bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Governance, Natural Resources, and Security Threats on Economic Development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rjoub Husam , Ifediora Chuka Uzoma , Odugbesan Jamiu Adetola , Iloka Benneth Chiemelie , Xavier Rita João , Dantas Rui Miguel , Mata Mário Nuno , Martins José Moleiro
Published: June 2021

Sub-Saharan African countries are known to be bedeviled with some challenges hindering the economic development. Meanwhile, some of these issues have not been exhaustively investigated in the context of the region. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the implications of government effectiveness, availability of natural resources, and security threats on the regions’ economic development. Yearly data, spanning from 2007 to 2020, was converted from low frequency (yearly) to high frequency (quarterly) and utilized. Data analysis was conducted using Dynamic heterogeneous panel level estimators (PMG and CS-ARDL). Findings show that while PMG estimator confirms a long-run causal effect of governance, natural resources, and security threats on economic development, only natural resources show a short-run causal effect with economic development, while the CS-ARDL (model 2) confirms the significance of all the variables both in the long and short-run. Moreover, the ECT coefficients for both models were found to be statistically significant at less than 1% significance level, which indicates that the systems return back to equilibrium in case of a shock that causes disequilibrium, and in addition, reveals a stable long-run cointegration among the variables in the model. Finally, this study suggests that the policy makers in SSA countries should place more emphasis on improving governance, managing security challenges, and effectively utilizing rents from the natural resources, as all these have severe implications for the economic development of the region if not addressed.
Impact of Reducing Sitting Time in Women with Fibromyalgia and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rodríguez-Roca Beatriz , Urcola-Pardo Fernando , Anguas-Gracia Ana , Subirón-Valera Ana Belén , Gasch-Gallén Ángel , Antón-Solanas Isabel , Gascón-Catalán Ana M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Sitting time has negative effects on health, increasing the risk of obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer. Thus, primary health care education interventions aimed to reduce sitting time and sedentary behavior could have beneficial effects on people’s health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an intervention based on reducing sitting time to decrease cardiometabolic risk on a sample of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and moderate obesity. Methods: Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to decrease cardiometabolic risk in 84 participants. Sedentary behavior was monitored using an accelerometer before and at 3-month follow-up. Results: Compared with the control group, body mass index decreased, and the number of steps taken increased, in the intervention group 3 months after the intervention. No significant differences were found in the rest of the variables measured. Conclusion: The intervention group decreased sitting time after the intervention. Group activities and support from primary care may be useful to improve treatment adherence. RCT registration: NCT01729936.
Mediating Effects of Emotional Self-Disclosure on the Relationship between Depression and Quality of Life for Women Undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Kim Miok , Hong Ju-Eun , Ban Minkyung
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to identify the moderating and mediating effect of emotional self-disclosure between depression and quality of life for women under infertility treatment. The subjects included 169 infertile women under in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The data were collected by self-administered questionnaires from June to August in 2019. The questionnaire consisted of questions about depression, emotional self-disclosure, and fertility quality of life. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, correlation, and stepwise multiple regression were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 Windows program. Depression had a negative correlation with emotional self-disclosure (r = −0.189, p = 0.014) and fertility quality of life (r = −0.532, p < 0.001). Emotional self-disclosure had a positive correlation with fertility quality of life (r = 0.259, p = 0.001). These results confirm that emotional self-disclosure has mediating effects between depression and fertility quality of life. Therefore, nursing interventions for IVF patients need to encourage expressing and sharing various emotions experienced through the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in order to alleviate negative emotions.
Infection Control Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Students of Public Dental Schools in Egypt
Authors: El-saaidi Christina , Dadras Omid , Musumari Patou Masika , Ono-Kihara Masako , Kihara Masahiro
Published: June 2021

In developing countries such as Egypt, the risk of blood-borne diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus is high for healthcare workers. To evaluate infection control knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as the associated risk of percutaneous infection among dental students, a cross-sectional study was conducted in four Egyptian public dental schools in 2016. A total of 1776 students received an anonymous questionnaire on infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices and the occurrence of needle and sharps injuries; 1067 (60.1%) completed the questionnaire. Third- (pre-clinical), fourth- (junior-clinical), and fifth-year (senior-clinical) students comprised 44.2%, 15.6%, and 40.2%, respectively. Although the majority of the students reported good attitudes and practices for infection control, knowledge scores were generally low. Female students scored higher on self-protection and sterilization practices than did male students, and the fourth-year students showed significantly higher scores for infection control practice than did the fifth-year students. In multivariate analysis, higher scores for all infection control practices were associated with higher scores for attitudes towards infection control and fewer (1–3) needle injury experiences. Although an alarming proportion had experienced needle or sharps injuries during clinical training, around 30% of the students had not received a complete hepatitis B vaccination. Future infection control education should introduce refresher training before graduation that focuses on injury prevention and post-exposure protocols. Additionally, introducing safer products and clinical procedures is highly recommended to minimize the risk of injuries during clinical practice for dental students in Egypt.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in Fluoro-Edenite-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Broggi Giuseppe , Angelico Giuseppe , Filetti Veronica , Ledda Caterina , Lombardo Claudia , Vitale Ermanno , Rapisarda Venerando , Loreto Carla , Caltabiano Rosario
Published: June 2021

The Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) has a proto-oncogenic function, being associated with angiogenesis and frequently overexpressed in many human malignant neoplasms. Its immunohistochemical expression has never been investigated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We evaluated SRSF1 immunoexpression and its possible relation to angiogenesis in a selected cohort of 10 fluoro-edenite(FE)-induced MPM cases. Methods: Immunohistochemical analyses with an anti-SRSF1 antibody were performed. We interpreted the cases as positive if tumor cell nuclei were stained; a semi-quantitative analysis of the cases was performed by evaluating the intensity of staining and the percentage of tumor positive cells. A microvessel density (MVD) count was also performed. Results: High and low immunoexpressions of SRSF1 were seen in six and four MPMs, respectively. A trend of shorter overall survival was found in FE-induced MPM patients with SRSF1 overexpression. In addition, a significant association between high-MVD and high SRSF1 immunoexpression (p = 0.0476) was found. Conclusions: SRSF1 appears to be involved in MPM pathogenesis and its immunoexpression may represent a prognostic biomarker capable of identifying subgroups of patients with different prognosis. However, given the preliminary nature of the present study, further investigations on larger series, and additional in vitro studies, are required to validate our findings.
Using Social Media to Preserve Consumers’ Awareness on Food Identity in Times of Crisis: The Case of Bakeries
Authors: Fusté-Forné Francesc , Filimon Nela
Published: June 2021

Departing from the understanding of food tourism in urban environments, this research analyses the brand engagement of bakeries during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and the first stages of the de-escalation process. A mixed-methods study is designed to analyze the case of six selected bakeries in Catalonia (Spain). Drawing on data obtained from semi-structured interviews (N = 6) and a visual content analysis of the businesses’ social media promotion in Instagram (N = 638), results show the performance of bakeries during pandemic times, where a change in production and consumption behaviors is observed and takeaway and delivery helped them to survive. In particular, their social media promotion in Instagram also revealed how bakeries have managed this difficult situation and kept a close relationship with customers, standing up as a symbol of resilience against the odds and contributing to preserve customers’ awareness on food and health, and the city’s identity, through digital branding strategies that communicate messages around bread and pastry foods (the product), the shop and the workshop (the place), and both the employees and the customers (the people).
Ecological Predictors and Trajectory of Internet Addiction from Childhood through Adolescence: A Nationally Representative Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Ping , Hwa Hsiao-Lin , Shen April Chiung-Tao , Wei Hsi-Sheng , Feng Jui-Ying , Huang Ching-Yu
Published: June 2021

We examined multidimensional factors within four systems (individual, family, school, and community) that influence internet addiction across time among children through adolescence in Taiwan. We hypothesize that internet addiction increases from childhood to adolescence and that resilience, child neglect, positive school experiences, and community violence are significant predictors at baseline and of the rate of change across time. Based on stratified random sampling, a valid sample size of 6233 Taiwanese children participated in our study, which we began in 2014 and then followed this sample in 2016 and 2018 using repeated measures. We used hierarchical linear modeling to model changes in internet addiction across time (with equal two-year intervals between assessments) and the associations between the predictors and internet addiction over time. The results show that internet addiction increases from childhood to adolescence. After controlling for gender, we found that resilience and positive school experiences predict less internet addiction, whereas neglect and community violence predict greater internet addiction. Over time, greater resilience predicts a decreasing trajectory of internet addiction, whereas greater neglect and community violence predict a slower increasing trajectory and positive school experiences predict a faster-increasing trajectory. A holistic approach can help children cope with internet addiction.
Pb Content, Risk Level and Primary-Source Apportionment in Wheat and Rice Grains in the Lihe River Watershed, Taihu Region, Eastern China
Authors: Chen Lian , Zhou Shenglu , Yang Qiong , Li Qingrong , Xing Dongxu , Xiao Yang , Tang Cuiming
Published: June 2021

This study detailed a complete research from Lead (Pb) content level to ecological and health risk to direct- and primary-sources apportionment arising from wheat and rice grains, in the Lihe River Watershed of the Taihu region, East China. Ecological and health risk assessment were based on the pollution index and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health risk assessment model. A three-stage quantitative analysis program based on Pb isotope analysis to determine the relative contributions of primary sources involving (1) direct-source apportionment in grains with a two-end-member model, (2) apportionment of soil and dustfall sources using the IsoSource model, and (3) the integration of results of (1) and (2) was notedly first proposed. The results indicated that mean contents of Pb in wheat and rice grains were 0.54 and 0.45 mg/kg and both the bio-concentration factors (BCF) were <<1; the ecological risk pollution indices were 1.35 for wheat grains and 1.11 for rice grains; hazard quotient (HQ) values for adult and child indicating health risks through ingestion of grains were all <1; Coal-fired industrial sources account for up to 60% of Pb in the grains. This study provides insights into the management of grain Pb pollution and a new method for its source apportionment.
Cognitive Impairment in Inpatients with Prurigo Nodularis and Psychiatric Comorbidities
Authors: Lanza Giuseppe , Cosentino Filomena Irene Ilaria , Ferri Raffaele , Lanuzza Bartolo , Siragusa Maddalena , Tripodi Mariangela , Schepis Carmelo
Published: June 2021

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic refractory itchy dermatosis. Although psychiatric comorbidity is known, research in cognitive impairment is lacking. We evaluated the occurrence and types of cognitive impairment in a series of inpatients with PN. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all the patients with PN admitted to a referral neurological institute from September 2018 to March 2021. Any neurological and psychiatric disorder, along with neuroactive drugs taken, were concomitantly assessed. Results: A total of 16 patients with PN (median age: 70 years, two males) were selected from a total of 1806 hospital admissions. Most of them had a neurodegenerative cognitive disorder, from mild cognitive impairment (8) to Alzheimer’s disease (1), followed by mixed disorder (degenerative and vascular) in six and vascular dementia in one. Comorbid psychiatric diseases (anxiety and depression) were more common than either individual condition, followed by bipolar disorder, whereas two patients did not show psychiatric manifestations. Most patients were on combined treatment with benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment can be observed in PN. In addition to screening for psychiatric comorbidity and initiating appropriate treatment or referral, clinicians may also consider the presence of cognitive impairment in PN of both degenerative and vascular origin.
Cycling Trajectory-Based Navigation Independent of Road Network Data Support
Authors: Zhang Kaixuan , Zhao Dongbao , Feng Linlin , Cao Lianhai
Published: June 2021

The popularization of smart phones and the large-scale application of location-based services (e.g., exercises, traveling and food delivery via cycling) have resulted in the emergence of massive amounts of personalized cycling trajectory data, spurring the demand for map navigation based on cycling trajectories. Therefore, in the current paper, we propose a cycling trajectory-based navigation algorithm without the need for road network data support. The proposed algorithm focuses on extracting navigation information from a given trajectory and then guiding others to the destination along the original trajectory. In particular, the algorithm analyzes the coordinate and azimuth angle data collected by the built-in positioning and direction sensors of mobile smart phones to identify several turning modes from the provider’s cycling trajectory. In addition, the interference of the traffic conditions during data collection is considered in order to improve the recognition accuracy of the turning modes. The turning modes in the trajectory are subsequently transformed into navigation information and shared with users, so as to realize the shared navigation of the cycling trajectory. Experimental results indicate that the algorithm can accurately extract the turning feature points from cycling trajectory data, recognize various turning modes and generate correct navigation messages, thereby guiding users to arrive at the destination safely and accurately along the original trajectory. The algorithm is independent of electronic map platforms and does not require road network data support.
Geometric Accuracy of 3D Reality Mesh Utilization for BIM-Based Earthwork Quantity Estimation Workflows
Authors: Kavaliauskas Paulius , Židanavičius Daumantas , Jurelionis Andrius
Published: June 2021

Current surveying techniques are typically applied to survey the as-is condition of buildings, brownfield sites and infrastructure prior to design. However, within the past decade, these techniques evolved significantly, and their applications can be enhanced by adopting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for data acquisition, up-to-date software for creating 3D reality mesh, which in turn opens new possibilities for much more efficient construction site surveying and constant updating and process management. In this study the workflows of three UAV-based photogrammetry techniques: Real Time Kinematic (RTK), Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) and Global Positioning System (GPS) based on control points were analyzed, described, and compared to conventional surveying method with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. Tests were performed under realistic conditions in 36 ha quarry in Lithuania. The results of the relationship between ground sample distance (GSD) and the comparison of volume measurements under each technique, including conventional method were analyzed. The deviation of data collected on field vs. generated in reality mesh, including ground control points (GCPs) and check points (CHPs) with different configurations, was investigated. The research provides observations on each workflow in the terms of efficiency and reliability for earthwork quantity estimations and explains processing schemes with advanced commercial software tools.
Anti-Pigmentary Natural Compounds and Their Mode of Action
Authors: Kim Kyuri , Huh YoonJung , Lim Kyung-Min
Published: June 2021

Hyper-activated melanocytes are the major cause of skin hyper-pigmentary disorders, such as freckles and melasma. Increasing efforts have been made to search for materials with depigmenting activity to develop functional cosmetics. As a result, numerous materials have been reported to have depigmenting activity but some of them are known to cause unwanted side effects. Consequently, anti-pigmentary natural compounds without concern of toxicity are in great demand. Virtually all sorts of natural sources have been investigated to find anti-pigmentary natural compounds. This review summarizes recently reported anti-pigmentary natural compounds and their mode of action from the ocean, plants, and bacteria.
Eph Receptors and Ephrins in Retinal Diseases
Authors: Kaczmarek Radoslaw , Gajdzis Pawel , Gajdzis Malgorzata
Published: June 2021

Retinal diseases are the leading cause of irreversible blindness. They affect people of all ages, from newborns in retinopathy of prematurity, through age-independent diabetic retinopathy and complications of retinal detachment, to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which occurs mainly in the elderly. Generally speaking, the causes of all problems are disturbances in blood supply, hypoxia, the formation of abnormal blood vessels, and fibrosis. Although the detailed mechanisms underlying them are varied, the common point is the involvement of Eph receptors and ephrins in their pathogenesis. In our study, we briefly discussed the pathophysiology of the most common retinal diseases (diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and choroidal neovascularization) and collected available research results on the role of Eph and ephrins. We also discussed the safety aspect of the use of drugs acting on Eph and ephrin for ophthalmic indications.
Bilirubin: A Promising Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jayanti Sri , Moretti Rita , Tiribelli Claudio , Gazzin Silvia
Published: June 2021

Following the increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) as the most common movement disorder is expected to rise. Despite the incredibly huge efforts in research to find the definitive biomarker, to date, the diagnosis of PD still relies mainly upon clinical symptoms. A wide range of treatments is available for PD, mainly alleviating the clinical symptoms. However, none of these current therapies can stop or even slow down the disease evolution. Hence, disease-modifying treatment is still a paramount unmet medical need. On the other side, bilirubin and its enzymatic machinery and precursors have offered potential benefits by targeting multiple mechanisms in chronic diseases, including PD. Nevertheless, only limited discussions are available in the context of neurological conditions, particularly in PD. Therefore, in this review, we profoundly discuss this topic to understand bilirubin’s therapeutical potential in PD.
3D Modeling of Epithelial Tumors—The Synergy between Materials Engineering, 3D Bioprinting, High-Content Imaging, and Nanotechnology
Authors: Trivedi Poonam , Liu Rui , Bi Hongjie , Xu Chunlin , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Åkerfelt Malin
Published: June 2021

The current statistics on cancer show that 90% of all human cancers originate from epithelial cells. Breast and prostate cancer are examples of common tumors of epithelial origin that would benefit from improved drug treatment strategies. About 90% of preclinically approved drugs fail in clinical trials, partially due to the use of too simplified in vitro models and a lack of mimicking the tumor microenvironment in drug efficacy testing. This review focuses on the origin and mechanism of epithelial cancers, followed by experimental models designed to recapitulate the epithelial cancer structure and microenvironment, such as 2D and 3D cell culture models and animal models. A specific focus is put on novel technologies for cell culture of spheroids, organoids, and 3D-printed tissue-like models utilizing biomaterials of natural or synthetic origins. Further emphasis is laid on high-content imaging technologies that are used in the field to visualize in vitro models and their morphology. The associated technological advancements and challenges are also discussed. Finally, the review gives an insight into the potential of exploiting nanotechnological approaches in epithelial cancer research both as tools in tumor modeling and how they can be utilized for the development of nanotherapeutics.
Interstitial Lung Disease and Anti-Myeloperoxidase Antibodies: Not a Simple Association
Authors: Sebastiani Marco , Luppi Fabrizio , Sambataro Gianluca , Castillo Villegas Diego , Cerri Stefania , Tomietto Paola , Cassone Giulia , Bocchino Marialuisa , Atienza-Mateo Belen , Cameli Paolo , Moya Alvarado Patricia , Faverio Paola , Bargagli Elena , Vancheri Carlo , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A. , Clini Enrico , Salvarani Carlo , Manfredi Andreina
Published: June 2021

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), mainly anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies, have been frequently identified in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, their role remains unclear, and only 7–23% of these patients develops clinically overt vasculitis. We aimed to investigate the clinical, serological, and radiological features and prognosis of anti-MPO-positive interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. Fifty-eight consecutive patients firstly referred for idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and showing serological positivity of anti-MPO antibodies were retrospectively enrolled. For each patient, clinical data, lung function testing, chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern, and survival were recorded. Thirteen patients developed a rheumatic disease during a median follow-up of 39 months. Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was the most frequent ILD pattern, significantly influencing the patients’ survival. In fact, while the 52-week survival of the overall population was 71.4 ± 7.5%, significantly higher than IPF, survivals of anti-MPO patients with UIP pattern and IPF were similar. Forced vital capacity and diffusion lung capacity for CO significantly declined in 37.7 and 41.5% of cases, respectively, while disease progression at chest HRCT was observed in 45.2%. A careful clinical history and evaluation should always be performed in ILD patients with anti-MPO antibodies to quickly identify patients who are developing a systemic rheumatic disease.
Hypothalamic–Pituitary Diseases and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Salvio Gianmaria , Martino Marianna , Giancola Giulia , Arnaldi Giorgio , Balercia Giancarlo
Published: June 2021

Several hormones contribute to ensure penile erection, a neurovascular phenomenon in which nitric oxide plays a major role. Erectile dysfunction (ED), which is defined as the persistent inability to obtain or maintain penile erection sufficient for a satisfactory sexual performance, may be due to arteriogenic, neurogenic, iatrogenic, but also endocrinological causes. The hypothalamus–pituitary axis plays a central role in the endocrine system and represents a fundamental link between the brain and peripheral glands, including gonads. Therefore, the hormonal production of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis can control various aspects of sexual function and its dysregulation can compromise erectile function. In addition, excess and deficiency of pituitary hormones or metabolic alterations that are associated with some pituitary diseases (e.g., Cushing’s disease and acromegaly, hypopituitarism) can determine the development of ED with different mechanisms. Thus, the present review aimed to explore the relationship between hypothalamic and pituitary diseases based on the most recent clinical and experimental evidence.
Association between Neonatal Intakes and Hyperglycemia, and Left Heart and Aortic Dimensions at 6.5 Years of Age in Children Born Extremely Preterm
Authors: Hamayun Jawwad , Mohlkert Lilly-Ann , Stoltz Sjöström Elisabeth , Domellöf Magnus , Norman Mikael , Zamir Itay
Published: June 2021

Survivors of extremely preterm birth (gestational age < 27 weeks) have been reported to exhibit an altered cardiovascular phenotype in childhood. The mechanisms are unknown. We investigated associations between postnatal nutritional intakes and hyperglycemia, and left heart and aortic dimensions in children born extremely preterm. Postnatal nutritional data and echocardiographic dimensions at 6.5 years of age were extracted from a sub-cohort of the Extremely Preterm Infants in Sweden Study (EXPRESS; children born extremely preterm between 2004–2007, n = 171, mean (SD) birth weight = 784 (165) grams). Associations between macronutrient intakes or number of days with hyperglycemia (blood glucose > 8 mmol/L) in the neonatal period (exposure) and left heart and aortic dimensions at follow-up (outcome) were investigated. Neonatal protein intake was not associated with the outcomes, whereas higher lipid intake was significantly associated with larger aortic root diameter (B = 0.040, p = 0.009). Higher neonatal carbohydrate intake was associated with smaller aorta annulus diameter (B = −0.016, p = 0.008). Longer exposure to neonatal hyperglycemia was associated with increased thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (B = 0.004, p = 0.008) and interventricular septum (B = 0.004, p = 0.010). The findings in this study indicate that postnatal nutrition and hyperglycemia may play a role in some but not all long-lasting developmental adaptations of the cardiovascular system in children born extremely preterm.
A Comprehensive Review of Complications and New Findings Associated with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Puckett Leah , Grayeb Daniela , Khatri Vishnupriya , Cass Kamila , Mehler Philip
Published: June 2021

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and deadly psychiatric disorder. It is characterized by a significant degree of both co-occurring psychiatric diseases and widespread physiological changes which affect nearly every organ system. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the varied consequences of this disorder. Given the high rate of mortality due to AN, there is a need for early recognition so that patients can be referred for appropriate medical and psychiatric care early in the course of the disorder. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of the recent literature describing medical findings commonly encountered in patients with AN. The varied and overlapping complications of AN affect pregnancy, psychological well-being, as well as bone, endocrine, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems.
Audience Views on Professional Norms of Journalism. A Media Repertoire Approach
Authors: Truyens Pauljan , Picone Ike
Published: June 2021

Despite several studies showing discrepancies between audience expectations of journalism and journalists’ professional norms, what remains largely unknown is the audience view on the adherence of journalism to these seemingly essential professional norms. Recent research mainly focused on analysing audience expectations within the context of specific cases. Moreover, these studies rarely take into consideration characteristics that might shape people’s views on journalism such as political ideology. This article seeks to complement these studies by exploring the impact that a user’s news consumption might have on their expectations of journalism. Utilizing data from an online survey among a representative sample of the Flemish audience, we analyse views on adherence to the main professional norms by the Flemish media, and subsequently relate these to news consumption. To grasp the cross- and multi-medial news consumer, we use a news repertoire approach. Flemish news repertoires differ significantly in views on several professional journalistic norms. By linking these distinct news repertoires to their views on professional norms of journalism, we first question how essential these professional norms put forward by journalists really are. Secondly, we discuss if expectations of journalism result in divergent news consumption strategies or vice versa, laying the groundwork for further exploring audience views on professional journalistic norms.
Non-Homogeneous Tumor Growth and Its Implications for Radiotherapy: A Phenomenological Approach
Authors: Castorina Paolo , Castorina Luigi , Ferini Gianluca
Published: June 2021

Tumor regrowth and heterogeneity are important clinical parameters during radiotherapy, and the probability of treatment benefit critically depends on the tumor progression pattern in the interval between the fractional irradiation treatments. We propose an analytic, easy-to-use method to take into account clonal subpopulations with different specific growth rates and radiation resistances. The different strain regrowth effects, as described by Gompertz law, require a dose-boost to reproduce the survival probability of the corresponding homogeneous system and for uniform irradiation. However, the estimate of the survival fraction for a tumor with a hypoxic subpopulation is more reliable when there is a slow specific regrowth rate and when the dependence on the oxygen enhancement ratio of radiotherapy is consistently taken into account. The approach is discussed for non-linear two-population dynamics for breast cancer and can be easily generalized to a larger number of components and different tumor phenotypes.
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Concomitant and Tailored Therapy for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Perkovic Nikola , Mestrovic Antonio , Bozic Josko , Ivelja Mirela Pavicic , Vukovic Jonatan , Kardum Goran , Sundov Zeljko , Tonkic Marija , Puljiz Zeljko , Vukojevic Katarina , Tonkic Ante
Published: June 2021

As high clarithromycin resistance (>20%) in the Split-Dalmatia region of Croatia hinders the treatment of H. pylori infection, the primary objective of this study was to compare concomitant quadruple with the tailored, personalized therapy as first-line eradication treatment of H. pylori. In an open-label, randomized clinical trial, 80 patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to either concomitant (esomeprazole 40 mg, amoxicillin 1 gr, metronidazole 500 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, twice daily for 14 days) or tailored therapy in accordance with the results of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Eradication status was assessed 4 weeks after treatment. Eradication rates were significantly higher in tailored group than in concomitant group both in intention-to-treat (70 vs. 92.5%, p = 0.010) and per-protocol (87.5 vs. 100%, p = 0.030) analysis in the setting of increasing antibiotic resistance (clarithromycin 37.5%, metronidazole 17.5%, dual resistance 10%). Adverse effects were more frequent in the concomitant group (32.5 vs. 7.5%, p = 0.006). Tailored therapy achieves higher eradication with a lower adverse events rate. With the increasing resistance of H. pylori strains to antibiotic treatment, eradication regimes with such characteristics should be strongly considered as a reasonable choice for first-line treatment.
Mechanisms Associated with Trypanosoma cruzi Host Target Cell Adhesion, Recognition and Internalization
Authors: Rodríguez-Bejarano Oscar Hernán , Avendaño Catalina , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso
Published: June 2021

Chagas disease is caused by the kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is mainly transmitted by hematophagous insect bites. The parasite’s lifecycle has an obligate intracellular phase (amastigotes), while metacyclic and bloodstream-trypomastigotes are its infective forms. Mammalian host cell recognition of the parasite involves the interaction of numerous parasite and host cell plasma membrane molecules and domains (known as lipid rafts), thereby ensuring internalization by activating endocytosis mechanisms triggered by various signaling cascades in both host cells and the parasite. This increases cytoplasmatic Ca2+ and cAMP levels; cytoskeleton remodeling and endosome and lysosome intracellular system association are triggered, leading to parasitophorous vacuole formation. Its membrane becomes modified by containing the parasite’s infectious form within it. Once it has become internalized, the parasite seeks parasitophorous vacuole lysis for continuing its intracellular lifecycle, fragmenting such a vacuole’s membrane. This review covers the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in T. cruzi adhesion to, recognition of and internalization in host target cells.
Altered Blood Levels of Anti-Gal Antibodies in Alzheimer’s Disease: A New Clue to Pathogenesis?
Authors: Angiolillo Antonella , Gandaglia Alessandro , Arcaro Alessia , Carpi Andrea , Gentile Fabrizio , Naso Filippo , Di Costanzo Alfonso
Published: June 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder whose pathological mechanisms, despite recent advances, are not fully understood. However, the deposition of beta amyloid -peptide and neuroinflammation, which is probably aggravated by dysbiotic microbiota, seem to play a key role. Anti-Gal are the most abundant xenoreactive natural antibodies. They are supposed to stem from immunization against the gut microbiota and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including multiple sclerosis. These antibodies target the alpha-Gal epitope, expressed on the terminal sugar units of glycoprotein or glycolipid of all mammals except apes, Old World monkeys and humans. The alpha-Gal is constitutively expressed in several bacteria constituting the brain microbiota, and alpha-Gal-like epitopes have been detected in gray matter, amyloid plaque, neurofibrillary tangles and corpora amylacea of the human brain, suggesting a potential link between anti-Gal and Alzheimer’s disease etiopathogenesis. For the first time, our study searched for possible alterations of anti-Gal immunoglobulin levels in Alzheimer’s disease patients. IgG and IgM blood levels were significantly lower, and IgA significantly higher in patients than in healthy subjects. These results suggest that such immunoglobulins might be implicated in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and open new scenarios in the research for new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
Cellular Senescence in Health, Disease and Aging: Blessing or Curse?
Authors: Riessland Markus
Published: June 2021

Sixty years ago (1961), Hayflick and Moorhead reported that primary cells terminate their growth and stop dividing after ~50 passages or one year in culture [...]
CRISPR-Associated (CAS) Effectors Delivery via Microfluidic Cell-Deformation Chip
Authors: Peyravian Noshad , Malekzadeh Kebria Maziar , Kiani Jafar , Brouki Milan Peiman , Mozafari Masoud
Published: June 2021

Identifying new and even more precise technologies for modifying and manipulating selectively specific genes has provided a powerful tool for characterizing gene functions in basic research and potential therapeutics for genome regulation. The rapid development of nuclease-based techniques such as CRISPR/Cas systems has revolutionized new genome engineering and medicine possibilities. Additionally, the appropriate delivery procedures regarding CRISPR/Cas systems are critical, and a large number of previous reviews have focused on the CRISPR/Cas9–12 and 13 delivery methods. Still, despite all efforts, the in vivo delivery of the CAS gene systems remains challenging. The transfection of CRISPR components can often be inefficient when applying conventional delivery tools including viral elements and chemical vectors because of the restricted packaging size and incompetency of some cell types. Therefore, physical methods such as microfluidic systems are more applicable for in vitro delivery. This review focuses on the recent advancements of microfluidic systems to deliver CRISPR/Cas systems in clinical and therapy investigations.
Biodegradation of L-Valine Alkyl Ester Ibuprofenates by Bacterial Cultures
Authors: Makuch Edyta , Ossowicz-Rupniewska Paula , Klebeko Joanna , Janus Ewa
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, we consume very large amounts of medicinal substances. Medicines are used to cure, halt, or prevent disease, ease symptoms, or help in the diagnosis of illnesses. Some medications are used to treat pain. Ibuprofen is one of the most popular drugs in the world (it ranks third). This drug enters our water system through human pharmaceutical use. In this article, we describe and compare the biodegradation of ibuprofen and ibuprofen derivatives—salts of L-valine alkyl esters. Biodegradation studies of ibuprofen and its derivatives have been carried out with activated sludge. The structure modifications we received were aimed at increasing the biodegradation of the drug used. The influence of the alkyl chain length of the ester used in the biodegradation of the compound was also verified. The biodegradation results correlated with the lipophilic properties (log P).
Drug Carriers Based on Graphene Oxide and Hydrogel: Opportunities and Challenges in Infection Control Tested by Amoxicillin Release
Authors: Trusek Anna , Kijak Edward
Published: June 2021

Graphene oxide (GO) was proposed as an efficient carrier of antibiotics. The model drug, amoxicillin (AMOX), was attached to GO using a peptide linker (Leu-Leu-Gly). GO-AMOX was dispersed in a hydrogel to which the enzyme responsible for releasing AMOX from GO was also added. The drug molecules were released by enzymatic hydrolysis of the peptide bond in the linker. As the selected enzyme, bromelain, a plant enzyme, was used. The antibacterial nature of the carrier was determined by its ability to inhibit the growth of the Enterococcus faecalis strain, which is one of the bacterial species responsible for periodontal and root canal diseases. The prepared carrier contained only biocompatible substances, and the confirmation of its lack of cytotoxicity was verified based on the mouse fibrosarcoma cell line WEHI 164. The proposed type of preparation, as a universal carrier of many different antibiotic molecules, can be considered as a suitable solution in the treatment of inflammation in dentistry.
Optimization of Nonlinear Lamb Wave Detection System Parameters in CFRP Laminates
Authors: Yin Zhenhua , Tie Ying , Duan Yuechen , Li Cheng
Published: June 2021

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates, as unique multifunctional materials, are widely applied in various aircraft, such as airliners, fighter planes, and space shuttles. To ensure aircraft safety during the production and application of CFRP laminates, it is necessary to improve the accuracy of nonlinear Lamb wave nondestructive testing to assess the damage in CFRP laminates caused by impact, high temperature, friction, corrosion, etc. In this study, the accuracy of nonlinear ultrasonic nondestructive testing was found to highly depend on the cycle number, output level and gain of the nonlinear ultrasonic detection system. Based on a single-factor experiment that considered the cycle number, output level, and gain of the amplifier as independent variables, a regression analysis was carried out on the fundamental wave amplitude value (A1) and second harmonic amplitude value (A2). Two response surface surrogate models were established to improve the accuracy of nonlinear Lamb wave nondestructive testing and to optimize the detection system parameters. The response surface models were verified via an analysis of variance (ANOVA), significance tests and an error statistical analysis. The results revealed the significant influence of these three factors on A1 and A2. Optimization of the response surface was achieved at eight cycles, an output level of 42 and a gain of 32 dB. Moreover, the nonlinear ultrasonic detection system achieved good operational stability, high accuracy and reliability under the above optimal parameter conditions. This approach provides scientific guidance for the accurate assessment of CFRP laminate damage.
Second-Order Weak Approximations of CKLS and CEV Processes by Discrete Random Variables
Authors: Lileika Gytenis , Mackevičius Vigirdas
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we construct second-order weak split-step approximations of the CKLS and CEV processes that use generation of a three−valued random variable at each discretization step without switching to another scheme near zero, unlike other known schemes (Alfonsi, 2010; Mackevičius, 2011). To the best of our knowledge, no second-order weak approximations for the CKLS processes were constructed before. The accuracy of constructed approximations is illustrated by several simulation examples with comparison with schemes of Alfonsi in the particular case of the CIR process and our first-order approximations of the CKLS processes (Lileika– Mackevičius, 2020).
TiO2 Nanoparticle Filler-Based Mixed-Matrix PES/CA Nanofiltration Membranes for Enhanced Desalination
Authors: Batool Mehwish , Shafeeq Amir , Haider Bilal , Ahmad Nasir M.
Published: June 2021

Mixed-matrix nanocomposite (PES/CA/PVP) membranes were fabricated for water desalination by incorporating varying amount of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) ranging from 0 and 2 wt. %. Efficient dispersion of nanoparticles within polymeric membranes was achieved using the chemical precipitation method for uniform surface generation, and an asymmetric morphology was achieved via phase inversion method. Finally, membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), porosity and contact angle analysis. FTIR confirmed chemical composition of membranes in terms of polymers (PES/CA/PVP) and TiO2. TGA analysis confirmed an increase in thermal stability of membranes with the increase of TiO2 nanoparticles loading. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles also resulted in an increase in porous structures due to an increase in mean pore size, as shown by SEM results. An increase in the hydrophilicity of the membranes was observed by increasing the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles. The present study investigated pristine and mixed-matrix nanocomposite NF membrane performance while filtering a NaCl salt solution at varying concentration range (from 1 to 4 g/Lit 6 bar). The prepared membranes demonstrated significant improvement in water permeability and hydrophilicity. Further, to optimize the water flux and salt rejection, the concentration of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was optimized along with TiO2 nanoparticles. Both the water flux and salt rejection of the fabricated membranes were observed to increase with an increase inTiO2 nanoparticles to 2 wt. % loading with optimized PVP concentration, which demonstrated the improved desalination performance of resultant membranes.
Effect of ECAP on the Plastic Strain Homogeneity, Microstructural Evolution, Crystallographic Texture and Mechanical Properties of AA2xxx Aluminum Alloy
Authors: El-Shenawy M. , Ahmed Mohamed M. Z. , Nassef Ahmed , El-Hadek Medhat , Alzahrani Bandar , Zedan Yasser , El-Garaihy W. H.
Published: June 2021

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) processing on the structural evolution and mechanical properties of AA2xxx aluminum alloy. Finite element analysis (FE) was used to study the deformation behavior of the AA2xxx billets during processing in addition investigate the strain homogeneity in the longitudinal and transverse direction. Billets of AA2011 aluminum alloy were processed successfully through ECAP up to 4-passes with rotating the sample 90° along its longitudinal axis in the same direction after each pass (route Bc) at 150 °C. The microstructural evolution and crystallographic texture were analyzed using the electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) and optical microscopy (OM). An evaluation of the hardness and tensile properties was presented and correlated with the EBSD findings and FE simulations. The FE analysis results were in good agreement with the experimental finding and microstructural evolution. Processing through 4-passes produced an ultrafine-grained structure (UFG) and a recrystallized fine grain dominated the structure coupled with a geometric grain subdivision which indicated by grain refining and very high density of substructures. This reduction in grain size was coupled with an enhancement in the hardness, tensile strength by 66.6%, and 52%, respectively compared to the as-annealed counterpart. Processing through 1-pass and 2-passes resulted in a strong texture with significant rotation for the texture components whereas 4-passes processing led to losing the symmetry of the texture with significant reduction in the texture intensity.
Alterations of Striato-Thalamic Metabolism in Normal Aging Human Brain—An MR Metabolic Imaging Study
Authors: Ahlswede Mareike , Nösel Patrick , Maudsley Andrew A. , Sheriff Sulaiman , Mahmoudi Nima , Bronzlik Paul , Lanfermann Heinrich , Ding Xiao-Qi
Published: June 2021

Aging effects on striato-thalamic metabolism in healthy human brains were studied in vivo using short-TE whole brain 1H-MR spectroscopic imaging (wbMRSI) on eighty healthy subjects aged evenly between 20 to 70 years at 3T. Relative concentrations of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), choline, total creatine (tCr), myo-inositol (mI), glutamate, and glutamine in bilateral caudate nucleus, putamen, pallidum, and thalamus were determined using signal normalization relative to brain tissue water. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the age-dependence of the metabolite concentrations. The metabolite concentrations revealed spatial inhomogeneity across brain regions and metabolites. With age, NAA decreased significantly in bilateral caudate nucleus and putamen, left pallidum, and left thalamus, tCr decreased in left putamen and bilateral pallidum, mI increased in bilateral caudate nucleus and right thalamus, and spectral linewidth increased in left putamen and right thalamus. In conclusion, normal aging of striato-thalamic metabolism in healthy human is associated with regional specific decreases of NAA and tCr and increases of mI, which may reflect the individual role of each brain structure within brain functionality.