bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals Selection Signatures Involved in Meat Traits and Local Adaptation in Semi-Feral Maremmana Cattle
Authors: Ben-Jemaa Slim , Senczuk Gabriele , Ciani Elena , Ciampolini Roberta , Catillo Gennaro , Boussaha Mekki , Pilla Fabio , Portolano Baldassare , Mastrangelo Salvatore
Published: April 2021

The Maremmana cattle is an ancient Podolian-derived Italian breed raised in semi-wild conditions with distinctive morphological and adaptive traits. The aim of this study was to detect potential selection signatures in Maremmana using medium-density single nucleotide polymorphism array. Putative selection signatures were investigated combining three statistical approaches designed to quantify the excess of haplotype homozygosity either within (integrated haplotype score, iHS) or among pairs of populations (Rsb and XP-EHH), and contrasting the Maremmana with a single reference population composed of a pool of seven Podolian-derived Italian breeds. Overall, the three haplotype-based analyses revealed selection signatures distributed over 19 genomic regions. Of these, six relevant candidate regions were identified by at least two approaches. We found genomic signatures of selective sweeps spanning genes related to mitochondrial function, muscle development, growth, and meat traits (SCIN, THSD7A, ETV1, UCHL1, and MYOD1), which reflects the different breeding schemes between Maremmana (semi-wild conditions) and the other Podolian-derived Italian breeds (semi-extensive). We also identified several genes linked to Maremmana adaptation to the environment of the western-central part of Italy, known to be hyperendemic for malaria and other tick-borne diseases. These include several chemokine (C-C motif) ligand genes crucially involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses to intracellular parasite infections and other genes playing key roles in pulmonary disease (HEATR9, MMP28, and ASIC2) or strongly associated with malaria resistance/susceptibility (AP2B1). Our results provide a glimpse into diverse selection signatures in Maremmana cattle and can be used to enhance our understanding of the genomic basis of environmental adaptation in cattle.
Innate Immune Cells in the Esophageal Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Cui Kele , Hu Shouxin , Mei Xinyu , Cheng Min
Published: April 2021

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common mucosa-associated tumors, and is characterized by aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and unfavorable patient survival rates. As an organ directly exposed to the risk of foodborne infection, the esophageal mucosa harbors distinct populations of innate immune cells, which play vital roles in both maintenance of esophageal homeostasis and immune defense and surveillance during mucosal anti-infection and anti-tumor responses. In this review, we highlight recent progress in research into innate immune cells in the microenvironment of EC, including lymphatic lineages, such as natural killer and γδT cells, and myeloid lineages, including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, mast cells and eosinophils. Further, putative innate immune cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in tumor occurrence and progression are discussed, to highlight potential directions for the development of new biomarkers and effective intervention targets, which can hopefully be applied in long-term multilevel clinical EC treatment. Fully understanding the innate immunological mechanisms involved in esophageal mucosa carcinogenesis is of great significance for clinical immunotherapy and prognosis prediction for patients with EC.
Donor and Recipient Age-Mismatches: The Potential of Transferring Senescence
Authors: Iske Jasper , Matsunaga Tomohisa , Zhou Hao , Tullius Stefan G.
Published: April 2021

In transplantation, donor and recipients frequently differ in age. Senescent cells accumulate in donor organs with aging and have the potential to promote senescence in adjacent cells when transferred into recipient animals. Characteristically, senescent cells secrete a myriad of pro-inflammatory, soluble molecules as part of their distinct secretory phenotype that have been shown to drive senescence and age-related co-morbidities. Preliminary own data show that the transplantation of old organs limits the physical reserve of recipient animals. Here, we review how organ age may affect transplant recipients and discuss the potential of accelerated aging.
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Fingerprinting Performance Versus 16S rDNA Sequencing to Identify Bacterial Microflora From Seafood Products and Sea Water Samples
Authors: Brauge Thomas , Trigueros Sylvain , Briet Arnaud , Debuiche Sabine , Leleu Guylaine , Gassilloud Benoit , Wilhelm Amandine , Py Jean-Sébastien , Midelet Graziella
Published: April 2021

We evaluated the performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) associated with the Bruker BioTyperTM V7.0.0 database for the identification of 713 bacterial strains isolated from seafood products and sea water samples (ANSES B3PA collection) under culture conditions that may have been significantly different from those used to create the reference spectrum vs. the 16S rDNA sequencing. We identified 78.8% of seafood isolates with 46.7% at the species level (Bruker score above 2) and 21.2% (Bruker score between 1.7 and 2) at the genus level by the two identification methods, except for 3.8% of isolates with a difference of identification between the two methods (Bruker score between 1.7 and 2). There were 41.9% isolates (Bruker score below 1.7) with the identification at the genus level. We identified 94.4% of seafood isolates with 16S rDNA sequencing. The MALDI-TOF allowed a better strain identification to the species level contrary to the 16s rDNA sequencing, which allowed an identification mainly to the genus level. MALDI-TOF MS in association with the Bruker database and 16S rDNA sequencing are powerful tools to identify a wide variety of bacteria from seafood but require further identification by biochemical, molecular technique or other conventional tests.
Identification of Key Functional Gene Signatures Indicative of Dedifferentiation in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Xu Weibo , Li Cuiwei , Ma Ben , Lu Zhongwu , Wang Yuchen , Jiang Hongyi , Luo Yi , Yang Yichen , Wang Xiao , Liao Tian , Ji Qinghai , Wang Yu , Wei Wenjun
Published: April 2021

Background: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Many of them can relapse to dedifferentiated thyroid cancer (DDTC) and exhibit different gene expression profiles. The underlying mechanism of dedifferentiation and the involved genes or pathways remained to be investigated.

Methods: A discovery cohort obtained from patients who received surgical resection in the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) and two validation cohorts derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to screen out differentially expressed genes in the dedifferentiation process. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was constructed to identify modules highly related to differentiation. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to identify pathways related to differentiation, and all differentially expressed genes were grouped by function based on the GSEA and literature reviewing data. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to control the number of variables in each group. Next, we used logistic regression to build a gene signature in each group to indicate differentiation status, and we computed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the indicative performance of each signature.

Results: A total of 307 upregulated and 313 downregulated genes in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) compared with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and normal thyroid (NT) were screened out in FUSCC cohort and validated in two GEO cohorts. WGCNA of 620 differential genes yielded the seven core genes with the highest correlation with thyroid differentiation score (TDS). Furthermore, 395 genes significantly correlated with TDS in univariate logistic regression analysis were divided into 11 groups. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the gene signature of group transcription and epigenetic modification, signal and substance transport, extracellular matrix (ECM), and metabolism in the training set [The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort] and validation set (combined GEO cohort) were both >0.75. The gene signature based on group transcription and epigenetic modification, cilia formation and movement, and proliferation can reflect the patient's disease recurrence state.

Conclusion: The dedifferentiation of DTC is affected by a variety of mechanisms including many genes. The gene signature of group transcription and epigenetic modification, signal and substance transport, ECM, and metabolism can be used as biomarkers for DDTC.
Identification of an Individualized Metabolism Prognostic Signature and Related Therapy Regimens in Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Junjie , Yu Huansha , Sun Liangdong , Yan Yilv , Zhang Lele , Jiang Gening , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2021

Objective

The choice of adjuvant therapy for early stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains controversial. Identifying the metabolism characteristics leading to worse prognosis may have clinical utility in offering adjuvant therapy.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of LUAD were collected from 22 public datasets. The patients were divided into a meta-training cohort (n = 790), meta-testing cohort (n = 716), and three independent validation cohorts (n = 345, 358, and 321). A metabolism-related gene pair index (MRGPI) was trained and validated in the cohorts. Subgroup analyses regarding tumor stage and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) were performed. To explore potential therapeutic targets, we performed in silico analysis of the MRGPI.

Results

Through machine learning, MRGPI consisting of 12 metabolism-related gene pairs was constructed. MRGPI robustly stratified patients into high- vs low-risk groups in terms of overall survival across and within subpopulations with stage I or II disease in all cohorts. Multivariable analysis confirmed that MRGPI was an independent prognostic factor. ACT could not improve prognosis in high-risk patients with stage I disease, but could improve prognosis in the high-risk patients with stage II disease. In silico analysis indicated that B3GNT3 (overexpressed in high-risk patients) and HSD17B6 (down-expressed in high-risk patients) may make synergic reaction in immune evasion by the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. When integrated with clinical characteristics, the composite clinical and metabolism signature showed improved prognostic accuracy.

Conclusions

MRGPI could effectively predict prognosis of the patients with early stage LUAD. The patients at high risk may get survival benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 blockade (stage I) or combined with chemotherapy (stage II).
Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Naphthofuran Derivatives as Potent SIRT1 Activators
Authors: Gao Jian , Chen Qing-Qing , Huang Ye , Li Kai-Hang , Geng Xiao-Ju , Wang Tao , Lin Qi-Si , Yao Ruo-Si
Published: April 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important medical complications in diabetic patients, which is an essential cause of end-stage renal disease in diabetic patients and still lacks effective medicines. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is closely related to the occurrence and development of DN. Activation of SIRT1 could significantly improve the symptoms of DN, while the activities of SIRT1 activators need to be further improved. Based on the crystal structure of SIRT1, structure and ligand-based approaches were carried out, and a lead compound 4,456–0661 (renamed as M1) was identified. Moreover, seven M1 analogues (6a-6g) were designed using a structure-based drug design strategy followed by bioactivity evaluation with SRTR2104 used as positive drugs. Among the target molecules, compounds M1, 6b, and 6d were proved to be potent SIRT1 activators, the activities of which are comparable to SRT2104. More importantly, compounds M1, 6b, and 6d could resist high glucose-induced apoptosis of HK-2 cells by activating SIRT1 and deacetylation of p53. Apart from the beneficial effect on apoptosis of DN, these compounds also alleviated high glucose stimulating inflammation response in HK-2 cells through SIRT1/NF-κB (p65) pathway. Consequently, M1, 6b, and 6d could be promising drug candidates for SIRT1 related diseases.
Edible and Herbal Plants for the Prevention and Management of COVID-19
Authors: Li Sha , Cheng Chien-Shan , Zhang Cheng , Tang Guo-Yi , Tan Hor-Yue , Chen Hai-Yong , Wang Ning , Lai Agnes Yuen-Kwan , Feng Yibin
Published: April 2021

Background: The outbreak of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now become a global pandemic spreading throughout the world. Unfortunately, due to the high infectiousness of the novel β-coronavirus, it is very likely to become an ordinary epidemic. The development of dietary supplements and functional foods might provide a strategy for the prevention and management of COVID-19.

Scope and Approach: A great diversity of potential edible and medicinal plants and/or natural compounds showed potential benefits in managing SARS, which may also combat COVID-19. Moreover, many plants and compounds have currently been proposed to be protective against COVID-19. This information is based on data-driven approaches and computational chemical biology techniques. In this study, we review promising candidates of edible and medicinal plants for the prevention and management of COVID-19. We primarily focus on analyzing their underlying mechanisms. We aim to identify dietary supplements and functional foods that assist in managing this epidemic.

Key findings and Conclusion: We infer that acetoside, glyasperin, isorhamnetin, and several flavonoid compounds may prevent and/or be effective in managing COVID-19 by targeting the viral infection, reducing the host cytokine storm, regulating the immune response, and providing organ protection. These bioactive dietary components (used either alone or in combination) might assist in the development of dietary supplements or functional foods for managing COVID-19.
The Structure of Online Information Behind Social Crises
Authors: Cárdenas Juan Pablo , Olivares Gastón , Vidal Gerardo , Urbina Carolina , Fuentes Miguel
Published: April 2021

The adaptive nature of the social system allows it to overcome the challenges imposed by its environment as well as to overcome those internal pressures. This adaptive process is associated with an increase in complexity manifested in a greater diversity of its components, new forms of organization, among other transformations. However, these adaptations have a cost and need to be administered, otherwise, they can trigger social unrest and crisis processes. Currently, the adaptive process of social systems has been accelerated and magnified by the emergence of information technologies. In this work, we explore the close relationship between adaptation, complexity, and crisis, showing it expression in a digital social environment, although with some particularities. Specifically, we have observed expected behaviors, such as the polarization of society and negative sentiment of messages during times of crisis, however, our results show something interesting. Despite the loss of order in the social organization questioned by the crisis, we observe the emergence of new complex ephemeral structures of information which seem to be early-warnings signals of profound social transformations.
Flattening the Curve, Constitutional Crisis and Immigrants' Rights Protections: The Case of Israel
Authors: Kritzman-Amir Tally
Published: April 2021

Despite being a small and relatively secluded country, managing the COVID-19 pandemic has so far been quite a challenge for Israel. This contribution seeks to explain how Israel had managed migration and the pandemic amidst a constitutional crisis between February and July 2020.
Authenticity as a Resilience Factor Against CV-19 Threat Among Those With Chronic Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Reed David E. , Lehinger Elizabeth , Cobos Briana , Vail Kenneth E. , Nabity Paul S. , Helm Peter J. , Galgali Madhwa S. , McGeary Donald D.
Published: April 2021

Objective

The novel coronavirus (2019; CV-19) is linked to increases in emotional distress and may be particularly problematic for those with pre-existing mental and physical conditions, such as chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little empirical research has been published on resilience factors in these individuals. The present study aims to examine authenticity as a resilience factor among those with chronic pain and/or PTSD.

Methods

Prior to the national response to the pandemic (January 10-24, 2020), participants were screened for pain-related disability (Oswestry Disability Index; ODI) and PTSD symptoms (Posttraumatic Checklist for DSM-5; PCL-5), and on the basis of those responses were categorized into one of four groups: healthy, chronic pain only, PTSD only, or comorbid chronic pain and PTSD. During the CV-19 pandemic (May 5-May 13, 2020), participants responded again to the ODI and PCL-5, in addition to the Wood Authenticity Scale, Brief Pain Inventory, and items related to the CV-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 110 participants (54.55% women), aged 42.19 (SD= 13.16), completed the survey during the pandemic. The comorbid group endorsed higher levels of CV-19 Threat and Impact compared to all other groups. Authenticity moderated this relationship relevant to CV-19 Threat among those in the chronic pain only group, and not in any other group.

Conclusion

The comorbid group endorsed higher levels of CV-19 Threat and Impact compared to all other groups. Importantly, greater authenticity was associated with less CV-19 Threat in the chronic pain only group, and not in any other group. The present study also highlights the importance of engaging authentically for those with chronic pain during the pandemic.
The Development of a Multidimensional Inventory for the Assessment of Mental Pain (FESSTE 30)
Authors: Flenreiss-Frankl Karin , Fuchshuber Jürgen , Unterrainer Human Friedrich
Published: April 2021

Background:Although the term “mental pain” is often the subject of expert opinions regarding claims for damages, there is still no standardized questionnaire in the German-speaking area to operationalize this concept. Therefore, the aim of this work is the development and validation of a self-assessment measurement for psychological pain after traumatic events (FESSTE).

Methods:A first version of the questionnaire was applied on a sample of the German speaking general population (N=425; 88% female). After performing an item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, the questionnaire was shortened and tested on a second German speaking general population sample (N=619; 89% female). Finally, the newly developed questionnaire was related to the extent of traumatization (measured with a uniquely designed trauma checklist attached to the FESSTE) and already established instruments for the assessment of psychiatric symptom burden, which included the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) and the Post-traumatic-Stress-Scale (PTSS-10).

Results:The final version of the FESSTE consists of a total of 30 items and covers the subscales “Somatization,” “Depression,” “Intrusive Memories,” “Dissociation” and “Anxiety,” and a total scale “Mental Pain.” Based on the confirmatory factor analysis, it is assumed that the latent factor structure of the FESSTE can be best described as a bifactor-model. The final version shows a satisfactory model fit, high internal consistencies, and strong positive correlations with the BSI-18 and PTSS-10, as well as the extent of traumatic experiences.

Discussion:The FESSTE enables an operationalization of mental pain comprising five subscales and one total scale. What is more, the trauma checklist attached to the FESSTE allows for the standardized assessment of potentially traumatic experiences and the corresponding extent of these experiences. The results indicate that the FESSTE is a reliable and valid self-assessment procedure for mental pain, which is suitable for use in research and in expert practice.
Do Regulatory Changes Seriously Affect the Medical Devices Industry? Evidence From the Czech Republic
Authors: Maresova Petra , Rezny Lukas , Peter Lukas , Hajek Ladislav , Lefley Frank
Published: April 2021

Background: Within the EU, some of the challenges and perceived risks now facing medical device (MD) developers result from changes in the regulatory framework, emphasizing safety. Therefore, medical technology companies must adopt stricter quality assurance measures so that individual devices can be speedily tracked and retrieved in emergency situations.

Objectives: We highlight the challenges and risks faced by the European medical devices industry, particularly those faced by SMEs in the Czech Republic. We address two important research questions: Q1. Do advantages from increased regulation outweigh the additional expenses? Q2. As many MD developers are SMEs, will the new regulatory regime result in some of those companies going out of business and therefore impede future innovation?

Methods: The paper focuses on a single case study, with the situation and outcomes discussed in the context of the financial results of a further 50 medical device manufacturers marketing in the Czech Republic.

Results: Our findings suggest that the new legislation will result in improved safety, facilitate product recalls, but the cost and administrative burden may be high. The evidence also indicates that some SMEs may be forced to diversify to “non-medical” products, with the inevitable loss of innovative MDs being made available to patients and healthcare providers.
Generative Adversarial Networks–Enabled Human–Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Applications for Creative and Design Industries: A Systematic Review of Current Approaches and Trends
Authors: Hughes Rowan T. , Zhu Liming , Bednarz Tomasz
Published: April 2021

The future of work and workplace is very much in flux. A vast amount has been written about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on work, with much of it focused on automation and its impact in terms of potential job losses. This review will address one area where AI is being added to creative and design practitioners’ toolbox to enhance their creativity, productivity, and design horizons. A designer’s primary purpose is to create, or generate, the most optimal artifact or prototype, given a set of constraints. We have seen AI encroaching into this space with the advent of generative networks and generative adversarial networks (GANs) in particular. This area has become one of the most active research fields in machine learning over the past number of years, and a number of these techniques, particularly those around plausible image generation, have garnered considerable media attention. We will look beyond automatic techniques and solutions and see how GANs are being incorporated into user pipelines for design practitioners. A systematic review of publications indexed on ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEExplore, and ACM DigitalLibrary was conducted from 2015 to 2020. Results are reported according to PRISMA statement. From 317 search results, 34 studies (including two snowball sampled) are reviewed, highlighting key trends in this area. The studies’ limitations are presented, particularly a lack of user studies and the prevalence of toy-examples or implementations that are unlikely to scale. Areas for future study are also identified.
Intersection between Redox Homeostasis and Autophagy: Valuable Insights into Neurodegeneration
Authors: Park Hyungsun , Kim Jongyoon , Shin Chihoon , Lee Seongju
Published: April 2021

Autophagy, a main degradation pathway for maintaining cellular homeostasis, and redox homeostasis have recently been considered to play protective roles in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neurons can induce mitochondrial damage and protein aggregation, thereby resulting in neurodegeneration. Oxidative stress is one of the major activation signals for the induction of autophagy. Upon activation, autophagy can remove ROS, damaged mitochondria, and aggregated proteins from the cells. Thus, autophagy can be an effective strategy to maintain redox homeostasis in the brain. However, the interaction between redox homeostasis and autophagy is not clearly elucidated. In this review, we discuss recent studies on the relationship between redox homeostasis and autophagy associated with neurodegenerative diseases and propose that autophagy induction through pharmacological intervention or genetic activation might be a promising strategy to treat these disorders.
Promoting Neuronal Outgrowth Using Ridged Scaffolds Coated with Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Authors: Siddiqui Ahad M. , Brunner Rosa , Harris Gregory M. , Miller Alan Lee , Waletzki Brian E. , Schmeichel Ann M. , Schwarzbauer Jean E. , Schwartz Jeffrey , Yaszemski Michael J. , Windebank Anthony J. , Madigan Nicolas N.
Published: April 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in cell death, demyelination, and axonal loss. The spinal cord has a limited ability to regenerate, and current clinical therapies for SCI are not effective in helping promote neurologic recovery. We have developed a novel scaffold biomaterial that is fabricated from the biodegradable hydrogel oligo(poly(ethylene glycol)fumarate) (OPF). We have previously shown that positively charged OPF scaffolds (OPF+) in an open spaced, multichannel design can be loaded with Schwann cells to support axonal generation and functional recovery following SCI. We have now developed a hybrid OPF+ biomaterial that increases the surface area available for cell attachment and that contains an aligned microarchitecture and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to better support axonal regeneration. OPF+ was fabricated as 0.08 mm thick sheets containing 100 μm high polymer ridges that self-assemble into a spiral shape when hydrated. Laminin, fibronectin, or collagen I coating promoted neuron attachment and axonal outgrowth on the scaffold surface. In addition, the ridges aligned axons in a longitudinal bipolar orientation. Decreasing the space between the ridges increased the number of cells and neurites aligned in the direction of the ridge. Schwann cells seeded on laminin coated OPF+ sheets aligned along the ridges over a 6-day period and could myelinate dorsal root ganglion neurons over 4 weeks. This novel scaffold design, with closer spaced ridges and Schwann cells, is a novel biomaterial construct to promote regeneration after SCI.
Optoacoustic Imaging in Inflammation
Authors: Regensburger Adrian P. , Brown Emma , Krönke Gerhard , Waldner Maximilian J. , Knieling Ferdinand
Published: April 2021

Optoacoustic or photoacoustic imaging (OAI/PAI) is a technology which enables non-invasive visualization of laser-illuminated tissue by the detection of acoustic signals. The combination of “light in” and “sound out” offers unprecedented scalability with a high penetration depth and resolution. The wide range of biomedical applications makes this technology a versatile tool for preclinical and clinical research. Particularly when imaging inflammation, the technology offers advantages over current clinical methods to diagnose, stage, and monitor physiological and pathophysiological processes. This review discusses the clinical perspective of using OAI in the context of imaging inflammation as well as in current and emerging translational applications.
Comprehensive Overview on the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Selected Alkaloid Producing Marine-Derived Fungi as a Valuable Reservoir of Drug Entities
Authors: Youssef Fadia S. , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: April 2021

Marine-associated fungal strains act as a valuable reservoir of bioactive diverse secondary metabolites including alkaloids which are highly popular by their biological activities. This review highlighted the chemistry and biology of alkaloids isolated from twenty-six fungal genera associated with marine organisms and marine sea sediments. The selected fungi are from different marine sources without focusing on mangroves. The studied fungal genera comprises Acrostalagmus, Arthrinium, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Coniothyrium, Curvularia, Dichotomomyces, Eurotium, Eutypella, Exophiala, Fusarium, Hypocrea, Microsphaeropsis, Microsporum, Neosartorya, Nigrospora, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Pleosporales, Pseudallescheria, Scedosporium, Scopulariopsis, Stagonosporopsis, Thielavia, Westerdykella, and Xylariaceae. Around 347 alkaloid metabolites were isolated and identified via chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques comprising 1D and 2D NMR (one and two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance) which were further confirmed using HR-MS (high resolution mass spectrometry) and Mosher reactions for additional ascertaining of the stereochemistry. About 150 alkaloids showed considerable effect with respect to the tested activities. Most of the reported bioactive alkaloids showed considerable biological activities mainly cytotoxic followed by antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant; however, a few showed anti-inflammatory and antifouling activities. However, the rest of the compounds showed weak or no activity toward the tested biological activities and required further investigations for additional biological activities. Thus, alkaloids isolated from marine-associated fungi can afford an endless source of new drug entities that could serve as leads for drug discovery combating many human ailments.
Biomimicry in French Urban Projects: Trends and Perspectives from the Practice
Authors: Blanco Eduardo , Cruz Estelle , Lequette Chloé , Raskin Kalina , Clergeau Philippe
Published: April 2021

Biomimicry is a design framework with growing interests in sustainable architectural and urban design practice. Nevertheless, there is a significant lack of studies and knowledge regarding its practical application. In 2020, a French workgroup called Biomim’City Lab published a document identifying and describing 16 urban projects designed by French teams integrating biomimicry at various levels. Our research is an opportunistic study analyzing this data, aiming to identify trends and challenges in the French market. We analyzed the projects using a mixed-method approach, through quantitative typological analysis and qualitative narrative analysis. This sample of French projects indicates a trend of increasing interest in biomimicry on built space projects in France. Biomimicry was primarily applied at the façade/roof/soil systems, mostly using macroscopic models as ecosystems, plants, and animals. Designers declared to aim diverse objectives with the biomimetic approach; still, thermal comfort is the most recurrent in the sample. We also identified that challenges remain to foster the field application, as the lack of awareness of the urban fabric stakeholders on the topic and the gaps between research and design practice.
Poly(Vinylamine) Derived N-Doped C-Dots with Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities
Authors: Sutekin Semiha Duygu , Sahiner Mehtap , Suner Selin Sagbas , Demirci Sahin , Güven Olgun , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: April 2021

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-doped C-dots) was synthesized by using poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) as a nitrogen source and citric acid (CA) as a carbon source via the hydrothermal method. Various weight ratios of CA and PVAm (CA:PVAm) were used to synthesize N-doped C-dots. The N-doped C-dots revealed emission at 440 nm with excitation at 360 nm and were found to increase the fluorescence intensity with an increase in the amount of PVAm. The blood compatibility studies revealed no significant hemolysis for N-doped C-dots that were prepared at different ratios of CA:PVAm for up to 500 μg/mL concentration with the hemolysis ratio of 1.96% and the minimum blood clotting index of 88.9%. N-doped C-dots were found to be more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria, with the highest potency on Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). The increase in the weight ratio of PVAm in feed during C-dots preparation from 1 to 3 leads to a decrease of the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value from 6.25 to 0.75 mg/mL for B. subtilis. Antibiofilm ability of N-doped C-dots prepared by 1:3 ratio of CA:PVAm was found to reduce %biofilm inhibition and eradication- by more than half, at 0.78 mg/mL for E. coli and B. subtilis generated biofilms and almost destroyed at 25 mg/mL concentrations.
ING Proteins: Tumour Suppressors or Oncoproteins
Authors: Jacquet Karine , Binda Olivier
Published: April 2021

The INhibitor of Growth family was defined in the mid-1990s by the identification of a tumour suppressor, ING1, and subsequent expansion of the family based essentially on sequence similarities. However, later work and more recent investigations demonstrate that at least a few ING proteins are actually required for normal proliferation of eukaryotic cells, from yeast to human. ING proteins are also part of a larger family of chromatin-associated factors marked by a plant homeodomain (PHD), which mediates interactions with methylated lysine residues. Herein, we discuss the role of ING proteins and their various roles in chromatin signalling in the context of cancer development and progression.
“Difficult to Sedate”: Successful Implementation of a Benzodiazepine-Sparing Analgosedation-Protocol in Mechanically Ventilated Children
Authors: Shildt Nataly , Traube Chani , Dealmeida Mary , Dave Ishaan , Gillespie Scott , Moore Whitney , Long Lillian D. , Kamat Pradip P.
Published: April 2021

We sought to evaluate the success rate of a benzodiazepine-sparing analgosedation protocol (ASP) in mechanically ventilated children and determine the effect of compliance with ASP on in-hospital outcome measures. In this single center study from a quaternary pediatric intensive care unit, our objective was to evaluate the ASP protocol, which included opiate and dexmedetomidine infusions and was used as first-line sedation for all intubated patients. In this study we included 424 patients. Sixty-nine percent (n = 293) were successfully sedated with the ASP. Thirty-one percent (n = 131) deviated from the ASP and received benzodiazepine infusions. Children sedated with the ASP had decrease in opiate withdrawal (OR 0.16, 0.08–0.32), decreased duration of mechanical ventilation (adjusted mean duration 1.81 vs. 3.39 days, p = 0.018), and decreased PICU length of stay (adjusted mean 3.15 vs. 4.7 days, p = 0.011), when compared to the cohort of children who received continuous benzodiazepine infusions. Using ASP, we report that 69% of mechanically ventilated children were successfully managed with no requirement for continuous benzodiazepine infusions. The 69% who were successfully managed with ASP included infants, severely ill patients, and children with chromosomal disorders and developmental disabilities. Use of ASP was associated with decreased need for methadone use, decreased duration of mechanical ventilation, and decreased ICU and hospital length of stay.
Maintaining Essential Nutrition Services to Underfive Children in Yemen: A Programmatic Adaptation Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Coulibaly-Zerbo Ferima , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Prinzo Zita C. Weise , Adrianopoli Marina , Al-Falahi Eshrak Naji Mohammed , Alahnoumy Shafekah , Usman Nosheen Mohsan , Moqbel Fanda Ahmed , Ali Latifah Abbas , Shroh Mohammed , Al-Sakkaf Ensegam Mohammed , Musaed Abdulrazzaq , Al-Sakkaf Maison , Dahnan Mohammed , Al-Hakimi Fahim , Omer Doa Kutbi , Hael Moatsim , Nasreddine Lara
Published: April 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that, as health services divert their attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of essential nutrition services may be compromised. This impact may be more pronounced in the context of humanitarian crises, such as the one currently unfolding in Yemen. In line with Pillar 9 of the WHO’s COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, this paper reports on the nutrition program adaptations in Yemen to maintain the delivery of essential nutrition services to under-five children. The process of adaptation focused on the services provided within the nutrition surveillance system (NSS), therapeutic feeding centers (TFC), and isolation units (IU). It was conducted in five steps: (1) situation analysis; (2) development of guidance documents; (3) consultation process; (4) capacity-building programs; and (5) incorporation of programmatic adaptation within nutrition services. As of September 2020, NSS, TFC, and IUs services have shifted their standard operating procedures in line with the context-specific adaptations. The process described in this paper may serve as a case-study for other countries that intend to undertake similar adaptations in their nutrition program to contribute to the implementation of the WHO response plan and maintain the delivery of essential nutrition services to children.
Optimal Frequency and Amplitude of Vertical Viewpoint Oscillation for Improving Vection Strength and Reducing Neural Constrains on Gait
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Kaiming , Zhu Yu
Published: April 2021

Inducing self-motion illusions referred as vection are critical for improving the sensation of walking in virtual environments (VE). Adding viewpoint oscillations to a constant forward velocity in VE is effective for improving vection strength under static conditions. However, the effects of oscillation frequency and amplitude on vection strength under treadmill walking conditions are still unclear. Besides, due to the visuomotor entrainment mechanism, these visual oscillations would affect gait patterns and be detrimental for achieving natural walking if not properly designed. This study was aimed at determining the optimal frequency and amplitude of vertical viewpoint oscillations for improving vection strength and reducing gait constraints. Seven subjects walked on a treadmill while watching a visual scene. The visual scene presented a constant forward velocity equal to the treadmill velocity with different vertical viewpoint oscillations added. Five oscillation patterns with different combinations of frequency and amplitude were tested. Subjects gave verbal ratings of vection strength. The mediolateral (M-L) center of pressure (CoP) complexity was calculated to indicate gait constraints. After the experiment, subjects were asked to give the best and the worst oscillation pattern based on their walking experience. The oscillation frequency and amplitude had strong positive correlations with vection strength. The M-L CoP complexity was reduced under oscillations with low frequency. The medium oscillation amplitude had greater M-L CoP complexity than the small and large amplitude. Besides, subjects preferred those oscillation patterns with large gait complexity. We suggested that the oscillation amplitude with largest M-L CoP complexity should first be chosen to reduce gait constraints. Then, increasing the oscillation frequency to improve vection strength until individual preference or the boundary of motion sickness. These findings provide important guidelines to promote the sensation of natural walking in VE.
Quantification of One-Year Gypsy Moth Defoliation Extent in Wonju, Korea, Using Landsat Satellite Images
Authors: Choi Won-IL , Kim Eun-Sook , Yun Soon-Jin , Lim Jong-Hwan , Kim Ye-Eun
Published: April 2021

We quantified the extent and severity of Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) defoliation in Wonju, Korea, from May to early June in 2020. Landsat images were collected covering Wonju and the surrounding area in June from 2017 to 2020. Forest damage was evaluated based on differences between the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) from images acquired in 8 June 2020 and the prior mean NDMI estimated from images in June from 2017 to 2019. The values of NDMI ranged from −1 to 1, where values closer to 1 meant higher canopy cover. The NDMI values for 7825 ha of forests were reduced by more than 0.05 compared to the mean NDMI values for the prior 3 years (2017 to 2019). The NDMI values of 1350 ha of forests were reduced by >0.125 to 0.2, and the NDMI values for another 656 ha were reduced by more than 0.2. A field survey showed that these forests were defoliated by gypsy moth and that forests with NDMI reductions of more than 0.2 were heavily defoliated by gypsy moth. A 311 ha area of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) was severely damaged by gypsy moth and the proportion of larch damaged was higher than that of other tree species. This intense damage to larch suggests that gypsy moths preferentially attack Japanese larch in Wonju. Our study shows that the use of NDMI values to detect areas defoliated by gypsy moth from satellite images is effective and can be used to measure other characteristics of gypsy moth defoliation events, such as host preferences under field conditions.
Extremely Severe ME/CFS—A Personal Account
Authors: Dafoe Whitney
Published: April 2021

A personal account from an Extremely Severe Bedridden ME/CFS patient about the experience of living with extremely severe ME/CFS. Illness progression, medical history, description of various aspects of extremely severe ME/CFS and various essays on specific experiences are included.
Factors Influencing Healthcare Experience of Patients with Self-Declared Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study in the Basque Country
Authors: Nuño-Solínis Roberto , Ponce Sara , Urtaran-Laresgoiti Maider , Lázaro Esther , Errea Rodríguez María
Published: April 2021

Background: Diabetes affects more than 400 million people around the world. Few published studies incorporate questionnaires that comprehensively cover every aspect of a patient’s experience of healthcare. This study analyzes potential differences in the healthcare experience for patients with diabetes based on their sociodemographic, economic, and health-related characteristics from a comprehensive viewpoint in an integrated delivery system. Methods: We used data from the 2018 Basque Health Survey, which includes a questionnaire for the measurement of the experiences of patients with chronic problems. We present descriptive and regression analyses to explore differences by sociodemographic, economic, and health-related characteristics of patients’ experiences with different healthcare services. Results: Having diabetes plus other comorbidities significantly decreases the quality of the experience with all healthcare services and decreases the global healthcare experience score. When comorbidities are present, the elderly seem to report better experiences than younger patients. Some differences in experience can be explained by sociodemographic and economic factors. No differences exist between conditions co-occurring with diabetes. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes who also suffer from other conditions report worse experiences than individuals who suffer from diabetes only. No specific conditions explain the differences in care experience.
Announcement
Authors: Mathieu Jon
Published: April 2021

It is a great pleasure to announce the first volume of the new open access journal “histories” which will promote historical scholarship with a fresh approach and a robust infrastructure [...]
Vascular Aspects in Glaucoma: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Mursch-Edlmayr Anna-Sophie , Bolz Matthias , Strohmaier Clemens
Published: April 2021

Glaucomatous optic neuropathies have been regarded as diseases caused by high intraocular pressure for a long time, despite the concept of vascular glaucoma dating back to von Graefe in 1854. Since then, a tremendous amount of knowledge about the ocular vasculature has been gained; cohort studies have established new vascular risk factors for glaucoma as well as identifying protective measures acting on blood vessels. The knowledge about the physiology and pathophysiology of the choroidal, retinal, as well as ciliary and episcleral circulation has also advanced. Only recently have novel drugs based on that knowledge been approved for clinical use, with more to follow. This review provides an overview of the current vascular concepts in glaucoma, ranging from novel pathogenesis insights to promising therapeutic approaches, covering the supply of the optic nerve head as well as the aqueous humor production and drainage system.
CORONA-Net: Diagnosing COVID-19 from X-ray Images Using Re-Initialization and Classification Networks
Authors: Elbishlawi Sherif , Abdelpakey Mohamed H. , Shehata Mohamed S. , Mohamed Mostafa M.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been deemed a global health pandemic. The early detection of COVID-19 is key to combating its outbreak and could help bring this pandemic to an end. One of the biggest challenges in combating COVID-19 is accurate testing for the disease. Utilizing the power of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to detect COVID-19 from chest X-ray images can help radiologists compare and validate their results with an automated system. In this paper, we propose a carefully designed network, dubbed CORONA-Net, that can accurately detect COVID-19 from chest X-ray images. CORONA-Net is divided into two phases: (1) The reinitialization phase and (2) the classification phase. In the reinitialization phase, the network consists of encoder and decoder networks. The objective of this phase is to train and initialize the encoder and decoder networks by a distribution that comes out of medical images. In the classification phase, the decoder network is removed from CORONA-Net, and the encoder network acts as a backbone network to fine-tune the classification phase based on the learned weights from the reinitialization phase. Extensive experiments were performed on a publicly available dataset, COVIDx, and the results show that CORONA-Net significantly outperforms the current state-of-the-art networks with an overall accuracy of 95.84%.
Observing Wind-Forced Flexural-Gravity Waves in the Beaufort Sea and Their Relationship to Sea Ice Mechanics
Authors: Johnson Mark A. , Marchenko Aleksey V. , Dammann Dyre O. , Mahoney Andrew R.
Published: April 2021

We developed and deployed two inertial measurement units on mobile pack ice during a U.S. Navy drifting ice campaign in the Beaufort Sea. The ice camp was more than 1000 km from the nearest open water. The sensors were stationed on thick (>1 m) first- and multi–year ice to record 3-D accelerations at 10 Hz for one week during March 2020. During this time, gale-force winds exceeded 21 m per second for several hours during two separate wind events and reached a maximum of 25 m per second. Our observations show similar sets of wave bands were excited during both wind events. One band was centered on a period of ~14 s. Another band arrived several hours later and was centered on ~3.5-s. We find that the observed wave bands match a model dispersion curve for flexural gravity waves in ~1.2-m ice with a Young’s modulus of 3.5 GPa under compressive stresses of ~0.3 MPa. We further evaluate the bending stress and load cycles of the individual wave bands and their potential role in break-up of sea ice. This work demonstrates how observations of waves in sea ice using these and similar sensors can potentially be a valuable field-based tool for evaluating ice mechanics. In particular, this approach can be used to observe and describe the combined mechanical behavior of consolidated floes relevant for understanding sea ice mechanical processes and model development.