bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Phenological Responses but Later Growth Stimulation upon Spring and Summer/Autumn Warming of Prunus spinosa L. in a Common Garden Environment
Authors: Vander Mijnsbrugge Kristine , Malanguis Jessa May , Moreels Stefaan , Turcsán Arion , Van der Schueren Nele , Notivol Paino Eduardo
Published: December 2021

Future predictions of forest ecosystem responses are a challenge, as global temperatures will further rise in the coming decades at an unprecedented rate. The effect of elevated temperature on growth performance and phenology of three Prunus spinosa L. provenances (originating from Belgium, Spain, and Sweden) in a common garden environment was investigated. One-year-old seedlings were grown in greenhouse conditions and exposed to ambient and elevated temperatures in the spring (on average 5.6 °C difference) and in the late summer/autumn of 2018 (on average 1.9 °C difference), while they were kept hydrated, in a factorial design. In the following years, all plants experienced the same growing conditions. Bud burst, leaf senescence, height, and diameter growth were recorded. Height and radial growth were not affected in the year of the treatments (2018) but were enhanced the year after (2019), whereas phenological responses depended on the temperature treatments in the year of the treatments (2018) with little carry-over effects in the succeeding years. Spring warming enhanced more height growth in the succeeding year, whereas summer/autumn warming stimulated more radial growth. Spring warming advanced bud burst and shortened the leaf opening process whereas summer/autumn warming delayed leaf senescence and enlarged the duration of this phenophase. These results can help predict the putative shifts in species composition of future forests and woody landscape elements.
Selection of Restoration Material for Abies koreana Based on Its Genetic Diversity on Mt. Hallasan
Authors: Chae Seung-Beom , Lim Hyo-In , Kim Yong-Yul
Published: December 2021

The restoration of damaged or disrupted forests with genetically appropriate restoration planting material that can adapt to future environmental conditions will ensure the conservation of forest genetic resources. Abies koreana is endemic to the Republic of Korea, with declining populations under current environmental changes. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity of its largest population growing on Mt. Hallasan to determine the sampling size of planting material from the population that will ensure 95% coverage of alleles in the population. We evaluated the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of three subpopulations of A. koreana on Mt. Hallasan. A total of 456 samples were evaluated using 10 microsatellites. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.538 and 0.614 at the population level, respectively. The differences among the subpopulations accounted for 4% of the total variance. Intervals between individuals of the sample to be extracted were based on the two-target distance (5 and 10 m) inferred from the spatial genetic structure. Through random sampling methods considering the target distance, we showed that genetic diversity can be captured by obtaining at least 35 individuals in the population of A. koreana on Mt. Hallasan.
Preparation of Hollow Fiber Membranes Based On Poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) for Gas Separation
Authors: Dukhov Anton , Pelzer Martin , Markova Svetlana , Syrtsova Daria , Shalygin Maxim , Gries Thomas , Teplyakov Vladimir
Published: December 2021

New hollow fiber gas separation membranes with a non-porous selective layer based on poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP) granules have been obtained using the solution-free melt spinning process. The influence of the preparation conditions on the geometry of the obtained samples was studied. It was found that a spin head temperature of 280 °C and a specific mass throughput of 103 g mm−2 h−1 are optimal to obtain defect-free, thin-walled hollow fibers in a stable melt spinning process, using the given spinneret geometry and a winding speed of 25 m/min. The gas permeability and separation properties of new fibers were studied using CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 mixtures, and it was found that the level of gas selectivity characteristic of homogeneous polymer films can be achieved. The features of the gas mixture components permeability below and above the PMP glass transition temperature have been experimentally studied in the range of CO2 concentrations from 10 to 90% vol. The temperature dependences of the permeability of the CO2/CH4/N2 mixture through the obtained HF based on PMP have been investigated, and the values of the apparent activation energies of the permeability have been calculated, which make it possible to predict the properties of membrane modules based on the obtained membranes in a wide temperature range.
Cytokines Studied in Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in Response to Important Diseases
Authors: Baloch Ali Asghar , Abdelsalam Ehdaa Eltayeb Eltigani , Piačková Veronika
Published: December 2021

Cytokines belong to the most widely studied group of intracellular molecules involved in the function of the immune system. Their secretion is induced by various infectious stimuli. Cytokine release by host cells has been extensively used as a powerful tool for studying immune reactions in the early stages of viral and bacterial infections. Recently, research attention has shifted to the investigation of cytokine responses using mRNA expression, an essential mechanism related to pathogenic and nonpathogenic-immune stimulants in fish. This review represents the current knowledge of cytokine responses to infectious diseases in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Given the paucity of literature on cytokine responses to many infections in carp, only select viral diseases, such as koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD), spring viremia of carp (SVC), and carp edema virus disease (CEVD), are discussed. Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the most studied bacterial pathogens associated with cytokine responses in common carp. Therefore, the cytokine-based immunoreactivity raised by this specific bacterial pathogen is also highlighted in this review.
Use of Focus Groups to Identify Food Safety Risks for Older Adults in the U.S.
Authors: Kavanaugh Melissa , Fisher Kathleen , Quinlan Jennifer J.
Published: December 2021

Older adults are vulnerable to foodborne illness; however, many do not follow safe food handling guidelines that would reduce their risk of infection. Virtual focus groups were used to explore older adults’ food handling and consumption practices and to understand how to apply the Health Belief Model for food safety research with respect to older adults. Thirty-nine adults between the ages of 56 and 80 participated in the study. Most participants reported eating poultry and eggs, whereas few reported eating precut fruit or raw sprouts. The majority were not using a cooking thermometer for all types of poultry and did report washing raw poultry. Participants were generally resistant to the idea of heating deli meats. Most focus group participants did not perceive themselves as being personally susceptible to foodborne illness. They did, however, express food safety concerns related to specific foods, such as melons and bagged salads, and they reported taking precautions to limit health risks from these foods. Regarding the Health Belief Model, our results indicate that the construct of perceived susceptibility could be expanded to include perceived risk, which refers to an individual’s belief about the likelihood that a food might be contaminated with a foodborne pathogen. These results should be confirmed among a nationally representative sample of older adults.
Influence of Gender and Age of Brown Seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) on Biochemical Activities of Its Aqueous Extracts
Authors: Nunes Diogo , André Rebeca , Ressaissi Asma , Duarte Bernardo , Melo Ricardo , Serralheiro Maria Luísa
Published: December 2021

Fucus vesiculosus L. is a common coastal brown seaweed associated with various benefits to human health due to its phenolic content and nutrients and is used as food through different methods of consumption. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the seaweed’s gender and growth stage on different types of biological activities as well as its chemical constitution and elements present. Akin to food preparation, aqueous extracts of the seaweed were prepared at 25 °C (salad) and 100 °C (soup). Biological activities were determined by measuring total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) was used for compound identification, and elemental analysis was carried out by using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (TXRF). Older females and males had higher TPC compared to the new ones at 100 °C. Antioxidant activity depended on the extraction temperature but was higher for the youngest male at 100 °C. AChE inhibitory activity was higher for older males at 25 °C, but at 100 °C it was higher for older females. Primary metabolites and various phloroglucinol were the main compounds identified. Additionally, since this seaweed is often harvested in estuarine systems with high anthropogenic impacts, its safety was evaluated through the evaluation of the sample’s metal content. The heavy metals detected are within the limits established by various regulating entities, pointing to a safe food source.
Mechanisms of Change in Emulsifying Capacity Induced by Protein Denaturation and Aggregation in Quick-Frozen Pork Patties with Different Fat Levels and Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Pan Nan , Wan Wei , Du Xin , Kong Baohua , Liu Qian , Lv Hong , Xia Xiufang , Li Fangfei
Published: December 2021

Herein, we discuss changes in the emulsifying properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) because of protein denaturation and aggregation from quick-frozen pork patties with multiple fat levels and freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles. Protein denaturation and aggregation were confirmed by the significantly increased surface hydrophobicity, turbidity, and particle size, as well as the significantly decreased solubility and absolute zeta potential, of MPs with increases in fat levels and F–T cycles (p < 0.05). After multiple F–T cycles, the emulsifying activity and emulsion stability indices of all samples were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The emulsion droplets of MP increased in size, and their distributions were dense and irregular. The results demonstrated that protein denaturation and aggregation due to multiple F–T cycles and fat levels changed the distribution of surface chemical groups and particle sizes of protein, thus affecting the emulsifying properties.
A Three-Stage Solidification Model for Food Particles
Authors: Srinivasan Seshasai
Published: December 2021

A three-stage solidification model for food droplets has been implemented in a computational fluid dynamics code. It comprises of an initial cooling stage that is based on the principles of convective heat transfer. This is followed by the solidification period that is initiated once the droplet cools to a phase change temperature. Finally, when the droplet is completely solidified, the tempering phase begins where the droplet cools to the temperature of the ambient air. The model has been validated with respect to the experimental data for cocoa butter. Additional simulations were made in which the crystallization behavior of the cocoa butter droplets in relation to the droplet size, ambient air temperature and the relative drop-gas velocity was investigated. It was found that the crystallization time is exponentially related to the droplet size. Further, it increased with the ambient temperature, but decreased with the relative drop-gas velocity. Overall, the results suggest operating at the extreme values of the process parameters, requiring high amount of energy, to minimize the crystallization time. It was concluded that there is a need for optimizing the operating conditions of the powder production process to minimize the energy requirement of the system while maintaining a reasonable crystallization time.
A Case of Fatal Asphyxia by a Barbell during a Bench Press
Authors: Bandou Risa , Idota Nozomi , Akasaka Yoshihisa , Ikegaya Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

The bench press is a widespread form of weight training with few scientific reports on its associated fatalities. We herein report a case of an individual performing bench press training who was found deceased in a supine position on the bench with the shaft of the barbell resting on his neck. The bench press safety bars were set at bench height. On the basis of the postmortem computed tomography imaging and the autopsy, the cause of death was determined to be fatal traumatic asphyxia caused by a cervical compression. We wish to highlight the importance of correctly using safety devices during weight training as well as the need for developing and disseminating safe equipment that is not dependent on the manner of use. We also wish to highlight the need for a form of legal regulation on the design of devices.
Evaluation of the Adsorption and Desorption Dynamics of Beet Juice Red Dye on Alginate Microbeads
Authors: Birkić Anamaria , Valinger Davor , Jurinjak Tušek Ana , Jurina Tamara , Gajdoš Kljusurić Jasenka , Benković Maja
Published: December 2021

The use of alginate microcapsules has often been mentioned as one of the ways to remove dyes from waste solvents, water and materials from the food industry. In addition, alginate can be used as a wall material for the microencapsulation of food dyes and their further application in the food industry. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the effect of the alginate concentration (1, 2, 3 and 4%) on the ability of the adsorption and desorption of natural beetroot red dye and (ii) evaluate the kinetic parameters of the adsorption and desorption process, as well as the factors affecting and limiting those processes. According to the obtained results, the viscosity of alginate solutions increased with an increase in the alginate concentration. Based on k2 values (the pseudo-second order kinetic rate constant), when a more concentrated solution of alginate was used in the adsorption process, the beads adsorbed a smaller amount of dye. Furthermore, based on the values for n derived from the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, the dye release rates (k) were higher for beads made with lower alginate concentrations, and this release was governed by a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism (n values ranged from 0.2709 to 0.3053).
Inventing “Populism”: Notes for the Genealogy of a Paranoid Concept
Authors: Palano Damiano
Published: December 2021

This article proposes a “genealogical” rereading of the concept of “populism”. Following the idea of “genealogical” analysis that was suggested by Michel Foucault, the aim is to show the “political” logic of the reinvention of the concept of “populism”, which was carried out between the 1950s and 1960s by the social sciences in the United States. First, this contribution reconstructs the history of the concept, identifying five different phases: (1) Russian populism of the late nineteenth century; (2) the Popular Party in the United States; (3) the Perón and Vargas regimes in Argentina and Brazil, respectively; (4) the reformulation carried out by the social sciences in the 1950s and 1960s; and (5) the subsequent extension of the concept to Western Europe. It is argued that the decisive turning point took place in the 1950s when the social sciences “grouped” the traits of heterogeneous movements into a single theoretical category.
Genome Sequence of Chrysotila roscoffensis, a Coccolithphore Contributed to Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Authors: Meng Ran , Zhang Lin , Zhou Chengxu , Liao Kai , Xiao Peng , Luo Qijun , Xu Jilin , Cui Yanze , Hu Xiaodi , Yan Xiaojun
Published: December 2021

Chrysotila is a genus of coccolithophores. Together with Emiliania, it is one of the representative genera in the Haptophyta which have been extensively studied. They are photosynthetic unicellular marine algae sharing the common characteristic of the production of CaCO3 platelets (coccoliths) on the surface of their cells and are crucial contributors to global biogeochemical cycles. Here, we report the genome assembly of Chrysotila roscoffensis. The assembled genome size was ~636 Mb distributed across 769 scaffolds with N50 of 1.63 Mb, and maximum contig length of ~2.6 Mb. Repetitive elements accounted for approximately 59% of the genome. A total of 23,341 genes were predicted from C. roscoffensis genome. The divergence time between C. roscoffensis and Emiliania huxleyi was estimated to be around 537.6 Mya. Gene families related to cytoskeleton, cellular motility and morphology, and ion transport were expanded. The genome of C. roscoffensis will provide a foundation for understanding the genetic and phenotypic diversification and calcification mechanisms of coccolithophores.
Selection for Reduced Fear of Humans Changes Intra-Specific Social Behavior in Red Junglefowl—Implications for Chicken Domestication
Authors: Gjøen Johanna , Jensen Per
Published: December 2021

The domestic fowl has a different social behavior compared to their ancestor, the red junglefowl. To examine whether selection for tameness has affected their intra-specific social behavior, 32 red junglefowl from two selection lines, one selected for increased tameness and one selected for a high fear of humans for ten generations, were kept in a group of two females and two males each and were observed in a semi-natural undisturbed enclosure. Birds selected for a low fear of humans had more social conflict, and the males from this selection crowed more and were more often observed in low social proximity to others. The high-fear birds spent more time close together with the rest of the group and performed more social, non-aggressive pecking. These results are consistent with known differences between ancestral red junglefowl and domesticated laying hens. Our results show that intra-specific social behavior has been affected as a side-effect of selection for increased tameness. This may have interesting implications for the emergence of the domestication syndrome in chickens.
Analysis of the Batch Effect Due to Sequencing Center in Population Statistics Quantifying Rare Events in the 1000 Genomes Project
Authors: Maceda Iago , Lao Oscar
Published: December 2021

The 1000 Genomes Project (1000G) is one of the most popular whole genome sequencing datasets used in different genomics fields and has boosting our knowledge in medical and population genomics, among other fields. Recent studies have reported the presence of ghost mutation signals in the 1000G. Furthermore, studies have shown that these mutations can influence the outcomes of follow-up studies based on the genetic variation of 1000G, such as single nucleotide variants (SNV) imputation. While the overall effect of these ghost mutations can be considered negligible for common genetic variants in many populations, the potential bias remains unclear when studying low frequency genetic variants in the population. In this study, we analyze the effect of the sequencing center in predicted loss of function (LoF) alleles, the number of singletons, and the patterns of archaic introgression in the 1000G. Our results support previous studies showing that the sequencing center is associated with LoF and singletons independent of the population that is considered. Furthermore, we observed that patterns of archaic introgression were distorted for some populations depending on the sequencing center. When analyzing the frequency of SNPs showing extreme patterns of genotype differentiation among centers for CEU, YRI, CHB, and JPT, we observed that the magnitude of the sequencing batch effect was stronger at MAF < 0.2 and showed different profiles between CHB and the other populations. All these results suggest that data from 1000G must be interpreted with caution when considering statistics using variants at low frequency.
Advances in Therapeutic L-Nucleosides and L-Nucleic Acids with Unusual Handedness
Authors: Dantsu Yuliya , Zhang Ying , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2021

Nucleic-acid-based small molecule and oligonucleotide therapies are attractive topics due to their potential for effective target of disease-related modules and specific control of disease gene expression. As the non-naturally occurring biomolecules, modified DNA/RNA nucleoside and oligonucleotide analogues composed of L-(deoxy)riboses, have been designed and applied as innovative therapeutics with superior plasma stability, weakened cytotoxicity, and inexistent immunogenicity. Although all the chiral centers in the backbone are mirror converted from the natural D-nucleic acids, L-nucleic acids are equipped with the same nucleobases (A, G, C and U or T), which are critical to maintain the programmability and form adaptable tertiary structures for target binding. The types of L-nucleic acid drugs are increasingly varied, from chemically modified nucleoside analogues that interact with pathogenic polymerases to nanoparticles containing hundreds of repeating L-nucleotides that circulate durably in vivo. This article mainly reviews three different aspects of L-nucleic acid therapies, including pharmacological L-nucleosides, Spiegelmers as specific target-binding aptamers, and L-nanostructures as effective drug-delivery devices.
Hormonal Influences on Pod–Seed Intercommunication during Pea Fruit Development
Authors: Bal Mark , Østergaard Lars
Published: December 2021

Angiosperms (from the Greek “angeion”—vessel, and “sperma”—seed) are defined by the presence of specialised tissue surrounding their developing seeds. This tissue is known as the ovary and once a flower has been fertilised, it gives rise to the fruit. Fruits serve various functions in relation to the seeds they contain: they often form tough physical barriers to prevent mechanical damage, they may form specialised structures that aid in dispersal, and they act as a site of nutrient and signal exchange between the parent plant and its offspring. The close coordination of fruit growth and seed development is essential to successful reproduction. Firstly, fertilisation of the ovules is required in most angiosperm species to initiate fruit growth. Secondly, it is crucial that seed dispersal facilitated by, e.g., fruit opening or ripening occurs only once the seeds have matured. These highly coordinated events suggest that seeds and fruits are in close communication throughout development and represent a classical problem of interorgan signalling and organismic resource allocation. Here, we review the contribution of studies on the edible, unicarpellate legume Pisum sativum to our understanding of seed and fruit growth coregulation, and propose areas of new research in this species which may yield important advances for both pulse agronomy and natural science.
Nurses and Stigma at the Time of COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Simeone Silvio , Rea Teresa , Guillari Assunta , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria , Pucciarelli Gianluca
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting strain on every country in the world and their health systems. Healthcare professionals struggle on the frontline and they can experience stigma, which can create difficulties in controlling epidemic diseases, influencing the mental health of healthcare professionals, caregivers, families, communities, and the provided quality of care. The aim of this study is to explore the lived experience of Italian nurses about perceived stigma during COVID-19 pandemic with the phenomenological Cohen method. The principal themes that emerged from data analysis were “stigma in the working environment” and “stigma in everyday life”. Each of these themes had subthemes: “looks like gun sights”, “avoiding closeness to others”, “nobody wants to touch you”, and “the fault of being your family members”. Public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are stressful events for individuals and communities. Stigma can be more dangerous than the disease, and a major obstacle to appropriate medical and mental health interventions. Understanding how healthcare professionals experience stigma is essential to design and implement specific educational, psychological, and organisational programmes.
Feasibility Assessment of Grape Vineyards in the Midwest U.S.A.
Authors: Signorini Guilherme , Smith Maria , Dami Imed
Published: December 2021

The production of grapes in the Midwest U.S.A. is not free of challenges. Growers are presented with a long list of strategic and operational decisions when planning a vineyard. This article uses survey data and secondary data to prepare sample budgets and examine costs, expected returns, and economic feasibility of grape vineyards under different production systems. Departing from two sample budgets that resemble the reality of American-hybrid and vinifera grape growers in the Midwest, we examine the economic feasibility of 24 plausible production scenarios by simulating changes in operational and technical parameters of production. Our results show that economies of scale, level of automation, and adequate balance between capital and labor use are determining factors for economic feasibility. Small-scale hybrid vineyards (10 acres or less) are seldom feasible as a stand-alone project. Vinifera vineyards tend to reach superior performance due to scale, decisions regarding automation, and efficiency of field operations. Following the feasibility analyses and results, our discussion helps explain why grape vineyards are frequently integrated with wineries and other business units across the Midwest.
Research Progress on Illicium difengpi (Illiciaceae): A Review
Authors: Wu Chao , Liang Huiling , Qi Beibei , Liu Baoyu , Wang Manlian , Tang Hui , Li Dianpeng , Fahad Shah
Published: December 2021

Illicium difengpi K.I.B. et K.I.M. is a member of the Illiciaceae family with a yet not fully explored utilization value. To provide references for the systematic understanding of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae), the morphological and structural characteristics, wild resource distribution, chemical compounds, pharmacological effects, utilization, and protective measures of this species are reviewed. We conclude that (i) I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) is an endemic and indigenous medicinal species that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic injury in China; (ii) I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) can endure various abiotic stresses, especially extreme drought, and thus has scientific value for exploring adaptive mechanisms of tolerance to extreme drought and in the ecological restoration of karst rocky desertification areas; and (iii) the beautiful tree shapes of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) give it potential ornamental value. However, the wild resources of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) have rapidly decreased, and there is an urgent need to protect this endangered species to maintain its diversity. Protection measures include the protection of wild germplasm resources, the establishment of an I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) germplasm resource bank, and the development of large-scale ecological planting techniques. In further research, the medicinal and scientific value of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) should be systematically explored to clarify the plant’s effective pharmaceutical value, clinical applications, mechanisms of drought adaptation, and genetic diversity.
Physical Activity and Physical Fitness among University Students—A Systematic Review
Authors: Kljajević Vidran , Stanković Mima , Đorđević Dušan , Trkulja-Petković Drena , Jovanović Rade , Plazibat Kristian , Oršolić Mario , Čurić Mijo , Sporiš Goran
Published: December 2021

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the scientific evidence regarding physical activity and physical fitness among university students. The search and analysis of the studies were done in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic databases search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus) yielded 11,839 studies. Subsequently, the identified studies had to be published in English between 2011 and 2021, the experimental study had to have included males and females attending a faculty, and the participants had to have been evaluated for physical activity and fitness. A total of 21 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, with a total of 7306 participants, both male and female. After analyzing the obtained results, it could be concluded that university students show a satisfactory level of physical activity and physical fitness. However, the results vary due to different factors involved, mostly related to the cultural differences and educational systems in different countries. As this study observes mediocre results of physical activity and physical fitness among university students, it is crucial to get their attention and awareness, to at least maintain a satisfactory level of physical activity and physical fitness.
The Role of Supervision in Preventing Burnout among Professionals Working with People in Difficulty
Authors: Iosim Iasmina , Runcan Patricia , Dan Virgil , Nadolu Bogdan , Runcan Remus , Petrescu Magdalena
Published: December 2021

The value of people in their various dimensions is a priority in the postmodern era. In this respect, programs are being implemented for disadvantaged social categories to compensate for differences, reduce discrepancies, and integrate marginalized people into society. This, however, is not easy, and the work of professionals with people in difficulty is frequently difficult, consuming multiple resources and, sometimes, leading to burnout. The professions involved in the recovery work of people in difficulty provide social, medical, psychological, and spiritual assistance services in order to restore or increase the well-being of disadvantaged people or social groups. This study presents an analysis of burnout among social workers and clerics and the effect of supervision on burnout. In support of this, a sociological survey (n = 502) was conducted on a convenience sample of Romanian social workers and clerics in June 2018. The main conclusion of the study is that supervising professionals working with people in difficulty significantly reduces the risk of burnout.
Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Worldwide Perspective
Authors: Sampogna Gaia , Pompili Maurizio , Fiorillo Andrea
Published: December 2021

Major infectious disease outbreaks, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, create significant distress for the general population, and pose a heavy burden on the healthcare systems called to care for affected individuals and contain the spread of the disease [...]
Increased Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Post-Acute Care Patients with Stroke during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chou Hsiang-Yun , Lo Yu-Chun , Tsai Ya-Wen , Shih Chia-Li , Yeh Chieh-Ting
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to explore the quality and stability of post-acute care for patients with stroke, including their functional outcomes, mental health and medical care in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this retrospective case–control study—based on propensity score matching—we assessed 11 patients admitted during the pandemic period (in 2021) and 11 patients admitted during the non-pandemic period (in 2020). Functional outcomes, including the scores of the modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, EuroQoL-5 Dimension, Lawton–Brody instrumental activities of daily living, Berg Balance Scale, 5-metre walking speed and 6-min walking distance, were determined. Data on the length of acute care, length of post-acute care, destination after discharge and 14-days readmission were used to evaluate the quality of medical care. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare functional performance before and after rehabilitation. The pandemic group showed no significant improvement in the scores of EuroQoL-5 Dimension, a self-reported health status assessment (p = 0.13), with the anxiety or depression dimension showing a negative effect (r = 0.21). Post-acute care programmes can efficiently improve the functional performance of patients with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. Mental health should therefore be simultaneously maintained while rehabilitating physical function.
The Epidemiology of Salivary Glands Pathologies in Adult Population over 10 Years in Poland—Cohort Study
Authors: Żurek Michał , Rzepakowska Anna , Jasak Kamil , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: December 2021

Background: The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of the incidence of different salivary gland pathologies in the adult population of Poland. Methods: A retrospective analysis of salivary gland pathologies diagnosed in Poland in 2010–2019 based on the National Health Fund (NHF) database was performed. Non-neoplastic diseases, and benign and malignant lesions were identified using ICD-10 codes. Demographic characteristics, incidence rates, and the number of inpatient and outpatient medical services were analyzed. Results: Salivary gland pathologies were diagnosed in 230,589 patients over 10 years (85.5% were non-neoplastic lesions, 11.53% benign and 2.93% malignant neoplasms). Incidence rate for all pathologies was 59.94/100,000. The mean incidence for malignant neoplasms was 1.78, and decreasing trend was observed over the analyzed period. Contrarily, for benign neoplasms (mean incidence—6.91), an increase in numbers was noted annually. The incidence for non-malignant lesions was quite stable (mean: 51.25) over the time. The highest number of medical services per patient concerned malignant neoplasms (on average, two hospital stays, and eleven outpatient consultations). Conclusions: An increase of benign salivary gland tumors, and a decrease of malignant neoplasms was observed during the studied period. The number of medical services related to salivary gland pathologies increased during the period under study.
Can an E-Mail-Delivered CBT for Insomnia Validated in the West Be Effective in the East? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Okajima Isa , Tanizawa Noriko , Harata Megumi , Suh Sooyeon , Yang Chien-Ming , Li Shirley Xin , Trockel Mickey T.
Published: December 2021

This study examined the effects of an e-mail-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), validated in Western countries, on insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression in young adults with insomnia in Eastern countries, particularly Japan. This prospective parallel-group randomized clinical trial included college students with Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores of ten or higher. Participants were recruited via advertising on a university campus and randomized to an e-mail-delivered CBT-I (REFRESH) or self-monitoring (SM) with sleep diaries group. The primary outcomes were insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression; secondary outcomes were sleep hygiene practices, dysfunctional beliefs, sleep reactivity, and pre-sleep arousal. All measurements were assessed before and after the intervention. A total of 48 participants (mean (SD) age, 19.56 (1.86) years; 67% female) were randomized and included in the analysis. The results of the intent-to-treat analysis showed a significant interaction effect for insomnia severity, anxiety, depression, sleep hygiene practice, and pre-sleep arousal. Compared with the SM group, the REFRESH group was more effective in reducing insomnia severity (Hedges’ g = 1.50), anxiety (g = 0.97), and depression (g = 0.61) post-intervention. These findings suggest that an e-mail-delivered CBT-I may be an effective treatment for young adults with elevated insomnia symptoms living in Japan.
Kidney Care during COVID-19 in the UK: Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals on Impacts on Care Quality and Staff Well-Being
Authors: Kanavaki Archontissa Maria , Lightfoot Courtney Jane , Palmer Jared , Wilkinson Thomas James , Smith Alice Caroline , Jones Ceri Rhiannon
Published: December 2021

In light of the rapid changes in healthcare delivery due to COVID-19, this study explored kidney healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives on the impact of these changes on care quality and staff well-being. Fifty-nine HCPs from eight NHS Trusts across England completed an online survey and eight took part in complementary semi-structured interviews between August 2020 and January 2021. Free-text survey responses and interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Themes described the rapid adaptations, concerns about care quality, benefits from innovations, high work pressure, anxiety and mental exhaustion in staff and the team as a well-being resource. Long-term retention and integration of changes and innovations can improve healthcare access and efficiency, but specification of conditions for its use is warranted. The impact of prolonged stress on renal HCPs also needs to be accounted for in quality planning. Results are further interpreted into a theoretical socio-technical framework.
Effect of Financial Clusters on Startup Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Ahluwalia Saurabh , Kassicieh Sul
Published: December 2021

The conventional wisdom has maintained that being in proximity to entrepreneurial ecosystems helps startups to raise financing, develop and grow. In this paper, we examine the effect of a major component of an entrepreneurial ecosystem-financial or venture capital clusters on the exit of a startup through mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We find that probability of successful exit through M&A increases if the venture capitalist invested in the startup is in a venture capital (VC) cluster. Location of the startup in a top VC cluster is not significant for success once we control for the location of the VC in a top VC cluster.Our results are robust to different specifications of the models that use different time periods, reputation of VC, industry, and the quality of the startup company. Our results provide evidence for VCs, startups and policy makers who want to better understand the components of entrepreneurial ecosystems and their relation to the M&A exits of startups.
SI-ATRP Decoration of Magnetic Nanoparticles with PHEMA and Post-Polymerization Modification with Folic Acid for Tumor Cells’ Specific Targeting
Authors: Ghiarasim Razvan , Simionescu Natalia , Coroaba Adina , Uritu Cristina M. , Marangoci Narcisa Laura , Ibanescu Sorin-Alexandru , Pinteala Mariana
Published: December 2021

Targeted nanocarriers could reach new levels of drug delivery, bringing new tools for personalized medicine. It is known that cancer cells overexpress folate receptors on the cell surface compared to healthy cells, which could be used to create new nanocarriers with specific targeting moiety. In addition, magnetic nanoparticles can be guided under the influence of an external magnetic field in different areas of the body, allowing their precise localization. The main purpose of this paper was to decorate the surface of magnetic nanoparticles with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) by surface-initiated atomic transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) followed by covalent bonding of folic acid to side groups of the polymer to create a high specificity magnetic nanocarrier with increased internalization capacity in tumor cells. The biocompatibility of the nanocarriers was demonstrated by testing them on the NHDF cell line and folate-dependent internalization capacity was tested on three tumor cell lines: MCF-7, HeLa and HepG2. It has also been shown that a higher concentration of folic acid covalently bound to the polymer leads to a higher internalization in tumor cells compared to healthy cells. Last but not least, magnetic resonance imaging was used to highlight the magnetic properties of the functionalized nanoparticles obtained.
Altered HIV-1 mRNA Splicing Due to Drug-Resistance-Associated Mutations in Exon 2/2b
Authors: Müller Lisa , Moskorz Wiebke , Brillen Anna-Lena , Hillebrand Frank , Ostermann Philipp Niklas , Kiel Niklas , Walotka Lara , Ptok Johannes , Timm Jörg , Lübke Nadine , Schaal Heiner
Published: December 2021

The underlying molecular mechanism and their general effect on the replication capacity of HIV 1 drug-resistance-associated mutations is often poorly understood. To elucidate the effect of two such mutations located in a region with a high density of spicing regulatory elements on the HIV-1-splicing outcome, bioinformatic predictions were combined with transfection and infection experiments. Results show that the previously described R263K drug-resistance-associated integrase mutation has additionally a severe effect on the ESE2b splicing regulatory element (SRE) in exon 2b, which causes loss of SD2b recognition. This was confirmed by an R263R silent mutation with a similar predicted effect on the exon 2b SRE. In contrast, a V260I mutation and its silent counterpart with a lower effect on ESS2b did not exhibit any differences in the splicing pattern. Since HIV-1 highly relies on a balanced splicing reaction, changes in the splicing outcome can contribute to changes in viral replication and might add to the effect of escape mutations toward antiviral drugs. Thus, a classification of mutations purely addressing proteins is insufficient.
The Antibiotic Fosfomycin Mimics the Effects of the Intermediate Metabolites Phosphoenolpyruvate and Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate on the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Transcriptome
Authors: Gil-Gil Teresa , Ochoa-Sánchez Luz Edith , Martínez José Luis
Published: December 2021

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen with an environmental origin, which presents a characteristically low susceptibility to antibiotics and is capable of acquiring increased levels of resistance to antimicrobials. Among these, fosfomycin resistance seems particularly intriguing; resistance to this antibiotic is generally due to the activity of fosfomycin-inactivating enzymes, or to defects in the expression or the activity of fosfomycin transporters. In contrast, we previously described that the cause of fosfomycin resistance in S. maltophilia was the inactivation of enzymes belonging to its central carbon metabolism. To go one step further, here we studied the effects of fosfomycin on the transcriptome of S. maltophilia compared to those of phosphoenolpyruvate—its structural homolog—and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate—an intermediate metabolite of the mutated route in fosfomycin-resistant mutants. Our results show that transcriptomic changes present a large degree of overlap, including the activation of the cell-wall-stress stimulon. These results indicate that fosfomycin activity and resistance are interlinked with bacterial metabolism. Furthermore, we found that the studied compounds inhibit the expression of the smeYZ efflux pump, which confers intrinsic resistance to aminoglycosides. This is the first description of efflux pump inhibitors that can be used as antibiotic adjuvants to counteract antibiotic resistance in S. maltophilia.
Localization and Absolute Quantification of Dopamine in Discrete Intravesicular Compartments Using NanoSIMS Imaging
Authors: Rabasco Stefania , Nguyen Tho D. K. , Gu Chaoyi , Kurczy Michael E. , Phan Nhu T. N. , Ewing Andrew G.
Published: December 2021

The absolute concentration and the compartmentalization of analytes in cells and organelles are crucial parameters in the development of drugs and drug delivery systems, as well as in the fundamental understanding of many cellular processes. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) imaging is a powerful technique which allows subcellular localization of chemical species with high spatial and mass resolution, and high sensitivity. In this study, we combined NanoSIMS imaging with spatial oversampling with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging to discern the compartments (dense core and halo) of large dense core vesicles in a model cell line used to study exocytosis, and to localize 13C dopamine enrichment following 4–6 h of 150 μM 13C L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) incubation. In addition, the absolute concentrations of 13C dopamine in distinct vesicle domains as well as in entire single vesicles were quantified and validated by comparison to electrochemical data. We found concentrations of 87.5 mM, 16.0 mM and 39.5 mM for the dense core, halo and the whole vesicle, respectively. This approach adds to the potential of using combined TEM and NanoSIMS imaging to perform absolute quantification and directly measure the individual contents of nanometer-scale organelles.
Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia Leads to miRNA Alterations in Different Brain Regions, Blood Serum, Liver, and Spleen
Authors: Voelz Clara , Ebrahimy Nahal , Zhao Weiyi , Habib Pardes , Zendedel Adib , Pufe Thomas , Beyer Cordian , Slowik Alexander
Published: December 2021

Ischemic stroke is characterized by an occlusion of a cerebral blood vessel resulting in neuronal cell death due to nutritional and oxygen deficiency. Additionally, post-ischemic cell death is augmented after reperfusion. These events are paralleled by dysregulated miRNA expression profiles in the peri-infarct area. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanism in the peri-infarct region is crucial for developing promising therapeutics. Utilizing a tMCAo (transient Middle Cerebral Artery occlusion) model in rats, we studied the expression levels of the miRNAs (miR) 223-3p, 155-5p, 3473, and 448-5p in the cortex, amygdala, thalamus, and hippocampus of both the ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres. Additionally, the levels in the blood serum, spleen, and liver and the expression of their target genes, namely, Nlrp3, Socs1, Socs3, and Vegfa, were assessed. We observed an increase in all miRNAs on the ipsilateral side of the cerebral cortex in a time-dependent manner and increased miRNAs levels (miR-223-3p, miR-3473, and miR-448-5p) in the contralateral hemisphere after 72 h. Besides the cerebral cortex, the amygdala presented increased expression levels, whereas the thalamus and hippocampus showed no alterations. Different levels of the investigated miRNAs were detected in blood serum, liver, and spleen. The gene targets were altered not only in the peri-infarct area of the cortex but selectively increased in the investigated non-affected brain regions along with the spleen and liver during the reperfusion time up to 72 h. Our results suggest a supra-regional influence of miRNAs following ischemic stroke, which should be studied to further identify whether miRNAs are transported or locally upregulated.
Challenges and Recent Advances in NK Cell-Targeted Immunotherapies in Solid Tumors
Authors: Lian Guangyu , Mak Thomas Shiu-Kwong , Yu Xueqing , Lan Hui-Yao
Published: December 2021

Natural killer (NK) cell is a powerful malignant cells killer, providing rapid immune responses via direct cytotoxicity without the need of antigen processing and presentation. It plays an essential role in preventing early tumor, metastasis and minimal residual disease. Although adoptive NK therapies achieved great success in clinical trials against hematologic malignancies, their accumulation, activation, cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions are severely impaired in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors. Now with better understandings of the tumor evasive mechanisms from NK-mediated immunosurveillance, immunotherapies targeting the key molecules for NK cell dysfunction and exhaustion have been developed and tested in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we introduce the challenges that NK cells encountered in solid tumor microenvironment (TME) and the therapeutic approaches to overcome these limitations, followed by an outline of the recent preclinical advances and the latest clinical outcomes of NK-based immunotherapies, as well as promising strategies to optimize current NK-targeted immunotherapies for solid tumors.