bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Diaporthe Species Associated With Hazelnut Defects
Authors: Arciuolo Roberta , Santos Carla , Soares Célia , Castello Giuseppe , Spigolon Nicola , Chiusa Giorgio , Lima Nelson , Battilani Paola
Published: December 2020

Fungi of the genusDiaporthehave been reported as the main causative agent of hazelnut defects in the Caucasus area. This study aimed to define which fungal species are present in defective hazelnuts grown in Turkey and confirm the role ofDiaporthespp. Seven hazelnut orchards were selected, with each one located in a different Turkish Province (Düzce, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, Sakarya, Trabzon, and Zonguldak), and hazelnuts were collected at early and full ripening. Fungal isolation and identification were performed at the genus level based on morphological characteristics. Several genera were isolated, withDiaporthespp. being among the prevalent. This was the only genus with increasing incidence from early to full ripening, and incidence at full ripening was positively correlated both with internal (ρ = 0.86) and visible defects (ρ = 0.81), which confirmed its role as the key causative agent of hazelnut defects. The correlation of defect occurrence with rainfall, reported in previous study, was not confirmed, possibly due to the low defect incidence. A total of 86Diaporthemonosporic strains isolated from Turkish hazelnut samples, together with 33 strains collected in the Caucasus region and 6 from Italy, were analyzed with a multi-locus phylogeny based on three genomic loci (ITS,EF1-α, andtub). The results showed thatDiaporthestrains can be grouped into 7 distinct clades, with a majority of Turkish strains (95%) being placed into a single clade related withD. eres. These samples were organized into several sub-clades, which indicates the existence of genetically diverse sub-populations.
Path Integration and Cognitive Mapping Capacities in Down and Williams Syndromes
Authors: Bostelmann Mathilde , Ruggeri Paolo , Rita Circelli Antonella , Costanzo Floriana , Menghini Deny , Vicari Stefano , Lavenex Pierre , Banta Lavenex Pamela
Published: December 2020

Williams (WS) and Down (DS) syndromes are neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct genetic origins and different spatial memory profiles. In real-world spatial memory tasks, where spatial information derived from all sensory modalities is available, individuals with DS demonstrate low-resolution spatial learning capacities consistent with their mental age, whereas individuals with WS are severely impaired. However, because WS is associated with severe visuo-constructive processing deficits, it is unclear whether their impairment is due to abnormal visual processing or whether it reflects an inability to build a cognitive map. Here, we tested whether blindfolded individuals with WS or DS, and typically developing (TD) children with similar mental ages, could use path integration to perform an egocentric homing task and return to a starting point. We then evaluated whether they could take shortcuts and navigate along never-traveled trajectories between four objects while blindfolded, thus demonstrating the ability to build a cognitive map. In the homing task, 96% of TD children, 84% of participants with DS and 44% of participants with WS were able to use path integration to return to their starting point consistently. In the cognitive mapping task, 64% of TD children and 74% of participants with DS were able to take shortcuts and use never-traveled trajectories, the hallmark of cognitive mapping ability. In contrast, only one of eighteen participants with WS demonstrated the ability to build a cognitive map. These findings are consistent with the view that hippocampus-dependent spatial learning is severely impacted in WS, whereas it is relatively preserved in DS.
Viewing Fantastical Events in Animated Television Shows: Immediate Effects on Chinese Preschoolers’ Executive Function
Authors: Li Hui , Hsueh Yeh , Yu Haoxue , Kitzmann Katherine M.
Published: December 2020

Three experiments were conducted to test whether watching an animated show with frequent fantastical events decreased Chinese preschoolers’ post-viewing executive function (EF), and to test possible mechanisms of this effect. In all three experiments, children were randomly assigned to watch a video with either frequent or infrequent fantastical events; their EF was immediately assessed after viewing, using behavioral measures of working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility. Parents completed a questionnaire to assess preschoolers’ hyperactivity level as a potential confounding variable. In Experiment 1 (N = 90), which also included a control group, there was an immediate negative effect of watching frequent fantastical events, as seen in lower scores on the behavioral EF tasks. In Experiment 2 (N = 20), eye tracking data showed more but shorter eye fixations in the high frequency group, suggesting a higher demand on cognitive resources; this group also did more poorly on behavioral measures of EF. In Experiment 3 (N = 20), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data showed that the high frequency group had a higher concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (Coxy-Hb), an indicator of higher brain activation consistent with a greater use of cognitive resources; this group also had lower scores on the behavioral EF tasks. The findings are discussed in reference to models of limited cognitive resources.
Perceived Social Support and Its Effects on Changes in the Affective and Eudaimonic Well-Being of Chilean University Students
Authors: Cobo-Rendón Rubia , López-Angulo Yaranay , Pérez-Villalobos María Victoria , Díaz-Mujica Alejandro
Published: December 2020

The beginning of university life can be a stressful event for students. The close social relationships that they can experience can have positive effects on their well-being. The objective of this paper is to estimate the effect of perceived social support on the changes of the hedonic and eudaimonic well-being of Chilean university students during the transition from the first to the second academic year. Overall, 205 students participated (63.90% men and 36.09% women) with an average age of 19.14 years (SD= 1.73), evaluated during their first academic year (2017) and the succeeding one (2018). For the evaluation of perceived social support, the Spanish version of the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire “MSPSS” was used, and PERMA-profiler was used to measure hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Changes through the time of hedonic well-being and social support and the correlations between the variables were analyzed. Changes in the perception of social support were analyzed according to four categories of hedonic well-being. The prediction of social support for eudaimonic well-being was evaluated. Results indicated that the perception of students’ social support did not change over time. Statistically significant differences were found in hedonic well-being scores in the two measurements, being significantly higher in the first measurement than in the second one. More than 50% of the participants presented a positive balance of affections. The perception of social support is associated with the two types of well-being. Students who had a high balance of affections had a greater perception of general social support than the groups of positive evolution of affections and a low balance of affections. In the case of the friends and family support dimensions, the perception in the high-balance group of affections concerning the low-scale group is greater. Improving the perception of social support increases the eudaimonic well-being of university students. The perception of support that students had during the beginning of their university life benefits their general well-being, which contributes to their mental health.
First-Episode Psychotic Patients Showed Longitudinal Brain Changes Using fMRI With an Emotional Auditory Paradigm
Authors: González-Vivas Carlos , García-Martí Gracián , Soldevila-Matías Pau , Sanz-Requena Roberto , Aguilar Eduardo J. , Castro-Bleda María José , Martí-Bonmatí Luis , Sanjuan Julio
Published: December 2020

Most previous longitudinal studies of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in first-episode psychosis (FEP) using cognitive paradigm task found an increased activation after antipsychotic medications. We designed an emotional auditory paradigm to explore brain activation during emotional and nonemotional word processing. This study aimed to analyze if longitudinal changes in brain fMRI BOLD activation is present in patients vs. healthy controls. A group of FEP patients (n = 34) received clinical assessment and had a fMRI scan at baseline and follow-up (average, 25-month interval). During the fMRI scan, both emotional and nonemotional words were presented as a block design. Results were compared with a pair of healthy control group (n = 13). Patients showed a decreased activation at follow-up fMRI in amygdala (F = 4.69; p = 0.04) and hippocampus (F = 5.03; p = 0.03) compared with controls. Middle frontal gyrus was the only area that showed a substantial increased activation in patients (F = 4.53; p = 0.04). A great heterogeneity in individual activation patterns was also found. These results support the relevance of the type of paradigm in neuroimaging for psychosis. This is, as far as we know, the first longitudinal study with an emotional auditory paradigm in FEP. Our results suggested that the amygdala and hippocampus play a key role in psychotic disease. More studies are needed to understand the heterogeneity of response at individual level.
Managing Rangelands Without Herding? Insights From Africa and Beyond
Authors: Schlecht Eva , Turner Matthew D. , Hülsebusch Christian G. , Buerkert Andreas
Published: December 2020

In many parts of the world, the utilization of rangelands is based on the targeted movement of herds within and across often vast territories. Crucial for the success of these livestock operations are decisions on how to flexibly allocate animals to the existing vegetation, both in terms of numbers and concentrations, and in space and time. Research from large scale ranching in the prairies of the Americas, and nomadic or transhumant livestock systems in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, suggests that the more precisely specific patches of vegetation at a specific development stage can be targeted, the more beneficial will be the outcome in terms of animal nutrition and productivity. This also holds for the provision of environmental services such as aboveground net primary production, biodiversity preservation, and soil fertility. However, herding requires year-round labor investment, and in rural areas where seasonal migration is an important livelihood strategy, herding may suffer from absence of skilled workforce. Additional obstacles are political neglect and land use competition, insecurity, reduced self-ownership rates of herds, partial social isolation of herders, and hardship of the work. These make herding an increasingly unpopular occupation, especially for the young generation, but there are also factors that drive (young) people to take up or continue this profession. Reduced herding efforts, reflected in the reluctance to utilize remote grazing areas, may lead to overstocking of favorable pastures. This increases the risk of pasture degradation, long-term reduced herd productivity, social conflict, and public criticism of pastoralism as an anachronistic lifestyle and detrimental land stewardship, thereby further fueling the erosion of herding. By reviewing studies from Africa, the Middle East, and southern and eastern Asia, and including some insights from Europe and southern America, we discuss the ecosystem services produced by herding and herd mobility, and reflect on the ecological and social consequences of the loss of herding labor. Highlighting aspects that speak for this occupation at the individual level, we conclude by suggesting interventions that may sustain the herding profession, such as facilitation of labor sharing, labor contracts, improved herder security, and societal payments for ecological and cultural services.
Leishmania infantum Seroprevalence in Cats From Touristic Areas of Italy and Greece
Authors: Morelli Simone , Colombo Mariasole , Dimzas Dimitris , Barlaam Alessandra , Traversa Donato , Di Cesare Angela , Russi Ilaria , Spoletini Roberta , Paoletti Barbara , Diakou Anastasia
Published: December 2020

Leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum is a major zoonotic Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) in terms of geographic distribution, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential. While dogs are the main reservoir of L. infantum, the infection in cats is poorly understood although increasingly reported from enzootic and non-enzootic areas. The Mediterranean basin is a key area for leishmaniosis and includes touristic spots that require continuous surveillance for VBDs in consideration of the growing tendency of tourists to travel with their pets. This study evaluated L. infantum seroprevalence in cats living in selected touristic localities of Italy and Greece. A total of 269 cat serum samples from three Sites i.e., 76, 40, and 153 from Adriatic Coast of Abruzzo, Italy (Site A), Giglio Island, Tuscany, Italy (Site B), and Mykonos Island, Greece (Site C), respectively, were included in the survey. Sera samples were subjected to an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for the detection of anti-L. infantum specific IgG. Associations between possible risk factors and seropositivity to L. infantum were statistically evaluated. Antibodies against L. infantum were detected in eight out of 269 (3.0%) cats tested i.e., 4/76 (5.3%), 1/40 (2.5%), and 3/153 (2.0%), from sites A, B, and C, respectively. A statistical association between anti-L. infantum antibodies and cohabitation with dogs was shown. This study indicates that feline populations living in the examined Italian and Greek touristic areas are exposed to L. infantum and that they may contribute to the circulation of L. infantum, enhancing the risk of infection for dogs and humans.
Evaluation of Two Fecal Occult Blood Tests for Detecting Non-Perforating Abomasal Lesions in Cattle
Authors: Munch Sara Lee , Nielsen Søren Saxmose , Krogh Mogens Agerbo , Capion Nynne
Published: December 2020

Non-perforating abomasal lesions occur with a high prevalence in slaughtered dairy cattle. Ante mortem diagnosis is a challenge, but the presence of occult blood in feces is suggested as a diagnostic criterion. The lower detection limit of Hemo-Fec® (Med-Kjemi, Asker, Norway) and Hemoccult II® SENSA® (Beckman Coulter, Brea, California, USA) for fecal occult blood were estimated. The Hemo-Fec® and Hemoccult II® SENSA® could detect 1–2 mL and 2–4.5 mL of blood in 1000 g of feces, respectively. Therefore, the Hemo-Fec® test was selected to access hemoglobin degradation in the rumen to establish if blood from outside the gastrointestinal tract could result in false-positive tests and an observational study to estimate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Rumen microbiota did not degrade hemoglobin in a 1% blood concentration in vitro during 48 h of fermentation. The Hemo-Fec® test was only able to detect cattle with ≥4 acute lesions (diagnostic sensitivity: 0.40 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.32–0.48] and ≥4 chronic lesions (sensitivity: 0.44 [95% CI: 0.35–0.52]). The Hemo-Fec® test had no diagnostic potential to detect superficial erosions or scar tissue in abomasa. Furthermore, the specificity was 0.71 [95% CI: 0.68–0.75%], and a positive test is thus not equivalent with abomasal lesions in cattle.
Bta-miR-376a Targeting KLF15 Interferes with Adipogenesis Signaling Pathway to Promote Differentiation of Qinchuan Beef Cattle Preadipocytes
Authors: Chen Xingyi , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Cheng Gong , Ma Xinhao , Wang Jianfang , Zan Linsen
Published: December 2020

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a quality index associated with the taste and juiciness of meat. The deposition of IMF is affected by genetic and non-genetic factors, such as age, slaughter location, gender of the animal, and diet. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA) are transcriptional regulators involved in adipogenesis, but the specific role of miR-376a in regulation of bovine adipocytes remains unknown. Our findings indicated that miR-376a was a potential negative regulator of bovine adipocyte differentiation. A bta-miR-376a mimic inhibited mRNA and protein expression of the marker genes, CDK1, CDK2, PCNA, C/EBPα, FAS, and PPAR γ, and significantly reduced ratios (%) of S-phase cells, the number of cells stained with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine, and adipocyte proliferation. Oil red O staining and triglyceride content analysis also confirmed that bta-miR-376a was involved in adipocyte differentiation. Luciferase activities confirmed that Krüppel-like transcription factor 15 (KLF15) was a direct target gene of bta-miR-376a, and that KLF15 was a key transcription factor in adipogenesis. Therefore, bta-miR-376a might be a target for increasing beef IMF.
The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Role of Leptin and Its Receptor ObR in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Kinfe Thomas M. , Stadlbauer Andreas , Bozhkov Yavor , Kremenevski Natalia , Brandner Sebastian , Buchfelder Michael , Chaudhry Shafqat R.
Published: December 2020

Leptin has been recognized as a potential tumor growth promoter in various cancers including cranial tumor pathologies such as pituitary adenomas, meningiomas and gliomas. Despite recent advances in adjunctive therapy and the established surgical resection, chemo- and radiotherapy regimen, glioblastoma multiforme remains a particular diagnostic and therapeutic challenge among the intracranial tumor pathologies, with a poor long-term prognosis. Systemic inflammation and immune-metabolic signaling through diverse pathways are thought to impact the genesis and recurrence of brain tumors, and glioblastoma multiforme in particular. Among the various circulating mediators, leptin has gained especial diagnostic and therapeutic interest, although the precise relationship between leptin and glioblastoma biology remains largely unknown. In this narrative review (MEDLINE/OVID, SCOPUS, PubMed and manual searches of the bibliographies of known primary and review articles), we discuss the current literature using the following search terms: leptin, glioblastoma multiforme, carcinogenesis, immunometabolism, biomarkers, metformin, antidiabetic medication and metabolic disorders. An increasing body of experimental evidence implicates a relationship between the development and maintenance of gliomas (and brain tumors in general) with a dysregulated central and peripheral immune-metabolic network mediated by circulating adipokines, chemokines and cellular components, and in particular the leptin adipokine. In this review, we summarize the current evidence of the role of leptin in glioblastoma pathophysiology. In addition, we describe the status of alternative diagnostic tools and adjunctive therapeutics targeting leptin, leptin-receptors, antidiabetic drugs and associated pathways. Further experimental and clinical trials are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action and the value of immune-metabolism molecular phenotyping (central and peripheral) in order to develop novel adjunctive diagnostics and therapeutics for newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma patients.
Outcome of Patients with NSCLC and Brain Metastases Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in a ‘Real-Life’ Setting
Authors: Skribek Marcus , Rounis Konstantinos , Makrakis Dimitrios , Agelaki Sofia , Mavroudis Dimitris , De Petris Luigi , Ekman Simon , Tsakonas Georgios
Published: December 2020

There is lack of data addressing the intracranial (IC) efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on brain metastases (BM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This patient category is underrepresented in randomized clinical trials. We retrospectively collected clinical data on patients with non-oncogenic driven NSCLC with BM who were treated with ICIs at two medical oncology institutes in Sweden and Greece from 2016 to 2019. IC efficacy was assessed in patients who had not received local treatment for BM less than three months prior to the initiation of ICIs and had adequate radiological evaluation. We screened 280 patients, of which 51 had BM. BM was an independent predictor for inferior PFS (HR = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.53–3.36) but not OS (HR = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.97–2.60) for the whole patient population. IC response assessment was done on 33 patients. IC objective response rate (ORR) was 24.2%. The presence of neurological symptoms related to BM did not affect IC ORR (p = 0.48). High PD-L1 levels from extracranial biopsies were not a predictive factor for IC ORR (p = 0.13). ICIs are active in NSCLC patients with BM regardless of the presence of neurological symptoms and can achieve durable IC disease stabilization in a subgroup of patients.
Comprehensive Analysis of SWI/SNF Inactivation in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Models
Authors: Peinado Paola , Andrades Alvaro , Cuadros Marta , Rodriguez Maria Isabel , Coira Isabel F. , Garcia Daniel J. , Álvarez-Perez Juan Carlos , Baliñas-Gavira Carlos , Arenas Alberto M. , Patiño-Mercau Juan Rodrigo , Sanjuan-Hidalgo Juan , Romero Octavio A. , Montuenga Luis M. , Carretero Julian , Sanchez-Cespedes Montserrat , Medina Pedro P.
Published: December 2020

Mammalian SWI/SNF (SWitch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) complexes are ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers whose subunits have emerged among the most frequently mutated genes in cancer. Studying SWI/SNF function in cancer cell line models has unveiled vulnerabilities in SWI/SNF-mutant tumors that can lead to the discovery of new therapeutic drugs. However, choosing an appropriate cancer cell line model for SWI/SNF functional studies can be challenging because SWI/SNF subunits are frequently altered in cancer by various mechanisms, including genetic alterations and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In this work, we combined genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches to study the mutational status and the expression levels of the SWI/SNF subunits in a panel of 38 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell lines. We found that the SWI/SNF complex was mutated in more than 76% of our LUAD cell lines and there was a high variability in the expression of the different SWI/SNF subunits. These results underline the importance of the SWI/SNF complex as a tumor suppressor in LUAD and the difficulties in defining altered and unaltered cell models for the SWI/SNF complex. These findings will assist researchers in choosing the most suitable cellular models for their studies of SWI/SNF to bring all of its potential to the development of novel therapeutic applications.
Perinatal Brain Injury and Inflammation: Lessons from Experimental Murine Models
Authors: Leavy Aisling , Jimenez Mateos Eva M.
Published: December 2020

Perinatal brain injury or neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a state of disturbed neurological function in neonates, caused by a number of different aetiologies. The most prominent cause of NE is hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, which can often induce seizures. NE and neonatal seizures are both associated with poor neurological outcomes, resulting in conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disability. The current treatment strategies for NE and neonatal seizures have suboptimal success in effectively treating neonates. Therapeutic hypothermia is currently used to treat NE and has been shown to reduce morbidity and has neuroprotective effects. However, its success varies between developed and developing countries, most likely as a result of lack of sufficient resources. The first-line pharmacological treatment for NE is phenobarbital, followed by phenytoin, fosphenytoin and lidocaine as second-line treatments. While these drugs are mostly effective at halting seizure activity, they are associated with long-lasting adverse neurological effects on development. Over the last years, inflammation has been recognized as a trigger of NE and seizures, and evidence has indicated that this inflammation plays a role in the long-term neuronal damage experienced by survivors. Researchers are therefore investigating the possible neuroprotective effects that could be achieved by using anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of NE. In this review we will highlight the current knowledge of the inflammatory response after perinatal brain injury and what we can learn from animal models.
MicroRNAs in Several Cutaneous Autoimmune Diseases: Psoriasis, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Domingo Sandra , Solé Cristina , Moliné Teresa , Ferrer Berta , Cortés-Hernández Josefina
Published: December 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the gene expression at a post-transcriptional level and participate in maintaining the correct cell homeostasis and functioning. Different specific profiles have been identified in lesional skin from autoimmune cutaneous diseases, and their deregulation cause aberrant control of biological pathways, contributing to pathogenic conditions. Detailed knowledge of microRNA-affected pathways is of crucial importance for understating their role in skin autoimmune diseases. They may be promising therapeutic targets with novel clinical implications. They are not only present in skin tissue, but they have also been found in other biological fluids, such as serum, plasma and urine from patients, and therefore, they are potential biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the role of described miRNAs in several cutaneous autoimmune diseases: psoriasis (Ps, 33 miRNAs), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE, 2 miRNAs) and atopic dermatitis (AD, 8 miRNAs). We highlight their role as crucial elements implicated in disease pathogenesis and their applicability as biomarkers and as a novel therapeutic approach in the management of skin inflammatory diseases.
Methods of Promoting Professional Agency at Work
Authors: Kalliola Satu , Mahlakaarto Salme
Published: December 2020

In the midst of continuous changes in working life, finding a way to balance organizational demands and the needs of employees has become an important task. This task has highlighted the significance of agency and social interaction, as influencing factors that can enhance people’s potential to meet new learning tasks. In the Scandinavian and Finnish contexts, research institutions, in cooperation with work organizations, have developed practical methods to promote agency and learning at work. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of two different workplace development methods, identity (ID) training, and participatory action research (PAR) using dialogue forums if combined and applied as a two-level approach. The study asks what the characteristics of these methods are in general and if there are any key characteristics that could support their combined application. The research question is answered by a qualitative descriptive analysis of the literature on organizations, agency, and applications of the methods. The results shed light on and emphasize the intertwining characteristics of the methods. The research concludes with the hypothesis—to be tested in further research—that the methods are necessary for each other and recommends a preliminary investigation on the prevailing organizational culture, as a resource for organization-specific modifications.
A Historical Review of Impressed Current Cathodic Protection of Steel in Concrete
Authors: Broomfield John P.
Published: December 2020

This paper reviews the history of the development of impressed current cathodic protection of atmospherically exposed reinforced concrete from the first trials in 1959 on bridges to recently installed systems on a wide range of structures around the world. The paper covers the research efforts, anode developments, control systems and monitoring sensors which are reviewed and their evolution explained. The research into the potential and actual side effects of cathodic protection currents in concrete are summarised. The development of standards and guidance on impressed current cathodic protection is also reviewed.
The Synthesis and Characterization of Sol-Gel-Derived SrTiO3-BiMnO3 Solid Solutions
Authors: Karoblis Dovydas , Diliautas Ramunas , Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene Eva , Mazeika Kestutis , Baltrunas Dalis , Beganskiene Aldona , Zarkov Aleksej , Kareiva Aivaras
Published: December 2020

In this study, the aqueous sol-gel method was employed for the synthesis of (1−x)SrTiO3-xBiMnO3 solid solutions. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of single-phase perovskites with a cubic structure up to x = 0.3. A further increase of the BiMnO3 content led to the formation of a negligible amount of neighboring Mn3O4 impurity, along with the major perovskite phase. Infrared (FT-IR) analysis of the synthesized specimens showed gradual spectral change associated with the superposition effect of Mn-O and Ti-O bond lengths. By introducing BiMnO3 into the SrTiO3 crystal structure, the size of the grains increased drastically, which was confirmed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Magnetization studies revealed that all solid solutions containing the BiMnO3 component can be characterized as paramagnetic materials. It was observed that magnetization values clearly correlate with the chemical composition of powders, and the gradual increase of the BiMnO3 content resulted in noticeably higher magnetization values.
Type I Interferon Signature in Chilblain-Like Lesions Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aschoff Roland , Zimmermann Nick , Beissert Stefan , Günther Claudia
Published: December 2020

Contemporarily to the new SARS-CoV-2 mediated COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in patients with acral chilblain lesions has been described. They manifest late after mild disease or asymptomatic exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Their pathogenic evolution is currently unknown. In biopsies from three patients with acral partially ulcerating chilblain lesions that occurred associated to the COVID-19 pandemic, we analysed the expression of type I interferon induced proteins and signal transduction kinases. Histology demonstrated perivascular and periadnexal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates and endothelial dominated MxA-staining, as well as pJAK1 activation. Our findings demonstrate induction of the type I IFN pathway in lesional sections of COVID-19-associated chilblain-like lesions. This may indicate a local antiviral immune activation status associated with preceding exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Implantation of a Dual-Chamber Automatic Cardioverter Defibrillator in a Patient with Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Haba Mihai Cristian , Ursaru Andreea Maria , Petriș Antoniu Octavian , Popescu Ștefan Eduard , Tesloianu Nicolae Dan
Published: December 2020

Persistence of the left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a congenital anomaly reported in 0.3–0.5% of patients. Due to the multiple and complex anatomical variations, transvenous lead placement can become challenging. We report the case of a 47-year-old patient diagnosed with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF—27%), who was referred to our clinic for implantation of a dual-chamber cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. During the procedure we encountered an abnormal guidewire trajectory and after venographic examination we established the diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava. After difficult implantation of a 7F defibrillation lead through the coronary sinus, we managed to place the atrial lead through a narrow brachiocephalic vein into the right atrial appendage. In this paper, we aim to illustrate the medical and technical implications of implanting a cardioverter defibrillator in patients with PLSVC, highlighting the benefit of identifying and utilizing both the innominate vein, and the left superior vena cava and coronary sinus for placement of multiple leads, which would otherwise have been impossible.
Assessing the Carbon Storage of Soil and Litter from National Forest Inventory Data in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sunjeoung , Lee Seunghyun , Shin Joonghoon , Yim Jongsu , Kang Jinteak
Published: December 2020

Research Highlights: The estimation of soil and litter carbon stocks by the Land Use, Land-Use Changes, and Forestry (LULUCF) sectors has the potential to improve reports on national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. Background and Objectives: Forests are carbon sinks in the LULUCF sectors and therefore can be a comparatively cost-effective means and method of GHG mitigation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to assess soil at 0–30 cm and litter carbon stocks using the National Forest Inventory (NFI) data and random forest (RF) models, mapping their carbon stocks. The three main types of forest in South Kora were studied, namely, coniferous, deciduous, and mixed. Results: The litter carbon stocks (t C ha−1) were 4.63 ± 0.18 for coniferous, 3.98 ± 0.15 for mixed, and 3.28 ± 0.13 for deciduous. The soil carbon stocks (t C ha−1) were 44.11 ± 1.54 for deciduous, 35.75 ± 1.60 for mixed, and 33.96 ± 1.62 for coniferous. Coniferous forests had higher litter carbon stocks while deciduous forests contained higher soil carbon stocks. The carbon storage in the soil and litter layer increased as the forest grew older; however, a significant difference was found in several age classes. For mapping the soil and litter carbon stocks, we used four random forest models, namely RF1 to RF4, and the best performing model was RF2 (root mean square error (RMSE) (t C ha−1) = 1.67 in soil carbon stocks, 1.49 in soil and litter carbon stocks). Our study indicated that elevation, accessibility class, slope, diameter at breast height, height, and growing stock are important predictors of carbon stock. Soil and litter carbon stock maps were produced using the RF2 models. Almost all prediction values were appropriated to soil and litter carbon stocks. Conclusions: Estimating and mapping the carbon stocks in the soil and litter layer using the NFI data and random forest models could be used in future national GHG inventory reports. Additionally, the data and models can estimate all carbon pools to achieve an accurate and complete national GHG inventory report.
Inclusion of Probiotics into Fermented Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Milk: An Overview of Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Abesinghe A.M.N.L. , Priyashantha Hasitha , Prasanna P.H.P. , Kurukulasuriya Maheshika S. , Ranadheera C.S. , Vidanarachchi J.K.
Published: December 2020

Buffalo-milk-based dairy products provide various health benefits to humans since buffalo milk serves as a rich source of protein, fat, lactose, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin A and natural antioxidants. Dairy products such as Meekiri, Dadih, Dadi and Lassie, which are derived from Artisanal fermentation of buffalo milk, have been consumed for many years. Probiotic potentials of indigenous microflora in fermented buffalo milk have been well documented. Incorporation of certain probiotics into the buffalo-milk-based dairy products conferred vital health benefits to the consumers, although is not a common practice. However, several challenges are associated with incorporating probiotics into buffalo-milk-based dairy products. The viability of probiotic bacteria can be reduced due to processing and environmental stress during storage. Further, incompatibility of probiotics with traditional starter cultures and high acidity of fermented dairy products may lead to poor viability of probiotics. The weak acidifying performance of probiotics may affect the organoleptic quality of fermented dairy products. Besides these challenges, several innovative technologies such as the use of microencapsulated probiotics, ultrasonication, the inclusion of prebiotics, use of appropriate packaging and optimal storage conditions have been reported, promising stability and viability of probiotics in buffalo-milk-based fermented dairy products.
The Impact of African Ancestry on Prostate Cancer Disparities in the Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Lewis Deyana D. , Cropp Cheryl D.
Published: December 2020

Prostate cancer disproportionately affects men of African ancestry at nearly twice the rate of men of European ancestry despite the advancement of treatment strategies and prevention. In this review, we discuss the underlying causes of these disparities including genetics, environmental/behavioral, and social determinants of health while highlighting the implications and challenges that contribute to the stark underrepresentation of men of African ancestry in clinical trials and genetic research studies. Reducing prostate cancer disparities through the development of personalized medicine approaches based on genetics will require a holistic understanding of the complex interplay of non-genetic factors that disproportionately exacerbate the observed disparity between men of African and European ancestries.
Clustering Analysis Supports the Detection of Biological Processes Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Emberti Gialloreti Leonardo , Enea Roberto , Di Micco Valentina , Di Giovanni Daniele , Curatolo Paolo
Published: December 2020

Genome sequencing has identified a large number of putative autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk genes, revealing possible disrupted biological pathways; however, the genetic and environmental underpinnings of ASD remain mostly unanswered. The presented methodology aimed to identify genetically related clusters of ASD individuals. By using the VariCarta dataset, which contains data retrieved from 13,069 people with ASD, we compared patients pairwise to build “patient similarity matrices”. Hierarchical-agglomerative-clustering and heatmapping were performed, followed by enrichment analysis (EA). We analyzed whole-genome sequencing retrieved from 2062 individuals, and isolated 11,609 genetic variants shared by at least two people. The analysis yielded three clusters, composed, respectively, by 574 (27.8%), 507 (24.6%), and 650 (31.5%) individuals. Overall, 4187 variants (36.1%) were common to the three clusters. The EA revealed that the biological processes related to the shared genetic variants were mainly involved in neuron projection guidance and morphogenesis, cell junctions, synapse assembly, and in observational, imitative, and vocal learning. The study highlighted genetic networks, which were more frequent in a sample of people with ASD, compared to the overall population. We suggest that itemizing not only single variants, but also gene networks, might support ASD etiopathology research. Future work on larger databases will have to ascertain the reproducibility of this methodology.
DetR DB: A Database of Ionizing Radiation Resistance Determinants
Authors: Ryabova Alina , Kozlova Olga , Kadirov Azat , Ananeva Anastasiia , Gusev Oleg , Shagimardanova Elena
Published: December 2020

Nuclear pollution is an urgent environmental issue and is a consequence of rapid industrialization and nuclear accidents in the past. Remediation of nuclear polluted sites using microbial vital activity (bioremediation) is a promising approach to recover contaminated areas in an environmentally friendly and cost-saving way. At the same time, the number of known bacterial and archaeal species able to withstand extremely high doses of ionizing radiation (IR) is steadily growing every year, together with growing knowledge about mechanisms of radioresistance that opens up opportunities for developing new biotechnological solutions. However, these data are often not systemized, and can be difficult to access. Here, we present the Determinants of Radioresistance Database, or DetR DB, gathering a comprehensive catalog of radioresistant microbes and their molecular and genetic determinants of enhanced IR tolerance. The database provides search tools, including taxonomy, common gene name, and BLAST. DetR DB will be a useful tool for the research community by facilitating the extraction of the necessary information to help further analysis of radiation-resistant mechanisms.
Direct Interactions with Nascent Transcripts Is Potentially a Common Targeting Mechanism of Long Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Antonov Ivan , Medvedeva Yulia
Published: December 2020

Although thousands of mammalian long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported in the last decade, their functional annotation remains limited. A wet-lab approach to detect functions of a novel lncRNA usually includes its knockdown followed by RNA sequencing and identification of the deferentially expressed genes. However, identification of the molecular mechanism(s) used by the lncRNA to regulate its targets frequently becomes a challenge. Previously, we developed the ASSA algorithm that detects statistically significant inter-molecular RNA-RNA interactions. Here we designed a workflow that uses ASSA predictions to estimate the ability of an lncRNA to function via direct base pairing with the target transcripts (co- or post-transcriptionally). The workflow was applied to 300+ lncRNA knockdown experiments from the FANTOM6 pilot project producing statistically significant predictions for 71 unique lncRNAs (104 knockdowns). Surprisingly, the majority of these lncRNAs were likely to function co-transcriptionally, i.e., hybridize with the nascent transcripts of the target genes. Moreover, a number of the obtained predictions were supported by independent iMARGI experimental data on co-localization of lncRNA and chromatin. We detected an evolutionarily conserved lncRNA CHASERR (AC013394.2 or LINC01578) that could regulate target genes co-transcriptionally via interaction with a nascent transcript by directing CHD2 helicase. The obtained results suggested that this nuclear lncRNA may be able to activate expression of the target genes in trans by base-pairing with the nascent transcripts and directing the CHD2 helicase to the regulated promoters leading to open the chromatin and active transcription. Our study highlights the possible importance of base-pairing between nuclear lncRNAs and nascent transcripts for the regulation of gene expression.
Compensatory Response of the Somatotropic Axis from IGFBP-2b Gene Editing in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Cleveland Beth M. , Habara Shiori , Oikawa Jin , Radler Lisa M. , Shimizu Munetaka
Published: December 2020

Rainbow trout with gene editing-induced reductions in serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2b exhibit similar growth performance compared to fish without IGFBP-2b gene disruption. The objective of this study is to determine how the components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGFBP system respond to a reduction in serum IGFBP-2b abundance. Editing the IGFBP-2b genes in rainbow trout resulted in an 83% decrease in serum IGFBP-2b in mutants. This resulted in a 35% reduction in serum IGF-I, which was offset by reduced expression of hepatic igfbp-1a2 and increased muscle igfr-1a; these responses suggest that an increased IGF-I signaling capacity offset reductions in serum IGF-I. During feed deprivation, the differential expression of igfbp genes supports the attenuation of the growth inhibitory response, likely due to the further reduction in serum IGF-I that alleviated the need for an IGF-inhibitory response. Unique igfbp expression patterns occurred during refeeding, suggesting an enhanced IGF-I signaling capacity in controls. Collectively, these findings support that the role of IGFBP-2b is to regulate serum IGF-I concentrations. The compensatory regulation of IGF/IGFBP system genes indicates that adjustments in other IGFBP, both circulating and at the local level, maintain IGF-I signaling at a level appropriate for the nutritional state of the fish.
The Puzzling Fate of a Lupin Chromosome Revealed by Reciprocal Oligo-FISH and BAC-FISH Mapping
Authors: Bielski Wojciech , Książkiewicz Michał , Šimoníková Denisa , Hřibová Eva , Susek Karolina , Naganowska Barbara
Published: December 2020

Old World lupins constitute an interesting model for evolutionary research due to diversity in genome size and chromosome number, indicating evolutionary genome reorganization. It has been hypothesized that the polyploidization event which occurred in the common ancestor of the Fabaceae family was followed by a lineage-specific whole genome triplication (WGT) in the lupin clade, driving chromosome rearrangements. In this study, chromosome-specific markers were used as probes for heterologous fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to identify and characterize structural chromosome changes among the smooth-seeded (Lupinus angustifolius L., Lupinus cryptanthus Shuttlew., Lupinus micranthus Guss.) and rough-seeded (Lupinus cosentinii Guss. and Lupinus pilosus Murr.) lupin species. Comparative cytogenetic mapping was done using FISH with oligonucleotide probes and previously published chromosome-specific bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. Oligonucleotide probes were designed to cover both arms of chromosome Lang06 of the L. angustifolius reference genome separately. The chromosome was chosen for the in-depth study due to observed structural variability among wild lupin species revealed by BAC-FISH and supplemented by in silico mapping of recently released lupin genome assemblies. The results highlighted changes in synteny within the Lang06 region between the lupin species, including putative translocations, inversions, and/or non-allelic homologous recombination, which would have accompanied the evolution and speciation.
Is Family Structure Associated with Deviance Propensity during Adolescence? The Role of Family Climate and Anger Dysregulation
Authors: Saladino Valeria , Mosca Oriana , Lauriola Marco , Hoelzlhammer Lilli , Cabras Cristina , Verrastro Valeria
Published: December 2020

Transgressive conduct and opposition towards the rules often characterize adolescence. During the development, antisocial and aggressive behavior could be a way to grow personally and to be independent. According to previous studies results, the family has a high impact on teens’ aggressive behaviors and moral disengagement. Our research involved 2328 Italian adolescents (13–19 years old) who have filled in the following questionnaires: deviant behavior questionnaire; aggression questionnaire; family communication scale; moral disengagement scale; the multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Our study investigated the role of family structure on deviance propensity through family climate and anger dysregulation joint influence. We conducted a mediation analysis to reach this goal using structural equation modeling (SEM). We have also conducted a multigroup analysis in order to evaluate gender differences in the SEM. Results showed that both family climate and anger dysregulation mediated the relationship between family structure and deviance propensity. The multigroup analysis revealed that the indirect relationship between variables through family climate is significant for both boys and girls (higher in females); variables indirect relationship through anger dysregulation was significant only for girls. These data could be useful for prevention and intervention programs on children–parent relationships and to reduce antisociality and teenager’s aggressive behavior.
The Addition of Images to eWOM in the Travel Industry: An Examination of Hotels, Cruise Ships and Fast Food Reviews
Authors: Zinko Robert , Furner Christopher P. , de Burgh-Woodman Helene , Johnson Patricia , Sluhan Anne
Published: December 2020

Extensive research has examined the influence of online product reviews on consumer behavior. However, few have investigated the influence of reviewer submitted images on consumer attitudes. This research examines consumer perceptions of trust, information quality and valence disparity using three simulated online reviews appearing on TripAdvisor.com: one for a hotel, one for a cruise ship and one for a fast food restaurant. Findings reveal that reviews with images are seen as more trustworthy, and that consumers perceive reviews with images as possessing higher information quality than reviews containing text only. Likewise, the findings showed that effective images should be consistent with review text (e.g., reviewers do not respond positively to negative reviews linked with positive images, or vice versa).