bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Interference Lithography and Two-Photon Lithography for Fabricating Large-Area Photonic Crystal Structures with Controlled Defects
Authors: Jee Hongsub , Park Min-Joon , Jeon Kiseok , Jeong Chaehwan , Lee Jaehyeong
Published: July 2021

Interference lithography is a promising method for fabricating large-area, defect-free three-dimensional photonic crystal structures which can be used for facilitating the realization of photonic devices with a fast processing time. Although they can be used in waveguides, resonators, and detectors, their repeated regular array patterns can only be used for limited applications. In this study, we demonstrate a method for fabricating large-area photonic crystal structures with controlled defects by combining interference lithography and two-photon lithography using a light-curable resin. By combining regular array structures and controlled patterns, monotonous but large-area regular structures can be obtained. Furthermore, the patterned structures have considerable potential for use in various applications, such as solar cells, sensors, photodetectors, micro-/nano-electronics, and cell growth.
Patient/Breast-Specific Detection of Breast Tumor Based on Patients’ Thermograms, 3D Breast Scans, and Reverse Thermal Modelling
Authors: Mukhmetov Olzhas , Mashekova Aigerim , Zhao Yong , Midlenko Anna , Ng Eddie Yin Kwee , Fok Sai Cheong
Published: July 2021

Background: Mammography is the preferred method for the diagnosis of breast cancer. However, this diagnostic technique fails to detect tumors of small sizes, and it does not work well for younger patients with high breast tissue density. Methods: This paper proposes a novel tool for the early detection of breast cancer, which is patient-specific, non-invasive, inexpensive, and has potential in terms of accuracy compared with existing techniques. The main principle of this method is based on the use of temperature contours from breast skin surfaces through thermography, and inverse thermal modeling based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based optimization tool to estimate the depths and sizes of tumors as well as patient/breast-specific tissue properties. Results: The study was conducted by using a 3D geometry of patients’ breasts and their temperature contours, which were clinically collected using a 3D scanner and a thermal imaging infrared (IR) camera. Conclusion: The results showed that the combination of 3D breast geometries, thermal images, and inverse thermal modeling is capable of estimating patient/breast-specific breast tissue and physiological properties such as gland and fat contents, tissue density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and blood perfusion rate, based on a multilayer model consisting of gland and fat. Moreover, this tool was able to calculate the depth and size of the tumor, which was validated by the doctor’s diagnosis.
Identification of Potential Kinase Inhibitors within the PI3K/AKT Pathway of Leishmania Species
Authors: Ochoa Rodrigo , Ortega-Pajares Amaya , Castello Florencia A. , Serral Federico , Fernández Do Porto Darío , Villa-Pulgarin Janny A. , Varela-M Rubén E. , Muskus Carlos
Published: July 2021

Leishmaniasis is a public health disease that requires the development of more effective treatments and the identification of novel molecular targets. Since blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway has been successfully studied as an effective anticancer strategy for decades, we examined whether the same approach would also be feasible in Leishmania due to their high amount and diverse set of annotated proteins. Here, we used a best reciprocal hits protocol to identify potential protein kinase homologues in an annotated human PI3K/AKT pathway. We calculated their ligandibility based on available bioactivity data of the reported homologues and modelled their 3D structures to estimate the druggability of their binding pockets. The models were used to run a virtual screening method with molecular docking. We found and studied five protein kinases in five different Leishmania species, which are AKT, CDK, AMPK, mTOR and GSK3 homologues from the studied pathways. The compounds found for different enzymes and species were analysed and suggested as starting point scaffolds for the design of inhibitors. We studied the kinases’ participation in protein–protein interaction networks, and the potential deleterious effects, if inhibited, were supported with the literature. In the case of Leishmania GSK3, an inhibitor of its human counterpart, prioritized by our method, was validated in vitro to test its anti-Leishmania activity and indirectly infer the presence of the enzyme in the parasite. The analysis contributes to improving the knowledge about the presence of similar signalling pathways in Leishmania, as well as the discovery of compounds acting against any of these kinases as potential molecular targets in the parasite.
Novel Portable Sensing System with Integrated Multifunctionality for Accurate Detection of Salivary Uric Acid
Authors: Liu Ziqi , Chen Yiyin , Zhang Meng , Sun Tiancheng , Li Keer , Han Songjia , Chen Hui-Jiuan
Published: July 2021

Uric acid, as the terminal product of purine metabolism in the body, is an important marker of many diseases. Uric acid is abundant in saliva, offering the possibility of its non-invasive detection. However, it is sensitive to interference in saliva by a variety of factors. A reliable method of processing saliva is centrifugation (CF), but the cost and size of equipment limit its use in everyday life. In this study, a novel portable salivary-sensing system (PSSS) with integrated suction filtration (SF) and temperature insulation was proposed to obtain more accurate salivary uric acid levels through a simple procedure. The PSSS includes a saliva container, a high-sensitive uric acid sensor (UAS), an accompanying printed circuit board (PCB), and a mobile application. The responses produced by the UAS presents excellent linearity (4.6 μA/mM with R2 = 0.9964), selectivity, reproducibility, and stability for the detection of low levels of uric acid. The difference in detection values between the UAS and the commercial sensor is only ~4%. The primary feature of the saliva container is the processing of saliva by SF instead of CF. Samples from CF and SF showed no significant differences regarding uric acid levels, and both exhibited approximately 50% deviation from the untreated samples, while the difference in uric acid levels between the samples after SF and after applying both treatments was ~10%. Besides, insulation of the saliva container can partially eliminate sources of error induced by the environment during uric acid level testing. The PSSS provides a novel strategy for the immediate detection of specific markers in saliva. We believe that the PSSS has promising potential for future application in the rapid saliva testing.
Studying Brain Activation during Skill Acquisition via Robot-Assisted Surgery Training
Authors: Izzetoglu Kurtulus , Aksoy Mehmet Emin , Agrali Atahan , Kitapcioglu Dilek , Gungor Mete , Simsek Aysun
Published: July 2021

Robot-assisted surgery systems are a recent breakthrough in minimally invasive surgeries, offering numerous benefits to both patients and surgeons including, but not limited to, greater visualization of the operation site, greater precision during operation and shorter hospitalization times. Training on robot-assisted surgery (RAS) systems begins with the use of high-fidelity simulators. Hence, the increasing demand of employing RAS systems has led to a rise in using RAS simulators to train medical doctors. The aim of this study was to investigate the brain activity changes elicited during the skill acquisition of resident surgeons by measuring hemodynamic changes from the prefrontal cortex area via a neuroimaging sensor, namely, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Twenty-four participants, who are resident medical doctors affiliated with different surgery departments, underwent an RAS simulator training during this study and completed the sponge suturing tasks at three different difficulty levels in two consecutive sessions/blocks. The results reveal that cortical oxygenation changes in the prefrontal cortex were significantly lower during the second training session (Block 2) compared to the initial training session (Block 1) (p < 0.05).
Quarry Residue: Treatment of Industrial Effluent Containing Dye
Authors: Almeida Lariana Negrão Beraldo de , Josué Tatiana Gulminie , Nogueira Othavio Henrique Lupepsa , Dias Daniele Toniolo , Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Santos Onélia Aparecida Andreo dos , Lenzi Giane Gonçalves
Published: July 2021

This work is devoted to the investigation of the discoloration of the synthetic and industrial effluent, using a quarry residue (MbP), which is a material naturally composed of mixed oxides, compared to zinc oxide (ZnO), acting as photocatalysts and adsorbents. The optimization of the pH and catalyst concentration parameters was carried out, and the industrial effluent was then treated by photocatalytic reactions, adsorption, and photolysis. Industrial effluent was supplied by a packaging company and was collected for a period of seven consecutive days, showing the oscillation of the parameters in the process. The material characterizations were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). The results indicated that the composition of the quarry waste is mainly silica and has Egap 2.16 eV. The quarry residue as photocatalyst was active for the artificial effluent (synthetic dye solution), with a maximum of 98% discoloration, and as an adsorbent for industrial effluent, with a maximum of 57% of discoloration. Although the quarry residue has shown results lower than ZnO, it is considered a promising material in adsorption processes and photocatalytic reactions for discoloration of aqueous solutions.
Actin Cytoskeleton Role in the Maintenance of Neuronal Morphology and Long-Term Memory
Authors: Lamprecht Raphael
Published: July 2021

Evidence indicates that long-term memory formation creates long-lasting changes in neuronal morphology within a specific neuronal network that forms the memory trace. Dendritic spines, which include most of the excitatory synapses in excitatory neurons, are formed or eliminated by learning. These changes may be long-lasting and correlate with memory strength. Moreover, learning-induced changes in the morphology of existing spines can also contribute to the formation of the neuronal network that underlies memory. Altering spines morphology after memory consolidation can erase memory. These observations strongly suggest that learning-induced spines modifications can constitute the changes in synaptic connectivity within the neuronal network that form memory and that stabilization of this network maintains long-term memory. The formation and elimination of spines and other finer morphological changes in spines are mediated by the actin cytoskeleton. The actin cytoskeleton forms networks within the spine that support its structure. Therefore, it is believed that the actin cytoskeleton mediates spine morphogenesis induced by learning. Any long-lasting changes in the spine morphology induced by learning require the preservation of the spine actin cytoskeleton network to support and stabilize the spine new structure. However, the actin cytoskeleton is highly dynamic, and the turnover of actin and its regulatory proteins that determine and support the actin cytoskeleton network structure is relatively fast. Molecular models, suggested here, describe ways to overcome the dynamic nature of the actin cytoskeleton and the fast protein turnover and to support an enduring actin cytoskeleton network within the spines, spines stability and long-term memory. These models are based on long-lasting changes in actin regulatory proteins concentrations within the spine or the formation of a long-lasting scaffold and the ability for its recurring rebuilding within the spine. The persistence of the actin cytoskeleton network within the spine is suggested to support long-lasting spine structure and the maintenance of long-term memory.
Development and Validation of a Good Manufacturing Process for IL-4-Driven Expansion of Chimeric Cytokine Receptor-Expressing CAR T-Cells
Authors: van Schalkwyk May C. I. , van der Stegen Sjoukje J. C. , Bosshard-Carter Leticia , Graves Helen , Papa Sophie , Parente-Pereira Ana C. , Farzaneh Farzin , Fisher Christopher D. , Hope Andrew , Adami Antonella , Maher John
Published: July 2021

Adoptive cancer immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T-cells holds great promise, although several obstacles hinder the efficient generation of cell products under good manufacturing practice (GMP). Patients are often immune compromised, rendering it challenging to produce sufficient numbers of gene-modified cells. Manufacturing protocols are labour intensive and frequently involve one or more open processing steps, leading to increased risk of contamination. We set out to develop a simplified process to generate autologous gamma retrovirus-transduced T-cells for clinical evaluation in patients with head and neck cancer. T-cells were engineered to co-express a panErbB-specific CAR (T1E28z) and a chimeric cytokine receptor (4αβ) that permits their selective expansion in response to interleukin (IL)-4. Using peripheral blood as starting material, sterile culture procedures were conducted in gas-permeable bags under static conditions. Pre-aliquoted medium and cytokines, bespoke connector devices and sterile welding/sealing were used to maximise the use of closed manufacturing steps. Reproducible IL-4-dependent expansion and enrichment of CAR-engineered T-cells under GMP was achieved, both from patients and healthy donors. We also describe the development and approach taken to validate a panel of monitoring and critical release assays, which provide objective data on cell product quality.
Induction of Autophagy to Achieve a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Cure
Authors: Campbell Grant R. , Spector Stephen A.
Published: July 2021

Effective antiretroviral therapy has led to significant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) suppression and improvement in immune function. However, the persistence of integrated proviral DNA in latently infected reservoir cells, which drive viral rebound post-interruption of antiretroviral therapy, remains the major roadblock to a cure. Therefore, the targeted elimination or permanent silencing of this latently infected reservoir is a major focus of HIV-1 research. The most studied approach in the development of a cure is the activation of HIV-1 expression to expose latently infected cells for immune clearance while inducing HIV-1 cytotoxicity—the “kick and kill” approach. However, the complex and highly heterogeneous nature of the latent reservoir, combined with the failure of clinical trials to reduce the reservoir size casts doubt on the feasibility of this approach. This concern that total elimination of HIV-1 from the body may not be possible has led to increased emphasis on a “functional cure” where the virus remains but is unable to reactivate which presents the challenge of permanently silencing transcription of HIV-1 for prolonged drug-free remission—a “block and lock” approach. In this review, we discuss the interaction of HIV-1 and autophagy, and the exploitation of autophagy to kill selectively HIV-1 latently infected cells as part of a cure strategy. The cure strategy proposed has the advantage of significantly decreasing the size of the HIV-1 reservoir that can contribute to a functional cure and when optimised has the potential to eradicate completely HIV-1.
Two Approaches for a Genetic Analysis of Pompe Disease: A Literature Review of Patients with Pompe Disease and Analysis Based on Genomic Data from the General Population
Authors: Park Kyung-Sun
Published: July 2021

In this study, two different approaches were applied in the analysis of the GAA gene. One was analyzed based on patients with Pompe disease, and the other was analyzed based on GAA genomic data from unaffected carriers in a general population genetic database. For this, GAA variants in Korean and Japanese patients reported in previous studies and in patients reported in the Pompe disease GAA variant database were analyzed as a model. In addition, GAA variants in the Korean Reference Genome Database (KRGDB), the Japanese Multi Omics Reference Panel (jMorp), and the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) were analyzed. Overall, approximately 50% of the pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (PLPVs) found in unaffected carriers were also found in real patients with Pompe disease (Koreans, 57.1%; Japanese, 46.2%). In addition, there was a moderate positive correlation (Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.45–0.69) between the proportion of certain PLPVs in patients and the minor allele frequency of their variants in a general population database. Based on the analysis of general population databases, the total carrier frequency for Pompe disease in Koreans and Japanese was estimated to be 1.7% and 0.7%, respectively, and the predicted genetic prevalence was 1:13,657 and 1:78,013, respectively.
Application of Adaptive Materials and Coatings to Increase Cutting Tool Performance: Efficiency in the Case of Composite Powder High Speed Steel
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey N. , Migranov Mars S. , Melnik Yury A. , Okunkova Anna A. , Fedorov Sergey V. , Gurin Vladimir D. , Volosova Marina A.
Published: July 2021

The paper proposes a classification of adaptive materials and coatings for tool purposes, showing the ability to adapt to external heat and power influences, thereby improving tool life. Creating a cutting tool made of composite powder high speed steels containing refractory TiC, TiCN, and Al2O3 compounds for milling 41CrS4 steel demonstrated the effectiveness of the adaptive materials. The tool material characteristics under the external loads’ influence and the surface layer adaptation to the heat–power exposure conditions were shown by the temperature field study using a semiartificial microthermocouple method (the level of fields is reduced by 20%–25% for 80% HSS + 20% TiCN), frictional interaction high-temperature tribometry (the coefficient of friction did not exceed 0.45 for 80% HSS + 20% TiCN at +20 and 600 °C), laboratory performance tests, and spectrometry of the surface layer secondary structures. Spectral analysis shows the highest spectrum intensity of TiC2 after 5 min of running in. After 20 min of milling (V = 82 m/min, f = 0.15 mm/tooth), dicarbide decomposes and transits to thermally stable secondary phase films of good lubricity such as TiO (maximum) and TiN (partially). There was an increase in tool life of up to 2 times (>35 min for 80% HSS + 20% TiCN), and a decrease in the roughness of up to 2.9 times (Ra less than 4.5 µm after 25 min of milling).
Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Clinical Implications of Hereditary Hemochromatosis—The Cardiological Point of View
Authors: Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła , Świątczak Michał , Sikorska Katarzyna , Starzyński Rafał R. , Raczak Alicja , Lipiński Paweł
Published: July 2021

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic disease leading to excessive iron absorption, its accumulation, and oxidative stress induction causing different organ damage, including the heart. The process of cardiac involvement is slow and lasts for years. Cardiac pathology manifests as an impaired diastolic function and cardiac hypertrophy at first and as dilatative cardiomyopathy and heart failure with time. From the moment of heart failure appearance, the prognosis is poor. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent those lesions by upfront therapy at the preclinical phase of the disease. The most useful diagnostic tool for detecting cardiac involvement is echocardiography. However, during an early phase of the disease, when patients do not present severe abnormalities in serum iron parameters and severe symptoms of other organ involvement, heart damage may be overlooked due to the lack of evident signs of cardiac dysfunction. Considerable advancement in echocardiography, with particular attention to speckle tracking echocardiography, allows detecting discrete myocardial abnormalities and planning strategy for further clinical management before the occurrence of substantial heart damage. The review aims to present the current state of knowledge concerning cardiac involvement in HH. In addition, it could help cardiologists and other physicians in their everyday practice with HH patients.
Analysis of Risk Factors in Patients with Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Increased Cardiovascular Risk Using Factor Analysis
Authors: Pella Zuzana , Pella Dominik , Paralič Ján , Vanko Jakub Ivan , Fedačko Ján
Published: July 2021

Today, there are many parameters used for cardiovascular risk quantification and to identify many of the high-risk subjects; however, many of them do not reflect reality. Modern personalized medicine is the key to fast and effective diagnostics and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. One step towards this goal is a better understanding of connections between numerous risk factors. We used Factor analysis to identify a suitable number of factors on observed data about patients hospitalized in the East Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Košice. The data describes 808 participants cross-identifying symptomatic and coronarography resulting characteristics. We created several clusters of factors. The most significant cluster of factors identified six factors: basic characteristics of the patient; renal parameters and fibrinogen; family predisposition to CVD; personal history of CVD; lifestyle of the patient; and echo and ECG examination results. The factor analysis results confirmed the known findings and recommendations related to CVD. The derivation of new facts concerning the risk factors of CVD will be of interest to further research, focusing, among other things, on explanatory methods.
Palaeoecology as a Tool for the Future Management of Forest Ecosystems in Hesse (Central Germany): Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) versus Lime (Tilia cordata Mill.)
Authors: Stobbe Astrid , Gumnior Maren
Published: July 2021

In the Central German Uplands, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies have been particularly affected by climate change. With the establishment of beech forests about 3000 years ago and pure spruce stands 500 years ago, they might be regarded as ‘neophytes’ in the Hessian forests. Palaeoecological investigations at wetland sites in the low mountain ranges and intramontane basins point to an asynchronous vegetation evolution in a comparatively small but heterogenous region. On the other hand, palynological data prove that sustainably managed woodlands with high proportions of Tilia have been persisting for several millennia, before the spread of beech took place as a result of a cooler and wetter climate and changes in land management. In view of increasingly warmer and drier conditions, Tilia cordata appears especially qualified to be an important silvicultural constituent of the future, not only due to its tolerance towards drought, but also its resistance to browsing, and the ability to reproduce vegetatively. Forest managers should be encouraged to actively promote the return to more stress-tolerant lime-dominated woodlands, similar to those that existed in the Subboreal chronozone.
Population Demographic History of a Rare and Endangered Tree Magnolia sprengeri Pamp. in East Asia Revealed by Molecular Data and Ecological Niche Analysis
Authors: Zhou Tong , Huang Xiao-Juan , Zhang Shou-Zhou , Wang Yuan , Wang Ying-Juan , Liu Wen-Zhe , Wang Ya-Ling , Zou Jia-Bin , Li Zhong-Hu
Published: July 2021

Quaternary climate and environment oscillations have profoundly shaped the population dynamic history and geographic distributions of current plants. However, how the endangered and rare tree species respond to the climatic and environmental fluctuations in the subtropical regions of China in East Asia still needs elucidation. In this study, we collected 36 natural populations of an endangered and rare tree species Magnolia sprengeri Pamp. in subtropical China to determine the demographic history, and modeled the changes of geographic distributions of this species in East Asia based on the MaxEnt ecological niche analyses. In addition, we sequenced three maternally inherited chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL) for all the natural populations which covered the whole geographic distributions of M. sprengeri. Population genetic analysis showed that the endangered tree species have a low level of chloroplast DNA diversity. However, the genetic variation contribution within populations was greater than that among populations (FST = 0.276), which demonstrated a high level of genetic differentiation. Interestingly, some unique chloroplast DNA haplotypes and higher genetic variations were identified in the Qinling-Daba Mountains, Central China, and Tianmu Mountains of Zhejiang province, East of China in East Asia. Combining with the species distribution modeling, we speculated that these areas might be the potential glacial refugia for the endangered plant M. sprengeri. Phylogeographic analysis demonstrated that the geographic factors (e.g., mountains, rivers, and other isolation barriers) had little effect on the genetic divergence among populations. Ecological niche modeling further revealed that the natural populations of M. sprengeri did not experience significant geographic distribution changes from the last glacial maximum to the present time. These findings are in line with the analysis results of the multimodal mismatch patterns of the chloroplast DNA variations. To protect the endangered species M. sprengeri, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies should be formulated for the natural populations with higher genetic variations.
Molecular Approaches to Agri-Food Traceability and Authentication: An Updated Review
Authors: Fanelli Valentina , Mascio Isabella , Miazzi Monica Marilena , Savoia Michele Antonio , De Giovanni Claudio , Montemurro Cinzia
Published: July 2021

In the last decades, the demand for molecular tools for authenticating and tracing agri-food products has significantly increased. Food safety and quality have gained an increased interest for consumers, producers, and retailers, therefore, the availability of analytical methods for the determination of food authenticity and the detection of major adulterations takes on a fundamental role. Among the different molecular approaches, some techniques such as the molecular markers-based methods are well established, while some innovative approaches such as isothermal amplification-based methods and DNA metabarcoding have only recently found application in the agri-food sector. In this review, we provide an overview of the most widely used molecular techniques for fresh and processed agri-food authentication and traceability, showing their recent advances and applications and discussing their main advantages and limitations. The application of these techniques to agri-food traceability and authentication can contribute a great deal to the reassurance of consumers in terms of transparency and food safety and may allow producers and retailers to adequately promote their products.
Pacing Strategies of 1500 m Freestyle Swimmers in the World Championships According to Their Final Position
Authors: Lara Beatriz , Del Coso Juan
Published: July 2021

In 1500 m freestyle swimming races, pacing is generally represented by a parabolic or U-shaped curve indicating that swimming velocity is greatest at the start and the last laps of the race while swimmers maintain an even pace through the middle section of the race. However, there is no information to determine if 1500 m race winners select pacing different to other, less successful swimmers within the same competition. Therefore, this investigation aimed to describe the pacing strategies adopted by 1500 m freestyle competitive swimmers in World Championships (long course), from 2003 to 2019 to determine the most effective pacing to obtain victory or a medal. The official overall and split times for 1500 m freestyle races of the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) were obtained from the website of this organization. In total, data of 143 swimming performances (71 male and 72 female) were extracted. With the split times, lap times, and position were calculated across the race. To determine differences in the pacing between best- and worst-ranked finalist, swimmers in each race were divided into four groups based on the final position (1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd vs. 4–8th). All the lap times of the winners of the race were faster than those of participants classified as 4–8th position for men and women races (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in lap velocity among the different positions achieved at the end of the race when it was normalized by average race velocity. Additionally, there were no differences in the lap-to-lap variability among swimmers with different positions at the end of the race. In summary, both men and women elite swimmers selected parabolic pacing consisting of a fast start in the first lap, an even pace close to their average race velocity in the mid-section of the race (from 50 to 1400 m), followed by an end spurt in the final lap(s). This pattern was very similar in all finalists irrespective of the final position in the race. Hence, the obtaining of a medal in the World Championships was associated to possessing a faster average race velocity rather than a specific pacing profile through the race.
Individual Resilience Interventions: A Systematic Review in Adult Population Samples over the Last Decade
Authors: Ferreira Mafalda , Marques António , Gomes Paulo Veloso
Published: July 2021

Resilience interventions have been gaining importance among researchers due to their potential to provide well-being and reduce the prevalence of mental disorders that are becoming an increasing concern, especially in Western countries, because of the costs associated. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the intervention studies carried out in the last decade in adult population samples, evaluate their methodological quality and highlight the trends of these types of interventions. This review was performed using systematic literature searches in the following electronic databases: B-on, PubMed, PsycNet and Science Direct. The application of eligibility criteria resulted in the inclusion of 38 articles, of which 33 were randomized controlled trials and the other five were nonrandomized controlled studies. Although most studies showed statistical significance for their results, these were constrained by the great heterogeneity of the studies, the lack of power of the samples and their fair methodological quality. Therefore, it is important to consolidate the theoretical basis and standardize certain methodologies so that the effects of the interventions can be compared through a meta-analysis.
Effects of Acute Hypoxia on Lactate Thresholds and High-Intensity Endurance Performance—A Pilot Study
Authors: Faulhaber Martin , Gröbner Katharina , Rausch Linda , Gatterer Hannes , Menz Verena
Published: July 2021

The present project compared acute hypoxia-induced changes in lactate thresholds (methods according to Mader, Dickhuth and Cheng) with changes in high-intensity endurance performance. Six healthy and well-trained volunteers conducted graded cycle ergometer tests in normoxia and in acute normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude 3000 m) to determine power output at three lactate thresholds (PMader, PDickhuth, PCheng). Subsequently, participants performed two maximal 30-min cycling time trials in normoxia (test 1 for habituation) and one in normobaric hypoxia to determine mean power output (Pmean). PMader, PDickhuth and PCheng decreased significantly from normoxia to hypoxia by 18.9 ± 9.6%, 18.4 ± 7.3%, and 11.5 ± 6.0%, whereas Pmean decreased by only 8.3 ± 1.6%. Correlation analyses revealed strong and significant correlations between Pmean and PMader (r = 0.935), PDickhuth (r = 0.931) and PCheng (r = 0.977) in normoxia and partly weaker significant correlations between Pmean and PMader (r = 0.941), PDickhuth (r = 0.869) and PCheng (r = 0.887) in hypoxia. PMader and PCheng did not significantly differ from Pmean (p = 0.867 and p = 0.784) in normoxia, whereas this was only the case for PCheng (p = 0.284) in hypoxia. Although investigated in a small and select sample, the results suggest a cautious application of lactate thresholds for exercise intensity prescription in hypoxia.
The Effect of Providing Staff Training and Enhanced Support to Care Homes on Care Processes, Safety Climate and Avoidable Harms: Evaluation of a Care Home Quality Improvement Programme in England
Authors: Damery Sarah , Flanagan Sarah , Jones Janet , Jolly Kate
Published: July 2021

Older people living in care homes are at risk from avoidable harms, which may require hospital attendance or admission. This paper describes a mixed methods evaluation of a large quality improvement (QI) programme that provides skills training and facilitated support to staff in 29 care homes across two localities in the West Midlands, UK. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) is used to assess changes to care home safety climate between baseline and programme end at 24 months. We use routinely collected data to assess pre- and post-programme avoidable harms and hospital attendance/admission rates. Semi-structured interviews with programme managers (n = 18), and staff (n = 49) in four case study homes are also used to assess perspectives on programme implementation. Our results show that safety climate scores increase by 1.4 points. There are significant reductions in falls (p = 0.0006), severe pressure ulcers (p = 0.014), UTIs (p = 0.001) and ‘any’ events (p = 0.0003). Emergency hospital attendances reduced, but admissions increased. Interview participants report improvements to teamwork, working practices, information sharing, knowledge and skills. Upskilling care home staff can improve working practices and attitudes towards resident safety and care quality, which may be associated with significant reductions in avoidable harms rates. Care staff turnover rates are high, which may impact the potential for longer-term sustainability of the changes observed.
Clinical and Laboratory Features of JAK2 V617F, CALR, and MPL Mutations in Malaysian Patients with Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN)
Authors: Zulkeflee Razan Hayati , Zulkafli Zefarina , Johan Muhammad Farid , Husin Azlan , Islam Md Asiful , Hassan Rosline
Published: July 2021

Mutations of JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL genes confirm the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). This study aims to determine the genetic profile of JAK2V617F, CALR exon 9 Type 1 (52 bp deletion) and Type 2 (5 bp insertion), and MPL W515 L/K genes among Malaysian patients and correlate these mutations with clinical and hematologic parameters in MPN. Mutations of JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL were analyzed in 159 Malaysian patients using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, including 76 polycythemia vera (PV), 41 essential thrombocythemia (ET), and 42 primary myelofibrosis (PMF) mutations, and the demographics of the patients were retrieved. The result showed that 73.6% JAK2V617F, 5.66% CALR, and 27.7% were triple-negative mutations. No MPL W515L/K mutation was detected. In ET and PMF, the predominance type was the CALR Type 1 mutation. In JAK2V617F mutant patients, serum LDH was significantly higher in PMF compared to PV and ET. PV has a higher risk of evolving to post PV myelofibrosis compared to ET. A thrombotic event at initial diagnosis of 40.9% was high compared to global incidence. Only one PMF patient had a CALR mutation that transformed to acute myeloid leukemia. JAK2V617F and CALR mutations play an important role in diagnostics. Hence, every patient suspected of having a myeloproliferative neoplasm should be screened for these mutations.
Psychometric Properties of Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire-15 for Predicting Suicidal Ideation among Migrant Industrial Workers in China
Authors: Wang Rongxi , Chen Yexin , Hu Fan , Wang Zixin , Cao Bolin , Xu Chen , Yu Xiaoyue , Chang Ruijie , Wang Huwen , Chen Hui , Liu Yujie , Liu Shangbin , Hu Tian , Chen Yaqi , Zhang Kechun , Zou Huachun , Cai Yong
Published: July 2021

Objective: Interpersonal theories of suicide suggest that the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) can be used to measure suicidal ideation, but few studies have focused on migrant people, a group with a high prevalence of suicidal ideation. The aim of this study was to validate the psychometric properties of the INQ-15 and its prediction of suicidal ideation among migrant industrial workers in China. Method: A stratified multi-stage sample of 2023 industrial workers was recruited from 16 factories in Shenzhen, China. There were 1805 nonlocal workers, which we defined as migrant workers with a mean age of 32.50 ± 8.43 years old who were 67.3% male. The structure of the Chinese version of the INQ-15 and its correlation and predictive utility for suicidal ideation were examined through factor analysis, the Item Response Theory, the M2 test, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Different from studies among various samples in which a two-factor solution is identified, results within this sample indicated three factors: perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and social isolation. The model fit statistics of three-factor INQ were 0.075 for RMSEA, 0.945 for CFI, 0.932 for TLI, and 0.067 for SRMR. The model standard estimated factor loadings ranged from 0.366 to 0.869. The summed scores of INQ and perceived burdensomeness predicted suicidal ideation after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender, and income with AUC of 0.733 (95% CI: 0.712/0.754) and 0.786 (95% CI: 0.766/0.804). In the meantime, the comparison of the predictive ability between INQ total scores and PB scores was significant with p < 0.05. Conclusion: The INQ has good psychometric properties and can be used to assess how migrant workers living in the Shenzhen perceive meeting interpersonal psychological needs and shows good predictive ability of suicidal ideation. Perceived burdensomeness appears to play a role in suicide and may be a point of intervention, yet the notable deviation from previous findings and the relative weakness of two of the other factors warrant further study.
Understanding the Factors Related to Trauma-Induced Stress in Cancer Patients: A National Study of 17 Cancer Centers
Authors: Moore Matthew R. , Davis Cindy , Cadet Tamara , Harralson Tina , Dietzen Laura
Published: July 2021

Objective: Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), defined as continued trauma, has been found to negatively impact mental and physical health. Many cancer centers routinely assess level of psychological distress but assessment of symptoms related to PTSS is less routine. Understanding the mechanisms by which psychological distress results in, or influences, PTSS will aid in developing protocols to more effectively identify PTSS in cancer patients. Methods: Survey data were analyzed from intake data at 17 cancer centers across the U.S. Patients reported distress ratings on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer (DT), responded to questions related to intrusive cognitive symptoms of PTSS and provided information about current symptoms and social support systems. Hypotheses were tested using a conditional process model, and paths were provided for direct and indirect effects, including moderation and mediated moderation. Results: Findings indicated that, while distress scores were influential in the total model, the direct effect of distress on intrusive cognitive symptoms of PTSS was negated by the model’s indirect effects. The effects of social support and older age were independent protective factors, and there was a moderation effect that varied across groups. Lastly, physical cancer symptoms as a mediating variable further explained the relationship between psychological distress and intrusive cognitive symptoms of PTSS. Conclusions: Study results provide evidence for a potential mechanism by which distress relates to intrusive cognitive symptoms of PTSS. Furthermore, findings suggest that older age and social support may be protective factors for certain groups and risk factors for others. This study provides formative data for potential next steps that could lead to improvements in routine psychosocial screenings in cancer treatment settings.
A Theory of Information Trilogy: Digital Ecosystem Information Exchange Architecture
Authors: Gill Asif Qumer
Published: July 2021

Information sharing is a critical component of a distributed and multi-actor digital ecosystem (DE). DE actors, individuals and organisations, require seamless, effective, efficient, and secure architecture for exchanging information. Traditional point-to-point and ad hoc integrations hinder the ability of DE actors to do so. The challenge is figuring out how to enable information sharing in a complex DE. This paper addresses this important research challenge and proposes the theory of information trilogy and conceptual DE information exchange architecture, which is inspired by the study of nature and flow of matter, energy, and its states in natural ecosystems. This work is a part of the large DE information framework. The scope of this paper is limited to the emerging concept of DE information exchange. The application of the DE information exchange concept is demonstrated with the help of a geospatial information sharing case study example. The results from this paper can be used by researchers and practitioners for defining the DE information exchange as appropriate to their context. This work also complements Shannon’s mathematical theory of communication.
The Possible Role of Microorganisms in Mosquito Mass Rearing
Authors: Chersoni Luca , Checcucci Alice , Malfacini Marco , Puggioli Arianna , Balestrino Fabrizio , Carrieri Marco , Piunti Irene , Dindo Maria Luisa , Mattarelli Paola , Bellini Romeo
Published: July 2021

In Europe, one of the most significant mosquitoes of public health importance is Aedes albopictus (Skuse), an allochthonous species of Asian origin. One of the most promising control methods against Aedes albopictus is the sterile insect technique (SIT), which consists of mass rearing the target species, separation of males from females, and male exposure to sterilizing ionizing radiation. Once released in the environment, the sterile males are expected to search for wild females to mate with. If mating occurs, no offspring is produced. The quality of sterile males is a crucial aspect in SIT programs in order to optimize effectiveness and limit production costs. The integration of probiotic microorganisms in larval and adult mosquito diets could enhance the quality parameters of the released sterile males. In this review, we attempt to give the most representative picture of the present knowledge on the relationships between gut microbiota of mosquitoes and the natural or artificial larval diet. Furthermore, the possible use of probiotic microorganisms for mosquito larvae rearing is explored. Based on the limited amount of data found in the literature, we hypothesize that a better understanding of the interaction between mosquitoes and their microbiota may bring significant improvements in mosquito mass rearing for SIT purposes.
Are There Personality Differences between Rural vs. Urban-Living Individuals of a Specialist Ground Beetle, Carabus convexus?
Authors: Magura Tibor , Mizser Szabolcs , Horváth Roland , Nagy Dávid D. , Tóth Mária , Csicsek Réka , Lövei Gábor L.
Published: July 2021

The world-wide, rapid urbanization is leading to substantial changes in environmental and habitat conditions. These changes, as well as disturbances accompanying urbanization have considerable effects at various levels of the biological organization on wildlife. Understanding behavioral responses to such changes is essential for identifying which organisms may successfully adapt to the altered conditions. In this study, individuals of a forest specialist ground beetle, Carabus convexus, from rural and urban forest patches were tested for their exploratory and risk-taking behavior. Beetles responded consistently in the different contexts; furthermore, by behaving consistently over time, demonstrated that they had personalities. Agglomerative cluster analysis identified two groups of behavioral traits: the exploratory and the risk-taking dimension of personality. Urban females were significantly more exploratory than urban males which can be an adaptation to find high quality food needed to mature eggs in urban habitats, as well as to select favorable microsites for oviposition. Moreover, urban females and males showed more risk-taking behavior than rural females. Urban beetles with more risk-taking behavior may be better able to cope with frequent urbanization-driven disturbance events.
Contribution of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Regulation of Environmentally-Induced Polyphenism in Insects
Authors: Richard Gautier , Jaquiéry Julie , Le Trionnaire Gaël
Published: July 2021

Many insect species display a remarkable ability to produce discrete phenotypes in response to changes in environmental conditions. Such phenotypic plasticity is referred to as polyphenism. Seasonal, dispersal and caste polyphenisms correspond to the most-studied examples that are environmentally-induced in insects. Cues that induce such dramatic phenotypic changes are very diverse, ranging from seasonal cues, habitat quality changes or differential larval nutrition. Once these signals are perceived, they are transduced by the neuroendocrine system towards their target tissues where gene expression reprogramming underlying phenotypic changes occur. Epigenetic mechanisms are key regulators that allow for genome expression plasticity associated with such developmental switches. These mechanisms include DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling and histone post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) as well as non-coding RNAs and have been studied to various extents in insect polyphenism. Differential patterns of DNA methylation between phenotypes are usually correlated with changes in gene expression and alternative splicing events, especially in the cases of dispersal and caste polyphenism. Combinatorial patterns of histone PTMs provide phenotype-specific epigenomic landscape associated with the expression of specific transcriptional programs, as revealed during caste determination in honeybees and ants. Alternative phenotypes are also usually associated with specific non-coding RNA profiles. This review will provide a summary of the current knowledge of the epigenetic changes associated with polyphenism in insects and highlights the potential for these mechanisms to be key regulators of developmental transitions triggered by environmental cues.