bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Response to Pine Honey via RNA Sequencing Indicates Multiple Mechanisms of Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Kafantaris Ioannis , Tsadila Christina , Nikolaidis Marios , Tsavea Eleni , Dimitriou Tilemachos G. , Iliopoulos Ioannis , Amoutzias Grigoris D. , Mossialos Dimitris
Published: April 2021

Pine honey is a unique type of honeydew honey produced exclusively in Eastern Mediterranean countries like Greece and Turkey. Although the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pine honey are well documented, few studies have investigated so far its antibacterial activity. This study investigates the antibacterial effects of pine honey against P. aeruginosa PA14 at the molecular level using a global transcriptome approach via RNA-sequencing. Pine honey treatment was applied at sub-inhibitory concentration and short exposure time (0.5× of minimum inhibitory concentration –MIC- for 45 min). Pine honey induced the differential expression (>two-fold change and p ≤ 0.05) of 463 genes, with 274 of them being down-regulated and 189 being up-regulated. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that pine honey affected a wide range of biological processes (BP). The most affected down-regulated BP GO terms were oxidation-reduction process, transmembrane transport, proteolysis, signal transduction, biosynthetic process, phenazine biosynthetic process, bacterial chemotaxis, and antibiotic biosynthetic process. The up-regulated BP terms, affected by pine honey treatment, were those related to the regulation of DNA-templated transcription, siderophore transport, and phosphorylation. Pathway analysis revealed that pine honey treatment significantly affected two-component regulatory systems, ABC transporter systems, quorum sensing, bacterial chemotaxis, biofilm formation and SOS response. These data collectively indicate that multiple mechanisms of action are implicated in antibacterial activity exerted by pine honey against P. aeruginosa.
Natural Antioxidants: Innovative Extraction and Application in Foods
Authors: Loizzo Monica Rosa , Silva Ana Sanches
Published: April 2021

Research has devoted great attention to the study of the biological properties of plants, animal products, microorganisms, marine species, and fungi, among others, often driven by the need to discover new medicines [...]
A Critical Yoga Studies Approach to Grappling with Race: Introducing “Racial Tourism,” “Racial Mobilities,” and “Justice Storytelling” in the Context of Racial Fraud in the Academy
Authors: Singh Roopa Bala
Published: April 2021

In this Critical Yoga Studies (CYS) examination, I introduce terms, “racial tourism,” and “racial mobility,” and a method, “justice storytelling.” These terms and this method are poised to be used strategically in the quest to grapple with race and racial fraud in the academy. Racial fraud in the academy is exemplified by, but not limited to, infamous scholars such as Rachel Dolezal, Jessica Krug, Andrea Smith, Elizabeth Warren, and BethAnn McLaughlin. The terms “racial mobility” and “racial tourism,” intentionally create space in which to notice and assess racial fraud. In establishing CYS, I aim to provide epistemic space in which pause the cycle of harm (ie. instigated by exposure to racial fraud in the academy) and reaction (outrage, condemnation) and make space to notice, witness, and be (“this is happening”). The terms, method, and guiding questions offered in this study create epistemic space to notice race, to continue to be despite racism, and assess the ongoing project of racial categorizations in order to quell disorientation that results from harm. I add these terms to the basket of more highly circulating terms (such as “cultural appropriation,” and “identity fraud”) used to describe and respond to: (1) the specific phenomenon of white scholars engaging in racial fraud, and (2) the broader experience of living with and within inseparable systems of race, racial categorizations, and racism in the ivory tower. CYS is grounded in legal scholarship and critical race theory. I build on “legal storytelling” in an experimental, poetic form I call, “justice storytelling,” which enables healing. I find the terms I introduce, “racial tourism” and “racial mobility,” reveal a state of movement at the essence of the racial takings and accumulation of racial value enacted by white scholars committed to racial appropriation and fraudulently coding as Black, brown, and Indigenous in the academy.
First Bronze Age Human Mitogenomes from Calabria (Grotta Della Monaca, Southern Italy)
Authors: Fontani Francesco , Cilli Elisabetta , Arena Fabiola , Sarno Stefania , Modi Alessandra , De Fanti Sara , Andrews Adam Jon , Latorre Adriana , Abondio Paolo , Larocca Felice , Lari Martina , Caramelli David , Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Luiselli Donata
Published: April 2021

The Italian peninsula was host to a strong history of migration processes that shaped its genomic variability since prehistoric times. During the Metal Age, Sicily and Southern Italy were the protagonists of intense trade networks and settlements along the Mediterranean. Nonetheless, ancient DNA studies in Southern Italy are, at present, still limited to prehistoric and Roman Apulia. Here, we present the first mitogenomes from a Middle Bronze Age cave burial in Calabria to address this knowledge gap. We adopted a hybridization capture approach, which enabled the recovery of one complete and one partial mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic analysis assigned these two individuals to the H1e and H5 subhaplogroups, respectively. This preliminary phylogenetic analysis supports affinities with coeval Sicilian populations, along with Linearbandkeramik and Bell Beaker cultures maternal lineages from Central Europe and Iberia. Our work represents a starting point which contributes to the comprehension of migrations and population dynamics in Southern Italy, and highlights this knowledge gap yet to be filled by genomic studies.
Plio–Quaternary Structural Evolution of the Outer Sector of the Marche Apennines South of the Conero Promontory, Italy
Authors: Costa Mario , Chicco Jessica , Invernizzi Chiara , Teloni Simone , Pierantoni Pietro Paolo
Published: April 2021

Some new results and preliminary remarks about the Plio–Quaternary structural and evolutionary characteristics of the outer Marche Apennines south in the Conero promontory are presented in this study. The present analysis is based on several subsurface seismic reflection profiles and well data, kindly provided by ENI S.p.A. and available on the VIDEPI list, together with surface geologic–stratigraphic knowledge of Plio–Quaternary evolution from the literature. Examples of negative vs. positive reactivation of inherited structures in fold and thrust belts are highlighted. Here, we present an example from the external domain of the Marche Apennines, which displays interesting reactivation examples from the subsurface geology explored. The study area shows significant evolutionary differences with respect to the northern sector of the Marche region previously investigated by the same research group. The areal distribution of the main structures changes north and south of the ENE–WSW oriented discontinuity close to the Conero promontory. Based on the old tripartite classification of the Pliocene, the results of this work suggest a strong differential subsidence with extension occurring during the Early Pliocene and principal compressive deformation starting from the Middle Pliocene and decreasing or ceasing during the Quaternary. The main structure in this area is the NNW–SSE Coastal Structure, which is composed of E-vergent shallow thrusts and high-angle deep-seated normal faults underneath. An important right-lateral strike–slip component along this feature is also suggested, which is compatible with the principal NNE–SSW shortening direction. As mentioned, the area is largely characterized by tectonic inversion. Starting from Middle Pliocene, most of the Early Pliocene normal faults became E-vergent thrusts.
Evaluation of Patients’ Perception of Safety in an Italian Hospital Using the PMOS-30 Questionnaire
Authors: Schiavone Sara , Annecchiarico Angela , Lisi Danilo , Mensorio Mario Massimo , Attena Francesco
Published: April 2021

Background: In our study, an Italian version of the PMOS-30 questionnaire was used to evaluate its feasibility and to improve health care quality in an Italian hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 435 inpatients at a hospital in the Campania Region of Southern Italy using the PMOS-30 questionnaire and two other questions to assess patient feedback about the overall perception of safety. Results: The item “I was always treated with dignity and respect” showed the greatest percentage of agreement (agree/strongly agree = 89.2%; mean = 4.24). The least agreement was associated with the four “Staff Roles and Responsibilities” items (agree/strongly agree ranged from 31.5 to 40.0%; weighted mean = 2.84). All other 25 items had over 55.0% agreement, with 19 items over 70%. Moreover, 94.5% of the patients considered the safety of the ward sufficient/good/very good, and 92.8% did not notice situations that could cause harm to patients. Conclusion: Patient perception of safety was found to be satisfactory. The results were presented to the hospital decision makers for suggesting appropriate interventions. Our experience showed that the use of the PMOS-30 questionnaire may improve safety and health care quality in hospital settings through patient feedback.
Life-Changing Experiences of Mothers with School-Age Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Their Health Risk Perceptions and Health-Related Behaviors
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , Shim JaeLan , Kim Namhee
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to explore health risk perceptions, changes in health-related behaviors, and life experiences of mothers with school-age children during the early coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Data were collected between 16 July and 10 September 2020, by individual interviews and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. After the twelve participants’ experiences were analyzed, four themes and ten sub-themes were derived. The four themes were: “Struggling to identify the substance of COVID-19,” “Taking the initiative to protect the health of the family,” “Frustrated by the brutal reality of no end in sight,” and “Trying to adjust wisely to an inevitable new lifestyle.” The findings suggest that while the world remains in an ongoing battle with COVID-19, national health institutions should prepare a health education system for specific infection prevention methods that can be practiced by individuals in daily life.
Association between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Ménière’s Disease: A Nested Case—Control Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Kim So-Young , Lee Chang-Ho , Yoo Dae-Myoung , Min Chan-Yang , Choi Hyo-Geun
Published: April 2021

This study explored the relation between Ménière’s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The ≥40-year-old population of the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort was included. In total, 7734 Ménière’s disease patients and 30,936 control participants were enrolled. Control participants were matched for age, sex, income, and region of residence with Ménière’s disease participants. The odds of having Ménière’s disease given a history of COPD were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, sex, income, and region of residence. The odds of having Ménière’s disease were found to be 1.18-fold higher with a history of COPD than with no history of COPD (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.06–1.32, E-value (CI) = 1.64 (1.31)). The ≥60 years old, male, low-income, and rural subgroups showed increased odds of developing Ménière’s disease when a history of COPD was reported. A history of COPD was associated with an increased risk of Ménière’s disease in the adult population.
Post-Pandemic Patient Safety Culture: A Case from a Large Metropolitan Hospital Group in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hsing Yu , Lu Luo , Ko Yi Ming , Chueh Jui Wen , Hsiao Shu Ya , Wang Pa Chun , Cooper Cary L.
Published: April 2021

Patient safety is the core goal of medical institutions. The present study focuses on the patient safety culture and staff well-being admit the COVID-19 pandemic. In a large metropolitan hospital group, 337 employees who had participated in the quality improvement interventions completed an anonymous questionnaire of patient safety culture and personal well-being. The multiple regression analyses indicated that managerial role, seniority, female gender and direct contact with a patient were significantly related to the positive attitude on overall or certain dimensions of safety culture. Multivariate analysis also found that dimensions of teamwork climate, safety climate, job satisfaction and stress recognition as patient safety culture predicted staff exhaustion. Finally, comparing with the available institutional historic data in 2018, the COVID group scored higher on the working condition dimension of patient safety culture, but lower on the stress recognition dimension. The COVID group also scored higher on exhaustion. In the post-pandemic era, there seems to be an improvement on certain aspect of the patient safety culture among hospital staff, and the improvement is more prevalent for managers. However, exhaustion is also a poignant problem for all employees. These findings can inform hospital decision-makers in planning and implementing future improvements of patient safety culture and promoting employee well-being and resilience. Our findings also reveal directions for future research.
Long-Term Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Are Present after Bariatric Surgery, despite the Widespread Use of Supplements
Authors: Lombardo Mauro , Franchi Arianna , Biolcati Rinaldi Roberto , Rizzo Gianluca , D’Adamo Monica , Guglielmi Valeria , Bellia Alfonso , Padua Elvira , Caprio Massimiliano , Sbraccia Paolo
Published: April 2021

There are few long-term nutritional studies in subjects undergoing bariatric surgery that have assessed weight regain and nutritional deficiencies. In this study, we report data 8 years after surgery on weight loss, use of dietary supplements and deficit of micronutrients in a cohort of patients from five centres in central and northern Italy. The study group consisted of 52 subjects (age: 38.1 ± 10.6 y, 42 females): 16 patients had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 25 patients had sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and 11 subjects had adjustable gastric banding (AGB). All three bariatric procedures led to sustained weight loss: the average percentage excess weight loss, defined as weight loss divided by excess weight based on ideal body weight, was 60.6% ± 32.3. Despite good adherence to prescribed supplements, 80.7% of subjects (72.7%, AGB; 76.7%, SG; 93.8 %, RYGB) reported at least one nutritional deficiency: iron (F 64.3% vs. M 30%), vitamin B12 (F 16.6% vs. M 10%), calcium (F 33.3% vs. M 0%) and vitamin D (F 38.1% vs. M 60%). Long-term nutritional deficiencies were greater than the general population among men for iron and among women for vitamin B12.
The Acute Effect of Hyperoxia on Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA) and Performance in Female Runners during the Maximal Treadmill Test
Authors: Silva Thays C. , Aidar Felipe J. , Zanona Aristela de Freitas , Matos Dihogo Gama , Pereira Danielle D. , Rezende Paulo Emmanuel Nunes , Ferreira Alexandre Reis Pires , Junior Heleno Almeida , Santos Jymmys Lopes dos , Silva Devisson dos Santos , Barbosa Felipe Douglas Silva , Thuany Mabliny , Souza Raphael F. de
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to analyze the acute effect of hyperoxia during the maximal treadmill test (MTT) of runners. Participants included 10 female street runners who performed the MTT under two different conditions: hyperoxia (HYPX), inhaling oxygen (60% O2) every 3 min; and normoxia (NORM), without additional oxygen inhalation. Both groups performed the MTT with increases in the slope of the run every 3 min until voluntary exhaustion. The variables of lactate concentration, the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and Borg scale were evaluated. It was verified after the comparison (HYPX vs. NORM) that stage 3 (p = 0.012, Cohen’s d = 1.76) and stage 4 (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 5.69) showed a reduction in lactate under the HYPX condition. OBLA under the HYPX condition was identified at a later stage than NORM. There were no differences in Borg scale, SpO2, and HR between the different conditions. It was concluded that the HYPX condition contributed to a reduction in lactate concentration and delayed OBLA in runners.
Method-Specific Suicide Mortality Trends in Australian Men from 1978 to 2017
Authors: Martínez-Rives Noelia Lucía , Dhungel Bibha , Martin Pilar , Gilmour Stuart
Published: April 2021

In 2017 Australia saw the highest overall suicide rate in the past 10 years, with male suicide rates three times higher than in women. Since the mid-1980s there have been major changes in suicide epidemiology in Australia with large shifts in method of suicide among both men and women. This study examined method-specific suicide trends in Australian men over the past 40 years by state. Suicide mortality data for the period 1978 to 2017 was obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) National Mortality Database and log-linear Poisson regression analysis was used to analyse suicide mortality. This study found large differences between states in patterns and trends in suicide mortality from 1978 to 2017. Hanging, gas and firearms were the most common methods of suicide in Australia. We found statistically significant increasing trends in hanging suicide among men in all six states. The study findings highlight the growing concern of hanging-related suicide in all states in Australia since the late 1970s. New suicide prevention strategies focusing on the ubiquity and ease of hanging as a method will be needed in order for Australia to reduce suicide mortality in future.
Enriched-GWAS and Transcriptome Analysis to Refine and Characterize a Major QTL for Anaerobic Germination Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Tnani Hedia , Chebotarov Dmytro , Thapa Ranjita , Ignacio John Carlos I. , Israel Walter K. , Quilloy Fergie A. , Dixit Shalabh , Septiningsih Endang M. , Kretzschmar Tobias
Published: April 2021

Tolerance of anaerobic germination (AG) is a key trait in the development of direct seeded rice. Through rapid and sustained coleoptile elongation, AG tolerance enables robust seedling establishment under flooded conditions. Previous attempts to fine map and characterize AG2 (qAG7.1), a major centromere-spanning AG tolerance QTL, derived from the indica variety Ma-Zhan Red, have failed. Here, a novel approach of “enriched haplotype” genome-wide association study based on the Ma-Zhan Red haplotype in the AG2 region was successfully used to narrow down AG2 from more than 7 Mb to less than 0.7 Mb. The AG2 peak region contained 27 genes, including the Rc gene, responsible for red pericarp development in pigmented rice. Through comparative variant and transcriptome analysis between AG tolerant donors and susceptible accessions several candidate genes potentially controlling AG2 were identified, among them several regulatory genes. Genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis suggested differential regulation of sugar metabolism, particularly trehalose metabolism, as well as differential regulation of cell wall modification and chloroplast development to be implicated in AG tolerance mechanisms.
The HSV-1 Transcription Factor ICP4 Confers Liquid-Like Properties to Viral Replication Compartments
Authors: Seyffert Michael , Georgi Fanny , Tobler Kurt , Bourqui Laurent , Anfossi Michela , Michaelsen Kevin , Vogt Bernd , Greber Urs F. , Fraefel Cornel
Published: April 2021

Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) forms progeny in the nucleus within distinct membrane-less inclusions, the viral replication compartments (VRCs), where viral gene expression, DNA replication, and packaging occur. The way in which the VRCs maintain spatial integrity remains unresolved. Here, we demonstrate that the essential viral transcription factor ICP4 is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) capable of driving protein condensation and liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in transfected cells. Particularly, ICP4 forms nuclear liquid-like condensates in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assays revealed rapid exchange rates of EYFP-ICP4 between phase-separated condensates and the surroundings, akin to other viral IDPs that drive LLPS. Likewise, HSV-1 VRCs revealed by EYFP-tagged ICP4 retained their liquid-like nature, suggesting that they are phase-separated condensates. Individual VRCs homotypically fused when reaching close proximity and grew over the course of infection. Together, the results of this study demonstrate that the HSV-1 transcription factor ICP4 has characteristics of a viral IDP, forms condensates in the cell nucleus by LLPS, and can be used as a proxy for HSV-1 VRCs with characteristics of liquid–liquid phase-separated condensates.
Discovery–Versus Hypothesis–Driven Detection of Protein–Protein Interactions and Complexes
Authors: Bludau Isabell
Published: April 2021

Protein complexes are the main functional modules in the cell that coordinate and perform the vast majority of molecular functions. The main approaches to identify and quantify the interactome to date are based on mass spectrometry (MS). Here I summarize the benefits and limitations of different MS-based interactome screens, with a focus on untargeted interactome acquisition, such as co-fractionation MS. Specific emphasis is given to the discussion of discovery- versus hypothesis-driven data analysis concepts and their applicability to large, proteome-wide interactome screens. Hypothesis-driven analysis approaches, i.e., complex- or network-centric, are highlighted as promising strategies for comparative studies. While these approaches require prior information from public databases, also reviewed herein, the available wealth of interactomic data continuously increases, thereby providing more exhaustive information for future studies. Finally, guidance on the selection of interactome acquisition and analysis methods is provided to aid the reader in the design of protein-protein interaction studies.
The Kinetics of Lymphatic Dysfunction and Leukocyte Expansion in the Draining Lymph Node during LTB4 Antagonism in a Mouse Model of Lymphedema
Authors: Cribb Matthew T. , Sestito Lauren F. , Rockson Stanley G. , Nicolls Mark R. , Thomas Susan N. , Dixon J. Brandon
Published: April 2021

The mechanisms of lymphedema development are not well understood, but emerging evidence highlights the crucial role the immune system plays in driving its progression. It is well known that lymphatic function deteriorates as lymphedema progresses; however, the connection between this progressive loss of function and the immune-driven changes that characterize the disease has not been well established. In this study, we assess changes in leukocyte populations in lymph nodes within the lymphatic drainage basin of the tissue injury site (draining lymph nodes, dLNs) using a mouse tail model of lymphedema in which a pair of draining collecting vessels are left intact. We additionally quantify lymphatic pump function using established near infrared (NIR) lymphatic imaging methods and lymph-draining nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized and employed by our team for lymphatic tissue drug delivery applications to measure lymphatic transport to and resulting NP accumulation within dLNs associated with swelling following surgery. When applied to assess the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug bestatin, which has been previously shown to be a possible treatment for lymphedema, we find lymph-draining NP accumulation within dLNs and lymphatic function to increase as lymphedema progresses, but no significant effect on leukocyte populations in dLNs or tail swelling. These results suggest that ameliorating this loss of lymphatic function is not sufficient to reverse swelling in this surgically induced disease model that better recapitulates the extent of lymphatic injury seen in human lymphedema. It also suggests that loss of lymphatic function during lymphedema may be driven by immune-mediated mechanisms coordinated in dLNs. Our work indicates that addressing both lymphatic vessel dysfunction and immune cell expansion within dLNs may be required to prevent or reverse lymphedema when partial lymphatic function is sustained.
Altered Metabolism in Glioblastoma: Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell (MDSC) Fitness and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Dysfunction
Authors: Di Ianni Natalia , Musio Silvia , Pellegatta Serena
Published: April 2021

The metabolism of glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor, is flexible and adaptable to different adverse conditions, such as nutrient deprivation. Beyond glycolysis, altered lipid metabolism is implicated in GBM progression. Indeed, metabolic subtypes were recently identified based on divergent glucose and lipid metabolism. GBM is also characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment in which myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a powerful ally of tumor cells. Increasing evidence supports the interconnection between GBM and MDSC metabolic pathways. GBM cells exert a crucial contribution to MDSC recruitment and maturation within the tumor microenvironment, where the needs of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with antitumor function are completely neglected. In this review, we will discuss the unique or alternative source of energy exploited by GBM and MDSCs, exploring how deprivation of specific nutrients and accumulation of toxic byproducts can induce T-cell dysfunction. Understanding the metabolic programs of these cell components and how they impact fitness or dysfunction will be useful to improve treatment modalities, including immunotherapeutic strategies.
An Update on Glioblastoma Biology, Genetics, and Current Therapies: Novel Inhibitors of the G Protein-Coupled Receptor CCR5
Authors: Lah Turnšek Tamara , Jiao Xuanmao , Novak Metka , Jammula Sriharsha , Cicero Gina , Ashton Anthony W. , Joyce David , Pestell Richard G.
Published: April 2021

The mechanisms governing therapeutic resistance of the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor in adults, glioblastoma, have increasingly focused on tumor stem cells. These cells, protected by the periarteriolar hypoxic GSC niche, contribute to the poor efficacy of standard of care treatment of glioblastoma. Integrated proteogenomic and metabolomic analyses of glioblastoma tissues and single cells have revealed insights into the complex heterogeneity of glioblastoma and stromal cells, comprising its tumor microenvironment (TME). An additional factor, which isdriving poor therapy response is the distinct genetic drivers in each patient’s tumor, providing the rationale for a more individualized or personalized approach to treatment. We recently reported that the G protein-coupled receptor CCR5, which contributes to stem cell expansion in other cancers, is overexpressed in glioblastoma cells. Overexpression of the CCR5 ligand CCL5 (RANTES) in glioblastoma completes a potential autocrine activation loop to promote tumor proliferation and invasion. CCL5 was not expressed in glioblastoma stem cells, suggesting a need for paracrine activation of CCR5 signaling by the stromal cells. TME-associated immune cells, such as resident microglia, infiltrating macrophages, T cells, and mesenchymal stem cells, possibly release CCR5 ligands, providing heterologous signaling between stromal and glioblastoma stem cells. Herein, we review current therapies for glioblastoma, the role of CCR5 in other cancers, and the potential role for CCR5 inhibitors in the treatment of glioblastoma.
The Antenatal and Postnatal Consequences of Antenatal Exposure to Prolonged Low Dose Indomethacin
Authors: Donadono Vera , Manning Nicky , Impey Lawrence
Published: April 2021

Despite its many clinical applications, indomethacin is seldom used in pregnancy, principally because of concerns regarding the potential for constriction of the arterial duct. The aim of this study was to document adverse antenatal effects and postnatal outcomes after in utero exposure to low-dose indomethacin. We studied a retrospective cohort of pregnancies between 2005 and 2016 at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK, in which mothers at extremely high risk of preterm birth were treated as prophylaxis with indomethacin 25 mg, 12 hourly, before 29 weeks. Antenatal effects on the arterial duct and postnatal outcomes were analysed. Overall, 198 fetuses had in utero follow-up, and 13 (6.6%) had ductal constriction, all within 9 days of starting treatment. No ductal constriction was seen in pregnancies when therapy was started before 20 weeks, and all effects were reversed after cessation of therapy. An analysis of postnatal complications was possible in 181 neonates. There were eight (4.4%) neonatal deaths, all but one associated with extreme preterm birth. Seven (5%) patent ductus arteriosus cases occurred in the 140 neonates delivered after 28 weeks who were alive at discharge. Postnatal complications were not more common in neonates in whom antenatal ductal constriction had been demonstrated. In conclusion, fetuses exposed to prolonged low dose indomethacin have a low incidence of in utero complications; these complications can be diagnosed with ultrasound and are reversible. Adverse postnatal events are related to gestation at birth and do not appear more common.
The Effect of Intraoperative Fluid Management According to Stroke Volume Variation on Postoperative Bowel Function Recovery in Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Lee Ki-Young , Yoo Young-Chul , Cho Jin-Sun , Lee Wootaek , Kim Ji-Young , Kim Myoung-Hwa
Published: April 2021

Stroke volume variation (SVV) has been used to predict fluid responsiveness; however, it remains unclear whether goal-directed fluid therapy using SVV contributes to bowel function recovery in abdominal surgery. This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare bowel movement recovery in patients undergoing colon resection surgery between groups using traditional or SVV-based methods for intravenous fluid management. We collected data between March 2015 and July 2017. Bowel function recovery was analyzed based on the gas-passing time, sips of water time, and soft diet (SD) time. Finally, we analyzed data from 60 patients. There was no significant between-group difference in the patients’ characteristics. Compared with the control group (n = 30), the SVV group (n = 30) had a significantly higher colloid volume and lower crystalloid volume. Moreover, the gas-passing time (77.8 vs. 85.3 h, p = 0.034) and SD time (67.6 vs. 85.1 h, p < 0.001) were significantly faster in the SVV group than in the control group. Compared with the control group, the SVV group showed significantly lower scores of pain on a numeric rating scale and morphine equivalent doses during post-anesthetic care, at 24 postoperative hours, and at 48 postoperative hours. Our findings suggested that, compared with the control group, the SVV group showed a faster postoperative SD time, reduced acute postoperative pain intensity, and lower rescue analgesics. Therefore, SVV-based optimal fluid management is expected to potentially contribute to postoperative bowel function recovery in patients undergoing colon resection surgery.
Arrhythmic Sudden Cardiac Death and the Role of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in Patients with Cardiac Amyloidosis—A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Liżewska-Springer Aleksandra , Sławiński Grzegorz , Lewicka Ewa
Published: April 2021

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is considered to be associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and electromechanical dissociation. However, current arrhythmic risk stratification and the role of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of SCD remains unclear. This article provides a narrative review of the literature on electrophysiological abnormalities in the context of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with CA and the role of ICD in terms of survival benefit in this group of patients.
Better Management for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Complex Task Ahead
Authors: Coriat Romain
Published: April 2021

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare and indolent tumors characterized by the ability to synthesize, store, and secrete a variety of neuro-amines and peptides which can result in a secretory syndrome [...]
Accelerating Population Count with a Hardware Co-Processor for MicroBlaze
Authors: Skliarova Iouliia
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based hardware accelerator for assisting the embedded MicroBlaze soft-core processor in calculating population count. The population count is frequently required to be executed in cyber-physical systems and can be applied to large data sets, such as in the case of molecular similarity search in cheminformatics, or assisting with computations performed by binarized neural networks. The MicroBlaze instruction set architecture (ISA) does not support this operation natively, so the count has to be realized as either a sequence of native instructions (in software) or in parallel in a dedicated hardware accelerator. Different hardware accelerator architectures are analyzed and compared to one another and to implementing the population count operation in MicroBlaze. The achieved experimental results with large vector lengths (up to 217) demonstrate that the best hardware accelerator with DMA (Direct Memory Access) is ~31 times faster than the best software version running on MicroBlaze. The proposed architectures are scalable and can easily be adjusted to both smaller and bigger input vector lengths. The entire system was implemented and tested on a Nexys-4 prototyping board containing a low-cost/low-power Artix-7 FPGA.
Combination of Talazoparib and Palbociclib as a Potent Treatment Strategy in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Klein Florian G. , Granier Charlène , Zhao Yuling , Pan Qi , Tong Zhichao , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Holm Per Sonne , Nawroth Roman
Published: April 2021

The use of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors represents a potent strategy for cancer therapy. Due to the complex molecular network that regulates cell cycle progression, cancer cells often acquire resistance mechanisms against these inhibitors. Previously, our group identified molecular factors conferring resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition in bladder cancer (BLCA) that also included components within the DNA repair pathway. In this study, we validated whether a combinatory treatment approach of the CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib with Poly-(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors improves therapy response in BLCA. First, a comparison of PARP inhibitors Talazoparib and Olaparib showed superior efficacy of Talazoparib in vitro and displayed high antitumor activity in xenografts in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Moreover, the combination of Talazoparib and the CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib synergistically reduced tumor growth in Retinoblastoma protein (RB)-positive BLCA in vitro and in a CAM model, an effect that relies on Palbociclib-induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1-phase complemented by a G2 arrest induced by Talazoparib. Interestingly, Talazoparib-induced apoptosis was reduced by Palbociclib. The combination of Palbociclib and Talazoparib effectively enhances BLCA therapy, and RB is a molecular biomarker of response to this treatment regimen.
Length Dependent Folding Kinetics of Alanine-Based Helical Peptides from Optimal Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Kuczera Krzysztof , Szoszkiewicz Robert , He Jinyan , Jas Gouri S.
Published: April 2021

We present a computer simulation study of helix folding in alanine homopeptides (ALA)n of length n = 5, 8, 15, and 21 residues. Based on multi-microsecond molecular dynamics simulations at room temperature, we found helix populations and relaxation times increasing from about 6% and ~2 ns for ALA5 to about 60% and ~500 ns for ALA21, and folding free energies decreasing linearly with the increasing number of residues. The helix folding was analyzed with the Optimal Dimensionality Reduction method, yielding coarse-grained kinetic models that provided a detailed representation of the folding process. The shorter peptides, ALA5 and ALA8, tended to convert directly from coil to helix, while ALA15 and ALA21 traveled through several intermediates. Coarse-grained aggregate states representing the helix, coil, and intermediates were heterogeneous, encompassing multiple peptide conformations. The folding involved multiple pathways and interesting intermediate states were present on the folding paths, with partially formed helices, turns, and compact coils. Statistically, helix initiation was favored at both termini, and the helix was most stable in the central region. Importantly, we found the presence of underlying universal local dynamics in helical peptides with correlated transitions for neighboring hydrogen bonds. Overall, the structural and dynamical parameters extracted from the trajectories are in good agreement with experimental observables, providing microscopic insights into the complex helix folding kinetics.
Synergistic Behavior of Graphene and Ionic Liquid as Bio-Based Lubricant Additive
Authors: Hasnul Muhammad Harith , Mohd Zulkifli Nurin Wahidah , Hassan Masjuki , Zulkifli Syahir Amzar , Mohd Yusoff Mohd Nur Ashraf , Zakaria Muhammad Zulfattah
Published: April 2021

The constant utilization of petroleum-based products has prompted concerns about the environment, hence a replacement for these products must be explored. Biolubricants are a suitable replacement for petroleum-based lubricants as they provide better lubricity. Biolubricant performance can be improved by the addition of graphene. However, there are reports that graphene is unable to form a stable suspension for a long period. This study used a graphene-ionic liquid additive combination to stabilize the dispersion in a biolubricant. Graphene and ionic liquid were dispersed into the biolubricant via a magnetic stirrer. The samples were tested using a high frequency reciprocating rig. The cast iron sample was then further observed using various techniques to determine the lubricating mechanism of the lubricant. Different dispersion stability of graphene was observed for different biolubricants, which can be improved with ionic liquids. All ionic liquid samples maintained an absorbance value of three for one month. The utilization of ionic liquid was also able to decrease the frictional performance by 33%. Further study showed that by using the ionic liquid alone, the frictional could only reduce the friction coefficient by 13% and graphene could only reduce the friction by 7%. A smooth worn surface scar can be seen on the graphene-IL sample compared to the prominent corrosive spot on the IL samples and abrasive scars on graphene samples. This indicates synergistic behavior between the two additives. It was found that the ionic liquid does not only improve the dispersion stability, but also plays a role in forming the tribolayer.
In Vitro Assessment of the Effect of Implant Position on Biomechanical Behaviors of Implant-Supported Removable Partial Dentures in Kennedy Class II Condition
Authors: Kihara Masafumi , Ogino Yoichiro , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Morita Takehiro , Sawae Yoshinori , Ayukawa Yasunori , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of implant position and loading position on biomechanical behaviors using implant-supported removable partial denture (ISRPD) models in a simulated Kennedy class Ⅱ partially edentulous mandible. Three types of Kennedy class Ⅱ mandibular acrylic resin models (a conventional RPD without support by an implant—CRPD; models with an implant placed at first molar (#46)—MP-ISRPD— and second molar (#47)—DP-ISRPD) were used to measure vertical displacement of the RPD, mesio-distal displacement of the abutment tooth, and bending moment of the abutment tooth and implant under one-point loading. The variables at three respective loading points (#45, #46 and #47) were compared statistically. Vertical displacement was suppressed in ISRPDs compared to the CRPD, and significant effects were identified under loading at the implant position. The largest meiso-distal displacement was observed in MP-ISRPD under #47 loading. Bending moments of the abutment tooth and implant were significantly higher in MP-ISRPD than in DP-ISPRD. In MP-ISRPD, a higher bending moment of the abutment tooth under #45 and #47 loading was detected, although the bending moment in DP-ISRPD was almost zero. The results of this study suggested that MP-ISRPD shows the specific biomechanical behaviors, although DP-ISRPD might provide biomechanical benefits under all one-point loading conditions.
Fretting Wear Behavior of Three Kinds of Rubbers under Sphere-On-Flat Contact
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Su Jie , Shu Yuanjie , Shen Fei , Ke Liaoliang
Published: April 2021

Rubbers are widely used in various fields as the important sealing materials, such as window seal, door seal, valve, pump seal, etc. The fretting wear behavior of rubbers has an important effect on their sealing performance. This paper presents an experimental study on the fretting wear behavior of rubbers against the steel ball under air conditions (room temperature at 20 ± 2 °C and humidity at 40%). Three kinds of rubbers, including EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), FPM (fluororubber), and NBR (nitrile–butadiene rubber), are considered in experiments. The sphere-on-flat contact pattern is used as the contact model. The influences of the displacement amplitude, normal force, frequency, and rubber hardness on the fretting wear behavior are discussed in detail. White light profiler and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are used to analyze the wear mechanism of the rubber surface. The fretting wear performances of three rubbers are compared by considering the effect of the displacement amplitude, normal force, frequency, and rubber hardness. The results show that NBR has the most stable friction coefficient and the best wear resistance among the three rubbers.
Dynamic Behavior of a Precast and Partial Steel Joint under Various Shear Span-to-Depth Ratios
Authors: Fan Guoxi , Yang Jing , Wang Ye , Zhang Qiyi , Jia Jing , Cheng Wanpeng
Published: April 2021

The dynamic behavior of a PPSRC beam–column joint is related to constraint effect, strength deterioration and strain rate effect. Then, it can be assessed by bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, displacement ductility and energy consumption. The results show that the increased strain rate causes growth in ring stiffness, bearing capacity and energy consumption of PPSRC beam–column joints. However, the influence of shear span-to-depth ratio on dynamic mechanical properties of PPSRC beam–column joints is more obvious than that of strain rate. Regardless of strain rate, the bearing capacity, initial stiffness, ring stiffness and energy consumption of PPSRC beam–column joints decrease as the shear span-to-depth ratio increases. Moreover, the ring stiffness under reverse direction is smaller than that the under forward direction at each displacement level. However, the stiffness degradation under a lower shear span-to-depth ratio is more obvious than that under a higher shear span-to-depth ratio. Moreover, the displacement ductility with a higher shear span-to-depth ratio is better than that with a lower shear span-to-depth ratio. Finally, the mechanical properties of PPSRC beam–column joints are affected by the extension length of partial steel plate, and the reasonable extension length of the partial steel plate in the column is affected by the shear span-to-depth ratio.
Research Hotspots and Development Trends on Recycled Construction Materials in Pavement Engineering: A Bibliometric Evaluation
Authors: Xiao Yue , Dong Qiankun , Chang Xiwen , Cui Peiqiang , Liu Gang
Published: April 2021

Road recycling technology is gradually becoming a research focus in road construction due to natural resource shortages. It is therefore necessary to carry out deep and extensive analysis of the huge amount of publications in the research area of recycling technology in road construction. Based on three databases (Web of Science, Compendex and Scopus) and VOSviewer visualization software, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the literature in the field of recycled construction materials in pavement engineering. The global research publications were reviewed to quantitatively identify the literature characteristics. A number of publications, document types, research areas and keywords were used to achieve the general statistics of this reviewed literature. H-index, publication number and citations per publication were used to evaluate the academic contributions by country, institution and journal. The results show that the most productive country and institution for publications are the USA and Chang’an University from China, respectively, followed by China and Wuhan University of Technology. In recent years, researchers have generally paid attention to two main approaches: the application of rubber modified asphalt and the performance enhancement of recycled pavement.
Bio-Cementation in Construction Materials: A Review
Authors: Iqbal Dawood Muhammad , Wong Leong Sing , Kong Sih Ying
Published: April 2021

The rapid development of the construction sector has led to massive use of raw construction materials, which are at risk of exhaustion. The problem is aggravated by the high demand for cement as binding powder and the mass production of clay bricks for construction purposes. This scenario has led to high energy consumption and carbon emissions in their production. In this regard, bio-cementation is considered a green solution to building construction, because this technology is environmentally friendly and capable of reducing carbon emissions, thus slowing the global warming rate. Most of the previously published articles have focused on microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), with the mechanism of bio-cementation related to the occurrence of urea hydrolysis as a result of the urease enzymatic activity by the microbes that yielded ammonium and carbonate ions. These ions would then react with calcium ions under favorable conditions to precipitate calcium carbonate. MICP was investigated for crack repair and the surface treatment of various types of construction materials. Research on MICP for the production of binders in construction materials has become a recent trend in construction engineering. With the development of cutting edge MICP research, it is beneficial for this article to review the recent trend of MICP in construction engineering, so that a comprehensive understanding on microbial utilization for bio-cementation can be achieved.