bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study of Use of Nitric Oxide in Monitoring Multiple Dental Foci in Oral Cavity—A Case Report
Authors: Wyszyńska Magdalena , Rosak Przemysław , Czelakowska Aleksandra , Białożyt-Bujak Ewa , Kasperski Jacek , Łopaciński Maciej , Al Khatib Nour , Skucha-Nowak Małgorzata
Published: January 2022

Background: The most common cause of implant loss and deteriorating restoration aesthetics is infection and chronic inflammation of the tissues around the implants. Inflammation in the oral cavity, confirmed by clinical and histopathological examination and determination of exhaled nitric oxide, is a situation which may cause the complications on the whole human body. Elimination of the patology in the oral cavity in some cases is the only resonable treatment. The aims and objectives of our work is to present a gradual treatment of advanced infalmmation and present huge reduction stamp of inflammation measured with marker nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled air. Materials and Methods: Simple treatment containing elimantion of pathology in the oral cavity was conducted. Patient that came to the dental practice suffered from the inflammation caused by lack of proper hygiene. First aid in this situation was to eliminate the inflammation which may affect negatively for general health. At first visit full hygienization was performed, at the second visit roots of abutment teeth and implants were removed under local anesthesia along with cystic changes. Results: The hygiene precedures and extraction of the unsteady inflammationprosthetic restorations significantly decreased the level of NO in exhaled air. Conclusions: During the examination of the patient coming to the dental practice great attention should be paid to the coexistence of pathologies related to the oral cavity. Omission of a dental examination and possible elimination of odontogenic foci may affect the implication of the results of general diagnostics and subsequent treatment. Measuring the level of NO on exhaled air seems to be useful diagnostic method.
Systematic Review of Diagnostic Tools and Interventions for Sarcopenia
Authors: Cheong Moon Joo , Kang Yeonseok , Kim Sungchul , Kang Hyung Won
Published: January 2022

Diagnosis of rare incurable diseases is important. Specific evaluation methods and standards for sarcopenia differ according to each sarcopenia-related medical association. This study aimed to identify the tools that are currently used to diagnose sarcopenia and to systematically review various interventions for sarcopenia. We intended to provide basic information to help establish standard diagnostic and therapeutic methods for sarcopenia. We collected and analyzed published journal articles, including gray literature and dissertations, from 11 domestic and international databases. The search terms were “sarcopenia/sarcopenic”, “combined (complex/circuit) exercise”, “resistance (muscle) exercise”, and “aerobic exercise”. The tools used for sarcopenia diagnosis were inconsistent across the studies. Circuit exercise combined with aerobic exercise and strength training was the most common intervention method, followed by strength training and aerobic exercise. We identified several diagnostic and evaluation criteria across the articles. Essentially, this systematic review confirms the importance of diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and compares interventions. Hopefully, the criteria for the diagnosis and evaluation of sarcopenia will become clear in the future. In addition, the results of this study may provide basic information for rehabilitation treatment for rare and incurable diseases.
Cultural Bereavement and Mental Distress: Examination of the Cultural Bereavement Framework through the Case of Ethiopian Refugees Living in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Myeong Sook , Zhang Nan , Feyissa Israel Fisseha
Published: January 2022

In South Korea, a mono-ethnic nation, refugees and asylum seekers from culturally distant countries are exposed to cultural bereavement, cultural identity shock, and cultural inconsistency for themselves and their children. Along with biological, psychological, and social factors, this phenomenon is hypothesized as playing a major role in an increased rate of distress among refugees. This study explored the experiences of 11 Ethiopian refugees living in South Korea, and their relevance to cultural bereavement while affirming and suggesting an update for the cultural bereavement framework. The analysis showed the refugees experiencing a slight continuation of dwelling in the past; a sense of guilt due to the fading of one’s culture; different types of anger; and anxiety with relation to the cultural identity of themselves and of their young children. Strong religious beliefs, a continuation of religious practice, informal gatherings within the Ethiopian diaspora, and organized community activities provided an antidote for cultural bereavement. The implication of the result hopes to assist and direct practitioners to identify complex manifestations of mental distress that often get wrongfully labeled as to their causation as well as methods and sources of diagnosis. Any update on the cultural bereavement framework also needs to consult the setting and peculiar circumstances of the displaced people in question.
Information Flow and Data Gaps in COVID-19 Recording and Reporting at National and Provincial Levels in Indonesia
Authors: Barsasella Diana , Iman Arief Tarmansyah , Fadly Fery , Uddin Mohy , Mohammed Arshad , Shaik Tazeem , Saputra Hermawan , Malwade Shwetambara , Dhar Eshita , Zakiah  , Nurhadi  , Jonnagaddala Jitendra , Syed-Abdul Shabbir
Published: January 2022

Epidemiological surveillance is an essential component of public health practice especially during infectious disease outbreaks. It is critical to offer transparent epidemiological information in a rigorous manner at different regional levels in countries for managing the outbreak situations. The objectives of this research are to better understand the information flow of COVID-19 health monitoring systems and to determine the data gaps of COVID-19 incidence at the national and provincial levels in Indonesia. COVID-19 information flow was researched using government websites at the national and various provincial levels. To find the disparities, we assessed the number of cases reported at both levels at the same time and displayed the absolute and relative differences. The findings revealed that out of a total of 34 provinces in Indonesia, data differences were seen in 25 (73.52%) provinces in terms of positive cases, 31 (91.18%) provinces in terms of cured cases, and 28 (82.35%) provinces of the number of deaths. Our results showed a pressing need for high-quality, transparent, and timely information. The integration of COVID-19 data in Indonesia has not been optimal, implying that the reported COVID-19 incidence rate may be biased or delayed. COVID-19 incidents must be better monitored to disrupt the disease’s transmission chain.
Factors Influencing Continued Usage Behavior on Mobile Health Applications
Authors: Wu Pei , Zhang Runtong , Zhu Xiaomin , Liu Manlu
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: As people pay more attention to health, mobile health applications (mHealth apps) are becoming popular. These apps offer health services that run on mobile devices to help improve users’ health behaviors. However, few studies explore what motivates users to continue to use these apps. This study proposes antecedents influencing users’ electronic satisfaction (e-satisfaction) and their continued behaviors of using mHealth apps. Based on the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), this study constructs a research model including perceived reliability and online review to predict the continued usage behavior on mHealth apps in China; (2) Methods: We conduct an online survey to collect data from participants who have used mHealth apps. This study receives 327 valid responses and tests the research model using the partial least squares structural equation model approach; (3) Results: Our results find that antecedents positively affect continued usage intention through the mediation role of e-satisfaction with mHealth apps. Interestingly, this study reveals that habit positively affects the continued usage behavior and moderates the effect of e-satisfaction and continued intention of using mHealth apps; (4) Conclusions: This study presents theoretical implications on the extended UTAUT2 and provides practical implications understanding of managing mHealth apps in China.
Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Changes after Osteopathic Care in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tamburella Federica , Princi Alessandro Antonio , Piermaria Jacopo , Lorusso Matteo , Scivoletto Giorgio , Masciullo Marcella , Cardilli Giovanni , Argentieri Paola , Tramontano Marco
Published: January 2022

Background: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) indicates bowel dysfunction due to a lack of nervous control after a central nervous system lesion. Bowel symptoms, such as difficulties with evacuation, constipation, abdominal pain and swelling, are experienced commonly among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Consequentially, individuals with SCI experience a general dissatisfaction with the lower perceived quality of life (QoL). Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of manual therapies on NBD, including Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This study aimed to explore OMT effects on NBD in individuals with SCI compared with Manual Placebo Treatment (MPT). Methods: The study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial composed of three phases, each one lasting 30 days (i: NBD/drugs monitoring; ii: four OMT/MPT sessions; iii: NBD/drug monitoring and follow-up evaluation). Results: the NBD scale, the QoL on worries and concerns sub-questionnaire, and the perception of abdominal swelling and constipation significantly improved after treatments compared to baseline only for individuals who underwent OMT. Conclusion: These preliminary results showed positive effects of OMT on bowel function and QoL in individuals with SCI, but further studies are needed to confirm our results.
ß-Farnesene Exogenous Application as a Novel Damage Induction Model to Fast Explore the Effectiveness of Postharvest Strategies: The Case Study of the ‘Rocha’ Pear DOP
Authors: Dias Cindy , Amaro Ana , Fonseca Alexandre , Ferrante António , Silvestre Armando , Rocha Sílvia M. , Isidoro Nélson , Pintado Manuela
Published: January 2022

Since the prohibition of diphenylamine, replacement strategies have been needed for long-term disorder prevention, namely superficial scald (SC), in fruit. However, as this disorder only appears after months under cold storage, the assessment of effective strategies to prevent this disorder requires long periods. To tackle this challenge, we report in this paper a rapid and reliable system to induce symptoms, such as SC, based on storage under a β-farnesene-enriched atmosphere. Using this model, SC symptoms in ‘Rocha’ pear were induced after 15 d at 20 °C. As proof of concept, this model system allowed the study of the efficiency of antioxidant natural-based coatings on ‘Rocha’ pear quality maintenance. Pears treated with the coatings were submitted to 4 months of commercial storage under normal atmosphere conditions and the results were compared with those obtained using the induction model system. A PCA of chemical data allowed us to conclude that the model developed simulates the potential of certain strategies to prevent disorders.
Sunscreen Based on Dicarboxylic Acid Salts Applications to Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Plants: Effects on Water Stress Tolerance and Productivity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gamboa Gastón , Guerrero-Méndez Mario , Araya-Alman Miguel , Verdugo-Vásquez Nicolás , Valdés-Gómez Héctor , Acevedo-Opazo César
Published: January 2022

Background: Recently, antitranspirant or radiation-reflective products have been studied in several crops to mitigate the negative effects of global warming in Mediterranean climates. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, there is a scarce availability of information studying their effects on blueberries and much less from applications of sunscreens elaborated based on a mixture of dicarboxylic acids. Methods: Controls and three treatments were performed in ‘Duke’ and ‘Star’ blueberries as follows: (i) control without water stress (T1 = 100% ETc); (ii) foliar application of sunscreen in plants without water stress (T2 = 100% ETc + sunscreen); (iii) water stress in plants without foliar application of sunscreen (T3 = 50% ETc); (iv) foliar application of the sunscreen in plants with water stress (T4 = 50% ETc + sunscreen). Stem water potential (Ψs), stomatal conductance (gs), yield, berry weight and berry total soluble solids were determined. (3) Results: As expected, the decrease in irrigation frequency in water stress treatments (T3 and T4) allowed for a decrease in the water applied at 25% compared to non-stressed plants (T1 and T2). This resulted in an increase in the Ψs on the days closest to harvest in both varieties, decreasing gs in blueberries plants subjected to water stress conditions. Sunscreen applications to Duke plants subjected to water stress (T4) induced higher total berry soluble solids than the treatments performed in non-stressed plants (T1 and T2). Sunscreen applications to Star plants subjected to water stress (T4) promoted similar gs levels and did not affect total soluble solids concerning irrigated plants (T1 and T2). (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that the response to water stress to sunscreen application based on dicarboxylic acid salts depended on the cultivar. Therefore, despite the novelty of this research, it is necessary to perform long-term studies to establish accurate conclusions.
Productivity and Quality of Garlic Produced Using Below-Zero Temperatures When Treating Seed Cloves
Authors: Luz José Magno Queiroz , de Azevedo Breno Nunes Rodrigues , Silva Sérgio Macedo , de Oliveira Carlos Inácio Garcia , de Oliveira Túlio Garcia , de Oliveira Roberta Camargos , Castoldi Renata
Published: January 2022

Garlic cultivation has increased in Brazil in recent years primarily due to the adoption of appropriate technologies, such as the use of low temperatures during the maintenance of garlic seeds to overcome dormancy. However, there is no information on the effects of below-zero temperatures when treating seed cloves on garlic development. Therefore, this study’s objective was to evaluate the effects of below-zero temperatures and different visual indices of overcoming dormancy (VIDs) on garlic performance in Cristalina County, Goias State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme: with two VIDs (40% and 60%), and three temperature ranges (−1 to −3 °C, 1 to 3 °C, and 2 to 4 °C). Vegetative characteristics, bulbar ratios, and commercial bulb yields were evaluated. The results showed that below-zero temperatures resulted in better vegetative characteristics. The yield increased after using below-zero temperatures to treat seed cloves with a VID of 60%. The garlic produced had a higher market value. We concluded that there is an enormous potential for using below-zero temperatures to improve the performance of the “Ito” garlic variety, and more studies should be conducted with other varieties of economic importance to enhance Brazilian garlic production.
Assessment of Sinkholes Investigations in Jangseong-Gun Area, South Korea, and Recommendations for Similar Studies
Authors: Baluch Khaqan , Kim Jung-Gyu , Kim Jong-Gwan , Ko Young Hun , Jung Seung-Won , Baluch Sher Q.
Published: January 2022

This paper reviews the site investigation field data and access work performed between 2016 and 2019 in the study area located close to Gun-dong mine. The research was aimed at defining the cause of sinkholes and their relationship with the underlying karstic limestone bedrock and nearby mining activities. Only a limited number of small sinkholes appeared in 2014, 2016, and 2018 in the agricultural land close to the limestone mine. The previously open pit mine started its underground operations in 2007. Since then, the mine has developed, and is now comprised of, large underground excavations at several levels below the surface. The studies carried out concluded that the appearance of sinkholes may be related to a general lowering of the groundwater table because of nearby agricultural and mining activities and also due to over-extraction of water due to increased urban use. Whilst these are the best determinations, this paper identifies missing elements of the previous investigations mentioned above, some issues with the interpretation of poorly prepared borehole logs and the improper preservation of borehole cores. The authors make recommendations for a systematic approach for implementation of an investigation strategy. This paper concludes that the appearance of sinkholes is a natural phenomenon, developing over geological time. However, human intervention contributes to sinkhole formation, which in urban areas may result in human, property, and economic losses. A better understanding, based on a methodical approach and suitable technologies, can determine the causes of sinkholes and can lead to the formulation of solutions and the implementation of economically and socially acceptable mitigation measures.
Hope and Fear of Threats as Predictors of Coping with Two Major Adversities, the COVID-19 Pandemic and an Armed Conflict
Authors: Marciano Hadas , Eshel Yohanan , Kimhi Shaul , Adini Bruria
Published: January 2022

Coping with adversities has been explained by two major theories: the fear appeal theory and the hope theory. The predictability of hope with that of fear of threats as variables explaining coping with two major adversities, the COVID-19 pandemic and an armed conflict, was compared. Participants were approached via an internet panel company in two different times: (1) January 2021 (N = 699; age range: 18–82; 330 women), during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and (2) May 2021 (N = 647; age range: 19–83; 297 women), during an armed conflict between Israel and Hamas. Participants self-reported on hope, four perceived threats (health, economics, security, and political), well-being, individual resilience, societal resilience, and distress symptoms (anxiety and depression symptoms) were collected. Hope was found as a more consistent and stronger predictor of the following expressions of coping: well-being, individual and societal resilience, depression, and anxiety. It can be concluded that hope is a better and more consistent predictor of coping, as well as coping suppressing expressions, compared with fear of threats, in the face of the current adversities. The innovative nature of these findings, the importance of hope as a coping supporter, and the need for replicating these innovative results are discussed and elaborated.
Pharmacological Adherence Behavior Changes during COVID-19 Outbreak in a Portugal Patient Cohort
Authors: Midão Luís , Almada Marta , Carrilho Joana , Sampaio Rute , Costa Elísio
Published: January 2022

Concerns, behaviours, and beliefs influence how people deal with COVID-19. Understanding the factors influencing adherence behaviour is of utmost importance to develop tailored interventions to increase adherence within this context. Hence, we aimed to understand how COVID-19 affected adherence behaviour in Portugal. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 1 March and 3 April 2021. Descriptive statistics were performed, as well as univariable and multivariable regression models. Of the 1202 participants, 476 who were taking at least one medication prescribed by the doctor were selected. Of these, 78.2% were female, and the mean age was 40.3 ± 17.9 years old. About 74.2% were classified as being highly adherent. During the pandemic, 8.2% of participants reported that their adherence improved, while 5.9% had worsened adherence results. Compared with being single, widowers were 3 times more prone to be less adherent (OR:3.390 [1.106–10.390], p = 0.033). Comorbid patients were 1.8 times (OR:1.824 [1.155–2.881], p = 0.010) more prone to be less adherent. Participants who reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted their adherence were 5.6 times more prone to be less adherent, compared with those who reported no changes (OR:5.576 [2.420–12.847], p < 0.001). None of the other variables showed to be significantly associated with pharmacological adherence.
Raising Ecological Awareness and Digital Literacy in Primary School Children through Gamification
Authors: Ricoy María-Carmen , Sánchez-Martínez Cristina
Published: January 2022

Environmental education, at least in northwest Spain, is often overlooked in the education system from infant schooling onwards and interventions are needed to raise the profile of this subject. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a learning program designed for primary school students to broaden their ecological awareness and improve digital literacy using gamification tools. The research was developed using a qualitative approach, with data obtained from 156 subjects, including teachers, students and families. The results show that the children assimilated new habits on the better usage of water and electricity and recycling paper and plastic. Moreover, they acquired more efficient strategies for finding information online, by using apps and developing content with digital tools. Gaming dynamics and resources were the key to students’ learning, with the tablet proving an essential tool for boosting motivation, interaction and problem solving.
Women’s Lived Experiences with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): How TANF Can Better Support Women’s Wellbeing and Reduce Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Spencer Rachael A. , Lemon Emily D. , Komro Kelli A. , Livingston Melvin D. , Woods-Jaeger Briana
Published: January 2022

Women experiencing poverty are more likely to face intimate partner violence (IPV), poor health, and stigma. IPV survivors are overrepresented among those who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a conditional cash program serving families experiencing poverty. More generous TANF policies may be protective against IPV, but a greater insight into TANF’s effect could be gleaned through a contemporaneous study that examines intersecting determinants of wellbeing and engages community interpretation of findings. Using an adapted Family Stress Model framework and analyzing data through an intersectional and community-based lens, we explore the impact of TANF on women’s wellbeing through in-depth, semi-structured interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic with 13 women who had TANF experience in three U.S. states. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA and researchers facilitated three member-checking events to enhance validity of result interpretation. Four themes emerged: (1) Low cash and conditional benefits provided limited short-term “relief” but contributed to poverty and hard choices; (2) TANF benefit levels and conditions increased women’s dependence on others, straining relationships; (3) Women undertook extraordinary measures to access TANF, largely to fulfill their roles as mothers; and (4) TANF stigma creates psychological stress, differentially experienced by African Americans. Increasing TANF cash benefits and other cash transfers for those experiencing poverty, adopting solely state funded TANF programs, increasing funding for TANF administration, addressing TANF stigma and racialized narratives, and allowing optional child support participation or a larger “pass-through” of child support are important steps toward making TANF more protective against IPV.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Surgical Treatment Disparities in American Indian/Alaska Natives and Hispanic Americans in Arizona
Authors: Gachupin Francine C. , Lee Benjamin R. , Chipollini Juan , Pulling Kathryn R. , Cruz Alejandro , Wong Ava C. , Valencia Celina I. , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Batai Ken
Published: January 2022

American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and Hispanic Americans (HA) have higher kidney cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Herein, we describe the disparity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) surgical treatment for AI/AN and HA and the potential association with mortality in Arizona. A total of 5111 stage I RCC cases diagnosed between 2007 and 2016 from the Arizona Cancer Registry were included. Statistical analyses were performed to test the association of race/ethnicity with surgical treatment pattern and overall mortality, adjusting for patients’ demographic, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors. AI/AN were diagnosed 6 years younger than NHW and were more likely to receive radical rather than partial nephrectomy (OR 1.49 95% CI: 1.07–2.07) compared to NHW. Mexican Americans had increased odds of not undergoing surgical treatment (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08–2.53). Analysis showed that not undergoing surgical treatment and undergoing radical nephrectomy were statistically significantly associated with higher overall mortality (HR 1.82 95% CI: 1.21–2.76 and HR 1.59 95% CI: 1.30–1.95 respectively). Mexican Americans, particularly U.S.-born Mexican Americans, had an increased risk for overall mortality and RCC-specific mortality even after adjusting for neighborhood socioeconomic factors and surgical treatment patterns. Although statistically not significant after adjusting for neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors and surgical treatment patterns, AI/AN had an elevated risk of mortality.
Managing Compound Hazards: Impact of COVID-19 and Cases of Adaptive Governance during the 2020 Kumamoto Flood in Japan
Authors: Izumi Takako , Das Sangita , Abe Miwa , Shaw Rajib
Published: January 2022

Japan experienced natural hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic as some other countries did. Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures, including many other parts of southern Japan, experienced record-breaking heavy rain on 4th July 2020. While many countries were affected by compound hazards, some cases such as the Kumamoto flood did not cause a spike of the COVID-19 cases even after going through massive evacuation actions. This study aims to understand how COVID-19 made an impact on people’s response actions, learn the challenges and problems during the response and recovery phases, and identify any innovative actions and efforts to overcome various restrictions and challenges through a questionnaire survey and interviews with the affected people. With an increase in the risk of compound hazards, it has become important to take a new, innovative, and non-traditional approach. Proper understanding and application of adaptive governance can make it possible to come up with a solution that can work directly on the complex challenges during disasters. This study identified that a spike of COVID-19 cases after the disaster could be avoided due to various preventive measures taken at the evacuation centers. It shows that it is possible to manage compound hazard risks with effective preparedness. Furthermore, during emergencies, public-private-partnership as well as collaboration among private organizations and local business networks are extremely important. These collaborations generate a new approach, mechanism and platform to tackle unprecedented challenges.
How Many Hours of Device Wear Time Are Required to Accurately Measure Physical Activity Post Stroke?
Authors: Fini Natalie A. , Holland Anne E. , Bernhardt Julie , Burge Angela T.
Published: January 2022

Background. Inadequate physical activity participation is a risk factor for secondary stroke. Before implementing appropriate management strategies, we need to accurately measure the physical activity of stroke survivors. We aimed to determine the duration of physical activity monitoring post-stroke that constitutes a valid day. Methods. We sampled stroke survivors’ physical activity for one week following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation using the Sensewear Armband (Bodymedia, Pittsburgh, PA, USA). To determine the impact of total daily wear time on activity estimate (sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous physical activity) accuracy, we performed simulations, removing one, two, three, or four hours from a 14-h reference day, and analysed them with linear mixed models. Results. Sixty-nine participants (46 male, 65 ± 15 years) with 271 days of physical activity data were included. All physical activity variables were significantly underestimated for all data sets (10, 11, 12, or 13 h) compared to the 14-h reference data set. The number of days classified as not meeting physical activity recommendations increased as daily monitoring duration decreased: 13% misclassification with 10-h compared to 14-h dataset (p = 0.011). Conclusions. The accuracy of physical activity estimates increases with longer daily monitoring periods following stroke, and researchers should aim to monitor post-stroke physical activity for 14 daytime hours.
Human Augmentation Technologies for Employee Well-Being: A Research and Development Agenda
Authors: Ho Bach Q. , Otsuki Mai , Kishita Yusuke , Kobayakawa Maiko , Watanabe Kentaro
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the style of work. In adapting to the changing work environment, human augmentation technologies (HAT) can provide employees with new options to support their work. However, the agenda for research and development of HAT for the new normal is still unclear. In this study, we set two research questions: (i) what type of technology demand has emerged among employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and (ii) what is the nature of job satisfaction experienced by employees during the COVID-19 pandemic? This study aims to clarify the technology demand and job satisfaction of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from in-depth interviews with employees based on a grounded theory approach to answer the research questions and proposed an agenda for the research and development of HAT to enhance employees’ well-being in this new normal based on the crosspoint of technology demand and job satisfaction. The theoretical contribution of this study is the development of models of technology demand and job satisfaction of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The practical contribution is the development of a crosspoint framework to enable the development of HAT to support work while considering their impact on employees’ well-being.
Developing Participatory Analytics Techniques to Inform the Prioritisation of Cycling Infrastructure
Authors: Lock Oliver , Pettit Christopher
Published: January 2022

The planning of bicycle infrastructure across our cities remains a complex task involving many key stakeholders, including the community, who traditionally have had limited involvement in the planning process. This research develops an interactive bicycle prioritisation index tool which includes participatory spatial and textual citizen feedback. The research involves three components. Firstly, results of a survey of current cyclists in Sydney (n = 280), their current level of participation, priorities in investment in cycling and preferred locations for cycling infrastructure. This survey was undertaken between May and June 2020. Secondly, it documents the development of an interactive, digital bicycle planning tool which is informed through citizen feedback. Thirdly, it evaluates the approach in conversation with potential end-users, including government, planning practitioners, and advocacy group members. A clear preference for active participation mechanisms (86%) was articulated by current cyclists, as opposed to a reliance on the existing data available and passive data. The resulting tool was understood by interview participants and documented both existing utility and future work needed for practical implementation of similar systems. The research proposes the combination of multiple passive and active data traces with end-user evaluation to legitimise the citizen co-design of bicycle investment prioritisation initiatives. A case study approach was taken, focusing on the city of Sydney, Australia. The bicycle planning support system can be used by cities when engaging in cycle prioritisation initiatives, particularly with a focus on integrating citizen feedback and navigating the new and complex data landscapes introduced through recent, passively collected big data sets.
The Current State of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) from FFPE Tissues
Authors: Amatori Stefano , Fanelli Mirco
Published: January 2022

Cancer cells accumulate epigenomic aberrations that contribute to cancer initiation and progression by altering both the genomic stability and the expression of genes. The awareness of such alterations could improve our understanding of cancer dynamics and the identification of new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers to refine tumor classification and treatment. Formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE) is the gold standard to preserve both tissue integrity and organization, and, in the last decades, a huge number of biological samples have been archived all over the world following this procedure. Recently, new chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) techniques have been developed to allow the analysis of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and transcription factor (TF) distribution in FFPE tissues. The application of ChIP to genome-wide chromatin studies using real archival samples represents an unprecedented opportunity to conduct retrospective clinical studies thanks to the possibility of accessing large cohorts of samples and their associated diagnostic records. However, although recent attempts to standardize have been made, fixation and storage conditions of clinical specimens are still extremely variable and can affect the success of chromatin studies. The procedures introduced in the last few years dealt with this problem proponing successful strategies to obtain high-resolution ChIP profiles from FFPE archival samples. In this review, we compare the different FFPE-ChIP techniques, highlighting their strengths, limitations, common features, and peculiarities, as well as pitfalls and caveats related to ChIP studies in FFPE samples, in order to facilitate their application.
Gut Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids: Implications in Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Portincasa Piero , Bonfrate Leonilde , Vacca Mirco , De Angelis Maria , Farella Ilaria , Lanza Elisa , Khalil Mohamad , Wang David Q.-H. , Sperandio Markus , Di Ciaula Agostino
Published: January 2022

Gut microbiota encompasses a wide variety of commensal microorganisms consisting of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbial population coexists in symbiosis with the host, and related metabolites have profound effects on human health. In this respect, gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the regulation of metabolic, endocrine, and immune functions. Bacterial metabolites include the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate (C2), propionate (C3), and butyrate (C4), which are the most abundant SCFAs in the human body and the most abundant anions in the colon. SCFAs are made from fermentation of dietary fiber and resistant starch in the gut. They modulate several metabolic pathways and are involved in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Thus, diet might influence gut microbiota composition and activity, SCFAs production, and metabolic effects. In this narrative review, we discuss the relevant research focusing on the relationship between gut microbiota, SCFAs, and glucose metabolism.
Conductive Polymer PEDOT:PSS-Based Platform for Embryonic Stem-Cell Differentiation
Authors: Šafaříková Eva , Ehlich Jiří , Stříteský Stanislav , Vala Martin , Weiter Martin , Pacherník Jiří , Kubala Lukáš , Víteček Jan
Published: January 2022

Organic semiconductors are constantly gaining interest in regenerative medicine. Their tunable physico-chemical properties, including electrical conductivity, are very promising for the control of stem-cell differentiation. However, their use for combined material-based and electrical stimulation remains largely underexplored. Therefore, we carried out a study on whether a platform based on the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) can be beneficial to the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). The platform was prepared using the layout of a standard 24-well cell-culture plate. Polyethylene naphthalate foil served as the substrate for the preparation of interdigitated gold electrodes by physical vapor deposition. The PEDOT:PSS pattern was fabricated by precise screen printing over the gold electrodes. The PEDOT:PSS platform was able to produce higher electrical current with the pulsed-direct-current (DC) electrostimulation mode (1 Hz, 200 mV/mm, 100 ms pulse duration) compared to plain gold electrodes. There was a dominant capacitive component. In proof-of-concept experiments, mESCs were able to respond to such electrostimulation by membrane depolarization and elevation of cytosolic calcium. Further, the PEDOT:PSS platform was able to upregulate cardiomyogenesis and potentially inhibit early neurogenesis per se with minor contribution of electrostimulation. Hence, the present work highlights the large potential of PEDOT:PSS in regenerative medicine.
Functional Roles of JNK and p38 MAPK Signaling in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Pua Lesley Jia Wei , Mai Chun-Wai , Chung Felicia Fei-Lei , Khoo Alan Soo-Beng , Leong Chee-Onn , Lim Wei-Meng , Hii Ling-Wei
Published: January 2022

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members integrate signals that affect proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration in a cell context- and cell type-specific way. JNK and p38 MAPK activities are found upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Studies have shown that activation of JNK and p38 MAPK signaling can promote NPC oncogenesis by mechanisms within the cancer cells and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. They regulate multiple transcription activities and contribute to tumor-promoting processes, ranging from cell proliferation to apoptosis, inflammation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Current literature suggests that JNK and p38 MAPK activation may exert pro-tumorigenic functions in NPC, though the underlying mechanisms are not well documented and have yet to be fully explored. Here, we aim to provide a narrative review of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in human cancers with a primary focus on NPC. We also discuss the potential therapeutic agents that could be used to target JNK and p38 MAPK signaling in NPC, along with perspectives for future works. We aim to inspire future studies further delineating JNK and p38 MAPK signaling in NPC oncogenesis which might offer important insights for better strategies in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision-making in NPC patients.
Cell–Cell Mating Interactions: Overview and Potential of Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Lipke Peter N. , Rauceo Jason M. , Viljoen Albertus
Published: January 2022

It is an understatement that mating and DNA transfer are key events for living organisms. Among the traits needed to facilitate mating, cell adhesion between gametes is a universal requirement. Thus, there should be specific properties for the adhesion proteins involved in mating. Biochemical and biophysical studies have revealed structural information about mating adhesins, as well as their specificities and affinities, leading to some ideas about these specialized adhesion proteins. Recently, single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) has added important findings. In SCFS, mating cells are brought into contact in an atomic force microscope (AFM), and the adhesive forces are monitored through the course of mating. The results have shown some remarkable characteristics of mating adhesins and add knowledge about the design and evolution of mating adhesins.
Investigating the Influence of GABA Neurons on Dopamine Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area Using Optogenetic Techniques
Authors: Ohta Yasumi , Murakami Takaaki E. , Kawahara Mamiko , Haruta Makito , Takehara Hironari , Tashiro Hiroyuki , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Ohta Jun , Akay Metin , Akay Yasemin M.
Published: January 2022

Dopamine (DA) is the key regulator of reward behavior. The DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and their projection areas, which include the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and amygdala, play a primary role in the process of reward-driven behavior induced by the drugs of addiction, including nicotine and alcohol. In our previous study, we developed a novel platform consisting of micro-LED array devices to stimulate a large area of the brain of rats and monkeys with photo-stimulation and a microdialysis probe to estimate the DA release in the PFC. Our results suggested that the platform was able to detect the increased level of dopamine in the PFC in response to the photo-stimulation of both the PFC and VTA. In this study, we used this platform to photo-stimulate the VTA neurons in both ChrimsonR-expressing (non-specific) wild and dopamine transporter (DAT)-Cre (dopamine specific) mice, and measured the dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcShell). We measured the DA release in the NAcShell in response to optogenetic stimulation of the VTA neurons and investigated the effect of GABAergic neurons on dopaminergic neurons by histochemical studies. Comparing the photo-stimulation frequency of 2 Hz with that of 20 Hz, the change in DA concentration at the NAcShell was greater at 20 Hz in both cases. When ChrimsonR was expressed specifically for DA, the release of DA at the NAcShell increased in response to photo-stimulation of the VTA. In contrast, when ChrimsonR was expressed non-specifically, the amount of DA released was almost unchanged upon photo-stimulation. However, for nonspecifically expressed ChrimsonR, intraperitoneal injection of bicuculline, a competitive antagonist at the GABA-binding site of the GABAA receptor, also significantly increased the release of DA at the NAcShell in response to photo-stimulation of the VTA. The results of immunochemical staining confirm that GABAergic neurons in the VTA suppress DA activation, and also indicate that alterations in GABAergic neurons may have serious downstream effects on DA activity, NAcShell release, and neural adaptation of the VTA. This study also confirms that optogenetics technology is crucial to study the relationship between the mesolimbic dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons in a neural-specific manner.
Changes in Glial Support of the Hippocampus during the Development of an Alzheimer’s Disease-like Pathology and Their Correction by Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant SkQ1
Authors: Rudnitskaya Ekaterina A. , Burnyasheva Alena O. , Kozlova Tatiana A. , Peunov Daniil A. , Kolosova Nataliya G. , Stefanova Natalia A.
Published: January 2022

Astrocytes and microglia are the first cells to react to neurodegeneration, e.g., in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the data on changes in glial support during the most common (sporadic) type of the disease are sparse. Using senescence-accelerated OXYS rats, which simulate key characteristics of sporadic AD, and Wistar rats (parental normal strain, control), we investigated hippocampal neurogenesis and glial changes during AD-like pathology. Using immunohistochemistry, we showed that the early stage of the pathology is accompanied by a lower intensity of neurogenesis and decreased astrocyte density in the dentate gyrus. The progressive stage is concurrent with reactive astrogliosis and microglia activation, as confirmed by increased cell densities and by the acquisition of cell-specific gene expression profiles, according to transcriptome sequencing data. Besides, here, we continued to analyze the anti-AD effects of prolonged supplementation with mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1. The antioxidant did not affect neurogenesis, partly normalized the gene expression profile of astrocytes and microglia, and shifted the resting/activated microglia ratio toward a decrease in the activated-cell density. In summary, both astrocytes and microglia are more vulnerable to AD-associated neurodegeneration in the CA3 area than in other hippocampal areas; SkQ1 had an anti-inflammatory effect and is a promising modality for AD prevention and treatment.
Research Advances in the Mutual Mechanisms Regulating Response of Plant Roots to Phosphate Deficiency and Aluminum Toxicity
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Tang Li , Wang Jiayi , Zhu Huihui , Jin Jianfeng , Yang Jianli , Fan Wei
Published: January 2022

Low phosphate (Pi) availability and high aluminum (Al) toxicity constitute two major plant mineral nutritional stressors that limit plant productivity on acidic soils. Advances toward the identification of genes and signaling networks that are involved in both stresses in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa), and in other plants as well have revealed that some factors such as organic acids (OAs), cell wall properties, phytohormones, and iron (Fe) homeostasis are interconnected with each other. Moreover, OAs are involved in recruiting of many plant-growth-promoting bacteria that are able to secrete both OAs and phosphatases to increase Pi availability and decrease Al toxicity. In this review paper, we summarize these mutual mechanisms by which plants deal with both Al toxicity and P starvation, with emphasis on OA secretion regulation, plant-growth-promoting bacteria, transcription factors, transporters, hormones, and cell wall-related kinases in the context of root development and root system architecture remodeling that plays a determinant role in improving P use efficiency and Al resistance on acidic soils.
In Vivo Rapid Investigation of CRISPR-Based Base Editing Components in Escherichia coli (IRI-CCE): A Platform for Evaluating Base Editing Tools and Their Components
Authors: Shelake Rahul Mahadev , Pramanik Dibyajyoti , Kim Jae-Yean
Published: January 2022

Rapid assessment of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas)-based genome editing (GE) tools and their components is a critical aspect for successful GE applications in different organisms. In many bacteria, double-strand breaks (DSBs) generated by CRISPR/Cas tool generally cause cell death due to the lack of an efficient nonhomologous end-joining pathway and restricts its use. CRISPR-based DSB-free base editors (BEs) have been applied for precise nucleotide (nt) editing in bacteria, which does not need to make DSBs. However, optimization of newer BE tools in bacteria is challenging owing to the toxic effects of BE reagents expressed using strong promoters. Improved variants of two main BEs, cytidine base editor (CBE) and adenine base editor (ABE), capable of converting C to T and A to G, respectively, have been recently developed but yet to be tested for editing characteristics in bacteria. Here, we report a platform for in vivo rapid investigation of CRISPR-BE components in Escherichia coli (IRI-CCE) comprising a combination of promoters and terminators enabling the expression of nCas9-based BE and sgRNA to nontoxic levels, eventually leading to successful base editing. We demonstrate the use of IRI-CCE to characterize different variants of CBEs (PmCDA1, evoCDA1, APOBEC3A) and ABEs (ABE8e, ABE9e) for bacteria, exhibiting that each independent BE has its specific editing pattern for a given target site depending on protospacer length. In summary, CRISPR-BE components expressed without lethal effects on cell survival in the IRI-CCE allow an analysis of various BE tools, including cloned biopart modules and sgRNAs.