bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PKA and PKC Balance in Synapse Elimination during Neuromuscular Junction Development
Authors: Garcia Neus , Lanuza Maria A. , Tomàs Marta , Cilleros-Mañé Víctor , Just-Borràs Laia , Duran Maria , Polishchuk Aleksandra , Tomàs Josep
Published: June 2021

During the development of the nervous system, synaptogenesis occurs in excess though only the appropriate connections consolidate. At the neuromuscular junction, competition between several motor nerve terminals results in the maturation of a single axon and the elimination of the others. The activity-dependent release of transmitter, cotransmitters, and neurotrophic factors allows the direct mutual influence between motor axon terminals through receptors such as presynaptic muscarinic ACh autoreceptors and the tropomyosin-related kinase B neurotrophin receptor. In previous studies, we investigated the synergistic and antagonistic relations between these receptors and their downstream coupling to PKA and PKC pathways and observed a metabotropic receptor-driven balance between PKA (stabilizes multinnervation) and PKC (promotes developmental axonal loss). However, how much does each kinase contribute in the developmental synapse elimination process? A detailed statistical analysis of the differences between the PKA and PKC effects in the synapse elimination could help to explore this point. The present short communication provides this analysis and results show that a similar level of PKA inhibition and PKC potentiation would be required during development to promote synapse loss.
Inflammation, Aging and Hematopoiesis: A Complex Relationship
Authors: Bousounis Pavlos , Bergo Veronica , Trompouki Eirini
Published: June 2021

All vertebrate blood cells descend from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), whose activity and differentiation depend on a complex and incompletely understood relationship with inflammatory signals. Although homeostatic levels of inflammatory signaling play an intricate role in HSC maintenance, activation, proliferation, and differentiation, acute or chronic exposure to inflammation can have deleterious effects on HSC function and self-renewal capacity, and bias their differentiation program. Increased levels of inflammatory signaling are observed during aging, affecting HSCs either directly or indirectly via the bone marrow niche and contributing to their loss of self-renewal capacity, diminished overall functionality, and myeloid differentiation skewing. These changes can have significant pathological consequences. Here, we provide an overview of the current literature on the complex interplay between HSCs and inflammatory signaling, and how this relationship contributes to age-related phenotypes. Understanding the mechanisms and outcomes of this interaction during different life stages will have significant implications in the modulation and restoration of the hematopoietic system in human disease, recovery from cancer and chemotherapeutic treatments, stem cell transplantation, and aging.
Silencing of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-2 Induces Mitochondrial Reactive Species Production and Mitochondrial Fragmentation
Authors: Jankó Laura , Kovács Tünde , Laczik Miklós , Sári Zsanett , Ujlaki Gyula , Kis Gréta , Horváth Ibolya , Antal Miklós , Vígh László , Bálint Bálint L. , Uray Karen , Bai Péter
Published: June 2021

PARP2 is a DNA repair protein. The deletion of PARP2 induces mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial activity by increasing NAD+ levels and inducing SIRT1 activity. We show that the silencing of PARP2 causes mitochondrial fragmentation in myoblasts. We assessed multiple pathways that can lead to mitochondrial fragmentation and ruled out the involvement of mitophagy, the fusion–fission machinery, SIRT1, and mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Nevertheless, mitochondrial fragmentation was reversed by treatment with strong reductants, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), and a mitochondria-specific antioxidant MitoTEMPO. The effect of MitoTEMPO on mitochondrial morphology indicates the production of reactive oxygen species of mitochondrial origin. Elimination of reactive oxygen species reversed mitochondrial fragmentation in PARP2-silenced cells.
Lysophosphatidic Acid: Promoter of Cancer Progression and of Tumor Microenvironment Development. A Promising Target for Anticancer Therapies?
Authors: Aiello Sistiana , Casiraghi Federica
Published: June 2021

Increased expression of the enzyme autotaxin (ATX) and the consequently increased levels of its product, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), have been reported in several primary tumors. The role of LPA as a direct modulator of tumor cell functions—motility, invasion and migration capabilities as well as resistance to apoptotic death—has been recognized by numerous studies over the last two decades. Notably, evidence has recently been accumulating that shows that LPA also contributes to the development of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Indeed, LPA plays a crucial role in inducing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, triggering cellular glycolytic shift and stimulating intratumoral fibrosis. In addition, LPA helps tumoral cells to escape immune surveillance. Treatments that counter the TME components, in order to deprive cancer cells of their crucial support, have been emerging among the promising new anticancer therapies. This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on how LPA influences both tumor cell functions and the TME by regulating the activity of its different elements, highlighting why and how LPA is worth considering as a molecular target for new anticancer therapies.
Creatinine Trends and Patterns in Neonates Undergoing Whole Body Hypothermia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Borloo Noor , Smits Anne , Thewissen Liesbeth , Annaert Pieter , Allegaert Karel
Published: June 2021

Many neonates undergoing whole body hypothermia (WBH) following moderate to severe perinatal asphyxia may also suffer from renal impairment. While recent data suggest WBH-related reno-protection, differences in serum creatinine (Scr) patterns to reference patterns were not yet reported. We therefore aimed to document Scr trends and patterns in asphyxiated neonates undergoing WBH and compared these to centiles from a reference Scr data set of non-asphyxiated (near)term neonates. Using a systematic review strategy, reports on Scr trends (mean ± SD, median or interquartile range) were collected (day 1–7) in WBH cohorts and compared to centiles of an earlier reported reference cohort of non-asphyxia cases. Based on 13 papers on asphyxia + WBH cases, a pattern of postnatal Scr trends in asphyxia + WBH cases was constructed. Compared to the reference 50th centile Scr values, mean or median Scr values at birth and up to 48 h were higher in asphyxia + WBH cases with a subsequent uncertain declining trend towards, at best, high or high–normal creatinine values afterwards. Such patterns are valuable for anticipating average changes in renal drug clearance but do not yet cover the relevant inter-patient variability observed in WBH cases, as this needs pooling of individual Screa profiles, preferably beyond the first week of life.
Optimal Data Processing Method for the Application of Eu3+ Photoluminescence Piezospectroscopy in Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Zhang Yanheng , Lu Ning , Qiu Wei
Published: June 2021

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used to protect gas turbine blades but internal stress near the interface in TBCs is one of the main causes of thermal barrier failure under thermal cycling. A non-destructive inspection technique based on Eu3+ photoluminescence piezospectroscopy has been successfully used to analyze the residual stress in TBCs, but systematic and quantitative evaluation of data processing is still needed, especially with respect to the identification of peak positions. In this work, processing methods for Eu3+ photoluminescence spectroscopy data were studied to characterize TBC internal stress. Both physical and numerical experiments were carried out where Eu3+ luminescence spectra were obtained from a sample of europium-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ:Eu3+) under step-by-step uniaxial loading, and the simulated spectra were numerically deduced from the measured spectra. The peak shifts were then obtained by processing the spectral data in different ways (Gaussian, Lorentzian, pseudo-Voigt fitting, and the barycenter method), and comparing the results. We found that the Gaussian function, rather than the commonly used Lorentzian function, is the most appropriate method for the application of Eu3+ photoluminescence piezospectroscopy in TBCs because it provides sufficient sensitivity, stability and confidence for quantitative stress analysis.
Tricritical Phenomena and Cascades of Temperature Phase Transitions in a Ferromagnetic Liquid Crystal Suspension
Authors: Khalilov Timur , Makarov Dmitriy , Petrov Danil
Published: June 2021

We consider temperature-driven phase transitions occurring in a liquid crystal suspension of ferromagnetic particles within the Landau–de Gennes theory. The temperature dependences of the order parameters in the uniaxial model with a vector order parameter for the magnetic subsystem are obtained. The dimensionless expression for the free energy density of the suspension has been used for the study of the phase behavior general regularities of the system. Phase state diagrams of the suspension and temperature dependences of the order parameters of the liquid crystal and the ensemble of magnetic particles for different values of the phenomenological expansion coefficients are constructed. It is shown that the considered model admits the existence of a cascade of temperature phase transitions: isotropic phase–superparamagnetic nematic phase–ferromagnetic nematic phase. We have shown that in the mesomorphic state of the liquid crystal, the spontaneous magnetization can appear in a continuous way or by a jump with decreasing temperature, which corresponds to the tricritical behavior. The values of temperature and expansion coefficients corresponding to the tricritical and triple points are numerically found.
Electronic Unit for the Management of Energy Harvesting of Different Piezo Generators
Authors: Rincón-Murcia Sergio , Forero-Garcia Edwin , Torres Maria Josefina , Ramirez-Pastran Jesus
Published: June 2021

The constant advance in the development of piezoelectric materials for energy harvesting has demanded new implementations in the electronics field. The piezoelectric property of these materials has been considered an energy source for low-power devices; nevertheless, the units that provide energy are usually adapted to just one piezoelectric device. This aspect complicates the process, taking into account the amount of time needed for an energy harvest; therefore, this research inquired at first into the adequate piezoelectric materials for carrying out the current study. Afterwards, an energy management unit was designed, considering the connection between some modules and allowing the sourcing of an electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen and, in turn, energy. The results evidence a decrease in time charging of the energy storage unit, which allows a cell’s supply of energy in shorter time intervals, its design efficiency being about 90%, in such a way that the energy harvested through the piezoelectric devices can be used in a better manner.
Seagrass and Oyster Reef Restoration in Living Shorelines: Effects of Habitat Configuration on Invertebrate Community Assembly
Authors: Pinnell Cassie M. , Ayala Geana S. , Patten Melissa V. , Boyer Katharyn E.
Published: June 2021

Restoration projects provide a valuable opportunity to experimentally establish foundational habitats in different combinations to test relative effects on community assembly. We evaluated the development of macroinvertebrate communities in response to planting of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and construction of reefs intended to support the Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) in the San Francisco Estuary. Plots of each type, alone or interspersed, were established in 2012 in a pilot living shorelines project, and quarterly invertebrate monitoring was conducted for one year prior to restoration, and three years post-restoration using suction sampling and eelgrass shoot collection. Suction sampling revealed that within one year, oyster reefs supported unique invertebrate assemblages as compared to pre-restoration conditions and controls (unmanipulated mudflat). The eelgrass invertebrate assemblage also shifted, becoming intermediate between reefs and controls. Interspersing both types of habitat structure led eelgrass invertebrate communities to more closely resemble those of oyster reefs alone, though the eelgrass assemblage maintained some distinction (primarily by supporting gammarid and caprellid amphipods). Eelgrass shoot collection documented some additional taxa known to benefit eelgrass growth through consumption of epiphytic algae; however, even after three years, restored eelgrass did not establish an assemblage equivalent to natural beds, as the eelgrass sea hare (Phyllaplysia taylori) and eelgrass isopod (Pentidotea resecata) remained absent or very rare. We conclude that the restoration of two structurally complex habitat types within tens of meters maximized the variety of invertebrate assemblages supported, but that close interspersion dampened the separately contributed distinctiveness. In addition, management intervention may be needed to overcome the recruitment limitation of species with important roles in maintaining eelgrass habitat.
Visibility Driven Perception and Regulation of Air Pollution in Hong Kong, 1968–2020
Authors: Brimblecombe Peter
Published: June 2021

Visibility is a perceptible indicator of air pollution, so it is hardly surprising that it has been used to promote the regulation of air pollutants. In Hong Kong, poor visibility associated with air pollution has been linked with changes in tourist choices and health outcomes. Much research is available to examine the early deterioration of visibility in the city, and especially its relation to particulate sulfate. The period 2004–2012 saw especially poor visibility in Hong Kong and coincided with a time when pollutant levels were high. There is a reasonable correlation (multiple r2 = 0.57) between the monthly hours of low visibility (<8 km) and PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3 concentrations from the late 1990s. Visibility can thus be justified as a route to perceiving air pollution. Over the last decade, visibility has improved and average pollutant concentrations have declined in Hong Kong. The changing health risk from individual pollutants parallels their concentration trends: the risk from NO2 and particulate matter at urban sites has declined, but there have been increases in the health risks from ozone as its concentrations have risen across the region, although this is dominated by concentration increases at more rural sites. Since 2004, the frequency of search terms such as visibility, air pollution, and haze on Google has decreased in line with improved visibility. Despite positive changes to Hong Kong’s air quality, typically, the media representation and public perception see the situation as growing more severe, possibly because attention focuses on the air quality objectives in Hong Kong being less stringent than World Health Organisation guidelines. Policymakers increasingly need to account for the perceptions of stakeholders and acknowledge that these are not necessarily bound to measurements from monitoring networks. Improvements in air quality are hard won, but conveying the nature of such improvements to the public can be an additional struggle.
The Use of Subsidence to Estimate Carbon Loss from Deforested and Drained Tropical Peatlands in Indonesia
Authors: Anshari Gusti Z. , Gusmayanti Evi , Novita Nisa
Published: June 2021

Drainage is a major means of the conversion of tropical peat forests into agriculture. Accordingly, drained peat becomes a large source of carbon. However, the amount of carbon (C) loss from drained peats is not simply measured. The current C loss estimate is usually based on a single proxy of the groundwater table, spatially and temporarily dynamic. The relation between groundwater table and C emission is commonly not linear because of the complex natures of heterotrophic carbon emission. Peatland drainage or lowering groundwater table provides plenty of oxygen into the upper layer of peat above the water table, where microbial activity becomes active. Consequently, lowering the water table escalates subsidence that causes physical changes of organic matter (OM) and carbon emission due to microbial oxidation. This paper reviews peat bulk density (BD), total organic carbon (TOC) content, and subsidence rate of tropical peat forest and drained peat. Data of BD, TOC, and subsidence were derived from published and unpublished sources. We found that BD is generally higher in the top surface layer in drained peat than in the undrained peat. TOC values in both drained and undrained are lower in the top and higher in the bottom layer. To estimate carbon emission from the top layer (0–50 cm) in drained peats, we use BD value 0.12 to 0.15 g cm−3, TOC value of 50%, and a 60% conservatively oxidative correction factor. The average peat subsidence is 3.9 cm yr−1. The range of subsidence rate per year is between 2 and 6 cm, which results in estimated emission between 30 and 90 t CO2e ha−1 yr−1. This estimate is comparable to those of other studies and Tier 1 emission factor of the 2013 IPCC GHG Inventory on Wetlands. We argue that subsidence is a practical approach to estimate carbon emission from drained tropical peat is more applicable than the use of groundwater table.
Forest Quality Dynamic Change and Its Driving Factors Accompanied by Forest Transition in China
Authors: Gu Li , Gong Zhiwen , Bu Yuankun
Published: June 2021

As ecological and environmental issues have received continuous attention, forest transition has gradually become the frontier and a hot issue, which have implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In this study, the spatial-temporal dynamics and the spatial determinants of forest quality were investigated using spatial econometric regression models at the province level, which contained 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. The results showed that forest area, forest volume, forest coverage, and forest quality have greatly increased as of 2018, but uneven forest distribution is an important feature of forest adaptation to the environment. The global Moran’s I value was greater than 0.3, and forest quality of the province level had a positive spatial correlation and exhibited obvious spatial clustering characteristics. In particular, the spatial expansion of forest quality had shown an accelerated concentration. The most suitable model for empirical analysis and interpretation was the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) with fixed effects. The average annual precipitation and the area ratio of the collective forest were positively correlated with forested quality (significance level 1%). Ultimately, this framework could guide future research, describe actual and potential changes in forest quality associated with forest transitions, and promote management plans that incorporate forest area changes.
Long-Term Nitrogen Addition Decreases Soil Carbon Mineralization in an N-Rich Primary Tropical Forest
Authors: Lu Xiankai , Mao Qinggong , Wang Zhuohang , Mori Taiki , Mo Jiangming , Su Fanglong , Pang Zongqing
Published: June 2021

Anthropogenic elevated nitrogen (N) deposition has an accelerated terrestrial N cycle, shaping soil carbon dynamics and storage through altering soil organic carbon mineralization processes. However, it remains unclear how long-term high N deposition affects soil carbon mineralization in tropical forests. To address this question, we established a long-term N deposition experiment in an N-rich lowland tropical forest of Southern China with N additions such as NH4NO3 of 0 (Control), 50 (Low-N), 100 (Medium-N) and 150 (High-N) kg N ha−1 yr−1, and laboratory incubation experiment, used to explore the response of soil carbon mineralization to the N additions therein. The results showed that 15 years of N additions significantly decreased soil carbon mineralization rates. During the incubation period from the 14th day to 56th day, the average decreases in soil CO2 emission rates were 18%, 33% and 47% in the low-N, medium-N and high-N treatments, respectively, compared with the Control. These negative effects were primarily aroused by the reduced soil microbial biomass and modified microbial functions (e.g., a decrease in bacteria relative abundance), which could be attributed to N-addition-induced soil acidification and potential phosphorus limitation in this forest. We further found that N additions greatly increased soil-dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and there were significantly negative relationships between microbial biomass and soil DOC, indicating that microbial consumption on soil-soluble carbon pool may decrease. These results suggests that long-term N deposition can increase soil carbon stability and benefit carbon sequestration through decreased carbon mineralization in N-rich tropical forests. This study can help us understand how microbes control soil carbon cycling and carbon sink in the tropics under both elevated N deposition and carbon dioxide in the future.
Genotype–Environment Interactions for Tree Growth and Leaf Phytochemical Content of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja
Authors: Zhou Mingming , Chen Pei , Shang Xulan , Yang Wanxia , Fang Shengzuo
Published: June 2021

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja, as a woody tree species, has various health-promoting phytochemicals and is commonly used in tea production in China. A field trial for C. paliurus was conducted at two typical sites to evaluate genotype × environmental interaction (GEI) effects and identify the stability and adaptability of 13 families. The genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction effects (GGE) were used to analyze the GEI effects for tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and leaf flavonoid and triterpenoid contents. Two-way analysis of variance indicated that the tree growth and leaf phytochemical contents were mainly affected by genotype and GEI. Based on the results of GGE, the JH1 family had high mean values and high stability in total flavonoid and total triterpenoid accumulations, while the KM4 family exhibited high means and high stability in tree height and DBH growth, as well as high means and medium stability in total triterpenoid content. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the annual mean DBH was significantly and positively correlated with leaf phytochemical content in C. paliurus when all data for the 13 families at the two sites were used. Our results suggest that JH1 should be mainly extended as a superior genotype for the production of flavonoids and triterpenoids in the leaves, while KM4 could be spread for timber production or leaf triterpenoid production. This study provides useful information on the selection of C. paliurus genotypes in target sites and cultivation strategies for establishing oriented plantations.
Developmental Dynamics of Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Fabaceae) Drive Forest Structure and Biomass in the Eastern Congo Basin
Authors: Glick Henry B. , Umunay Peter M. , Makana Jean-Remy , Thomas Sean C. , Reuning-Scherer Jonathan D. , Gregoire Timothy G.
Published: June 2021

Patterns of structural change associated with monodominant tropical forest complexes have remained enigmatic for decades. Here, we extend previous efforts in presenting a longitudinal, local-scale analysis of forest dynamics in central Africa. Using four 10-ha census plots measured across three time periods (959,312 stems ≥1 cm DBH), we analyzed changes in a number of biometrical attributes for four distinct forest types capturing the developmental gradient from mixed species forest to Gilbertiodendron dewevrei-dominated forest. We modeled above-ground biomass (AGB), basal area (BA), and stem density across all species, and diameter at breast height (DBH), recruitment, and mortality for Gilbertiodendron dewevrei. We hypothesized that trends in these attributes are consistent with a slow spread of Gilbertiodendron dewevrei into adjacent mixed species forest. We identified statistically significant increases in AGB and BA across sites and positive, though nonsignificant, increases in AGB and BA for most forest types. DBH and relative recruitment increased significantly for Gilbertiodendron dewevrei stems, while relative mortality did not. When looking from mixed species to transitional to monodominant forest types, we found a statistically significant pattern of developmental aggradation and net expansion of monodominant forest. We do not attribute this to atmospheric forcing but to a combination of (a) landscape-scale recovery or response to widespread disturbance (primarily historical fires), (b) Gilbertiodendron dewevrei’s ectomycorrhizal association, and (c) Gilbertiodendron dewevrei’s exceptional stress tolerance traits.
Modelling the Spatial Structure of White Spruce Plantations and Their Changes after Various Thinning Treatments
Authors: Duchateau Emmanuel , Schneider Robert , Tremblay Stéphane , Dupont-Leduc Laurie , Pretzsch Hans
Published: June 2021

Research Highlights: The spatial distribution of trees results from several ecological processes that can be difficult to measure. We applied a point process modelling approach that uses the diameter and species of neighbouring trees to represent inter-tree interactions through repulsive and attractive processes. Thinning treatments slightly influence the tree spatial distribution of trees in white spruce plantations. Integrating this “spatialiser” into growth models could help improve stand simulations following various thinning treatments over larger areas and longer periods. It could also allow for the use of spatially explicit models when tree position is not available. Background and Objectives: Tree spatial patterns result from several ecological processes and have important implications in forest ecology and management. The use of spatial information can significantly improve our understanding of forest structures. However, this implies intensive field work that is rarely integrated into forest inventories. The aims of this study were to develop a spatial distribution simulator of trees in white spruce plantations and to evaluate the influence of thinning treatments. Materials and Methods: A point process modelling approach was used to represent inter-tree interactions through repulsive and attractive process in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) plantations in eastern Quebec, Canada, that had been commercially thinned five years ago. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and hardwoods together can represent 30–40% of the basal area of these plantations. Results: The diameter and species of each tree’s two closest neighbours were found to be the most important predictors in explaining the observed distances between trees. Despite the short period since thinning treatments, results showed that the treatment had slight significant effects on tree interactions. However, their impact on the global spatial distribution of stands is quite limited. Conclusions: Using only a few readily-available variables (species and diameter of trees), this “spatialiser” will make it possible to assign spatial coordinates to trees and generate realistic stand spatial structures even after various silvicultural treatments.
Clonal Reproduction and Low Genetic Diversity in Northern Australian Santalum lanceolatum (Santalaceae) Populations Highlights the Need for Genetic Rescue of This Commercially Significant Species
Authors: Brunton Aaron , Lee David J. , Conroy Gabriel , Ogbourne Steven
Published: June 2021

Genetic diversity and the extent of clonality in a plant species can significantly influence its reproductive success. Whilst clonality can be an effective life-history strategy, in harsh environments it can lead to low levels of diversity and sexual reproductive failure. Santalum lanceolatum (Santalaceae) is a hemi-parasitic shrub endemic to the monsoonal dry tropics of northern Australia, which was harvested for its oil-rich heartwood from natural populations in Cape York, Australia. Despite wild harvesting ending over 70 years ago, populations in the region are currently declining. The aims of this study were to examine genetic variation, population genetic structure, inbreeding and clonality of six S. lanceolatum populations from this northern margin of the species range. Analyses of twelve microsatellite markers showed S. lanceolatum had low genetic diversity (AR = 2.776, HE = 0.409), evidence of regional differentiation (FST = 0.307–0.424) and negligible inbreeding levels (F = −0.052). Clonality investigations revealed 135 genets among 200 samples, suggesting that the clonal structure of S. lanceolatum may be limiting the potential for sexual reproduction and natural recruitment. We recommend a conservation strategy involving genetic rescue to prevent the further decline and potential local extinction from a variety of environmental pressures and human activities.
Filamentous Fungi and Yeasts Associated with Mites Phoretic on Ips typographus in Eastern Finland
Authors: Linnakoski Riikka , Lasarov Ilmeini , Veteli Pyry , Tikkanen Olli-Pekka , Viiri Heli , Jyske Tuula , Kasanen Risto , Duong Tuan A. , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: June 2021

The European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) has become a major forest pest in Finland in recent years. The beetle is a well-known vector of mainly ophiostomatoid fungi causing blue-stain of timber and pathogens that have the ability to amplify the insect damage. It also vectors other associated organisms, such as phoretic mites. The ecology of these mites remains poorly understood, including their associations with fungi. In this study, we considered filamentous fungi and yeasts associated with mites phoretic on I. typographus. Fungal identifications were based on DNA sequences and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS and/or partial β-tubulin gene regions. Fifteen fungal species were detected, including eight yeasts and seven filamentous fungi. Eleven percent of the beetles carried mites and of these 74% carried at least one fungal species. An average of two fungal species were carried per mite. The most commonly found filamentous fungi were Grosmannia penicillata (25%), Ophiostoma bicolor (19%), O. ainoae (12%) and O. brunneolum (12%). Of the yeast species, the most commonly found was Wickerhamomyces bisporus (47%). This study is the first to report yeasts associated with I. typographus and its phoretic mites in Finland. Majority of the filamentous fungal species found are those previously reported in association with I. typographus. The results also confirmed that many of the fungal species commonly found on I. typographus are also associated with its phoretic mites. However, the nature of the symbiosis between the mites, beetles and fungal associates remains to be understood.
IoT Security Risk Management Strategy Reference Model (IoTSRM2)
Authors: Popescu Traian , Popescu Alina , Prostean Gabriela
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, Internet of Things (IoT) adoptions are burgeoning and deemed the lynchpin towards achieving ubiquitous connectivity. In this context, defining and leveraging robust IoT security risk management strategies are paramount for secure IoT adoptions. Thus, this study aims to support IoT adopters from any sector to formulate or reframe their IoT security risk management strategies to achieve robust strategies that effectively address IoT security issues. In a nutshell, this article relies on a mixed methods research methodology and proposes a reference model for IoT security risk management strategy. The proposed IoT security risk management strategy reference model (IoTSRM2) relies on the 25 selected IoT security best practices which are outlined using a proposed taxonomic hierarchy, and on the proposed three-phased methodology that consists of nine steps and outputs. The main contribution of this work is the proposed IoTSRM2 which consists of six domains, 16 objectives, and 30 prioritized controls. Furthermore, prior to providing the related work, this article provides a critical evaluation of selected informative references of IoTSRM2 based on their percentage-wise linkage to the IoTSRM2 domains and to the entire IoTSRM2. The findings of the critical evaluation illustrate, inter alia, the selected informative references that are the top three most and least linked to the entire IoTSRM2.
Distinct Particle Films Impacts on Olive Leaf Optical Properties and Plant Physiology
Authors: Rotondi Annalisa , Morrone Lucia , Facini Osvaldo , Faccini Barbara , Ferretti Giacomo , Coltorti Massimo
Published: June 2021

The olive fruit fly is worldwide considered a major harmful pest of the olive agroecosystem. In Italy, the fruit fly infestation is traditionally countered by spraying chemical insecticides (e.g., dimethoate), but due to the recent ban of dimethoate by the Reg EU2019/1090 and the increasing awareness of consumers of food sustainability, the interest in developing chemical-free alternatives to pesticides, such as the use of particle-films, is rising. A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different particle films (kaolin-base and zeolitite-base) on leaf gas exchanges and leaf optical properties. Results showed that with the dust accumulation on the leaves’ surface, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and water use efficiency were significantly lower in kaolin-treated olive trees compared to those treated with zeolitite and to the control, while olive trees treated with zeolitite showed physiological parameters similar to the untreated plants. Microstructural differences of different particle film on the leaf and olive surfaces emerged by ESEM observations also influenced leaf optical properties. Oils produced by zeolitite-treated plants show higher intensities of gustatory and olfactory secondary flavors compared to kaolin and test oils.
Multifaced Evidence of Hospital Performance in Pennsylvania
Authors: Kim Younhee , Lee Keon-Hyung , Choi Sung W.
Published: June 2021

As health care costs and demands for health care services have been rising for decades in the United States, health care reforms have focused on increasing the performance of health care delivery. Competition has been considered as a mechanism to improve the quality of health care services and operational performance. Evidence on health care performance and market competition, however, has not sufficiently been reported to track its progress. The purpose of this study is twofold: First, we measure hospital performance over nine years, using the Malmquist Productivity Index. Second, we examine the impact of market competition on hospital efficiency in Pennsylvania, using a two-stage estimation procedure. The bootstrapped Malmquist productivity indices resulted in noticeable performance improvements. However, no steady performance trends were found during the course of nine years. In examining the impact of market competition, the bootstrapped panel Tobit analysis was applied after computing the efficiency scores with Data Envelopment Analysis. The results of the Tobit model found that hospitals run more efficiently in less competitive regions than in more competitive regions. The finding implies that hospitals underperforming in productivity growth should benchmark best practices of efficient hospitals to improve their productivity level. Another implication is that market competition would not be the best approach to effect the improvement of hospital efficiency in delivering health care services.
Development of Clinical Referral Score Model for Early Diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s Disease in Suspected Pediatric Patients
Authors: Khorana Jiraporn , Phiromkanchanasak Phawinee , Kumsattra Jitthiwimon , Klinoun Suparada , Aksorn Suthasinee , Chantakhow Sireekarn , Tepmalai Kanokkan , Singhavejsakul Jesda
Published: June 2021

The diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) relies on history, physical examination, and investigations. Some of investigation modalities could not be done in primary hospital. This study was aimed to develop the clinical score model for diagnosing and early referrals of HSCR, especially in areas where investigations were not available. Overall 483 consecutive suspected HSCR patients who were under 15 years old from January 2006 to December 2020 were included in this study, with 207 (42.86%) patients diagnosed with HSCR and 276 (51.14%) patients in the non-HSCR group. Five clinical parameters were included in the prediction model. The AuROC of clinical parameters, which included having an age younger than one month, male gender, the term infant, history of delayed meconium passage, and history of enterocolitis, was 72%. The prediction score ranged from 0–7, with a score 0–3 meaning a low risk to be HSCR (LHR+ = 0.37). We concluded that patients with suspected HSCR who had clinical score 4–7 had a high probability to be HSCR and, thus, it was suggested that these patients have an early referral for further investigations, which were contrast enema and rectal suction biopsy. In the case of a low probability of HSCR, clinical observation is still warranted. This clinical scoring system can be used as a screening tool to prevent delay diagnosis and complications.
Simulation of Dam Breaks on Dry Bed Using Finite Volume Roe-TVD Method
Authors: Alamatian Ebrahim , Dadar Sara , Đurin Bojan
Published: June 2021

Dams are one of the most important hydraulic structures. In view of unrecoverable damages occurring after a dam failure, analyzing a dams’ break is necessary. In this study, a dam located in Iran is considered. According to adjacent tourist and entertainment zones, the breaking of the dam could lead to severe problems for the area and bridges downstream of the river. To investigate the issue, a numerical FORTRAN code based on the 2D finite volume Roe-TVD method on a fixed bed is provided to assess the effects of the dam break. Turbulence terms and dry bed conditions were considered in the code. A numerical wave tank (NWT) with a triangular barrier in the bed was numerically modeled and compared with analytical models to verify the capability of the code. Comparing numerical, experimental and analytical results showed that estimated water level and mass conservation in the numerical model is in good agreement with the experimental data and analytical solutions. The 2D approach used has reduced the cost of computing compared to a 3D approach while obtaining accurate results. The code is finally applied to a full-scale dam-break flood. Six KM of the natural river downstream of the dam, including two bridges, B1 and B2, is considered. Flood flow hydrographs and water level variations at bridges B1 and B2 are presented. The results denoted that bridges B1 and B2 will be flooded after 12 and 21 min, respectively, and are at risk of the potential break. Thus, it is necessary to announce and possibly evacuate the resort area alongside the dam in order to decrease losses.
The Role of Finding Out in Type 2 Diabetes Management among West-African Immigrants Living in the UK
Authors: Alloh Folashade , Hemingway Ann , Turner-Wilson Angela
Published: June 2021

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevalence is three times higher among West African Immigrants compared to the general population in the UK. The challenges of managing T2DM among this group have resulted in complications. Reports have highlighted the impact of migration on the health of the immigrant population, and this has contributed to the need to understand the influence of living in West Africa, and getting diagnosed with T2DM, in the management of their condition in the UK. Using a qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach, thirty-four West African immigrants living in the UK were recruited for this study. All participants were interviewed using Semi-structured interviews. After coding transcripts, concepts emerged including noticing symptoms, delayed diagnosis, affordability of health services, beliefs about health, feelings at diagnosis, and emotions experienced at diagnosis all contribute to finding out about diagnosis T2DM. These factors were linked to living in West Africa, among participants, and played significant roles in managing T2DM in the UK. These concepts were discussed under finding out as the overarching concept. Findings from this study highlight important aspects of T2DM diagnosis and how lived experiences, of living in West Africa and the UK, contribute to managing T2DM among West African immigrants. The findings of this study can be valuable for healthcare services supporting West African immigrants living in the UK.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Academic Activity and Health Status among Romanian Medical Dentistry Students; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Iurcov Raluca , Pop Lavinia-Maria , Iorga Magdalena
Published: June 2021

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, dental faculties had to rethink their way of teaching and interacting with students and of delivering solid theoretical knowledge and practical skills to students. Background: The purpose of the study was to assess dentistry students’ opinions about the online activity, together with a self-evaluation of their mental and physical health, during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey. Three hundred and three students, enrolled across all six years of study, were included in the research. Socio-demographic and academic data were collected, along with a self-evaluation of physical and mental status. Some items investigated students’ opinions about distance learning and the impact of that online activity on their achievement. The answers were rated using a five-item Likert-like scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v.24). Results: statistical analyses showed that more than 20% of the students strongly agreed with the statement that they felt more anxious and depressed during the first months of the pandemic, and more than 30% were totally satisfied with their relationships with their family members. One-fifth of the respondents declared that they were totally dissatisfied with the relationships with their colleagues and friends. Overall, 50.60% of the students attended the courses/labs in their entirety when they were connected online. Two-thirds of the respondents considered that their practical training was affected due to the online activity, and that not all of the subjects could be taught online. More than half of the respondents agreed that the most objective evaluation method is that of the multiple-choice exams administered at school, and considered that exclusively utilizing online assessments of students encourages unethical behaviors. Age, involvement in online activity, and active participation using video cameras were strongly correlated with satisfaction with academic results. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that online activity was a good alternative for dentistry students during the pandemic restrictions. The positive aspects, together with the negative consequences, of distance learning should also be taken into consideration by university teachers and academic institutions to improve teaching experiences and to ensure a solid professional formation for dentistry students.
Effects of Padel Competition on Brain Health-Related Myokines
Authors: Pradas Francisco , Cádiz María Pía , Nestares María Teresa , Martínez-Díaz Inmaculada C. , Carrasco Luis
Published: June 2021

Padel is becoming one of the most widespread racket sports that may have potential health benefits. Considering that several myokines mediate the cross-talk between skeletal muscles and the brain, exerting positive effects on brain health status, this study was designed to evaluate the responses of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and irisin (IR) to padel competition in trained players and to determine whether these responses were sex-dependent. Twenty-four trained padel players (14 women and 10 men with a mean age of 27.8 ± 6.3 years) participated voluntarily in this study. Circulating levels of BDNF, LIF, and IR were assessed before and after simulated padel competition (real playing time, 27.8 ± 8.49 min; relative intensity, 75.2 ± 7.9% maximum heart rate). Except for BDNF responses observed in female players (increasing from 1531.12 ± 269.09 to 1768.56 ± 410.75 ng/mL), no significant changes in LIF and IR concentrations were reported after padel competition. In addition, no sex-related differences were found. Moreover, significant associations between IR and BDNF were established at both pre- and post-competition. Our results suggest that while competitive padel practice stimulates BDNF response in female players, padel competition failed to boost the release of LIF and IR. Future studies are needed to further explore the role of these exercise-induced myokines in the regulation of brain functions and to identify the field sports that can contribute to myokine-mediated muscle–brain crosstalk.
Diarrhoea among Children Aged under Five Years and Risk Factors in Informal Settlements: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Nguyen Thi Yen Chi , Fagbayigbo Bamidele Oladapo , Cissé Guéladio , Redi Nesre , Fuhrimann Samuel , Okedi John , Schindler Christian , Röösli Martin , Armitage Neil Philip , Carden Kirsty , Dalvie Mohamed Aqiel
Published: June 2021

Background: There is limited data on the association between diarrhoea among children aged under five years (U5D) and water use, sanitation, hygiene, and socio-economics factors in low-income communities. The study investigated U5D and the associated risk factors in the Zeekoe catchment in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 707 households in six informal settlements (IS) two formal settlements (FS) (March–June 2017). Results: Most IS households used public taps (74.4%) and shared toilets (93.0%), while FS households used piped water on premises (89.6%) and private toilets (98.3%). IS respondents had higher average hand-washing scores than those of FS (0.04 vs. −0.14, p = 0.02). The overall U5D prevalence was 15.3% (range: 8.6%–24.2%) and was higher in FS than in IS (21.2% vs. 13.4%, respectively, p = 0.01). Water storage >12 h was associated with increasing U5D (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.00–3.55, p = 0.05). Water treatment (OR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.34–0.97, p = 0.04), good hand-washing practices (OR = 0.59, 95%CI 0.42–0.82, p = 0.002) and Hepatitis A vaccination (OR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.28–0.9, p = 0.02) had significant preventing effects on U5D. Conclusions: The study highlights that good hygiene practice is a key intervention against U5D in informal settlements. The promotion of hand-washing, proper water storage, and hygienic breastfeeding is highly recommended.