bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircRNA-Mediated Regulation of Angiogenesis: A New Chapter in Cancer Biology
Authors: Jiang Shaotao , Fu Rongdang , Shi Jiewei , Wu Huijie , Mai Jialuo , Hua Xuefeng , Chen Huan , Liu Jie , Lu Minqiang , Li Ning
Published: March 2021

Angiogenesis is necessary for carcinoma progression and is regulated by a variety of pro- and anti-angiogenesis factors. CircRNAs are RNA molecules that do not have a 5’-cap or a 3’-polyA tail and are involved in a variety of biological functions. While circRNA-mediated regulation of tumor angiogenesis has received much attention, the detailed biological regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we investigated circRNAs in tumor angiogenesis from multiple perspectives, including its upstream and downstream factors. We believe that circRNAs have natural advantages and great potential for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, which deserves further exploration.
Analysis of Gut Microbiome Using Explainable Machine Learning Predicts Risk of Diarrhea Associated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Neratinib: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wong Chi Wah , Yost Susan E. , Lee Jin Sun , Gillece John D. , Folkerts Megan , Reining Lauren , Highlander Sarah K. , Eftekhari Zahra , Mortimer Joanne , Yuan Yuan
Published: March 2021

Neratinib has great efficacy in treating HER2+ breast cancer but is associated with significant gastrointestinal toxicity. The objective of this pilot study was to understand the association of gut microbiome and neratinib-induced diarrhea. Twenty-five patients (age ≥ 60) were enrolled in a phase II trial evaluating safety and tolerability of neratinib in older adults with HER2+ breast cancer (NCT02673398). Fifty stool samples were collected from 11 patients at baseline and during treatment. 16S rRNA analysis was performed and relative abundance data were generated. Shannon’s diversity was calculated to examine gut microbiome dysbiosis. An explainable tree-based approach was utilized to classify patients who might experience neratinib-related diarrhea (grade ≥ 1) based on pre-treatment baseline microbial relative abundance data. The hold-out Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic and Area Under Precision-Recall Curves of the model were 0.88 and 0.95, respectively. Model explanations showed that patients with a larger relative abundance of Ruminiclostridium 9 and Bacteroides sp. HPS0048 may have reduced risk of neratinib-related diarrhea and was confirmed by Kruskal-Wallis test (p ≤ 0.05, uncorrected). Our machine learning model identified microbiota associated with reduced risk of neratinib-induced diarrhea and the result from this pilot study will be further verified in a larger study.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02673398.
Impact of Radiation Dose on Postoperative Complications in Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancers
Authors: Kastelowitz Noah , Marsh Megan D. , McCarter Martin , Meguid Robert A. , Bhardwaj Narine Wandrey , Mitchell John D. , Weyant Michael J. , Scott Christopher , Schefter Tracey , Stumpf Priscilla , Leong Stephen , Messersmith Wells , Lieu Christopher , Leal Alexis D. , Davis S. Lindsey , Purcell William T. , Kane Madeleine , Wani Sachin , Shah Raj , Hammad Hazem , Edmundowicz Steven , Goodman Karyn A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The impact of radiation prescription dose on postoperative complications during standard of care trimodality therapy for operable stage II-III esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers has not been established.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 82 patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancers treated between 2004 and 2016 with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by resection at a single institution. Post-operative complications within 30 days were reviewed and scored using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Results were compared between patients treated with <50 Gy and ≥ 50 Gy, as well as to published CROSS study neoadjuvant chemoradiation group data (41.4 Gy).

Results: Twenty-nine patients were treated with <50 Gy (range 39.6–46.8 Gy) and 53 patients were treated with ≥ 50 Gy (range 50.0–52.5 Gy) delivered using IMRT/VMAT (41%), 3D-CRT (46%), or tomotherapy IMRT (12%). Complication rates and CCI scores between our <50 Gy and ≥ 50 Gy groups were not significantly different. Assuming a normal distribution of the CROSS data, there was no significant difference in CCI scores between the CROSS study neoadjuvant chemoradiation, <50 Gy, or ≥ 50 Gy groups. Rates of pulmonary complications were greater in the CROSS group (50%) than our <50 Gy (38%) or ≥ 50 Gy (30%) groups.

Conclusions: In selected esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer patients, radiation doses ≥ 50 Gy do not appear to increase 30 day post-operative complication rates. These findings suggest that the use of definitive doses of radiotherapy (50–50.4 Gy) in the neoadjuvant setting may not increase post-operative complications.
CS2164 and Venetoclax Show Synergistic Antitumoral Activities in High Grade B-Cell Lymphomas With MYC and BCL2 Rearrangements
Authors: Yuan Delin , Li Genhong , Yu Lian , Jiang Yuelong , Shi Yuanfei , Chen Qiulin , Ma Xiaomei , Pham Lan V. , Young Ken H. , Deng Manman , Fang Zhihong , Xu Bing
Published: March 2021

High-grade B-cell lymphoma with concurrent MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (HGBL-DHL) is a rare, aggressive mature B-cell malignancy with a high likelihood of treatment failure following front-line immunochemotherapies. Patients with HGBL-DHL who develop a relapsed or refractory disease have little effective therapeutic strategies and show very poor clinical outcomes, thus calling for development of novel therapies for this specific patient population. In this study, we investigated the preclinical anti-lymphoma efficacies and potential mechanism of action of a novel treatment approach, combining the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax with CS2164, a new orally active multitarget inhibitor, in HGBL-DHL models. This combination therapy exhibited a robust synergistic cytotoxicity against HGBL-DHL cells, evidenced by cooperatively inducing loss of cell viability and promoting cell apoptosis. Moreover, coadministration of CS2164 and venetoclax resulted in significant superior suppression of HGBL-DHL cell growth and remarkably abrogated tumor burden in a HGBL-DHL-xenografted mouse model. The synergistic lethality of CS2164 and venetoclax in HGBL-DHL cells was associated with induction of DNA damage and impairment of DNA repair ability. Of importance, the combined treatment almost abolished the expression of both BCL2 and MYC, two hallmark proteins of HGBL-DHL, and substantially blunted the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade. In addition, MCL1 and BCL-XL, two well-characterized contributors for venetoclax resistance, were significantly lessened in the presence of CS2164 and venetoclax, thus leading to the accumulation of proapoptotic proteins BAX and PUMA and then initiating the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that the regimen of CS2164 and venetoclax is highly effective to eliminate HGBL-DHL cells in the preclinical setting, warranting further clinical investigations of this regimen for the treatment of unfavorable HGBL-DHL patients.
Meta-Analysis of Hepatic Arterial Infusion for Liver Metastases From Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Kaili , Yang Tao , Cao Yibo , Liang Wanling , Yang Xiangdong , Xiao Tianbao
Published: March 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential benefits of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in the management of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were comprehensively searched from inception to November 2020. Prospective randomized trials with HAIC vs. systemic chemotherapy (SC) were selected. The overall survival (OS), tumor response rates (RRs), progression-free survival (PFS), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed in the meta-analysis. Subsequently, the heterogeneity between studies, sensitivity, publication bias, and meta-regression analyses were performed. Finally, 18 studies, which contained 1,766 participants (922 in the HAIC group and 844 in the SC group) were included. There was a significantly higher OS rate in the HAIC as palliative treatment group (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.08–0.26; P = 0.000) and HAIC as adjuvant treatment group compared with SC group (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.38–0.87; P = 0.000). The complete and partial tumor RRs were also increased significantly in the HAIC as palliative treatment group (RR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.36–3.22; P = 0.001) and as adjuvant treatment group compared with SC group (RR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.40–3.26; P = 0.000). However, PFS did not differ significantly between the HAIC and SC groups (P > 0.05). Meta-regression analysis showed potential covariates did not influence on the association between HAIC and OS outcomes (P > 0.05). The results of the present study suggested that HAIC may be a potential therapeutic regimen that may improve the outcomes of patients with CRLM. The present meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO (no. CRD 42019145719).
The Role of Preoperative Computed Tomography Radiomics in Distinguishing Benign and Malignant Tumors of the Parotid Gland
Authors: Xu Yuyun , Shu Zhenyu , Song Ge , Liu Yijun , Pang Peipei , Wen Xuehua , Gong Xiangyang
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate an integrated prediction model based on clinicoradiological data and computed tomography (CT)-radiomics for differentiating between benign and malignant parotid gland (PG) tumors via multicentre cohorts.

Materials and Methods

A cohort of 87 PG tumor patients from hospital #1 who were diagnosed between January 2017 and January 2020 were used for prediction model training. A total of 378 radiomic features were extracted from a single tumor region of interest (ROI) of each patient on each phase of CT images. Imaging features were extracted from plain CT and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) images. After dimensionality reduction, a radiomics signature was constructed. A combination model was constructed by incorporating the rad-score and CT radiological features. An independent group of 38 patients from hospital #2 was used to validate the prediction models. The model performances were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the models. The radiomics signature model was constructed and the rad-score was calculated based on selected imaging features from plain CT and CECT images.

Results

Analysis of variance and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that location, lymph node metastases, and rad-score were independent predictors of tumor malignant status. The ROC curves showed that the accuracy of the support vector machine (SVM)-based prediction model, radiomics signature, location and lymph node status in the training set was 0.854, 0.772, 0.679, and 0.632, respectively; specificity was 0.869, 0.878, 0.734, and 0.773; and sensitivity was 0.731, 0.808, 0.723, and 0.742. In the test set, the accuracy was 0.835, 0.771, 0.653, and 0.608, respectively; the specificity was 0.741, 0.889, 0.852, and 0.812; and the sensitivity was 0.818, 0.790, 0.731, and 0.716.

Conclusions

The combination model based on the radiomics signature and CT radiological features is capable of evaluating the malignancy of PG tumors and can help clinicians guide clinical tumor management.
Laboratory Models for Investigating Breast Cancer Therapy Resistance and Metastasis
Authors: Roarty Kevin , Echeverria Gloria V.
Published: March 2021

While numerous therapies are highly efficacious in early-stage breast cancers and in particular subsets of breast cancers, therapeutic resistance and metastasis unfortunately arise in many patients. In many cases, tumors that are resistant to standard of care therapies, as well as tumors that have metastasized, are treatable but incurable with existing clinical strategies. Both therapy resistance and metastasis are multi-step processes during which tumor cells must overcome diverse environmental and selective hurdles. Mechanisms by which tumor cells achieve this are numerous and include acquisition of invasive and migratory capabilities, cell-intrinsic genetic and/or epigenetic adaptations, clonal selection, immune evasion, interactions with stromal cells, entering a state of dormancy or senescence, and maintaining self-renewal capacity. To overcome therapy resistance and metastasis in breast cancer, the ability to effectively model each of these mechanisms in the laboratory is essential. Herein we review historic and the current state-of-the-art laboratory model systems and experimental approaches used to investigate breast cancer metastasis and resistance to standard of care therapeutics. While each model system has inherent limitations, they have provided invaluable insights, many of which have translated into regimens undergoing clinical evaluation. We will discuss the limitations and advantages of a variety of model systems that have been used to investigate breast cancer metastasis and therapy resistance and outline potential strategies to improve experimental modeling to further our knowledge of these processes, which will be crucial for the continued development of effective breast cancer treatments.
Association Between MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Li Chen-Xi , Liu Yi-Guang , Che Yue-Ping , Ou Jian-Lin , Ruan Wen-Cong , Yu Yong-Lin , Li Hai-Feng
Published: March 2021

Prior studies have examined the influence of MTHFR C677T on autism susceptibility, however, there are no consensus conclusions and specific analyses of a Chinese population. This meta-analysis included a false-positive report probability (FPRP) test to comprehensively evaluate the association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with autism susceptibility among a Chinese Han population. A large-scale literature retrieval was conducted using various databases including PubMed, Embase, Wan Fang, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to July 31, 2020, with a total of 2,258 cases and 2,073 controls included. The strength of correlation was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). MTHFR C677T showed a significant correlation with increased ASD susceptibility under all genetic models (T vs. C, OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.79; TT vs. CC: OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.15; CT vs. CC, OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.51; CT + TT vs. CC: OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.15; TT vs. CT + CC, OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.13). Stratification analysis by region also revealed a consistent association in the Northern Han subgroup, but not in the Southern Han subgroup. Pooled minor allele frequency (MAF) of 30 studies were 45% in Northern Han and 39% in Southern Han. To avoid a possible “false positive report,” we further investigated the significant associations observed in the present meta-analysis using the FPRP test, which consolidated the results. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with the increased risk of autism in China, especially in Northern Han. For those mothers and children who are generally susceptible to autism, prenatal folate and vitamin B12 may reduce the risk that children suffer from autism, especially in Northern Han populations. In the future, more well-designed studies with a larger sample size are expected.
Evaluation of Phytochemicals and Bioactive Properties in Mangrove Associate Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel. of Indian Sundarbans
Authors: Roy Madhumita , Dutta Tapan K.
Published: March 2021

Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel. (Amaranthaceae), a mangrove associate and ethno-medicinal herb of Indian Sundarbans, was investigated as a promising source of bioactive compounds. Various polar and nonpolar solvent extracts of the leaf and root-shoot parts of the plant exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, allelopathic, mosquitocidal, antihaemolytic and antidiuretic potential. Moreover, to meet pharmacological requirements, the antioxidant ability of the plant was validated by both chemical and biological analyses. Extraction yield and presence of different phytochemicals like phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and saponins were compared in various solvent-extracted fractions. Principle component analysis revealed that the antioxidant property present in different extracts maintained a positive correlation with the occurrence of polyphenols (phenolics, tannins and flavonoids). Biochemical evaluation, HPLC examination and GC–MS analysis showed a differential level of the presence of various phytochemicals in different solvent extracts. In contrast to mosquitocidal, antioxidant, antihaemolytic and phytotoxic properties which were observed to be dominant in polar solvent extracts, maximum antibacterial potency was detected in nonpolar n-hexane fractions. Overall, the plant extract is nontoxic in nature and a dose amounting to 3,000 mg/kg was well tolerated by Swiss albino mice. A combination of HPLC and GC–MS analyses showed the presence of a large number of structurally diverse phytochemicals, many of which had already been reported as insecticidal, mosquitocidal, antibacterial, herbicidal, antidiuretic, antioxidant and anti-haemolytic compounds. All these findings support that the least explored traditional edible medicinal mangrove associate S.monoica is enriched with multiple bioactive molecules and may be considered as one of the richest sources of various lead molecules of pharmaceutical importance.
NOS3 Polymorphisms Can Influence the Effect of Multicomponent Training on Blood Pressure, Nitrite Concentration and Physical Fitness in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Older Adult Women
Authors: Trapé Átila Alexandre , Rodrigues Jhennyfer Aline Lima , Ferezin Letícia Perticarrara , Ferrari Gustavo Duarte , Lizzi Elisangela Aparecida da Silva , Moraes Vitor Nolasco de , Silva Roberta Fernanda da , Zago Anderson Saranz , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Bueno Júnior Carlos Roberto
Published: March 2021

Associations of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) polymorphisms with hypertension and response to exercise training in prehypertensive and hypertensive older adult women remain unclear. This study used a multicomponent program (various capacities and motor skills) in the physical training intervention. It analyzed the influence of NOS3 polymorphisms [−786T > C, 894G > T (Glu298Asp), and intron 4b/a] on the response of blood pressure (BP), nitrite concentration, and physical fitness in older adult women. Fifty-two participants aged between 50 and 80 underwent body mass index, BP, 6-min walk, elbow flexion, and sit and stand-up tests to assess physical fitness. The intervention duration was 12 weeks, twice a week, on non-consecutive days. Each session lasted 90 min, maintaining an intensity between 13 (moderate) and 15 (intense), controlled by the Subjective Effort Perception Scale. Plasma/blood samples were collected to assess nitrite concentration and genotyping. The statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact test and linear mixed-effects models. The multicomponent training’s positive effect was observed with a similar response in both prehypertensive and hypertensive groups. However, carriers of different genotypes demonstrated different responses to training: the decreases in systolic and diastolic BP and increases in nitrite expected from the physical training were smaller in variant genotype than ancestral genotype carriers, especially in the hypertensive group. At positions −786T > C and Glu298Asp, only the ancestral genotypes showed a decrease in diastolic BP (Δ% = −8.1, and Δ% = −6.5, respectively) and an increase on nitrite (Δ% = 19.1, and Δ% = 24.1, respectively) in the hypertensive group. Our results show that the benefits of a multicomponent training intervention seem to be genotype-dependent. It should be possible to consider genetic variants when selecting an exercise treatment intervention.
Remote Sensing Energy Balance Model for the Assessment of Crop Evapotranspiration and Water Status in an Almond Rootstock Collection
Authors: Bellvert Joaquim , Nieto Héctor , Pelechá Ana , Jofre-Čekalović Christian , Zazurca Lourdes , Miarnau Xavier
Published: March 2021

One of the objectives of many studies conducted by breeding programs is to characterize and select rootstocks well-adapted to drought conditions. In recent years, field high-throughput phenotyping methods have been developed to characterize plant traits and to identify the most water use efficient varieties and rootstocks. However, none of these studies have been able to quantify the behavior of crop evapotranspiration in almond rootstocks under different water regimes. In this study, remote sensing phenotyping methods were used to assess the evapotranspiration of almond cv. “Marinada” grafted onto a rootstock collection. In particular, the two-source energy balance and Shuttleworth and Wallace models were used to, respectively, estimate the actual and potential evapotranspiration of almonds grafted onto 10 rootstock under three different irrigation treatments. For this purpose, three flights were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons with an aircraft equipped with a thermal and multispectral camera. Stem water potential (Ψstem) was also measured concomitant to image acquisition. Biophysical traits of the vegetation were firstly assessed through photogrammetry techniques, spectral vegetation indices and the radiative transfer model PROSAIL. The estimates of canopy height, leaf area index and daily fraction of intercepted radiation had root mean square errors of 0.57 m, 0.24 m m–1 and 0.07%, respectively. Findings of this study showed significant differences between rootstocks in all of the evaluated parameters. Cadaman® and Garnem® had the highest canopy vigor traits, evapotranspiration, Ψstem and kernel yield. In contrast, Rootpac® 20 and Rootpac® R had the lowest values of the same parameters, suggesting that this was due to an incompatibility between plum-almond species or to a lower water absorption capability of the rooting system. Among the rootstocks with medium canopy vigor, Adesoto and IRTA 1 had a lower evapotranspiration than Rootpac® 40 and Ishtara®. Water productivity (WP) (kg kernel/mm water evapotranspired) tended to decrease with Ψstem, mainly in 2018. Cadaman® and Garnem® had the highest WP, followed by INRA GF-677, IRTA 1, IRTA 2, and Rootpac® 40. Despite the low Ψstem of Rootpac® R, the WP of this rootstock was also high.
Fungicides With Contrasting Mode of Action Differentially Affect Hyphal Healing Mechanism in Gigaspora sp. and Rhizophagus irregularis
Authors: Rodriguez-Morelos Victor Hugo , Calonne-Salmon Maryline , Bremhorst Vincent , Garcés-Ruiz Mónica , Declerck Stéphane
Published: March 2021

Fungicides are widely used in conventional agriculture to control fungal diseases, but may also affect non-target microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. These root symbionts develop extended mycelial networks within the soil via mechanisms such as anastomosis that indistinctly concerns intact and damaged hyphae, the latter being named hyphal healing mechanism (HHM). The HHM differs betweenGlomeraceaeandGigasporaceae. However, the effects of fungicides on this mechanism in unknown. Here, the impact of azoxystrobin, pencycuron, flutolanil, and fenpropimorph at 0.02 and 2 mg L–1were testedin vitroon the HHM ofGigasporasp. MUCL 52331 andRhizophagus irregularisMUCL 41833, and repair events visualized carefully under a dissecting bright-field light microscope. Azoxystrobin was the more detrimental for both AM fungi at 2 mg L–1, while fenpropimorph impacted onlyR. irregularis(stimulating at low and inhibiting at high concentration). Conversely, flutolanil and pencycuron did not impact any of the two AM fungi. The mechanisms involved remains to be elucidated, but perturbation in the still-to-be firmly demonstrated spitzenkörper or in sterols content as well as a process of hormesis are possible avenues that deserve to be explored in view of a rationale management of chemicals to control fungal pathogens without harming the beneficial AM fungi.
Expression of a Bacterial Trehalose-6-phosphate Synthase otsA Increases Oil Accumulation in Plant Seeds and Vegetative Tissues
Authors: Zhai Zhiyang , Keereetaweep Jantana , Liu Hui , Feil Regina , Lunn John E. , Shanklin John
Published: March 2021

We previously demonstrated that exogenous trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) treatment stabilized WRINKLED1 (WRI1), a master transcriptional regulator of fatty acid (FA) synthesis and increased total FA content in Brassica napus (B. napus) embryo suspension cell culture. Here, we explore Arabidopsis lines heterologously expressing the Escherichia coli T6P synthase (otsA) or T6P phosphatase (otsB) to refine our understanding regarding the role of T6P in regulating fatty acid synthesis both in seeds and vegetative tissues. Arabidopsis 35S:otsA transgenic seeds showed an increase of 13% in fatty acid content compared to those of wild type (WT), while seeds of 35:otsB transgenic seeds showed a reduction of 12% in fatty acid content compared to WT. Expression of otsB significantly reduced the level of WRI1 and expression of its target genes in developing seeds. Like Arabidopsis seeds constitutively expressing otsA, transient expression of otsA in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves resulted in strongly elevated levels of T6P. This was accompanied by an increase of 29% in de novo fatty acid synthesis rate, a 2.3-fold increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) and a 20% increase in total fatty acid content relative to empty vector (EV) controls. Taken together, these data support the heterologous expression of otsA as an approach to increasing TAG accumulation in plant seeds and vegetative tissues.
Finding Meaning Amidst COVID-19: An Existential Positive Psychology Model of Suffering
Authors: Van Tongeren Daryl R. , Showalter Van Tongeren Sara A.
Published: March 2021

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis of suffering. We conceptualize suffering as a deeply existential issue that fundamentally changes people indelible ways and for which there are no easy solutions. To better understand its effects and how people can flourish in the midst of this crisis, we formally introduce and elaborate on an Existential Positive Psychology Model of Suffering (EPPMS) and apply that to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Our model has three core propositions: (a) suffering reveals existential concerns, (b) existential anxiety impairs one's ability to find meaning, and (c) cultivating meaning is the primary way to address suffering and allay existential anxiety, eventually leading to flourishing (and potentially growth). We apply this model to the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to build meaning, and discuss clinical implications.
Enhancing Personality Assessment in the Selection Context: A Study Protocol on Alternative Measures and an Extended Bandwidth of Criteria
Authors: Schröder Valerie S. , Heimann Anna Luca , Ingold Pia V. , Kleinmann Martin
Published: March 2021

Personality traits describe dispositions influencing individuals' behavior and performance at work. However, in the context of personnel selection, the use of personality measures has continuously been questioned. To date, research in selection settings has focused uniquely on predicting task performance, missing the opportunity to exploit the potential of personality traits to predict non-task performance. Further, personality is often measured with self-report inventories, which are susceptible to self-distortion. Addressing these gaps, the planned study seeks to design new personality measures to be used in the selection context to predict a wide range of performance criteria. Specifically, we will develop a situational judgment test and a behavior description interview, both assessing Big Five personality traits and Honesty-Humility to systematically compare these new measures with traditional self-report inventories regarding their criterion-related validity to predict four performance criteria: task performance, adaptive performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behavior. Data will be collected in a simulated selection procedure. Based on power analyses, we aim for 200 employed study participants, who will allow us to contact their supervisors to gather criterion data. The results of this study will shed light on the suitability of different personality measures (i.e., situational judgment tests and behavior description interviews) to predict an expanded range of performance criteria.
Exercise and Use of Enhancement Drugs at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicultural Study on Coping Strategies During Self-Isolation and Related Risks
Authors: Dores Artemisa R. , Carvalho Irene P. , Burkauskas Julius , Simonato Pierluigi , De Luca Ilaria , Mooney Roisin , Ioannidis Konstantinos , Gómez-Martínez M. Ángeles , Demetrovics Zsolt , Ábel Krisztina Edina , Szabo Attila , Fujiwara Hironobu , Shibata Mami , Ventola Alejandra Rebeca Melero , Arroyo-Anlló Eva Maria , Santos-Labrador Ricardo M. , Griskova-Bulanova Inga , Pranckeviciene Aiste , Kobayashi Kei , Martinotti Giovanni , Fineberg Naomi A. , Barbosa Fernando , Corazza Ornella
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Little is known about the impact of restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on self-image and engagement in exercise and other coping strategies alongside the use of image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) to boost performance and appearance.

Objectives: To assess the role of anxiety about appearance and self-compassion on the practice of physical exercise and use of IPEDs during lockdown.

Methods: An international online questionnaire was carried out using the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) in addition to questions on the use of IPEDs.

Results: The sample consisted of 3,161 (65% female) adults from Italy (41.1%), Spain (15.7%), the United Kingdom (UK) (12.0%), Lithuania (11.6%), Portugal (10.5%), Japan (5.5%), and Hungary (3.5%). The mean age was 35.05 years (SD = 12.10). Overall, 4.3% of the participants were found to engage in excessive or problematic exercise with peaks registered in the UK (11.0%) and Spain (5.4%). The sample reported the use of a wide range of drugs and medicines to boost image and performance (28%) and maintained use during the lockdown, mostly in Hungary (56.6%), Japan (46.8%), and the UK (33.8%), with 6.4% who started to use a new drug. Significant appearance anxiety levels were found across the sample, with 18.1% in Italy, 16.9% in Japan, and 16.7% in Portugal. Logistic regression models revealed a strong association between physical exercise and IPED use. Anxiety about appearance also significantly increased the probability of using IPEDs. However, self-compassion did not significantly predict such behavior. Anxiety about appearance and self-compassion were non-significant predictors associated with engaging in physical exercise.

Discussion and Conclusion: This study identified risks of problematic exercising and appearance anxiety among the general population during the COVID-19 lockdown period across all the participating countries with significant gender differences. Such behaviors were positively associated with the unsupervised use of IPEDs, although no interaction between physical exercise and appearance anxiety was observed. Further considerations are needed to explore the impact of socially restrictive measures among vulnerable groups, and the implementation of more targeted responses.
An Integrated Molecular Approach to Untangling Host–Vector–Pathogen Interactions in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) From Sylvan Communities in Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Triana Luis M. , Garza-Hernández Javier A. , Ortega Morales Aldo I. , Prosser Sean W. J. , Hebert Paul D. N. , Nikolova Nadya I. , Barrero Elsa , de Luna-Santillana Erick de J. , González-Alvarez Vicente H. , Mendez-López Ramón , Chan-Chable Rahuel J. , Fooks Anthony R. , Rodríguez-Pérez Mario A.
Published: March 2021

There are ~240 species of Culicidae in Mexico, of which some are vectors of arthropod-borne viruses such as Zika virus, dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and West Nile virus. Thus, the identification of mosquito feeding preferences is paramount to understanding of vector–host–pathogen interactions that, in turn, can aid the control of disease outbreaks. Typically, DNA and RNA are extracted separately for animal (insects and blood meal hosts) and viral identification, but this study demonstrates that multiple organisms can be analyzed from a single RNA extract. For the first time, residual DNA present in standard RNA extracts was analyzed by DNA barcoding in concert with Sanger and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify both the mosquito species and the source of their meals in blood-fed females caught in seven sylvan communities in Chiapas State, Mexico. While mosquito molecular identification involved standard barcoding methods, the sensitivity of blood meal identification was maximized by employing short primers with NGS. In total, we collected 1,634 specimens belonging to 14 genera, 25 subgenera, and 61 morphospecies of mosquitoes. Of these, four species were new records for Mexico (Aedes guatemala, Ae. insolitus, Limatus asulleptus, Trichoprosopon pallidiventer), and nine were new records for Chiapas State. DNA barcode sequences for >300 bp of the COI gene were obtained from 291 specimens, whereas 130 bp sequences were recovered from another 179 specimens. High intraspecific divergence values (>2%) suggesting cryptic species complexes were observed in nine taxa:Anopheles eiseni(5.39%),An. pseudopunctipennis(2.79%),Ae. podographicus(4.05%),Culex eastor(4.88%),Cx. erraticus(2.28%),Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis(4.30%),Tr. pallidiventer(4.95%),Wyeomyia adelpha/Wy. guatemala(7.30%), andWy. pseudopecten(4.04%). The study increased the number of mosquito species known from 128 species to 138 species for Chiapas State, and 239 for Mexico as a whole. Blood meal analysis showed thatAedes angustivittatusfed on ducks and chicken, whereasPsorophora albipesfed on humans.Culex quinquefasciatusfed on diverse hosts including chicken, human, turkey, and Mexican grackle. No arbovirus RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in the surveyed specimens. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that residual DNA present in RNA blood meal extracts can be used to identify host vectors, highlighting the important role of molecular approaches in both vector identification and revealing host–vector–pathogen interactions.
American Mammals Susceptibility to Dengue According to Geographical, Environmental, and Phylogenetic Distances
Authors: Robles-Fernández Ángel L. , Santiago-Alarcon Diego , Lira-Noriega Andrés
Published: March 2021

Many human emergent and re-emergent diseases have a sylvatic cycle. Yet, little effort has been put into discovering and modeling the wild mammal reservoirs of dengue (DENV), particularly in the Americas. Here, we show a species-level susceptibility prediction to dengue of wild mammals in the Americas as a function of the three most important biodiversity dimensions (ecological, geographical, and phylogenetic spaces), using machine learning protocols. Model predictions showed that different species of bats would be highly susceptible to DENV infections, where susceptibility mostly depended on phylogenetic relationships among hosts and their environmental requirement. Mammal species predicted as highly susceptible coincide with sets of species that have been reported infected in field studies, but it also suggests other species that have not been previously considered or that have been captured in low numbers. Also, the environment (i.e., the distance between the species' optima in bioclimatic dimensions) in combination with geographic and phylogenetic distance is highly relevant in predicting susceptibility to DENV in wild mammals. Our results agree with previous modeling efforts indicating that temperature is an important factor determining DENV transmission, and provide novel insights regarding other relevant factors and the importance of considering wild reservoirs. This modeling framework will aid in the identification of potential DENV reservoirs for future surveillance efforts.
Exploring the Relationship Between Human Social Deprivation and Animal Surrender to Shelters in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Ly Lexis H. , Gordon Emilia , Protopopova Alexandra
Published: March 2021

Previous studies identify owner-related issues, such as cost and housing, as common reasons for relinquishment of companion animals to animal shelters. It is likely that the burden of surrendering for owner-related reasons falls on those who are socially vulnerable (e.g., low income, unemployed); however, very few studies have assessed social determinants as a predictor of animal relinquishment. The present study used the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD), which uses four factors of social vulnerability (Ethnocultural Composition, Economic Dependency, Residential Instability, and Situational Vulnerability) to predict risk of surrender for various reasons, of various species and breeds, and of various health statuses across British Columbia, Canada (n= 29,236). We found that CIMD factors predicted increased risk of surrender across many shelter variables. For further understanding of differences between areas in the province, the present study also analyzed the relationship between CIMD factors and animal surrender variables in two areas of interest: Metro Vancouver (n= 3,445) and Kamloops (n= 2,665), and plotted these relationships on a geospatial scale. We found that there were some similarities across areas, such as Situational Vulnerability predicting increased odds of surrendering pit bull-labeled dogs vs. all other dog breeds. There were also differences in predictors of animal surrender variables, suggesting that provision of animal services, such as veterinary care, for vulnerable groups may be specific to location. For example, whereas Ethnocultural Composition predicted increased risk of owner surrender for multiple owner-related reasons in Metro Vancouver, these same reasons for surrender were predicted by Residential Instability in Kamloops, indicating demographic differences that affect animal shelter service use. The results of this research validate the use of geospatial analysis to understand relationships between human vulnerability and animal welfare, but also highlight the need for further interventions in marginalized populations to increase retention of animals.
Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality for Inexpensive Recording Equipment
Authors: Hashmi Anas
Published: March 2021

This research studies the perceptual evaluation of speech signals using an inexpensive recording device. Different types of noise-reduction and electronic enhancement filters viz. Hamming window, high-pass filter (HPF), Wiener-filter and no-speech activity-cancelling were applied in compliance with the testing conditions such as P.835. In total, 41 volunteers participated in the study for identifying the effects of those filters following a repeatable approach. Performance was assessed in terms of advanced perceptual audio features. This study is believed to be beneficial for both users and device manufacturers as the suggested technique is relatively simple to embed in operational device algorithms or in the master GPU.
Spatial Differentiation of Agricultural Potential and the Level of Development of Voivodeships in Poland in 2008–2018
Authors: Prus Piotr , Dziekański Paweł , Bogusz Małgorzata , Szczepanek Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

Polish agriculture is characterized by regional differentiation. These differences affect the production potential, generate income, or development which is an indispensable element of economic efficiency. The aim of the article is to assess the spatial diversification of agriculture potential in relation to the development of voivodeships in Poland using a synthetic measure. Choice of variables in 2009–2018 was conditioned by the availability of data collected in the city system at the Central Statistical Office. Method of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution was used to build synthetic measures. The synthetic measure of agricultural potential in voivodships in Poland was negatively correlated with the measure of the natural environment, the measure of infrastructure, the number of unemployed and the area of forest land. It was correlated with the area of arable land, number of tractors, cattle population, pigs and the production of milk, basic crops, sugar beet. The measure of the voivodeship development is negatively correlated with the synthetic measure of agricultural potential, area of arable land, arable land and number of people employed in agriculture. Conclusions drawn may allow local governments to define potential directions of optimization of socio-economic development of rural communes.
Climate Change Effects on Temperate Grassland and Its Implication for Forage Production: A Case Study from Northern Germany
Authors: Emadodin Iraj , Corral Daniel Ernesto Flores , Reinsch Thorsten , Kluß Christof , Taube Friedhelm
Published: March 2021

The effects of climate change on agricultural ecosystems are increasing, and droughts affect many regions. Drought has substantial ecological, social, and economic consequences for the sustainability of agricultural land. Many regions of the northern hemisphere have not experienced a high frequency of meteorological droughts in the past. For understanding the implications of climate change on grassland, analysis of the long-term climate data provides key information relevant for improved grassland management strategies. Using weather data and grassland production data from a long-term permanent grassland site, our aims were (i) to detect the most important drought periods that affected the region and (ii) to assess whether climate changes and variability significantly affected forage production in the last decade. For this purpose, long-term daily weather data (1961–2019) and the standardized precipitation index (SPI), De Martonne index (IDM), water deficit (WD), dryness index (DI), yield anomaly index (YAI), and annual yield loss index (YL) were used to provide a scientific estimation. The results show that, despite a positive trend in DI and a negative trend in WD and precipitation, the time-series trends of precipitation, WD, and DI indices for 1961–2019 were not significant. Extreme dry conditions were also identified with SPI values less than −2. The measured annual forage yield (2007–2018) harvested in a four-cut silage system (with and without organic N-fertilization) showed a strong correlation with WD (R = 0.64; p ˂ 0. 05). The main yield losses were indicated for the years 2008 and 2018. The results of this study could provide a perspective for drought monitoring, as well as drought warning, in grassland in northwest Europe.
Genotype Heterogeneity in Accessions of a Winter Barley Core Collection Assessed on Postulated Specific Powdery Mildew Resistance Genes
Authors: Dreiseitl Antonín
Published: March 2021

Gene bank accessions are necessary for implementing many research and breeding projects. However, a great number of accessions are contaminated or confused. If such accessions are used, the results obtained from these projects are inaccurate and non-reproducible. There are methods that allow almost perfect genotype identification; nevertheless, they are relatively recent and results cannot be compared with the characteristics of the original accessions. Growing resistant cultivars is an environmentally safe and cheap way of disease management and knowledge of diverse resistance genes and their combinations can be used to identify varieties and verify their authenticity and homogeneity. For this purpose, all 172 accessions of the core collection (CC) of the Czech winter barley (Hordeum vulgare) gene bank, originating from 35 countries, were studied. For resistance tests, 51 reference isolates of Blumeria graminis f. sp. Hordei, collected in all nonpolar continents over a period of 63 years and representing the global virulence/avirulence diversity of the pathogen, were used. Only 25 barley accessions were homogeneous (genetically uniform), whereas 147 accessions were heterogeneous due to presence of different genotypes. In total, 17 resistance genes were found singly or in combinations; 76.3% of accessions with identified resistance genes carried alleles at the Mla locus. To purify the CC, progenies of individual plants must be multiplied and authenticity and homogeneity of the seed should be confirmed with resistance tests, and subsequently can be studied with more advanced methods.
Modeling the Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Multiple Weed Interference on Soybean Yield
Authors: Song Jong-Seok , Im Ji-Hoon , Kim Jin-Won , Kim Dong-Gil , Lim Yeonhwa , Yook Min-Jung , Lim Soo-Hyun , Kim Do-Soon
Published: March 2021

Understanding the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on soybean-weed competition is essential for establishing a practical tool for N application and weed management. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a soybean field located in Bogatyrka (43.82° N, 131.6° E), Primorsky krai, Russia, to investigate the effects of N fertilizer and multiple-weed interference on soybean (Glycine max) yield and to model these effects. Soybean yield loss caused by the interference of multiple weeds including common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and American slough grass (Beckmannia syzigachne) at different levels of N fertilizer was accurately described by a combined model incorporating inverse quadratic and exponential models into the rectangular hyperbolic model for two parameters Y0 and β, respectively. The combined model used in our study indicated that the application of N up to 36 kg N ha−1 can increase weed-free soybean yield by 2.2 Mg ha−1 but soybean yield under multiple-weed interference can sharply decrease with increasing total density equivalent, particularly at 36 kg N ha−1. These results, including the combined model, thus can support decision making for weed management under different N uses in soybean cultivation.
Traditional Sweet Chestnut and Hybrid Varieties: Chemical Composition, Morphometric and Qualitative Nut Characteristics
Authors: Poljak Igor , Vahčić Nada , Vidaković Antonio , Tumpa Katarina , Žarković Ivan , Idžojtić Marilena
Published: March 2021

The chemical composition, morphometric and qualitative nut characteristics were studied in four traditional sweet chestnut and hybrid varieties produced on private estates in the Lovran surroundings, on the eastern slopes of Mount Učka, under the specific conditions of the sub-Mediterranean climate. Seven morphological characteristics were measured, and 12 nut and kernel qualitative characteristics were estimated using standardized descriptors. In addition, the samples were analyzed for proximate constituents (moisture, crude fat, crude protein, ash and total carbohydrates) and macro- and micro-nutrients (K, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu). Significant differences between traditional sweet chestnut and hybrid varieties were found in almost all of the studied morphometric and chemical nut characteristics. In general, chestnuts of hybrid varieties were characterized by larger fruits with higher moisture, crude protein, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and copper contents than in traditional sweet chestnut varieties. On the other hand, nuts of traditional sweet chestnut varieties were richer in total carbohydrates and crude fat. In addition, the presence of raised stripes, a small hilar scar and transversally ellipsoid nut shape were found to be typical for the traditional sweet chestnut varieties. Overall, our results suggest that the traditional varieties of the sweet chestnut can be easily differentiated from the new modern hybrid varieties by both morphological and chemical characteristics of the nut, and because of these differences, these two groups of chestnut varieties can have different practical uses.