bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porphyrin Molecules Decorated on Metal-Organic Frameworks for Multi-Functional Biomedical Applications
Authors: Rabiee Navid , Rabiee Mohammad , Sojdeh Soheil , Fatahi Yousef , Dinarvand Rassoul , Safarkhani Moein , Ahmadi Sepideh , Daneshgar Hossein , Radmanesh Fatemeh , Maghsoudi Saeid , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Varma Rajender S. , Mostafavi Ebrahim
Published: November 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used as porous nanomaterials for different applications ranging from industrial to biomedicals. An unpredictable one-pot method is introduced to synthesize NH2-MIL-53 assisted by high-gravity in a greener media for the first time. Then, porphyrins were deployed to adorn the surface of MOF to increase the sensitivity of the prepared nanocomposite to the genetic materials and in-situ cellular protein structures. The hydrogen bond formation between genetic domains and the porphyrin’ nitrogen as well as the surface hydroxyl groups is equally probable and could be considered a milestone in chemical physics and physical chemistry for biomedical applications. In this context, the role of incorporating different forms of porphyrins, their relationship with the final surface morphology, and their drug/gene loading efficiency were investigated to provide a predictable pattern in regard to the previous works. The conceptual phenomenon was optimized to increase the interactions between the biomolecules and the substrate by reaching the limit of detection to 10 pM for the Anti-cas9 protein, 20 pM for the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), below 10 pM for the single guide RNA (sgRNA) and also around 10 nM for recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen. Also, the MTT assay showed acceptable relative cell viability of more than 85% in most cases, even by increasing the dose of the prepared nanostructures.
Analysing Gender Issues in the Australian Construction Industry through the Lens of Empowerment
Authors: Wang Cynthia Changxin , Mussi Eveline , Sunindijo Riza Yosia
Published: November 2021

Gender equality at work in male-dominated industries is conditioned by intrinsic systemic issues which established policies have, to a significant extent, failed to address, as women’s participation remains under-represented. This study argues for the reappraisal of the issue through a different lens and carries out a systematic and thematic review of the literature on women in construction in Australia through a women’s empowerment framework. Despite its usual application in gender inequality at work in development studies, the concept of empowerment lacks attention in the context of developed countries, particularly regarding the construction industry. Empowerment has been proved a useful overarching framework to analyse personal, relational, and environmental factors affecting women’s ability to be or do. In the examined studies, there is significant focus on external barriers to women in construction, such ‘organisational practices’ (environmental), ‘support’ and ‘others’ attitudes and behaviour’ (relational). There is, however, limited attention to more active stances of power, such as one’s attitude (personal), control and capacity, in shifting power dynamics. The paper draws seven major findings, covering personal, relational and environmental dimensions, supported and supplemented by some international studies, and suggests the way forward for empowering women in construction.
Preparation and Properties Study of Cementitious Grouts Containing Crumb Rubber
Authors: Yuan Wei , Yang Renfeng , Yu Jianyou , Zhou Shixin , Cui Shaoqian , Kang Jian , Yao Zechen
Published: November 2021

This article aims to improve the toughness of pre-packaged grouts (PPG) by incorporating crumb rubber. The mechanism for toughness of PPG with crumb rubber was analyzed based on the uniaxial compression model. Crumb rubber with surfaces treated by different methods (NaOH solutions or microwave treatment) was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of mesh sizes, amounts, surface-treated methods of crumb rubber, and mixing procedures on the PPG’s mechanical strength and rheological properties were investigated. The results showed that, firstly, the addition of crumb rubber improves the PPG’s toughness, while its mechanical strength is reduced. Adding NaOH solutions or microwave-treated crumb rubber into PPG can weaken the negative effects of crumb rubber on the PPG’s mechanical strength; however, this function is limited. Secondly, the crumb rubber grouts’ rheological properties can be fully exploited by increasing the stirring rate and time so that the fluidity of crumb rubber grouts is improved, which fulfils the characteristics of no bleeding and micro-expansion. Finally, the optimal formula and mixing technique of crumb rubber grouts were proposed in this paper.The results of this paper can provide a significant reference for the application of scrap tires.
Cold-Active Lipase-Based Biocatalysts for Silymarin Valorization through Biocatalytic Acylation of Silybin
Authors: Gheorghita Giulia Roxana , Paun Victoria Ioana , Neagu Simona , Maria Gabriel-Mihai , Enache Madalin , Purcarea Cristina , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Tudorache Madalina
Published: November 2021

Extremophilic biocatalysts represent an enhanced solution in various industrial applications. Integrating enzymes with high catalytic potential at low temperatures into production schemes such as cold-pressed silymarin processing not only brings value to the silymarin recovery from biomass residues, but also improves its solubility properties for biocatalytic modification. Therefore, a cold-active lipase-mediated biocatalytic system has been developed for silybin acylation with methyl fatty acid esters based on the extracellular protein fractions produced by the psychrophilic bacterial strain Psychrobacter SC65A.3 isolated from Scarisoara Ice Cave (Romania). The extracellular production of the lipase fraction was enhanced by 1% olive-oil-enriched culture media. Through multiple immobilization approaches of the cold-active putative lipases (using carbodiimide, aldehyde-hydrazine, or glutaraldehyde coupling), bio-composites (S1–5) with similar or even higher catalytic activity under cold-active conditions (25 °C) have been synthesized by covalent attachment to nano-/micro-sized magnetic or polymeric resin beads. Characterization methods (e.g., FTIR DRIFT, SEM, enzyme activity) strengthen the biocatalysts’ settlement and potential. Thus, the developed immobilized biocatalysts exhibited between 80 and 128% recovery of the catalytic activity for protein loading in the range 90–99% and this led to an immobilization yield up to 89%. The biocatalytic acylation performance reached a maximum of 67% silybin conversion with methyl decanoate acylating agent and nano-support immobilized lipase biocatalyst.
A Study on the Applicability of NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles as the Basis of Catalysts for the Purification of Aqueous Media from Pollutants
Authors: Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Zagrebova Anna S. , Abdinov Rauan Sh. , Kenzhina Inesh E. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this work is to evaluate the application of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with spinel structures as the basis of catalysts for the purification of aqueous media from pollutants such as manganese and arsenic. The interest in these catalysts is due to their ease of production and high absorption efficiency, which, together with their magnetic properties, allow the use of nanoparticles for a long time. The sol–gel method, followed by thermal annealing of the samples at different temperatures, was proposed as a method for the synthesis of spinel nanoparticles. The choice of the annealing temperature range of 200–1000 °C is caused by the possibility of estimating changes in the structural properties and the degree of nanoparticles crystallinity. During the study of structural changes in nanoparticles depending on the annealing temperature, it was found that in the temperature range of 200–800 °C, there is an ordering of structural parameters, while for samples obtained at annealing temperatures above 800 °C, there is a partial disorder caused by the agglomeration of nanoparticles with a subsequent increase in their size. According to the results of the studies on the purification of aqueous media from pollutants, it was found that the greatest absorption efficiency belongs to nanoparticles annealed at 500–700 °C, with the purification efficiency of 70–85%, depending on the type of pollutant. The results obtained from the use of nanoparticles as catalysts for the purification of aqueous media show great prospects for their further application on an industrial scale.
Recent Advances in the Brønsted/Lewis Acid Catalyzed Conversion of Glucose to HMF and Lactic Acid: Pathways toward Bio-Based Plastics
Authors: Megías-Sayago Cristina , Navarro-Jaén Sara , Drault Fabien , Ivanova Svetlana
Published: November 2021

One of the most trending topics in catalysis recently is the use of renewable sources and/or non-waste technologies to generate products with high added value. That is why, the present review resumes the advances in catalyst design for biomass chemical valorization. The variety of involved reactions and functionality of obtained molecules requires the use of multifunctional catalyst able to increase the efficiency and selectivity of the selected process. The use of glucose as platform molecule is proposed here and its use as starting point for biobased plastics production is revised with special attention paid to the proposed tandem Bronsted/Lewis acid catalysts.
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway Is Required for JCPyV Infection in Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Wilczek Michael P. , Armstrong Francesca J. , Mayberry Colleen L. , King Benjamin L. , Maginnis Melissa S.
Published: November 2021

Astrocytes are a main target of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) in the central nervous system (CNS), where the destruction of these cells, along with oligodendrocytes, leads to the fatal disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). There is no cure currently available for PML, so it is essential to discover antivirals for this aggressive disease. Additionally, the lack of a tractable in vivo models for studying JCPyV infection makes primary cells an accurate alternative for elucidating mechanisms of viral infection in the CNS. This research to better understand the signaling pathways activated in response to JCPyV infection reveals and establishes the importance of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in JCPyV infection in primary human astrocytes compared to transformed cell lines. Using RNA sequencing and chemical inhibitors to target PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, we have demonstrated the importance of this signaling pathway in JCPyV infection of primary astrocytes not observed in transformed cells. Collectively, these findings illuminate the potential for repurposing drugs that are involved with inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and cancer treatment as potential therapeutics for PML, caused by this neuroinvasive virus.
Flow Stress Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Austenitic Stainless Steel with Low Copper Content during Hot Compression Deformation
Authors: Li Huaying , Gao Lihong , Song Yaohui , Ma Lidong , Liu Haitao , Li Juan , Zhao Guanghui
Published: November 2021

In order to study the microstructure evolution and flow stress behavior of as cast antibacterial austenitic stainless steel containing 1.52 wt.% copper, Gleeble 3800 was used for thermal compression simulation test. Through OM and EBSD analysis, it is found that the dynamic recrystallization mechanism of thermal deformation is mainly discontinuous dynamic recrystallization. With the increase of deformation temperature and deformation rate, the proportion of recrystallization nucleation gradually increases. The growth of twins relies on recrystallization and, at the same time, promotes dynamic recrystallization. Considering the influence of strain on flow stress, the strain compensation Arrhenius model is established according to the obtained stress-strain curve, and high accuracy is obtained. The correlation coefficient and average relative absolute error are 0.979 and 7.066% respectively. These results provide basic guidance for the technology of microstructure control and excellent mechanical properties of antibacterial stainless steel.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Risk Factors and Early Detection
Authors: Bozzatello Paola , Garbarini Claudia , Rocca Paola , Bellino Silvio
Published: November 2021

Personality disorders (PDs) exert a great toll on health resources, and this is especially true for borderline personality disorder (BPD). As all PDs, BPD arises during adolescence or young adulthood. It is therefore important to detect the presence of this PD in its earlier stages in order to initiate appropriate treatment, thus ameliorating the prognosis of this condition. This review aims to highlight the issues associated with BPD diagnosis in order to promote its early detection and treatment. To do so, we conducted a search on PubMed database of current evidence regarding BPD early diagnosis, focusing on risk factors, which represent important conditions to assess during young patient evaluation, and on diagnostic tools that can help the clinician in the assessment process. Our findings show how several risk factors, both environmental and genetic/neurobiological, can contribute to the onset of BPD and help identify at-risk patients who need careful monitoring. They also highlight the importance of a careful clinical evaluation aided by psychometric tests. Overall, the evidence gathered confirms the complexity of BDP early detection and its crucial importance for the outcome of this condition.
Urban Metabolism of Food-Sourced Nitrogen among Different Income Households: A Case Study Based on Large Sample Survey in Xiamen City, China
Authors: Xing Li , Lin Tao , Xue Xiongzhi , Liu Jiakun , Lin Meixia , Zhao Yu
Published: November 2021

Food consumption is fundamental for urban households if they are to sustain production and daily life. Nitrogen resulting from food consumption has significantly contributed to pollutant emissions in urban ecosystems. Taking Xiamen city, a rapid urbanizing area of southeast China as a case study, we evaluated the food-sourced nitrogen consumption of households based on a large simple onsite questionnaire survey, as well as differences between households in the consumption of plant-based and animal-based foods. A material flow analysis (MFA) was conducted to simulate the urban metabolism of food-sourced nitrogen and environmental emissions among different income groups. The impacts of household attributes, plant-based food consumption, and animal-based food consumption on environmental nitrogen emissions were examined with a structural equation model (SEM). Our results show that the surveyed households’ diets were more plant-based and less animal-based. Aquatic products and livestock were the source of 43.7% of food-sourced nitrogen, and 84.5% of the food-sourced nitrogen was discharge into the environment through direct discharge and waste treatment. Soil, water, and air emissions accounted for 62.8%, 30.1%, and 7.1% of the food-sourced nitrogen, respectively. Household income, household size, and household area are all associated with accelerating increases of nitrogen emissions released into the environment, though middle-income group households have the highest food-sourced environmental nitrogen emissions. On this basis, we discuss how to better manage the urban metabolism of food-sourced nitrogen, so as to improve urban household consumption, lower nitrogen emissions, and improve food security.
Pilot Study and Early Results of the Cosmic Filaments and Magnetism Survey with Nenufar: The Coma Cluster Field
Authors: Bonnassieux Etienne , Tremou Evangelia , Girard Julien N. , Loh Alan , Vacca Valentina , Corbel Stéphane , Cecconi Baptiste , Grießmeier Jean-Mathias , Koopmans Léon V. E. , Tagger Michel , Theureau Gilles , Zarka Philippe
Published: November 2021

NenuFAR, the New Extension in Nancay Upgrading LOFAR, is currently in its early science phase. It is in this context that the Cosmic Filaments and Magnetism Pilot Survey is observing sources with the array as it is still under construction—with 57 (56 core, 1 distant) out of a total planned 102 (96 core, 6 distant) mini-arrays online at the time of observation—to get a first look at the low-frequency sky with NenuFAR. One of its targets is the Coma galaxy cluster: a well-known object, host of the prototype radio halo. It also hosts other features of scientific import, including a radio relic, along with a bridge of emission connecting it with the halo. It is thus a well-studied object.In this paper, we show the first confirmed NenuFAR detection of the radio halo and radio relic of the Coma cluster at 34.4 MHz, with associated intrinsic flux density estimates: we find an integrated flux value of 106.3 ± 3.5 Jy for the radio halo, and 102.0 ± 7.4 Jy for the radio relic. These are upper bound values, as they do not include point-source subtraction. We also give an explanation of the technical difficulties encountered in reducing the data, along with steps taken to resolve them. This will be helpful for other scientific projects which will aim to make use of standalone NenuFAR imaging observations in the future.
Knowledge-Based Recommendation for On-Demand Mapping: Application to Nautical Charts
Authors: Koteich Bilal , Saux Éric , Laddada Wissame
Published: November 2021

Maps have long been seen as a single cartographic product for different uses, with the user having to adapt their interpretation to his or her own needs. On-demand mapping reverses this paradigm in that it is the map that adapts to the user’s needs and context of use. Still often manual and reserved for professionals, on-demand mapping is evolving toward an automation of its processes and a democratization of its use. An on-demand mapping service is a chain of several consecutive steps leading to a target map that precisely meets the needs and requirements of a user. This article addresses the issue of selecting relevant thematic layers with a specific context of use. We propose a knowledge-based recommendation approach that aims to guide a cartographer through the process of map-making. Our system is based on high- and low-level ontologies, the latter modeling the concepts specific to different types of maps targeted. By focusing on maritime maps, we address the representation of knowledge in this context of use, where recommendations rely on axiomatic and rule-based reasoning. For this purpose, we choose description logics as a formalism for knowledge representation in order to make cartographic knowledge machine readable.
Prevalence of Congenital Heart Defects in Pregnancies Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Cohort Study
Authors: Galdini Alessandro , Fesslova Vlasta M. E. , Gaeta Gerarda , Candiani Massimo , Pozzoni Mirko , Chiarello Carmelina , Cavoretto Paolo Ivo
Published: November 2021

Background and aim of the study: Pregnancies obtained by assisted reproductive technology (ART) are associated with an increased risk of complications and congenital anomalies, particularly congenital heart defects (CHDs). Therefore, our aim is to evaluate, retrospectively, the prevalence of CHD in ART pregnancies in our two centers and analyze their characteristics and outcomes. Methods: Observational study including fetuses conceived by ART referred between June 2011 and September 2020 and undergoing a fetal cardiac ultrasound scan. Cases with genetic, chromosomal abnormalities or extracardiac malformations were excluded. Population included 1511 pregnancies, which consisted of 269 twins and 1242 singletons, 547 IVF (in vitro fertilization), 773 ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and 191 oocyte donations (OD). Results: CHDs were found in 29 fetuses, with an overall prevalence of 1.92% (29/1511), 1.85% (23/1242) in singletons and 2.23% in twins (6/269). Thirteen were IVF, eight ICSI and eight OD cases, with a greater risk of CHD after IVF and OD (IVF: 13/29 (44.8%)—one twin; ICSI: 8/29 (27.6%)—three twins); 22 had major and 7 minor defects. Two pregnancies with a hypoplastic left heart were terminated; the majority of live-born cases needed surgery. Three babies died (two post-surgery, one had a late death). Conclusions: Our data show an increased prevalence of CHD after ART with a heterogeneous spectrum of diagnoses, mainly major defects.
Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation under Monitored Anesthesia Care versus General Anesthesia: Retrospective Analysis at a Single Large Volume Center
Authors: Lee Sang-Wook , Lee Sangho , Hahm Kyung-Don
Published: November 2021

Few studies to date have assessed the postoperative pulmonary complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) according to the anesthesia method. The present study aims to compare the effects of general anesthesia (GA) or monitored anesthesia care (MAC) on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI. This retrospective cohort study included 578 patients who underwent TAVI through the trans-femoral approach between August 2011 and May 2019 at a single tertiary academic center. The primary outcome was postoperative pulmonary complications, which were defined as the occurrence of one or more pulmonary complications, such as respiratory failure, respiratory infection, and radiologic findings, within 7 days after TAVI. Secondary outcomes included postoperative delirium, all-cause 30-day mortality rate, 30-day readmission rate, reoperation rate, vascular complications, permanent pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion, length of stay in the ICU, hospital stay, and incidence of stroke. Of the 589 patients, 171 underwent TAVI under general anesthesia (GA), and 418 under monitored anesthesia care (MAC). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was significantly higher in the GA than in the MAC group (17.0% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). Anesthetic method significantly affected the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications, but not of delirium. ICU stay was significantly shorter in the MAC group, as were operation time, the volume of fluid administered during surgery, heparin dose, transfusion, and inotrope requirements. TAVI under MAC can increase the efficiency of medical resources, reducing the lengths of ICU stay and the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications, compared with TAVI under GA.
Feasibility and Safety of Stentless Uretero-Intestinal Anastomosis in Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder
Authors: Lee Chung Un , Lee Jong Hoon , Lee Dong Hyeon , Song Wan
Published: November 2021

Background: We evaluated the feasibility and safety of stentless uretero-intestinal anastomosis (UIA) during radical cystectomy (RC) with an ileal orthotopic neobladder. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 403 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between August 2014 and December 2018. The primary objective was to study the effect of stentless UIA on uretero-intestinal anastomosis stricture (UIAS), and the secondary objective was to evaluate the association between stentless UIA and other complications, including paralytic ileus, febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), and urine leakage. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate UIAS-free survival, and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to identify factors associated with the risk of UIAS. Results: Among 403 patients with 790 renal units, UIAS was identified in 39 (9.7%) patients and 53 (6.7%) renal units. Forty-four (83.0%) patients with UIAS were diagnosed within 6 months. The 1- and 2-year overall UIAS-free rates were 93.9% and 92.7%, respectively. Paralytic ileus was identified in 105 (26.1%) patients and resolved with supportive treatment. Febrile UTI occurred in 57 patients (14.1%). However, there was no leak of the UIA. Conclusions: Stentless UIA during RC with an ileal orthotopic neobladder is a feasible and safe surgical option. Further prospective randomized trials are required to determine the clinical usefulness of stentless UIA during RC.
Associations between Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life Differ Based on Multiple Sclerosis Phenotype
Authors: Nag Nupur , Yu Maggie , Jelinek George , Simpson-Yap Steve , Neate Sandra , Schmidt Hollie
Published: November 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a neuroinflammatory disorder, occurs as non-progressive or progressive phenotypes; both forms present with diverse symptoms that may reduce quality of life (QoL). Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors has been associated with higher QoL in people with MS; whether these associations differ based on MS phenotype is unknown. Cross-sectional self-reported observational data from 1108 iConquerMS participants were analysed. Associations between lifestyle behaviors and QoL were assessed by linear regression, and phenotype differences via moderation analyses. Diet, wellness, and physical activity, but not vitamin D or omega-3 supplement use, were associated with QoL. Specifically, certain diet types were negatively associated with QoL in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and positively associated in progressive MS (ProgMS). Participation in wellness activities had mixed associations with QoL in RRMS but was not associated in ProgMS. Physical activity was positively associated with QoL in RRMS and ProgMS. Phenotype differences were observed in diet and wellness with physical QoL, and physical activity with most QoL subdomains. Our findings show lifestyle behaviors are associated with QoL and appear to differ based on MS phenotype. Future studies assessing timing, duration, and adherence of adopting lifestyle behaviors may better inform their role in MS management.
Risk of Postoperative Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Its Associated Factors: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Korea
Authors: Kim Sang Hyuck , Han Kyungdo , Kang Gunseog , Lee Seung Woo , Park Chi-Min , Cho Jongho , Choi Jung Won , Park Se Jun , Kang Minyong , Kim Tae Jun , Hong Seo-Hee , Kwon Yong-Chol , Park Junhee , Shin Dongwook
Published: November 2021

Postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding (PGIB) is a serious complication with expensive medical costs and a high mortality rate. This study aims to analyze the incidence of PGIB and its associated factors, including its relationship with postoperative analgesic use. Patients aged ≥20 years who received various kinds of surgery from 2013 to 2017 were included (n = 1,319,807). PGIB was defined by admission with ICD-10 codes of gastrointestinal bleeding plus transfusion within 2 months after surgery. A total of 3505 (0.27%) subjects had PGIB, and the incidence was much higher for those who underwent major gastrointestinal and major cardiovascular surgery (1.9% for both), followed by major head and neck (0.7%), major genitourinary (0.5%), and orthopedic surgery (0.45%). On multivariate analysis, older age, male sex, lower income, comorbidities, peptic ulcer disease, and congestive heart failure were associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Among analgesics, steroid use was associated with increased postoperative bleeding risk (adjusted OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.25–1.48). Acetaminophen/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids were not associated with increased risk. PGIB is considerable for major surgeries, and its risk should be considered, especially for patients with older age and comorbidities and use of steroids.
Teacher Speech Inside and Outside of Classrooms in the United States: Understanding the First Amendment
Authors: Eckes Suzanne , Russo Charles J.
Published: November 2021

Concerns often arise about the First Amendment rights of public school educators in the United States both inside and outside of their classrooms. As such, after setting the legal context, we analyze teachers’ free speech rights in a variety of settings. In order to do so, we discuss illustrative cases analyzing the legal landscape of teachers’ free expressions rights in U.S. public schools. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview highlighting Supreme Court cases and selected opinions from lower courts involving teacher speech impact the expressive rights of educators in public schools rather than serve as a comprehensive analysis of all such speech cases.
The Pleiotropic Potential of BDNF beyond Neurons: Implication for a Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body
Authors: Di Rosa Maria Carmela , Zimbone Stefania , Saab Miriam Wissam , Tomasello Marianna Flora
Published: November 2021

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents one of the most widely studied neurotrophins because of the many mechanisms in which it is involved. Among these, a growing body of evidence indicates BDNF as a pleiotropic signaling molecule and unveils non-negligible implications in the regulation of energy balance. BDNF and its receptor are extensively expressed in the hypothalamus, regions where peripheral signals, associated with feeding control and metabolism activation, and are integrated to elaborate anorexigenic and orexigenic effects. Thus, BDNF coordinates adaptive responses to fluctuations in energy intake and expenditure, connecting the central nervous system with peripheral tissues, including muscle, liver, and the adipose tissue in a complex operational network. This review discusses the latest literature dealing with the involvement of BDNF in the maintenance of energy balance. We have focused on the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which BDNF: (I) controls the mitochondrial function and dynamics; (II) influences thermogenesis and tissue differentiation; (III) mediates the effects of exercise on cognitive functions; and (IV) modulates insulin sensitivity and glucose transport at the cellular level. Deepening the understanding of the mechanisms exploited to maintain energy homeostasis will lay the groundwork for the development of novel therapeutical approaches to help people to maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body.
Salvia miltiorrhiza Protects Endothelial Dysfunction against Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress
Authors: Cheng Yu-Chen , Hung I-Ling , Liao Yen-Nung , Hu Wen-Long , Hung Yu-Chiang
Published: November 2021

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) is a common traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathology of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction may induce inflammation and change vascular tone and permeability. The main pathological mechanism of endothelial dysfunction is the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria are the main source of energy and can also produce large amounts of ROS. Recent studies have shown that extracts of SM have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombus properties. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of oxidative stress in the mitochondria, endothelial dysfunction, and the role of SM in these oxidative events.
Experimental Study on the Compaction Characteristics and Evaluation Method of Coarse-Grained Materials for Subgrade
Authors: Li Shanzhen , Ye Yangsheng , Tang Liang , Cai Degou , Tian Shuang , Ling Xianzhang
Published: November 2021

Coarse-grained materials are widely used in high-speed railway construction, and it is of great significance to research its compaction characteristics due to the high quality control requirements. In this regard, a field compaction experiment was conducted at a subgrade near Bazhou Station of Beijing-Xiong’an Intercity Railway. The test results of the compaction effect were presented in this study at first. The roller-integrated compaction measurements (i.e., compaction meter value, CMV) were compared with several traditional in-situ tests (i.e., plate load test, light falling weight deflectometer test, and shear wave velocity test). Then the stability of CMV was evaluated by the proposed δ criterion. The spatial uniformity of compaction was further investigated. Based on the analysis, the target value of CMV was preliminarily determined. It showed that Evd was more variable than CMV. The results convincingly indicated that the compaction parameters increased with the increasing number of roller passes at first. A further increase in compaction effort could result in the decompaction of material when the compaction number up to a certain value. The stability analysis method proposed in this study showed its potency of quantifying the percentage of areas with acceptable compaction. The geostatistical analysis could reflect the spatial uniformity of compaction. Overall, the conducted study could provide a useful reference for geo-material compaction control in the transportation engineering.
Pneumococcal Vaccines: Past Findings, Present Work, and Future Strategies
Authors: Oliveira Giuliana S. , Oliveira Maria Leonor S. , Miyaji Eliane N. , Rodrigues Tasson C.
Published: November 2021

The importance of Streptococcus pneumoniae has been well established. These bacteria can colonize infants and adults without symptoms, but in some cases can spread, invade other tissues and cause disease with high morbidity and mortality. The development of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) caused an enormous impact in invasive pneumococcal disease and protected unvaccinated people by herd effect. However, serotype replacement is a well-known phenomenon that has occurred after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and has also been reported for other PCVs. Therefore, it is possible that serotype replacement will continue to occur even with higher valence formulations, but the development of serotype-independent vaccines might overcome this problem. Alternative vaccines are under development in order to improve cost effectiveness, either using proteins or the pneumococcal whole cell. These approaches can be used as a stand-alone strategy or together with polysaccharide vaccines. Looking ahead, the next generation of pneumococcal vaccines can be impacted by the new technologies recently approved for human use, such as mRNA vaccines and viral vectors. In this paper, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of the addition of new polysaccharides in the current PCVs, mainly for low- and middle-income countries, and we will also address future perspectives.
Optimization of Flow-Cytometry Based Assay for Measuring Neutralizing Antibody Responses against Each of the Four Dengue Virus Serotypes
Authors: Sharma Pragati , Nayak Kaustuv , Reddy Elluri Seetharami , Farooqi Humaira , Murali-Krishna Kaja , Chandele Anmol
Published: November 2021

Dengue is an important public health problem worldwide, with India contributing nearly a third of global dengue disease burden. The measurement of neutralizing antibody responses is critical for understanding dengue pathophysiology, vaccine development and evaluation. Historically, dengue virus neutralization titers were measured using plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs), which were later adapted to focus reduction neutralization tests (FRNTs). Given the slow and laborious nature of both these assays, there has been interest in adapting a high-throughput flow cytometry based neutralization assay. However, flow cytometry based assays typically underestimate neutralization titers, and in situations where the titers are low they can even fail to detect neutralization activity. In this study, by evaluating graded numbers of input Vero cell numbers and viral inoculum, we optimized the flow cytometry based neutralization assay in such a way that it is sensitive and scores titers that are in concordance with focus reduction neutralization tests for each of the four dengue virus serotypes (p < 0.0001). Given that dengue is a global public health concern, and several research groups are making efforts to understand its pathophysiology and accelerate vaccine development and evaluation both in India and worldwide, our findings have timely significance for facilitating these efforts.
The features of dispositiveness in administrative proceedings
Authors: Portyankina S.P.
Published: November 2021

This article examines the issues of the principle of dispositiveness in administrative proceedings. The active role of the court in the proceedings on cases arising from administrative legal relations is revealed in this paper.
Spatial organization of rural territories
Authors: Sevostyanov A.V. Sevostyanov A.V. , Sevostyanov V.A. , Spiridonova A.P.
Published: November 2021

This article covers the issues raised by the objectives of the "The Program for complex development of rural territories" and its subprogram "Providing rural population with affordable and comfortable housing". The authors substantiate the concept "rural agglomeration" and make the suggestions on how to choose rural settlements and land plots suitable for large-scale development of low-density residential areas.
Land rent as an economic instrument of land payments differentiation setting the economically available agricultural lands to provide profitable commercial use
Authors: Alakoz V.V.
Published: November 2021

The article examines the system of agricultural land use and the impact of its elements on in-country spatial heterogeneity, and the spatial development of agricultural land use in the regional aspect – the expansion or contraction of arable lands. The geographic space of the agricultural land use of a country, a macro-region, a region-component of the agricultural industry and the socio-economic system of life are quantitative and qualitative changes in the use of the existing potential of productive agricultural lands, an increase or decrease of their boundaries under the combined influence of social, economic, institutional and infrastructural elements of the agricultural land use system. Among the elements of this system that affect the expansion or contraction of the area and boundaries of agricultural land use and their quality condition: bioclimatic potential; the level of innovative development, agricultural technologies; access to land, finance, and sales markets; effective demand for agricultural products; availability of development institutions (land information systems, monitoring of land use, land management, cadastre, land valuation, land redistribution fund - land bank). Decisive importance is the quality of state regulation of land relations (land and tax legislation) and state management of land use, and the topic of this article - the quality and level of state support for agricultural activities. The harmonization of the components of the agricultural land administration system is decision which, how and how much apply one or another regulation factor of land relations – the mechanisms of market self-regulation or direct state regulation.
Can the USRR data be base for land administration? (by example of the Baikal natural territory)
Authors: Lipski S.A. , Egorova A.V. , Fatkulina A.V.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the article is to investigate whether it is possible to implement the 20-years-ago idea about creation a multifactorial database on land plots based on the land cadaster at the current level of the real estate register, which is necessary for public land administration at different levels. The main attention is focused on the cartographic component. The authors concluded that data of the real estate register is not enough for information support of the public land administration, therefore, the formation of industry resources and information exchange between them is absolutely necessary.
ESTRATEGIAS DE MERCADOTECNIA EN MICROEMPRESAS ANTE LA CONTINGENCIA POR COVID-19 EN CIUDAD JUÁREZ, MÉXICO: UN ESTUDIO CUALITATIVO
Authors: Solís-Rodríguez Fany Thelma
Published: November 2021

El desarrollo de estrategias de mercadotecnia por parte de las empresas parecía ser estable, sin embargo, se ha visto afectado por la contingencia y el confinamiento debido a la pandemia por Covid-19. Con instrucciones sanitarias oficiales para impedir la propagación de la infección, se establecieron políticas de confinamiento que restringieron las actividades económicas a nivel nacional. Los microempresarios tuvieron que adaptar o modificar sus estrategias de mercadotecnia ante las restricciones, limitando la interacción directa con los consumidores y usuarios. La investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar las estrategias de mercadotecnia que implementaron las microempresas para la venta de productos y servicios en Ciudad Juárez, México ante la contingencia y el confinamiento por el Covid-19. El estudio fue tipo exploratorio y descriptivo, transversal, no experimental, con enfoque cualitativo basado en el paradigma interpretativo mediante el método de teoría fundamentada, empleando la técnica de entrevista. Algunas de las estrategias implementadas por los microempresarios fueron el uso del internet y las redes sociales en la publicidad, las barreras físicas y de señalación de distanciamiento, la reducción de la capacidad de personas dentro de los establecimientos, trabajos sobre pedido o encargos, la desinfección continua de las áreas de trabajo, entre otras.
IMPACTO INICIAL DEL ETIQUETADO DE ADVERTENCIA EN LA MODIFICACIÓN DE LOS HÁBITOS ALIMENTARIOS DE LA POBLACIÓN ADULTA EN MÉXICO
Authors: Paredes-Arriaga Ana María , Velázquez-Palmer María Cristina-Alicia , Pratts-Robles Mónica
Published: November 2021

El sobrepeso y la obesidad constituyen un problema de salud pública en México, lo que ha impulsado al gobierno mexicano a desarrollar una serie de acciones tendientes a su resolución. Entre las más recientes se encuentran las modificaciones a la Norma 051 que regula el etiquetado de alimentos y bebidas pre envasados. En este contexto, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer el impacto inicial del etiquetado frontal en los hábitos de consumo de alimentos y bebidas pre envasados en la población adulta, desde la perspectiva de la mercadotecnia social. Con este fin, se realizó un estudio ex post facto de corte transversal. La información fue recopilada mediante un cuestionario aplicado en línea a una muestra de 514 consumidores de 18 años en adelante. Entre los hallazgos se destaca el que los consumidores identifican la presencia de sellos de advertencia en los productos, pero no se sienten motivados a cambiar sus hábitos y a dejar de comprar dichos productos. Por su naturaleza, la mercadotecnia social puede contribuir a la solución de esta problemática mediante campañas integrales, de las cuales ha adolecido el gobierno mexicano.
ESTRATEGIAS DE MERCADOTECNIA SOCIAL. CASO PSICOLOGÍA Y DESARROLLO, S.A DE C.V
Authors: Jiménez-Calvo María De-Lourdes , Zavala-Ramírez María Esther , Téllez-García María Isabel
Published: November 2021

La mercadotecnia social tiene como objetivo solucionar o disminuir problemas sociales de cualquier tipo, ya sean relacionados con la salud pública, el empleo, la educación, la vivienda, el transporte o el medio ambiente, entre otros; es decir, cualquier beneficio de la sociedad como un todo. De igual forma, es muy utilizada por las empresas para concientizar sobre algún tema en particular, las cuales tienen el objetivo de involucrar a las personas con una causa y sin ningún interés comercial, sensibilizando al público objetivo. Las empresas están cada vez más conscientes de la importancia del bien común, de las causas sociales y de las acciones sustentables, es por esta razón que la mercadotecnia social ha sido clave ante la situación actual que se vive a nivel mundial con la pandemia generada por el COVID-19, la cual en muchos casos las ha obligado a modificar las estrategias internas dirigidas a sus empleados para concientizarlos hacia las nuevas formas de vivir y socializar; además de que, el distanciamiento social ha exigido nuevos métodos para trabajar y colaborar de manera remota. En función de lo anterior, la mercadotecnia social trae grandes beneficios, no sólo para las empresas y los consumidores, sino también para toda la sociedad.
TECNOLOGÍAS DISRUPTIVAS Y FLEXIBILIDAD CURRICULAR EN MAESTRÍAS DE MERCADOTECNIA 2019-2020
Authors: Velasco-Rodríguez Gabriela , Montellano-Rosas Claudia Ivet , Vargas-Rosas Sheyla Karina
Published: November 2021

Existen una diversidad de modalidades y sistemas educativos en los planes y programas de estudio en las maestrías de mercadotecnia ante las tecnologías disruptivas. En este sentido, el objetivo general es describir las características claves de los planes de estudios en maestrías de mercadotecnia 2019-2020 ante las tecnologías disruptivas, desde un diseño de investigación descriptiva con base a diez aspectos ubicación, institución, nombre del programa, perfil de ingreso, perfil de egreso, estructura curricular, campo de orientación, orientación didáctica, idioma (en que se imparten las clases) y duración. Los resultados muestran que las principales características son: estructura curricular y orientación didáctica. Por lo tanto, se recomienda considerar dichos aspectos para lograr una flexibilidad curricular que responda al contexto actual.
ESTRATEGIAS DE MARKETING TURÍSTICO Y PRÁCTICAS SUSTENTABLES ORIENTADAS A LOS MILLENNIALS
Authors: Madrigal-Moreno Flor , Madrigal-Moreno Salvador , Peñalosa-Otero Mónica E.
Published: November 2021

Esta investigación presenta cómo el comportamiento de compra de los millennials en los últimos años ha incorporado elementos de valoración adicionales a los tradicionales para la toma de decisiones, particularmente en su orientación al consumo de bienes y servicios turísticos. El objetivo de esta investigación es identificar las estrategias de marketing turístico orientadas a los millennials que incluyen prácticas sustentables para generar un vínculo comunicativo y anclaje con el consumidor. Es una investigación documental desarrollada a través de la revisión de literatura especializada, y mediante el análisis de artículos científicos, journals de marketing, comportamiento del consumidor y turismo. Además, se realizó un análisis de cada documento para inferir conclusiones que expliquen este fenómeno. Los principales hallazgos de esta investigación muestran una evidente orientación de los millennials a evaluar a las empresas turísticas a partir de su reputación digital, de las prácticas sustentables que manejan en su comunicación interna y externa, de los comentarios que sus iguales (otros millennials) manifiestan en las redes sociales y sitios web turísticos.