bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Plasma Elabela Levels in Hypertensive Patients With Heart Failure Predict the Occurrence of Major Adverse Cardiac Events: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ma Zheng , Zhao Lei , Martin Sara , Zhang Yeping , Dong Ying , Zhong Jiu-Chang , Yang Xin-Chun
Published: March 2021

Background: Elabela, a novel cardiac developmental peptide, has been shown to improve heart dysfunction. However, the roles and correlation of Elabela in predicting adverse cardiac events in hypertensive patients with heart failure (HF) remain largely unclear.

Objective: To measure plasma levels of Elabela in hypertensive patients with HF and evaluate its prognostic value.

Methods: A single-site, cohort, prospective, observational study was investigated with all subjects, including control subjects and hypertensive patients with or without HF, whom were recruited in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University form October 2018 to July 2019. The subjects among different groups were matched based on age and sex. The clinical characteristics were collected, and plasma Elabela levels were detected in all subjects. The hypertensive patients with HF were followed up for 180 days, and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded. The Cox regression was used to explore the correlation between Elabela level and MACE in hypertensive patients with or without HF. The receiver operating characteristic curves were used to access the predictive power of plasma Elabela level.

Results: A total of 308 subjects, including 40 control subjects, 134 hypertensive patients without HF, and 134 hypertensive patients with HF were enrolled in this study. Plasma levels of Elabela were lower in hypertensive patients compared with control subjects [4.9 (2.8, 6.7) vs. 11.8 (9.8, 14.0) ng/ml, P < 0.001]. Furthermore, HF patients with preserved ejection fraction had a higher plasma Elabela level than those with impaired left ventricular systolic function (heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction). The hypertensive patients with HF and higher plasma Elabela levels had a better readmission-free and MACE-free survival than those with lower plasma Elabela levels in survival analysis. The Cox regression analysis revealed that plasma Elabela levels were negatively associated with MACE (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.99, P = 0.048) in hypertensive patients with HF.

Conclusion: Plasma Elabela levels were decreased in hypertensive patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Thus, Elabela may be potentially used as a novel predictor for MACE in hypertensive patients with HF.
High Variability of Molecular Isoforms of AMH in Follicular Fluid and Granulosa Cells From Human Small Antral Follicles
Authors: Mamsen Linn Salto , Bøtkjær Jane Alrø , Kristensen Stine Gry , Pors Susanne Elisabeth , Jeppesen Janni Vikkelsø , Kumar Ajay , Kalra Bhanu , Ernst Erik , Andersen Claus Yding
Published: March 2021

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGF-β superfamily produced by follicular granulosa cells (GCs) in women from late gestation to the end of reproductive life. AMH is thought to inhibit aromatase (i.e., CYP19) expression and decrease the conversion of androgens to oestrogens, especially in small antral follicles before dominance is achieved. Thus, AMH acts as a gatekeeper of ovarian steroidogenesis. However, the exact function and processing of AMH has not been fully elucidated. The present study measured and determined AMH isoforms in human follicular fluid (FF) from small antral follicles and in human GCs using four ELISAs, western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis. We evaluated the presence of the following isoforms: full-length AMH precursor (proAMH), cleaved associated AMH (AMHN,C), N-terminal pro-region (AMHN), and active C-terminal (AMHC) AMH. A negative correlation between follicle diameter and the AMH forms was detected. Moreover, western blot analysis detected various AMH forms in both FFs and GCs, which did not match our consensus forms, suggesting an unknown proteolytic processing of AMH. The presence of these new molecular weight isoforms of AMH differs between individual follicles of identical size in the same woman. This study detected several AMH forms in FF and GCs obtained from human small antral follicles, which suggests that intrafollicular processing of AMH is complex and variable. Thus, it may be difficult to develop an antibody-based AMH assay that detects all AMH isoforms. Furthermore, the variability between follicles suggests that designing a recombinant AMH standard will be difficult.
Comprehensive Analysis of Survival-Related lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs Forming a Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhao Yanjie , Zhang Heng , Ju Qiang , Li Xinmei , Zheng Yuxin
Published: March 2021

To analyze and construct a survival-related endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in gastric cancer (GC) with lymph node metastasis, we obtained expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), mRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) in GC from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The edgeR package was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs between GC patients with lymphatic metastasis and those without lymphatic metastasis. Then, we used univariate Cox regression analysis to identify survival-related differentially expressed RNAs. In addition, we used multivariate Cox regression analysis to screen lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs for use in the prognostic prediction models. The results showed that 2,247 lncRNAs, 155 miRNAs, and 1,253 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the two patient groups. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, we found that 395 lncRNAs, eight miRNAs, and 180 mRNAs were significantly related to the survival time of GC patients. We next created a survival-related network consisting of 59 lncRNAs, seven miRNAs, and 36 mRNAs. In addition, we identified eight RNAs associated with prognosis by multivariate Cox regression analysis, comprising three lncRNAs (AC094104.2, AC010457.1, and AC091832.1), two miRNAs (miR-653-5p and miR-3923), and three mRNAs (C5orf46, EPHA8, and HPR); these were used to construct the prognostic prediction models, and their risk scores could be used to assess GC patients’ prognosis. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into ceRNA networks in GC and the screening of prognostic biomarkers for GC.
Significance of RNA N6-Methyladenosine Regulators in the Diagnosis and Subtype Classification of Childhood Asthma Using the Gene Expression Omnibus Database
Authors: Dai Bing , Sun Feifei , Cai Xuxu , Li Chunlu , Liu Henan , Shang Yunxiao
Published: March 2021

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators play important roles in a variety of biological functions. Nonetheless, the roles of m6A regulators in childhood asthma remain unknown. In this study, 11 significant m6A regulators were selected using difference analysis between non-asthmatic and asthmatic patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE40888 dataset. The random forest model was used to screen five candidate m6A regulators (fragile X mental retardation 1, KIAA1429, Wilm’s tumor 1-associated protein, YTH domain-containing 2, and zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein 13) to predict the risk of childhood asthma. A nomogram model was established based on the five candidate m6A regulators. Decision curve analysis indicated that patients could benefit from the nomogram model. The consensus clustering method was performed to differentiate children with asthma into two m6A patterns (clusterA and clusterB) based on the selected significant m6A regulators. Principal component analysis algorithms were constructed to calculate the m6A score for each sample to quantify the m6A patterns. The patients in clusterB had higher m6A scores than those in clusterA. Furthermore, we found that the patients in clusterA were linked to helper T cell type 1 (Th1)-dominant immunity while those in clusterB were linked to Th2-dominant immunity. In summary, m6A regulators play nonnegligible roles in the occurrence of childhood asthma. Our investigation of m6A patterns may be able to guide future immunotherapy strategies for childhood asthma.
Immunoinformatics Design of Multi-Epitope Peptide-Based Vaccine Against Schistosoma mansoni Using Transmembrane Proteins as a Target
Authors: Sanches Rodrigo C. O. , Tiwari Sandeep , Ferreira Laís C. G. , Oliveira Flávio M. , Lopes Marcelo D. , Passos Maria J. F. , Maia Eduardo H. B. , Taranto Alex G. , Kato Rodrigo , Azevedo Vasco A. C. , Lopes Debora O.
Published: March 2021

Schistosomiasis remains a serious health issue nowadays for an estimated one billion people in 79 countries around the world. Great efforts have been made to identify good vaccine candidates during the last decades, but only three molecules reached clinical trials so far. The reverse vaccinology approach has become an attractive option for vaccine design, especially regarding parasites likeSchistosomaspp. that present limitations for culture maintenance. This strategy also has prompted the construction of multi-epitope based vaccines, with great immunological foreseen properties as well as being less prone to contamination, autoimmunity, and allergenic responses. Therefore, in this study we applied a robust immunoinformatics approach, targetingS. mansonitransmembrane proteins, in order to construct a chimeric antigen. Initially, the search for all hypothetical transmembrane proteins in GeneDB provided a total of 584 sequences. Using the PSORT II and CCTOP servers we reduced this to 37 plasma membrane proteins, from which extracellular domains were used for epitope prediction. Nineteen common MHC-I and MHC-II binding epitopes, from eight proteins, comprised the final multi-epitope construct, along with suitable adjuvants. The final chimeric multi-epitope vaccine was predicted as prone to induce B-cell and IFN-γ based immunity, as well as presented itself as stable and non-allergenic molecule. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics foresee stable interactions between the putative antigen and the immune receptor TLR 4. Our results indicate that the multi-epitope vaccine might stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses and could be a potential vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis.
International Rickettsia Disease Surveillance: An Example of Cooperative Research to Increase Laboratory Capability and Capacity for Risk Assessment of Rickettsial Outbreaks Worldwide
Authors: Jiang Ju , Farris Christina M. , Yeh Kenneth B. , Richards Allen L.
Published: March 2021

Cooperative research that addresses infectious disease surveillance and outbreak investigations relies heavily on availability and effective use of appropriate diagnostic tools, including serological and molecular assays, as exemplified by the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we stress the importance of using these assays to support collaborative epidemiological studies to assess risk of rickettsial disease outbreaks among international partner countries. Workforce development, mentorship, and training are important components in building laboratory capability and capacity to assess risk of and mitigate emerging disease outbreaks. International partnerships that fund cooperative research through mentoring and on-the-job training are successful examples for enhancing infectious disease surveillance. Cooperative research studies between the Naval Medical Research Center's Rickettsial Diseases Research Program (RDRP) and 17 institutes from nine countries among five continents were conducted to address the presence of and the risk for endemic rickettsial diseases. To establish serological and molecular assays in the collaborative institutes, initial training and continued material, and technical support were provided by RDRP. The laboratory methods used in the research studies to detect and identify the rickettsial infections included (1) group-specific IgM and IgG serological assays and (2) molecular assays. Twenty-six cooperative research projects performed between 2008 and 2020 enhanced the capability and capacity of 17 research institutes to estimate risk of rickettsial diseases. These international collaborative studies have led to the recognition and/or confirmation of rickettsial diseases within each of the partner countries. In addition, with the identification of specific pathogen and non-pathogenRickettsiaspecies, a more accurate risk assessment could be made in surveillance studies using environmental samples. The discoveries from these projects reinforced international cooperation benefiting not only the partner countries but also the scientific community at large through presentations (n= 40) at international scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications (n= 18). The cooperative research studies conducted in multiple international institutes led to the incorporation of new SOPs and trainings for laboratory procedures; biosafety, biosurety, and biosecurity methods; performance of rickettsia-specific assays; and the identification of known and unknown rickettsial agents through the introduction of new serologic and molecular assays that complemented traditional microbiology methods.
Market Chickens as a Source of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli in a Peri-Urban Community in Lima, Peru
Authors: Murray Matthew , Salvatierra Guillermo , Dávila-Barclay Alejandra , Ayzanoa Brenda , Castillo-Vilcahuaman Camila , Huang Michelle , Pajuelo Mónica J. , Lescano Andrés G. , Cabrera Lilia , Calderón Maritza , Berg Douglas E. , Gilman Robert H. , Tsukayama Pablo
Published: March 2021

The widespread and poorly regulated use of antibiotics in animal production in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is increasingly associated with the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in retail animal products. Here, we compared Escherichia coli from chickens and humans with varying levels of exposure to chicken meat in a low-income community in the southern outskirts of Lima, Peru. We hypothesize that current practices in local poultry production result in highly resistant commensal bacteria in chickens that can potentially colonize the human gut. E. coli was isolated from cloacal swabs of non-organic (n = 41) and organic chickens (n = 20), as well as from stools of market chicken vendors (n = 23), non-vendors (n = 48), and babies (n = 60). 315 E. coli isolates from humans (n = 150) and chickens (n = 165) were identified, with chickens showing higher rates of multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotypes. Non-organic chicken isolates were more resistant to most antibiotics tested than human isolates, while organic chicken isolates were susceptible to most antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing of 118 isolates identified shared phylogroups between human and animal populations and 604 ARG hits across genomes. Resistance to florfenicol (an antibiotic commonly used as a growth promoter in poultry but not approved for human use) was higher in chicken vendors compared to other human groups. Isolates from non-organic chickens contained genes conferring resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics, including mcr-1 for colistin resistance, blaCTX-M ESBLs, and blaKPC-3 carbapenemase. Our findings suggest that E. coli strains from market chickens are a potential source of ARGs that can be transmitted to human commensals.
Mapping Trends in Moyamoya Angiopathy Research: A 10-Year Bibliometric and Visualization-Based Analyses of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC)
Authors: Chen Danyang , Zhang Ge , Wang Jiahui , Chen Shiling , Wang Jingxuan , Nie Hao , Tang Zhouping
Published: March 2021

Background: Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA), which includes moyamoya disease (MMD) and moyamoya syndrome (MMS), is an uncommon cerebrovascular condition characterized by recurrent stroke. We carried out a bibliometric analysis to examine the development of and research trends in MMA research.

Methods: Studies published between 2010 and 2019 on MMA were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) on August 14, 2020, and bibliometric and visualization-based analyses were performed by using three different scientometric tools: HistCite, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.

Results: A total of 1,896 publications published in 384 journals by 6,744 authors, 1,641 institutions and 56 countries/regions were included in the analyses. Annual publication outputs increased from 2010 to 2019. The USA, Japan and China were three key contributors to this study field. Capital Medical University, Seoul National University, and Stanford University were three major institutions with larger numbers of publications. Zhang D, World Neurosurgery, Kuroda S, and STROKE were the most prolific author, prolific journal, top co-cited author and top co-cited journal, respectively. The top five keywords during this period were moyamoya disease, revascularization, stroke, children and surgery, while revascularization surgery and RNF213 were the most common frontier topics.

Conclusions: In this study, the research trends of global scientific research on MMA over the past decade were systematically analyzed. The study can provide guidance for scholars who want to understand current trends in research in this area and new research frontiers.
Prognostic Value of Deep Learning-Mediated Treatment Monitoring in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy
Authors: Trebeschi Stefano , Bodalal Zuhir , Boellaard Thierry N. , Tareco Bucho Teresa M. , Drago Silvia G. , Kurilova Ieva , Calin-Vainak Adriana M. , Delli Pizzi Andrea , Muller Mirte , Hummelink Karlijn , Hartemink Koen J. , Nguyen-Kim Thi Dan Linh , Smit Egbert F. , Aerts Hugo J. W. L. , Beets-Tan Regina G. H.
Published: March 2021

Background

Checkpoint inhibitors provided sustained clinical benefit to metastatic lung cancer patients. Nonetheless, prognostic markers in metastatic settings are still under research. Imaging offers distinctive advantages, providing whole-body information non-invasively, while routinely available in most clinics. We hypothesized that more prognostic information can be extracted by employing artificial intelligence (AI) for treatment monitoring, superior to 2D tumor growth criteria.

Methods

A cohort of 152 stage-IV non-small-cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) (73 discovery, 79 test, 903CTs), who received nivolumab were retrospectively collected. We trained a neural network to identify morphological changes on chest CT acquired during patients’ follow-ups. A classifier was employed to link imaging features learned by the network with overall survival.

Results

Our results showed significant performance in the independent test set to predict 1-year overall survival from the date of image acquisition, with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69 (p < 0.01), up to AUC 0.75 (p < 0.01) in the first 3 to 5 months of treatment, and 0.67 AUC (p = 0.01) for durable clinical benefit (6 months progression-free survival). We found the AI-derived survival score to be independent of clinical, radiological, PDL1, and histopathological factors. Visual analysis of AI-generated prognostic heatmaps revealed relative prognostic importance of morphological nodal changes in the mediastinum, supraclavicular, and hilar regions, lung and bone metastases, as well as pleural effusions, atelectasis, and consolidations.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that deep learning can quantify tumor- and non–tumor-related morphological changes important for prognostication on serial imaging. Further investigation should focus on the implementation of this technique beyond thoracic imaging.
Intrarenal Reflux in the Light of Contrast-Enhanced Voiding Urosonography
Authors: Simicic Majce Ana , Arapovic Adela , Saraga-Babic Mirna , Vukojevic Katarina , Benzon Benjamin , Punda Ante , Saraga Marijan
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of intrarenal reflux (IRR) among vesicoureteral refluxes (VURs), diagnosed by contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS), to define VURs which are positive to IRR and their locations in the kidney.

Materials and Methods: Seventy patients with VURs, including 103 uretero-renal units (URUs) with VURs of grades II–V (37 URUs were excluded because of renal anomalies or absence of VUR) were examined with ceVUS due to recurrent febrile UTI or first febrile UTI accompanied by abnormalities on renal ultrasonography. Patients were examined on GE Logiq S8 ultrasound machine, using second generation of ultrasound contrast agent.

Results: Out of 103 VURs, 51 (49.51%) had IRR regardless the grade of VUR, showing increase in IRR incidence with VUR severity (p < 0.0001). The median age at the time of IRR diagnosis was 5 months (IQR, 3–14.3), whereas in patients without IRR, it was 15.5 months (IQR, 5–41.5), (p = 0.0069). IRR was most common in superior pole (80%), followed by inferior pole (62.7%), and middle segments (37%), and to all segments (27%) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: In the present study, patients with IRR-associated VUR showed earlier clinical presentation. The distribution of IRRs corresponded to the natural distribution of composed papillae types II and III, while the incidence of IRR increased with severity of VUR. Further clinical studies may point to the importance of considering IRR in the future classification of VUR.
Non-immune Traits Triggered by Blood Intake Impact Vectorial Competence
Authors: Talyuli Octavio A. C. , Bottino-Rojas Vanessa , Polycarpo Carla R. , Oliveira Pedro L. , Paiva-Silva Gabriela O.
Published: March 2021

Blood-feeding arthropods are considered an enormous public health threat. They are vectors of a plethora of infectious agents that cause potentially fatal diseases like Malaria, Dengue fever, Leishmaniasis, and Lyme disease. These vectors shine due to their own physiological idiosyncrasies, but one biological aspect brings them all together: the requirement of blood intake for development and reproduction. It is through blood-feeding that they acquire pathogens and during blood digestion that they summon a collection of multisystemic events critical for vector competence. The literature is focused on how classical immune pathways (Toll, IMD, and JAK/Stat) are elicited throughout the course of vector infection. Still, they are not the sole determinants of host permissiveness. The dramatic changes that are the hallmark of the insect physiology after a blood meal intake are the landscape where a successful infection takes place. Dominant processes that occur in response to a blood meal are not canonical immunological traits yet are critical in establishing vector competence. These include hormonal circuitries and reproductive physiology, midgut permeability barriers, midgut homeostasis, energy metabolism, and proteolytic activity. On the other hand, the parasites themselves have a role in the outcome of these blood triggered physiological events, consistently using them in their favor. Here, to enlighten the knowledge on vector–pathogen interaction beyond the immune pathways, we will explore different aspects of the vector physiology, discussing how they give support to these long-dated host–parasite relationships.
Donor Age and Red Cell Age Contribute to the Variance in Lorrca Indices in Healthy Donors for Next Generation Ektacytometry: A Pilot Study
Authors: van Cromvoirt Ankie M. , Fenk Simone , Sadafi Ario , Melnikova Elizaveta V. , Lagutkin Denis A. , Dey Kuntal , Petrushanko Irina Yu. , Hegemann Inga , Goede Jeroen S. , Bogdanova Anna
Published: March 2021

The ability of red blood cells (RBCs) to transport gases, their lifespan as well as their rheological properties invariably depend on the deformability, hydration, and membrane stability of these cells, which can be measured by Laser optical rotational red cell analyser (Lorrca® Maxsis, RR Mechatronics). The osmoscan mode of Lorrca is currently used in diagnosis of rare anemias in clinical laboratories. However, a broad range of normal values for healthy subjects reduces the sensitivity of this method for diagnosis of mild disease phenotype. In this pilot study, we explored the impact of age and gender of 45 healthy donors, as well as RBC age on the Lorrca indices. Whereas gender did not affect the Lorrca indices in our study, the age donors had a profound effect on the O_hyper parameter. To study the impact of RBC age on the osmoscan parameters, we have isolated low (L)-, medium (M)-, or high (H)- density fractions enriched with young, mature, and senescent RBCs, respectively, and evaluated the influence of RBC age-related properties, such as density, morphology, and redox state, on the osmoscan indices. As before, O_hyper was the most sensitive parameter, dropping markedly with an increase in RBC density and age. Senescence was associated with a decrease in deformability (EI_max) and tolerability to low and high osmolatites (Area). L-fraction was enriched with reticulocytes and cells with high projected area and EMA staining, but also contained a small number of cells small in projected area and most likely, terminally senescent. L-fraction was on average slightly less deformable than mature cells. The cells from the L-fraction produced more oxidants and NO than all other fractions. However, RBCs from the L-fraction contained maximal levels of reduced thiols compared to other fractions. Our study suggests that reference values for O_hyper should be age-stratified, and, most probably, corrected for the average RBC age. Further multi-center study is required to validate these suggestions before implementing them into clinical practice.
The Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Sod5 From Fusarium oxysporum Is Localized in Response to External Stimuli and Contributes to Fungal Pathogenicity
Authors: Wang Qiang , Pokhrel Ambika , Coleman Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by hosts serve as a general defense mechanism against various pathogens. At the interaction site between the host and pathogen, host cells rapidly accumulate high concentrations of ROS, called the oxidative burst, that damage and kill the invading microbes. However, successful pathogens usually survive in a high ROS environment and have evolved strategies to overcome these detrimental effects. Here we characterized the biological function of the extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) FoSod5 fromFusarium oxysporumf. sp.vasinfectum.FoSOD5is strongly up-regulated during infection of cotton, and a ΔFoSOD5mutant was significantly reduced in virulence on cotton. Purified 6 × His-FoSod5 could significantly inhibit the reduction of NBT and WST-1, indicating that FoSod5 was a functional SOD protein. Based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, several different FoSod5 variants were generated and used to assess the secretion, expression, and subcellular localization of FoSod5 inF. oxysporum. The subcellular localization of FoSod5 is altered under different environmental conditions. During normal growth conditions, FoSod5 was primarily localized to the phialides; however, in a nutrient-limited environment, FoSod5 was localized to a wide array of fungal structures including the septum and cell wall. FoSod5 is an alkaline-induced glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) protein and the GPI anchor was required for proper protein subcellular localization. The multiple mechanisms fungi utilize to tolerate the oxidative burst is indicative of the importance of this plant defense response; however, the presence of a conserved extracellular SOD in many phytopathogenic fungi suggests tolerance to ROS is initiated prior to the ROS entering the fungal cell.
Exploring Paternal Mentalization Among Fathers of Toddlers Through a Clay-Sculpting Task
Authors: Grenimann Bauch Nehama , Bat Or Michal
Published: March 2021

This study explored parental mentalization processes as they unfolded during a sculpting task administered to fathers of toddlers. Parental mentalization—the parent’s ability to understand behavior (his/her own as a parent and that of their child) based on its underlying mental states (Luyten et al., 2017)—is considered crucial within parent–child relationships (Fonagy et al., 1998) and child development (Steele and Steele, 2008). Eleven Israeli first-time fathers (n= 11) of children aged 2–3 (mean = 2.3) were asked to sculpt a representation of themselves with their child using clay. Following the task, the fathers were interviewed while observing the sculpture they had created. Qualitative thematic analysis integrated three types of data—video footage of the sculpting processes, the sculptures themselves, and the transcripts of the post-sculpting interviews. By focusing on data extracts relating to mentalization processes, three main aspects of the clay-sculpting task and interview were identified as processes that either preceded controlled mentalization instances and/or related to their underlying dynamics: (1) discussing the sculpting process elicited the father’s curiosity and wonder; (2) observing the sculpture/sculpting process revealed gaps in paternal representations; and (3) the preplanning of the sculptures sparked non-verbal exploration of metaphors and symbolism. Special attention was given, in the analysis, to the interplay between verbal and non-verbal aspects of mentalization as they appeared in the metaphorical representations that arose through the sculpting process. Comparing this sample to a previous sample of mothers who were given the same task, similarities and differences were explored, with specific reference to topics of embodiment, gender roles, paternity leave, and an active approach in art therapy. The discussion indicates that clay sculpting may offer unique insight into implicit parental mentalization. Possible clinical applications are discussed, with reference to attachment theory and clinical art therapy approaches.
Anti-Infective, Anti-Inflammatory, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Breast Milk Factors for the Protection of Infants in the Pandemic From COVID-19
Authors: Quitadamo Pasqua Anna , Comegna Laura , Cristalli Pierpaolo
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 pandemic since the end of 2019 spreads worldwide, counting millions of victims. The viral invasion, systemic inflammation, and consequent organ failure are the gravest features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and they are associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of breast milk in the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects due to its bioactive components, so numerous and important for the protection of infants. The study tried to demonstrate that all the components of human milk are capable of performing functions on all the pathogenic events recognized and described in COVID-19 disease. Those human milk factors are well-tolerated and practically free of side effects, so breast milk should become a research topic to discover therapies even in this epidemic. In the first part, the mechanisms of protection and defense of the breast milk elements will be delineated; in the second section, it will describe the human milk effects in viral infections and it will be hypothesized how the known mechanisms could act in COVID infection.
Controversies and Common Ground in Wild and Domestic Fine Fiber Production in Argentina
Authors: von Thungen Julieta , Martin Elisa , Lanari Maria Rosa
Published: March 2021

This work analyzes possible obstacles to developing new products or old merchandise using an innovative method. It will look into stakeholders of fine fiber and meat products from three distinctive socioecological systems. Through three case studies, we explore how natural resources management is connected to interests, values, and knowledge by stakeholders, which include government, the scientific community, and people with rural livelihoods. The government vertex is the national and provincial authorities involved with decision-makers at the national and provincial level. The Scientific-Technological vertex includes researchers from INTA, CONICET, and Universities. Rural livelihoods include livestock keepers, farmers, and local people with traditional knowledge. We will address the goods and services provided by two species of wild camelids and domestic livestock. The three cases have both similarities and differences in their focus and common ground of controversial spaces. They create complex networks of relationships and bonds leading to diverse outcomes. Top-down or bottom-up experiences hold distinct epistemology and research consequences, they affect rural livelihoods in various ways. For the three rural livelihoods, meaningful regulations should be endogenous social constructions. However, there are no longitudinal studies on the trajectories of these case studies. Long-term multispecies grazing opportunities are available for the three case studies. It depends on how stakeholders identify flexibility in their common ground to enable resilience to catastrophic events.
Integrated Effects of Potassium Humate and Planting Density on Growth, Physiological Traits and Yield of Vicia faba L. Grown in Newly Reclaimed Soil
Authors: Mahdi Ayman H. A. , Badawy Shimaa A. , Abdel Latef Arafat Abdel Hamed , El Hosary Ahmed A. A. , Abd El Razek Usama A. , Taha Ragab S.
Published: March 2021

Several agronomic factors, including planting density, affect plant growth and final yield. New soil suffers from severe fertility shortage and crop productivity. Potassium humate (KH) application improves soil fertility and plant performance under new soil conditions. Therefore, this investigation was performed in two seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 to study the impact of KH application at the rate of 50 kg hectare−1 (ha−1) on growth, yield, physio-biochemical attributes, plant water status and nutrients in faba bean plants grown in newly reclaimed soil under three planting densities, i.e., D1 = 222.222 plants ha−1 (15 × 60 cm), D2 = 166.666 plants ha−1 (20 × 60 cm) and D3 = 133.333 plants ha−1 (25 × 60 cm). The results showed that KH application enhanced tissue water status by increasing the membrane stability index (MSI%) and relative water content (RWC%), while electric leakage (EL%) was reduced, alongside increased growth attributes physio-biochemical properties and nutrients. These results were positively reflected by the improved yield and its components (i.e., number of pods plant−1, 100-seed weight, seed yield plant−1 and seed yield ha−1) in favor of the medium planting density (166.666 plants ha−1). The results of the current study showed that the application of KH with the medium planting density (20 × 60 cm) was the best treatment combination to enhance the performance and productivity (2.97 ton ha−1) of faba bean plants grown under newly reclaimed soil conditions.
The Effect of Nitrogen Reduction at Different Stages on Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Nitrogen Efficient Rice Varieties
Authors: Ju Chengxin , Zhu Yiwen , Liu Tao , Sun Chengming
Published: March 2021

The reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilizer during the rice growing season is an important practice in rice production and is ecologically beneficial. Will different N reduction stages affect rice yields and NUE? The timing of the reduction in N-efficient varieties (NEVs) is yet to be identified, especially under moderate N rate applications. We investigated the effectiveness of various N reduction stages (NRSs) on grain yield and N-use efficiency (NUE) in NEVs in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Two NEVs were grown in the field, and five N reduction treatments, including basal N reduction (BR) at pre-transplanting (PT), tillering N reduction (TR) at early tillering (ET), promoting-spikelet N reduction (PR) at panicle initiation (PI), keeping-spikelet N reduction (KR) at spikelet differentiation (SD), and N split reduction (SR) at all four stages, were adopted, with no N reduction (CK) and no N application (N0) as controls. The results showed that grain yield and NUE varied substantially with the NRSs. Yield decreases were observed in descending order of magnitude in BR, PR, SR, TR, and KR when compared to CK. For both NEVs, BR and PR were the most effective treatments in decreasing yield and NUE at the same N reduction rate. BR and PR markedly decreased the panicles per unit area or spikelets per panicle, root biomass, root length, root length density, and root oxidation activity and exhibited simultaneously decreased leaf area index, grain leaf ratio, shoot biomass, and crop growth rate from joining to the heading and from heading to maturity. According to the results, PT and PI were considered to be N reduction sensitive stages, and ET and SD were considered to be N reduction insensitive stages. According to the results, an N reduction strategy was suggested as follows: N reduction at SD and ET, with increased N proportions at PT and PI for NEVs when adopting moderate N application rates.
The Health and Welfare of Rabbits as Indicated by Post-Mortem Findings at the Slaughterhouse
Authors: Valkova Lenka , Vecerek Vladimir , Voslarova Eva , Zavrelova Veronika , Conte Francesca , Semerad Zbynek
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to assess post-mortem findings according to their localization and the nature of damage and to assess the standard of health and welfare of farmed rabbits on the basis of these findings. A total of 40,206 pathological findings were recorded in 1,876,929 rabbits slaughtered at slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2019. Pathological findings on the limbs (0.84%), the trunk (0.71%), the kidneys (0.17%), and the liver (0.05%), along with generalized changes (0.37%), occurred most frequently. Findings of traumatic origin dominated among findings on the limbs and trunk, which indicates the inappropriate housing and handling rabbits on farms and during transport. Findings in the kidneys and liver were most often of a chronic nature having an evident correlation with the diet of intensively fed rabbits, with shortcomings in the diet having an impact on the parenchyma with chronic manifestations in the liver and kidneys. Among the generalized findings, multiple abscesses, which were probably associated with the infection of injuries occurring during fattening, and emaciation resulting from current husbandry practices, leading to insufficient feed intake or the development of disease in some individuals, predominated.
Sexual Interference Behaviors in Male Adult and Subadult Tibetan Macaques (Macaca thibetana)
Authors: Pang Kui-Hai , Rowe Amanda K. , Sheeran Lori K. , Xia Dong-Po , Sun Lixing , Li Jin-Hua
Published: March 2021

Male nonhuman primate sexual interference, which includes copulation interruption and copulation harassment, has been related to reproductive success, but its significance has been challenging to test. Copulation interruption results in the termination of a copulation before ejaculation, whereas copulation harassment does not. We conducted this study using the all-occurrence behavior sampling method on sexual interference behaviors of seven adult and four subadult male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) in mating and non-mating seasons at Mt. Huangshan, China, from August 2016 to May 2017. Our results showed that males’ individual proportion of copulation interruption and harassment was higher during the mating season than during the non-mating season. In addition, dominant males more often performed interruption, whereas subordinate males more often performed harassment. We found no difference in the individual proportion of copulation interruption or harassment between adult and subadult males. Adult and subadult males both directed copulation interruption and harassment more often toward the mating male than toward the mating female. Lastly, the post-ejaculation phase of copulation was shorter when copulation harassment occurred than when it did not. Our results suggest that sexual interference may be an important mating tactic that adult and subadult males use in male–male sexual competition.
Erythrocytes and Nanoparticles: New Therapeutic Systems
Authors: Guido Clara , Maiorano Gabriele , Gutiérrez-Millán Carmen , Cortese Barbara , Trapani Adriana , D’Amone Stefania , Gigli Giuseppe , Palamà Ilaria Elena
Published: March 2021

Nano-delivery systems represent one of the most studied fields, thanks to the associated improvement in the treatment of human diseases. The functionality of nanostructures is a crucial point, which the effectiveness of nanodrugs depends on. A hybrid approach strategy using synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) and erythrocytes offers an optimal blend of natural and synthetic materials. This, in turn, allows medical practitioners to exploit the combined advantages of erythrocytes and NPs. Erythrocyte-based drug delivery systems have been investigated for their biocompatibility, as well as the long circulation time allowed by specific surface receptors that inhibit immune clearance. In this review, we will discuss several methods—whole erythrocytes as drug carriers, red blood cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles and nano-erythrosomes (NERs)—while paying attention to their application and specific preparation methods. The ability to target cells makes erythrocytes excellent drug delivery systems. They can carry a wide range of therapeutic molecules while also acting as bioreactors; thus, they have many applications in therapy and in the diagnosis of many diseases.
The Expression of IL-17, in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Is Linked to Semaphorin5A
Authors: Lobna Matanis , Nasren Eiza , Adi Sabag , Jacob Bejar , Maria Gimenez-Arnau Ana , Marcus Maurer , Zahava Vadasz
Published: March 2021

Background: Patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), an autoimmune disorder, show increased skin expression of IL-17A and can benefit from treatment with the anti-IL-17A biologic secukinumab. The mechanisms that drive IL-17A expression in CSU are currently unknown, but may involve Semaphorin5A (Sema5A). Objective: To explore the expression, role, and effects of Sema5A in CSU and its link to IL-17A. Material and Methods: We investigated patients with CSU and healthy controls for skin expression of expressing peripheral T cells. Results: Sema5A was highly expressed in the skin of CSU patients as compared to healthy control skin. Both CD4+ T cells and mast cells in CSU skin expressed Sema5A, and many of them expressed both Sema5A and IL-17A. Patients with CSU had significantly higher rates of IL-17A-expressing CD4+ T cells as compared to healthy controls. Incubation with Sema5A increased the rates of IL-17A-expressing CD4+ T cells in healthy controls to CSU levels. Conclusion: Sema5A may drive the expression and effects of IL-17A in CSU. Further studies in larger cohorts are needed to confirm the role of Sema5A in the pathogenesis of CSU and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target.
Zinc Aspartate Induces IL-16 Secretion and Apoptosis in Human T Cells
Authors: Reinhold Dirk , Guttek Karina , Reddig Annika , Voss Linda , Schubert Claudia , Kahlfuss Sascha , Grüngreiff Kurt , Schraven Burkhart , Reinhold Annegret
Published: March 2021

T cell activation mediates immunity to pathogens. On the flipside, T cells are also involved in pathological immune responses during chronic autoimmune diseases. We recently reported that zinc aspartate, a registered drug with high bioavailability, dose-dependently inhibits T cell activation and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine production of stimulated human and mouse T cells. To understand the suppressive effect of zinc on T cell function, we here investigated the influence of zinc aspartate on human T cells focusing on the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, induction of apoptosis, and caspase 3/7 activity. To this end, we monitored either freshly stimulated or pre-activated human T cells in the presence of zinc aspartate from 40–140 µM over a period of 72 h. Under both experimental conditions, we observed a dose-dependent suppression of human T cell proliferation. While IL-1ra, latent TGF-β1, and IL-10 were dose-dependently reduced, we, unexpectedly, detected elevated levels of IL-16 upon zinc supplementation. In addition, the number of cells with active caspase 3/7 and, consecutively, the amount of cells undergoing apoptosis, steadily increased at zinc aspartate concentrations exceeding 100 µM. Taken together, our findings suggest that zinc aspartate impairs T cell fitness and might be beneficial for the treatment of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
The Differences in the Whole-Brain Functional Network between Cantonese-Mandarin Bilinguals and Mandarin Monolinguals
Authors: Fan Xiaoxuan , Wu Yujia , Cai Lei , Ma Jingwen , Pan Ning , Xu Xiaoyu , Sun Tao , Jing Jin , Li Xiuhong
Published: March 2021

Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals are logographic-logographic bilinguals that provide a unique population for bilingual studies. Whole brain functional connectivity analysis makes up for the deficiencies of previous bilingual studies on the seed-based approach and helps give a complete picture of the brain connectivity profiles of logographic-logographic bilinguals. The current study is to explore the effect of the long-term logographic-logographic bilingual experience on the functional connectivity of the whole-brain network. Thirty Cantonese-Mandarin bilingual and 30 Mandarin monolingual college students were recruited in the study. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed to investigate the whole-brain functional connectivity differences by network-based statistics (NBS), and the differences in network efficiency were investigated by graph theory between the two groups (false discovery rate corrected for multiple comparisons, q = 0.05). Compared with the Mandarin monolingual group, Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals increased functional connectivity between the bilateral frontoparietal and temporal regions and decreased functional connectivity in the bilateral occipital cortex and between the right sensorimotor region and bilateral prefrontal cortex. No significant differences in network efficiency were found between the two groups. Compared with the Mandarin monolinguals, Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals had no significant discrepancies in network efficiency. However, the Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals developed a more strongly connected subnetwork related to language control, inhibition, phonological and semantic processing, and memory retrieval, whereas a weaker connected subnetwork related to visual and phonology processing, and speech production also developed.
Complexity Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Resting-State fMRI in Down Syndrome: Relationships Highlighted by a Neuropsychological Assessment
Authors: Figueroa-Jimenez María Dolores , Carbó-Carreté María , Cañete-Massé Cristina , Zarabozo-Hurtado Daniel , Peró-Cebollero Maribel , Salazar-Estrada José Guadalupe , Guàrdia-Olmos Joan
Published: March 2021

Background: Studies on complexity indicators in the field of functional connectivity derived from resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) in Down syndrome (DS) samples and their possible relationship with cognitive functioning variables are rare. We analyze how some complexity indicators estimated in the subareas that constitute the default mode network (DMN) might be predictors of the neuropsychological outcomes evaluating Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and cognitive performance in persons with DS. Methods: Twenty-two DS people were assessed with the Kaufman Brief Test of Intelligence (KBIT) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) tests, and fMRI signals were recorded in a resting state over a six-minute period. In addition, 22 controls, matched by age and sex, were evaluated with the same rs-fMRI procedure. Results: There was a significant difference in complexity indicators between groups: the control group showed less complexity than the DS group. Moreover, the DS group showed more variance in the complexity indicator distributions than the control group. In the DS group, significant and negative relationships were found between some of the complexity indicators in some of the DMN networks and the cognitive performance scores. Conclusions: The DS group is characterized by more complex DMN networks and exhibits an inverse relationship between complexity and cognitive performance based on the negative parameter estimates.
New Discoveries in Radiation Science
Authors: Sáfrány Géza , Lumniczky Katalin , Manti Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

This series of 16 articles (8 original articles and 8 reviews) was written by internationally recognized scientists attending the 44th Congress of the European Radiation Research Society (Pécs, Hungary) [...]