bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Pasteurization on Quality of Milk during Storage
Authors: Yu Tongtong , Zhang Xiaojun , Feng Ruoyi , Wang Caiyun , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Yongtao
Published: September 2022

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 600 MPa/15 min), pasteurization (72 °C/15 s) and pasteurization-HHP (72 °C/15 s + 600 MPa/15 min) processing of milk were comparatively evaluated by examining their effects on microorganisms and quality during 30 days of storage at 4 °C. The counts of total aerobic bacteria in HHP-treated milk were less than 2.22 lgCFU/mL during storage, while they exceeded 5.00 lgCFU/mL in other treated milk. Although HHP changed the color, it had more advantages in maintaining the nutrient (fat, calcium and β-lactoglobulin) properties of milk during storage. Moreover, the viscosity and particle size of HHP-treated milk were more similar to the untreated milk during storage. However, consumer habits towards heat-treated milk have led to poor acceptance of HHP-treated milk, resulting in a low sensory score. In sum, compared with pasteurization- and pasteurization-HHP-treated milk, HHP-treated milk showed longer shelf life and better nutritional quality, but lower sensory acceptance.
Discriminant and Root Trajectories of Characteristic Equation of Fractional Vibration Equation and Their Effects on Solution Components
Authors: Duan Jun-Sheng , Zhang Yun-Yun
Published: September 2022

The impulsive response of the fractional vibration equation z′′(t)+bDtαz(t)+cz(t)=F(t), b>0,c>0,0≤α≤2, is investigated by using the complex path-integral formula of the inverse Laplace transform. Similar to the integer-order case, the roots of the characteristic equation s2+bsα+c=0 must be considered. It is proved that for any b>0, c>0 and α∈(0,1)∪(1,2), the characteristic equation always has a pair of conjugated simple complex roots with a negative real part on the principal Riemann surface. Particular attention is paid to the problem as to how the couple conjugated complex roots approach the two roots of the integer case α=1, especially to the two different real roots in the case of b2−4c>0. On the upper-half complex plane, the root s(α) is investigated as a function of order α and with parameters b and c, and so are the argument θ(α), modulus r(α), real part λ(α) and imaginary part ω(α) of the root s(α). For the three cases of the discriminant b2−4c: >0, =0 and <0, variations of the argument and modulus of the roots according to α are clarified, and the trajectories of the roots are simulated. For the case of b2−4c<0, the trajectories of the roots are further clarified according to the change rates of the argument, real part and imaginary part of root s(α) at α=1. The solution components, i.e., the residue contribution and the Hankel integral contribution to the impulsive response, are distinguished for the three cases of the discriminant.
On Study of Modified Caputo–Fabrizio Omicron Type COVID-19 Fractional Model
Authors: Albalawi Kholoud Saad , Alazman Ibtehal
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we analyze the novel type of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron virus under a new operator of fractional order modified by Caputo–Fabrizio. The whole compartment is chosen in the sense of the said operator. For simplicity, the model is distributed into six agents along with the inclusion of the Omicron virus infection agent. The proposed fractional order model is checked for fixed points with the help of fixed point theory. The series solution is carried out by the technique of the Laplace Adomian decomposition technique. The compartments of the proposed problem are simulated for graphical presentation in view of the said technique. The numerical simulation results are established at different fractional orders along with the comparison of integer orders. This consideration will also show the behavior of the Omicron dynamics in human life and will be essential for its control and future prediction at various time durations. The sensitivity of different parameters is also checked graphically.
Call Auctions with Contingent Orders
Authors: Hafalir Isa E. , Imisiker Serkan
Published: September 2022

We introduce a new mechanism for call auctions which are widely used in stock exchanges. Our unique design incorporates contingent claims (buy stock A, if selling stock B) into the price discovery process. With our proposed mechanism, we show that higher liquidity during the call auctions is achieved, as well as lower volatility after the call auctions. Moreover, we show that current call auctions and the proposed mechanism have similar incentive properties. Hence, we argue that the proposed mechanism would be an improvement over the existing opening auction rules at stock exchanges.
Three-Dimensional Dosimetry by Optical-CT and Radiochromic Gel Dosimeter of a Multiple Isocenter Craniospinal Radiation Therapy Procedure
Authors: da Silveira Matheus Antonio , Pavoni Juliana Fernandes , Bruno Alexandre Colello , Arruda Gustavo Viani , Baffa Oswaldo
Published: September 2022

Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is a complex radiation technique employed to treat patients with primitive neuroectodermal tumors such as medulloblastoma or germinative brain tumors with the risk of leptomeningeal spread. In adults, this technique poses a technically challenging planning process because of the complex shape and length of the target volume. Thus, it requires multiple fields and different isocenters to guarantee the primary-tumor dose delivery. Recently, some authors have proposed the use IMRT technique for this planning with the possibility of overlapping adjacent fields. The high-dose delivery complexity demands three-dimensional dosimetry (3DD) to verify this irradiation procedure and motivated this study. We used an optical CT and a radiochromic Fricke-xylenol-orange gel with the addition of formaldehyde (FXO-f) to evaluate the doses delivered at the field junction region of this treatment. We found 96.91% as the mean passing rate using the gamma analysis with 3%/2 mm criteria at the junction region. However, the concentration of fail points in a determined region called attention to this evaluation, indicating the advantages of employing a 3DD technique in complex dose-distribution verifications.
Labor Mobility, Gender Order and Family: Illustrated by the Example of the Karakachans in Bulgaria
Authors: Dimitrov Nacho
Published: September 2022

The political changes in Bulgaria of November 1989 related to the fall of the totalitarian regime and the democratization of the country were accompanied by a severe economic crisis, a high level of unemployment and the rise of strong social inequality, which led to intensive migratory processes. The opening of the borders was followed by various forms of cross-border and transnational mobility affecting a significant part of the Bulgarian population. Since the very beginning of the 1990s, the Karakachans, due to the protectionist Greek policy with regards to them, as opposed to that regarding other Bulgarian citizens, acquired easy access to Greece visas. This enabled labor mobility which in only a few years spread across a significant number of the members of this community. For most of them, labor mobility turned out to be more than just a supplementary opportunity; it became a main strategy for realization in life. A direct result of the Karakachani’s labor mobility is periodic family separation for a certain time, which causes particular transformations in their social structures, and hence in the family life of labor migrants. It is this relationship between labor mobility and their life as lived, and its direct consequences on the family, that is the focus of the present study.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification of CCCH-Type Zinc Finger Proteins Family in Pinus massoniana and RR-TZF Proteins in Stress Response
Authors: Wang Dengbao , Yao Sheng , Agassin Romaric Hippolyte , Zhang Mengyang , Lou Xuan , Huang Zichen , Zhang Jinfeng , Ji Kongshu
Published: September 2022

CCCH-type zinc finger proteins play an important role in multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. More and more reports about CCCH functions in plant development and stress responses have appeared over the past few years, focusing especially on tandem CCCH zinc finger proteins (TZFs). However, this has not been reported in Pinaceae. In this study, we identified 46 CCCH proteins, including 6 plant TZF members in Pinus massoniana, and performed bioinformatic analysis. According to RT-PCR analysis, we revealed the expression patterns of five RR-TZF genes under different abiotic stresses and hormone treatments. Meanwhile, tissue-specific expression analysis suggested that all genes were mainly expressed in needles. Additionally, RR-TZF genes showed transcriptional activation activity in yeast. The results in this study will be beneficial in improving the stress resistance of P. massoniana and facilitating further studies on the biological and molecular functions of CCCH zinc finger proteins.
Model Comparison of Heritability Enrichment Analysis in Livestock Population
Authors: Cai Xiaodian , Teng Jinyan , Ren Duanyang , Zhang Hao , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Zhe
Published: September 2022

Heritability enrichment analysis is an important means of exploring the genetic architecture of complex traits in human genetics. Heritability enrichment is typically defined as the proportion of an SNP subset explained heritability, divided by the proportion of SNPs. Heritability enrichment enables better study of underlying complex traits, such as functional variant/gene subsets, biological networks and metabolic pathways detected through integrating explosively increased omics data. This would be beneficial for genomic prediction of disease risk in humans and genetic values estimation of important economical traits in livestock and plant species. However, in livestock, factors affecting the heritability enrichment estimation of complex traits have not been examined. Previous studies on humans reported that the frequencies, effect sizes, and levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) of underlying causal variants (CVs) would affect the heritability enrichment estimation. Therefore, the distribution of heritability across the genome should be fully considered to obtain the unbiased estimation of heritability enrichment. To explore the performance of different heritability enrichment models in livestock populations, we used the VanRaden, GCTA and α models, assuming different α values, and the LDAK model, considering LD weight. We simulated three types of phenotypes, with CVs from various minor allele frequency (MAF) ranges: genome-wide (0.005 ≤ MAF ≤ 0.5), common (0.05 ≤ MAF ≤ 0.5), and uncommon (0.01 ≤ MAF < 0.05). The performances of the models with two different subsets (one of which contained known CVs and the other consisting of randomly selected markers) were compared to verify the accuracy of heritability enrichment estimation of functional variant sets. Our results showed that models with known CV subsets provided more robust enrichment estimation. Models with different α values tended to provide stable and accurate estimates for common and genome-wide CVs (relative deviation 0.5–2.2%), while tending to underestimate the enrichment of uncommon CVs. As the α value increased, enrichments from 15.73% higher than true value (i.e., 3.00) to 48.93% lower than true value for uncommon CVs were observed. In addition, the long-range LD windows (e.g., 5000 kb) led to large bias of the enrichment estimations for both common and uncommon CVs. Overall, heritability enrichment estimations were sensitive for the α value assumption and LD weight consideration of different models. Accuracy would be greatly improved by using a suitable model. This study would be helpful in understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits and provides a reference for genetic analysis in the livestock population.
Evolution of the Po–Alpine River System during the Last 45 Ky Inferred from Stratigraphic and Compositional Evidence (Ostiglia, Northern Italy)
Authors: Demurtas Luca , Bruno Luigi , Lugli Stefano , Fontana Daniela
Published: September 2022

The stratigraphic and compositional study of three sediment cores recovered close to the Po River near Ostiglia provides clues on changes in fluvial dynamics at the transition from the last glacial to the present interglacial. Upper Pleistocene units are dominated by sands with high content in volcanic lithics, denoting high sediment supply from the south-Alpine fluvio-glacial tributary system. The Early–Mid Holocene unit, peat-rich and barren in fluvial sands, results from low sediment supply and waterlogging, encompassing the maximum marine ingression. The Late Holocene unit, characterized by fluvial-channel sands with lower content in volcanics and relatively abundant metamorphic lithics, records the Po River sedimentation since the Late Bronze Age. Late Holocene sands show a lower content in siliciclastic lithic fragments (supplied mainly by Apennine tributaries) compared to modern Po River sands. This distinctive composition could reflect the diversion of Apennine sediments into a southern Po River branch during the Late Bronze Age and into an Apennine collector flowing south of Ostiglia during Roman times and the Middle Ages. The integrated stratigraphic-compositional methods used in this study permitted to reconstruct the major climate-related changes in sediment dispersal and may be potentially applied to other alluvial and coastal settings.
Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid Levels in Defense Response of Azalea (Rhododendron simsii Hybrid) to Broad Mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus)
Authors: Leus Leen , Luypaert Gil , Dhooghe Emmy , Witters Johan , Pauwels Els , Van Poucke Christof , Van Pamel Els , Van Huylenbroeck Johan , Audenaert Joachim
Published: September 2022

The broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks)) is an important pest in many crops, including azalea (Rhododendron simsii Planch. hybrid). Broad mites cause the malformation of shoot tips, leaves and flowers in azalea. It is known that the jasmonic acid (JA)- and salicylic acid (SA)-dependent signaling pathways are related to the presence of herbivorous mites. Here, we describe the levels of the two main plant defense-related hormones, SA and JA, in mite-infested plants. The plant hormones were analyzed using liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We studied both short-term hormonal responses under controlled conditions with artificial inoculation, and long-term responses under culture conditions with natural infestation. The long-term development of broad mite populations and hormone response were studied during two subsequent growing seasons on 3 and 18 different cultivars, respectively. During the experiments on 18 azalea cultivars under natural infestation, the presence of different species of tarsonemid mites was also examined. JA concentrations only showed variation in the early phase of infestation. Subsequently, the SA levels increased significantly for all the cultivars where broad mites were detected. Based on the observed timing of the defense responses, we suggest that the interaction of the JA and SA pathways as a defense response for pot azalea against P. latus involves a primary plant response through the JA pathway. In the presence of the mites, the production of SA increased in the plants in a later phase as the P. latus population grew. Our results also show that the hormone response depends on type of mite. Changes in hormone levels were found upon infestation with P. latus, but not in the presence of another frequently occurring tarsonemid mite, Tarsonemus confusus Ewing.
Factors Influencing Visual Improvement after Phacoemulsification Surgery among Malaysian Cataract Patients
Authors: Sa’at Nadiah , Ghazali Anis Kausar , Yaacob Najib Majdi , Salowi Mohamad Aziz
Published: September 2022

Blindness and visual impairment are part of the global burden of eye disease, with cataract being one of the leading causes of blindness. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting visual acuity (VA) improvement among cataract patients after phacoemulsification surgery in Malaysia. Cataract patients aged over 18 who underwent phacoemulsification surgery between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients’ sociodemographic, comorbidities, surgical, and related complication factors were extracted from the National Eye Database. The outcome was measured by the difference in visual acuity before and after the operation and was categorized as “improved”, “no change”, and “worse”. A total of 180,776 patients were included in the final analysis. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed “no changes in VA” was significantly higher in patients aged less than 40 years old (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.26), patients with ocular comorbidities (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.53, 1.77), patients who had undergone surgery lasting more than 60 min (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.69), patients who had surgery without an intraocular lens (IOL) (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.26), and patients with postoperative complications (OR: 8.76; 95% CI: 8.13, 9.45). Worsening VA was significantly higher among male patients (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.22), patients who had ocular comorbidities (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.59, 1.96), patients who had undergone surgery lasting more than 60 min (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.57, 2.41), patients who had surgery without an IOL (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.48, 2.80), and patients with postoperative complications (OR: 21.46; 95% CI: 19.35, 23.80). The factors impacting “no changes” in and “worsening” of VA after cataract surgery were the following: older age, male gender, ethnicity, ocular comorbidities, surgeon grade, absence of IOL, intraoperative complication, and postoperative problems.
Validating the Five-Item World Health Organization Well-Being Index
Authors: Nylén-Eriksen Mats , Bjørnnes Ann Kristin , Hafstad Hege , Lie Irene , Grov Ellen Karine , Lara-Cabrera Mariela Loreto
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Research on the psychological well-being of caregivers of children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suggests that the well-being of parents and caregivers has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the psychological well-being of caregivers is a major concern, few validated well-being measures exist for caregivers of children diagnosed with ADHD. Therefore, a valid self-report scale is needed to assess well-being during the pandemic. The brief Five-Item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) has previously been used in studies on caregivers. However, its validity in this population remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the WHO-5 with caregivers of children with ADHD. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted in Norway. The study recruited caregivers from a community sample during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was carried out to investigate the construct validity by exploring the relationship between well-being, quality of life, social support, self-reported psychological distress, and perceived stress. Results: The findings of unidimensionality and high internal consistency, together with the results from the hypothesis testing, demonstrate the reliability and construct validity of the Norwegian version of the WHO-5 in this population. Conclusions: This study provides the first empirical evidence of the validity and reliability of the WHO-5 from a sample of Norwegian caregivers of children diagnosed with ADHD, with excellent reliability and construct validity. The scale can be used to systematize the measurement of well-being in caregivers because of its brevity and good psychometric properties, making it a valuable resource in research settings and assisting healthcare professionals in their crucial work of caring for caregivers.
Forecasting and Planning Method for Taxi Travel Combining Carbon Emission and Revenue Factors—A Case Study in China
Authors: Yan Lixin , Sheng Bowen , He Yi , Lu Shan , Guo Junhua
Published: September 2022

The efficiency and emission levels of taxi operations are influenced by taxi drivers’ empirical judgments of hotspot travel areas. In this study, we exploited vehicle specific power (VSP) approaches and taxi trajectory data in a 1000 × 1000 m grid to calculate emission and revenue efficiency-related indicators and explored their spatial and temporal characteristics. Then, the entropy weight TOPSIS method was employed to identify the grids with the top comprehensive ranking of the indicators in the period to replace the driver experience. Finally, the k-means clustering method was utilized to identify the recommended road segments in the hotspot grid. The data from Nanchang City in China showed the following. (1) The study area was divided into 7553 grids, and the main travel and emission areas were located in the West Lake, Qingyunpu and Qingshan Lake districts (less than 200 grids). However, revenue efficiency-related indicators in this region are at a moderately low level. For example, the order revenue was about 0.9–1.2 RMB/min, and the average was 1.3–1.5 RMB/min. Areas with high trip demand had low revenue efficiency. (2) Five indicators related to emissions and revenue efficiency were selected. Of these, grid boarding points (G-bp) maintained the highest weight, reaching a maximum of 0.48 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The ranking of secondary indicators was time varying. Hotspot grids and road segments were identified within each period. For example, from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., (66,65), (68,65) were identified as hotspot grids. People’s Park North Gate near the road was identified as the recommended section from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. This study can provide recommended grids and sections for idle cruising taxis.
Prevalence and Correlates of Likely Major Depressive Disorder among Medical Students in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Dhanoa Sumeet , Oluwasina Folajinmi , Shalaby Reham , Kim Esther , Agyapong Belinda , Hrabok Marianne , Eboreime Ejemai , Kravtsenyuk Maryana , Yang Alicia , Nwachukwu Izu , Moreau Chantal , Abba-Aji Adam , Li Daniel , Agyapong Vincent I. O.
Published: September 2022

Background: Medical students are exposed to multiple factors during their academic and clinical studies that contribute to depression. Aims: This study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of likely major depressive disorder (MDD) among medical students. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected through a self-administered online survey, which included questions on sociodemographic characteristics and likely MDD using the PHQ-9. Data were analyzed using a descriptive, Chi-square test and logistic regression model. Results: There were 246 medical students who participated in the survey. The majority were females, 155 (65.1%); Caucasian, 158 (66.4%); and in a relationship, 168 (70.5%). The prevalence of likely MDD was 29.1%. Respondents who did not feel supported and respondents who were neutral about their social support, friends, and family, were 11 and 4 times more likely to experience MDD than those who felt well supported (OR = 11.14; 95% CI: 1.14–108.80) and (OR = 4.65; 95% CI: 1.10–19.56), respectively. Conclusions: This study suggests a high prevalence of likely MDD among medical students who do not feel they have sufficient social support from friends and family. Social adjustments, including talking to friends and family and participating in leisure activities, could reduce the level of depression among medical students.
Youth Positive Mental Health Concepts and Definitions: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis
Authors: Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Subramaniam Mythily , Seow Esmond , Chang Sherilyn , Sambasivam Rajeswari , Luo Nan , Verma Swapna , Chong Siow Ann , van Dam Rob M.
Published: September 2022

Background: Research on youth positive mental health (PMH) lacks comprehensiveness. We reviewed literature to (i) identify and understand concepts related to youth PMH and (ii) to summarize their definitions under broad conceptual themes. Method: We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA methodology. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO database (ID:CRD42020203712). Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, and OpenGrey databases were searched for publications that examined, assessed, explained, or defined PMH concepts in youth populations. Methods included searching, independent screening and review using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, extraction, coding, and iterative thematic syntheses of literature. Results: Of 3427 unique records identified, 105 articles from 26 countries met review criteria. Qualitative analysis resulted in 22 broad themes of youth PMH. These included interpersonal relationships (interpersonal competence, school connectedness, etc.), positive emotions (feel and create pleasant emotions, gratitude, etc.), self-efficacy (strengths, human agency, etc.), life satisfaction (global assessment of one’s life), and personal growth (goal achievement, life aspirations, etc.). Five novel concepts related to youth PMH were identified. Conclusions: Our review summarized and operationalized multiple concepts of youth PMH for applications in research, evaluation, and public health improvement.
Efficacy of HEPA Air Cleaner on Improving Indoor Particulate Matter 2.5 Concentration
Authors: Chen Chiu-Fan , Hsu Chun-Hsiang , Chang Yu-Jung , Lee Chao-Hsien , Lee David Lin
Published: September 2022

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters is a potential tool used to remove fine particles and improve indoor air quality. This study aims to analyze the real-world efficacy of portable HEPA air cleaners in a household environment. Laser light dispersion PM2.5 sensors are used to continuously monitor the indoor and outdoor PM2.5 level before and after HEPA air cleaner filtration. Overall, HEPA air cleaners significantly reduce the indoor PM2.5 level (33.5 ± 10.3 vs. 17.2 ± 10.7 µg/m3, mean difference (MD) = −16.3 µg/m3, p < 0.001) and indoor/outdoor PM2.5% (76.3 ± 16.8 vs. 38.6 ± 19.8%, MD = −37.7%, p < 0.001). The efficacy to reduce PM2.5 is strongest in three machines with medium-flow setting group (indoor PM2.5 MD: −26.5 µg/m3, indoor/outdoor PM2.5 percentage MD: −56.4%). Multiple linear regression demonstrates that outdoor PM2.5, machine number, airflow speed, and window ventilation are significant factors associated with indoor PM2.5 concentrations (R = 0.879) and percentage of the indoor/outdoor PM2.5 ratio (R = 0.808). HEPA air cleaners can effectively improve indoor PM2.5 air pollution. Adequate air cleaner machine numbers, appropriate airflow, and window ventilation limitations are important to achieve the best efficacy of the HEPA air cleaner.
Telemedicine Technologies Selection for the Posthospital Patient Care Process after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kamecka Karolina , Foti Calogero , Gawiński Łukasz , Matejun Marek , Rybarczyk-Szwajkowska Anna , Kiljański Marek , Krochmalski Marek , Kozłowski Remigiusz , Marczak Michał
Published: September 2022

For many years, the importance of using telematic technologies in medicine has been growing, especially in the period of the coronavirus pandemic, when direct contact and supervision of medical personnel over the patient is difficult. The existing possibilities of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are not fully used. The aim of the study is to identify the telemedicine technologies that can be used in future implementation projects of the posthospital patient care process after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The literature search is reported according to PRISMA 2020. The search strategy included databases and gray literature. In total, 28 articles (EMBASE, PubMed, PEDro) and 24 records from gray literature (Google Search and Technology presentations) were included in the research. This multi-source study analyzes the possibilities of using different technologies useful in the patient care process. The conducted research resulted in defining visual and wearable types of telemedicine technologies for the original posthospital patient care process after THA. As the needs of stakeholders in the posthospital patient care process after THA differ, the awareness of appropriate technologies selection, information flow, and its management importance are prerequisites for effective posthospital patient care with the use of telemedicine technologies.
Two-Dose Vaccination Significantly Prolongs the Duration from Symptom Onset to Death: A Retrospective Study Based on 173,894 SARS-CoV-2 Cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Song Qianqian , Asghar Naseem , Ullah Ata , Liang Baosheng , Long Mengping , Hu Taobo , Zhou Xiaohua
Published: September 2022

This research was carried out to quantify the duration from symptom onset to recovery/death (SOR/SOD) during the first four waves and the Alpha/Delta period of the epidemic in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and identify the associated factors. A total of 173,894 COVID-19 cases were admitted between 16 March 2020 and 30 November 2021, including 458 intensive care unit (ICU) cases. The results showed that the case fatality rate (CFR) increased with age, and females had a higher CFR. The median SOR of ICU cases was longer than that of non-ICU cases (27.6 vs. 17.0 days), while the median SOD was much shorter (6.9 vs. 8.4 days). The SOR and SOD in the Delta period were slightly shortened than the Alpha period. Age, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disease, diabetes, fever, breathing issues, and ICU admission were risk factors that were significantly associated with SOD (p < 0.001). A control measure, in-home quarantine, was found to be significantly associated with longer SOD (odds ratio = 9.49, p < 0.001). Infected vaccinated individuals had longer SOD than unvaccinated individuals, especially for cases that had received two vaccine doses (p < 0.001). Finally, an advice on getting full-dose vaccination is given specifically to individuals aged 20–59 years.
Perception and Attitude toward Teleconsultations among Different Healthcare Professionals in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Grata-Borkowska Urszula , Sobieski Mateusz , Drobnik Jarosław , Fabich Ewa , Bujnowska-Fedak Maria Magdalena
Published: September 2022

Teleconsultation has become one of the most important and sometimes the only possible forms of communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The perceptions and attitudes of HCPs to teleconsultations may affect the quality of the therapeutic process provided using them. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the attitudes to and perceptions of medical teleconsultation among various HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from a dedicated questionnaire on preferences, attitudes, and opinions about teleconsultation, which was filled by 780 Polish HCPs. Most of the HCPs were doctors and nurses (69% and 19%, respectively); most of the doctors were family physicians (50.1%). During the pandemic, teleconsultation and face-to-face contact were reported as the preferred methods of providing medical services with similar frequency. Doctors and nurses displayed the most positive attitude toward teleconsultation while the paramedics and physiotherapists took the least positive view of it. The most frequently indicated ratio of the optimal number of teleconsultations to in-person visits in primary health facilities care was 20%:80%. Most HCPs appreciate the value of teleconsultation, and more than half of them are willing to continue this form of communication with the patient when necessary or desirable.
Exploring the Applicability of Self-Organizing Maps for Ecosystem Service Zoning of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Yan Yingwei , Deng Yingbin , Yang Ji , Li Yong , Ye Xinyue , Xu Jianhui , Ye Yuyao
Published: September 2022

Sustainability is one of the major challenges in the 21st century for humanity. Spatial zoning of ecosystem services is proposed in this study as a solution to meet the demands for the sustainable use of ecosystem services. This study presented a workflow and performed an exploratory analysis using self-organizing maps (SOM) for visualizing the spatial patterns of the ecosystem service value (ESV) of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The zoning was performed based on 11 types of ecosystem services, resulting in 11 ecosystem service zones. Each of the zones derived has its unique characteristics in terms of the dominating ecosystem service types, ESV, land use/land cover patterns, and associated human activity levels. It is recommended that reasonable and effective utilization of the ecosystem services in the GBA should be based on its zonal characteristics rather than haphazard exploitations, which can contribute to the sustainable economy and environment of the region. The applicability of SOM for the GBA ecosystem service zoning has been demonstrated in this study. However, it should be stressed that the method and workflow presented in this study should mainly be used for supporting decision-making rather than used for deriving gold-standard zoning maps.
Metabolic Adaptation as Potential Target in Papillary Renal Cell Carcinomas Based on Their In Situ Metabolic Characteristics
Authors: Krencz Ildikó , Vetlényi Enikő , Dankó Titanilla , Petővári Gábor , Moldvai Dorottya , Sztankovics Dániel , Raffay Regina , Mészáros Katalin , Sebestyén Endre , Végső Gyula , Pápay Judit , Sebestyén Anna
Published: September 2022

Metabolic characteristics of kidney cancers have mainly been obtained from the most frequent clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) studies. Moreover, the bioenergetic perturbances that affect metabolic adaptation possibilities of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) have not yet been detailed. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze the in situ metabolic features of PRCC vs. CCRCC tissues and compared the metabolic characteristics of PRCC, CCRCC, and normal tubular epithelial cell lines. The protein and mRNA expressions of the molecular elements in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and additional metabolic pathways were analyzed in human PRCC cases compared to CCRCC. The metabolic protein expression pattern, metabolite content, mTOR, and metabolic inhibitor sensitivity of renal carcinoma cell lines were also studied and compared with tubular epithelial cells, as “normal” control. We observed higher protein expressions of the “alternative bioenergetic pathway” elements, in correlation with the possible higher glutamine and acetate consumption in PRCC cells instead of higher glycolytic and mTOR activity in CCRCCs. Increased expression of certain metabolic pathway markers correlates with the detected differences in metabolite ratios, as well. The lower lactate/pyruvate, lactate/malate, and higher pyruvate/citrate intracellular metabolite ratios in PRCC compared to CCRCC cell lines suggest that ACHN (PRCC) have lower Warburg glycolytic capacity, less pronounced pyruvate to lactate producing activity and shifted OXPHOS phenotype. However, both studied renal carcinoma cell lines showed higher mTOR activity than tubular epithelial cells cultured in vitro, the metabolite ratio, the enzyme expression profiles, and the higher mitochondrial content also suggest increased importance of mitochondrial functions, including mitochondrial OXPHOS in PRCCs. Additionally, PRCC cells showed significant mTOR inhibitor sensitivity and the used metabolic inhibitors increased the effect of rapamycin in combined treatments. Our study revealed in situ metabolic differences in mTOR and metabolic protein expression patterns of human PRCC and CCRCC tissues as well as in cell lines. These underline the importance in the development of specific new treatment strategies, new mTOR inhibitors, and other anti-metabolic drug combinations in PRCC therapy.
A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanisms That Underlie Somatic Embryogenesis in Peaonia ostii ‘Fengdan’
Authors: Ci Huiting , Li Changyue , Aung Theint Thinzar , Wang Shunli , Yun Chen , Wang Fang , Ren Xiuxia , Zhang Xiuxin
Published: September 2022

Low propagation rate is the primary problem that limits industry development of tree peony. In this study, a highly efficient regeneration system for tree peony using somatic embryogenesis (SE) was established. The transcriptomes of zygotic embryo explants (S0), non-embryonic callus (S1), embryonic callus (S2), somatic embryos (S3), and regenerated shoots (S4) were analyzed to determine the regulatory mechanisms that underlie SE in tree peony. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the pairwise comparisons of S1-vs-S2 and S1-vs-S3, respectively. The enriched DEGs were primarily involved in hormone signal transduction, stress response and the nucleus (epigenetic modifications). The results indicated that cell division, particularly asymmetric cell division, was enhanced in S3. Moreover, the genes implicated in cell fate determination played central roles in S3. Hormone signal pathways work in concert with epigenetic modifications and stress responses to regulate SE. SERK, WOX9, BBM, FUS3, CUC, and WUS were characterized as the molecular markers for tree peony SE. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the SE of tree peony using transcriptome sequencing. These results will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underly SE in tree peony and will benefit the propagation and genetic engineering of this plant.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 Activity in Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury in Newborn Mice
Authors: Kim Young Eun , Ahn So Yoon , Sung Dong Kyung , Chang Yun Sil , Park Won Soon
Published: September 2022

Formyl peptide receptor (FPR) 2 is known to play a critical role in regulating inflammation, including either the pro-inflammatory or pro-resolving effects. However, its role in neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung injury has not been delineated. In this study, we investigate whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attenuate hyperoxia-induced neonatal lung injury by regulating FPR2 activity. We observed a significant increase in FPR2 levels in alveolar macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) after H2O2-induced stress, which decreased after MSC treatment. In the H2O2-induction model, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α and TNF-α) were significantly reduced in RAW264.7 cells after treatment with WRW4, an inhibitor of FPR2, or MSCs. Viability of lung epithelial cells and endothelial cells was significantly improved when cultured in the conditioned media of RAW264.7 cells treated with WRW4 or MSCs, compared to when cultured in the conditioned media of control RAW265.7 cells exposed to H2O2. For the in vivo study, wild-type and FPR2 knockout (FPR2−/−) C57/BL6 mouse pups were randomly exposed to 80% oxygen or room air from postnatal day (P) 1 to P14. At P5, 2 × 105 MSCs were transplanted intratracheally. MSCs reduced the elevated FPR2 activity at P7 and improved the decreased FPR2 activity as well as the increased immuno-stained FPR2 activity in alveolar macrophages in hyperoxic lungs at P14. Both FPR2−/− and MSCs similarly attenuated impaired alveolarization and angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis and inflammation of hyperoxic lungs without synergistic effects. Our findings suggest that the protective effects of MSCs in hyperoxic lung injury might be related to indirect modulation of FPR2 activity, at least of alveolar macrophages in neonatal mice.
The Effect of Tropical Temperatures on the Quality of RNA Extracted from Stabilized Whole-Blood Samples
Authors: Sarathkumara Yomani D. , Browne Daniel J. , Kelly Ashton M. , Pattinson David J. , Rush Catherine M. , Warner Jeffrey , Proietti Carla , Doolan Denise L.
Published: September 2022

Whole-blood-derived transcriptional profiling is widely used in biomarker discovery, immunological research, and therapeutic development. Traditional molecular and high-throughput transcriptomic platforms, including molecular assays with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), are dependent upon high-quality and intact RNA. However, collecting high-quality RNA from field studies in remote tropical locations can be challenging due to resource restrictions and logistics of post-collection processing. The current study tested the relative performance of the two most widely used whole-blood RNA collection systems, PAXgene® and Tempus™, in optimal laboratory conditions as well as suboptimal conditions in tropical field sites, including the effects of extended storage times and high storage temperatures. We found that Tempus™ tubes maintained a slightly higher RNA quantity and integrity relative to PAXgene® tubes at suboptimal tropical conditions. Both PAXgene® and Tempus™ tubes gave similar RNA purity (A260/A280). Additionally, Tempus™ tubes preferentially maintained the stability of mRNA transcripts for two reference genes tested, Succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A (SDHA) and TATA-box-binding protein (TBP), even when RNA quality decreased with storage length and temperature. Both tube types preserved the rRNA transcript 18S ribosomal RNA (18S) equally. Our results suggest that Tempus™ blood RNA collection tubes are preferable to PAXgene® for whole-blood collection in suboptimal tropical conditions for RNA-based studies in resource-limited settings.
The Complexity and Multiplicity of the Specific cAMP Phosphodiesterase Family: PDE4, Open New Adapted Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Lugnier Claire
Published: September 2022

Cyclic nucleotides (cAMP, cGMP) play a major role in normal and pathologic signaling. Beyond receptors, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases; (PDEs) rapidly convert the cyclic nucleotide in its respective 5′-nucleotide to control intracellular cAMP and/or cGMP levels to maintain a normal physiological state. However, in many pathologies, dysregulations of various PDEs (PDE1-PDE11) contribute mainly to organs and tissue failures related to uncontrolled phosphorylation cascade. Among these, PDE4 represents the greatest family, since it is constituted by 4 genes with multiple variants differently distributed at tissue, cellular and subcellular levels, allowing different fine-tuned regulations. Since the 1980s, pharmaceutical companies have developed PDE4 inhibitors (PDE4-I) to overcome cardiovascular diseases. Since, they have encountered many undesired problems, (emesis), they focused their research on other PDEs. Today, increases in the knowledge of complex PDE4 regulations in various tissues and pathologies, and the evolution in drug design, resulted in a renewal of PDE4-I development. The present review describes the recent PDE4-I development targeting cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, malignancies, fatty liver disease, osteoporosis, depression, as well as COVID-19. Today, the direct therapeutic approach of PDE4 is extended by developing allosteric inhibitors and protein/protein interactions allowing to act on the PDE interactome.
Sodium Accumulation in Infected Cells and Ion Transporters Mistargeting in Nodules of Medicago truncatula: Two Ugly Items That Hinder Coping with Salt Stress Effects
Authors: Trifonova Natalia A. , Kamyshinsky Roman , Coba de la Peña Teodoro , Koroleva Maria I. , Kulikova Olga , Lara-Dampier Victoria , Pashkovskiy Pavel , Presniakov Mikhail , Pueyo José J. , Lucas M. Mercedes , Fedorova Elena E.
Published: September 2022

The maintenance of intracellular nitrogen-fixing bacteria causes changes in proteins’ location and in gene expression that may be detrimental to the host cell fitness. We hypothesized that the nodule’s high vulnerability toward salt stress might be due to alterations in mechanisms involved in the exclusion of Na+ from the host cytoplasm. Confocal and electron microscopy immunolocalization analyses of Na+/K+ exchangers in the root nodule showed the plasma membrane (MtNHX7) and endosome/tonoplast (MtNHX6) signal in non-infected cells; however, in mature infected cells the proteins were depleted from their target membranes and expelled to vacuoles. This mistargeting suggests partial loss of the exchanger’s functionality in these cells. In the mature part of the nodule 7 of the 20 genes encoding ion transporters, channels, and Na+/K+ exchangers were either not expressed or substantially downregulated. In nodules from plants subjected to salt treatments, low temperature-scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis revealed the accumulation of 5–6 times more Na+ per infected cell versus non-infected one. Hence, the infected cells’ inability to withstand the salt may be the integral result of preexisting defects in the localization of proteins involved in Na+ exclusion and the reduced expression of key genes of ion homeostasis, resulting in premature senescence and termination of symbiosis.
Helicate versus Mesocate in Quadruple-Stranded Lanthanide Cages: A Computational Insight
Authors: Carlotto Silvia , Armelao Lidia , Rancan Marzio
Published: September 2022

To drive the synthesis of metallo-supramolecular assemblies (MSAs) and to fully exploit their functional properties, robust computational tools are crucial. The capability to model and to rationalize different parameters that can influence the outcome is mandatory. Here, we report a computational insight on the factors that can determine the relative stability of the supramolecular isomers helicate and mesocate in lanthanide-based quadruple-stranded assemblies. The considered MSAs have the general formula [Ln2L4]2− and possess a cavity suitable to allocate guests. The analysis was focused on three different factors: the ligand rigidity and the steric hindrance, the presence of a guest inside the cavity, and the guest dimension. Three different quantum mechanical calculation set-ups (in vacuum, with the solvent, and with the solvent and the dispersion correction) were considered. Comparison between theoretical and experimental outcomes suggests that all calculations correctly estimated the most stable isomer, while the inclusion of the dispersion correction is mandatory to reproduce the geometrical parameters. General guidelines can be drawn: less rigid and less bulky is the ligand and less stable is the helicate, and the presence of a guest can strongly affect the isomerism leading to an inversion of the stability by increasing the guest size when the ligand is flexible.
Prognostic role of hERG1 Potassium Channels in Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Ileum and Pancreas
Authors: Iorio Jessica , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Scarpi Emanuela , D’Amico Massimo , Duranti Claudia , Messerini Luca , Sparano Clotilde , Caputo Damiano , Lavacchi Daniele , Borzomati Domenico , Antonelli Alice , Nibid Lorenzo , Perrone Giuseppe , Coppola Alessandro , Coppola Roberto , di Costanzo Francesco , Lastraioli Elena , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: September 2022

hERG1 potassium channels are widely expressed in human cancers of different origins, where they affect several key aspects of cellular behaviour. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression and clinical relevance of hERG1 protein in cancer tissues from patients suffering from neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of ileal (iNETs) and pancreatic (pNETs) origin, with available clinicopathological history and follow-up. The study was carried out by immunohistochemistry with an anti-hERG1 monoclonal antibody. In a subset of samples, a different antibody directed against the hERG1/β1 integrin complex was also used. The analysis showed for the first time that hERG1 is expressed in human NETs originating from either the ileum or the pancreas. hERG1 turned out to have a prognostic value in NETs, showing (i) a statistically significant positive impact on OS of patients affected by ileal NETs, regardless the TNM stage; (ii) a statistically significant positive impact on OS of patients affected by aggressive (TNM stage IV) disease, either ileal or pancreatic; (iii) a trend to a negative impact on OS of patients affected by less aggressive (TNM stage I-III) disease, either ileal or pancreatic. Moreover, in order to evaluate whether ERG1 was functionally expressed in a cellular model of pNET, the INS1E rat insulinoma cell line was used, and it emerged that blocking ERG1 with a specific inhibitor of the channel (E4031) turned out in a significant reduction in cell proliferation.