bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Responses and Leaf Gas Exchange of Fig (Ficus carica L.) to Water Stress, Short-Term Elevated CO2 Levels and Brassinolide Application
Authors: Mardinata Zulias , Edy Sabli Tengku , Ulpah Saripah
Published: April 2021

The identification of the key components in the response to drought stress is fundamental to upgrading drought tolerance of plants. In this study, biochemical responses and leaf gas exchange characteristics of fig (Ficus carica L.) to water stress, short-term elevated CO2 levels and brassinolide application were evaluated. The ‘Improved Brown Turkey’ cultivar of fig was propagated from mature two- to three-year-old plants using cuttings, and transferred into a substrate containing 3:2:1 mixed soil (top soil: organic matters: sand). The experiment was arranged as a nested design with eight replications. To assess changes in leaf gas exchange and biochemical responses, these plants were subjected to two levels of water stress (well-watered and drought-stressed) and grown under ambient CO2 and 800 ppm CO2. Water deficits led to effects on photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, vapour pressure deficit, water use efficiency (WUE), intercellular CO2, and intrinsic WUE, though often with effects only at ambient or elevated CO2. Some changes in content of chlorophyll, proline, starch, protein, malondialdehyde, soluble sugars, and activities of peroxidase and catalase were also noted but were dependent on CO2 level. Overall, fewer differences between well-watered and drought-stressed plants were evident at elevated CO2 than at ambient CO2. Under drought stress, elevated CO2 may have boosted physiological and metabolic activities through improved protein synthesis enabling maintenance of tissue water potential and activities of antioxidant enzymes, which reduced lipid peroxidation.
Calcium Carbonate Can Be Used to Manage Soilless Substrate pH for Blueberry Production
Authors: Schreiber Michael , Nunez Gerardo
Published: April 2021

Blueberry (Vacciniumcorymbosum interspecific hybrids) production in soilless substrates is becoming increasingly popular. Soilless substrates have low pH buffering capacity. Blueberry plants preferentially take up ammonium, which acidifies the rhizosphere. Consequently, soilless substrates where blueberry plants are grown exhibit a tendency to get acidified over time. Agricultural lime (CaCO3) is commonly used to raise soil and substrate pH in other crops, but it is rarely used in blueberry cultivation. We hypothesized that substrate amendment with low rates of agricultural lime increases substrate pH buffering capacity and provides nutritional cations that can benefit blueberry plants. We tested this hypothesis in a greenhouse experiment with ‘Emerald’ southern highbush blueberry plants grown in rhizoboxes filled with a 3:1 mix of coconut coir and perlite. We found that substrate amendment with CaCO3 did not cause high pH stress. This amendment maintained substrate pH between 5.5 and 6.5 and provided Ca and Mg for plant uptake. When blueberry plants were grown in CaCO3-amended substrate and fertigated with low pH nutrient solution (pH 4.5), they exhibited greater biomass accumulation than plants grown in unamended substrates. These results suggest that low rates of CaCO3 could be useful for blueberry cultivation in soilless substrates.
Quality of Immature and Mature Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Seeds in Relation to Bio-Priming with Endophytic Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp.
Authors: Yildirim Kutay Coskun , Canik Orel Didem , Okyay Hilal , Gursan Mukerrem Melis , Demir Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Fruit maturity for seed production can occur at various times because of the continual flowering of pepper plants. Accordingly, seeds with different maturity are acquired as the fruits are collected in a single harvest. Immature seeds obtained in this harvest may lead to a decrease in the quality of seed lots. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the influence of four different endophytic bacteria strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens strain L5b, Pseudomonas gessardii strain L13, Bacillus subtilis strain Bs1 and Bacillus mojavensis strain ApBm) on germination and seedling vigor of immature and mature bell pepper seeds. To obtain seeds with different maturity levels, fruits were collected 45–49 days after flowering for immature seeds and 65–69 days for mature seeds. The effectiveness of these bacteria strains was examined by coating seeds with four different endophytic bacteria strains separately. Additionally, to see the activity of endophytic bacteria more clearly, a mock treatment with sterile water was added to the experiment as a control (+) group. Bio-priming (especially strain Bs1 and L13) improved germination and seedling emergence characteristics of both immature and mature seed lots compared to control groups (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that bio-priming with beneficial endophytic bacteria can be used to stimulate the quality of both immature and mature seeds from the pepper.
Exploring Eating Challenges and Food Selectivity for Latinx Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Qualitative Visual Methodology: Implications for Oral Health
Authors: Floríndez Lucía I. , Floríndez Daniella C. , Price Mia E. , Floríndez Francesca M. , Como Dominique H. , Polido Jose C. , Baezconde-Garbanati Lourdes , Pyatak Elizabeth , Cermak Sharon A.
Published: April 2021

Diet and food choices significantly impact teeth, including enamel quality and development of dental caries. However, studies focusing on diet and its relation to oral care in Latinx children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been minimally addressed in research. This qualitative study used an inclusive visual methodology to explore what Latinx caregivers learned about their child’s diet preferences and food routines in relation to their oral health. As a secondary aim, the study sought to explore whether notable differences in diet emerged between Latinx children with and without ASD. Participants were 32 Latinx caregivers from 18 families with children with and without Autism (n = 8 with a typically developing child and n = 10 with a child with ASD) who completed a food journal activity and photo elicitation interview. Interviews were thematically coded for themes pertaining to parents’ perceptions of their child’s diet and oral health. Findings of this study indicate that the process of taking photos helped Latinx caregivers to better situate the barriers and behaviors influencing everyday food routines in their children within the context of relating to their overall oral health. Via their active participation in the research process, parents were empowered to note strategies they could employ that would directly impact their child’s oral health outcomes, such as reducing juice intake and monitoring sugar consumption. Therefore, visual research methodologies are an important strategy for researchers to consider in order to empower participants to be part of the research process and part of the outcomes, and to offer better understanding of the lived experience of populations underrepresented in the literature, such as Latinx children with and without ASD and their families.
The Relationship between Physical Activity and the Objectively-Measured Built Environment in Low- and High-Income South African Communities
Authors: Isiagi Moses , Okop Kufre Joseph , Lambert Estelle Victoria
Published: April 2021

There is limited data concerning the built environment and physical activity (PA) in a country with a history of sociopolitically motivated, spatial and economic disparities. We explored the extent to which objectively measured attributes of the built environment were associated with self-report or device-measured PA in low- and high-socioeconomic status (SES) communities. Methods: In a convenient sample of residents (n = 52, aged 18–65 years) from four urban suburbs in low- and high-income settings near Cape Town, South Africa, self-reported transport- and leisure-time PA, and device-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) data were collected. Built environment constructs derived from individual-level street network measures (1000 m buffer, ArcGIS, 10.51) were obtained. We assessed PA between four groups, based on income and GIS walkability (derived by a median split, low or high SES and low or high walkable). Results: No relationships between self-reported MVPA and GIS-measured walkability were found. Only intersection density was significantly, inversely associated with moderate and total MVPA (rho = −0.29 and rho = −0.31, respectively, p < 0.05). In the high SES group, vigorous PA was inversely associated with intersection density (rho = −0.39, p < 0.05). Self-report transport PA differed between groups (p < 0.013). Conclusions: Results suggest that the construct of walkability may relate to volitional (leisure) and utilitarian (transport) PA differently, in highly inequitable settings.
Understanding Patient Needs Regarding Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Smartphone Applications: A Qualitative Insight from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kassem Lamyaa M. , Alhabib Bushra , Alzunaydi Khaledah , Farooqui Maryam
Published: April 2021

Background: A pragmatic shift in the healthcare sector characterized by moving from curative to preventive approaches highlights the role of pharmacovigilance in patient safety. There have been few published studies on patient reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Saudi Arabia. This qualitative study aims to explore the community opinions and the need for patient-friendly smartphone applications (SPAs) to enhance their participation in ADR reporting. Methods: Purposeful sampling was followed to recruit study participants, a semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct interviews, and the saturation was reached after the 13th interviewer; no new information was obtained after two subsequent interviews. All the interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by means of a standard content analysis framework. Results: As per the WHO guidelines, eleven participants were aware of the term “ADR”. All the participants denied receiving any prior education and attending events about ADRs and were unaware of the Saudi FDA-ADR reporting systems. The use of technologies such as SPAs has been widely accepted with a high level of concern for data confidentiality and privacy. Conclusions: These findings point out the need to build patient-oriented educational programs to increase their awareness of ADR reporting and to prioritize the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to be integrated in the Saudi healthcare system to develop future SPAs for improving both patient safety and signal detection of ADRs.
Factors Affecting Resilience of Nursing, Optometry, Radiography and Medical Laboratory Science Students
Authors: Ching Shirley Siu Yin , Cheung Kin
Published: April 2021

Background: The concern over the high level of stress experienced by students of the caring professions has led to increased attention being paid to the promotion of their resilience. Most earlier studies have focused on the resilience of medical and nursing students. There has been little exploration of the resilience and associated factors of students of other health-care disciplines. The aim of this study was to gather data from students of pre-registration health-care disciplines to identify the factors that influence their resilience. Method: Valid questionnaires were used to assess respondents’ resilience, self-efficacy, mindfulness, coping and trait positive and negative affect. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate and general linear regression. Results: A total of 1320 university students from nursing, medical laboratory science, radiography and optometry were recruited. The results showed that the subjects’ resilience scores were lower than those of students in Western countries. We found self-efficacy and denial to be the common predictors for students of all disciplines. Conclusion: The resilience of students in the four disciplines was predicted by a combination of predictors. Faculties of universities and clinical mentors should collaborate in building resilience in their health-care students and support them to grow both personally and professionally during their careers.
Physical Activity and Quality of Life of University Students, Their Parents, and Grandparents in Poland—Selected Determinants
Authors: Kotarska Katarzyna , Nowak Maria Alicja , Nowak Leonard , Król Paweł , Sochacki Artur , Sygit Katarzyna , Sygit Marian
Published: April 2021

Physical activity is one of the factors conditioning human health. Research shows a positive impact of regular physical activity on the quality of human life. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the physical activity of university students, their parents, and their grandparents, and the overall quality of their lives in individual domains (physical, mental, social, environmental), as well as the perceived state of health in relation to selected determinants. The research included 1001 participants, including 253 students related to physical culture and health promotion studying at the University of Szczecin (faculties: physical education, tourism and recreation, public health, sports diagnostics), and their 336 parents and 412 grandparents. Purposive sampling was used to outline the determinants of quality of life and family factors in physical activity. The diagnostic survey was carried out based on the standardized WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life) questionnaire. Statistically significant differences were shown in the studied generations regarding the assessment of quality of life and satisfaction with health in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. The oldest generation gave the lowest assessment of quality of life and was the least satisfied with their health regarding particular domains. Female students were more satisfied with their health compared to grandmothers and grandfathers, whereas male students compared to mothers and fathers. Fathers achieved the highest scores in the psychological and social domains, but, in case of the latter, differences were found between mothers’ and fathers’ assessments. Intergenerational differences were found in quality of life and the assessment of health status. Current participation in broadly understood physical culture was often a result of positive attitudes towards physical education and doing sport in the past, which meant higher scores in the physical domain each time. The study demonstrated that taking up physical activity impacted the quality of life and assessment of health in the past and currently.
An Emerging Innovative UV Disinfection Technology (Part II): Virucide Activity on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Messina Gabriele , Della Camera Alessandro , Ferraro Pietro , Amodeo Davide , Corazza Alessio , Nante Nicola , Cevenini Gabriele
Published: April 2021

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has become a global health burden. Surface sanitation is one of the key points to reduce the risk of transmission both in healthcare and other public spaces. UVC light is already used in hospital and laboratory infection control, and some recent studies have shown its effectiveness on SARS-CoV-2. An innovative UV chip technology, described in Part I of this study, has recently appeared able to overcome the limits of old lamps and is proposed as a valid alternative to LEDs. This study was designed to test the virucidal activity on SARS-CoV-2 of a device based on the new UV chip technology. Via an initial concentration of virus suspension of 107.2 TCID50/mL, the tests revealed a viral charge reduction of more than 99.9% after 3 min; the maximum detectable attenuation value of Log10 = 5.7 was measured at 10 min of UV exposure.
A Review of the Role of Endo/Sarcoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Ca2+ Transport in Diseases and Skeletal Muscle Function
Authors: Zhang Shuang-Shuang , Zhou Shi , Crowley-McHattan Zachary J. , Wang Rui-Yuan , Li Jun-Ping
Published: April 2021

The physical contact site between a mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), named the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM), has emerged as a fundamental platform for regulating the functions of the two organelles and several cellular processes. This includes Ca2+ transport from the ER to mitochondria, mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, apoptosis signalling, ER stress signalling, redox reaction, and membrane structure maintenance. Consequently, the MAM is suggested to be involved in, and as a possible therapeutic target for, some common diseases and impairment in skeletal muscle function, such as insulin resistance and diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, age-related muscle atrophy, and exercise-induced muscle damage. In the past decade, evidence suggests that alterations in Ca2+ transport from the ER to mitochondria, mediated by the macromolecular complex formed by IP3R, Grp75, and VDAC1, may be a universal mechanism for how ER-mitochondria cross-talk is involved in different physiological/pathological conditions mentioned above. A better understanding of the ER (or sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle)-mitochondria Ca2+ transport system may provide a new perspective for exploring the mechanism of how the MAM is involved in the pathology of diseases and skeletal muscle dysfunction. This review provides a summary of recent research findings in this area.
Fluctuations in National Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kimhi Shaul , Eshel Yohanan , Marciano Hadas , Adini Bruria
Published: April 2021

The current study measured national resilience (NR) in three different time frames during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Israel (N = 804). We investigated two main issues: first, the direction and extent of NR changes during the crisis, and second, the predictors of NR. The results show the following: (a) the average NR score declined significantly across the three repeated measures, with a medium-size effect. (b) Three of the four identified NR factors declined significantly across the three measurements: belief in the government and the prime minister (large effect size); belief in civil society; and patriotism (medium effect size); while trust in Israeli national institutions was the lowest and did not weaken significantly. (c) Analyzing the prediction of NR factors indicated that the levels of the three NR factors mainly reflected one’s political attitudes, sense of political and economic threats, rather than health threats. One conclusion concerns the importance of trust in leadership as the most sensitive component in the decline of national resilience following a crisis.
A Framework for Cloud-Based Spatially-Explicit Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis in Spatial Multi-Criteria Models
Authors: Erlacher Christoph , Anders Karl-Heinrich , Jankowski Piotr , Paulus Gernot , Blaschke Thomas
Published: April 2021

Global sensitivity analysis, like variance-based methods for massive raster datasets, is especially computationally costly and memory-intensive, limiting its applicability for commodity cluster computing. The computational effort depends mainly on the number of model runs, the spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions, the number of criterion maps, and the model complexity. The current Spatially-Explicit Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis (SEUSA) approach employs a cluster-based parallel and distributed Python–Dask solution for large-scale spatial problems, which validates and quantifies the robustness of spatial model solutions. This paper presents the design of a framework to perform SEUSA as a Service in a cloud-based environment scalable to very large raster datasets and applicable to various domains, such as landscape assessment, site selection, risk assessment, and land-use management. It incorporates an automated Kubernetes service for container virtualization, comprising a set of microservices to perform SEUSA as a Service. Implementing the proposed framework will contribute to a more robust assessment of spatial multi-criteria decision-making applications, facilitating a broader access to SEUSA by the research community and, consequently, leading to higher quality decision analysis.
Cannabidiol and the Canonical WNT/β-Catenin Pathway in Glaucoma
Authors: Vallée Alexandre , Lecarpentier Yves , Vallée Jean-Noël
Published: April 2021

Glaucoma is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which constitutes the main frequent cause of irreversible blindness. Recent findings have shown that oxidative stress, inflammation and glutamatergic pathway play key roles in the causes of glaucoma. Recent studies have shown a down regulation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway in glaucoma, associated with overactivation of the GSK-3β signaling. WNT/β-catenin pathway is mainly associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and glutamatergic pathway. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa plant which possesses many therapeutic properties across a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Since few years, CBD presents an increased interest as a possible drug in anxiolytic disorders. CBD administration is associated with increase of the WNT/β-catenin pathway and decrease of the GSK-3β activity. CBD has a lower affinity for CB1 but can act through other signaling in glaucoma, including the WNT/β-catenin pathway. CBD downregulates GSK3-β activity, an inhibitor of WNT/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, CBD was reported to suppress pro-inflammatory signaling and neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and glutamatergic pathway. Thus, this review focuses on the potential effects of cannabidiol, as a potential therapeutic strategy, on glaucoma and some of the presumed mechanisms by which this phytocannabinoid provides its possible benefit properties through the WNT/β-catenin pathway.
Altered Metabolic Flexibility in Inherited Metabolic Diseases of Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Tucci Sara , Alatibi Khaled Ibrahim , Wehbe Zeinab
Published: April 2021

In general, metabolic flexibility refers to an organism’s capacity to adapt to metabolic changes due to differing energy demands. The aim of this work is to summarize and discuss recent findings regarding variables that modulate energy regulation in two different pathways of mitochondrial fatty metabolism: β-oxidation and fatty acid biosynthesis. We focus specifically on two diseases: very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) and malonyl-CoA synthetase deficiency (acyl-CoA synthetase family member 3 (ACSF3)) deficiency, which are both characterized by alterations in metabolic flexibility. On the one hand, in a mouse model of VLCAD-deficient (VLCAD−/−) mice, the white skeletal muscle undergoes metabolic and morphologic transdifferentiation towards glycolytic muscle fiber types via the up-regulation of mitochondrial fatty acid biosynthesis (mtFAS). On the other hand, in ACSF3-deficient patients, fibroblasts show impaired mitochondrial respiration, reduced lipoylation, and reduced glycolytic flux, which are compensated for by an increased β-oxidation rate and the use of anaplerotic amino acids to address the energy needs. Here, we discuss a possible co-regulation by mtFAS and β-oxidation in the maintenance of energy homeostasis.
Antibacterial Titanium Implants Biofunctionalized by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation with Silver, Zinc, and Copper: A Systematic Review
Authors: van Hengel Ingmar A. J. , Tierolf Melissa W. A. M. , Fratila-Apachitei Lidy E. , Apachitei Iulian , Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: April 2021

Patients receiving orthopedic implants are at risk of implant-associated infections (IAI). A growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria threaten to hamper the treatment of IAI. The focus has, therefore, shifted towards the development of implants with intrinsic antibacterial activity to prevent the occurrence of infection. The use of Ag, Cu, and Zn has gained momentum as these elements display strong antibacterial behavior and target a wide spectrum of bacteria. In order to incorporate these elements into the surface of titanium-based bone implants, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been widely investigated as a single-step process that can biofunctionalize these (highly porous) implant surfaces. Here, we present a systematic review of the studies published between 2009 until 2020 on the biomaterial properties, antibacterial behavior, and biocompatibility of titanium implants biofunctionalized by PEO using Ag, Cu, and Zn. We observed that 100% of surfaces bearing Ag (Ag-surfaces), 93% of surfaces bearing Cu (Cu-surfaces), 73% of surfaces bearing Zn (Zn-surfaces), and 100% of surfaces combining Ag, Cu, and Zn resulted in a significant (i.e., >50%) reduction of bacterial load, while 13% of Ag-surfaces, 10% of Cu-surfaces, and none of Zn or combined Ag, Cu, and Zn surfaces reported cytotoxicity against osteoblasts, stem cells, and immune cells. A majority of the studies investigated the antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Important areas for future research include the biofunctionalization of additively manufactured porous implants and surfaces combining Ag, Cu, and Zn. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of such implants should be determined in assays focused on prevention, rather than the treatment of IAIs. These implants should be tested using appropriate in vivo bone infection models capable of assessing whether titanium implants biofunctionalized by PEO with Ag, Cu, and Zn can contribute to protect patients against IAI.
tRNA-Dependent Import of a Transit Sequence-Less Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase (LeuRS2) into the Mitochondria of Arabidopsis
Authors: Reinbothe Steffen , Rossig Claudia , Gray John , Rustgi Sachin , von Wettstein Diter , Reinbothe Christiane , Rassow Joachim
Published: April 2021

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AaRS) charge tRNAs with amino acids for protein translation. In plants, cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, and chloroplast AaRS exist that are all coded for by nuclear genes and must be imported from the cytosol. In addition, only a few of the mitochondrial tRNAs needed for translation are encoded in mitochondrial DNA. Despite considerable progress made over the last few years, still little is known how the bulk of cytosolic AaRS and respective tRNAs are transported into mitochondria. Here, we report the identification of a protein complex that ties AaRS and tRNA import into the mitochondria of Arabidopsis thaliana. Using leucyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (LeuRS2) as a model for a mitochondrial signal peptide (MSP)-less precursor, a ≈30 kDa protein was identified that interacts with LeuRS2 during import. The protein identified is identical with a previously characterized mitochondrial protein designated HP30-2 (encoded by At3g49560) that contains a sterile alpha motif (SAM) similar to that found in RNA binding proteins. HP30-2 is part of a larger protein complex that contains with TIM22, TIM8, TIM9 and TIM10 four previously identified components of the translocase for MSP-less precursors. Lack of HP30-2 perturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and function and caused seedling lethality during greening, suggesting an essential role of HP30-2 in planta.
A Bit Stickier, a Bit Slower, a Lot Stiffer: Specific vs. Nonspecific Binding of Gal4 to DNA
Authors: Carzaniga Thomas , Zanchetta Giuliano , Frezza Elisa , Casiraghi Luca , Vanjur Luka , Nava Giovanni , Tagliabue Giovanni , Dieci Giorgio , Buscaglia Marco , Bellini Tommaso
Published: April 2021

Transcription factors regulate gene activity by binding specific regions of genomic DNA thanks to a subtle interplay of specific and nonspecific interactions that is challenging to quantify. Here, we exploit Reflective Phantom Interface (RPI), a label-free biosensor based on optical reflectivity, to investigate the binding of the N-terminal domain of Gal4, a well-known gene regulator, to double-stranded DNA fragments containing or not its consensus sequence. The analysis of RPI-binding curves provides interaction strength and kinetics and their dependence on temperature and ionic strength. We found that the binding of Gal4 to its cognate site is stronger, as expected, but also markedly slower. We performed a combined analysis of specific and nonspecific binding—equilibrium and kinetics—by means of a simple model based on nested potential wells and found that the free energy gap between specific and nonspecific binding is of the order of one kcal/mol only. We investigated the origin of such a small value by performing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of Gal4–DNA interactions. We found a strong enthalpy–entropy compensation, by which the binding of Gal4 to its cognate sequence entails a DNA bending and a striking conformational freezing, which could be instrumental in the biological function of Gal4.
Development of Covalent Chitosan-Polyethylenimine Derivatives as Gene Delivery Vehicle: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation
Authors: Nicolle Laura , Casper Jens , Willimann Melanie , Journot Céline M. A. , Detampel Pascal , Einfalt Tomaž , Grisch-Chan Hiu Man , Thöny Beat , Gerber-Lemaire Sandrine , Huwyler Jörg
Published: April 2021

There is an increasing interest in cationic polymers as important constituents of non-viral gene delivery vectors. In the present study, we developed a versatile synthetic route for the production of covalent polymeric conjugates consisting of water-soluble depolymerized chitosan (dCS; MW 6–9 kDa) and low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI; 2.5 kDa linear, 1.8 kDa branched). dCS-PEI derivatives were evaluated based on their physicochemical properties, including purity, covalent bonding, solubility in aqueous media, ability for DNA condensation, and colloidal stability of the resulting polyplexes. They were complexed with non-integrating DNA vectors coding for reporter genes by simple admixing and assessed in vitro using liver-derived HuH-7 cells for their transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. Using a rational screening cascade, a lead compound was selected (dCS-Suc-LPEI-14) displaying the best balance of biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency. Scale-up and in vivo evaluation in wild-type mice allowed for a direct comparison with a commercially available non-viral delivery vector (in vivo-jetPEI). Hepatic expression of the reporter gene luciferase resulted in liver-specific bioluminescence, upon intrabiliary infusion of the chitosan-based polyplexes, which exceeded the signal of the in vivo jetPEI reference formulation by a factor of 10. We conclude that the novel chitosan-derivative dCS-Suc-LPEI-14 shows promise and potential as an efficient polymeric conjugate for non-viral in vivo gene therapy.
Precision Medicine and Melanoma: Multi-Omics Approaches to Monitoring the Immunotherapy Response
Authors: Valenti Fabio , Falcone Italia , Ungania Sara , Desiderio Flora , Giacomini Patrizio , Bazzichetto Chiara , Conciatori Fabiana , Gallo Enzo , Cognetti Francesco , Ciliberto Gennaro , Morrone Aldo , Guerrisi Antonino
Published: April 2021

The treatment and management of patients with metastatic melanoma have evolved considerably in the “era” of personalized medicine. Melanoma was one of the first solid tumors to benefit from immunotherapy; life expectancy for patients in advanced stage of disease has improved. However, many progresses have yet to be made considering the (still) high number of patients who do not respond to therapies or who suffer adverse events. In this scenario, precision medicine appears fundamental to direct the most appropriate treatment to the single patient and to guide towards treatment decisions. The recent multi-omics analyses (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, radiomics, etc.) and the technological evolution of data interpretation have allowed to identify and understand several processes underlying the biology of cancer; therefore, improving the tumor clinical management. Specifically, these approaches have identified new pharmacological targets and potential biomarkers used to predict the response or adverse events to treatments. In this review, we will analyze and describe the most important omics approaches, by evaluating the methodological aspects and progress in melanoma precision medicine.
Layer Composition of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Optimized Using a Regression Analysis Method
Authors: Cho Byoung Hooi , Won Moon , Nam Boo Hyun
Published: April 2021

A procedure for determining the optimized composition of layer properties for a continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) system was constructed using field tests, finite element (FE) analysis, and regression analysis methods. The field support characteristics of a rigid pavement system were investigated using a falling weight deflectometer (FWD), dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), and a static plate load test. The subgrade layer exhibited a more uniform condition than the aggregate base, and the modulus of the subgrade reaction of the aggregate base and subgrade combination (effective k-value) was improved by about 1.5 times by introducing a 2 inch (50.8 mm) asphalt stabilized base (ASB) layer. Thereafter, FE support models describing the actual field conditions were studied. The effects of the thickness of the stabilized base layer, the elastic modulus of the stabilized base material, and the effective k-value on the composite k-value of the support system were identified using a regression analysis method, and the results showed that the variables had a similar effect when determining the composite k-value. Afterward, a procedure for selecting the layer properties for producing a suitable composite k-value was constructed, and we identified that the maximum stress in the concrete slab was induced at different levels, even with identical composite k-values. Lastly, regression relationships were derived to estimate the maximum stress in the concrete slab by considering both the support layer properties and the concrete slab. Subsequently, an algorithm for selecting an optimized layer composition of the CRCP structure was construction considering the economical aspect.
Fermenting Bread Dough as a Cheap, Effective, Nontoxic, and Generic Attractant for Pest Snails and Slugs
Authors: Veasey Robin , Cordoba Maria , Colton Andrew , Fujimoto Leonard , Dodge Christine , Foley Ian , Adams Gary , Anderson Taelor , Merenz Richard , Hara Arnold , Roda Amy , Millar Jocelyn , Mc Donnell Rory
Published: April 2021

Invasive slugs and snails are among the most damaging pests of agriculture in temperate and tropical regions of the world. Control options, however, are limited and there is a heavy reliance on chemical molluscicides of variable efficacy. There is an ongoing need to improve management methods. Here, we show that a simple fermenting bread dough formulation (flour, water, and yeast) was effective in attracting pest mollusk species in laboratory tests, and in multiple replicated field trials in Hawaii, Oregon, and Montana. The dough attracted substantially more terrestrial pest gastropods, including invasive species of major economic importance such as Cornu aspersum, Deroceras reticulatum, Ambigolimax valentianus, Xerolenta obvia, Lissachatina fulica, and Parmarion martensi, than water controls. The dough remained attractive for at least 8 days and was significantly more attractive than a widely used metaldehyde-based bait, Deadline® M-Ps™. Thus, fermenting bread dough represents a nontoxic, generic, and effective tool to aid in managing pest gastropod infestations, either using baited traps or in attract-and-kill approaches. Given its simplicity, low cost, and the ready availability of its ingredients, the dough also has potential to be used in developing countries where access to commercial molluscicide baits is limited by cost.
Esterase, Glutathione S-Transferase and NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductase Activity Evaluation in Cacopsylla pyri L. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) Individual Adults
Authors: Bosch-Serra Dolors , Rodríguez Marcela A. , Avilla Jesús , Sarasúa María José , Miarnau Xavier
Published: April 2021

Cacopsylla pyri (L.) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is a key pest of pear orchards in Spain. The large number of insecticide treatments necessary for control may be an important contributor to the emergence of resistance. Laboratory toxicity and biochemical assays are necessary to validate the existence of insecticide resistance and establish the underlying mechanisms. All the methodologies developed to evaluate enzyme activity in C. pyri to date have incorporated “pools” of adults to detect minimum activity ranges. In this study, we determined the optimal working conditions for evaluation of the activities of esterase, glutathione S-transferase and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase in individual insects via colorimetric methods using a microplate reader. The main factors affecting enzymatic analysis activity, such as enzyme source and substrate concentration, filter wavelength, buffer pH, reaction time and additives, were evaluated for optimization. Determining the frequency of resistant individuals within a population could be used as an indicator for the evolution of insecticide resistance over time. Two laboratory strains, one of them selected with cypermethrin, and two field populations were analyzed for this purpose. The data obtained revealed high values and great variation in the activity ranges of esterase (EST) in the insecticide-selected population as well as in the field populations validating the applied methodology.
Can Coagulation System Disorders and Cytokine and Inflammatory Marker Levels Predict the Temporary Clinical Deterioration or Improvement of Septic Patients on ICU Admission?
Authors: Lavranou Georgia-Athanasia , Mentzelopoulos Spyros , Katsaounou Paraskevi , Siempos Ilias , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Geranaki Aikaterini , Routsi Christina , Zakynthinos Spyros
Published: April 2021

Although coagulation disorders and immune/inflammatory response have been associated with the final outcome of patients with sepsis, their link with thetemporaryclinical deterioration or improvement of patients is unknown. We aimed to investigate this link. We prospectively included consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a suspected diagnosis of infection and evaluated within the first 24 h from admission. Blood levels of many cytokines and inflammatory and coagulation factors were measured and their predictive value was assessed by calculating the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curves. Patients (n = 102) were allocated in five groups, i.e., sepsis (n = 14), severe sepsis (n = 17), septic shock (n = 28), Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) without infection (n = 17), and trauma/surgery without SIRS or infection (n = 26). In septic shock, coagulation factors FVII and FIX and Protein C had AUROCs 0.67–0.78. In severe sepsis, Antithrombin III, Protein C, C-reactive protein, Procalcitonin and Thrombopoietin had AUROCs 0.73–0.75. In sepsis, Tumor Necrosis Factor a, and Interleukins 1β and 10 had AUROCs 0.66–0.72. In patients admitted to the ICU with a suspected diagnosis of infection, coagulation factors and inhibitors, as well as cytokine and inflammatory marker levels, have substantial predictive value in distinct groups of septic patients.
Metal-Organic Framework-Based Stimuli-Responsive Polymers
Authors: Wei Menglian , Wan Yu , Zhang Xueji
Published: April 2021

Metal-organic framework (MOF) based stimuli-responsive polymers (coordination polymers) exhibit reversible phase-transition behavior and demonstrate attractive properties that are capable of altering physical and/or chemical properties upon exposure to external stimuli, including pH, temperature, ions, etc., in a dynamic fashion. Thus, their conformational change can be imitated by the adsorption/desorption of target analytes (guest molecules), temperature or pressure changes, and electromagnetic field manipulation. MOF-based stimuli responsive polymers have received great attention due to their advanced optical properties and variety of applications. Herein, we summarized some recent progress on MOF-based stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) classified by physical and chemical responsiveness, including temperature, pressure, electricity, pH, metal ions, gases, alcohol and multi-targets.
Verification of Vibration Isolation Effectiveness of the Underwater Vehicle Power Plant
Authors: Yang Yang , Pan Guang , Yin Shaoping , Yuan Ying , Huang Qiaogao
Published: April 2021

In order to enhance the vibration isolation effectiveness of an underwater vehicle power plant, and alleviate the mechanical vibration of the outer housing, initially discrete vibration isolators were improved, and three new types of ring vibration isolators designed, i.e., ring metal rubber isolators, magnesium alloy isolators and modified ultra-high polyethylene isolators (MUHP). A vibrator excitation test was carried out, and the isolation effectiveness of the three types of vibration isolators was evaluated, adopting insertion loss and vibration energy level drop. The results showed that compared with the initial isolators and the other two new types of isolators, MUHP showed the most significant vibration isolation effectiveness. Furthermore, its effectiveness was verified by a power vibration test of the power plant. To improve the vibration isolation effectiveness, in addition to vibration isolators, it is essential to carry out investigations on high-impedance housings.
The Secretomes of Aspergillus japonicus and Aspergillus terreus Supplement the Rovabio® Enzyme Cocktail for the Degradation of Soybean Meal for Animal Feed
Authors: Grandmontagne Delphine , Navarro David , Neugnot-Roux Virginie , Ladevèze Simon , Berrin Jean-Guy
Published: April 2021

One of the challenges of the 21st century will be to feed more than 10 billion people by 2050. In animal feed, one of the promising approaches is to use agriculture by-products such as soybean meal as it represents a rich source of proteins. However, soybean meal proteins are embedded in a complex plant cell wall matrix, mostly composed of pectic polysaccharides, which are recalcitrant to digestion for animals and can cause digestive disorders in poultry breeding. In this study, we explored fungal diversity to find enzymes acting on soybean meal components. An exploration of almost 50 fungal strains enabled the identification of two strains (Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus japonicus), which improved the solubilization of soybean meal in terms of polysaccharides and proteins. The two Aspergilli strains identified in the frame of this study offer a promising solution to process industrial food coproducts into suitable animal feed solutions.
Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Suspected Reactive Hypoglycemia
Authors: Hall Marianna , Walicka Magdalena , Panczyk Mariusz , Traczyk Iwona
Published: April 2021

Background: It remains unclear whether reactive hypoglycemia (RH) is a disorder caused by improper insulin secretion, result of eating habits that are not nutritionally balanced or whether it is a psychosomatic disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate metabolic parameters in patients admitted to the hospital with suspected RH. Methods: The study group (SG) included non-diabetic individuals with symptoms consistent with RH. The control group (CG) included individuals without hypoglycemic symptoms and any documented medical history of metabolic disorders. In both groups the following investigations were performed: fasting glucose and insulin levels, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), 75 g five-hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with an assessment of glucose and insulin and lipid profile evaluation. Additionally, Mixed Meal Tolerance Test (MMTT) was performed in SG. Results from OGTT and MMTT were analyzed in line with the non-standardized RH diagnostic criteria. Results: Forty subjects have been enrolled into SG. Twelve (30%) of those patients had hypoglycemic symptoms and glucose level ≤55 mg/dL during five-hour OGTT and have been diagnosed with RH. Ten (25%) subjects manifested hypoglycemic like symptoms without significant glucose decline. Patients with diagnosed RH had statistically significantly lower mean glucose at first (92.1 ± 37.9 mg/dL vs. 126.4 ± 32.5 mg/dL; LSD test: p < 0.001) and second (65.6 ± 19.3 mg/dL vs. 92.6 ± 19.3 mg/dL; LSD test: p < 0.001) hour of OGTT and insulin value (22.7 ± 10.9 lU/mL vs. 43.4 ± 35.0 lU/mL; LSD test: p < 0.001) at second hour of OGTT compared to the patients who did not meet the criteria of RH. Seventeen (43%) subjects from SG reported symptoms suggesting hypoglycemia during MMTT but none of them had glucose value lower than ≤55 mg/dL (68.7 ± 4.7 mg/dL). From the entire lipid profile, only mean total cholesterol value was significantly higher (p = 0.024) in SG in comparison with CG but did not exceed standard reference range. Conclusions: No metabolic disturbances have been observed in patients with diagnosed reactive hypoglycemia. Hyperinsulinemia has not been associated with glycemic declines in patients with this condition. Occurrence of pseudohypoglicemic symptoms and lower glucose value was more common after ingestion of glucose itself rather than after ingestion of a balanced meal. This could suggest an important role that nutritionally balanced diet may play in maintaining correct glucose and insulin levels in the postprandial period.
Assessing Agri-Food Start-Ups Sustainability in Peri-Urban Agriculture Context
Authors: Zanzi Ambrogio , Vaglia Valentina , Spigarolo Roberto , Bocchi Stefano
Published: April 2021

Latest international directives indicate the need for sustainable development, linking socio-economic and environmental aspects, to reach the goals set by Agenda 2030. In this context, peri-urban agriculture can represent the opportunity to increase cities’ sustainability, improving their liveability level, fulfilling a crucial social part since it assures new sources of job opportunities and territorial requalification. This study presents a peri-urban requalification experience, conducted in Milan, Italy, where, within the European funded project OpenAgri, eight agri-food start-ups began their activities in a peri-urban area at the southern gates of the city. The study aims to assess and evaluate these start-ups’ sustainability using the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems (SAFA), which considers four sustainability pillars: Good governance, economic resilience, environmental integrity and social well-being. The application of SAFA indicators to the eight start-ups revealed their positive aspects and some limitations, typical of some not structured enterprises. The research describes a scalable and replicable example of peri-urban agriculture’s potentiality in solving environmental, social and economic issues and tests FAO’s SAFA framework, which is still unexplored in this sustainability assessment context.