bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Financial Evaluation of a Multiple Inclination, Rooftop-Mounted, Photovoltaic System Where Structured Tariffs Apply: A Case Study of a South African Shopping Centre
Authors: van Vuuren Dirk Johan , Marnewick Annlizé L. , Pretorius Jan Harm C.
Published: March 2021

Fundamental mathematical principles were applied to calculate the return on investment (ROI) of a multiple inclination, rooftop-mounted, photovoltaic (PV) system that is connected to a structured tariff network. Recent history has seen a disproportionate increase in electricity tariffs within South Africa, enabling an increase in the deployment rates of PV technologies. Given the inherent uncertainty associated with simulating the electricity yield of a PV system, it can become difficult to estimate the ROI in advance. This study contributes to existing knowledge by presenting a process for calculating the ROI of a case study rooftop-mounted PV system using mathematical first principles where structured tariffs apply. The PV modules were mounted to a curved roof structure, ranging from 9° towards a southerly direction to 10° towards a northerly direction. The research results indicate that since the PV system is located within the southern hemisphere, the ROI will increase when PV modules are orientated towards the northerly direction to attain a maximum of R0.0059/Wp/Day at 10°, and a minimum of R0.0025/Wp/Day at 9° towards the southerly direction in the winter season. Summer maximum ROI yielded an average of between R0.0050/Wp/Day and R0.0052/Wp/Day, irrespective of the angle of inclination of the PV modules. It was concluded that PV systems must be designed to favour winter electricity production for increased ROI where structured tariffs apply within a South African context.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Home Energy Management System for Power Saving
Authors: Chioran Daniel , Valean Honoriu
Published: March 2021

In the context of the ongoing global warming, with environmental concerns regarding the greenhouse gas emissions due to our increasing energy consumption, smart energy management solutions have gained popularity as they have the potential to reduce our impact on the environment and also on our budgets. This paper proposes one of the most affordable designs for an autonomous, microcontroller-based demand-side energy management system to be installed in a home environment where it reduces the standby power consumed by the controlled devices. As a secondary function, it monitors and controls the lights to further save energy. The proposed system is designed to operate independently and also to limit the new wireless sources of electro-magnetic radiation introduced in the home environment. Six homes have been analyzed in terms of the measured energy consumption and to evaluate the energy management capabilities of the system, a prototype was built and tested. Promising results have been obtained and are detailed in the Results and Conclusion sections. A very low purchase price and good performance make this design a viable solution for intelligent home energy management, in today’s economic context.
Chemical Characteristics of Selected Grass Species from Polish Meadows and Their Potential Utilization for Energy Generation Purposes
Authors: Waliszewska Bogusława , Grzelak Mieczysław , Gaweł Eliza , Spek-Dźwigała Agnieszka , Sieradzka Agnieszka , Czekała Wojciech
Published: March 2021

Analyses were conducted on 10 grass species from permanent grasslands in the Noteć Leniwa and Noteć Bystra valley. Their chemical composition was assayed, and their heat of combustion and heating value were determined. The cellulose content ranged from 33.38% to 38.68%, while the content of lignin ranged from 15.42% to 21.99%, and that of hemicellulose from 30.27% to 34.31%. The heating value of grasses was comparable to that of wood from 2- to 3-year-old willows and other fast-growing energy crops. However, the calorific value of naturally dried grasses may be slightly lower. The quantities of minerals in these grasses, exceeding those in wood, did not result in a lowering of their heat of combustion. The analyses clearly showed that the investigated grass species may be successfully used for energy generation purposes.
Methodology for Estimating the Effect of Traffic Flow Management on Fuel Consumption and CO2 Production: A Case Study of Celje, Slovenia
Authors: Jereb Borut , Stopka Ondrej , Skrúcaný Tomáš
Published: March 2021

The manuscript discusses the investigation of vehicle flow in a predesignated junction by an appropriate traffic flow management with an effort to minimize fuel consumption, the production of CO2, an essential greenhouse gas (hereinafter referred to as GHG), and related transport costs. The particular research study was undertaken in a frequented junction in the city of Celje, located in the eastern part of Slovenia. The results obtained summarize data on consumed fuel and produced CO2 amounts depending on the type of vehicle, traffic flow mixture, traffic light signal plan, and actual vehicle velocity. These values were calculated separately for three different conditions of traffic flow management. Amounts of fuel consumed were experimentally investigated in real traffic situations, whereas CO2 production was calculated by applying the actual European standard entitled EN 16258:2012 associated with a guideline for measuring emission values, as well as by examining specific traffic flow parameters. The key objective of the manuscript is to present multiple scenarios towards striving to minimize environmental impacts and improve transport operation’s economic consequences when implementing proper traffic flow management. As for crucial findings, we quantified fuel consumption and CO2 emissions based on real data on the number and type of vehicles crossing the examined intersection and traffic light switching intervals. The results show that most of the CO2 was produced while waiting and in the accelerating phase in front of traffic lights, whereby in the running phase through the intersection, significantly less fuel was used. This study represents a mosaic fragment of research addressing endeavors to reduce CO2 production in urban transport. Following the experiments conducted, we can see a notable contribution towards reducing CO2 production with known and tested interventions in the existing transport infrastructure. A procedure embracing individual research steps may be deemed as an approach methodology dealing with traffic flow management with an aim to decrease the environmental and economic impacts of traffic and transport operation; this is where the novelty of the research lies.
Key Findings from the European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey in Greece
Authors: Pantavou Katerina , Tsiakalakis Georgios , Chanos Sophocles , Polkas Georgios , Papageorgiou Georgios , Dedes Nicolaos , Schmidt Axel J. , Nikolopoulos Georgios K.
Published: March 2021

The European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS-2017) is an international survey for men who have sex with men (MSM) designed to measure the level and distribution of four dimensions: (a) sexual health outcomes, (b) risk and precaution behaviors, (c) health promotion needs, and (d) coverage/uptake of interventions. The aim of the current work is to provide an overview of key demographics and findings for MSM in Greece covering the abovementioned dimensions of EMIS-2017, especially regarding HIV. Overall, 2909 men met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The participants’ age ranged between 15 and 74 years old (median 35 years). According to the descriptive analysis, 14.4% of the participants reported moderate and 8.9% severe anxiety and depression. The self-reported HIV prevalence was 11%. A high number of participants had non-steady male partners (74%, n = 2153). The number of non-steady intercourse partners in the last 12 months was over two for about 61.5% (n = 1321) of the participants. A very small number of participants had ever tried to get pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (2.2%, n = 63), and 41.2% of the participants (n = 1199) were unaware of PrEP. About half of the participants (51.6%, n = 1501) did not know that vaccination against both hepatitis A and B viruses is recommended for MSM. The results of EMIS-2017 identify important needs and can help policy making and prevention planning.
Similarities and Differences among Soil Fungal Assemblages in Managed Forests and Formerly Managed Forest Reserves
Authors: Kujawska Marta Brygida , Rudawska Maria , Wilgan Robin , Leski Tomasz
Published: March 2021

Unlike the numerous works concerning the effect of management on the forest mycobiome, only a few studies have addressed how fungi from different trophic groups recover from natural and anthropogenic disturbances and develop structural features typical of unmanaged old-growth forests. Our objective is to compare the soil fungal assemblages represented by different functional/trophic groups in protected and managed stands located in European mixed forests dominated by Scots pine. Fungal communities were analyzed using high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing of fungal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) amplicons. Formerly managed forest reserves (established around 50 years ago) and forests under standard forest management appeared to be similar in terms of total and mean species richness of all fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs), as well as OTUs assigned to different functional trophic groups. Among the 599 recorded OTUs, 497 (83%) were shared between both management types, whereas 9.5% of taxa were unique to forest reserves and 7.5% were unique to managed stands. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the predominant phyla, comprising 88% of all identified fungi. The main functional components of soil fungal assemblages consisted of saprotrophic (42% fungal OTUs; 27% reads) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (16%; 47%). Two-way analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) revealed that both site and management strategy influenced the species composition of soil fungal communities, with site being a primary effect for saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Volume of coarse and very fine woody debris and soil pH significantly influenced the ectomycorrhizal fungal community, whereas saprotrophic fungi were influenced primarily by volume of coarse woody debris and soil nitrate concentration. Among the identified fungal OTUs, 18 red-listed fungal species were identified from both forest reserves and managed forests, comprising two ECM fungi and four saprotrophs from the category of endangered species. Our results suggest that the transformation of fungal diversity after cessation of forest management is rather slow, and that both forest reserves and managed forests help uphold fungal diversity.
Recovery of Soil-Denitrifying Community along a Chronosequence of Sand-Fixation Forest in a Semi-Arid Desertified Grassland
Authors: Cao Chengyou , Zhang Ying , Cui Zhenbo , Li Hailong , Wang Tingting , Ren Qing
Published: March 2021

Revegetation on moving sand dunes is a widely used approach for restoring the degraded sandy land in northeastern China. The development of sand-fixation forest might improve the structures of soil microbial communities and affect soil N cycle. In the present study, the diversities of nitrite (nirS and nirK) and nitrous oxide (nosZ) reductase genes were investigated under a chronosequence of Caragana microphylla sand-fixation shrub forest (9- and 19-year), adjacent non-vegetated shifting sand-dune, and a natural forest dominated by C. microphylla. The dominant compositions and gene abundance were analyzed by a clone library technique and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The compositions and dominant taxa of nirK, nirS, and nosZ communities under forest soil were all similar to those in the shifting sand-dune. However, the three gene abundances all linearly increased across forest age. Clones associated with known denitrifiers carrying nosZ, nirK, or nirS genes, such as members of Pseudomonas, Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium, Rhodopseudomonas, Azospirillum, and Cupriavidus, were detected. These denitrifiers were found to be abundant in soil and dominant in soil denitrification. Soil pH, total N, and available N affected the denitrifying communities by altering the relative abundance of dominant taxa. Overall, although soil attributes and forest age had no significant effects on the dominant constituents of nirK, nirS, and nosZ communities, revegetation on shifting sand-dunes facilitated the quantitative restoration of soil denitrifiers due to the increase in soil nutrients.
The Effects of Forest Litter and Waterlogging on the Ecotoxicity of Soils Strongly Enriched in Arsenic in a Historical Mining Site
Authors: Szopka Katarzyna , Gruss Iwona , Gruszka Dariusz , Karczewska Anna , Gediga Krzysztof , Gałka Bernard , Dradrach Agnieszka
Published: March 2021

This study examined the effects of waterlogging and forest litter introduced to soil on chemical properties of soil pore water and ecotoxicity of soils highly enriched in As. These effects were examined in a 21-day incubation experiment. Tested soil samples were collected from Złoty Stok, a historical centre of arsenic and gold mining: from a forested part of the Orchid Dump (19,600 mg/kg As) and from a less contaminated site situated in a neighboring forest (2020 mg/kg As). An unpolluted soil was used as control. The concentrations of As, Fe and Mn in soil pore water were measured together with a redox potential Eh. A battery of ecotoxicological tests, including a bioassay with luminescence bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox) and several tests on crustaceans (Rapidtox, Thamnotox and Ostracodtox tests), was used to assess soil ecotoxicity. The bioassays with crustaceans (T. platyurus, H. incongruens) were more sensitive than the bacterial test Microtox. The study confirmed that the input of forest litter into the soil may significantly increase the effects of toxicity. Waterlogged conditions facilitated a release of As into pore water, and the addition of forest litter accelerated this effect thus causing increased toxicity.
GABA-Producing Lactococcus lactis Strains Isolated from Camel’s Milk as Starters for the Production of GABA-Enriched Cheese
Authors: Redruello Begoña , Saidi Yasmine , Sampedro Lorena , Ladero Victor , del Rio Beatriz , Alvarez Miguel A.
Published: March 2021

The multiple health benefits attributed to the bioactive compound γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have prompted the food industry to investigate the development of functional GABA-rich foods via the use of GABA-producing microorganisms. This study reports the isolation of six GABA-producing Lactococcus lactis strains from camel’s milk; this is the first time that such microorganisms have been isolated from milk. The sequencing and in silico analysis of their genomes, and the characterisation of their technological and safety properties, confirmed their potential as starters. Experimental cheeses made with all six strains (individually) accumulated GABA at concentrations of up to 457 mg/kg. These GABA-producing L. lactis strains could be used as starter cultures for the manufacture of functional GABA-enriched cheeses that provide health benefits to consumers.
The (Non) Economic Properties of the Law
Authors: Katz Leo , Sandroni Alvaro
Published: March 2021

This paper shows that the logical properties of constraints imposed by law are fundamentally different from other constraints considered in economics such as budget constraints and bounded rationality constraints, such as the ones based on inattention or shortlisting. This suggests that to fully incorporate law into economics may require a revision of economic theory.
Suitability of Pedigree Information and Genomic Methods for Analyzing Inbreeding of Polish Cold-Blooded Horses Covered by Conservation Programs
Authors: Polak Grażyna , Gurgul Artur , Jasielczuk Igor , Szmatoła Tomasz , Krupiński Jędrzej , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: March 2021

Traditionally, pedigree-based relationship coefficients were used to manage inbreeding and control inbreeding depression that occurs within populations. The extensive incorporation of genomic data in livestock breeding creates the opportunity to develop and implement methods to manage populations at the genomic level. Consequently, the realized proportion of the genome that two individuals share can be more accurately estimated instead of using pedigree information to estimate the expected proportion of shared alleles. To make use of this improvement, in this study we evaluated the genomic inbreeding measures in the Polish conserved cold-blooded horse population and compared the data with the traditional measures of inbreeding. Additionally, an ancestry fractions/proportions from Admixture software were tested as an estimate of lineage (ancestry coefficient) used for horses qualifying for the conservation program. The highest correlation of pedigree-based (FPED) and genomic inbreeding estimates was found for FROH (runs of homozygosity-based F coefficient) and FUNI (F coefficient based on the correlation between uniting gametes). FROH correlation with FPED tended to increase as the number of generations registered as pedigree increased. While lineage and gene contributions (Q) from Admixture software correlated, they showed poor direct compliance; hence, Q-value cannot be recommended as the estimate of pedigree-based lineage. All these findings suggest that the methods of genomics should be considered as an alternative or support in the analysis of population structure in conservative breeding that can help control inbreeding in rare horse populations.
Hunting for Familial Parkinson’s Disease Mutations in the Post Genome Era
Authors: Bentley Steven R. , Guella Ilaria , Sherman Holly E. , Neuendorf Hannah M. , Sykes Alex M. , Fowdar Javed Y. , Silburn Peter A. , Wood Stephen A. , Farrer Matthew J. , Mellick George D.
Published: March 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typically sporadic; however, multi-incident families provide a powerful platform to discover novel genetic forms of disease. Their identification supports deciphering molecular processes leading to disease and may inform of new therapeutic targets. The LRRK2 p.G2019S mutation causes PD in 42.5–68% of carriers by the age of 80 years. We hypothesise similarly intermediately penetrant mutations may present in multi-incident families with a generally strong family history of disease. We have analysed six multiplex families for missense variants using whole exome sequencing to find 32 rare heterozygous mutations shared amongst affected members. Included in these mutations was the KCNJ15 p.R28C variant, identified in five affected members of the same family, two elderly unaffected members of the same family, and two unrelated PD cases. Additionally, the SIPA1L1 p.R236Q variant was identified in three related affected members and an unrelated familial case. While the evidence presented here is not sufficient to assign causality to these rare variants, it does provide novel candidates for hypothesis testing in other modestly sized families with a strong family history. Future analysis will include characterisation of functional consequences and assessment of carriers in other familial cases.
Incidence and Death Rates from COVID-19 Are Not Always Coupled: An Analysis of Temporal Data on Local, Federal, and National Levels
Authors: Borgmann Stefan , Meintrup David , Reimer Kerstin , Schels Helmut , Nowak-Machen Martina
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a deadly pandemic worldwide, placing a burden on local health care systems and economies. Infection rates with SARS-CoV-2 and the related mortality of COVID-19 are not equal among countries or even neighboring regions. Based on data from official German health authorities since the beginning of the pandemic, we developed a case-fatality prediction model that correctly predicts COVID-19-related death rates based on local geographical developments of infection rates in Germany, Bavaria, and a local community district city within Upper Bavaria. Our data point towards the proposal that local individual infection thresholds, when reached, could lead to increasing mortality. Restrictive measures to minimize the spread of the virus could be applied locally based on the risk of reaching the individual threshold. Being able to predict the necessity for increasing hospitalization of COVID-19 patients could help local health care authorities to prepare for increasing patient numbers.
A Realist Review of Violence Prevention Education in Healthcare
Authors: Provost Sharon , MacPhee Maura , Daniels Michael A. , Naimi Michelle , McLeod Chris
Published: March 2021

Violence from patients and visitors towards healthcare workers is an international concern affecting the safety and health of workers, quality of care, and healthcare system sustainability. Although the predominant intervention has been violence prevention (VP) education for healthcare workers, evaluating its effectiveness is challenging due to underreporting of violence and the inherent complexity of both violence and the health care environment. This review utilized a theory-driven, realist approach to synthesize and analyze a wide range of academic and grey literature to identify explanations of how and why VP education makes a difference in preventing violence and associated physical and psychological injury to workers. The review confirmed the importance of positioning VP education as part of a VP strategy, and consideration of the contexts that influence successful application of VP knowledge and skills. Synthesis and analysis of patterns of evidence across 64 documents resulted in 11 realist explanations of VP education effectiveness. Examples include education specific to clinical settings, unit-level modeling and mentoring support, and support of peers and supervisors during violent incidents. This review informs practical program and policy decisions to enhance VP education effectiveness in healthcare settings.
Heart Disease, Now What? Improving Quality of Life through Education
Authors: Gomes Lisa , Liébana-Presa Cristina , Araújo Beatriz , Marques Fátima , Fernández-Martínez Elena
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The management of chronic illness assumes a level of demand for permanent care and reaches a priority dimension in the health context. Given the importance of nursing care to post-acute coronary syndrome patients, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention program on quality of life in patients after acute coronary syndrome. Method: Quasi-experimental study with two groups: an experimental group exposed to the educational intervention program and the control group without exposure to the educational intervention program. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between both groups (p < 0.001). Although only valid for the specific group of subjects studied, the educational intervention program enabled significant gains in quality of life. Conclusions: According to the findings of the study, a systematized and structured educational program, integrated into the care organization and based on transition processes, is effective in developing self-care skills and improves the quality of life in patients after acute coronary syndrome.
Physical Activity Level, Insomnia and Related Impact in Medical Students in Poland
Authors: Dąbrowska-Galas Magdalena , Ptaszkowski Kuba , Dąbrowska Jolanta
Published: March 2021

Background: Specific academic environment and time spent on learning may lead to sleep deprivation and a sedentary lifestyle. Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint. The purposes of this study were to describe the prevalence of insomnia in medical students, and to examine physical activity levels and other behavioral factors associated with insomnia in this population group. Methods: We included 308 medical students from Poland. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to assess insomnia among students. A multifactor model of analysis was used to analyze variables related to insomnia. Results: A share of 19.2% of medical students were inactive. Insomnia was reported by 36.8% of students. In the multifactorial model, variables such as smoking cigarettes (ß = 0.21, p < 0.001), consuming energy drinks several times a month (ß = 0.21, p = 0.024), or daily stress (ß = 0.44, p < 0.001) had a negative impact on the quality of sleep of medical students. Conclusions: Most medical students are physically active, however, approximately one-third of the medical students experience insomnia. This sleep problem is reported more often in students who experience daily stress or smoke cigarettes.
Characteristics of Multicomponent Interventions to Treat Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Extremely Cold Climates: A Systematic Review of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Albornoz-Guerrero Javier , García Sonia , Sevilla Guillermo García Pérez de , Cigarroa Igor , Zapata-Lamana Rafael
Published: March 2021

Aim: To analyze the characteristics of multicomponent interventions to reduce childhood overweight and obesity in territories with an extremely cold climate. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement. MEDLINE, PsycNet, SciELO, and grey literature databases were reviewed in the period between 2010 and 2020. Results: 29 articles were included (n = 4434 participants; 9.3 years; 56% women) with an average adherence of 86%, 100% being the highest adherence, for the physical activity and nutrition interventions. The primary variables studied were BMI, BMI Z-score BMI-SDS and, additionally, the secondary variables studied were nutritional status and physical and mental health. In 72% of the interventions presented, positive effects were seen on the reduction of BMI, including in parents and their children. The interventions were carried out mainly by nutritionists in health centers. The duration of the 29 interventions was ≤6 months and ≥12 months, in 59% and 41% of the studies, respectively. 57% of the studies reported post-intervention results. 86% of the interventions included a physical activity component, 80% included a nutrition component, 66% included a behavioral therapy component and 55% included an education component. Concerning the effects of the intervention on the primary outcome, in interventions with a duration equal to or less than six months, the most effective interventions included recreational activities, education, and nutritional programs. In interventions lasting 12 months or more, the most effective interventions included physical activity recommendations, nutritional and physical exercise programs, and cooking classes. Conclusions: This systematic review analyzed the effectiveness of, and characterized, multicomponent interventions lasting for 6 and 12 months, aiming to treat childhood obesity in extremely cold climates. The most frequently used units of measurement were also analyzed and summarized. Evidence derived from RCT. These results can be useful for designing future interventions to treat childhood obesity in territories with an extremely cold climate.
Pragmatic Quasi-Experimental Controlled Trial Evaluating the Outcomes of Blended CBT Compared to Face-to-Face CBT and Treatment as Usual for Adolescents with Depressive Disorders
Authors: Rasing Sanne P.A. , Stikkelbroek Yvonne A.J. , den Hollander Wouter , Riper Heleen , Deković Maja , Nauta Maaike H. , Creemers Daan H.M. , Immink Marianne C.P. , Spuij Mariken , Bodden Denise H.M.
Published: March 2021

Depression is a major problem in youth mental health. Current treatment is on average effective, but adolescents are hesitant to seek help. Blended treatment could lower the barriers to seeking treatment. Evidence on effectiveness is, however, scarce. The present pragmatic quasi-experimental controlled trial aimed to compare the outcomes of blended cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to face-to-face CBT and treatment as usual. A total of 129 adolescents with clinical depression (82.2% female), aged 13–22 (M = 16.60, SD = 2.03) received blended CBT, face-to-face CBT or treatment as usual. Clinical diagnosis, depressive symptoms, and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and six-months follow-up. Participants receiving blended CBT were, compared to participants receiving face-to-face CBT and treatment as usual, evenly likely to be in remission from their depressive disorder at post-intervention and at six-month follow-up. Depressive symptoms decreased significantly over time in all three conditions, and changes were not significantly different between conditions. Other secondary outcomes (suicide risk, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, severity of depression, and global functioning) did not differ between treatment conditions at post-intervention and six-month follow-up. Since there was no evidence for favorable outcomes for face-to-face therapies above blended CBT, blended CBT may also be an effective treatment format in clinical practice.
An Analysis of Maternal, Social and Household Factors Associated with Childhood Anemia
Authors: Chandran Vidya , Kirby Russell S.
Published: March 2021

Anemia is highly prevalent in all strata of populations in India, with established evidence of intergenerational anemia. The state of Madhya Pradesh was selected to study childhood anemia as the population is mostly rural, with many tribal districts, and has the highest infant mortality rate in India. This study aims to understand the maternal, social and household factors that affect anemia among children aged 6 months to 5 years by analyzing the the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 2015–2016. Children aged 6–59 months with estimated hemoglobin levels were included in this study. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to understand associations between childhood anemia and various socioeconomic factors. Two models to understand the presence of anemia and the levels of anemia were computed. Higher likelihood of having severe childhood anemia was observed among children of younger mothers (15- to 19-year-old mothers (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 4.06, less educated (uneducated mothers aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.13, 4.48) and belonged to a scheduled tribe (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.07, 3.29). Strong associations between anemia in mothers and their children suggest intergenerational anemia which has long-term effects. Malnourished children (severe stunting aOR 3.19, 95% CI 2.36, 4.31) and children born with very low birth weight (aOR 4.28, 95% CI 2.67, 6.87) were more likely to have anemia. These findings strongly suggest more proactive interventions including prenatal healthcare for women and monitoring of the nutrition children at the community level to combat childhood anemia. Evaluations of existing programs should be conducted to understand the gaps in reducing anemia and malnutrition in children.
Cumulative Effects of Strontium Ranelate and Impact Exercise on Bone Mass in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Aveline Priscilla , Cesaro Annabelle , Mazor Marija , Best Thomas M. , Lespessailles Eric , Toumi Hechmi
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of physical exercise (EXE), strontium ranelate (SR), or their combination on bone status in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. DESIGN: Sixty female Wistar rats were randomized to one of five groups: sham (Sh), OVX (O), OVX+EXE (OE), OVX+SR (OSR), and OVX+EXE+SR (OESR). Animals in EXE groups were subjected to 10 drops per day (45 cm in height); rats in SR groups received 625 mg/kg/day of SR, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), mechanical strength of the left femur (three-point bending test), and femur microarchitecture of (micro-computed tomography imaging, microCT) analyses were performed to characterize biomechanical and trabecular/cortical structure. Bone remodeling, osteocyte apoptosis, and lipid content were evaluated by ELISA and immunofluorescence tests. RESULTS: In OVX rats, whole-body BMD, trabecular parameters, and osteocalcin (OCN) levels decreased, while weight, lean/fat mass, osteocyte apoptosis, and lipid content all increased. EXE after ovariectomy improved BMD and BMC, trabecular parameters, cross-sectional area (CSA), moment of inertia, and OCN levels while decreasing osteocyte apoptosis and lipid content. SR treatment increased BMD and BMC, trabecular parameters, CSA, stiffness, OCN, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Furthermore, fat mass, N-telopeptide (NTX) level, osteocyte apoptosis, and lipid content significantly decreased. The combination of both EXE and SR improved bone parameters compared with EXE or SR alone. CONCLUSION: EXE and SR had positive and synergistic effects on bone formation and resorption.
Identification of Novel FNIN2 and FNIN3 Fibronectin-Derived Peptides That Promote Cell Adhesion, Proliferation and Differentiation in Primary Cells and Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Eun-Ju , Ahmad Khurshid , Pathak Shiva , Lee SunJu , Baig Mohammad Hassan , Jeong Jee-Heon , Doh Kyung-Oh , Lee Dong-Mok , Choi Inho
Published: March 2021

In recent years, a major rise in the demand for biotherapeutic drugs has centered on enhancing the quality and efficacy of cell culture and developing new cell culture techniques. Here, we report fibronectin (FN) derived, novel peptides fibronectin-based intergrin binding peptide (FNIN)2 (18-mer) and FNIN3 (20-mer) which promote cell adhesion proliferation, and the differentiation of primary cells and stem cells. FNIN2 and 3 were designed based on the in silico interaction studies between FN and its receptors (integrin α5β1, αvβ3, and αIIbβ3). Analysis of the proliferation of seventeen-cell types showed that the effects of FNINs depend on their concentration and the existence of expressed integrins. Significant rhodamine-labeled FNIN2 fluorescence on the membranes of HeLa, HepG2, A498, and Du145 cells confirmed physical binding. Double coating with FNIN2 or 3 after polymerized dopamine (pDa) or polymerized tannic acid (pTA) precoating increased HBEpIC cell proliferation by 30–40 percent, suggesting FNINs potently affect primary cells. Furthermore, the proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) treated with FNINs was significantly increased in 2D/3D culture. FNINs also promoted MSC differentiation into osteoblasts. The results of this study offer a new approach to the production of core materials (e.g., cell culture medium components, scaffolds) for cell culture.
Secondary Metabolism and Defense Responses Are Differently Regulated in Two Grapevine Cultivars during Ripening
Authors: Gambino Giorgio , Boccacci Paolo , Pagliarani Chiara , Perrone Irene , Cuozzo Danila , Mannini Franco , Gribaudo Ivana
Published: March 2021

Vitis vinifera ‘Nebbiolo’ is one of the most important wine grape cultivars used to produce prestigious high-quality wines known throughout the world, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. ‘Nebbiolo’ is a distinctive genotype characterized by medium/high vigor, long vegetative and ripening cycles, and limited berry skin color rich in 3′-hydroxylated anthocyanins. To investigate the molecular basis of these characteristics, ‘Nebbiolo’ berries collected at three different stages of ripening (berry pea size, véraison, and harvest) were compared with V. vinifera ‘Barbera’ berries, which are rich in 3′,5′-hydroxylated anthocyanins, using transcriptomic and analytical approaches. In two consecutive seasons, the two genotypes confirmed their characteristic anthocyanin profiles associated with a different modulation of their transcriptomes during ripening. Secondary metabolism and response to stress were the functional categories that most differentially changed between ‘Nebbiolo’ and ‘Barbera’. The profile rich in 3′-hydroxylated anthocyanins of ‘Nebbiolo’ was likely linked to a transcriptional downregulation of key genes of anthocyanin biosynthesis. In addition, at berry pea size, the defense metabolism was more active in ‘Nebbiolo’ than ‘Barbera’ in absence of biotic attacks. Accordingly, several pathogenesis-related proteins, WRKY transcription factors, and stilbene synthase genes were overexpressed in ‘Nebbiolo’, suggesting an interesting specific regulation of defense pathways in this genotype that deserves to be further explored.
In Translation: FcRn across the Therapeutic Spectrum
Authors: Qi Timothy , Cao Yanguang
Published: March 2021

As an essential modulator of IgG disposition, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) governs the pharmacokinetics and functions many therapeutic modalities. In this review, we thoroughly reexamine the hitherto elucidated biological and thermodynamic properties of FcRn to provide context for our assessment of more recent advances, which covers antigen-binding fragment (Fab) determinants of FcRn affinity, transgenic preclinical models, and FcRn targeting as an immune-complex (IC)-clearing strategy. We further comment on therapeutic antibodies authorized for treating SARS-CoV-2 (bamlanivimab, casirivimab, and imdevimab) and evaluate their potential to saturate FcRn-mediated recycling. Finally, we discuss modeling and simulation studies that probe the quantitative relationship between in vivo IgG persistence and in vitro FcRn binding, emphasizing the importance of endosomal transit parameters.
Modulation of Tubular pH by Acetazolamide in a Ca2+ Transport Deficient Mice Facilitates Calcium Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Awuah Boadi Eugenia , Shin Samuel , Yeroushalmi Samuel , Choi Bok-Eum , Li Peijun , Bandyopadhyay Bidhan C.
Published: March 2021

Proximal tubular (PT) acidosis, which alkalinizes the urinary filtrate, together with Ca2+ supersaturation in PT can induce luminal calcium phosphate (CaP) crystal formation. While such CaP crystals are known to act as a nidus for CaP/calcium oxalate (CaOx) mixed stone formation, the regulation of PT luminal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) under elevated pH and/or high [Ca2+] conditions are unknown. Since we found that transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) knockout (KO; -/-) mice could produce mild hypercalciuria with CaP urine crystals, we alkalinized the tubular pH in TRPC3-/- mice by oral acetazolamide (0.08%) to develop mixed urinary crystals akin to clinical signs of calcium nephrolithiasis (CaNL). Our ratiometric (λ340/380) intracellular [Ca2+] measurements reveal that such alkalization not only upsurges Ca2+ influx into PT cells, but the mode of Ca2+ entry switches from receptor-operated to store-operated pathway. Electrophysiological experiments show enhanced bicarbonate related current activity in treated PT cells which may determine the stone-forming phenotypes (CaP or CaP/CaOx). Moreover, such alkalization promotes reactive oxygen species generation, and upregulation of calcification, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis in PT cells, which were exacerbated in absence of TRPC3. Altogether, the pH-induced alteration of the Ca2+ signaling signature in PT cells from TRPC3 ablated mice exacerbated the pathophysiology of mixed urinary stone formation, which may aid in uncovering the downstream mechanism of CaNL.
Palmitoylethanolamide Modulation of Microglia Activation: Characterization of Mechanisms of Action and Implication for Its Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: D’Aloia Alessia , Molteni Laura , Gullo Francesca , Bresciani Elena , Artusa Valentina , Rizzi Laura , Ceriani Michela , Meanti Ramona , Lecchi Marzia , Coco Silvia , Costa Barbara , Torsello Antonio
Published: March 2021

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous lipid produced on demand by neurons and glial cells that displays neuroprotective properties. It is well known that inflammation and neuronal damage are strictly related processes and that microglia play a pivotal role in their regulation. The aim of the present work was to assess whether PEA could exert its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of microglia reactive phenotypes. In N9 microglial cells, the pre-incubation with PEA blunted the increase of M1 pro-inflammatory markers induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), concomitantly increasing those M2 anti-inflammatory markers. Images of microglial cells were processed to obtain a set of morphological parameters that highlighted the ability of PEA to inhibit the LPS-induced M1 polarization and suggested that PEA might induce the anti-inflammatory M2a phenotype. Functionally, PEA prevented Ca2+ transients in both N9 cells and primary microglia and antagonized the neuronal hyperexcitability induced by LPS, as revealed by multi-electrode array (MEA) measurements on primary cortical cultures of neurons, microglia, and astrocyte. Finally, the investigation of the molecular pathway indicated that PEA effects are not mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4); on the contrary, a partial involvement of cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) was shown by using a selective receptor inverse agonist.
The Pathophysiology of Osteoporosis after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Shams Ramsha , Drasites Kelsey P. , Zaman Vandana , Matzelle Denise , Shields Donald C. , Garner Dena P. , Sole Christopher J. , Haque Azizul , Banik Narendra L.
Published: March 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects approximately 300,000 people in the United States. Most individuals who sustain severe SCI also develop subsequent osteoporosis. However, beyond immobilization-related lack of long bone loading, multiple mechanisms of SCI-related bone density loss are incompletely understood. Recent findings suggest neuronal impairment and disability may lead to an upregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), which promotes bone resorption. Disruption of Wnt signaling and dysregulation of RANKL may also contribute to the pathogenesis of SCI-related osteoporosis. Estrogenic effects may protect bones from resorption by decreasing the upregulation of RANKL. This review will discuss the current proposed physiological and cellular mechanisms explaining osteoporosis associated with SCI. In addition, we will discuss emerging pharmacological and physiological treatment strategies, including the promising effects of estrogen on cellular protection.
IRE1α Is a Therapeutic Target for Cystic Fibrosis Airway Inflammation
Authors: Hull-Ryde Emily A. , Minges John T. , Martino Mary E. B. , Kato Takafumi , Norris-Drouin Jacqueline L. , Ribeiro Carla M. P.
Published: March 2021

New anti-inflammatory treatments are needed for CF airway disease. Studies have implicated the endoplasmic reticulum stress transducer inositol requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) in CF airway inflammation. The activation of IRE1α promotes activation of its cytoplasmic kinase and RNase, resulting in mRNA splicing of X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1s), a transcription factor required for cytokine production. We tested whether IRE1α kinase and RNase inhibition decreases cytokine production induced by the exposure of primary cultures of homozygous F508del CF human bronchial epithelia (HBE) to supernatant of mucopurulent material (SMM) from CF airways. We evaluated whether IRE1α expression is increased in freshly isolated and native CF HBE, and couples with increased XBP-1s levels. A FRET assay confirmed binding of the IRE1α kinase and RNase inhibitor, KIRA6, to the IRE1α kinase. F508del HBE cultures were exposed to SMM with or without KIRA6, and we evaluated the mRNA levels of XBP-1s, IL-6, and IL-8, and the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. IRE1α mRNA levels were up-regulated in freshly isolated CF vs. normal HBE and coupled to increased XBP-1s mRNA levels. SMM increased XBP-1s, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA levels and up-regulated IL-6 and IL-8 secretion, and KIRA6 blunted these responses in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, a triple combination of CFTR modulators currently used in the clinic had no effect on SMM-increased XBP-1s levels coupled with increased cytokine production in presence or absence of KIRA6. These findings indicate that IRE1α mediates cytokine production in CF airways. Small molecule IRE1α kinase inhibitors that allosterically reduce RNase-dependent XBP-1s may represent a new therapeutic strategy for CF airway inflammation.
PUL-Mediated Plant Cell Wall Polysaccharide Utilization in the Gut Bacteroidetes
Authors: Hao Zhenzhen , Wang Xiaolu , Yang Haomeng , Tu Tao , Zhang Jie , Luo Huiying , Huang Huoqing , Su Xiaoyun
Published: March 2021

Plant cell wall polysaccharides (PCWP) are abundantly present in the food of humans and feed of livestock. Mammalians by themselves cannot degrade PCWP but rather depend on microbes resident in the gut intestine for deconstruction. The dominant Bacteroidetes in the gut microbial community are such bacteria with PCWP-degrading ability. The polysaccharide utilization systems (PUL) responsible for PCWP degradation and utilization are a prominent feature of Bacteroidetes. In recent years, there have been tremendous efforts in elucidating how PULs assist Bacteroidetes to assimilate carbon and acquire energy from PCWP. Here, we will review the PUL-mediated plant cell wall polysaccharides utilization in the gut Bacteroidetes focusing on cellulose, xylan, mannan, and pectin utilization and discuss how the mechanisms can be exploited to modulate the gut microbiota.
Jasmonates and Plant Salt Stress: Molecular Players, Physiological Effects, and Improving Tolerance by Using Genome-Associated Tools
Authors: Delgado Celia , Mora-Poblete Freddy , Ahmar Sunny , Chen Jen-Tsung , Figueroa Carlos R.
Published: March 2021

Soil salinity is one of the most limiting stresses for crop productivity and quality worldwide. In this sense, jasmonates (JAs) have emerged as phytohormones that play essential roles in mediating plant response to abiotic stresses, including salt stress. Here, we reviewed the mechanisms underlying the activation and response of the JA-biosynthesis and JA-signaling pathways under saline conditions in Arabidopsis and several crops. In this sense, molecular components of JA-signaling such as MYC2 transcription factor and JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) repressors are key players for the JA-associated response. Moreover, we review the antagonist and synergistic effects between JA and other hormones such as abscisic acid (ABA). From an applied point of view, several reports have shown that exogenous JA applications increase the antioxidant response in plants to alleviate salt stress. Finally, we discuss the latest advances in genomic techniques for the improvement of crop tolerance to salt stress with a focus on jasmonates.
Advances in the Study of Olfaction in Eusocial Ants
Authors: Ferguson Stephen T. , Bakis Isaac , Zwiebel Laurence J.
Published: March 2021

Over the past decade, spurred in part by the sequencing of the first ant genomes, there have been major advances in the field of olfactory myrmecology. With the discovery of a significant expansion of the odorant receptor gene family, considerable efforts have been directed toward understanding the olfactory basis of complex social behaviors in ant colonies. Here, we review recent pivotal studies that have begun to reveal insights into the development of the olfactory system as well as how olfactory stimuli are peripherally and centrally encoded. Despite significant biological and technical impediments, substantial progress has been achieved in the application of gene editing and other molecular techniques that notably distinguish the complex olfactory system of ants from other well-studied insect model systems, such as the fruit fly. In doing so, we hope to draw attention not only to these studies but also to critical knowledge gaps that will serve as a compass for future research endeavors.