bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De novo Whole-Genome Assembly of Moringa oleifera Helps Identify Genes Regulating Drought Stress Tolerance
Authors: Shyamli P Sushree , Pradhan Seema , Panda Mitrabinda , Parida Ajay
Published: December 2021

Abiotic stresses, especially drought stress, are responsible for heavy losses in productivity, which in turn poses an imminent threat for future food security. Understanding plants’ response to abiotic stress at the molecular level is crucially important for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Moringa oleifera is an important multipurpose plant with medicinal and nutritional properties and with an ability to grow in low water conditions, which makes the species an ideal candidate to study the regulatory mechanisms that modulate drought tolerance and its possible use in agroforestry system. In the present communication, we report whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of this species and assemble about 90% of the genome of M. oleifera var. Bhagya into 915 contigs with a N50 value of 4.7 Mb and predicted 32,062 putative protein-coding genes. After annotating the genome, we have chosen to study the heat shock transcription factor (HSF) family of genes to analyze their role in drought tolerance in M. oleifera. We predicted a total of 21 HSFs in the M. oleifera genome and carried out phylogenetic analyses, motif identification, analysis of gene duplication events, and differential expression of the HSF-coding genes in M. oleifera. Our analysis reveals that members of the HSF family have an important role in the plant’s response to abiotic stress and are viable candidates for further characterization.
Properties of a Transport Instrument for Measuring Psychological Impacts of Delay on Commuters, Mokken Scale Analysis
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi , Veenstra Cristopher , Cuccolo Kelly , Ferraro F. Richard
Published: December 2021

This study assessed the validity of instrument including various negative psychological and physical behaviors of commuters due to the public transport delay. Instruments have been mostly evaluated by parametric method of item response theory (IRT). However, the IRT has been characterized by some restrictive assumptions about the data, focusing on detailed model fit evaluation. The Mokken scale analysis (MSA), as a scaling procedure is a non-parametric method, which does not require adherence to any distribution. The results of the study show that in most regards, our instrument meets the minimum requirements highlighted by the MSA. However, the instrument did not adhere to the minimum requirements of the “scalability” for two variables including “stomach pain” and “increased heart rate”. So, modifications were proposed to address the violations. Although MSA technique has been used frequently in other fields, this is one of the earliest studies to implement the technique in the context of transport psychology.
Research on the Influence of Dynamic Work Environment on Employees’ Innovative Performance in the Post-epidemic Era – The Role of Job Crafting and Voice Behavior
Authors: Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2021

In today’s interconnected world, environmental uncertainty is higher than ever. Under the new economic normal, innovation-driven has become the key to the transformation and upgrading of various enterprises. Employees’ behavior affects the company’s innovative performance, but it is also deeply affected by the dynamic work environment. The sudden epidemic has greatly increased the environmental dynamics and uncertainties faced by individuals, and also caused many changes in individual behavior. However, the research on the mediating mechanism and boundary conditions of how the dynamic work environment affects employee behavior and results is relatively few. Based on uncertainty reduction theory and innovative performance theory, and following the research paradigm of “environment-behavior-performance,” a moderated mediation model with job crafting as the mediating variable and voice behavior as the moderating variable is constructed. Through the statistical analysis of 210 valid questionnaires for employees in different types of enterprises, the mechanism of how the dynamic work environment affects innovative performance by promoting employees to carry out job crafting is discussed. According to the test results, the dynamic work environment has a significant positive impact on individual innovative performance, and job crafting plays a mediating role in the relationship between the two. In addition, voice behavior positively moderate the relationship between dynamic work environment and job crafting, and the indirect relationship between dynamic work environment and innovative performance through job crafting.
Expanding the Reach of an Evidence-Based, System-Level, Racial Equity Intervention: Translating ACCURE to the Maternal Healthcare and Education Systems
Authors: Baker Stephanie L. , Black Kristin Z. , Dixon Crystal E. , Yongue Christina M. , Mason Hailey Nicole , McCarter Patrick , Manning Matthew , Hessmiller Joanne , Griesemer Ida , Garikipati Aditi , Eng Eugenia , Bullock Daniel Kelvin , Bosire Claire , Alexander Kimberly M. , Lightfoot Alexandra F.
Published: December 2021

The abundance of literature documenting the impact of racism on health disparities requires additional theoretical, statistical, and conceptual contributions to illustrate how anti-racist interventions can be an important strategy to reduce racial inequities and improve population health. Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity (ACCURE) was an NIH-funded intervention that utilized an antiracism lens and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to address Black-White disparities in cancer treatment completion. ACCURE emphasized change at the institutional level of healthcare systems through two primary principles of antiracism organizing: transparency and accountability. ACCURE was successful in eliminating the treatment completion disparity and improved completion rates for breast and lung cancer for all participants in the study. The structural nature of the ACCURE intervention creates an opportunity for applications in other health outcomes, as well as within educational institutions that represent social determinants of health. We are focusing on the maternal healthcare and K-12 education systems in particular because of the dire racial inequities faced by pregnant people and school-aged children. In this article, we hypothesize cross-systems translation of a system-level intervention exploring how key characteristics of ACCURE can be implemented in different institutions. Using core elements of ACCURE (i.e., community partners, milestone tracker, navigator, champion, and racial equity training), we present a framework that extends ACCURE's approach to the maternal healthcare and K-12 school systems. This framework provides practical, evidence-based antiracism strategies that can be applied and evaluated in other systems to address widespread structural inequities.
Public Opinion on Priorities Toward Fair Allocation of Ventilators During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Arshi Shahnam , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: December 2021

Background: The rapidly growing imbalance between supply and demand for ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the principles for fair allocation of scarce resources. Failing to address public views and concerns on the subject could fuel distrust. The objective of this study was to determine the priorities of the Iranian public toward the fair allocation of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This anonymous community-based national study was conducted from May 28 to Aug 20, 2020, in Iran. Data were collected via the Google Forms platform, using an online self-administrative questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed participants' assigned prioritization scores for ventilators based on medical and non-medical criteria. To quantify participants' responses on prioritizing ventilator allocation among sub-groups of patients with COVID-19 who need mechanical ventilation scores ranging from −2, very low priority, to +2, very high priority were assigned to each response.

Results: Responses of 2,043 participants, 1,189 women, and 1,012 men, were analyzed. The mean (SD) age was 31.1 (9.5), being 32.1 (9.3) among women, and 29.9 (9.6) among men. Among all participants, 274 (13.4%) were healthcare workers. The median of assigned priority score was zero (equal) for gender, age 41–80, nationality, religion, socioeconomic, high-profile governmental position, high-profile occupation, being celebrities, employment status, smoking status, drug abuse, end-stage status, and obesity. The median assigned priority score was +2 (very high priority) for pregnancy, and having <2 years old children. The median assigned priority score was +1 (high priority) for physicians and nurses of patients with COVID-19, patients with nobel research position, those aged <40 years, those with underlying disease, immunocompromise status, and malignancy. Age>80 was the only factor participants assigned −1 (low priority) to.

Conclusions: Participants stated that socioeconomic factors, except for age>80, should not be involved in prioritizing mechanical ventilators at the time of resources scarcity. Front-line physicians and nurses of COVID-19 patients, pregnant mothers, mothers who had children under 2 years old were given high priority.
Self-Organising Map Based Framework for Investigating Accounts Suspected of Money Laundering
Authors: Alshantti Abdallah , Rasheed Adil
Published: December 2021

There has been an emerging interest by financial institutions to develop advanced systems that can help enhance their anti-money laundering (AML) programmes. In this study, we present a self-organising map (SOM) based approach to predict which bank accounts are possibly involved in money laundering cases, given their financial transaction histories. Our method takes advantage of the competitive and adaptive properties of SOM to represent the accounts in a lower-dimensional space. Subsequently, categorising the SOM and the accounts into money laundering risk levels and proposing investigative strategies enables us to measure the classification performance. Our results indicate that our framework is well capable of identifying suspicious accounts already investigated by our partner bank, using both proposed investigation strategies. We further validate our model by analysing the performance when modifying different parameters in our dataset.
Case Report: Creeping Growth in Lymphoplasmacyte-Rich Meningioma—A Radiologic Variant
Authors: Li Jiuhong , Zan Xin , Feng Min , Deng Xueyun , Zhang Si , Liu Wenke
Published: December 2021

Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (LRM) is a rare histologic subtype of meningioma. Creeping-growth pattern is uncommon in meningioma, and the mechanism is unclear. Here, we report a 44-year-old man presented with extremities weakness for 2 months and incontinence for 2 weeks. Head and neck MRI revealed diffuse creeping-growth nodular meningeal masses with skull base, tentorium, sella area, and C1-6 vertebral plane involvement. An operation was carried out, cervical and lower clivus part of the lesion was resected, but gross total resection could not be achieved due to the widespread lesions. Pathologic examination revealed the diagnosis of LRM. The patient is free from progression clinically 3 months postoperatively. We also conducted a systematic literature review about LRM with creeping-growth pattern. A total of only nine cases (including the present case) of creeping-growth LRMs were included and analyzed in terms of clinical manifestations, radiological features, treatment, and outcome. LRMs show a higher rate (7.5%) of creeping-growth pattern than other types of meningiomas. The average creeping length of all creeping-growth LRMs was 11.4 ± 10.9 cm (range, 3–30 cm). Most cases (66.7%) had obvious peritumoral edema. Total removal rate is low (33.3%), and two of them (22.2%) received biopsy, followed by steroids treatment (or further immunosuppressive drugs therapy) and radiotherapy. The recurrence rate is higher than conventional LRMs (22.2 vs. 11.3%), and one patient (11.1%) died 11 months after treatment. Creeping-growth pattern in LRM may be considered as a general radiologic variant. The recurrence rate is higher compared with LRM with round/swelling pattern. We speculated that the pathogenesis of creeping growth in LRM may be associated with damage of lymphatic systems of the central nervous system.
“State of the Mewnion”: Practices of Feral Cat Care and Advocacy Organizations in the United States
Authors: Aeluro Sabrina , Buchanan Jennifer M. , Boone John D. , Rabinowitz Peter M.
Published: December 2021

Over the last several decades, feral cats have moved from the fringes to the mainstream in animal welfare and sheltering. Although many best practice guidelines have been published by national non-profits and veterinary bodies, little is known about how groups “in the trenches” actually operate. Our study sought to address that gap through an online survey of feral cat care and advocacy organizations based in the United States. Advertised as “The State of the Mewnion,” its topics included a range of issues spanning non-profit administration, public health, caretaking and trapping, adoptions of friendly kittens and cats, veterinary medical procedures and policies, data collection and program efficacy metrics, research engagement and interest, and relationships with wildlife advocates and animal control agencies. Respondents from 567 organizations participated, making this the largest and most comprehensive study on this topic to date. Respondents came primarily from grassroots organizations. A majority reported no paid employees (74.6%), served 499 or fewer feral cats per year (75.0%), engaged between 1 and 9 active volunteers (54.9%), and did not operate a brick and mortar facility (63.7%). Some of our findings demonstrate a shared community of practice, including the common use of a minimum weight of 2.0 pounds for spay/neuter eligibility, left side ear tip removals to indicate sterilization, recovery holding times after surgery commonly reported as 1 night for male cats and 1 or 2 nights for females, requiring or recommending to adopters of socialized kittens/cats that they be kept indoor-only, and less than a quarter still engaging in routine testing of cats for FIV and FeLV. Our survey also reveals areas for improvement, such as most organizations lacking a declared goal with a measurable value and a time frame, only sometimes scanning cats for microchips, and about a third not using a standardized injection site for vaccines. This study paints the clearest picture yet available of what constitutes the standard practices of organizations serving feral and community cats in the United States.
Modeling the Effect of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Australian Beef Herds
Authors: Fountain Jake , Hernandez-Jover Marta , Kirkeby Carsten , Halasa Tariq , Manyweathers Jennifer , Maru Yiheyis , Brookes Victoria
Published: December 2021

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an economically important disease in Australian beef farming. The disease typically results in low-level production losses that can be difficult to detect for several years. Simulation modeling can be used to support the decision to control BVDV; however, current BVDV simulation models do not adequately reflect the extensive farming environment of Australian beef production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a disease simulation model to explore the impact of BVDV on beef cattle production in south-east Australia. A dynamic, individual-based, stochastic, discrete-time simulation model was created to simulate within-herd transmission of BVDV in a seasonal, self-replacing beef herd. We used the model to simulate the effect of herd size and BVDV introduction time on disease transmission and assessed the short- and long-term impact of BVDV on production outputs that influence the economic performance of beef farms. We found that BVDV can become established in a herd after a single PI introduction in 60% of cases, most frequently associated with the breeding period. The initial impact of BVDV will be more severe in smaller herds, although self-elimination is more likely in small herds than in larger herds, in which there is a 23% chance that the virus can persist for >15 years following a single incursion in a herd with 800 breeders. The number and weight of steers sold was reduced in the presence of BVDV and the results demonstrated that repeat incursions exacerbate long-term production losses, even when annual losses appear marginal. This model reflects the short- and long-term production losses attributed to BVDV in beef herds in southeast Australia and provides a foundation from which the influence and economic utility of BVDV prevention in Australian beef herds can be assessed.
Diverse Approaches to Creating and Using Causal Loop Diagrams in Public Health Research: Recommendations From a Scoping Review
Authors: Baugh Littlejohns Lori , Hill Carly , Neudorf Cory
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Complex systems thinking methods are increasingly called for and used as analytical lenses in public health research. The use of qualitative system mapping and in particular, causal loop diagrams (CLDs) is described as one promising method or tool. To our knowledge there are no published literature reviews that synthesize public health research regarding how CLDs are created and used.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review to address this gap in the public health literature. Inclusion criteria included: 1) focused on public health research, 2) peer reviewed journal article, 3) described and/or created a CLD, and 4) published in English from January 2018 to March 2021. Twenty-three articles were selected from the search strategy.

Results: CLDs were described as a new tool and were based upon primary and secondary data, researcher driven and group processes, and numerous data analysis methods and frameworks. Intended uses of CLDs ranged from illustrating complexity to informing policy and practice.

Conclusion: From our learnings we propose nine recommendations for building knowledge and skill in creating and using CLDs for future public health research.
SMARCA4-Deficient Carcinoma of Uterine Cervix Resembling SCCOHT—Case Report
Authors: Sirák Igor , Laco Jan , Vošmiková Hana , Mell Loren K. , Herrera Fernanda G. , Šenkeříková Mária , Vošmik Milan
Published: December 2021

Small cell carcinoma of hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare gynaecological neoplasm, originating mostly in the ovaries. Cervical origin of this very aggressive malignancy with unknown histogenesis is an extremely rare condition, without published management recommendations. Alterations in SMARCA4 gene are supposed to play the major role in SCCOHT oncogenesis and their identification is crucial for the diagnosis. Adequate genetic counselling of the patients and their families seems to be of great importance. Optimal management and treatment approaches are not known yet but may extremely influence the prognosis of young female patients that suffer from this very resistant disease. Nowadays, a translational research seems to be the key for the further diagnostic and treatment strategies of SCCOHT. The purpose of the case report is to provide practical information and useful recommendations on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of SMARCA4-deficient carcinoma of the uterine cervix resembling SCCOHT.
Faster Provable Sieving Algorithms for the Shortest Vector Problem and the Closest Vector Problem on Lattices in ℓp Norm
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Priyanka
Published: December 2021

In this work, we give provable sieving algorithms for the Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) and the Closest Vector Problem (CVP) on lattices in ℓp norm (1≤p≤∞). The running time we obtain is better than existing provable sieving algorithms. We give a new linear sieving procedure that works for all ℓp norm (1≤p≤∞). The main idea is to divide the space into hypercubes such that each vector can be mapped efficiently to a sub-region. We achieve a time complexity of 22.751n+o(n), which is much less than the 23.849n+o(n) complexity of the previous best algorithm. We also introduce a mixed sieving procedure, where a point is mapped to a hypercube within a ball and then a quadratic sieve is performed within each hypercube. This improves the running time, especially in the ℓ2 norm, where we achieve a time complexity of 22.25n+o(n), while the List Sieve Birthday algorithm has a running time of 22.465n+o(n). We adopt our sieving techniques to approximation algorithms for SVP and CVP in ℓp norm (1≤p≤∞) and show that our algorithm has a running time of 22.001n+o(n), while previous algorithms have a time complexity of 23.169n+o(n).
Resource Allocation for Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces Assisted Federated Learning System with Imperfect CSI
Authors: Huang Wei , Han Zhiren , Zhao Li , Xu Hongbo , Li Zhongnian , Wang Ze
Published: December 2021

Due to its ability to significantly improve the wireless communication efficiency, the intelligent reflective surface (IRS) has aroused widespread research interest. However, it is a challenge to obtain perfect channel state information (CSI) for IRS-related channels due to the lack of the ability to send, receive, and process signals at IRS. Since most of the existing channel estimation methods are developed to obtain cascaded base station (BS)-IRS-user devices (UDs) channel, this paper studies the problem of computation and communication resource allocation of the IRS-assisted federated learning (FL) system based on the imperfect CSI. Specifically, we take the statistical CSI error model into consideration and formulate the training time minimization problem subject to the rate outage probability constraints. In order to solve this issue, the semi-definite relaxation (SDR) and the constrained concave convex procedure (CCCP) are invoked to transform it into a convex problem. Subsequently, a low-complexity algorithm is proposed to minimize the delay of the FL system. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm effectively reduces the training time of the FL system base on imperfect CSI.
Multi-Objective and Multi-Phase 4D Trajectory Optimization for Climate Mitigation-Oriented Flight Planning
Authors: Vitali Alessio , Battipede Manuela , Lerro Angelo
Published: December 2021

Aviation contribution to global warming and anthropogenic climate change is increasing every year. To reverse this trend, it is crucial to identify greener alternatives to current aviation technologies and paradigms. Research in aircraft operations can provide a swift response to new environmental requirements, being easier to exploit on current fleets. This paper presents the development of a multi-objective and multi-phase 4D trajectory optimization tool to be integrated within a Flight Management System of a commercial aircraft capable of performing 4D trajectory tracking in a Free Route Airspace context. The optimization algorithm is based on a Chebyshev pseudospectral method, adapted to perform a multi-objective optimization with the two objectives being the Direct Operating Cost and the climate cost of a climb-cruise-descent trajectory. The climate cost function applies the Global Warming Potential metric to derive a comprehensive cost index that includes the climate forcing produced by CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, and by the formation of aircraft-induced clouds. The output of the optimization tool is a set of Pareto-optimal 4D trajectories among which the aircraft operator can choose the best solution that satisfies both its economic and environmental goals.
A System Dynamics Prediction Model of Airport Environmental Carrying Capacity: Airport Development Mode Planning and Case Study
Authors: Peng Qiuping , Wan Lili , Zhang Tianci , Wang Zhan , Tian Yong
Published: December 2021

Airport environmental carrying capacity (AECC) provides the fundamental conditions for airport development and operation activities. The prediction of AECC is a necessary condition for planning an appropriate development mode for the airport. This paper studies the dynamic prediction method of the AECC to explore the development characteristics of AECC in different airports. Based on the driving force-pressure-state-response (DPSR) framework, the method selects 17 main variables from economic, social, environmental and operational dimensions, and then combines the drawing of causal loop diagrams and the establishment of system flow diagrams to construct the system dynamics (SD) model of AECC. The predicted values of AECC are obtained through SD model simulation and accelerated genetic algorithm projection pursuit (AGA-PP) model calculation. Considering sustainable development needs, different scenarios are set to analyze the appropriate development mode of the airport. The case study of the Pearl River Delta airports resulted in two main conclusions. First, in the same economic zone, different airports with similar aircraft movements have similar development characteristics of AECC. Second, the appropriate development modes for different airports are different, and the appropriate development modes for the airport in different periods are also different. The case study also proves that the AECC prediction based on SD model and AGA-PP model can realize short-term policy formulation and long-term planning for the airport development mode, and provide decision-making support for relevant departments of airport.
A Pilot Study on the 1H-NMR Serum Metabolic Profile of Takotsubo Patients Reveals Systemic Response to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Vanni Domitilla , Viceconte Nicola , Petrella Greta , Biccirè Flavio Giuseppe , Pelliccia Francesco , Tanzilli Gaetano , Cicero Daniel Oscar
Published: December 2021

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) presents as an acute coronary syndrome characterized by severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and non-obstructive coronary artery disease that typically shows spontaneous recovery within days or weeks. The mechanisms behind TTS are mainly related to beta-adrenergic overstimulation and acute endogenous catecholamine surge, both of which could increase oxidative status that may induce further deterioration of cardiac function. Although several studies reported evidence of inflammation and oxidative stress overload in myocardial tissue of TTS models, systemic biochemical evidence of augmented oxidant activity in patients with TTS is lacking. In this study, serum samples of ten TTS patients and ten controls have been analyzed using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The results of this pilot study show a marked alteration in the systemic metabolic profile of TTS patients, mainly characterized by significant elevation of ketone bodies, 2-hydroxybutyrate, acetyl-L-carnitine, and glutamate levels, in contrast with a decrease of several amino acid levels. The overall metabolic fingerprint reflects a systemic response to oxidative stress caused by the stressor that triggered the syndrome’s onset.
Oxidative Damage Induced by Phototoxic Pheophorbide a 17-Diethylene Glycol Ester Encapsulated in PLGA Nanoparticles
Authors: Mollaeva Mariia R. , Nikolskaya Elena , Beganovskaya Veronika , Sokol Maria , Chirkina Margarita , Obydennyi Sergey , Belykh Dmitry , Startseva Olga , Mollaev Murad D. , Yabbarov Nikita
Published: December 2021

Pheophorbide a 17-diethylene glycol ester (XL-8), is a promising high-active derivative of known photosensitizer chlorin e6 used in photodynamic therapy. However, high lipophilicity and poor tumor accumulation limit XL-8 therapeutic application. We developed a novel XL-8 loaded with poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles using the single emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles possessed high XL-8 loading content (4.6%) and encapsulation efficiency (87.7%) and a small size (182 ± 19 nm), and negative surface charge (−22.2 ± 3.8 mV) contributed to a specific intracellular accumulation. Sustained biphasic XL-8 release from nanoparticles enhanced the photosensitizer photostability upon irradiation that could potentially reduce the quantity of the drug applied. Additionally, the encapsulation of XL-8 in the polymer matrix preserved phototoxic activity of the payload. The nanoparticles displayed enhanced cellular internalization. Flow cytometry and confocal laser-scanning microscopy studies revealed rapid XL-8 loaded nanoparticles distribution throughout the cell and initiation of DNA damage, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation via reactive oxygen species formation. The novel nanoformulated XL-8 simultaneously revealed a significant phototoxicity accompanied with enhanced photostability, in contrast with traditional photosensitizers, and demonstrated a great potential for further in vivo studies.
Comparison of the Content of Selected Bioactive Components and Antiradical Properties in Yoghurts Enriched with Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) and Chia Seeds Soaked in Apple Juice
Authors: Drużyńska Beata , Wołosiak Rafał , Grzebalska Monika , Majewska Ewa , Ciecierska Marta , Worobiej Elwira
Published: December 2021

Due to the fact that consumers are looking for new, health-promoting products, there is a growing interest in various ingredients with a high biological activity that could enrich conventional foods. As is known, chia seeds are a rich source of various health-promoting compounds. The objective of this study was to determine the content of selected biologically active compounds and their antioxidant properties by means of DPPH●, ABTS+●, and the ability to chelate Fe (II) ions in chia seeds and yoghurts with the addition of these seeds and seeds soaked in apple juice. It was found that chia seeds are a rich source of bioactive ingredients with beneficial effects on human health—especially polyphenols. All the extracts showed antioxidant properties against the radicals used. The addition of seeds to yoghurt contributed to the presence of polyphenols, while soaking in apple juice resulted in a higher content of polyphenols in yoghurts. The enriched yoghurt extracts showed antioxidant properties against DPPH radicals and the ability to chelate Fe (II) ions. The addition of seeds soaked in apple juice significantly influenced the antioxidant activity against ABTS radicals. The addition of seeds (plain and soaked) did not cause significant changes in the pH of the yoghurts.
Diet and Gut Microbiota Interaction-Derived Metabolites and Intrahepatic Immune Response in NAFLD Development and Treatment
Authors: Yang Ming , Khoukaz Lea , Qi Xiaoqiang , Kimchi Eric T. , Staveley-O’Carroll Kevin F. , Li Guangfu
Published: December 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with pathogenesis ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to the advanced form of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) affects about 25% of the global population. NAFLD is a chronic liver disease associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which is the most increasing factor that causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although advanced progress has been made in exploring the pathogenesis of NAFLD and penitential therapeutic targets, no therapeutic agent has been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. Gut microbiota-derived components and metabolites play pivotal roles in shaping intrahepatic immunity during the progression of NAFLD or NASH. With the advance of techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), each subtype of immune cells in the liver has been studied to explore their roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In addition, new molecules involved in gut microbiota-mediated effects on NAFLD are found. Based on these findings, we first summarized the interaction of diet-gut microbiota-derived metabolites and activation of intrahepatic immunity during NAFLD development and progression. Treatment options by targeting gut microbiota and important molecular signaling pathways are then discussed. Finally, undergoing clinical trials are selected to present the potential application of treatments against NAFLD or NASH.
The Role of Type I and Type II NKT Cells in Materno-Fetal Immunity
Authors: Miko Eva , Barakonyi Aliz , Meggyes Matyas , Szereday Laszlo
Published: December 2021

NKT cells represent a small but significant immune cell population as being a part of and bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Their ability to exert strong immune responses via cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion makes them significant immune effectors. Since pregnancy requires unconventional maternal immunity with a tolerogenic phenotype, investigation of the possible role of NKT cells in materno-fetal immune tolerance mechanisms is of particular importance. This review aims to summarize and organize the findings of previous studies in this field. Data and information about NKT cells from mice and humans will be presented, focusing on NKT cells characteristics during normal pregnancy in the periphery and at the materno-fetal interface and their possible involvement in female reproductive failure and pregnancy complications with an immunological background.
Epigenome-Wide Histone Acetylation Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Bompada Pradeep , Goncalves Isabel , Wu Chuanyan , Gao Rui , Sun Jiangming , Mir Bilal Ahmad , Luan Cheng , Renström Erik , Groop Leif , Weng Jianping , Hansson Ola , Edsfeldt Andreas , De Marinis Yang
Published: December 2021

There is emerging evidence of an association between epigenetic modifications, glycemic control and atherosclerosis risk. In this study, we mapped genome-wide epigenetic changes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and advanced atherosclerotic disease. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) using a histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) mark in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with atherosclerosis with T2D (n = 8) or without T2D (ND, n = 10). We mapped epigenome changes and identified 23,394 and 13,133 peaks in ND and T2D individuals, respectively. Out of all the peaks, 753 domains near the transcription start site (TSS) were unique to T2D. We found that T2D in atherosclerosis leads to an H3K9ac increase in 118, and loss in 63 genomic regions. Furthermore, we discovered an association between the genomic locations of significant H3K9ac changes with genetic variants identified in previous T2D GWAS. The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) rs7903146, together with several human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants, were among the domains with the most dramatic changes of H3K9ac enrichments. Pathway analysis revealed multiple activated pathways involved in immunity, including type 1 diabetes. Our results present novel evidence on the interaction between genetics and epigenetics, as well as epigenetic changes related to immunity in patients with T2D and advanced atherosclerotic disease.
Polyphenols as Antioxidants for Extending Food Shelf-Life and in the Prevention of Health Diseases: Encapsulation and Interfacial Phenomena
Authors: Costa Marlene , Sezgin-Bayindir Zerrin , Losada-Barreiro Sonia , Paiva-Martins Fátima , Saso Luciano , Bravo-Díaz Carlos
Published: December 2021

Toxicity caused by the exposure to human-made chemicals and environmental conditions has become a major health concern because they may significantly increase the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), negatively affecting the endogenous antioxidant defense. Living systems have evolved complex antioxidant mechanisms to protect cells from oxidative conditions. Although oxidative stress contributes to various pathologies, the intake of molecules such as polyphenols, obtained from natural sources, may limit their effects because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against lipid peroxidation and against a broad range of foodborne pathogens. Ingestion of polyphenol-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help to reduce the harmful effects of ROS, but the use of supramolecular and nanomaterials as delivery systems has emerged as an efficient method to improve their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. Suitable exogenous polyphenolic antioxidants should be readily absorbed and delivered to sites where pathological oxidative damage may take place, for instance, intracellular locations. Many potential antioxidants have a poor bioavailability, but they can be encapsulated to improve their ideal solubility and permeability profile. Development of effective antioxidant strategies requires the creation of new nanoscale drug delivery systems to significantly reduce oxidative stress. In this review we provide an overview of the oxidative stress process, highlight some properties of ROS, and discuss the role of natural polyphenols as bioactives in controlling the overproduction of ROS and bacterial and fungal growth, paying special attention to their encapsulation in suitable delivery systems and to their location in colloidal systems where interfaces play a crucial role.
Solvent and Substituent Effect on Selectivity of Triphenylether-Based Ionophores: A Voltammetric Study
Authors: Mittal Susheel K. , Gupta Shivali , Chhibber Manmohan
Published: December 2021

The past two decades have seen considerable attention given to chemical sensing due to its quick, reproducible, and accurate results. These are extensively used for the detection of cations and anions in different environmental matrices. Organic-molecule-based sensors have proved to be a great promising tool in determining target species. This communication demonstrates the use of triphenylether derivatives (L1–L4) as receptors for the sensing of cations and anions, using voltammetry as a sensing tool. The effect of the oxidative/reductive nature of the ionophores and, hence, their selectivity behavior was studied in MeCN and MeOH solvents. Three receptors (L2–L4) responded selectively towards cyanide ions following the intramolecular charge-transfer mechanism, while sensing in the case of L1 was not studied because it lacked a proper cavity size.
The PGRMC1 Antagonist AG-205 Inhibits Synthesis of Galactosylceramide and Sulfatide
Authors: Wang-Eckhardt Lihua , Becker Ivonne , Eckhardt Matthias
Published: December 2021

Sulfatide synthesis in the human renal cancer cell line SMKT-R3 was strongly inhibited in the presence of low µM concentrations of AG-205, a progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) antagonist. This was also the case in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably transfected with UDP-galactose: ceramide galactosyltransferase and cerebroside sulfotransferase, the two enzymes required for sulfatide synthesis. In CHO cells synthesizing galactosylceramide but not sulfatide, galactosylceramide was also strongly reduced, suggesting an effect at the level of galactolipid synthesis. Notably, AG-205 inhibited galactosylceramide synthesis to a similar extent in wild type CHO cells and cells that lack PGRMC1 and/or PGRMC2. In vitro enzyme activity assays showed that AG-205 is an inhibitor of UDP-galactose: ceramide galactosyltransferase, but not cerebroside sulfotransferase. This study shows that PGRMC1 is only one of several targets of AG-205 and should be used with caution, especially in studies using cells synthesizing galactosylceramide and sulfatide.
A Model System for Sensitive Detection of Viable E. coli Bacteria Combining Direct Viability PCR and a Novel Microarray-Based Detection Approach
Authors: Lehniger Lydia , Rudloff Anne , Pollok Sibyll , Große Norman , Wessel Kristin , Brendel Monique , Popp Jürgen , Weber Karina
Published: December 2021

We established an innovative approach that included direct, viability, and nested PCR for rapid and reliable identification of the fecal indicator organism Escherichia coli (E. coli). Direct PCR enabled successful amplification of the target uidA gene, omitting a prior DNA isolation or purification step. Furthermore, we applied viability PCR (v-PCR) to ensure the detection of only relevant viable bacterial cells. The principle involves the binding of propidium monoazide (PMA), a selective nucleic acid intercalating dye, to accessible DNA of heat killed bacteria cells and, consequently, allows viable and heat killed E. coli cells to be discriminated. To ensure high sensitivity, direct v-PCR was followed by a nested PCR step. The resulting amplicons were analyzed by a rapid 30 min microarray-based DNA hybridization assay for species-specific DNA detection of E. coli. A positive signal was indicated by enzymatically generated silver nanoparticle deposits, which served as robust endpoint signals allowing an immediate visual readout. The presented novel protocol allows the detection of 1 × 101 viable E. coli cells per PCR run.
Mass Media as a Mirror of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yakunin Kirill , Mukhamediev Ravil I. , Zaitseva Elena , Levashenko Vitaly , Yelis Marina , Symagulov Adilkhan , Kuchin Yan , Muhamedijeva Elena , Aubakirov Margulan , Gopejenko Viktors
Published: December 2021

The media plays an important role in disseminating facts and knowledge to the public at critical times, and the COVID-19 pandemic is a good example of such a period. This research is devoted to performing a comparative analysis of the representation of topics connected with the pandemic in the internet media of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. The main goal of the research is to propose a method that would make it possible to analyze the correlation between mass media dynamic indicators and the World Health Organization COVID-19 data. In order to solve the task, three approaches related to the representation of mass media dynamics in numerical form—automatically obtained topics, average sentiment, and dynamic indicators—were proposed and applied according to a manually selected list of search queries. The results of the analysis indicate similarities and differences in the ways in which the epidemiological situation is reflected in publications in Russia and in Kazakhstan. In particular, the publication activity in both countries correlates with the absolute indicators, such as the daily number of new infections, and the daily number of deaths. However, mass media tend to ignore the positive rate of confirmed cases and the virus reproduction rate. If we consider strictness of quarantine measures, mass media in Russia show a rather high correlation, while in Kazakhstan, the correlation is much lower. Analysis of search queries revealed that in Kazakhstan the problem of fake news and disinformation is more acute during periods of deterioration of the epidemiological situation, when the level of crime and poverty increase. The novelty of this work is the proposal and implementation of a method that allows the performing of a comparative analysis of objective COVID-19 statistics and several mass media indicators. In addition, it is the first time that such a comparative analysis, between different countries, has been performed on a corpus in a language other than English.
Delivery of Virtual Care in Oncology: Province-Wide Interprofessional Consensus Statements Using a Modified Delphi Process
Authors: Cheung Matthew C. , Franco Bryan B. , Meti Nicholas , Thawer Alia , Tahmasebi Houman , Shankar Adithya , Loblaw Andrew , Wright Frances C. , Fox Colleen , Peek Naomi , Sim Vivian , Singh Simron
Published: December 2021

Virtual cancer care (i.e., teleoncology) was rapidly adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the needs of patients with cancer. However, there is a paucity of guidance for clinicians regarding virtual cancer care. We sought to develop consensus-based statements to guide the optimal provision of virtual care for clinicians caring for patients with cancer, using a modified Delphi consensus process with a 29-member panel consisting of an interprofessional group of clinicians caring for patients with cancer and patient representatives. The consensus process consisted of two rounds and one synchronous final consensus meeting. At the end of the modified Delphi process, 62 of 62 statements achieved consensus. Fifty-seven statements reached consensus in the first round of the process. Concerns regarding the ability to convey difficult news virtually and maintaining similar standards as in-person care without disproportionate strain on clinicians and patients were addressed in the consensus process. We achieved interprofessional consensus on virtual cancer care practices. Further research examining the impact of virtual cancer care on person-centred and clinical outcomes are needed to inform practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Optimal Breast Density Characterization Using a Three-Dimensional Automated Breast Densitometry System
Authors: Yoshida Reika , Yamauchi Takenori , Akashi-Tanaka Sadako , Matsuyanagi Misaki , Taruno Kanae , Sawada Terumasa , Kokaze Akatsuki , Nakamura Seigo
Published: December 2021

Dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer. Assessment of breast density is important and radiologist-dependent. We objectively measured mammographic density using the three-dimensional automatic mammographic density measurement device Volpara™ and examined the criteria for combined use of ultrasonography (US). Of 1227 patients who underwent primary breast cancer surgery between January 2019 and April 2021 at our hospital, 441 were included. A case series study was conducted based on patient age, diagnostic accuracy, effects of mammography (MMG) combined with US, size of invasion, and calcifications. The mean density of both breasts according to the Volpara Density Grade (VDG) was 0–3.4% in 2 patients, 3.5–7.4% in 55 patients, 7.5–15.4% in 173 patients, and ≥15.5% in 211 patients. Breast density tended to be higher in younger patients. Diagnostic accuracy of MMG tended to decrease with increasing breast density. US detection rates were not associated with VDG on MMG and were favorable at all densities. The risk of a non-detected result was high in patients without malignant suspicious calcifications. Supplementary use of US for patients without suspicious calcifications on MMG and high breast density, particularly ≥25.5%, could improve the breast cancer detection rate.
Cryptocurrency Market Consolidation in 2020–2021
Authors: Kwapień Jarosław , Wątorek Marcin , Drożdż Stanisław
Published: December 2021

Time series of price returns for 80 of the most liquid cryptocurrencies listed on Binance are investigated for the presence of detrended cross-correlations. A spectral analysis of the detrended correlation matrix and a topological analysis of the minimal spanning trees calculated based on this matrix are applied for different positions of a moving window. The cryptocurrencies become more strongly cross-correlated among themselves than they used to be before. The average cross-correlations increase with time on a specific time scale in a way that resembles the Epps effect amplification when going from past to present. The minimal spanning trees also change their topology and, for the short time scales, they become more centralized with increasing maximum node degrees, while for the long time scales they become more distributed, but also more correlated at the same time. Apart from the inter-market dependencies, the detrended cross-correlations between the cryptocurrency market and some traditional markets, like the stock markets, commodity markets, and Forex, are also analyzed. The cryptocurrency market shows higher levels of cross-correlations with the other markets during the same turbulent periods, in which it is strongly cross-correlated itself.