha A. , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Aboshanab Khaled M. , El Borhamy Mervat I.
Published: February 2022

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a substantial public health issue that is associated with high mortality rates and is complicated by an arsenal of microbial etiologies, expressing multidrug-resistant phenotypes, rendering relatively limited therapeutic options. BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel plus (BFPP) is a simple multiplexed PCR system that integrates sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and analysis of microbial etiology, with a turnaround time of about one hour. In comparison to standard culture methods, BFPP is simpler, easier to perform, and can simultaneously detect the most common pathogens involved in lower respiratory tract infections (34 targets). Accordingly, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the multiplexed BFPP for the rapid detection of 27 clinically relevant respiratory pathogens and 7 genetic markers among 50 HAP cases admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), who submitted mini-bronchoalveolar (mBAL) specimens. In comparison to standard culture methods, BFPP showed an overall sensitivity of 100% [95% CI; 90–100] and overall specificity of 90% [95% CI; 87.4–92.5] among all the tested bacterial targets. BFPP identified 11 viral targets (22%) among the tested specimens. The BFPP semi-quantitative analysis showed a concordance rate of 47.4% among positive culture specimens. For the investigation of the antibiotic resistance genes, BFPP showed a positive percent agreement (PPA), a negative percent agreement (NPA), and an overall percent agreement (OPA), reaching 97% [95% CI; 90–100], 95% [95% CI; 91.5–97], and 95% [95% CI; 93–97], respectively, with standard antibiotic sensitivity testing. In conclusion, BFPP has the potential to enhance the rapid microbiological diagnosis of HAP cases, and could aid in tailoring appropriate antibiotic therapies.
A Change in Conservation Status of Pachyphytum caesium (Crassulaceae), a Threatened Species from Central Mexico Based on Genetic Studies
Authors: Martínez-León Tania , Clark-Tapia Ricardo , Campos Jorge E. , Peinado-Guevara Luz Isela , Campista-León Samuel , Molina-Freaner Francisco , Pacheco-Cruz Nelly , González-Adame Gabriel , Von Thaden Ugalde Juan José , Alfonso-Corrado Cecilia
Published: February 2022

Genetic studies in rare species are important to determine their patterns of genetic diversity among populations and implement conservation plans aimed to reduce extinction risks. Pachyphytum caesium is an endemic species with extremely small populations in central Mexico. This work analyzes the diversity and genetic structure of Pachyphytum cesium (Crassulaceae) to change the conservation status and propose conservation strategies. Twelve dominant ISSR markers were used to describe the genetic diversity of all known populations. Additionally, we carried out two simulations to explore how the loss of individuals or the local populations extinction affect the genetics parameters of the species. The average results indicated moderate levels of genetic diversity (number of alleles = 89.7 ± 3.9, expected heterozygosity = 0.212 ± 0.0, and percentage of polymorphic loci = 56.1 ± 3.9), parameters that decreased significantly when simulations were performed in P. caesium. Additionally, a genetic structure of the populations was found with low gene flow (Nm = 0.92). Genetic parameters are negatively affected by the loss of individuals and the local extinction of populations. Based on our results, we propose to reclassify the conservation status of the species in danger of extinction, hence a series of conservation strategies are provided to prevent its disappearance.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG): New Therapeutic Perspectives for Neuroprotection, Aging, and Neuroinflammation for the Modern Age
Authors: Payne Ashley , Nahashon Samuel , Taka Equar , Adinew Getinet M. , Soliman Karam F. A.
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are the two most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases. The exact etiology of these disorders is not well known; however, environmental, molecular, and genetic influences play a major role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Using Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as the archetype, the pathological findings include the aggregation of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) peptides, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic degradation caused by inflammation, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cerebrovascular dysregulation. This review highlights the neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective role of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): the medicinal component of green tea, a known nutraceutical that has shown promise in modulating AD progression due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging abilities. This report also re-examines the current literature and provides innovative approaches for EGCG to be used as a preventive measure to alleviate AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
VEGFA, B, C: Implications of the C-Terminal Sequence Variations for the Interaction with Neuropilins
Authors: Eldrid Charles , Zloh Mire , Fotinou Constantina , Yelland Tamas , Yu Lefan , Mota Filipa , Selwood David L. , Djordjevic Snezana
Published: February 2022

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are the key regulators of blood and lymphatic vessels’ formation and function. Each of the proteins from the homologous family VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC and VEGFD employs a core cysteine-knot structural domain for the specific interaction with one or more of the cognate tyrosine kinase receptors. Additional diversity is exhibited by the involvement of neuropilins–transmembrane co-receptors, whose b1 domain contains the binding site for the C-terminal sequence of VEGFs. Although all relevant isoforms of VEGFs that interact with neuropilins contain the required C-terminal Arg residue, there is selectivity of neuropilins and VEGF receptors for the VEGF proteins, which is reflected in the physiological roles that they mediate. To decipher the contribution made by the C-terminal sequences of the individual VEGF proteins to that functional differentiation, we determined structures of molecular complexes of neuropilins and VEGF-derived peptides and examined binding interactions for all neuropilin-VEGF pairs experimentally and computationally. While X-ray crystal structures and ligand-binding experiments highlighted similarities between the ligands, the molecular dynamics simulations uncovered conformational preferences of VEGF-derived peptides beyond the C-terminal arginine that contribute to the ligand selectivity of neuropilins. The implications for the design of the selective antagonists of neuropilins’ functions are discussed.
Role of TGF-Beta Signaling in Beta Cell Proliferation and Function in Diabetes
Authors: Wang Hong-Lian , Wang Li , Zhao Chang-Ying , Lan Hui-Yao
Published: February 2022

Beta (β) cell dysfunction or loss is the common pathological feature in all types of diabetes mellitus (diabetes). Resolving the underlying mechanism may facilitate the treatment of diabetes by preserving the β cell population and function. It is known that TGF-β signaling plays diverse roles in β cell development, function, proliferation, apoptosis, and dedifferentiation. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling expands β cell lineage in the development. However, deletion of Tgfbr1 has no influence on insulin demand-induced but abolishes inflammation-induced β cell proliferation. Among canonical TGF-β signaling, Smad3 but not Smad2 is the predominant repressor of β cell proliferation in response to systemic insulin demand. Deletion of Smad3 simultaneously improves β cell function, apoptosis, and systemic insulin resistance with the consequence of eliminated overt diabetes in diabetic mouse models, revealing Smad3 as a key mediator and ideal therapeutic target for type-2 diabetes. However, Smad7 shows controversial effects on β cell proliferation and glucose homeostasis in animal studies. On the other hand, overexpression of Tgfb1 prevents β cells from autoimmune destruction without influence on β cell function. All these findings reveal the diverse regulatory roles of TGF-β signaling in β cell biology.
Recognition of ATT Triplex and DNA:RNA Hybrid Structures by Benzothiazole Ligands
Authors: Zonjić Iva , Tumir Lidija-Marija , Crnolatac Ivo , Šupljika Filip , Racané Livio , Tomić Sanja , Radić Stojković Marijana
Published: February 2022

Interactions of an array of nucleic acid structures with a small series of benzothiazole ligands (bis-benzothiazolyl-pyridines—group 1, 2-thienyl/2-benzothienyl-substituted 6-(2-imidazolinyl)benzothiazoles—group 2, and three 2-aryl/heteroaryl-substituted 6-(2-imidazolinyl)benzothiazoles—group 3) were screened by competition dialysis. Due to the involvement of DNA:RNA hybrids and triplex helices in many essential functions in cells, this study’s main aim is to detect benzothiazole-based moieties with selective binding or spectroscopic response to these nucleic structures compared to regular (non-hybrid) DNA and RNA duplexes and single-stranded forms. Complexes of nucleic acids and benzothiazoles, selected by this method, were characterized by UV/Vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular modeling. Two compounds (1 and 6) from groups 1 and 2 demonstrated the highest affinities against 13 nucleic acid structures, while another compound (5) from group 2, despite lower affinities, yielded higher selectivity among studied compounds. Compound 1 significantly inhibited RNase H. Compound 6 could differentiate between B- (binding of 6 dimers inside minor groove) and A-type (intercalation) helices by an induced CD signal, while both 5 and 6 selectively stabilized ATT triplex in regard to AT duplex. Compound 3 induced strong condensation-like changes in CD spectra of AT-rich DNA sequences.
Different Metabolites of the Gastric Mucosa between Patients with Current Helicobacter pylori Infection, Past Infection, and No Infection History
Authors: Son Su-Young , Lee Choong-Hwan , Lee Sun-Young
Published: February 2022

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) alters metabolism during the gastric carcinogenesis process. This study aimed to determine the metabolites in the gastric mucosa according to the status of the H. pylori infection. Patients who visited the outpatient clinic for a gastroscopy and H. pylori tests were included. Gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) analysis was performed using gastric biopsied specimens from the corpus. Twenty-eight discriminative metabolites were found in the gastric mucosa of 10 patients with current H. pylori infection, in 15 with past infection, and in five with no infection history. The relative abundances (RAs) of amino acids and sugars/sugar alcohols were higher in patients with no infection history than in patients with current or past infection. The current infection group showed higher RAs of organic acids and lower RAs of fatty acids and lipids compared with the other groups. The RA of inosine was highest in the past infection group. Based on GC-TOF-MS analysis findings, metabolites differed not only between the infected and non-infected patients, but also between those with and without infection history. Amino acid and sugars/sugar alcohol metabolites decreased in patients with current or past infection, whereas fatty acid and lipid metabolites decreased only during current infection.
Role of Base Excision Repair in Innate Immune Cells and Its Relevance for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhao Shengyuan , Habib Samy L. , Senejani Alireza G. , Sebastian Manu , Kidane Dawit
Published: February 2022

Innate immunity is critical for immediate recognition and elimination of invading pathogens or defense against cancer cell growth. Dysregulation of innate immune systems is associated with the pathogenesis of different types of inflammatory diseases, including cancer. In addition, the maintenance of innate immune cells’ genomic integrity is crucial for the survival of all organisms. Oxidative stress generated from innate immune cells may cause self-inflicted DNA base lesions as well as DNA damage on others neighboring cells, including cancer cells. Oxidative DNA base damage is predominantly repaired by base excision repair (BER). BER process different types of DNA base lesions that are presented in cancer and innate immune cells to maintain genomic integrity. However, mutations in BER genes lead to impaired DNA repair function and cause insufficient genomic integrity. Moreover, several studies have implicated that accumulation of DNA damage leads to chromosomal instability that likely activates the innate immune signaling. Furthermore, dysregulation of BER factors in cancer cells modulate the infiltration of innate immune cells to the tumor microenvironment. In the current review, the role of BER in cancer and innate immune cells and its impact on innate immune signaling within the tumor microenvironment is summarized. This is a special issue that focuses on DNA damage and cancer therapy to demonstrate how BER inhibitor or aberrant repair modulates innate inflammatory response and impact immunotherapy approaches. Overall, the review provides substantial evidence to understand the impact of BER in innate immune response dynamics within the current immune-based therapeutic strategy.
Machine Learning Based Lens-Free Shadow Imaging Technique for Field-Portable Cytometry
Authors: Vaghashiya Rajkumar , Shin Sanghoon , Chauhan Varun , Kapadiya Kaushal , Sanghavi Smit , Seo Sungkyu , Roy Mohendra
Published: February 2022

The lens-free shadow imaging technique (LSIT) is a well-established technique for the characterization of microparticles and biological cells. Due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, various low-cost solutions have been developed, such as automatic analysis of complete blood count (CBC), cell viability, 2D cell morphology, 3D cell tomography, etc. The developed auto characterization algorithm so far for this custom-developed LSIT cytometer was based on the handcrafted features of the cell diffraction patterns from the LSIT cytometer, that were determined from our empirical findings on thousands of samples of individual cell types, which limit the system in terms of induction of a new cell type for auto classification or characterization. Further, its performance suffers from poor image (cell diffraction pattern) signatures due to their small signal or background noise. In this work, we address these issues by leveraging the artificial intelligence-powered auto signal enhancing scheme such as denoising autoencoder and adaptive cell characterization technique based on the transfer of learning in deep neural networks. The performance of our proposed method shows an increase in accuracy >98% along with the signal enhancement of >5 dB for most of the cell types, such as red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC). Furthermore, the model is adaptive to learn new type of samples within a few learning iterations and able to successfully classify the newly introduced sample along with the existing other sample types.
An Integrated Multiple Electrochemical miRNA Sensing System Embedded into a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Gonzalez-Losada Pedro , Freisa Martina , Poujouly Claire , Gamby Jean
Published: February 2022

In this article, we present the design, fabrication and characterization of a microfluidic device and a dedicated electronic system to perform 8 multiplexed electrochemical measurements of synthetic miRNA strands, as well as the biochemical protocols developed for the functionalization of the electrodes and the quantification experiments. The outcomes of this work highlight that the parallelization of eight microchannels containing 2-electrode cells driven by the dedicated electronics offers a solution as robust as a conventional 3-electrode cell and commercially available potentiostats. In addition, this solution presents the advantage of simultaneously reduce the microfabrication complexity, as well as offering an integrated; multiplexed and portable system for the quantification of miRNA. The results presented demonstrate that the system shows a linear response on concentrations down to 10−18 mol/L of perfect matched reporter and capture sequences of synthetic miRNA.
In a Bilingual Mood: Mood Affects Lexico-Semantic Processing Differently in Native and Non-Native Languages
Authors: Naranowicz Marcin , Jankowiak Katarzyna , Kakuba Patrycja , Bromberek-Dyzman Katarzyna , Thierry Guillaume
Published: February 2022

Positive and negative moods tend to have differential effects on lexico-semantic processing in the native language (L1). Though accumulating evidence points to dampened sensitivity to affective stimuli in the non-native language (L2), little is known about the effects of positive and negative moods on L2 processing. Here, we show that lexico-semantic processing is differently affected by positive and negative moods only in L1. Unbalanced Polish–English bilinguals made meaningfulness judgments on L1 and L2 sentences during two EEG recording sessions featuring either positive- or negative-mood-inducing films. We observed a reduced N1 (lexical processing) for negative compared to positive mood in L2 only, a reduced N2 (lexico-semantic processing) in negative compared to positive mood in L1 only, a reduced N400 (lexico-semantic processing) for meaningless compared to meaningful L1 sentences in positive mood only, and an enhanced late positive complex (semantic integration and re-analysis) for L2 compared to L1 meaningful sentence in negative mood only. Altogether, these results suggest that positive and negative moods affect lexical, lexico-semantic, and semantic processing differently in L1 and L2. Our observations are consistent with previous accounts of mood-dependent processing and emotion down-regulation observed in bilinguals.
One-Year Prospective Association of BMI with Later Cognitive Development in Preschoolers
Authors: Hansen Carina , Smith Latasha , Lynch Brian A. , Miccoli Antonela , Romanowicz Magdalena , Toussaint Loren
Published: February 2022

This study examined the prospective relationships between preschoolers’ body mass index (BMI) and cognitive development. BMI, cognitive (i.e., Brigance), sex, and age data were collected from seven cohorts of children attending Head Start from 2012 to 2018. Children (N = 324) with two years of complete data were included. After controlling for the first year cognitive development scores, age, gender, and the cohort, the BMI was predictive of lower cognitive development scores in year two (B = −0.06, β = −0.14, t = −3.19, p = 0.002). Female sex (B = 2.69, β = 0.10, t = 2.30, p = 0.022) and older age (B = 0.02, β = 0.15, t = 3.20, p ≤ 0.001) were also shown to be statistically significant predictors of improved year two cognitive scores. The initial BMI scores were associated with poorer one year cognitive development scores in this sample of preschool children. Excessive body mass may contribute to numerous biological, psychological, and social factors that inhibit children with obesity from reaching their full cognitive potential, during a time in which brain development and cognitive skills development are at critical points of growth. Early childhood obesity interventions may have positive consequences for cognitive development, but additional prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Transient Destabilization of Declarative Memory—Opposing Impact of Physical Exercise or Rest after Encoding in Typically Developing Children and Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder but No Difference after Subsequent Sleep
Authors: Munz Manuel , Baving Lioba , Prehn-Kristensen Alexander
Published: February 2022

Background: Children are especially sensitive to a broad range of influences and show a remarkable capacity for learning. One prominent example is declarative memory, which may be influenced by a variety of factors and is impaired in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Exercise and sleep, or both combined, might foster declarative memory. Methods: Here, 12 typically developing children (TDC) and 12 age-matched children with ADHD participated in an exercise and rest condition before a night in the sleep laboratory. Declarative memory was encoded before exercise or rest and retrieved before and after a night of sleep. Results: Exercise in TDC but rest in ADHD lead to a transient destabilization of declarative memory, while there were no more differences after a night of sleep. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency was prolonged after exercise in both groups. Conclusions: Exercise leads to opposing effects on immediate declarative memory formation. The factors or contexts that promote or hinder declarative memory formation in children ADHD and TDC differ, and further work is needed to determine the recommendations for declarative learning in children with ADHD.
Rational Use of Idealized Shear-Building Models to Approximate Actual Buildings
Authors: Zuo Zhanxuan , He Yiting , Li Shuang
Published: February 2022

The paper aims to investigate the accuracies of idealization methods of the well-known shear-building models. Five idealization methods are adopted to idealize the structural story capacity curve within the range from zero to the deformation corresponding to the peak shear point. After the peak shear point, a skew branch followed by a constant branch are used to approximate the capacity curve. The five idealization methods are verified by using four reinforcement concrete (RC) frames with 3, 8, 12, and 18 stories. Results reveal that all the five idealization methods may cause remarkable errors in prediction of the period, displacements and accelerations of the actual buildings. The errors of the structural period by the five idealization methods are almost above 10–40%. The errors of the structural displacements and accelerations by the five idealization methods are almost above 30–90%. For all the five idealization methods, the prediction accuracy on displacement and acceleration will be dramatically increased if the comparison is only focused on the maximum value within all story rather than the maximum values of each story. The initial stiffness method provides the best predictions on periods of the actual buildings. The farthest point method provides better prediction than the other four idealization methods.
Clinical Significance of Tumor-Infiltrating Conventional and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Plesca Ioana , Benešová Iva , Beer Carolin , Sommer Ulrich , Müller Luise , Wehner Rebekka , Heiduk Max , Aust Daniela , Baretton Gustavo , Bachmann Michael P , Feldmann Anja , Weitz Jürgen , Seifert Lena , Seifert Adrian M , Schmitz Marc
Published: February 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the orchestration of antitumor immunity. Activated DCs efficiently enhance antitumor effects mediated by natural killer cells and T lymphocytes. Conversely, tolerogenic DCs essentially contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, DCs can profoundly influence tumor progression and clinical outcome of tumor patients. To gain novel insights into the role of human DCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we explored the frequency, spatial organization, and clinical significance of conventional DCs type 1 (cDC1s) and type 2 (cDC2s) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in primary PDAC tissues. A higher density of whole tumor area (WTA)- and tumor stroma (TS)-infiltrating cDC1s was significantly associated with better disease-free survival (DFS). In addition, an increased frequency of intraepithelial tumor-infiltrating cDC2s was linked to better DFS and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, an increased density of WTA- and TS-infiltrating pDCs tended to improve DFS. Moreover, a higher frequency of WTA- and TS-infiltrating cDC1s and pDCs emerged as an independent prognostic factor for better DFS and OS. These findings indicate that tumor-infiltrating DCs can significantly influence the clinical outcome of PDAC patients and may contribute to the design of novel treatment options that target PDAC-infiltrating DCs.
Targeting of RecQ Helicases as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Maity Jyotirindra , Horibata Sachi , Zurcher Grant , Lee Jung-Min
Published: February 2022

RecQ helicases are essential for DNA replication, recombination, DNA damage repair, and other nucleic acid metabolic pathways required for normal cell growth, survival, and genome stability. More recently, RecQ helicases have been shown to be important for replication fork stabilization, one of the major mechanisms of PARP inhibitor resistance. Cancer cells often have upregulated helicases and depend on these enzymes to repair rapid growth-promoted DNA lesions. Several studies are now evaluating the use of RecQ helicases as potential biomarkers of breast and gynecologic cancers. Furthermore, RecQ helicases have attracted interest as possible targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of RecQ helicases and their interacting partners that may be utilized for effective treatment strategies (as cancers depend on helicases for survival). We also discuss how targeting helicase in combination with DNA repair inhibitors (i.e., PARP and ATR inhibitors) can be used as novel approaches for cancer treatment to increase sensitivity to current treatment to prevent rise of treatment resistance.