bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrate-Binding Module and Linker Allow Cold Adaptation and Salt Tolerance of Maltopentaose-Forming Amylase From Marine Bacterium Saccharophagus degradans 2-40T
Authors: Ding Ning , Zhao Boyang , Ban Xiaofeng , Li Caiming , Venkataram Prasad B. V. , Gu Zhengbiao , Li Zhaofeng
Published: July 2021

Marine extremophiles produce cold-adapted and/or salt-tolerant enzymes to survive in harsh conditions. These enzymes are naturally evolved with unique structural features that confer a high level of flexibility, solubility and substrate-binding ability compared to mesophilic and thermostable homologs. Here, we identified and characterized an amylase, SdG5A, from the marine bacterium Saccharophagus degradans 2-40T. We expressed the protein in Bacillus subtilis and found that the purified SdG5A enabled highly specific production of maltopentaose, an important health-promoting food and nutrition component. Notably, SdG5A exhibited outstanding cold adaptation and salt tolerance, retaining approximately 30 and 70% of its maximum activity at 4°C and in 3 M NaCl, respectively. It converted 68 and 83% of starch into maltooligosaccharides at 4 and 25°C, respectively, within 24 h, with 79% of the yield being the maltopentaose. By analyzing the structure of SdG5A, we found that the C-terminal carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) coupled with an extended linker, displayed a relatively high negative charge density and superior conformational flexibility compared to the whole protein and the catalytic domain. Consistent with our bioinformatics analysis, truncation of the linker-CBM region resulted in a significant loss in activities at low temperature and high salt concentration. This highlights the linker-CBM acting as the critical component for the protein to carry out its activity in biologically unfavorable condition. Together, our study indicated that these unique properties of SdG5A have great potential for both basic research and industrial applications in food, biology, and medical and pharmaceutical fields.
Invisible and Flexible Printed Sensors Based on ITO Nanoparticle Ink for Security Applications
Authors: Gilshtein Evgeniia , Tacneng Jasmine , Bolat Sami , Torres Sevilla Galo , Romanyuk Yaroslav E.
Published: July 2021

Here, we propose a method to create a transparent security system based on printed conductive indium tin oxide (ITO)—the most widely used transparent conducting oxide material integrated into the devices with high transparency. Commonly used solution-processed ITO annealing methods are utilizing temperatures which are limiting the use of flexible polymeric substrates. Our method combines inkjet printing on flexible temperature-stable colorless polyimide (CPI) substrate with fast flash lamp annealing (FLA). In this study, millisecond pulses of visible light from a xenon lamp induce rapid heating of the ITO films up to 650°C through the light-absorbing additional layer of a colored organic dye onto printed ITO, whereas the CPI bulk never exceeds the melting point. Fabricated flexible ITO patterns on CPI film processed with the flash lamp annealing through the dye layer exhibit a transmittance of up to 85% at the wavelength of 550 nm and sheet resistance of 520 Ω/sq for a 70 nm layer thickness. With the proposed technology of our demonstrator realization—transparent glass/window or any other object such as a curved door lock can be used for integrating a touch-enabled transparent security access system, which would be completely invisible.
Otoferlin Is Required for Proper Synapse Maturation and for Maintenance of Inner and Outer Hair Cells in Mouse Models for DFNB9
Authors: Stalmann Ursula , Franke Albert Justin , Al-Moyed Hanan , Strenzke Nicola , Reisinger Ellen
Published: July 2021

Deficiency of otoferlin causes profound prelingual deafness in humans and animal models. Here, we closely analyzed developmental deficits and degenerative mechanisms in Otof knock-out (Otof–/–) mice over the course of 48 weeks. We found otoferlin to be required for proper synapse development in the immature rodent cochlea: In absence of otoferlin, synaptic pruning was delayed, and postsynaptic boutons appeared enlarged at 2 weeks of age. At postnatal day 14 (P14), we found on average ∼15 synapses per inner hair cell (IHC) in Otof–/– cochleae as well as in wild-type controls. Further on, the number of synapses in Otof–/– IHCs was reduced to ∼7 at 8 weeks of age and to ∼6 at 48 weeks of age. In the same period, the number of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) declined in Otof–/– animals. Importantly, we found an age-progressive loss of IHCs to an overall number of 75% of wildtype IHCs. The IHC loss more prominently but not exclusively affected the basal aspects of the cochlea. For outer hair cells (OHCs), we observed slightly accelerated age-dependent degeneration from base to apex. This was associated with a progressive decay in DPOAE amplitudes for high frequency stimuli, which could first be observed at the age of 24 weeks in Otof–/– mice. Our data will help to plan and predict the outcome of a gene therapy applied at various ages of DFNB9 patients.
The Role of Platelets in the Stimulation of Neuronal Synaptic Plasticity, Electric Activity, and Oxidative Phosphorylation: Possibilities for New Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Kopeikina Ekaterina , Ponomarev Eugene D.
Published: July 2021

The central nervous system (CNS) is highly vascularized where neuronal cells are located in proximity to endothelial cells, astroglial limitans, and neuronal processes constituting integrated neurovascular units. In contrast to many other organs, the CNS has a blood-brain barrier (BBB), which becomes compromised due to infection, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, traumatic brain injury, and other reasons. BBB disruption is presumably involved in neuronal injury during epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, many types of neuropsychological disorders are accompanied by an increase in BBB permeability leading to direct contact of circulating blood cells in the capillaries with neuronal cells in the CNS. The second most abundant type of blood cells are platelets, which come after erythrocytes and outnumber ~100-fold circulating leukocytes. When BBB becomes compromised, platelets swiftly respond to the vascular injury and become engaged in thrombosis and hemostasis. However, more recent studies demonstrated that platelets could also enter CNS parenchyma and directly interact with neuronal cells. Within CNS, platelets become activated by recognizing major brain gangliosides on the surface of astrocytes and neurons and releasing a milieu of pro-inflammatory mediators, neurotrophic factors, and neurotransmitters. Platelet-derived factors directly stimulate neuronal electric and synaptic activity and promote the formation of new synapses and axonal regrowth near the site of damage. Despite such active involvement in response to CNS damage, the role of platelets in neurological disorders was not extensively studied, which will be the focus of this review.
Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Posterior Circulation Stroke in the Emergency Setting
Authors: Hoyer Carolin , Szabo Kristina
Published: July 2021

Posterior circulation stroke (PCS), caused by infarction within the vertebrobasilar arterial system, is a potentially life-threatening condition and accounts for about 20–25% of all ischemic strokes. Diagnosing PCS can be challenging due to the vast area of brain tissue supplied by the posterior circulation and, as a consequence, the wide range of—frequently non-specific—symptoms. Commonly used prehospital stroke scales and triage systems do not adequately represent signs and symptoms of PCS, which may also escape detection by cerebral imaging. All these factors may contribute to causing delay in recognition and diagnosis of PCS in the emergency context. This narrative review approaches the issue of diagnostic error in PCS from different perspectives, including anatomical and demographic considerations as well as pitfalls and problems associated with various stages of prehospital and emergency department assessment. Strategies and approaches to improve speed and accuracy of recognition and early management of PCS are outlined.
Dual-Threshold-Based Microstate Analysis on Characterizing Temporal Dynamics of Affective Process and Emotion Recognition From EEG Signals
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Haifeng , Ma Lin , Bo Hongjian , Soong Frank , Shi Yaohui
Published: July 2021

Recently, emotion classification from electroencephalogram (EEG) data has attracted much attention. As EEG is an unsteady and rapidly changing voltage signal, the features extracted from EEG usually change dramatically, whereas emotion states change gradually. Most existing feature extraction approaches do not consider these differences between EEG and emotion. Microstate analysis could capture important spatio-temporal properties of EEG signals. At the same time, it could reduce the fast-changing EEG signals to a sequence of prototypical topographical maps. While microstate analysis has been widely used to study brain function, few studies have used this method to analyze how brain responds to emotional auditory stimuli. In this study, the authors proposed a novel feature extraction method based on EEG microstates for emotion recognition. Determining the optimal number of microstates automatically is a challenge for applying microstate analysis to emotion. This research proposed dual-threshold-based atomize and agglomerate hierarchical clustering (DTAAHC) to determine the optimal number of microstate classes automatically. By using the proposed method to model the temporal dynamics of auditory emotion process, we extracted microstate characteristics as novel temporospatial features to improve the performance of emotion recognition from EEG signals. We evaluated the proposed method on two datasets. For public music-evoked EEG Dataset for Emotion Analysis using Physiological signals, the microstate analysis identified 10 microstates which together explained around 86% of the data in global field power peaks. The accuracy of emotion recognition achieved 75.8% in valence and 77.1% in arousal using microstate sequence characteristics as features. Compared to previous studies, the proposed method outperformed the current feature sets. For the speech-evoked EEG dataset, the microstate analysis identified nine microstates which together explained around 85% of the data. The accuracy of emotion recognition achieved 74.2% in valence and 72.3% in arousal using microstate sequence characteristics as features. The experimental results indicated that microstate characteristics can effectively improve the performance of emotion recognition from EEG signals.
Sex Differences in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Accumbens Proteome at Baseline and Following Nicotine Exposure
Authors: Lee Angela M. , Mansuri Mohammad Shahid , Wilson Rashaun S. , Lam TuKiet T. , Nairn Angus C. , Picciotto Marina R.
Published: July 2021

Sex differences in behaviors relevant to nicotine addiction have been observed in rodent models and human subjects. Behavioral, imaging, and epidemiological studies also suggest underlying sex differences in mesolimbic dopamine signaling pathways. In this study we evaluated the proteome in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell in male and female mice. Experimental groups included two mouse strains (C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J) at baseline, a sub-chronic, rewarding regimen of nicotine in C3H/HeJ mice, and chronic nicotine administration and withdrawal in C57BL/6J mice. Isobaric labeling with a TMT 10-plex system, sample fractionation, and tandem mass spectrometry were used to quantify changes in protein abundance. In C3H/HeJ mice, similar numbers of proteins were differentially regulated between sexes at baseline compared with within each sex after sub-chronic nicotine administration. In C57BL/6J mice, there were significantly greater numbers of proteins differentially regulated between sexes at baseline compared with within each sex after chronic nicotine administration and withdrawal. Despite differences by sex, strain, and nicotine exposure parameters, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32, Ppp1r1b) were repeatedly identified as significantly altered proteins, especially in the VTA. Further, network analyses showed sex- and nicotine-dependent regulation of a number of signaling pathways, including dopaminergic signaling. Sub-chronic nicotine exposure in female mice increased proteins related to dopaminergic signaling in the NAc shell but decreased them in the VTA, whereas the opposite pattern was observed in male mice. In contrast, dopaminergic signaling pathways were similarly upregulated in both male and female VTA after chronic nicotine and withdrawal. Overall, this study identifies significant sex differences in the proteome of the mesolimbic system, at baseline and after nicotine reward or withdrawal, which may help explain differential trajectories and susceptibility to nicotine addiction in males and females.
CAFs Interacting With TAMs in Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Tumorigenesis and Immune Evasion
Authors: Gunaydin Gurcan
Published: July 2021

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most important and abundant players of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs as well as TAMs are known to play pivotal supportive roles in tumor growth and progression. The number of CAF or TAM cells is mostly correlated with poor prognosis. Both CAFs and TAMs are in a reciprocal communication with the tumor cells in the tumor milieu. In addition to such interactions, CAFs and TAMs are also involved in a dynamic and reciprocal interrelationship with each other. Both CAFs and TAMs are capable of altering each other’s functions. Here, the current understanding of the distinct mechanisms about the complex interplay between CAFs and TAMs are summarized. In addition, the consequences of such a mutual relationship especially for tumor progression and tumor immune evasion are highlighted, focusing on the synergistic pleiotropic effects. CAFs and TAMs are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment; thus, they may prove to be potential therapeutic targets. A better understanding of the tri-directional interactions of CAFs, TAMs and cancer cells in terms of tumor progression will pave the way for the identification of novel theranostic cues in order to better target the crucial mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
Desensitization of Capsaicin-Sensitive Afferents Accelerates Early Tumor Growth via Increased Vascular Leakage in a Murine Model of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Bencze Noémi , Schvarcz Csaba , Kriszta Gábor , Danics Lea , Szőke Éva , Balogh Péter , Szállási Árpád , Hamar Péter , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Botz Bálint
Published: July 2021

There is growing interest in the role of nerve-driven mechanisms in tumorigenesis and tumor growth. Capsaicin-sensitive afferents have been previously shown to possess antitumoral and immune-regulatory properties, the mechanism of which is currently poorly understood. In this study, we have assessed the role of these terminals in the triple negative 4T1 orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer. The ultrapotent capsaicin-analogue resiniferatoxin (RTX) was used for the selective, systemic desensitization of capsaicin-sensitive afferents. Growth and viability of orthotopically implanted 4T1 tumors were measured by caliper, in vivo MRI, and bioluminescence imaging, while tumor vascularity and protease enzyme activity were assessed using fluorescent in vivo imaging. The levels of the neuropeptides Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), Substance P (SP), and somatostatin were measured from tumor tissue homogenates using radioimmunoassay, while tumor structure and peritumoral inflammation were evaluated by conventional use of CD31, CD45 and CD3 immunohistology. RTX-pretreated mice demonstrated facilitated tumor growth in the early phase measured using a caliper, which was coupled with increased tumor vascular leakage demonstrated using fluorescent vascular imaging. The tumor size difference dissipated by day seven. The MRI tumor volume was similar, while the intratumoral protease enzyme activity measured by fluorescence imaging was also comparable in RTX-pretreated and non-pretreated animals. Tumor viability or immunohistopathological profile was measured using CD3, CD31, and CD45 stains and did not differ significantly from the non-pretreated control group. Intratumoral somatostatin, CGRP, and SP levels were similar in both groups. Our results underscore the beneficial, antitumoral properties of capsaicin sensitive nerve terminals in this aggressive model of breast cancer, which is presumed to be due to the inhibition of tumor vascular bed disruption. The absence of any difference in intratumoral neuropeptide levels indicates non-neural sources playing a substantial part in their expression.
Asparagus officinalis Exhibits Anti-Tumorigenic and Anti-Metastatic Effects in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Xu Guangxu , Kong Weimin , Fang Ziwei , Fan Yali , Yin Yajie , Sullivan Stephanie A. , Tran Arthur-Quan , Clark Leslie H. , Sun Wenchuan , Hao Tianran , Zhao Luyu , Zhou Chunxiao , Bae-Jump Victoria L.
Published: July 2021

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of female cancer death. Emerging evidence suggests that many dietary natural products have anti-tumorigenic activity, including that of asparagus officinalis. The current study aimed to assess the anti-tumorigenic and anti-metastatic effects of asparagus officinalis on serous ovarian cancer cell lines and a transgenic mouse model of high grade serous ovarian cancer. Asparagus officinalis decreased cellular viability, caused cell cycle G1 phase arrest and induced apoptosis in the OVCAR5 and SKOV3 cells. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation was rescued by the pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, implying that its cytotoxic effects were mainly dependent on caspase pathways. Asparagus officinalis increased levels of ROS and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential with corresponding increases in PERK, Bip, Calnexin PDI and ATF4 in both cell lines. Treatment with asparagus officinalis also reduced ability of adhesion and invasion through epithelial–mesenchymal transition and reduction of VEGF expression. The combination of Asparagus officinalis with paclitaxel had synergistic anti-proliferative activity. Furthermore, Asparagus officinalis significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced serum VEGF in a genetically engineered mouse model of ovarian cancer under obese and lean conditions, accompanied with a decrease in the expression of Ki67, VEGF and phosphorylated S6, and in an increase in phosphorylation of AMPK in the ovarian tumor tissues. Overall, our data provide a pre-clinical rationale for asparagus officinalis in the prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer as a novel natural product.
Consideration of Surrogate Endpoints for Overall Survival Associated With First-Line Immunotherapy in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Li Shuang , Cui Yanan , Zhao Peiyan , Sun Xiaodan , Cheng Ying
Published: July 2021

Background

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chemotherapy is known to improve overall survival (OS) in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). ICIs have different response patterns and survival kinetics characteristics from those of the traditional chemotherapy. In first-line treatment for ES-SCLC, there is an urgent need for surrogate endpoints for the early and accurate prediction of OS. This study aimed to assess progression-free survival (PFS), milestone OS rate, milestone restricted mean survival time (RMST), overall response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) as proposed surrogate endpoints for OS in ES-SCLC for first-line immunotherapy trials.

Methods

Between January 1, 2013, and December 2020, published articles on randomized clinical trials of ICIs plus chemotherapy in patients with ES-SCLC as first-line therapy were searched in PubMed. Abstracts from the ESMO, ASCO, and WCLC, reported from 2018 onwards, were also searched. A weighted regression analysis based on the weighted least squares method was performed on log-transformed estimates of treatment effect, and the determination coefficient (R2) was calculated to evaluate the association between treatment effect on the surrogate endpoint and OS.

Results

Seven trials, representing 3,009 patients, were included to make up a total of 16 analyzed arms. The ratio of the 12-month OS milestone rate (r = −0.790, P = 0.011, R2 = 0.717) and 12-month OS milestone RMST (r = 0.798, P = 0.010, R2 = 0.702) was strongly correlated with the hazard ratio (HR) for OS. The strongest association was observed between the ratio of the 24-month OS milestone RMST and the HR for OS (r = 0.922, P = 0.001, R2 = 0.825). No associations were observed between the HR for OS and PFS and the RR for ORR and DCR.

Conclusions

The results suggested a strong correlation among the ratio of OS milestone rates at 12 months, ratios of OS milestone RMSTs at 12 and 24 months, and HR for OS. The results indicate that OS milestone rates and OS milestone RMSTs could be considered surrogate endpoints of OS in future first-line immunotherapy trials for ES-SCLC.
ER-α36 Promotes the Malignant Progression of Cervical Cancer Mediated by Estrogen via HMGA2
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Zhang Tianli , Wang Kun , Zhang Shuo , Sun Qing , Yang Xingsheng
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Estrogen is proven to promote the malignant behaviors of many cancers via its receptors. Estrogen receptor alfa 36 (ER-α36) is a newly identified isoform of estrogen receptor alfa (ER-α), the role of ER-α36 in regulating the effects of estrogen and its potential impact on human cervical cancer is poorly understood.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry staining was used to evaluate the expression of ER-α36, estrogen receptor alfa 66 (ER-α66) and their prognostic values in cervical cancer. The effects of ER-α36 and ER-α66 on the proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer were measured in vitro. A xenograft tumor assay was used to study the tumorigenesis role of ER-α36 in vivo. Furthermore, the functional gene at the downstream of ER-α36 was obtained via next-generation sequencing, and the biological functions of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) in cervical cancer cells were investigated in vitro.

Results

ER-α36 was over-expressed in cervical cancer tissues and elevated ER-α36 expression was associated with poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. High expression of ER-α36 promoted the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer cells mediated by estrogen, while silencing ER-α36 had the opposite effects. Further research showed that HMGA2 was a downstream target of ER-α36 in cervical cancer cells. The oncogenic effect of ER-α36 was attenuated after HMGA2 knockdown.

Conclusions

High expression of ER-α36 was correlated with a poor prognosis in cervical cancer by regulating HMGA2. ER-α36 could be a prognostic biomarker and a target for cervical cancer treatment.
Identification of the Prognosis Value and Potential Mechanism of Immune Checkpoints in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Microenvironment
Authors: Liao Guodong , Wang Ping , Wang Yuyong
Published: July 2021

Background

Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide. KIRC has a poor prognosis and, to date, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoints is the most promising treatment. However, the role of immune checkpoints in KIRC remains ambiguous.

Methods

Bioinformatics analyses and qRT-PCR were performed to explore and further confirm the prognostic value of immune checkpoint genes and their correlation with immune infiltration in KIRC samples.

Results

The expression of the immune checkpoint genes CD274, PDCD1LG2, HAVCR2, CTLA4, TIGFT, LAG3, and PDCD1 was upregulated in KIRC tissues. These genes were involved in the activation of the apoptosis pathway in KIRC. Low expression of CD274 and HAVCR2 and high expression of CTLA4 were associated with poor overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) of KIRC patients. The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that CTLA4, HAVCR2, age, pTNM stage, and tumor grade were independent factors affecting the prognosis of KIRC patients. A predictive nomogram demonstrated that the calibration plots for the 3‐year and 5‐year OS probabilities showed good agreement compared to the actual OS of KIRC patients. The expression of CTLA4 and HAVCR2 were positively associated with immune cell infiltration, immune biomarkers, chemokines, and chemokine receptors. Moreover, miR-20b-5p was identified as a potential miRNA target of CTLA4 in KIRC.

Conclusion

Our study clarified the prognostic value of several immune checkpoint regulators in KIRC, revealing a CTLA4/miR-20b-5p axis in the control of immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.
Characteristics of Congenital Clasped Thumb: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kim Sungmin , Kwak Woo Kyoung , Jung Sung Taek
Published: July 2021

Congenital clasped thumb is a progressive flexion and adduction deformity presenting with heterogeneous congenital abnormalities and syndromes. This deformity is usually accompanied by first web space narrowing and metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) laxity. Understanding the various features of the clasped thumb and making an accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment. Depending on the classification, treatment can vary from conservative to surgical. We describe the case of a bilateral clasped thumb with various characteristics, which were treated differently according to the disease type. The deformity of the clasped thumb was bilateral, and the patient had MPJ flexion deformity, flexor pollicis longus shortening, first web space narrowing, and MPJ instability, which were confirmed through a stress test. The left thumb was a complex type and was surgically treated, whereas, the right thumb was a flexible type, which was treated with splinting; the treatment showed promising results at 2 years post surgery. Diagnosis of the clasped thumb through thorough history taking, physical examination and considering its characteristics, and appropriate classification of the disease is essential for treatment. Furthermore, a stress test can identify MPJ instability in the congenital clasped thumb.
Consequences of Lockdown During COVID-19 Pandemic in Lifestyle and Emotional State of Children in Argentina
Authors: Fasano María Victoria , Padula Marcela , Azrak María Ángeles , Avico Ana Julia , Sala Marisa , Andreoli María F.
Published: July 2021

The implications of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown measurements and social isolation in children and their parents are still unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on emotional state, feelings and lifestyle of children and their parents, to explore the association between parental characteristics and child well-being and to examine whether the impact of lockdown depends on socio-economic status. Parents completed an online survey including data about socio-demographic information, parent and child feelings and lifestyle during lockdown. Logistic regression and correlation analysis were used to establish associations between variables. In total, 814 parents with children between 4 and 11 were included in the study. According to parents, 69.5% of the children showed changes in their emotional state, 55.3% altered their routine and 62.6% showed sleep disorders. Families with lower socio-economic status were more worried about health, shortage of food and household income (p < 0.01). Parent and children concern about food/essential items were highly associated [OR (CI 95%) 13.0 (6.81, 26.5), p < 0.01]. Adverse children's emotional state was associated with parental feeling of loneliness (r = 0.35) and inversely associated with keeping a routine (r = −0.11). Sleep changes were inversely associated with keeping a routine and having a balcony/garden (r = −0.53 and −0.16). We conclude that lockdown affected emotional state and lifestyle of children and parents, which were strongly related. Routine and positive parental attitude supported children's well-being. Economic issues were an important concern in families with lower socio-economic status. Our findings can help to promote child health during lockdown.
Evolution in the Practice of Pediatric Endoscopy and Sedation
Authors: Cox Conrad B. , Laborda Trevor , Kynes J. Matthew , Hiremath Girish
Published: July 2021

The fields of pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy and sedation are critically important to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disease in children. Since its inception in the 1970s, pediatric endoscopy has benefitted from tremendous technological innovation related to the design of the endoscope and its associated equipment. Not only that, but expertise among pediatric gastroenterologists has moved the field forward to include a full complement of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in children. In this review, we discuss the remarkable history of pediatric endoscopy and highlight current limitations and future advances in the practice and technology of pediatric endoscopy and sedation.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compounds as Drug Candidates for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Duan Linshan , Cheng Shuyu , Li Long , Liu Yanling , Wang Dan , Liu Guoyan
Published: July 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents chronic recurrent intestinal inflammation resulting from various factors. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have been identified as the two major types of IBD. Currently, most of the drugs for IBD used commonly in the clinic have adverse reactions, and only a few drugs present long-lasting treatment effects. Moreover, issues of drug resistance and disease recurrence are frequent and difficult to resolve. Together, these issues cause difficulties in treating patients with IBD. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of IBD is of significance. In this context, research on natural compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity could be a novel approach to developing effective therapeutic strategies for IBD. Phytochemicals such as astragalus polysaccharide (APS), quercetin, limonin, ginsenoside Rd, luteolin, kaempferol, and icariin are reported to be effective in IBD treatment. In brief, natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activities are considered important candidate drugs for IBD treatment. The present review discusses the potential of certain natural compounds and their synthetic derivatives in the prevention and treatment of IBD.
Immune Intervention in Sepsis
Authors: Chen Jian , Wei Haiming
Published: July 2021

Sepsis is a host immune disorder induced by infection. It can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which has high morbidity and mortality. There has been great progress in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, such as improvements in pathogen detection technology, innovations regarding anti-infection drugs, and the development of organ function support. Abnormal immune responses triggered by pathogens, ranging from excessive inflammation to immunosuppression, are recognized to be an important cause of the high mortality rate. However, no drugs have been approved specifically for treating sepsis. Here, we review the recent research progress on immune responses in sepsis to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of sepsis. Constructing and optimizing a dynamic immune system treatment regimen based on anti-infection treatment, fluid replacement, organ function support, and timely use of immunomodulatory interventions may improve the prognosis of sepsis patients.
Extracellular Vesicles in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Wu Dongqing , Zhu Huaqing , Wang Hua
Published: July 2021

As the largest vital solid organ in the body, liver is consisting of multiple types of cells including hepatocytes, Kupffer cell, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and other immune cells. The communication between these cells is critical in maintaining liver function homeostasis, and dysregulation of such communication contributes to the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and ectosomes, act as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication. EVs can be produced and uptaken by a wide range of cells including all types of cells in the liver. Growing evidences show that EVs are involved in the development of liver diseases, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In this review, we will summarize recent advance in how EVs production are altered in NAFLD and ALD and how the changes of EVs quantity and cargos influence the progression of these diseases. The therapeutic and diagnostic potential of EVs in NAFLD and ALD will be also discussed in this review.
Advances in the Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci and Genes Involved in Seed Vigor in Rice
Authors: Zhao Jia , He Yongqi , Huang Shuilai , Wang Zhoufei
Published: July 2021

Seed vigor is a complex trait, including the seed germination, seedling emergence, and growth, as well as seed storability and stress tolerance, which is important for direct seeding in rice. Seed vigor is established during seed development, and its level is decreased during seed storage. Seed vigor is influenced by genetic and environmental factors during seed development, storage, and germination stages. A lot of factors, such as nutrient reserves, seed dying, seed dormancy, seed deterioration, stress conditions, and seed treatments, will influence seed vigor during seed development to germination stages. This review highlights the current advances on the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and regulatory genes involved in seed vigor at seed development, storage, and germination stages in rice. These identified QTLs and regulatory genes will contribute to the improvement of seed vigor by breeding, biotechnological, and treatment approaches.
Chromosome Level Assembly of Homozygous Inbred Line ‘Wongyo 3115’ Facilitates the Construction of a High-Density Linkage Map and Identification of QTLs Associated With Fruit Firmness in Octoploid Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Lee Hye-Eun , Manivannan Abinaya , Lee Sun Yi , Han Koeun , Yeum Jun-Geol , Jo Jinkwan , Kim Jinhee , Rho Il Rae , Lee Ye-Rin , Lee Eun Su , Kang Byoung-Cheorl , Kim Do-Sun
Published: July 2021

Strawberry is an allo-octoploid crop with high genome heterozygosity and complexity, which hinders the sequencing and the assembly of the genome. However, in the present study, we have generated a chromosome level assembly of octoploid strawberry sourced from a highly homozygous inbred line ‘Wongyo 3115’, using long- and short-read sequencing technologies. The assembly of ‘Wongyo 3115’ produced 805.6 Mb of the genome with 323 contigs scaffolded into 208 scaffolds with an N50 of 27.3 Mb after further gap filling. The whole genome annotation resulted in 151,892 genes with a gene density of 188.52 (genes/Mb) and validation of a genome, using BUSCO analysis resulted in 94.10% complete BUSCOs. Firmness is one of the vital traits in strawberry, which facilitate the postharvest shelf-life qualities. The molecular and genetic mechanisms that contribute the firmness in strawberry remain unclear. We have constructed a high-density genetic map based on the ‘Wongyo 3115’ reference genome to identify loci associated with firmness in the present study. For the quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification, the ‘BS F2’ populations developed from two inbred lines were genotyped, using an Axiom 35K strawberry chip, and marker positions were analyzed based on the ‘Wongyo 3115’ genome. Genetic maps were constructed with 1,049 bin markers, spanning the 3,861 cM. Using firmness data of ‘BS F2’ obtained from 2 consecutive years, five QTLs were identified on chromosomes 3-3, 5-1, 6-1, and 6-4. Furthermore, we predicted the candidate genes associated with firmness in strawberries by utilizing transcriptome data and QTL information. Overall, we present the chromosome-level assembly and annotation of a homozygous octoploid strawberry inbred line and a linkage map constructed to identify QTLs associated with fruit firmness.
Relationships Between the Therapeutic Alliance and Reactions to Artistic Experience With Art Materials in an Art Therapy Simulation
Authors: Gazit Inbal , Snir Sharon , Regev Dafna , Bat Or Michal
Published: July 2021

In art therapy, art-making plays an important role in the therapeutic relationship. To better understand the triangular relationship between the art therapist, the client and the artwork, this study investigated the association between the therapeutic alliance and reactions to artistic experiences with art materials in an art therapy simulation. The simulation consisted of a series of 6–8 sessions in which art therapy students were divided into teams composed of a permanent observer (art therapist) and creator (client). The client's role was to self-explore through art- making, and the art therapist's role was to accompany the client. Thirty-four students, all women, who played the art therapist role, and 37 students (one male) who played the client participated in the study. Of these participants, there were 24 pairs where both participants filled out all the questionnaires. A short version of the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) was completed by the clients and the art therapists on the second session (T1) and on the penultimate session (T2). The clients also completed the Art-Based Intervention Questionnaire (ABI) at T2. Significant positive correlations were found between indices of the WAI for the art therapist and the client and the clients' reactions to the artistic experience with art materials on the ABI. The evaluation of the emotional bond between the art therapist and the client at the start of the simulation significantly predicted the client's reactions to the artistic experience with art materials at the end of the simulation and explained 45.4% of the variance for this variable. These findings highlight factors related to the development and influence of the therapeutic alliance, as well as the role of the artistic experience in art therapy and lay the groundwork for further research.
Discover Your Inner Strength: A Positive Psychological Approach to Bolster Resilience and Address Radicalization
Authors: Dechesne Mark , Ahajjaj Jamal
Published: July 2021

The article reports initial attempts to evaluate a new positive psychological approach to bolster resilience among Muslims in the Netherlands. The approach uses Quranic texts and principles from mental contrasting and implementation intentions (MCII) to encourage Muslims in the Netherlands to reflect in groups on appropriate responses to challenges they are facing. The participants are inspired by Quranic texts and encouraged to write responses to specific challenges in the form of IF-THEN rules and to practice these IF-THEN rules for several weeks. Two studies indicate that this approach increases personal growth initiative. The implications of these findings for the MCII literature and prevention/countering violent extremism are discussed.
External Developmental Assets and Positive Identity Among Emerging Adults in Norway, Romania, Slovenia, and Turkey
Authors: Dost-Gözkan Ayfer , Kozina Ana , Stefenel Delia , Wiium Nora
Published: July 2021

The present study adopts The Developmental Assets and Positive Youth Development (PYD) perspectives which (in contrast to the deficit-based approaches which highlight risks and deficit in youth development) claim that young people have potencies to achieve optimal development if supported by their social environment. Extant research indicates that developmental assets are linked with a variety of thriving indicators. The present research aimed to contribute to the PYD research by examining the external developmental assets (support, empowerment, and boundaries and expectations) emerging adults (N= 2055; age range = 18–28) perceived in their social environment and the level of their positive identity in four countries (Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Turkey), which have different rankings in economic, human, and youth development indices. The present study also tested a path model, which examines the links between external development assets and positive identity. Findings indicated that although there are differences in the reports of external developmental assets and positive identity, external assets and positive identity are similarly and positively linked across the four countries. The findings build on the existing literature by showing that developmental assets are conducive to positive outcomes cross-nationally despite country-level differences in the experience of external assets. Policy implications of the findings were discussed from the perspective of ecological theory as well as Developmental Assets and Positive Youth Development Frameworks.
Knowledge Mobilized in Teacher–Student Interactions in PE in Difficult Vocational High School Classes: Enacted Knowledge
Authors: Girard Amélina , Vors Olivier
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Our study aims to analyze the enactive knowledge mobilized during teacher–student interactions in physical education lessons with difficult classes in vocational high school. These classes are considered “difficult” because they concentrate a large number of pupils who are referred to them because they have no choice. This lack of choice makes it difficult for these pupils to engage in school work and is the cause of deviant behavior and school dropout.

Methods: This study was conducted within the methodological and theoretical research program of the course of action. We analyzed the individual activity of nine teachers and 18 students during a PE lesson by collecting audiovisual data and conducting self-confrontation interviews. These data were processed in several stages: transcription, identification, and typification of the components of the experience.

Results: The results show mutual active knowledge between the teacher and the “difficult” students: emerging from the context, anchored in a dynamic of experience, coupled with the concerns of actors. The teacher classifies the profiles of students according to their reaction to authority and their difficulties, by spotting students' “thermometers” of the class climate. Some of the knowledge of students is coupled with their concerns to avoid boredom, to avoid trouble with the teacher, and to avoid trouble with their friends.
Empathetic Factors and Influences on Physical Performance: A Topical Review
Authors: Behm David G. , Carter Tori B.
Published: July 2021

Performance is dependent upon both physical and psychological factors. As a social animal, human behaviors are influenced by interactions with others. Empathy is based on social interactions and is defined as the understanding, awareness of, sensitivity to, and ability to vicariously experience the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another. There are few investigations on the influence of empathy in relation to individual and team performance and activity. There is some initial research suggesting that observing sad photos or videos or fatiguing exercise can adversely affect subsequent performance. Possible mechanisms may be attributed to mirror neurons or the affordance competition hypothesis. The relative degree of empathetic influences can be modulated by sex, age, personal familiarity, cultures and other factors. With the limited research in sport and exercise science, there is a need for more research to investigate the role of empathy on individual and team performances. The objective of this topical review was to examine the possible effects of empathy on physical performance, the potential underlying mechanisms and influencing variables moderating the association between empathy and performance?
The Importance of Developmental Assets to Mental Health in Norwegian Youth
Authors: Wiium Nora , Beck Marianne , Ferrer-Wreder Laura
Published: July 2021

In the present study, we examined the importance of developmental assets to prolonged sadness (i.e., being sad most of the time or all the time for no reason in the last month) and suicide attempt. Cross–sectional data on items measuring developmental assets as well as prolonged sadness and suicide attempt were collected from high school students in Norway (N = 591, 55% girls). The findings from independent t–tests indicated that youth with poor mental health reported less developmental assets relative to their peers who did not report such problems. In logistic regression, asset categories, such as Positive identity and Personal assets, were significantly associated with poor mental health (especially prolonged sadness) after adjusting for other asset categories and demographic factors, such as age, sex, and parents' educational background. The influence of Empowerment and Family assets, which was significant when only the assets were assessed, was no longer significant when demographic variables were also considered. While more research on factors that can promote youth mental health is needed, our findings suggest that policies and programmes that ensure that youth have access to the necessary developmental resources and opportunities may also be empowering youth, enhancing their mental health, and consequently, facilitating their active involvement in their community.
Prioritizing the First Doses of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine to Save the Elderly: The Case Study of Italy
Authors: Pontrelli Giuseppe , Cimini Giulio , Roversi Marco , Gabrielli Andrea , Salina Gaetano , Bernardi Stefania , Rocchi Francesca , Simonetti Alessandra , Giaquinto Carlo , Rossi Paolo , Sylos Labini Francesco
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing hundreds of deaths every day in European countries, mostly in not yet vaccinated elderly. Vaccine shortage poses relevant challenges to health authorities, called to act promptly with a scarcity of data. We modeled the mortality reduction of the elderly according to a schedule of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that prioritized first dose administration. For the case study of Italy, we show an increase in protected individuals up to 53.4% and a decrease in deaths up to 19.8% in the cohort of over 80's compared with the standard vaccine recalls after 3 or 4 weeks. This model supports the adoption of vaccination campaigns that prioritize the administration of the first doses in the elderly.