bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One Source, Two Source(s): Ribs and Tethers
Authors: Rudnick Lawrence , Cotton William , Knowles Kenda , Kolokythas Konstantinos
Published: October 2021

We present the unique and challenging case of a radio galaxy in Abell 3266 observed as part of the MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey. It has quasi-periodic bright patches along the tail which connect to never-before-seen thin transverse extensions, which we call “ribs”, reaching up to ∼50 kpc from the central axis of the tail. At a distance of ∼400 kpc from the host (assuming the z=0.0594 redshift of Abell 3266) we found what appears to be a triple source with its own apparent host at a photometric redshift of 0.78. Mysteriously, the part of the tail far from the host and the triple are connected by a series of thin filaments, which we call “tethers”. The far tail, tethers and triple also have similar spectra and Faraday rotation measures, suggesting that there is only one—quite complicated—source, with a serendipitous background AGN in the triple. We look at possible causes for the “rib” and “tether” structures, and the emerging phenomena of intracluster medium filaments associated with radio galaxies.
Hydrogels Classification According to the Physical or Chemical Interactions and as Stimuli-Sensitive Materials
Authors: Bustamante-Torres Moises , Romero-Fierro David , Arcentales-Vera Belén , Palomino Kenia , Magaña Héctor , Bucio Emilio
Published: October 2021

Hydrogels are attractive biomaterials with favorable characteristics due to their water uptake capacity. However, hydrogel properties are determined by the cross-linking degree and nature, the tacticity, and the crystallinity of the polymer. These biomaterials can be sorted out according to the internal structure and by their response to external factors. In this case, the internal interaction can be reversible when the internal chains are led by physicochemical interactions. These physical hydrogels can be synthesized through several techniques such as crystallization, amphiphilic copolymers, charge interactions, hydrogen bonds, stereo-complexing, and protein interactions. In contrast, the internal interaction can be irreversible through covalent cross-linking. Synthesized hydrogels by chemical interactions present a high cross-linking density and are employed using graft copolymerization, reactive functional groups, and enzymatic methods. Moreover, specific smart hydrogels have also been denoted by their external response, pH, temperature, electric, light, and enzyme. This review deeply details the type of hydrogel, either the internal structure or the external response. Furthermore, we detail some of the main applications of these hydrogels in the biomedicine field, such as drug delivery systems, scaffolds for tissue engineering, actuators, biosensors, and many other applications.
Work Stress, Mental Health and Validation of Professional Stress Scale (PSS) in an Italian-Speaking Teachers Sample
Authors: Limone Pierpaolo , Zefferino Roberto , Toto Giusi Antonia , Tomei Gianfranco
Published: October 2021

This study aimed validate the Italian version of the Professional Stress Scale (PSS). A questionnaire was translated into Italian and administered to two sample groups. The first group (n = 200) was the control group and the second (n = 1137) the experimental group. The participants in the study were students enrolled in a special needs training teacher course or a specialization course that aims to train support teachers. The study conducted two analyses; factor and reliability analyses. The factor analysis utilized the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test which had a result of 0.925 for the scale; this was above the acceptable value of 0.7. The research studied 33 items and the BTS was significant for the 33 items scale (χ2 (528) = 4353.508, p < 0.001). Moreover, five eigenvalues greater than 1 were identified in the data, whereas the total variance explained was 63.7%. The reliability test utilized the Cronbach’s Alpha score (0.936) of the scale and the value is calculated based on the response of 1106 individuals. The value is well above the value of 0.80, which indicates a high internal consistency level of the different items of the scale. This study showed that the Italian version of the PSS is a reliable and valid measure that can be used for research and clinical purposes.
We Have Plenty of Water, Don’t We? Social Norms, Practices, and Contentions in a Drought-Ridden Country
Authors: Ragusa Angela T.
Published: October 2021

Climate and land use change pose global challenges to water policy and management. This article furthers calls for integrated research conceptualizing water management as a holistic, interdependent system that may benefit from sociological research. To better understand how socioenvironmental change affects lifestyle expectations and experiences, interviews with in-migrants (relocated to inland Australia from metropolitan cities), industry and government informants are thematically analyzed. Results show in-migrants engage in adaptive water management and conservation strategies to enhance water security, yet call for council provision of water management education to minimize vulnerability. Industry informants perceive few water supply or pollution issues, favoring technological solutions to support unfettered growth and water amenities, while de-prioritizing environmental sustainability goals. Government priorities reflect drought narratives in Australian water policy reform and show concern about meeting consumer water supply and preserving water quality. With predictions of greater weather severity, including flooding, and in-migrants’ difficulty managing heavy rainfall, national legislation and policy modifications are necessary. Specifically, normalizing climate variability in policy and social identities is desirable. Finally, practices prioritizing water scarcity and trading management over environmental protection indicate a need to surpass environmental commodification by depoliticizing water management.
Overexpression of lipA or glpD_RuBisCO in the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Mutant Lacking the Aas Gene Enhances Free Fatty-Acid Secretion and Intracellular Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Eungrasamee Kamonchanock , Incharoensakdi Aran , Lindblad Peter , Jantaro Saowarath
Published: October 2021

Although engineered cyanobacteria for the production of lipids and fatty acids (FAs) are intelligently used as sustainable biofuel resources, intracellularly overproduced FAs disturb cellular homeostasis and eventually generate lethal toxicity. In order to improve their production by enhancing FFAs secretion into a medium, we constructed three engineered Synechocystis 6803 strains including KA (a mutant lacking the aas gene), KAOL (KA overexpressing lipA, encoding lipase A in membrane lipid hydrolysis), and KAOGR (KA overexpressing quadruple glpD/rbcLXS, related to the CBB cycle). Certain contents of intracellular lipids and secreted FFAs of all engineered strains were higher than those of the wild type. Remarkably, the KAOL strain attained the highest level of secreted FFAs by about 21.9%w/DCW at day 5 of normal BG11 cultivation, with a higher growth rate and shorter doubling time. TEM images provided crucial evidence on the morphological changes of the KAOL strain, which accumulated abundant droplets on regions of thylakoid membranes throughout the cell when compared with wild type. On the other hand, BG11-N condition significantly induced contents of both intracellular lipids and secreted FFAs of the KAOL strain up to 37.2 and 24.5%w/DCW, respectively, within 5 days. Then, for the first time, we shone a spotlight onto the overexpression of lipA in the aas mutant of Synechocystis as another potential strategy to achieve higher FFAs secretion with sustainable growth.
Mutants of the Zebrafish K+ Channel Hcn2b Exhibit Epileptic-like Behaviors
Authors: Rodríguez-Ortiz Roberto , Martínez-Torres Ataúlfo
Published: October 2021

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects 50 million people worldwide. The most common form of epilepsy is idiopathic, where most of the genetic defects of this type of epilepsy occur in ion channels. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are activated by membrane hyperpolarization, and are mainly expressed in the heart and central and peripheral nervous systems. In humans, four HCN genes have been described, and emergent clinical data shows that dysfunctional HCN channels are involved in epilepsy. Danio rerio has become a versatile organism to model a wide variety of diseases. In this work, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate hcn2b mutants in zebrafish, and characterized them molecularly and behaviorally. We obtained an hcn2b mutant allele with an 89 bp deletion that produced a premature stop codon. The mutant exhibited a high mortality rate in its life span, probably due to its sudden death. We did not detect heart malformations or important heart rate alterations. Absence seizures and moderate seizures were observed in response to light. These seizures rarely caused instant death. The results show that mutations in the Hcn2b channel are involved in epilepsy and provide evidence of the advantages of zebrafish to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Pituitary–Adrenal Responses and Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Vassiliadi Dimitra A. , Vassiliou Alice G. , Ilias Ioannis , Tsagarakis Stylianos , Kotanidou Anastasia , Dimopoulou Ioanna
Published: October 2021

The hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis was described as the principal component of the stress response 85 years ago, along with the acute-phase reaction, and the defense response at the tissue level. The orchestration of these processes is essential since systemic inflammation is a double-edged sword; whereas inflammation that is timely and of appropriate magnitude is beneficial, exuberant systemic inflammation incites tissue damage with potentially devastating consequences. Apart from its beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic effects, cortisol exerts a significant immunoregulatory role, a major attribute being that it restrains the excessive inflammatory reaction, thereby preventing unwanted tissue damage. In this review, we will discuss the role of the HPA axis in the normal stress response and in critical illness, especially in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Finally, a chapter will be dedicated to the findings from clinical studies in critical illness and COVID-19 on the expression of the mediator of glucocorticoid actions, the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR).
Mouse Breast Carcinoma Monocytic/Macrophagic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Infiltration as a Consequence of Endothelial Dysfunction in Shb-Deficient Endothelial Cells Increases Tumor Lung Metastasis
Authors: He Qi , Jamalpour Maria , Bergquist Eric , Anderson Robin L. , Gustafsson Karin , Welsh Michael
Published: October 2021

Metastasis reflects both the inherent properties of tumor cells and the response of the stroma to the presence of the tumor. Vascular barrier properties, either due to endothelial cell (EC) or pericyte function, play an important role in metastasis in addition to the contribution of the immune system. The Shb gene encodes the Src homology-2 domain protein B that operates downstream of tyrosine kinases in both vascular and immune cells. We have investigated E0771.lmb breast carcinoma metastasis in mice with conditional deletion of the Shb gene using the Cdh5-CreERt2 transgene, resulting in inactivation of the Shb-gene in EC and some hematopoietic cell populations. Lung metastasis from orthotopic tumors, tumor vascular and immune cell characteristics, and immune cell gene expression profiles were determined. We found no increase in vascular leakage that could explain the observed increase in metastasis upon the loss of Shb expression. Instead, Shb deficiency in EC promoted the recruitment of monocytic/macrophagic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (mMDSC), an immune cell type that confers a suppressive immune response, thus enhancing lung metastasis. An MDSC-promoting cytokine/chemokine profile was simultaneously observed in tumors grown in mice with EC-specific Shb deficiency, providing an explanation for the expanded mMDSC population. The results demonstrate an intricate interplay between tumor EC and immune cells that pivots between pro-tumoral and anti-tumoral properties, depending on relevant genetic and/or environmental factors operating in the microenvironment.
Plasmid Curing and Exchange Using a Novel Counter-Selectable Marker Based on Unnatural Amino Acid Incorporation at a Sense Codon
Authors: Kato Yusuke
Published: October 2021

A protocol was designed for plasmid curing using a novel counter-selectable marker, named pylSZK-pylT, in Escherichia coli. The pylSZK-pylT marker consists of the archaeal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) and its cognate tRNA (tRNApyl) with modification, and incorporates an unnatural amino acid (Uaa), Nε-benzyloxycarbonyl-l-lysine (ZK), at a sense codon in ribosomally synthesized proteins, resulting in bacterial growth inhibition or killing. Plasmid curing is performed by exerting toxicity on pylSZK-pylT located on the target plasmid, and selecting only proliferative bacteria. All tested bacteria obtained using this protocol had lost the target plasmid (64/64), suggesting that plasmid curing was successful. Next, we attempted to exchange plasmids with the identical replication origin and an antibiotic resistance gene without plasmid curing using a modified protocol, assuming substitution of plasmids complementing genomic essential genes. All randomly selected bacteria after screening had only the substitute plasmid and no target plasmid (25/25), suggesting that plasmid exchange was also accomplished. Counter-selectable markers based on PylRS-tRNApyl, such as pylSZK-pylT, may be scalable in application due to their independence from the host genotype, applicability to a wide range of species, and high tunability due to the freedom of choice of target codons and Uaa’s to be incorporated.
Kaempferol Has Potent Protective and Antifibrillogenic Effects for α-Synuclein Neurotoxicity In Vitro
Authors: Inden Masatoshi , Takagi Ayaka , Kitai Hazuki , Ito Taisei , Kurita Hisaka , Honda Ryo , Kamatari Yuji O. , Nozaki Sora , Wen Xiaopeng , Hijioka Masanori , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Hozumi Isao
Published: October 2021

Aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Therefore, the removal of α-Syn aggregation could lead to the development of many new therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we succeeded in generating a new α-Syn stably expressing cell line using a piggyBac transposon system to investigate the neuroprotective effect of the flavonoid kaempferol on α-Syn toxicity. We found that kaempferol provided significant protection against α-Syn-related neurotoxicity. Furthermore, kaempferol induced autophagy through an increase in the biogenesis of lysosomes by inducing the expression of transcription factor EB and reducing the accumulation of α-Syn; thus, kaempferol prevented neuronal cell death. Moreover, kaempferol directly blocked the amyloid fibril formation of α-Syn. These results support the therapeutic potential of kaempferol in diseases such as synucleinopathies that are characterized by α-Syn aggregates.
Adult Neurogenesis: A Story Ranging from Controversial New Neurogenic Areas and Human Adult Neurogenesis to Molecular Regulation
Authors: Leal-Galicia Perla , Chávez-Hernández María Elena , Mata Florencia , Mata-Luévanos Jesús , Rodríguez-Serrano Luis Miguel , Tapia-de-Jesús Alejandro , Buenrostro-Jáuregui Mario Humberto
Published: October 2021

The generation of new neurons in the adult brain is a currently accepted phenomenon. Over the past few decades, the subventricular zone and the hippocampal dentate gyrus have been described as the two main neurogenic niches. Neurogenic niches generate new neurons through an asymmetric division process involving several developmental steps. This process occurs throughout life in several species, including humans. These new neurons possess unique properties that contribute to the local circuitry. Despite several efforts, no other neurogenic zones have been observed in many years; the lack of observation is probably due to technical issues. However, in recent years, more brain niches have been described, once again breaking the current paradigms. Currently, a debate in the scientific community about new neurogenic areas of the brain, namely, human adult neurogenesis, is ongoing. Thus, several open questions regarding new neurogenic niches, as well as this phenomenon in adult humans, their functional relevance, and their mechanisms, remain to be answered. In this review, we discuss the literature and provide a compressive overview of the known neurogenic zones, traditional zones, and newly described zones. Additionally, we will review the regulatory roles of some molecular mechanisms, such as miRNAs, neurotrophic factors, and neurotrophins. We also join the debate on human adult neurogenesis, and we will identify similarities and differences in the literature and summarize the knowledge regarding these interesting topics.
Applications of Ultrasound-Mediated Drug Delivery and Gene Therapy
Authors: Sitta Juliana , Howard Candace M.
Published: October 2021

Gene therapy has continuously evolved throughout the years since its first proposal to develop more specific and effective transfection, capable of treating a myriad of health conditions. Viral vectors are some of the most common and most efficient vehicles for gene transfer. However, the safe and effective delivery of gene therapy remains a major obstacle. Ultrasound contrast agents in the form of microbubbles have provided a unique solution to fulfill the need to shield the vectors from the host immune system and the need for site specific targeted therapy. Since the discovery of the biophysical and biological effects of microbubble sonification, multiple developments have been made to enhance its applicability in targeted drug delivery. The concurrent development of viral vectors and recent research on dual vector strategies have shown promising results. This review will explore the mechanisms and recent advancements in the knowledge of ultrasound-mediated microbubbles in targeting gene and drug therapy.
Genotype-Dependent Effect of Silencing of TaCKX1 and TaCKX2 on Phytohormone Crosstalk and Yield-Related Traits in Wheat
Authors: Jablonski Bartosz , Bajguz Andrzej , Bocian Joanna , Orczyk Waclaw , Nadolska-Orczyk Anna
Published: October 2021

The influence of silenced TaCKX1 and TaCKX2 on coexpression of other TaCKX gene family members (GFMs), phytohormone regulation and yield-related traits was tested in awned-spike cultivar. We documented a strong feedback mechanism of regulation of TaCKX GFM expression in which silencing of TaCKX1 upregulated expression of TaCKX2 genes and vice versa. Additionally, downregulation of TaCKX2 highly upregulated the expression of TaCKX5 and TaNAC2-5A. In contrast, expression of these genes in silenced TaCKX1 was downregulated. Silenced TaCKX1 T2 lines with expression decreased by 47% had significantly higher thousand grain weight (TGW) and seedling root mass. Silenced TaCKX2 T2 lines with expression of TaCKX2.2.1 and TaCKX2.2.2 decreased by 33% and 30%, respectively, had significantly higher chlorophyll content in flag leaves. TaCKX GFM expression, phytohormone metabolism and phenotype were additionally modified by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Two novel phytohormones, phenylacetic acid (PAA) and topolins, lack of gibberellic acid (GA) and changed phytohormone contents in the 7 days after pollination (DAP) spikes of the awned-spike cultivar compared to a previously tested, awnless one, were detected. We documented that major mechanisms of coregulation of the expression of TaCKX GFMs were similar in different spring wheat cultivars, but, depending on content and composition of phytohormones, regulation of yield-related traits was variously impacted.
Mesothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Exosomes in Peritoneal Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Pascual-Antón Lucía , Cardeñes Beatriz , Sainz de la Cuesta Ricardo , González-Cortijo Lucía , López-Cabrera Manuel , Cabañas Carlos , Sandoval Pilar
Published: October 2021

Most patients with ovarian cancer (OvCA) present peritoneal disseminated disease at the time of diagnosis. During peritoneal metastasis, cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and disseminate through the intraperitoneal fluid. The peritoneal mesothelial cell (PMC) monolayer that lines the abdominal cavity is the first barrier encountered by OvCA cells. Subsequent progression of tumors through the peritoneum leads to the accumulation into the peritoneal stroma of a sizeable population of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which is mainly originated from a mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) process. A common characteristic of OvCA patients is the intraperitoneal accumulation of ascitic fluid, which is composed of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, miRNAs, and proteins contained in exosomes, as well as tumor and mesothelial suspended cells, among other components that vary in proportion between patients. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that have been shown to mediate peritoneal metastasis by educating a pre-metastatic niche, promoting the accumulation of CAFs via MMT, and inducing tumor growth and chemoresistance. This review summarizes and discusses the pivotal role of exosomes and MMT as mediators of OvCA peritoneal colonization and as emerging diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Comparative Hessian Fly Larval Transcriptomics Provides Novel Insight into Host and Nonhost Resistance
Authors: Subramanyam Subhashree , Nemacheck Jill A. , Xie Shaojun , Bhide Ketaki , Thimmapuram Jyothi , Scofield Steven R. , Sardesai Nagesh
Published: October 2021

The Hessian fly is a destructive pest of wheat. Employing additional molecular strategies can complement wheat’s native insect resistance. However, this requires functional characterization of Hessian-fly-responsive genes, which is challenging because of wheat genome complexity. The diploid Brachypodium distachyon (Bd) exhibits nonhost resistance to Hessian fly and displays phenotypic/molecular responses intermediate between resistant and susceptible host wheat, offering a surrogate genome for gene characterization. Here, we compared the transcriptomes of Biotype L larvae residing on resistant/susceptible wheat, and nonhost Bd plants. Larvae from susceptible wheat and nonhost Bd plants revealed similar molecular responses that were distinct from avirulent larval responses on resistant wheat. Secreted salivary gland proteins were strongly up-regulated in all larvae. Genes from various biological pathways and molecular processes were up-regulated in larvae from both susceptible wheat and nonhost Bd plants. However, Bd larval expression levels were intermediate between larvae from susceptible and resistant wheat. Most genes were down-regulated or unchanged in avirulent larvae, correlating with their inability to establish feeding sites and dying within 4–5 days after egg-hatch. Decreased gene expression in Bd larvae, compared to ones on susceptible wheat, potentially led to developmentally delayed 2nd-instars, followed by eventually succumbing to nonhost resistance defense mechanisms.
Delphinidin and Its Glycosides’ War on Cancer: Preclinical Perspectives
Authors: Sharma Anshul , Choi Hyo-Kyoung , Kim Yeon-Kye , Lee Hae-Jeung
Published: October 2021

Until now, several studies have looked at the issue of anthocyanin and cancer, namely the preventive and inhibitory effects of anthocyanins, as well as the underlying molecular processes. However, no targeted review is available regarding the anticarcinogenic effects of delphinidin and its glycosides on various cancers and their plausible molecular mechanisms. Considerable evidence shows significant anticancer properties of delphinidin-rich preparations and delphinidin alone both in vitro and in vivo. This review covers the in vitro and preclinical implications of delphinidin-mediated cell protection and cancer prevention; thus, we strongly recommend that delphinidin-rich preparations be further investigated as potential functional food, dietary antioxidant supplements, and natural health products targeting specific chronic diseases, including cancer. In addition to in vitro investigations, future research should focus on more animal and human studies to determine the true potential of delphinidin.
Hyaluronic Acid as a Carrier Supports the Effects of Glucocorticoids and Diminishes the Cytotoxic Effects of Local Anesthetics in Human Articular Chondrocytes In Vitro
Authors: Moser Lukas B. , Bauer Christoph , Jeyakumar Vivek , Niculescu-Morzsa Eugenia-Paulina , Nehrer Stefan
Published: October 2021

The current study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of co-administrating local anesthetics (LA) with glucocorticoids (GC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in vitro. Human articular cartilage was obtained from five patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Chondrocytes were isolated, expanded, and seeded in 24-well plates for experimental testing. LA (lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine) were administered separately and co-administered with the following substances: GC, HA, and GC/HA. Viability was confirmed by microscopic images, flow cytometry, metabolic activity, and live/dead assay. The addition of HA and GC/HA resulted in enhanced attachment and branched appearance of the chondrocytes compared to LA and LA/GC. Metabolic activity was better in all LA co-administered with HA and GC/HA than with GC and only LA. Flow cytometry revealed the lowest cell viability in lidocaine and the highest cell viability in ropivacaine. This finding was also confirmed by live/dead assay. In conclusion, HA supports the effect of GC and reduces chondrotoxic effects of LA in vitro. Thereby, the co-administration of HA to LA and GC offers an alternative less chondrotoxic approach for treating patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
Deciphering the Functional Role of RIPK4 in Melanoma
Authors: Madej Ewelina , Ryszawy Damian , Brożyna Anna A. , Czyz Malgorzata , Czyz Jaroslaw , Wolnicka-Glubisz Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

The receptor-interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4) plays an important role in the development and maintenance of various tissues including skin, but its role in melanoma has not been reported. Using patient-derived cell lines and clinical samples, we show that RIPK4 is expressed in melanomas at different levels. This heterogenous expression, together with very low level of RIPK4 in melanocytes, indicates that the role of this kinase in melanoma is context-dependent. While the analysis of microarray data has revealed no straightforward correlation between the stage of melanoma progression and RIPK4 expression in vivo, relatively high levels of RIPK4 are in metastatic melanoma cell lines. RIPK4 down-regulation by siRNA resulted in the attenuation of invasive potential as assessed by time-lapse video microscopy, wound-healing and transmigration assays. These effects were accompanied by reduced level of pro-invasive proteins such as MMP9, MMP2, and N-cadherin. Incubation of melanoma cells with phorbol ester (PMA) increased PKC-1β level and hyperphosphorylation of RIPK4 resulting in degradation of RIPK4. Interestingly, incubation of cells with PMA for short and long durations revealed that cell migration is controlled by the NF-κB signaling in a RIPK4-dependent (RIPK4high) or independent (RIPK4low) manner depending on cell origin (distant or lymph node metastasis) or phenotype (mesenchymal or epithelial).
Relationship between Blood Vessels and Migration of Neuroblasts in the Olfactory Neurogenic Region of the Rodent Brain
Authors: Martončíková Marcela , Alexovič Matiašová Anna , Ševc Juraj , Račeková Enikő
Published: October 2021

Neural precursors originating in the subventricular zone (SVZ), the largest neurogenic region of the adult brain, migrate several millimeters along a restricted migratory pathway, the rostral migratory stream (RMS), toward the olfactory bulb (OB), where they differentiate into interneurons and integrate into the local neuronal circuits. Migration of SVZ-derived neuroblasts in the adult brain differs in many aspects from that in the embryonic period. Unlike in that period, postnatally-generated neuroblasts in the SVZ are able to divide during migration along the RMS, as well as they migrate independently of radial glia. The homophilic mode of migration, i.e., using each other to move, is typical for neuroblast movement in the RMS. In addition, it has recently been demonstrated that specifically-arranged blood vessels navigate SVZ-derived neuroblasts to the OB and provide signals which promote migration. Here we review the development of vasculature in the presumptive neurogenic region of the rodent brain during the embryonic period as well as the development of the vascular scaffold guiding neuroblast migration in the postnatal period, and the significance of blood vessel reorganization during the early postnatal period for proper migration of RMS neuroblasts in adulthood.
Homocysteine Solution-Induced Response in Aerosol Jet Printed OECTs by Means of Gold and Platinum Gate Electrodes
Authors: D’Angelo Pasquale , Barra Mario , Lombari Patrizia , Coppola Annapaola , Vurro Davide , Tarabella Giuseppe , Marasso Simone Luigi , Borriello Margherita , Chianese Federico , Perna Alessandra F. , Cassinese Antonio , Ingrosso Diego
Published: October 2021

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a non-protein, sulfur-containing amino acid, which is recognized as a possible risk factor for coronary artery and other pathologies when its levels in the blood exceed the normal range of between 5 and 12 μmol/L (hyperhomocysteinemia). At present, standard procedures in laboratory medicine, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), are commonly employed for the quantitation of total Hcy (tHcy), i.e., the sum of the protein-bound (oxidized) and free (homocystine plus reduced Hcy) forms, in biological fluids (particularly, serum or plasma). Here, the response of Aerosol Jet-printed organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), in the presence of either reduced (free) and oxidized Hcy-based solutions, was analyzed. Two different experimental protocols were followed to this end: the former consisting of gold (Au) electrodes’ biothiol-induced thiolation, while the latter simply used bare platinum (Pt) electrodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis was performed both to validate the gold thiolation protocol and to gain insights into the reduced Hcy sensing mechanism by the Au-gated OECTs, which provided a final limit of detection (LoD) of 80 nM. For the OECT response based on Platinum gate electrodes, on the other hand, a LoD of 180 nM was found in the presence of albumin-bound Hcy, with this being the most abundant oxidized Hcy-form (i.e., the protein-bound form) in physiological fluids. Despite the lack of any biochemical functionalization supporting the response selectivity, the findings discussed in this work highlight the potential role of OECT in the development of low-cost point-of-care (POC) electronic platforms that are suitable for the evaluation, in humans, of Hcy levels within the physiological range and in cases of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Hyo-Mental Angle and Distance: An Important Adjunct in Airway Assessment of Adult Mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Gadepalli Chaitanya , Stepien Karolina M. , Tol Govind
Published: October 2021

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a rare congenital lysosomal storage disorder with complex airways. High anterior larynx is assessed by thyromental distance (TMD) nasendoscopy. A simpler method to assess this hyoid bone is described. The distance between the central-hyoid and symphysis of the mandible (hyo-mental distance; HMD) and inclination of this line to the horizontal axis (hyo-mental angle; HMA) in neutrally positioned patients is investigated. Methods: HMA, HMD in MPS, and non-MPS were compared, and their correlation with height and weight were assessed. Results: 50 adult MPS patients (M = 32, F = 18, age range = 19–66 years; mean BMI = 26.8 kg/m2) of MPS I, II, III, IV, and VI were compared with 50 non-MPS (M = 25, F = 25; age range = 22–84 years; mean BMI = 26.5 kg/m2). Mean HMA in MPS was 25.72° (−10 to +50) versus 2.42° (−35 to +28) in non-MPS. Mean HMD was 46.5 (25.7–66) millimeters in MPS versus 41.8 (27–60.3) in non-MPS. HMA versus height and weight showed a moderate correlation (r = −0.4, p < 0.05) in MPS and no significant correlation (r < 0.4, p > 0.05) in non-MPS. HMD versus height and weight showed no correlation (r < 0.4, p > 0.05) in both groups. Conclusions: HMA seems more acute in MPS despite nearly the same HMD as non-MPS, signifying a high larynx, which may be missed by TMD.
Venous Thromboembolism in COVID-19 Compared to Non-COVID-19 Cohorts: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tufano Antonella , Rendina Domenico , Abate Veronica , Casoria Aniello , Marra Annachiara , Buonanno Pasquale , Galletti Ferruccio , Di Minno Giovanni , Servillo Giuseppe , Vargas Maria
Published: October 2021

Background: A high incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is reported in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, in particular in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). In patients with respiratory tract infections, including influenza A (H1N1), many studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of thromboses, but evidence is lacking regarding the risk difference (RD) of the occurrence of VTE between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this systematic review with meta-analysis, we evaluated the RD of the occurrence of VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) between COVID-19 and other pulmonary infection cohorts, in particular H1N1, and in an ICU setting. We searched for all studies comparing COVID-19 vs. non-COVID-19 regarding VTE, PE, and DVT. Results: The systematic review included 12 studies and 1,013,495 patients. The RD for VTE in COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19 patients was 0.06 (95% CI 0.11–0.25, p = 0.011, I2 = 97%), and 0.16 in ICU (95% CI 0.045–0.27, p = 0.006, I2 = 80%). The RD for PE between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients was 0.03 (95% CI, 0.006–0.045, p = 0.01, I2 = 89%). The RD for PE between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients was 0.021 in retrospective studies (95% CI 0.00–0.04, p = 0.048, I2 = 92%) and 0.11 in ICU studies (95% CI 0.06–0.16, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: The growing awareness and understanding of a massive inflammatory response combined with a hypercoagulable state that predisposes patients to thrombosis in COVID-19, in particular in the ICU, may contribute to a more appropriate strategy of prevention and earlier detection of the thrombotic events.
Potential Muscle-Related Biomarkers in Predicting Curve Progression to the Surgical Threshold in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Pilot Proteomic Study Comparing Four Non-Progressive vs. Four Progressive Patients vs. A Control Cohort
Authors: Wang Yujia , Chen Huanxiong , Zhang Jiajun , Lam Tsz-ping , Hung A.L.H. , Cheng J.C.Y. , Lee W.Y.W.
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have reported abnormal muscle morphology and functions in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To answer whether such abnormalities could be reflected in their circulation and their clinical implication for predicting curve progression to the surgical threshold, this preliminary study explored the presence of baseline muscle-related proteins and their association with curve progression. Plasma samples were collected at the first clinical visit for AIS, with patients divided into non-progressive or progressive groups (N = four and four) according to their Cobb angle in six-year follow-ups, with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (N = 50). Then, the samples were subjected to isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) for global comparison of untargeted protein expression. Seventy-one differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were found elevated in progressive AIS. Functional analysis showed that 18 of these are expressed in muscles and play an essential role in muscle activities. Among the muscle-related DEPs, α-actin had the highest fold change in progressive/non-progressive groups. This preliminary study firstly suggested higher circulating levels of muscle structural proteins in progressive AIS, indicating the likelihood of structural damage at the microscopic level and its association with progression to the surgical threshold. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these novel candidates for early diagnosis and predicting progression.
Risk Assessment and Clinical Management of Children and Adolescents with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. A Position Paper of the Associations of Preventive Pediatrics of Serbia, Mighty Medic and International Lipid Expert Panel
Authors: Bjelakovic Bojko , Stefanutti Claudia , Reiner Željko , Watts Gerald F. , Moriarty Patrick , Marais David , Widhalm Kurt , Cohen Hofit , Harada-Shiba Mariko , Banach Maciej
Published: October 2021

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is among the most common genetic metabolic lipid disorders characterised by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from birth and a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The majority of the current pediatric guidelines for clinical management of children and adolescents with FH does not consider the impact of genetic variations as well as characteristics of vascular phenotype as assessed by recently developed non-invasive imaging techniques. We propose a combined integrated approach of cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment and clinical management of children with FH incorporating current risk assessment profile (LDL-C levels, traditional CV risk factors and familial history) with genetic and non-invasive vascular phenotyping. Based on the existing data on vascular phenotype status, this panel recommends that all children with FH and cIMT ≥0.5 mm should receive lipid lowering therapy irrespective of the presence of CV risk factors, family history and/or LDL-C levels Those children with FH and cIMT ≥0.4 mm should be carefully monitored to initiate lipid lowering management in the most suitable time. Likewise, all genetically confirmed children with FH and LDL-C levels ≥4.1 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), should be treated with lifestyle changes and LLT irrespective of the cIMT, presence of additional RF or family history of CHD.
Prevalence of Perineal Tear Peripartum after Two Antepartum Perineal Massage Techniques: A Non-Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Álvarez-González María , Leirós-Rodríguez Raquel , Álvarez-Barrio Lorena , López-Rodríguez Ana F.
Published: October 2021

Perineal massage increases elasticity of myofascial perineal tissue and decreases the burning and perineal pain during labour, thus optimising child birth, although an application protocol has not been standardised yet. The objective of this study is to determine the efficiency of massage in perineal tear prevention and identification of possible differences in massage application. Total of 90 pregnant participants were divided into three groups: perineal massage and EPI-NO® device group, applied by an expert physiotherapist, self-massage group, where women were instructed to apply perineal massage in domestic household, and a control group, which received ordinary obstetric attention. Results: The results showed significant differences among the control group and the two perineal massage groups in perineal postpartum pain. Correlations in perineal postpartum pain, labour duration and the baby’s weight were not statistically significant. Lithotomy posture was significantly less prevalent in the massage group than in the other two; this variable is known to have a direct effect on episiotomy incidence and could act as a causal covariate of the different incidence of episiotomy in the groups. Perineal massage reduces postpartum perineal pain, prevalence and severity of perineal tear during delivery.
Analysis of Grip Amplitude on Velocity in Paralympic Powerlifting
Authors: dos Santos Marcelo Danilllo Matos , Aidar Felipe J. , Alejo Andres Armas , de Matos Dihogo Gama , de Souza Raphael Fabricio , de Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco , de Araújo Tinoco Cabral Breno Guilherme , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theo , Knechtle Beat , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Murawska-Ciałowicz Eugenia , Badicu Georgian
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Paralympic Powerlifting (PP) is a Paralympic modality that is predominantly about developing maximal force, as there are athletes who lift three times their body weight. Our objective was to evaluate the averages of the velocity for 30% and 50% of 1 Maximum Repetition (1 RM) on different amplitudes of the footprint in PP athletes; (2) Methods: The intervention happened over two weeks, with the first being devoted to the familiarization and testing of 1 RM, while in the second week, through the use of a linear Encoder, tests of velocity average (VA), velocity average propulsive (VAP), and velocity peak (VP) were carried out with loads of 30% and 50% of a maximum repetition 1 RM for 1× of the biacromial distance (BAD) 1.3 × BAD, 1.5 × BAD; (3) Results: There was a significant difference in the average velocity of 1 × BAD (1.16 ± 0.14 m/s, 1.07–1.26 IC; η2p 0.20) when compared to 1.3 × BAD (1.00 ± 0.17 m/s, 0.90–1.09 IC; η2p 0.20) over 30% of 1 RM. For the other velocity variables for 30% and 50% of 1 RM with different grip amplitudes, there were no significant differences; (4) Conclusions: In PP, the 1 × BAD footprint contributes significantly to VA at 30% of 1 RM when compared to the 1.3 × BAD and 1.5 × BAD footprints. For loading at 50% of 1 RM the VA, VAP and VP decreased when compared to 30% of 1 RM, to the extent that the VAP and VP generated with the 1.3 × BAD and 1.5 × BAD footprints were higher than those with 1 × BAD, other than for VA 50% of 1 RM, where the 1 × BAD footprint was superior to the others.
Multiobjective Optimization of the Performance and Emissions of a Large Low-Speed Dual-Fuel Marine Engine Based on MNLR-MOPSO
Authors: Cong Yujin , Gan Huibing , Wang Huaiyu , Hu Guotong , Liu Yi
Published: October 2021

With increasingly strict emission regulations and growing environmental concerns, it is urgent to improve engine performance and reduce emissions. In this paper, multivariate nonlinear regression (MNLR) combined with multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) was implemented to optimize the performance and emissions of a large low-speed two-stroke dual-fuel marine engine. First, a simulation model of a dual-fuel engine was established using AVL-BOOST software. Next, a single-factor scanning value method was applied to control a range of variables, including intake pressure, intake temperature, and natural gas mass fraction. Then, a nonlinear regression model was established using the statistical multivariate nonlinear regression equation. Finally, the multiobjective optimization algorithm implementing MOPSO was used to solve the trade-off between performance and emissions. It was found that when the intake pressure was 3.607 bar, the intake temperature was 297.15 K and the natural gas mass fraction was 0.962. The engine power increased by 0.34%, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) reduced by 0.21%, and the NOx emissions reduced by 39.56%. The results show that the combination of multiple nonlinear regression and intelligent optimization algorithm is an effective method to optimize engine parameter settings.
Recent Approaches towards Control of Fungal Diseases in Plants: An Updated Review
Authors: El-Baky Nawal Abd , Amara Amro Abd Al Fattah
Published: October 2021

Recent research demonstrates that the number of virulent phytopathogenic fungi continually grows, which leads to significant economic losses worldwide. Various procedures are currently available for the rapid detection and control of phytopathogenic fungi. Since 1940, chemical and synthetic fungicides were typically used to control phytopathogenic fungi. However, the substantial increase in development of fungal resistance to these fungicides in addition to negative effects caused by synthetic fungicides on the health of animals, human beings, and the environment results in the exploration of various new approaches and green strategies of fungal control by scientists from all over the world. In this review, the development of new approaches for controlling fungal diseases in plants is discussed. We argue that an effort should be made to bring these recent technologies to the farmer level.
Clinical Factors Associated with Cavitary Tuberculosis and Its Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Kim Sun-Hyung , Shin Yoon Mi , Yoo Jin Young , Cho Jun Yeun , Kang Hyeran , Lee Hyun , Choe Kang Hyeon , Lee Ki Man , Yang Bumhee
Published: October 2021

Cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is associated with poor outcomes, treatment recurrence, higher transmission rates, and the development of drug resistance. However, reports on its clinical characteristics, associated factors, and treatment outcomes are lacking. Hence, this study sought to evaluate the clinical factors associated with cavitary pulmonary TB and its treatment outcomes. We retrospectively evaluated 410 patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary TB in a university hospital in Korea between 2014 and 2019. To evaluate the factors associated with cavitary TB, multivariable logistic regression was performed with adjustments for potential confounders. We also compared the treatment outcomes between patients with cavitary TB and those without cavitary TB. Of the 410 patients, 244 (59.5%) had non-cavitary TB and 166 (40.5%) had cavitary TB. Multivariable logistic analysis with forward selection method showed that body mass index (BMI) (adjusted OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.97), previous history of TB (adjusted OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.24–9.59), ex- or current smoker (adjusted OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.01–3.13), diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.36–5.44), and positive results on the initial sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear (adjusted OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.26–3.98) were significantly associated with cavitary TB. Although treatment duration was significantly longer in patients with cavitary TB than in those with non-cavitary TB (248 (102–370 days) vs. 202 (98–336 days), p < 0.001), the recurrence rate after successful treatment was significantly higher in the patients with cavitary TB than in those with non-cavitary TB (0.4% vs. 3.0% p = 0.042). In conclusion, ex- or current smoker, lower BMI, previous history of TB, diabetes mellitus, and positivity of the initial AFB smear were associated with cavitary TB. The patients with cavitary TB had more AFB culture-positive results at 2 months, longer treatment duration, and higher recurrence rates than those with non-cavitary TB.