bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quality of Online Information for an Uncommon Malignancy—Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Authors: Sohail Safa , Zuk Victoria , Halfdanarson Thorvardur , Chan Dadvid , Pattison Sharon , Vasdev Ravleen , Law Calvin , Hallet Julie
Published: February 2021

Background: Patient information is critical in shared decision-making and patient-centred management for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Most adults search the internet for health issues, with over half considering such information to be credible. Therefore, we evaluated the quality of online information on NETs. Methods: Searching for “Neuroendocrine Tumours”, the top 20 websites from Google and top 10 from Yahoo and Bing were identified. Open-access websites written in English were included. Websites indicated as advertisements or directed towards healthcare providers were excluded. Each website was evaluated using the JAMA benchmarks, DISCERN instrument, and the Health on the Internet (HONCode) seal by two independent reviewers. Results: We included 16 unique websites after removing duplicates. Four were education pages from healthcare institutions, 10 were Cancer Society pages, and 2 were general information pages. The average score for JAMA benchmarks was 2.3, with 19% of websites receiving the highest score of 4. Specifically, 31% met the benchmark for authorship, 69% for attribution, 94% for disclosure, and 44% for currency. The average score for the DISCERN instrument was 46.5, with no website achieving the maximum of 80 points. The HONCode seal was present in 3 out of 16 websites (18%). Conclusions: We identified major issues with the quality of online information for NETs using validated instruments. The majority of websites identified through common search engines are low-quality. Patients should be informed of the limited quality of online information on NETs. High-quality online information is needed to ensure that patients can avoid misinformation and actively participate in their care.
On the Cryptanalysis of a Latin Cubes-Based Image Cryptosystem
Authors: Huang Rong , Liu Hao , Liao Xiaojuan , Dong Aihua
Published: February 2021

Based on orthogonal Latin cubes, an image cryptosystem with confusion–diffusion–confusion cipher architecture has been proposed recently (Inf. Sci.2019, 478, 1–14). However, we find that there are four fatal vulnerabilities in this image cryptosystem, which leave open doors for cryptanalysis. In this paper, we propose a reference-validation inference algorithm and design screening-based rules to efficiently break the image cryptosystem. Compared with an existing cryptanalysis algorithm, the proposed method requires fewer pairs of chosen plain-cipher images, and behaves stably since different keys, positions of chosen bits and contents of plain images will not affect the cryptanalysis performance. Experimental results show that our cryptanalysis algorithm only requires  8×H×W3+3 pairs of chosen plain-cipher images, where H×W represents the image’s resolution. Comparative studies demonstrate effectiveness and superiority of the proposed cryptanalysis algorithm.
Teacher Perspectives on Teaching the STEM Approach to Educational Coding and Robotics in Primary Education
Authors: García-Carrillo Christian , Greca Ileana María , Fernández-Hawrylak María
Published: February 2021

An analysis is presented in this study that provides insight into a practical training process and its impact on teachers and their viewpoints toward the integrated STEM approach used in that training process, together with educational coding and robotics, over the first years of compulsory primary education, where STEM implementations are relatively new. A case study was developed by two teachers following the practical training course, including pre- and post-interviews and nonparticipative observation of their classroom practices during the teacher-training sessions. The results revealed the positive perspectives that the teachers held toward the STEM-integrated approach and educational coding and robotics, despite the difficulties that arose in classroom practice. It was concluded that the STEM approach and its methods were beneficial both to pupils and to teachers alike for improving the teaching–learning process.
Geothermal Resources Recognition and Characterization on the Basis of Well Logging and Petrophysical Laboratory Data, Polish Case Studies
Authors: Jarzyna Jadwiga A. , Baudzis Stanisław , Janowski Mirosław , Puskarczyk Edyta
Published: February 2021

Examples from the Polish clastic and carbonate reservoirs from the Central Polish Anticlinorium, Carpathians and Carpathian Foredeep are presented to illustrate possibilities of using well logging to geothermal resources recognition and characterization. Firstly, there was presented a short description of selected well logs and methodology of determination of petrophysical parameters useful in geothermal investigations: porosity, permeability, fracturing, mineral composition, elasticity of orogeny and mineralization of formation water from well logs. Special attention was allotted to spectral gamma-ray and temperature logs to show their usefulness to radiogenic heat calculation and heat flux modelling. Electric imaging and advanced acoustic logs provided with continuous information on natural and induced fracturing of formation and improved lithology recognition. Wireline and production logging were discussed to present the wealth of methods that could be used. A separate matter was thermal conductivity provided from the laboratory experiments or calculated from the results of the comprehensive interpretation of well logs, i.e., volume or mass of minerals composing the rocks. It was proven that, in geothermal investigations and hydrocarbon prospection, the same petrophysical parameters are considered, and well-logging acquisition equipment and advanced methods of processing and interpretation, developed and improved for almost one hundred years, can be successfully used in the detection and characterization of the potential geothermal reservoirs. It was shown that the newest (current investment)—as well as the old type (archive)—logs provide useful information.
Selected Aspects of Indoor Climate in a Passive Office Building with a Thermally Activated Building System: A Case Study from Poland
Authors: Michalak Piotr
Published: February 2021

Modern buildings with new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems offer possibility to fit parameters of the indoor environment to the occupants’ requirements. The present paper describes the results of measurements performed in an office room in the first Polish passive commercial office building during four months of normal operation. They were used to calculate parameters describing thermal comfort: vertical air temperature profile, floor surface temperature, predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percent of dissatisfied (PPD). Obtained results confirmed good thermal conditions in the analysed room. The average temperature of the floor’s surface varied from 20.6 °C to 26.2 °C. The average vertical air temperature, calculated for working days, was from 22.5 °C to 23.1 °C. The temperature difference between the floor and 5 cm below the ceiling was from −0.9 °C to 6.3 °C. The PMV index varied from 0.52 to 1.50 indicating ‘slightly warm’ sensation, in spite of ‘neutral’ reported by employees. Also measured cooling and heating energy consumption was presented. The performed measurements confirmed the ability of thermally activated building system (TABS) to keep good thermal conditions.
Available Transfer Capability Enhancement by FACTS Devices Using Metaheuristic Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (MEEPSO) Technique
Authors: Gupta Divya , Jain Sanjay Kumar
Published: February 2021

Energy power flows are an important factor to be calculated and, thus, are needed to be enhanced in an electrical generation system. It is very necessary to optimally locate the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices and improve the Available Transfer Capability (ATC) of the power transmission lines. It relieves the congestion of the system and increases the flow of power. This research study has been accomplished in two stages: optimization of location of FACTS device by the novel Sensitivity and Power loss-based Congestion Reduction (SPCR) method and the calculation of ATC using the proposed Metaheuristic Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (MEEPSO) technique. The Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC) is used as a FACTS device to control the reactance of power transmission line. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is validated, utilizing the six bus as well as 30 bus system. The acquired outcomes are contrasted with conventional ACPTDF and DCPTDF procedures. These values are determined with the assistance of MATLAB version 2017 on the Intel Core i5 framework by taking two-sided exchanges and they are contrasted and values determined with the assistance of Power World Simulator (PWS) programming.
An Experimental Study of Gas Flow Regime and Pressure Drop in a Random Packed Bed with Sinter Particles
Authors: Cheng Zude , Wang Haitao , Feng Junsheng , Dong Hui
Published: February 2021

The gas flow regime and pressure drop in a gas–solid packed bed with irregularly shaped sinter particles were experimentally investigated. Using a self-made experimental facility for data measurement, the gas flow pressure drop in a sinter bed layer was determined for various experimental conditions. According to the changes in the modified coefficients, α and β, for different flow regimes, the flow transitions from one regime to another in packed beds with different particle diameters were described. Furthermore, the pressure drop correlations for different flow regimes were determined, and the reliabilities of the obtained correlations were contrastively analyzed. The results show that, when the particle diameter is constant, the modified pressure drop per unit height, ΔP/Hu, increases linearly with the increasing gas superficial velocity. When the gas superficial velocity is larger than 1.15 m/s under atmospheric conditions, the gas flow regime in the sinter bed layer is the turbulent flow. Compared with the experimental correlation of the whole flow, the pressure drop correlations obtained by the piecewise fitting method provided a better prediction of the experimental values, and the average deviations of the obtained correlations for the Forchheimer flow and the turbulent flow were 5.31% and 4.07%, respectively.
Achieving the Circular Economy: Exploring the Role of Local Governments, Business and Citizens in an Urban Context
Authors: Palm Jenny , Bocken Nancy
Published: February 2021

The urban context is an experimentation space to accelerate the transition to a circular economy [...]
Validation and Performance of Satellite Meteorological Dataset MERRA-2 for Solar and Wind Applications
Authors: Khatibi Arash , Krauter Stefan
Published: February 2021

Fast-growing energy demand of the world makes the researchers focus on finding new energy sources or optimizing already-developed approaches. For an efficient use of solar and wind energy in an energy system, correct design and sizing of a power system is of high importance and improving or optimizing the process of data obtaining for this purpose leads to higher performance and lower cost per unit of energy. It is essential to have the most precise possible estimation of solar and wind energy potential and other local weather parameters in order to fully feed the demand and avoid extra costs. There are various methods for obtaining local data, such as local measurements, official organizational data, satellite obtained, and reanalysis data. In this paper, the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications dataset version 2 (MERRA-2) dataset provided by NASA is introduced and its performance is evaluated by comparison to various locally measured datasets offered by meteorological institutions such as Meteonorm and Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD, or Germany’s National Meteorological Service) around the world. After comparison, correlation coefficients from 0.95 to 0.99 are observed for monthly global horizontal irradiance values. In the case of air temperature, correlation coefficients of 0.99 and for wind speed from 0.81 to 0.99 are observed. High correlation with ground measurements and relatively low errors are confirmed, especially for irradiance and temperature values, that makes MERRA-2 a valuable dataset, considering its world coverage and availability.
Robust Power Sharing and Voltage Stabilization Control Structure via Sliding-Mode Technique in Islanded Micro-Grid
Authors: Zhang Quan-Quan , Wai Rong-Jong
Published: February 2021

With a focus on the problems of active power sharing and voltage deviation of parallel-connected inverters in an islanded micro-grid (MG), in this study, the power-voltage droop controller and the inner voltage regulator are redesigned based on a total sliding-mode control (TSMC) technique. As for the power-voltage droop control loop, a droop control relation error between the active power and the point-of-common-coupling (PCC) voltage amplitude is defined. Then, the TSMC scheme is adopted to reach the new droop control relation, where the active power sharing and voltage amplitude recovery can be achieved simultaneously. Owing to the faster dynamic response and strong robustness provided by the TSMC framework, high-precision active power sharing during transient state also can be ensured without the influence of line impedances. The power allocation error can be improved by more than 81.2% and 50% than the conventional and proportional-integral (PI)-based droop control methods, respectively, and the voltage deviation rate can be reduced to 0.16%. Moreover, a small-signal model of the TSMC-based droop-controlled system is established, and the influences of control parameters on the system stability and the dynamic response are also investigated. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified by numerical simulations and experimental results.
Design, Analysis and Implementation of the Tapped-Inductor Boost Current Converter on Current Based System
Authors: Leung Chim Pui , Cheng Ka Wai Eric
Published: February 2021

Power converters play a crucial role in renewable energy systems. Most well-known power conversion topologies are voltage mode, not current mode. Current mode converters are more appropriate for renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic systems since solar panels are typical current sources. The vast usage of battery as energy storage is also a current sink for constant current mode charging. Utilizing current mode converters should be more straightforward and judicious. In this study, a new topology for the tapped-inductor power conversion circuit family is introduced. The proposed topology has been investigated thoroughly based on theories, simulations and experiments. The boost version is examined as an example to downstate the performance. A detailed comparison with the conventional boost current converter is conducted in this paper.
Anthropogenic Drivers of Mangrove Loss and Associated Carbon Emissions in South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Eddy Syaiful , Milantara Noril , Sasmito Sigit D. , Kajita Tadashi , Basyuni Mohammad
Published: February 2021

The Air Telang Protected Forest (ATPF) is one of the most dynamic and essential coastal forest landscapes in South Sumatra, Indonesia, because of its location between multiple river outlets, including the Musi catchment—Sumatra’s largest and most dense lowland catchment area. While most ATPF areas are covered by mangroves, these areas have been experiencing severe anthropogenic-driven degradation and conversion. This study aims to evaluate land cover changes and associated carbon emissions in the ATPF over a 35-year period (1985–2020) by utilizing the available Landsat and Sentinel imagery from 1985, 2000, and 2020. Throughout the analysis period, we observed 63% (from 10,886 to 4059 ha) primary and secondary forest loss due to land use change. We identified three primary anthropogenic activities driving these losses, namely, land clearing for plantations and agriculture (3693 ha), coconut plantations (3315 ha), aquaculture (245 ha). We estimated that the largest carbon emissions were caused by coconut plantation conversion, with total carbon emissions of approximately 14.14 Mt CO2-eq. These amounts were almost 4 and 21 times higher than emissions from land clearing and aquaculture, respectively, as substantial soil carbon loss occurs once mangroves get transformed into coconut plantations. While coconut plantation expansion on mangroves could generate significant carbon stock losses and cleared forests become the primary candidate for restoration, our dataset could be useful for future land-based emission reduction policy intervention at a subnational level. Ultimately, our findings have direct implications for current national climate policies, through low carbon development strategies and emission reductions from the land use sector for 2030, as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Woody Plants in Relation to the Human Interventions, Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve, Iran
Authors: Ghanbari Sajad , Sefidi Kiomars , Kern Christel C. , Álvarez-Álvarez Pedro
Published: February 2021

Proper understanding of the diversity and natural structure of woody species and the impacts of human interventions are prerequisites for maintaining the remaining forests as well as restoration of deforested and degraded areas. This research was conducted to document the impact of human interventions on the population structure and the species diversity in the Arasbaran biosphere reserve in Iran due to the limited research and insufficient knowledge. The study area was divided into three adjacent sampling areas of low, medium, and high destruction intensity. Thirty fixed area 0.1-hectare plots were sampled to evaluate the composition, diversity, and species richness. Oak (Quercus macranthera), hawthorn (Crataegus meyeri), and maple (Acer campestre) were the top three dominant tree species at all the sites. The relative dominance of the top three species comprised 87.8% of the basal area of all species. The relative abundance of the top three species accounted for 68.1% of the species. The mean density and basal areas per tree across all three destruction statuses were 145 ± 59 stems ha−1 and 0.01 ± 0.005 m2 ha−1, respectively. The mean height of trees was different at low and high disturbance sites (4.6 ± 0.96 m and 3.37 ± 1.74 m, respectively). Due to the impact of human interventions on forest structure, composition, and diversity, conservation programs are recommended for implementation and in collaboration with local communities to employ management aimed at providing services for local people while restoring these forests. Basic ecological studies such as this study are the foundation to begin developing policies and management that meet multiple ecological and social goals.
Developing Soybean Protein Gel-Based Foods from Okara Using the Wet-Type Grinder Method
Authors: Arai Yuya , Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Nagano Takao
Published: February 2021

Okara, a by-product of tofu or soymilk, is rich in dietary fibers (DFs) that are mostly insoluble. A wet-type grinder (WG) system was used to produce nanocellulose (NC). We hypothesized that the WG system would increase the dispersion performance and viscosity of okara. These properties of WG-treated okara improve the gel-forming ability of soybean proteins. Here, the suspensions of 2 wt% okara were treated with WG for different passages (1, 3, and 5 times). The particle size distribution (PSD) and viscosity of WG-treated okara decreased and increased, respectively, with different passages. The five-time WG-treated okara homogeneously dispersed in water after 24 h, whereas untreated okara did not. The breaking stress, strain, and water holding capacity of soybean protein isolate (SPI) gels increased upon the addition of WG-treated okara. This effect increased as the number of WG treatments increased. The breaking stress and strain of SPI gels to which different concentrations of the five-time WG-treated okara were added also increased with increasing concentrations of WG-treated okara. These results suggest that NC technology can improve the physicochemical properties of okara and are useful in the development of protein gel-based foods.
Evaluating the Authenticity of the Raw-Milk Cheese Fontina (PDO) with Respect to Similar Cheeses
Authors: Pellegrino Luisa , Hogenboom Johannes A. , Rosi Veronica , D’Incecco Paolo
Published: February 2021

The implementation of quality assurance schemes for the assessment of PDO food authenticity is an issue involving manufacturers, traders, retailers and consumers. In this respect, reliable analytical methods are needed to integrate paper-trailing information. The feasibility of distinguishing the Italian Fontina PDO cheese from the generic Fontal cheese was preliminarily evaluated on a set of commercial samples by measuring selected parameters (pH, alkaline phosphatase activity, content of copper, volatiles, extent of proteolysis) related to the different manufacturing processes. The relative profile of free amino acids proved to be a promising tool. A new set of 41 samples of Fontina PDO cheese was collected at representative dairies within the recognized production area and analyzed for free amino acids. A chemometric model of Fontina PDO cheese was built based on the mean content and standard deviation of 15 free amino acids. On this basis, all of the PDO samples were correctly identified, whereas all of the Fontal cheeses were recognized as different cheeses.
Effect of Storage on the Nutritional Quality of Queen Garnet Plum
Authors: Kodagoda Gethmini , Hong Hung T. , O’Hare Tim J. , Sultanbawa Yasmina , Topp Bruce , Netzel Michael E.
Published: February 2021

Due to high perishability, plums are harvested at an early stage of maturity to extend postharvest storage life. Storage time and temperature can significantly affect the phytochemical and sugar composition of plums, altering their palatability and nutritional quality. In this study, variations in physiochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), color (chroma and hue angle)), phytochemical composition (total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and carotenoids), and sugars in three different tissues of the Queen Garnet plum (QGP) during storage at two common domestic storage temperatures (4 and 23 °C) were evaluated. There was an increase (p > 0.05) in TSS and a reduction (p < 0.05) in TA of the outer flesh at 23 °C. Chroma values of all the tissues reduced (p < 0.05) at 23 °C. At 4 °C, chroma values fluctuated between storage days. The TAC of the peel was the highest (p < 0.05) among the different tissues and continued to increase up to 10 days of storage at 23 °C (3-fold increase). At 4 °C, the highest (p < 0.05) TAC (peel) was observed after 14 days of storage (1.2-fold increase). TPC showed similar results. The highest (p < 0.05) TPC was recorded in the peel after 10 days of storage at 23 °C (2.3-fold increase) and after 14 days of storage at 4 °C (1.3-fold increase), respectively. Total carotenoids in the flesh samples at both storage temperatures were reduced (p < 0.05) after 14 days. Total sugars also decreased during storage. The results of the present study clearly showed that common domestic storage conditions can improve the nutritional quality of plums by increasing the content of bioactive anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds. However, the increase in phytochemicals needs to be counterbalanced with the decrease in total sugars and TA potentially affecting the sensory attributes of the plums.
Neurogastronomy as a Tool for Evaluating Emotions and Visual Preferences of Selected Food Served in Different Ways
Authors: Berčík Jakub , Paluchová Johana , Neomániová Katarína
Published: February 2021

The appearance of food provides certain expectations regarding the harmonization of taste, delicacy, and overall quality, which subsequently affects not only the intake itself but also many other features of the behavior of customers of catering facilities. The main goal of this article is to find out what effect the visual design of food (waffles) prepared from the same ingredients and served in three different ways—a stone plate, street food style, and a white classic plate—has on the consumer’s preferences. In addition to the classic tablet assistance personal interview (TAPI) tools, biometric methods such as eye tracking and face reading were used in order to obtain unconscious feedback. During testing, air quality in the room by means of the Extech device and the influence of the visual design of food on the perception of its smell were checked. At the end of the paper, we point out the importance of using classical feedback collection techniques (TAPI) and their extension in measuring subconscious reactions based on monitoring the eye movements and facial expressions of the respondents, which provides a whole new perspective on the perception of visual design and serving food as well as more effective targeting and use of corporate resources.
From Cheese-Making to Consumption: Exploring the Microbial Safety of Cheeses through Predictive Microbiology Models
Authors: Possas Arícia , Bonilla-Luque Olga María , Valero Antonio
Published: February 2021

Cheeses are traditional products widely consumed throughout the world that have been frequently implicated in foodborne outbreaks. Predictive microbiology models are relevant tools to estimate microbial behavior in these products. The objective of this study was to conduct a review on the available modeling approaches developed in cheeses, and to identify the main microbial targets of concern and the factors affecting microbial behavior in these products. Listeria monocytogenes has been identified as the main hazard evaluated in modelling studies. The pH, aw, lactic acid concentration and temperature have been the main factors contemplated as independent variables in models. Other aspects such as the use of raw or pasteurized milk, starter cultures, and factors inherent to the contaminating pathogen have also been evaluated. In general, depending on the production process, storage conditions, and physicochemical characteristics, microorganisms can grow or die-off in cheeses. The classical two-step modeling has been the most common approach performed to develop predictive models. Other modeling approaches, including microbial interaction, growth boundary, response surface methodology, and neural networks, have also been performed. Validated models have been integrated into user-friendly software tools to be used to obtain estimates of microbial behavior in a quick and easy manner. Future studies should investigate the fate of other target bacterial pathogens, such as spore-forming bacteria, and the dynamic character of the production process of cheeses, among other aspects. The information compiled in this study helps to deepen the knowledge on the predictive microbiology field in the context of cheese production and storage.
Combined Metabolome and Transcriptome Profiling Reveal Optimal Harvest Strategy Model Based on Different Production Purposes in Olive
Authors: Rao Guodong , Zhang Jianguo , Liu Xiaoxia , Li Xue , Wang Chenhe
Published: February 2021

Olive oil has been favored as high-quality edible oil because it contains balanced fatty acids (FAs) and high levels of minor components. The contents of FAs and minor components are variable in olive fruits of different color at harvest time, which render it difficult to determine the optimal harvest strategy for olive oil producing. Here, we combined metabolome, Pacbio Iso-seq, and Illumina RNA-seq transcriptome to investigate the association between metabolites and gene expression of olive fruits at harvest time. A total of 34 FAs, 12 minor components, and 181 other metabolites (including organic acids, polyols, amino acids, and sugars) were identified in this study. Moreover, we proposed optimal olive harvesting strategy models based on different production purposes. In addition, we used the combined Pacbio Iso-seq and Illumina RNA-seq gene expression data to identify genes related to the biosynthetic pathways of hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. These data lay the foundation for future investigations of olive fruit metabolism and gene expression patterns, and provide a method to obtain olive harvesting strategies for different production purposes.
Bullying and Cyberbullying among Italian Adolescents: The Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Violent Behaviours
Authors: Tintori Antonio , Ciancimino Giulia , Giovanelli Giorgio , Cerbara Loredana
Published: February 2021

Background: The study of adolescents’ behaviours and attitudes is crucial to define interventions for the containment of deviance and social discomfort. New ways of social interaction are crystallising violent behaviours which are moving more than ever on a virtual sphere. Bullying and cyberbullying share a common behavioural matrix that has been outlined through specific environmental and individual characteristics. Methods: A survey carried out in Italy in 2019 on a statistical sample of 3273 students highlighted the influence of several social and individual variables on deviant phenomena. Risk and protective factors in relation to the probability of involvement in bullying and cyberbullying have been shown through a bivariate analysis and a binary logistic regression model. Results: The study shows that presence of stereotypes and social prejudices, tolerance to violence and high levels of self-esteem have resulted as the main risk factors. On the other hand, low levels of tolerance related to the consumption of alcohol and drugs, high levels of trust towards family and friends and being female have been identified as protective factors. Conclusions: This research confirms the validity of several theories on bullying and cyberbullying phenomena. Furthermore, it identifies specific risk and protective factors and their influence on deviant behaviours, with a focus on environmental characteristics which appear as the key field of work to enhance adolescents’ well-being.
Investigation of Acinetobacter baumannii Activity in Vascular Surgery Units through Epidemiological Management Based on the Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance, Biofilm Formation and Genotyping
Authors: Szczypta Anna , Talaga-Ćwiertnia Katarzyna , Kielar Małgorzata , Krzyściak Paweł , Gajewska Anna , Szura Mirosław , Bulanda Małgorzata , Chmielarczyk Agnieszka
Published: February 2021

Background/Objectives: The genus Acinetobacter demonstrates resistance to antibiotics and has been shown to spread in the hospital environment causing epidemic outbreaks among hospitalized patients. The objectives of the present study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and clonality among Acinetobacter baumannii strains. Materials and Methods: The study involved 6 (I Outbreak) and 3 (II Outbreak) A. baumannii strains isolated from patients hospitalized in vascular surgery unit. Results: All tested A. baumannii strains were extensively drug resistant (XDR) and all the isolates were carbapenem-resistant and among them, all carried the blaOXA-51 gene, the blaOXA-24 gene, as well as the blaOXA-23 gene. All of the investigated strains had the ability to form a biofilm, but all of them produced less biofilm than the reference strain. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) showed that all strains belonged to the ST2 clone. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) divided the tested outbreak strains into two clones (A and B). Conclusion: This study shows a nosocomial spread of XDR A. baumannii ST2 having the blaOXA-51 gene, the blaOXA-24 gene, as well as the blaOXA-23 gene, low biofilm formers, that was prevalent in the vascular surgery unit. To identify the current situation of vascular surgery departments targeted epidemiological investigation was needed. Effective implementation of infection control prevented the spread of the epidemic outbreaks.
Can Industrial Collaborative Agglomeration Reduce Haze Pollution? City-Level Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Ye Yunling , Ye Sheng , Yu Haichao
Published: February 2021

We analyze the mechanism for industrial co-agglomeration in Chinese 283 cities to affect haze pollution from 2003 to 2016 and examine the possible mediating effects of urbanization and energy structure between haze pollution and industrial co-agglomeration, finally obtaining the following results. First, industrial co-agglomeration and haze pollution across China, including central and eastern regions keep a typical inverted U-shaped curve relationship. That is, industrial co-agglomeration first promotes haze pollution and then restrains it. However, the impact of industrial co-agglomeration on haze pollution in western China is still on the left side of the inverted U-shaped curve, reflecting a promotion effect. Second, industrial co-agglomeration has a significant spatial spillover effect on haze pollution. Additionally, industrial co-agglomeration can promote haze pollution in local regions but inhibit it in surrounding regions in both the short and long run. In contrast, when the industrial co-agglomeration index exceeds the inflection point (3.6531), it benefits the reduction of haze pollution in local regions, while not being conducive to it in the neighboring regions. Third, industrial co-agglomeration can affect haze pollution through urbanization and energy structure, that is, urbanization and energy structure play an intermediary role between them.
The Project Collection Food, Nutrition and Health, with a Focus on Eating Together
Authors: Yngve Agneta , Neuman Nicklas , Haapala Irja , Scander Henrik
Published: February 2021

Papers in this project collection arise from international networking on interdisciplinary research into commensality [...]
The Contribution of Citizens to Community-Based Medical Education in Japan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ohta Ryuichi , Ryu Yoshinori , Sano Chiaki
Published: February 2021

Community-based medical education (CBME) offers vital support to healthcare professionals in aging societies, which need medical trainees who understand comprehensive care. In teaching comprehensive care practices, CBME can involve citizens from the relevant community. This research synthesizes the impact of the involvement of communities on the learning of medical trainees in CBME. We conducted a systematic review, in which we searched ten databases from April 1990 to August 2020 for original articles in Japan regarding CBME involving citizens and descriptively analyzed them. The Kirkpatrick model was used to categorize the outcomes. Our search for studies following the protocol returned 1240 results; 21 articles were included in this systematic review. Medical trainees reported satisfaction with the content, teaching processes, and teachers’ qualities. Medical trainees’ attitudes toward community and rural medicine improved; they were motivated to become family physicians and work in communities and remote areas. This review clarified that citizen involvement in CBME had an effective impact on medical trainees, positively affecting perceptions of this type of education, as well as improving trainees’ knowledge about and attitude toward community and rural medicine.
Preclinical Evaluation of [18F]FACH in Healthy Mice and Piglets: An 18F-Labeled Ligand for Imaging of Monocarboxylate Transporters with PET
Authors: Gündel Daniel , Sadeghzadeh Masoud , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Wenzel Barbara , Cumming Paul , Toussaint Magali , Ludwig Friedrich-Alexander , Moldovan Rareş-Petru , Kranz Mathias , Teodoro Rodrigo , Sattler Bernhard , Sabri Osama , Brust Peter
Published: February 2021

The expression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) is linked to pathophysiological changes in diseases, including cancer, such that MCTs could potentially serve as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets. We recently developed [18F]FACH as a radiotracer for non-invasive molecular imaging of MCTs by positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this study was to evaluate further the specificity, metabolic stability, and pharmacokinetics of [18F]FACH in healthy mice and piglets. We measured the [18F]FACH plasma protein binding fractions in mice and piglets and the specific binding in cryosections of murine kidney and lung. The biodistribution of [18F]FACH was evaluated by tissue sampling ex vivo and by dynamic PET/MRI in vivo, with and without pre-treatment by the MCT inhibitor α-CCA-Na or the reference compound, FACH-Na. Additionally, we performed compartmental modelling of the PET signal in kidney cortex and liver. Saturation binding studies in kidney cortex cryosections indicated a KD of 118 ± 12 nM and Bmax of 6.0 pmol/mg wet weight. The specificity of [18F]FACH uptake in the kidney cortex was confirmed in vivo by reductions in AUC0–60min after pre-treatment with α-CCA-Na in mice (−47%) and in piglets (−66%). [18F]FACH was metabolically stable in mouse, but polar radio-metabolites were present in plasma and tissues of piglets. The [18F]FACH binding potential (BPND) in the kidney cortex was approximately 1.3 in mice. The MCT1 specificity of [18F]FACH uptake was confirmed by displacement studies in 4T1 cells. [18F]FACH has suitable properties for the detection of the MCTs in kidney, and thus has potential as a molecular imaging tool for MCT-related pathologies, which should next be assessed in relevant disease models.
A Newly Developed Synbiotic Yogurt Prevents Diabetes by Improving the Microbiome–Intestine–Pancreas Axis
Authors: Miller Brandi , Mainali Rabina , Nagpal Ravinder , Yadav Hariom
Published: February 2021

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is increasing worldwide, and there are no long-term preventive strategies to stop this growth. Emerging research shows that perturbations in the gut microbiome significantly contribute to the development of T2D, while microbiome modulators may be beneficial for T2D prevention. However, microbiome modulators that are effective, safe, affordable, and able to be administered daily are not yet available. Based on our previous pro- and prebiotic studies, we developed a novel synbiotic yogurt comprised of human-origin probiotics and plant-based prebiotics and investigated its impact on diet- and streptozotocin-induced T2D in mice. We compared the effects of our synbiotic yogurt to those of a commercially available yogurt (control yogurt). Interestingly, we found that the feeding of the synbiotic yogurt significantly reduced the development of hyperglycemia (diabetes) in response to high-fat diet feeding and streptozotocin compared to milk-fed controls. Surprisingly, the control yogurt exacerbated diabetes progression. Synbiotic yogurt beneficially modulated the gut microbiota composition compared to milk, while the control yogurt negatively modulated it by significantly increasing the abundance of detrimental bacteria such as Proteobacteria and Enterobacteriaceae. In addition, the synbiotic yogurt protected pancreatic islet morphology compared to the milk control, while the control yogurt demonstrated worse effects on islets. These results suggest that our newly developed synbiotic yogurt protects against diabetes in mice and can be used as a therapeutic to prevent diabetes progression.
Characterization of ALBA Family Expression and Localization in Arabidopsis thaliana Generative Organs
Authors: Náprstková Alena , Malínská Kateřina , Záveská Drábková Lenka , Billey Elodie , Náprstková Dagmar , Sýkorová Eva , Bousquet-Antonelli Cécile , Honys David
Published: February 2021

ALBA DNA/RNA-binding proteins form an ancient family, which in eukaryotes diversified into two Rpp25-like and Rpp20-like subfamilies. In most studied model organisms, their function remains unclear, but they are usually associated with RNA metabolism, mRNA translatability and stress response. In plants, the enriched number of ALBA family members remains poorly understood. Here, we studied ALBA dynamics during reproductive development in Arabidopsis at the levels of gene expression and protein localization, both under standard conditions and following heat stress. In generative tissues, ALBA proteins showed the strongest signal in mature pollen where they localized predominantly in cytoplasmic foci, particularly in regions surrounding the vegetative nucleus and sperm cells. Finally, we demonstrated the involvement of two Rpp25-like subfamily members ALBA4 and ALBA6 in RNA metabolism in mature pollen supported by their co-localization with poly(A)-binding protein 3 (PABP3). Collectively, we demonstrated the engagement of ALBA proteins in male reproductive development and the heat stress response, highlighting the involvement of ALBA4 and ALBA6 in RNA metabolism, storage and/or translational control in pollen upon heat stress. Such dynamic re-localization of ALBA proteins in a controlled, developmentally and environmentally regulated manner, likely reflects not only their redundancy but also their possible functional diversification in plants.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Undergoes Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Jinyun , Yang Yujie , Russu Wade A. , Chan William K.
Published: February 2021

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated signaling molecule expressed in many cell types, including triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer cells. It affects breast cancer growth and crosstalk with estrogen receptor signaling. Normally, this receptor is degraded shortly after ligand activation via the 26S proteasome. Here, we report that AHR undergoes chaperone-mediated autophagy in MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer cells. This lysosomal degradation of AHR exhibits the following characteristics: (1) it is triggered by 6 amino-nicotinamide, starvation, and piperazinylpyrimidine compound Q18; (2) it is not observed in non-triple-negative breast cancer cells (MCF-7, T47D, and MDA-MB-361); (3) it can be inhibited by progesterone receptor B but not estrogen receptor alpha; (4) it can be reversed by chloroquine but not MG132; (5) it requires LAMP2A; and (6) it involves AHR-HSC70 and AHR-LAMP2A interactions. The NEKFF sequence localized at amino acid 558 of human AHR appears to be a KFERQ-like motif of chaperone-mediated autophagy, responsible for the LAMP2A-mediated AHR protein degradation.
Target Score—A Proteomics Data Selection Tool Applied to Esophageal Cancer Identifies GLUT1-Sialyl Tn Glycoforms as Biomarkers of Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Cotton Sofia , Ferreira Dylan , Soares Janine , Peixoto Andreia , Relvas-Santos Marta , Azevedo Rita , Piairo Paulina , Diéguez Lorena , Palmeira Carlos , Lima Luís , Silva André M. N. , Lara Santos Lúcio , Ferreira José Alexandre
Published: February 2021

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a life-threatening disease, demanding the discovery of new biomarkers and molecular targets for precision oncology. Aberrantly glycosylated proteins hold tremendous potential towards this objective. In the current study, a series of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and EC-derived circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were screened by immunoassays for the sialyl-Tn (STn) antigen, a glycan rarely expressed in healthy tissues and widely observed in aggressive gastrointestinal cancers. An ESCC cell model was glycoengineered to express STn and characterized in relation to cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. STn was found to be widely present in ESCC (70% of tumors) and in CTCs in 20% of patients, being associated with general recurrence and reduced survival. Furthermore, STn expression in ESCC cells increased invasion in vitro, while reducing cancer cells proliferation. In parallel, an ESCC mass spectrometry-based proteomics dataset, obtained from the PRIDE database, was comprehensively interrogated for abnormally glycosylated proteins. Data integration with the Target Score, an algorithm developed in-house, pinpointed the glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) as a biomarker of poor prognosis. GLUT1-STn glycoproteoforms were latter identified in tumor tissues in patients facing worst prognosis. Furthermore, healthy human tissues analysis suggested that STn glycosylation provided cancer specificity to GLUT1. In conclusion, STn is a biomarker of worst prognosis in EC and GLUT1-STn glycoforms may be used to increase its specificity on the stratification and targeting of aggressive ESCC forms.
The Age-Sensitive Efficacy of Calorie Restriction on Mitochondrial Biogenesis and mtDNA Damage in Rat Liver
Authors: Chimienti Guglielmina , Picca Anna , Fracasso Flavio , Russo Francesco , Orlando Antonella , Riezzo Giuseppe , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Pesce Vito , Lezza Angela Maria Serena
Published: February 2021

Calorie restriction (CR) is the most efficacious treatment to delay the onset of age-related changes such as mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the sensitivity of mitochondrial markers to CR and the age-related boundaries of CR efficacy are not fully elucidated. We used liver samples from ad libitum-fed (AL) rats divided in: 18-month-old (AL-18), 28-month-old (AL-28), and 32-month-old (AL-32) groups, and from CR-treated (CR) 28-month-old (CR-28) and 32-month-old (CR-32) counterparts to assay the effect of CR on several mitochondrial markers. The age-related decreases in citrate synthase activity, in TFAM, MFN2, and DRP1 protein amounts and in the mtDNA content in the AL-28 group were prevented in CR-28 counterparts. Accordingly, CR reduced oxidative mtDNA damage assessed through the incidence of oxidized purines at specific mtDNA regions in CR-28 animals. These findings support the anti-aging effect of CR up to 28 months. Conversely, the protein amounts of LonP1, Cyt c, OGG1, and APE1 and the 4.8 Kb mtDNA deletion content were not affected in CR-28 rats. The absence of significant differences between the AL-32 values and the CR-32 counterparts suggests an age-related boundary of CR efficacy at this age. However, this only partially curtails the CR benefits in counteracting the generalized aging decline and the related mitochondrial involvement.
Preventing Brain Injury in the Preterm Infant—Current Controversies and Potential Therapies
Authors: Yates Nathanael , Gunn Alistair J. , Bennet Laura , Dhillon Simerdeep K. , Davidson Joanne O.
Published: February 2021

Preterm birth is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality including brain damage and cerebral palsy. The development of brain injury in the preterm infant may be influenced by many factors including perinatal asphyxia, infection/inflammation, chronic hypoxia and exposure to treatments such as mechanical ventilation and corticosteroids. There are currently very limited treatment options available. In clinical trials, magnesium sulfate has been associated with a small, significant reduction in the risk of cerebral palsy and gross motor dysfunction in early childhood but no effect on the combined outcome of death or disability, and longer-term follow up to date has not shown improved neurological outcomes in school-age children. Recombinant erythropoietin has shown neuroprotective potential in preclinical studies but two large randomized trials, in extremely preterm infants, of treatment started within 24 or 48 h of birth showed no effect on the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairment or death at 2 years of age. Preclinical studies have highlighted a number of promising neuroprotective treatments, such as therapeutic hypothermia, melatonin, human amnion epithelial cells, umbilical cord blood and vitamin D supplementation, which may be useful at reducing brain damage in preterm infants. Moreover, refinements of clinical care of preterm infants have the potential to influence later neurological outcomes, including the administration of antenatal and postnatal corticosteroids and more accurate identification and targeted treatment of seizures.