bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylated Osteopontin Secreted from Cancer Cells Induces Cancer Cell Motility
Authors: Kariya Yoshinobu , Oyama Midori , Kariya Yukiko , Hashimoto Yasuhiro
Published: September 2021

Osteopontin (OPN) plays a pivotal role in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Although OPN has a large number of phosphorylation sites, the functional significance of OPN phosphorylation in cancer cell motility remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to investigate whether phosphorylated OPN secreted from cancer cells affect cancer cell migration. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that MDA-MB435S, A549, and H460 cells highly expressed OPN, whereas the OPN expression levels in H358, MIAPaca-2, and Panc-1 cells were quite low or were not detected. Compared with the cancer cell lines with a low OPN expression, the high OPN-expressing cancer cell lines displayed a higher cell migration, and the cell migration was suppressed by the anti-OPN antibody. This was confirmed by the OPN overexpression in H358 cancer cells with a low endogenous OPN. Phos-tag ELISA showed that phosphorylated OPN was abundant in the cell culture media of A549 and H460 cells, but not in those of MDA-MB435S cells. Moreover, the A549 and H460 cell culture media, as well as the MDA-MB435S cell culture media with a kinase treatment increased cancer cell motility, both of which were abrogated by phosphatase treatment or anti-OPN antibodies. These results suggest that phosphorylated OPN secreted from cancer cells regulates cancer cell motility.
Tailored Functionalization of Natural Phenols to Improve Biological Activity
Authors: Floris Barbara , Galloni Pierluca , Conte Valeria , Sabuzi Federica
Published: September 2021

Phenols are widespread in nature, being the major components of several plants and essential oils. Natural phenols’ anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, pharmacological and nutritional properties are, nowadays, well established. Hence, given their peculiar biological role, numerous studies are currently ongoing to overcome their limitations, as well as to enhance their activity. In this review, the functionalization of selected natural phenols is critically examined, mainly highlighting their improved bioactivity after the proper chemical transformations. In particular, functionalization of the most abundant naturally occurring monophenols, diphenols, lipidic phenols, phenolic acids, polyphenols and curcumin derivatives is explored.
Mitoxantrone Shows In Vitro, but Not In Vivo Antiviral Activity against Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: de la Sota Patricia G. , Lorente Elena , Notario Laura , Mir Carmen , Zaragoza Oscar , López Daniel
Published: September 2021

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the most common cause of severe respiratory infections in infants and young children, often leading to hospitalization. In addition, this virus poses a serious health risk in immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. HRSV is also a major nosocomial hazard in healthcare service units for patients of all ages. Therefore, the development of antiviral treatments against HRSV is a global health priority. In this study, mitoxantrone, a synthetic anthraquinone with previously reported in vitro antiprotozoal and antiviral activities, inhibits HRSV replication in vitro, but not in vivo in a mice model. These results have implications for preclinical studies of some drug candidates.
Autophagy, Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation, and Secretion
Authors: Menshikov Mikhail , Zubkova Ekaterina , Stafeev Iuri , Parfyonova Yelena
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent cells capable to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic directions, possessing immunomodulatory activity and a capability to stimulate angiogenesis. A scope of these features and capabilities makes MSC a significant factor of tissue homeostasis and repair. Among factors determining the fate of MSC, a prominent place belongs to autophagy, which is activated under different conditions including cell starvation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and some others. In addition to supporting cell homeostasis by elimination of protein aggregates, and non-functional and damaged proteins, autophagy is a necessary factor of change in cell phenotype on the process of cell differentiation. In present review, some mechanisms providing participation of autophagy in cell differentiation are discussed
Identification of GOLPH3 Partners in Drosophila Unveils Potential Novel Roles in Tumorigenesis and Neural Disorders
Authors: Sechi Stefano , Karimpour-Ghahnavieh Angela , Frappaolo Anna , Di Francesco Laura , Piergentili Roberto , Schininà Eugenia , D’Avino Pier Paolo , Giansanti Maria Grazia
Published: September 2021

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is a highly conserved peripheral membrane protein localized to the Golgi apparatus and the cytosol. GOLPH3 binding to Golgi membranes depends on phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] and regulates Golgi architecture and vesicle trafficking. GOLPH3 overexpression has been correlated with poor prognosis in several cancers, but the molecular mechanisms that link GOLPH3 to malignant transformation are poorly understood. We recently showed that PI(4)P-GOLPH3 couples membrane trafficking with contractile ring assembly during cytokinesis in dividing Drosophila spermatocytes. Here, we use affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (AP-MS) to identify the protein-protein interaction network (interactome) of Drosophila GOLPH3 in testes. Analysis of the GOLPH3 interactome revealed enrichment for proteins involved in vesicle-mediated trafficking, cell proliferation and cytoskeleton dynamics. In particular, we found that dGOLPH3 interacts with the Drosophila orthologs of Fragile X mental retardation protein and Ataxin-2, suggesting a potential role in the pathophysiology of disorders of the nervous system. Our findings suggest novel molecular targets associated with GOLPH3 that might be relevant for therapeutic intervention in cancers and other human diseases.
Phase Formation in Heterovalent Equimolar Quinary Oxide Systems of ZrO2-HfO2-CeO2-Nb2O5-RE2O3 Type (RE = Y, Yb, Nd, Gd)
Authors: Surdu Vasile-Adrian , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: September 2021

Tailoring electrical and mechanical properties in the fluorite oxides family is of great interest for technological applications. Other than doping and substitution, entropy-driven stabilization is an emerging technique for new solid solutions formation and enhancing or exploring new functionalities. However, there is a high number of possible combinations for higher-order diagram investigations, and the current state of the art shows limited possibilities in predicting phase formation and related properties. In this paper, we expand the compositional space of fluorite oxides in ZrO2-HfO2-CeO2-Nb2O5-RE2O3 systems. X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy measurements showed the formation of cubic fluorite-type structures when processing compositions at 1600 °C.
Aspiration Is Associated with Poor Treatment Response in Pediatric Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Authors: Niccum Maria , Callahan Ryan , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Jenkins Kathy J.
Published: September 2021

Intraluminal pulmonary vein stenosis is a disease with significant morbidity and mortality, though recent progress has been made using multimodal therapy with antiproliferative agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between aspiration and poor treatment response in patients with intraluminal pulmonary vein stenosis. A retrospective, single-center cohort analysis was performed of patients treated with a combination of imatinib mesylate and multimodal anatomic relief between March 2009 and November 2019. Analysis focused on 2-ventricle patients due to small numbers and clinical heterogeneity of single ventricle patients. Among the 84 patients included, 15 had single ventricle physiology and 69 had 2-ventricle physiology. Among the 2-ventricle group, multivariable analysis revealed that patients with clinical aspiration had nearly five times higher odds of poor treatment response than patients without aspiration (OR 4.85, 95% CI [1.37, 17.2], p = 0.014). Furthermore, male patients had higher odds of poor treatment response than their female counterparts (OR 3.67, 95% CI [1.04, 12.9], p = 0.043). Aspiration is a novel, potentially modifiable risk factor for poor treatment response in pediatric multi-vessel intraluminal pulmonary vein stenosis in patients with 2-ventricle physiology.
Tunability Investigation in the BaTiO3-CaTiO3-BaZrO3 Phase Diagram Using a Refined Combinatorial Thin Film Approach
Authors: Daumont Christophe , Simon Quentin , Payan Sandrine , Gardes Pascal , Poveda Patrick , Maglione Mario , Negulescu Beatrice , Jaber Nazir , Wolfman Jerome
Published: September 2021

Tunable ferroelectric capacitors, which exhibit a decrease in the dielectric permittivity under an electric field, are widely used in electronics for RF tunable applications. Current devices use barium strontium titanate (BST) as the tunable dielectric, but new applications call for tunable materials with specific performance improvements. It is then of crucial importance to dispose of a large panel of electrically characterized materials to identify the most suited compound for a given set of device specifications. Here, we report on the dielectric tuning properties of Ba1−xCaxTi1−yZryO3 (BCTZ) thin films libraries (0 ≤ x ≤ 30% and 0 ≤ y ≤ 28.5%) synthesized by combinatorial pulsed laser deposition (CPLD). An original CPLD approach allowing reliable and statistical ternary phase diagrams exploration is reported. The effects of Ca and Zr content on tunability, breakdown voltage and dielectric losses are explicated and shown to be beneficial up to a certain amount. Compounds close to (Ba0.84Ca0.16)(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3 exhibit the highest figures of merit, while a zone with compositions around (Ba0.91Ca0.09)(Ti0.81Zr0.19)O3 show the best compromise between tuning ratio and figure of merit. These results highlight the potential of BCTZ thin films for electrically tunable applications.
Understanding the Sensitive Skin Subject to Achieve a More Holistic Diagnosis
Authors: Farage Miranda A.
Published: September 2021

Sensitive skin Syndrome (SSS) is a complex global clinical phenomenon that is defined by the self-reported presence of different sensory perceptions, including tightness, stinging, burning, tingling, pain and pruritus and often without objective signs. Due to the subjective nature of this clinical condition, the diagnosis is complex and there is often a disconnect between what subjects feel and what medical professionals can observe. This chapter reviews the known underlying physiology, some of the triggering factors associated with SSS, co-morbidities as well as the psychological impact on individuals suffering from this condition. The goal is to bridge the gap between the physicians’ understanding and the subjects’ perceptions of this real-life condition that affects so many.
Real-World Clinical Outcomes Associated with Canagliflozin in Patients Aged 65 Years and Older with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Spain: The Old Real-Wecan Study
Authors: Gargallo-Fernández Manuel A. , Sanz-Pastor Alba Galdón , Antón-Bravo Teresa , Brito-Sanfiel Miguel , Wong-Cruz Jaime , Gorgojo-Martínez Juan J.
Published: September 2021

The observational Real-Wecan study showed that canagliflozin 100 mg (CANA100) as an add-on therapy, and canagliflozin 300 (CANA300), switching from prior SGLT-2i therapy, significantly improved several cardiometabolic parameters in patients with T2DM. The aim of this sub-analysis was to assess the effectiveness and safety of canagliflozin in patients aged ≥65 years. The primary outcome of the study was the mean change in HbA1c over the follow-up period. A total of 583 patients met the inclusion criteria (39.5% ≥65 years), 279 in the cohort of CANA100 (36.9% ≥65 years; mean HbA1c 8.05%) and 304 in the cohort of CANA300 (mean age 61.1 years; 41.8% ≥65 years; mean HbA1c 7.51%). In the CANA100 cohort, older patients showed significant reductions in HbA1c (−0.78%) and weight (−4.5 kg). Patients aged ≥65 years switching to CANA300 experienced a significant decrease in HbA1c (−0.27%) and weight (−2.1 kg). There were no significant differences in HbA1c and weight reductions when the cohorts of patients <65 and ≥65 years were compared in a multiple linear regression model. The safety profile of canagliflozin was similar in both age groups. These findings support canagliflozin as an effective therapeutic option for older adults with T2DM.
Usefulness of E7 mRNA in HPV16-Positive Women to Predict the Risk of Progression to HSIL/CIN2+
Authors: Martí Cristina , Marimón Lorena , Glickman Ariel , Henere Carla , Saco Adela , Rakislova Natalia , Torné Aureli , Ordi Jaume , del Pino Marta
Published: September 2021

Objective: To evaluate whether E7 mRNA can predict the risk of progression in women with HPV16 infection. Design: A prospective observational study. Setting: A tertiary university hospital. Population: A cohort of 139 women referred to colposcopy for an abnormal screening result fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: (1) a positive test result confirming HPV16 infection; (2) a biopsy sample with a histological diagnosis of an absence of lesion or low-grade SIL/CIN grade1 (LSIL/CIN1); (3) no previous HPV vaccination; (4) no pregnancy; and (5) no previous cervical treatments; and (6) no immunosuppression. Methods: At the first visit, all women underwent a cervical sample for liquid-based cytology, HPV testing and genotyping, and HPV16 E7 mRNA analysis and a colposcopy with at least one colposcopy-guided biopsy. Follow-up visits were scheduled every six months. In each control, a liquid-based Pap smear, HPV testing, as well as a colposcopy examination with biopsy if necessary were performed. Main outcome measures: Histological diagnosis of HSIL/CIN2+ at any time during follow-up. Results: E7 mRNA expression was positive in 55/127 (43.3%) women included in the study and seven (12.7%) progressed to HSIL/CIN2+. In contrast, only 1/72 (1.4%) women with no HPV16 E7 mRNA expression progressed (p = 0.027). HPV16 E7 mRNA expression was associated with a 10-fold increased risk of progression (HR 10.0; 95% CI 1.2–81.4). Conclusions: HPV16 E7 mRNA could be useful for risk stratification of women with HPV16 infection in whom a HSIL/CIN2+ has been ruled out. Funding: Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII)-Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria and ERDF ‘One Way to Europe’ (PI17/00772).
Motivational, Emotional, and Social Factors Explain Academic Achievement in Children Aged 6–12 Years: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Quílez-Robres Alberto , Moyano Nieves , Cortés-Pascual Alejandra
Published: September 2021

Recent studies highlight the effect of cognitive factors on academic achievement, ignoring motivational, emotional, and social factors. This provides the background for the present study, a meta-analysis on the relationship between academic achievement and motivational factors (motivation, self-concept, and self-esteem), emotional factors (emotional intelligence, emotional competence, and emotional well-being), and social factors (social intelligence, social competence, and social skills) in children aged 6–12 years (37 samples, n = 15,777). The methodology based on the PRISMA protocols was applied: phases of inclusion and exclusion of articles, analysis of effect size, heterogeneity, publication bias, and, finally, meta-regressions and moderation analysis. The results showed a moderate positive effect size (0.321) for motivational and social factors (0.210) and a small positive effect size (0.172) for emotional factors. The moderating effects of age (65% on social factors) and geographical area (52% on motivational factors, 17% on emotional factors, and 76% on social factors) were studied. These results highlight the importance of motivational and social factors regarding academic achievement. In addition, along with the moderating effect of age, that of geographical area emerges strongly given the diversity of contexts studied. Our results highlight the importance that these factors have on academic performance and, therefore, the need to design school plans that address the correct development of these variables.
Methodological Experience in the Teaching-Learning of the English Language for Students with Visual Impairment
Authors: Cárdenas Jorge , Inga Esteban
Published: September 2021

This document evidences an innovative methodological vision in the teaching-learning process of the English language focused on the inclusion of all its students in a heterogeneous learning environment. Learning a foreign language as a second language is a challenge that all students must overcome, but this challenge is more significant in visually impaired students. Therefore, the present research is based on a historical, descriptive process that reviews high-impact scientific articles supported by recognized databases. Later on, it warns about breaking down the stages of the process, supporting the analytical method, and then joining each stage, starting from the simple to the complex using the synthetic method, thus consummating a complete analytical-synthetic process. In this way, the present work shows a description of the methodological experience from a set of good practices for visually impaired students in the classroom environment. The proposed work systematizes the methodology applied in the educational process and categorizes the stages of the methodological process developed according to the skills and abilities required for learning by using typhlo-technical tools. On the other hand, the research determines a route map that allows and facilitates the management of the method implemented in learning the English language for students with visual impairment. Consequently, this constitutes a valid alternative for educational inclusion within an innovative environment that welcomes the use of information and communication technologies to achieve the natural inclusion and autonomous participation of students with visual impairment.
A Novel Ultra-Low Power 8T SRAM-Based Compute-in-Memory Design for Binary Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Youngbae , Li Shuai , Yadav Nandakishor , Choi Kyuwon Ken
Published: September 2021

We propose a novel ultra-low-power, voltage-based compute-in-memory (CIM) design with a new single-ended 8T SRAM bit cell structure. Since the proposed SRAM bit cell uses a single bitline for CIM calculation with decoupled read and write operations, it supports a much higher energy efficiency. In addition, to separate read and write operations, the stack structure of the read unit minimizes leakage power consumption. Moreover, the proposed bit cell structure provides better read and write stability due to the isolated read path, write path and greater pull-up ratio. Compared to the state-of-the-art SRAM-CIM, our proposed SRAM-CIM does not require extra transistors for CIM vector-matrix multiplication. We implemented a 16 k (128 × 128) bit cell array for the computation of 128× neurons, and used 64× binary inputs (0 or 1) and 64 × 128 binary weights (−1 or +1) values for the binary neural networks (BNNs). Each row of the bit cell array corresponding to a single neuron consists of a total of 128 cells, 64× cells for dot-product and 64× replicas cells for ADC reference. Additionally, 64× replica cells consist of 32× cells for ADC reference and 32× cells for offset calibration. We used a row-by-row ADC for the quantized outputs of each neuron, which supports 1–7 bits of output for each neuron. The ADC uses the sweeping method using 32× duplicate bit cells, and the sweep cycle is set to 2N−1+1, where N is the number of output bits. The simulation is performed at room temperature (27 °C) using 45 nm technology via Synopsys Hspice, and all transistors in bitcells use the minimum size considering the area, power, and speed. The proposed SRAM-CIM has reduced power consumption for vector-matrix multiplication by 99.96% compared to the existing state-of-the-art SRAM-CIM. Furthermore, because of the decoupled reading unit from an internal node of latch, there is no feedback from the reading unit, with read static noise, and margin-free results.
Towards Precision Fertilization: Multi-Strategy Grey Wolf Optimizer Based Model Evaluation and Yield Estimation
Authors: Chen Chengcheng , Wang Xianchang , Chen Huiling , Wu Chengwen , Mafarja Majdi , Turabieh Hamza
Published: September 2021

Precision fertilization is a major constraint in consistently balancing the contradiction between land resources, ecological environment, and population increase. Even more, it is a popular technology used to maintain sustainable development. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the main sources of nutrient income on farmland. The traditional fertilizer effect function cannot meet the conditional agrochemical theory’s conditional extremes because the soil is influenced by various factors and statistical errors in harvest and yield. In order to find more accurate scientific ratios, it has been proposed a multi-strategy-based grey wolf optimization algorithm (SLEGWO) to solve the fertilizer effect function in this paper, using the “3414” experimental field design scheme, taking the experimental field in Nongan County, Jilin Province as the experimental site to obtain experimental data, and using the residuals of the ternary fertilizer effect function of Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as the target function. The experimental results showed that the SLEGWO algorithm could improve the fitting degree of the fertilizer effect equation and then reasonably predict the accurate fertilizer application ratio and improve the yield. It is a more accurate precision fertilization modeling method. It provides a new means to solve the problem of precision fertilizer and soil testing and fertilization.
Additional Information Delivery to Image Content via Improved Unseen–Visible Watermarking
Authors: Juarez-Sandoval Oswaldo Ulises , Reyes-Ruiz Laura Josefina , Garcia-Ugalde Francisco , Cedillo-Hernandez Manuel , Ramirez-Hernandez Jazmin , Morelos-Zaragoza Robert
Published: September 2021

In a practical watermark scenario, watermarks are used to provide auxiliary information; in this way, an analogous digital approach called unseen–visible watermark has been introduced to deliver auxiliary information. In this algorithm, the embedding stage takes advantage of the visible and invisible watermarking to embed an owner logotype or barcodes as watermarks; in the exhibition stage, the equipped functions of the display devices are used to reveal the watermark to the naked eyes, eliminating any watermark exhibition algorithm. In this paper, a watermark complement strategy for unseen–visible watermarking is proposed to improve the embedding stage, reducing the histogram distortion and the visual degradation of the watermarked image. The presented algorithm exhibits the following contributions: first, the algorithm can be applied to any class of images with large smooth regions of low or high intensity; second, a watermark complement strategy is introduced to reduce the visual degradation and histogram distortion of the watermarked image; and third, an embedding error measurement is proposed. Evaluation results show that the proposed strategy has high performance in comparison with other algorithms, providing a high visual quality of the exhibited watermark and preserving its robustness in terms of readability and imperceptibility against geometric and processing attacks.
Can Deep Models Help a Robot to Tune Its Controller? A Step Closer to Self-Tuning Model Predictive Controllers
Authors: Mehndiratta Mohit , Camci Efe , Kayacan Erdal
Published: September 2021

Motivated by the difficulty roboticists experience while tuning model predictive controllers (MPCs), we present an automated weight set tuning framework in this work. The enticing feature of the proposed methodology is the active exploration approach that adopts the exploration–exploitation concept at its core. Essentially, it extends the trial-and-error method by benefiting from the retrospective knowledge gained in previous trials, thereby resulting in a faster tuning procedure. Moreover, the tuning framework adopts a deep neural network (DNN)-based robot model to conduct the trials during the simulation tuning phase. Thanks to its high fidelity dynamics representation, a seamless sim-to-real transition is demonstrated. We compare the proposed approach with the customary manual tuning procedure through a user study wherein the users inadvertently apply various tuning methodologies based on their progressive experience with the robot. The results manifest that the proposed methodology provides a safe and time-saving framework over the manual tuning of MPC by resulting in flight-worthy weights in less than half the time. Moreover, this is the first work that presents a complete tuning framework extending from robot modeling to directly obtaining the flight-worthy weight sets to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Paradoxical Relationships between Serum 25(OH)D and Ferritin with Body Composition and Burnout: Variation by Sex and Sports Team
Authors: Hew-Butler Tamara , Aprik Carrie , Byrd Brigid , Landis-Piwowar Kristin , Smith-Hale Valerie , VanSumeren Matthew , Sabourin Jordan , Byrd Gregory , Martin Jeffrey
Published: September 2021

Adequate serum vitamin D and iron levels are thought to influence physical training adaptations and mood positively. The primary purpose of this prospective, observational study was to investigate relationships between serum 25-OH vitamin D/25(OH)D and serum ferritin levels with body composition and athlete burnout symptoms. Seventy-three collegiate athletes (female: n = 49; male: n = 24) from indoor (swimming, basketball) and outdoor (soccer, cross-country) sports were tested pre-season and post-season for serum 25(OH)D and serum ferritin (nutrient biomarkers) via venipuncture; body composition (total lean mass, bone mineral density/BMD, and % body fat) via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans; and athlete burnout symptoms (post-season) via the athlete burnout questionnaire (ABQ). When male and female cohorts were combined, significant correlations (Pearson’s r) were noted between pre-season serum 25(OH)D versus the change (∆: post-season minus pre-season) in both BMD (r = −0.34; p = 0.0003) and % body fat (r = −0.28; p = 0.015). Serum ferritin ∆ was significantly associated with lean mass ∆ (r = −0.34; p = 0.003). For burnout symptoms, serum 25(OH)D ∆ significantly explained 20.6% of the variance for devaluation of the sport in the male cohort only. Across time, serum 25(OH)D levels decreased while serum ferritin levels increased, non-significantly, in both males and females. Relationships between nutrient biomarkers and body composition were opposite of physiological expectations.
Migration, Rural–Urban Connectivity, and Food Remittances in Kenya
Authors: Onyango Elizabeth Opiyo , Crush Jonathan , Owuor Samuel
Published: September 2021

This paper draws on data from a representative city-wide household food security survey of Nairobi conducted in 2017 to examine the importance of food remitting to households in contemporary Nairobi. The first section of the paper provides an overview of the urbanization and rapid growth of Nairobi, which has led to growing socio-economic inequality, precarious livelihoods for the majority, and growing food insecurity, as context for the more detailed empirical analysis of food security and food remittances that follows. It is followed by a description of the survey methodology and sections analyzing the differences between migrant and non-migrant households in Nairobi. Attention then turns to the phenomenon of food remitting, showing that over 50% of surveyed households in the city had received food remittances in the previous year. The paper then uses multivariate logistic regression to identify the relationship between Nairobi household characteristics and the probability of receiving food remittances from rural areas. The findings suggest that there are exceptions to the standard migration and poverty-driven explanatory model of the drivers of rural–urban food remitting and that greater attention should be paid to other motivations for maintaining rural–urban connectivity in Africa.
Genetic Resources and Adaptive Management of Conifers in a Changing World
Authors: Mátyás Csaba
Published: September 2021

Human activities have widely exploited and transformed the resources of coniferous species and ecosystems [...]
Nutritionally Enhanced Probioticated Whole Pineapple Juice
Authors: Palachum Wilawan , Choorit Wanna , Chisti Yusuf
Published: September 2021

Nutritionally enhanced probioticated whole pineapple juice (WPJ, comprising juice of pineapple pulp and peel) beverages were produced by fermentation of WPJ with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum WU-P19. The 12 h fermented juice contained between 2.1 × 109 and 3.7 × 109 live cells of the probiotic per milliliter, depending on the beverage formulation. The beverage had a pH of around 4.1 and a lactic acid content of ~12.8 g L−1. It had a total sugar (glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose) content of ~100.2 g L−1. During fermentation, some of the initial glucose and fructose were consumed by the probiotic, but sucrose and maltose were not consumed. The original WPJ was free of vitamin B12, but fermentation enhanced vitamin B12 content (~19.5 mg L−1). In addition, fermentation enhanced the concentrations of vitamins B2, B3, and B6, but the bacterium consumed some of the vitamin B1 originally present. From a nutritional perspective, the final probioticated beverage was a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin C and vitamin B6. In addition, it contained nutritionally useful levels of vitamins B1, B2, and B3. The calorific value of the final beverage was 56.94 kcal per 100 mL. The product was stable during 21-day refrigerated (4 °C) storage.
Enhanced Erinacine A Production by Hericium erinaceus Using Solid-State Cultivation
Authors: Cheng Po-Yu , Liao Hung-Yi , Kuo Chia-Hung , Liu Yung-Chuan
Published: September 2021

Hericium erinaceus (HE) is a large edible medicinal fungus. Erinacine A (ErA) is a secondary metabolite presented in the mycelia of HE, with pharmacological effects as a nerve growth factor on the central nervous system. In this study, solid-state cultivation of HE was carried out in Petri dishes and glass jars for the production of mycelial biomass and ErA. The potato dextrose agar (PDA) had the highest mycelial biomass at an optimal temperature of 25 °C, but no ErA was found in the agar media. In glass jar cultivation, the mycelial biomass and specific yield of ErA in different substrates, particle sizes, substrate weights, nitrogen sources, and inorganic salts were investigated. The ErA was purified by a self-pack silica gel column and a semi-preparative HPLC and was identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. The best conditions for solid-state cultivation of HE when using corn kernel as substrate, particle size less than 2.38 mm, and addition of 10mM ZnSO4, 7H2O, mycelial biomass of 50.24 mg cell dry weight/g substrate was obtained, in addition, the specific yield of ErA could reach 165.36 mg/g cell dry weight.
Differential Antihypertensive Effects of Oral Doses of Acetylcholine between Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Normotensive Rats
Authors: Yamaguchi Shohei , Matsumoto Kento , Wang Wenhao , Nakamura Kozo
Published: September 2021

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a novel antihypertensive food component. Here, we demonstrate the differential effects of oral ACh on high and normal blood pressure in rats. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were administered ACh orally. The blood pressure and heart rate of SHRs were significantly lowered with ACh doses of 10−5 and 10−3 mol/kg body weight (b.w.), and the urinary catecholamine levels were significantly decreased with 10−3 mol/kg b.w. In contrast, oral ACh administration had no effect on WKY rats. This difference was likely caused by differences in sympathetic nervous activity and the baroreflex between strains. Comparison of gene sequences between the two strains revealed Chga mutations, suggesting that changes in the expression of chromogranin A might be involved in the baroreflex in SHRs. Oral ACh had an antihypertensive effect under hypertension but not normotension, indicating that this may be used safely to prevent hypertension.
Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder Report High Scores of Insecure-Avoidant and Insecure-Anxious Attachment Styles, Dissociative Identity Symptoms, and Adult Traumatic Events
Authors: Golshani Sanobar , Najafpour Ali , Hashemian Seyed Sepehr , Goudarzi Nasser , Firoozabadi Ali , Ghezelbash Mohammad Saeed , Hookari Sara , Firoozabadi Kimia , Dürsteler Kenneth M. , Brühl Annette Beatrix , Alikhani Mostafa , Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena , Brand Serge
Published: September 2021

Objective: Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) report more issues in social interaction compared to the general population. Moreover, dimensions of dissociation are considered dysfunctional strategies to cope with adverse life events. In this regard, current symptoms of MDD could be associated with traumatic events that occurred in childhood and in adult life. Given this background, the aim of the present study was to explore the associations between attachment styles as a proxy of quality of social interaction, dimensions of dissociation, and childhood and adult traumatic life events among individuals with MDD. Method: A total of 300 individuals with MDD (mean age: 31.31 years; 58.7% female) took part in this study. They completed a series of questionnaires on sociodemographic information, attachment styles, dimensions of dissociation, and childhood and adult traumatic life events. Results: Prevalence rates for attachment styles were as follows: anxious/ambivalent attachment style—71.7%; avoidant/dependent attachment style—13%; secure/close attachment style—15.3%. Compared to the general population, the participants reported higher prevalence rates of insecure attachment styles. Current symptoms of dissociation were associated with adult but not childhood traumatic life events. An anxious attachment style was associated with higher scores of dissociation. Conclusion: Psychotherapeutic treatment of individuals with MDD should consider the individuals’ challenging attachment styles and their risk of dissociation. While it is important to consider both adult and childhood traumatic events, in this research, more recent trauma occurring in adulthood was associated with current symptoms of dissociation.
The Impact of Sleep Quality and Education Level on the Relationship between Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Parents of Adolescents
Authors: Shim Ji Yeon , Lee Sook , Lee Il Hyun , Jeong Yoo Mi
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to analyze the moderating effect of sleep quality and the moderated moderation effect of education level on the relationship between depression and suicidal ideations among middle-aged parents of adolescent children. This is a secondary analysis of a survey collected from a cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were middle-aged parents of adolescent children in D city, South Korea, who answered the survey questionnaires. A total of 178 completed questionnaires were used for the analysis. The moderating effect of sleep quality (B = −0.03, p = 0.736) and education level (B = −1.80, p = 0.029) on the relationship between depression and suicidal ideations was shown. It was confirmed that the moderating effect of sleep quality on the effect of depression on suicidal ideations differed according to the subject’s education level. The findings have implications for mental healthcare providers who can be educated on sleep hygiene based on the subject’s education level.
Safe Haven—Bath House and Library by the Burmese Border
Authors: Mizsei Anett , Horváth Péter György
Published: September 2021

This study gives an overview of contemporary vernacular tendencies in Thai architecture. The research includes ecological, economical, ergonomic and cultural aspects, and the aim is to find a possible future direction for architectural design that is able to incorporate local features and follow traditions yet apply them in a contemporary way. As an example, a case study was carried out about a project realized in Safe Haven Orphanage in Thailand. It consists of two small-scale buildings designed and constructed by TYIN Tegnestue Architects, Sami Rintala and Hans Skotte, together with volunteers and the local community, and they are great examples of a community building “healing architecture”. Due to their aesthetics, their ecological and sustainable approach and their structures, they can provide cultural continuity, which is key for the organic evaluation of regional architecture.
Wild Species Veronica officinalis L. and Veronica saturejoides Vis. ssp. saturejoides—Biological Potential of Free Volatiles
Authors: Nazlić Marija , Fredotović Željana , Vuko Elma , Fabijanić Lea , Kremer Dario , Stabentheiner Edith , Ruščić Mirko , Dunkić Valerija
Published: September 2021

Extracts from plants of the genus Veronica have been and continue to be used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases throughout the world. Although often considered a weed, many scientific reports demonstrate that these plants are a source of valuable biologically active compounds and their potential for horticulture should be investigated and considered. In this study, free volatile compounds of essential oils (EO) and hydrosols were extracted from two species: Veronica officinalis, which is most commonly used in traditional medicine, and Veronica saturejoides, an endemic plant that could be obtained by cultivation in horticulture. Volatiles were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC, GC-MS). The most abundant compounds identified in the EOs were hexadecanoic acid in V. officinalis EO and caryophyllene oxide in V. saturejoides EO. The hydrosols were characterized by a high abundance of caryophyllene oxide in V. saturejoides hydrosol and of p-vinyl guaiacol for V. officinalis hydrosol. The sites where the volatile compounds are synthesized and stored were analyzed using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy); glandular and non-glandular trichomes were detected on stems, leaves and the calyx. Further, to investigate the activity of the free volatile compounds against pathogens, isolated volatile compounds were tested on the antiphytoviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. The hydrosols of both investigated species and EO of V. officinalis showed significant antiphytoviral activity. To further investigate the biological potential of these extracts they were also tested for their antiproliferative and antioxidant activities. The results indicate that these compounds are a valuable source of potential anticancerogenic agents that should be investigated in future studies. The presented results are the first report of hydrosol and EO activity against TMV infection, suggesting that these extracts from Veronica species may be useful as natural-based antiphytoviral agents.
Regional Climate Change Impact on Coastal Tourism: A Case Study for the Black Sea Coast of Russia
Authors: Kostianaia Evgeniia , Kostianoy Andrey
Published: September 2021

Regional climate change is one of the key factors that should be taken into account when planning the development of the coastal tourism, including investments and construction of tourism-related infrastructure. A case study for the Black Sea coast of Russia shows a series of potential negative hydrological, meteorological, and biological factors that accompany regional warming of the Black Sea Region, that can impede the development of coastal tourism and devalue billions of dollars in investments by the State, private companies, and individuals. We discuss such natural phenomena as air and sea warming, extreme weather events, coastal upwelling, heavy rains, river plumes, wind and waves, tornado, rip currents, sea-level rise, algal bloom, introduced species, and other features characteristic for the region that seriously impact coastal tourism today, and may intensify in the nearest future. Sporadic occurrence of extreme weather events, unpleasant and sometimes dangerous sea and atmosphere phenomena during the summer tourist season, and from year to year can be of critical psychological importance when choosing your next vacation and tourism destination. The research does not include anthropogenic factors, geopolitical, and socio-economic processes, and the COVID-19 pandemic that play an important role in the sustainable development of coastal tourism as well.
Role of KIR Receptor in NK Regulation during Viral Infections
Authors: Rizzo Sabrina , Schiuma Giovanna , Beltrami Silvia , Gentili Valentina , Rizzo Roberta , Bortolotti Daria
Published: September 2021

Natural Killer (NK) cells are key effectors of the innate immune system which represent the first line of defense against viral infections. NK cell activation depends on the engagement of a complex receptor repertoire expressed on their surface, consisting of both activating and inhibitory receptors. Among the known NK cell receptors, the family of killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) consists in activating/inhibitory receptors that interact with specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules expressed on target cells. In particular, the expression of peculiar KIRs have been reported to be associated to viral infection susceptibility. Interestingly, a significant association between the development and onset of different human pathologies, such as tumors, neurodegeneration and infertility, and a clonal KIRs expression on NK cells has been described in presence of viral infections, supporting the crucial role of KIRs in defining the effect of viral infections in different tissues and organs. This review aims to report the state of art about the role of KIRs receptors in NK cell activation and viral infection control.
Role of Serum E-Selectin as a Biomarker of Infection Severity in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Oliva Alessandra , Rando Emanuele , Al Ismail Dania , De Angelis Massimiliano , Cancelli Francesca , Miele Maria Claudia , Aronica Raissa , Mauro Vera , Di Timoteo Federica , Loffredo Lorenzo , Mastroianni Claudio M.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: E-selectin is a recognized marker of endothelial activation; however, its place in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not been fully explored. Aims of the study are to compare sE-selectin values among the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-admitted and non-admitted, survived and non-survived patients and those with or without thrombosis. Methods: A single-center study of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at Policlinico Umberto I (Rome) from March to May 2020 was performed. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were developed. Results: One hundred patients were included, with a median age (IQR) of 65 years (58–78). Twenty-nine (29%) were admitted to ICU, twenty-eight (28%) died and nineteen (19%) had a thrombotic event. The median value (IQR) of sE-selectin was 26.1 ng/mL (18.1–35). sE-selectin values did not differ between deceased and survivors (p = 0.06) and among patients with or without a thrombotic event (p = 0.22). Compared with patients who did not receive ICU treatments, patients requiring ICU care had higher levels of sE-selectin (36.6 vs. 24.1 ng/mL; p < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression model, sE-selectin levels > 33 ng/mL, PaO2/FiO2 < 200 and PaO2/FiO2 200–300 were significantly associated with an increased risk of ICU admission. sE-selectin values significantly correlated with a neutrophil count (R = 0.32 (p = 0.001)) and the number of days from the symptoms onset to hospitalization (R = 0.28 (p = 0.004)). Conclusions: sE-selectin levels are predictive of ICU admission in COVID-19 patients. Since data on the relation between sE-selectin and COVID-19 are scarce, this study aims to contribute toward the comprehension of the pathogenic aspects of COVID-19 disease, giving a possible clinical marker able to predict its severity.
The Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Nocturnal and Pre-Sleep Arousal in Patients with Unipolar Depression: Preplanned Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brupbacher Gavin , Zander-Schellenberg Thea , Straus Doris , Porschke Hildburg , Infanger Denis , Gerber Markus , von Känel Roland , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno
Published: September 2021

Unipolar depression is associated with insomnia and autonomic arousal. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on nocturnal heart rate variability and pre-sleep arousal in patients with depression. This study was designed as a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, outcome assessor-blinded, controlled, superiority trial. Patients with a primary diagnosis of unipolar depression aged 18–65 years were included. The intervention consisted of a single 30 min moderate-intensity aerobic exercise bout. The control group sat and read for 30 min. The primary outcome of interest was RMSSD during the sleep period assessed with polysomnography. Secondary outcomes were additional heart rate variability outcomes during the sleep and pre-sleep period as well as subjective pre-sleep arousal. A total of 92 patients were randomized to either the exercise (N = 46) or the control (N = 46) group. Intent-to-treat analysis ANCOVA of follow-up sleep period RMSSD, adjusted for baseline levels and minimization factors, did not detect a significant effect of the allocation (β = 0.12, p = 0.94). There was no evidence for significant differences between both groups in any other heart rate variability measure nor in measures of cognitive or somatic pre-sleep arousal. As this is the first trial of its kind in this population, the findings need to be confirmed in further studies. Patients with depression should be encouraged to exercise regularly in order to profit from the known benefits on sleep and depressive symptoms, which are supported by extensive literature.
Changes in Physical Fitness and Body Composition Associated with Physical Exercise in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Longitudinal Prospective Study
Authors: Chang Che-Cheng , Chen Yen-Kung , Chiu Hou-Chang , Yeh Jiann-Horng
Published: September 2021

There is a lack of guidelines for physical exercise in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). A few pilot studies have shown that exercise can be safely applied to patients with MG. However, how physical exercise affects body composition, disease function, and disease severity remains unknown. In this prospective study, we enrolled 34 patients with MG with stable condition and evaluated the disease severity, physical fitness parameters, and body composition (measured using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), before and after conducting a 24-week physical exercise regimen of aerobic and resistance strength training. The outcomes were measured by DXA, quantitative MG (QMG) score, quality of life score, handgrip strength and walking speed. During the training regimen, participants were free to decide how many exercise sessions per week and regularly reported their weekly exercise time. The physical exercise program was well tolerated by the participants, the parameters of the QMG score and handgrip strength improved, and participants’ body composition did not change significantly. The high exercise group experienced greater deterioration in muscle mass in the arms, but exhibited a greater improvement in forced vital capacity, walking speed, and symptom severity. The group with low QMG scores improved more in terms of physical fitness, including walking speed. These findings indicate that physical exercise is well tolerated by patients with MG, and is accompanied by improved muscular and physical functions. We propose that physical exercise is safe, effective, and appropriate for patients with well-regulated MG.