bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical Behaviors of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in Karst Soils under Different Land-Use Types: A Case in Yinjiang Karst Catchment, Southwest China
Authors: Han Ruiyin , Xu Zhifang
Published: January 2021

The geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements (REEs) can be employed to identify the anthropogenic and natural influence on the distributions of REEs in soils. A total of 47 soil samples from the three soil profiles of the secondary forest land, abandoned cropland, and shrubland in the Yinjiang county of Guizhou province, southwest China, were collected to determine the contents and distribution of REEs in the soil environment. The total REEs (ΣREE) contents in different soil profiles are in the following sequence: secondary forest land (mean: 204.59 mg·kg−1) > abandoned cropland (mean: 186.67 mg·kg−1) > shrubland (mean: 139.50 mg·kg−1). The ratios of (La/Gd)N and (Gd/Yb)N ranged from 0.62 to 1.00 and 1.18 to 2.16, which indicated that the enrichment of the medium rare earth elements (MREEs) was more obvious than that of the light rare earth elements (LREEs) and the heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The phenomenon could be attributed to the preferential absorption of MREEs by fine particles and the substitution of Ca2+ by MREEs. Most soil samples were characterized by the negative Ce anomalies (anomalies values: 0.30–1.10) and positive Eu anomalies (anomalies values: 0.43–2.90). The contents of REEs in the profiles of secondary forest land and shrubland were mainly regulated by soil pH and Fe contents while clay content and agricultural activities were the main controlling factors in the soil profile of abandoned cropland. This study highlights the role of agricultural activities in affecting the distributions of REEs in karst soils, which could provide some insights for the protection of the soil environment.
A Comparison of Weight-Related Behaviors of Hispanic Mothers and Children by Acculturation Level
Authors: Delaney Colleen L. , Spaccarotella Kim , Quick Virginia , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Published: January 2021

Hispanic mothers and children in the United States experience a high prevalence of obesity, which may be affected by maternal acculturation level. Little is known about the association of acculturation on weight-related behaviors. This study describes differences in weight-related behaviors by acculturation level of Hispanic mothers residing in the U.S. and compares them to behaviors of White mothers. Acculturation level was determined using personal acculturation and acculturation environment variables. Cluster analysis of acculturation variables identified three groups of Hispanic mothers: low personal and environmental acculturation (n = 46), high personal and low environmental acculturation (n = 65), and high personal and environmental acculturation (n = 38). Results indicate that, compared to White mothers (n = 340), the least acculturated cluster of Hispanic mothers tended to model physical activity less often and the most acculturated exerted more pressure on children to eat. Mothers in the least acculturated cluster tended to rate children’s health status lower, indicate that children had greater fruit juice and less milk intakes, have more meals in locations associated with less healthy meals, and have the least space and supports for physical activity. Findings highlight relationships between maternal acculturation level and weight-related behaviors and suggest strategies for helping acculturating Hispanic mothers create healthier lifestyles and home environments.
Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Obesity-Mediated Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Wani Kaiser , AlHarthi Hind , Alghamdi Amani , Sabico Shaun , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: January 2021

NLRP3 inflammasome is one of the multimeric protein complexes of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat (NLR)-containing pyrin and HIN domain family (PYHIN). When activated, NLRP3 inflammasome triggers the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-18, an essential step in innate immune response; however, defective checkpoints in inflammasome activation may lead to autoimmune, autoinflammatory, and metabolic disorders. Among the consequences of NLRP3 inflammasome activation is systemic chronic low-grade inflammation, a cardinal feature of obesity and insulin resistance. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome in adipose tissue may help in the development of specific inhibitors for the treatment and prevention of obesity-mediated metabolic diseases. In this narrative review, the current understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and regulation is highlighted, including its putative roles in adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. Specific inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome activation which can potentially be used to treat metabolic disorders are also discussed.
The Correlation amongst Salty Taste Preference and Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Female Individuals
Authors: Noh Jin-Won , Kim Kyoung-Beom , Kim Jae Heon , Kwon Young Dae
Published: January 2021

Sodium intake could have an indirect effect on storage symptoms as it is an established fact that it has a correlation to hypertension (HTN). However, clinical support for the correlation of sodium intake to STORAGE symptom remains scarce. Therefore, the present work sought to determine how sodium intake and OAB symptom seriousness were correlated in female individuals based on a cross-sectional research design. Data from 115,578 respondents chosen from 228,921 individuals enrolled in the Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) were subjected to cross-sectional analysis. The correlation amongst sodium intake and STORAGE symptom was assessed on the basis of estimates of the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Furthermore, joint correspondence analysis (JCA) was conducted to investigate how a predilection for salty taste was associated with several factors, including STORAGE symptom, socio-economic factors, comorbidities, and dietary habits. By comparison to respondents indicating a neutral predilection for salty taste, those who indicated a predilection for bland and salty taste were 7.1% (IRR = 1.071, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.045–1.097) and 20.5% (IRR = 1.205, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.177–1.234) more probable to experience severe STORAGE symptom, within an adjusted model with multiple variables. JCA confirmed the existence of a correlation between predilection for salty taste and STORAGE symptom. A close correlation was established to exist between predilection for salty taste and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as voiding and storage symptoms and nocturia. Moreover, sodium intake was found to be a risk factor for LUTS seriousness in both excessive and deficient amount.
Barriers to Accessing Medicines among Syrian Asylum Seekers and Refugees in a German Federal State
Authors: Aljadeeah Saleh , Wirtz Veronika J. , Nagel Eckhard
Published: January 2021

In Germany, asylum seekers and refugees (AS&Rs) face challenges when accessing healthcare services including medicines. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to accessing medicines among Syrian AS&Rs in the state of North Rheine-Westphalia, and to provide an understanding of their perspectives towards taking medicines that contain alcohol or pork products. This study is based on a cross-sectional survey using a combination of sampling methods. We used descriptive statistics to analyze quantitative data. Participants’ answers to an open-ended question yielded qualitative data that were categorized based on the thematic areas they discussed or addressed. Among the 1641 respondents, language barriers had more of an effect on the access to medicines than any other factor studied. The effect of language barriers on access to medicines was more pronounced for female participants, those who were older than 50 years, and participants who had chronic diseases in comparison to the other groups of participants. Male participants and those younger than 50 years of age showed more acceptance towards taking medicines that contain alcohol or pork products. Based on our results, we recommend providing more support for AS&Rs to learn the German language, particularly for female refugees, older refugees, and those with chronic diseases or disabilities. We also recommend providing translated medical leaflets for patients who wish to receive them in their native language. Healthcare providers should try to consider the special conditions of AS&Rs patients and take into account their perspectives about treatments and diseases.
Evaluation of Land Comprehensive Carrying Capacity and Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Harbin-Changchun Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Tang Yang , Yuan Yongbo , Zhong Qingyu
Published: January 2021

Land comprehensive carrying capacity (LCCC) reflects the limits of urban development that the land ground in the spatial area can bear under the constraints of society, economy, resources, and environment. An accurate and objective evaluation of LCCC is of great significance to the rational planning of urban space. Using the entropy method to obtain the weights of evaluation indexes, this study constructed an index system composed of four subsystems, i.e., urban construction (UC), social economy (SE), industry development (ID), and urban ecology (UE). Furthermore, calculating the index of 11 cities for the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration (HCUA) to analyze the influence of LCCC from diverse dimensions for the period 2004–2015. Lastly, the spatial and temporal differentiation characteristics between the neighboring units of LCCC were visualized through global and local spatial analysis. The results infer some novel findings as follows. (1) The overall tendency of the LCCC of the HCUA has gradually increased over the time window with the coordination of each subsystem. The urban ecological subsystem shows the highest rate of contribution and the social economy subsystem has the largest increase. Urban construction and industry development have a lower number of hot spot cities and lower clustering characteristics than social economy and urban ecology. (2) The core cities of the HCUA, Changchun and Harbin, demonstrate the reverse trend from 2010 to 2015, which reveals the states of excellent and good carrying capacity, respectively. In contrast, four cities are at the inferior state, and three cities are poor. Prioritizing the promotion of the industry development subsystem should be considered for these seven cities. (3) There is some spatial variation of LCCC in the HCUA, which shows the characteristic of “gradually decreasing from the core city to the surrounding area”. Changchun and Jilin are high–high clustering areas that drive Siping from a cold spot to a hot spot. Focusing on the development of secondary growth pole cities, Jilin and Songyuan are forming complementary and mutual reinforcement with the core cities, which has a positive significance in promoting the sustainable development of the regional space of urban agglomeration.
Which Are the Main Factors Influencing Corporate Social Responsibility Information Disclosures on Universities’ Websites
Authors: Garde Sanchez Raquel , Rodríguez Bolívar Manuel Pedro , López Hernandez Antonio Manuel
Published: January 2021

Universities are now becoming more active in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Nevertheless, they do not appear to be granting the same degree of importance to the dissemination of these activities. This article analyses the voluntary corporate social responsibility information disclosed by leading USA universities. We created several indexes of corporate social responsibility information disclosure and examined main universities’ characteristics that affect corporate social responsibility disclosure by these entities. The findings obtained show that the universities are strongly committed to the dissemination of corporate social responsibility information, and that a university’s size, affiliation, public/private status and ranking position are the factors most significantly affecting its online disclosure of general corporate social responsibility information. These findings could be useful for university administrators, especially those in public universities, highlighting the importance of developing and supporting policies and incentives to promote CSR disclosure and thus attract new students and meet social expectations about the ethical behaviour of universities.
The Relationship between Urban Vibrancy and Built Environment: An Empirical Study from an Emerging City in an Arid Region
Authors: Fu Runde , Zhang Xinhuan , Yang Degang , Cai Tianyi , Zhang Yufang
Published: January 2021

Creating a vital and lively urban environment is an inherent requirement of urban sustainable development, and understanding urban vibrancy is helpful for urban development policy making. The urban vibrancy theory needs more empirical supplementation and more evidence for the effect of the built environment on urban vibrancy. We use multisource urban spatial information data, including real-time population distribution (RPD) data and small catering business (SCB) data; quantitatively measure urban vibrancy; and build a comparative framework to explore the effect of the built environment on the urban vibrancy of a northwestern emerging city in China. The results demonstrate that the two urban vibrancy metrics present a spatial distribution pattern that is high in the south and low in the north areas of the city with significant spatial aggregation. Land-use intensity and diversity have strong positive effects on urban vibrancy but present a different pattern of effects on the two vibrancy measures. The influences on urban vibrancy of distance to the district center and distance to the nearest commercial complex are spatially complementary in the study area, and the effect of accessibility factors is weak. Our findings suggest that a somewhat cautious approach is required in the application of these classical planning theories to Urumqi.
Key Indicators and Social Acceptance for Bioenergy Production Potential as Part of the Green Economy Transition Process in Local Areas of Lapland
Authors: Timonen Karetta , Reinikainen Anu , Kurppa Sirpa , Riipi Inkeri
Published: January 2021

The aim of this article was to create key indicators for measuring the implementation potential of the green economy transition at a local level in a northernmost, natural biomass-rich environment. The case area to test the set of indicators was the village of Saija in Lapland. The work presented in this article is based on a communicative cooperative research and development project. The selection process for the appropriate indicators is based on a conceptual framework for developing local sustainability indicators and the thematic framework follows the key dimensions of the green economy (ecosystem resilience, resource efficiency and social equity). When selecting the local-level indicators, a strong emphasis was placed on the special characteristics of the local area and the availability and validity of the data. Layman villagers and data policy relevance (in this case green economy) were also taken into consideration. The key indicators developed as a result included: the increment of growing forest stock in relation to the drain on growing forest stock, the village population, the bioenergy consumption share, the utilization share of side streams, the bioenergy production potential, capital outflow, demographic dependency ratio, the ratio between employed and working age residents and the number of forest owners in relation to area households. The key indicators are targeted for use in supporting local decision-making and monitoring and assessing development activities and their effectiveness in the process of the green economy transition. The indicators measure the most critical factors for green economy transition in a local area and identify the most optimal development opportunities when moving towards green growth. In the measurement of the transition potential of the green economy, it was found that the case area’s imported fossil energy consumption could be substituted with self-sufficient bioenergy production utilizing the area’s own raw materials. There is extensive potential for the utilization of manure (an agricultural side stream) and forest resources (forestry side streams) at the local level, especially since forests account for 98% of Lapland’s land area. In support of the change from fossil-based energy consumption towards bioenergy production, plans for a biogas plant were examined for self-sufficient bioenergy production and this appeared to be the initial key process in the path of the green economy transformation in the case village of Saija.
The Bayesian Design of Adaptive Clinical Trials
Authors: Giovagnoli Alessandra
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a brief overview of the recent literature on adaptive design of clinical trials from a Bayesian perspective for statistically not so sophisticated readers. Adaptive designs are attracting a keen interest in several disciplines, from a theoretical viewpoint and also—potentially—from a practical one, and Bayesian adaptive designs, in particular, have raised high expectations in clinical trials. The main conceptual tools are highlighted here, with a mention of several trial designs proposed in the literature that use these methods, including some of the registered Bayesian adaptive trials to this date. This review aims at complementing the existing ones on this topic, pointing at further interesting reading material.
Changes in the Levels of Stress Perception, Experiencing Depressive Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life of Residents after the 2016 Gyeongju Earthquake
Authors: Han Young Ran , Jeong Yeo Won , Kim Sang Kyu , Jeong Han Seok
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 2016 Gyeongju Earthquake on the stress perception, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Gyeongju residents. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the 2015–2017 Korean Community Health Survey undertaken in the disaster area, Gyeongju, and in controlled areas, Sangju and Yangju, which had varying seismic intensities. Pearson’s chi-square test, ANCOVA and two-way ANOVA were performed. Results: The stress perception rate and anxiety/depression in the 5th dimension of the EuroQul-five-dimensions three-level version (EQ-5D-3L) in Gyeongju was significantly higher in 2017 than in 2016. As for the HRQoL, the controlled regions showed a tendency to increase in 2017 rather than in 2016, while Gyeongju had no significant differences during 2015 and 2017. As a result, Gyeongju had the lowest HRQoL in 2017. Conclusion: Mental health in the disaster area after the 2016 earthquake was worse, and the HRQoL of Gyeongju residents was relatively lower than the control regions. Based on the results of the study, government agencies should remain interested in developing a post-disaster psychological support program for disaster survivors at a community level.
Assessment of NO2 Pollution Level during the COVID-19 Lockdown in a Romanian City
Authors: Roșu Adrian , Constantin Daniel-Eduard , Voiculescu Mirela , Arseni Maxim , Roșu Bogdan , Merlaud Alexis , Van Roozendael Michel , Georgescu Puiu Lucian
Published: January 2021

This study investigates changes in pollution associated with the lockdown period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Galati (45.43° N, 28.03° E), a Romanian city located in the southeast of Romania. The study is focused on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a trace gas which can be related to emissions from industrial activities, heating, and transportation. The investigation is based on in situ observations from local Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) and mobile remote sensing observations by Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) technique. We also show results of the NO2 vertical column measured by TROPOMI (TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument), a space instrument onboard of satellite mission Sentinel-5P, to complement local ground-based measurements. For in situ observations, the lockdown interval (23 March 2020–15 May 2020) was separated from normal periods. The decrease in local NO2 concentration during lockdown, measured in situ, is rather small, of about 10–40% at the most, is observed only at some stations, and is better seen during workdays than during weekends. We conclude that the decrease in NO2 content over Galati city during lockdown is relatively small and may be attributed to the reduction in local traffic, a consequence of special measures and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 lockdown by the Romanian authorities.
Identification of Risk Factors to Predict the Occurrences of Relapses in Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder in Iran
Authors: Davarinejad Omran , Mohammadi Majd Tahereh , Golmohammadi Farzaneh , Mohammadi Payam , Radmehr Farnaz , Alikhani Mostafa , Motaei Tayebeh , Moradinazar Mehdi , Brühl Annette , Sadeghi Bahmani Dena , Brand Serge
Published: January 2021

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder with a modest treatment outcome. In addition, relapses are commonplace. Here, we sought to identify factors that predict relapse latency and frequency. To this end, we retrospectively analyzed data for individuals with SSD. Medical records of 401 individuals with SSD were analyzed (mean age: 25.51 years; 63.6% males) covering a five-year period. Univariate and multivariate Penalized Likelihood Models with Shared Log-Normal Frailty were used to determine the correlation between discharge time and relapse and to identify risk factors. A total of 683 relapses were observed in males, and 422 relapses in females. The Relapse Hazard Ratio (RHR) decreased with age (RHR = 0.99, CI: (0.98–0.998)) and with participants’ adherence to pharmacological treatment (HR = 0.71, CI: 0.58–0.86). In contrast, RHR increased with a history of suicide attempts (HR = 1.32, CI: 1.09–1.60), and a gradual compared to a sudden onset of disease (HR = 1.45, CI: 1.02–2.05). Gender was not predictive. Data indicate that preventive and therapeutic interventions may be particularly important for individuals who are younger at disease onset, have a history of suicide attempts, have experienced a gradual onset of disease, and have difficulties adhering to medication.
Assessment of the State of Knowledge about HPV Infection and HPV Vaccination among Polish Resident Doctors
Authors: Smolarczyk Katarzyna , Pieta Wojciech , Majewski Slawomir
Published: January 2021

HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccinations have been introduced into the population of many countries through vaccination programs, although their acceptance varies from country to country, largely dependent on the state of knowledge about diseases caused by genital HPV types as well as cultural, social, and religious factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the state of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines among doctors during their specialization in gynecology and obstetrics, dermatology and venereology, and pediatrics. Another objective of the study was to analyze the impact of the state of knowledge about HPV vaccination on their attitude to primary prevention, i.e., vaccinations. A questionnaire was used to collect the data and 639 doctors took part in the study. The analysis was carried out mainly using descriptive statistical methods. In Poland, doctors’ knowledge about HPV is low, independent of gender, age, and subject of specialization. Doctors’ knowledge about the HPV vaccine is very low and independent of sex, age, and subject of specialization. However, doctors’ knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine influences the attitude to HPV vaccination and does not affect pro-active behaviors.
Internal and External Training Load in Under-19 versus Professional Soccer Players during the In-Season Period
Authors: Coppalle Sullivan , Ravé Guillaume , Moran Jason , Salhi Iyed , Abderrahman Abderraouf Ben , Zouita Sghaeir , Granacher Urs , Zouhal Hassane
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to compare the training load of a professional under-19 soccer team (U-19) to that of an elite adult team (EAT), from the same club, during the in-season period. Thirty-nine healthy soccer players were involved (EAT [n = 20]; U-19 [n = 19]) in the study which spanned four weeks. Training load (TL) was monitored as external TL, using a global positioning system (GPS), and internal TL, using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE). TL data were recorded after each training session. During soccer matches, players’ RPEs were recorded. The internal TL was quantified daily by means of the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) using Borg’s 0–10 scale. For GPS data, the selected running speed intensities (over 0.5 s time intervals) were 12–15.9 km/h; 16–19.9 km/h; 20–24.9 km/h; >25 km/h (sprint). Distances covered between 16 and 19.9 km/h, > 20 km/h and >25 km/h were significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT over the course of the study (p = 0.023, d = 0.243, small; p = 0.016, d = 0.298, small; and p = 0.001, d = 0.564, small, respectively). EAT players performed significantly fewer sprints per week compared to U-19 players (p = 0.002, d = 0.526, small). RPE was significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT (p = 0.001, d = 0.188, trivial). The external and internal measures of TL were significantly higher in the U-19 group compared to the EAT soccer players. In conclusion, the results obtained show that the training load is greater in U19 compared to EAT.
Policy Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam
Authors: Le Tuyet-Anh T. , Vodden Kelly , Wu Jianghua , Atiwesh Ghada
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the most serious health crises in human history, spreading rapidly across the globe from January 2020 to the present. With prompt and drastic measures, Vietnam is one of the few countries that has largely succeeded in controlling the outbreak. This result is derived from a harmonious combination of many factors, with the policy system playing a key role. This study assessed the policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam from the early days of the outbreak in January 2020 to 24 July 2020 (with a total of 413 cases confirmed and 99 days of no new cases infected from the local community) by synthesizing and evaluating 959 relevant policy documents in different classifications. The findings show that the Vietnamese policy system responded promptly, proactively, and effectively at multiple authority levels (33 different agencies from the national to provincial governments), using a range of policy tools and measures. Parallel to the daily occurrence of 2.24 new cases, 5.13 new policy documents were issued on average per day over the study period. The pandemic policy response over the first six months in Vietnam were divided into four periods, I (23 January–5 March), II (6–19 March), III (20 March–21 April), and IV (22 April–24 July). This paper synthesizes eight solution groups for these four anti-pandemic phases, including outbreak announcements and steering documents, medical measures, blockade of the schools, emergency responses, border and entry control measures, social isolation and nationwide social isolation measures, financial supports, and other measures. By emphasizing diversification of the policy responses, from the agencies to the tools and measures, the case study reviews and shares lessons from the successful COVID-19 prevention and control in Vietnam that could be useful for other nations.
Is the Association between Postpartum Depression and Early Maternal–Infant Relationships Contextually Determined by Avoidant Coping in the Mother?
Authors: Peñacoba Puente Cecilia , Suso-Ribera Carlos , Blanco Rico Sheila , Marín Dolores , San Román Montero Jesús , Catalá Patricia
Published: January 2021

This study analyzes the moderating role of avoidant coping (in early pregnancy) in the relationship between postpartum depressive (PPD) symptoms and maternal perceptions about mother–baby relations and self-confidence. Participants were 116 low-risk obstetric mothers (mean age = 31.2 years, SD = 3.95, range 23–42) who received care and gave birth at a Spanish public hospital. Measurements were made at two points in time: at first trimester of pregnancy (maternal avoidance coping) and four months after childbirth (PPD and maternal perceptions). Avoidant coping was associated with the perception of the baby as irritable and unstable (p = 0.003), including irritability during lactation (p = 0.041). Interaction effects of avoidant coping and postpartum depression were observed on the perception of the baby as irritable (p = 0.031) and with easy temperament (p = 0.002). Regarding the mother’s self-confidence, avoidant coping was related to a lack of security in caring for the baby (p < 0.001) and had a moderating effect between PPD and mother’s self-confidence (i.e., lack of security in caring for the baby, p =0.027; general security, p = 0.007). Interaction effects showed that the use of avoidant coping in the mother exacerbated the impact of PPD on the early mother–infant relationship.
The Prevalence of Virulent and Multidrug-Resistant Enterococci in River Water and in Treated and Untreated Municipal and Hospital Wastewater
Authors: Gotkowska-Płachta Anna
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to describe the drug resistance and virulence of enterococci in river water sampled downstream (DRW) and upstream (URW) from the wastewater discharge point, to determine the pool of virulent and drug-resistant enterococci in untreated wastewater (UWW) and the extent to which these bacteria are eliminated from hospital wastewater (HWW) and municipal wastewater treated (TWW) by biological and mechanical methods in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). A total of 283 strains were identified with the use of culture-dependent methods and PCR, including seven different species including E. faecalis and E. faecium which were predominant in all analyzed samples. Majority of the strains were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), mostly on streptomycin and trimethoprim. Strains isolated from wastewater and DRW harbored van genes conditioning phenotypic resistance to vancomycin, the highest percentage of vancomycin-resistant strains (57.0%), mostly strains harboring vanC1 genes (27.6%), was noted in TWW. More than 65.0% of the isolated strains had different virulence genes, the highest number of isolates were positive for cell wall adhesin efaA and sex pheromones cob, cpd, and ccf which participate in the induction of virulence. Many of the strains isolated from TWW were resistant to a higher number of drugs and were more virulent than those isolated from UWW and HWW. The enterococci isolated from DRW and wastewater were characterized by similar multidrug resistance and virulence profiles, and significant correlations were observed between these groups of isolates. These findings suggest that pathogenic enterococci are released with TWW and can spread in the river, pose a serious epidemiological threat and a risk to public health.
Structure-Activity Relationship Modeling and Experimental Validation of the Imidazolium and Pyridinium Based Ionic Liquids as Potential Antibacterials of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Semenyuta Ivan V. , Trush Maria M. , Kovalishyn Vasyl V. , Rogalsky Sergiy P. , Hodyna Diana M. , Karpov Pavel , Xia Zhonghua , Tetko Igor V. , Metelytsia Larisa O.
Published: January 2021

Online Chemical Modeling Environment (OCHEM) was used for QSAR analysis of a set of ionic liquids (ILs) tested against multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolate Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The predictive accuracy of regression models has coefficient of determination q2 = 0.66 − 0.79 with cross-validation and independent test sets. The models were used to screen a virtual chemical library of ILs, which was designed with targeted activity against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus strains. Seven most promising ILs were selected, synthesized, and tested. Three ILs showed high activity against both these MDR clinical isolates.
Assessment of Physico-Chemical and Toxicological Properties of Commercial 2D Boron Nitride Nanopowder and Nanoplatelets
Authors: Domi Brixhilda , Bhorkar Kapil , Rumbo Carlos , Sygellou Labrini , Yannopoulos Spyros N. , Barros Rocio , Quesada Roberto , Tamayo-Ramos Juan Antonio
Published: January 2021

Boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials have been increasingly explored for potential applications in chemistry and biology fields (e.g., biomedical, pharmaceutical, and energy industries) due to their unique physico-chemical properties. However, their safe utilization requires a profound knowledge on their potential toxicological and environmental impact. To date, BN nanoparticles have been considered to have a high biocompatibility degree, but in some cases, contradictory results on their potential toxicity have been reported. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed two commercial 2D BN samples, namely BN-nanopowder (BN-PW) and BN-nanoplatelet (BN-PL), with the objective to identify whether distinct physico-chemical features may have an influence on the biological responses of exposed cellular models. Morphological, structural, and composition analyses showed that the most remarkable difference between both commercial samples was the diameter of their disk-like shape, which was of 200–300 nm for BN-PL and 100–150 nm for BN-PW. Their potential toxicity was investigated using adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549 cells) and the unicellular fungus Saccharomycescerevisiae, as human and environmental eukaryotic models respectively, employing in vitro assays. In both cases, cellular viability assays and reactive oxygen species (ROS) determinations where performed. The impact of the selected nanomaterials in the viability of both unicellular models was very low, with only a slight reduction of S. cerevisiae colony forming units being observed after a long exposure period (24 h) to high concentrations (800 mg/L) of both nanomaterials. Similarly, BN-PW and BN-PL showed a low capacity to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species in the studied conditions. Even at the highest concentration and exposure times, no major cytotoxicity indicators were observed in human cells and yeast. The results obtained in the present study provide novel insights into the safety of 2D BN nanomaterials, indicating no significant differences in the toxicological potential of similar commercial products with a distinct lateral size, which showed to be safe products in the concentrations and exposure conditions tested.
Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells’ Paracrine Factors in Conditioned Medium Can Enhance Porcine Oocyte Maturation and Subsequent Embryo Development
Authors: Lee Seok Hee
Published: January 2021

An essential requirement for the success of in vitro maturation (IVM) of the oocyte is to provide an optimal microenvironment similar to in vivo conditions. Recently, somatic cell-based coculture or supplementation of a conditioned medium during IVM has been performed to obtain better quality of oocytes, because they mimic the in vivo reproductive tract by secreting paracrine factors. In this study, human adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) and their conditioned medium (ASC-CM) were applied to IVM of porcine oocytes to evaluate the effectiveness of ASC on oocyte development and subsequent embryo development. In results, both ASC and ASC-CM positively influence on oocyte maturation and embryo development by regulating growth factor receptors (VEGF, FGFR, and IGFR), apoptosis (BCL2), cumulus expansion (PTGS2, HAS2, and TNFAIP6), and oocyte maturation-related genes (GDF9 and BMP15). In particular, the fluorescence intensity of GDF9 and BMP15 was markedly upregulated in the oocytes from the ASC-CM group. Furthermore, significantly high levels of growth factors/cytokine including VEGF, bFGF, IGF-1, IL-10, and EGF were observed in ASC-CM. Additionally, the ASC-CM showed active scavenging activity by reducing the ROS production in a culture medium. Consequently, for the first time, this study demonstrated the effect of human ASC-CM on porcine oocyte development and the alteration of mRNA transcript levels in cumulus–oocyte complexes.
A Rationale for Hypoxic and Chemical Conditioning in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Burtscher Johannes , Maglione Vittorio , Di Pardo Alba , Millet Grégoire P. , Schwarzer Christoph , Zangrandi Luca
Published: January 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by adverse cellular environments and pathological alterations causing neurodegeneration in distinct brain regions. This development is triggered or facilitated by conditions such as hypoxia, ischemia or inflammation and is associated with disruptions of fundamental cellular functions, including metabolic and ion homeostasis. Targeting intracellular downstream consequences to specifically reverse these pathological changes proved difficult to translate to clinical settings. Here, we discuss the potential of more holistic approaches with the purpose to re-establish a healthy cellular environment and to promote cellular resilience. We review the involvement of important molecular pathways (e.g., the sphingosine, δ-opioid receptor or N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor pathways) in neuroprotective hypoxic conditioning effects and how these pathways can be targeted for chemical conditioning. Despite the present scarcity of knowledge on the efficacy of such approaches in neurodegeneration, the specific characteristics of Huntington’s disease may make it particularly amenable for such conditioning techniques. Not only do classical features of neurodegenerative diseases like mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation support this assumption, but also specific Huntington’s disease characteristics: a relatively young age of neurodegeneration, molecular overlap of related pathologies with hypoxic adaptations and sensitivity to brain hypoxia. The aim of this review is to discuss several molecular pathways in relation to hypoxic adaptations that have potential as drug targets in neurodegenerative diseases. We will extract the relevance for Huntington’s disease from this knowledge base.
MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Blood Smear: Method Development and Evaluation
Authors: Debeljak Željko , Niehoff Ann-Christin , Bandjak Ana , Mandić Dario , Bošnjak Bojana , Heffer Marija , Mrđenović Stefan , Marković Ivana , Zjalić Milorad , Šerić Vatroslav
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate matrix assisted LASER desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of blood smear. Integrated light microscope and MALDI IT-TOF mass spectrometer, together with a matrix sublimation device, were used for analysis of blood smears coming from healthy male donors. Different blood plasma removal, matrix deposition, and instrumental settings were evaluated using the negative and positive ionization modes while agreement between the light microscopy images and the lateral distributions of cellular marker compounds served as the MSI quality indicator. Red and white blood cells chemical composition was analyzed using the differential m/z expression. Five seconds of exposure to ethanol followed by the 5 min of 9-aminoacridine or α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid deposition, together with two sets of instrumental settings, were selected for the MALDI TOF MSI experiments. Application of the thin and transparent matrix layers assured good correspondence between the LASER footprints and the preselected regions of interest. Cellular marker m/z signals coincided well with the appropriate cells. A metabolite databases search using the differentially expressed m/z produced hits which were consistent with the respective cell types. This study sets the foundations for application of blood smear MALDI TOF MSI in clinical diagnostics and research.
Updated Insights on EGFR Signaling Pathways in Glioma
Authors: Oprita Alexandru , Baloi Stefania-Carina , Staicu Georgiana-Adeline , Alexandru Oana , Tache Daniela Elise , Danoiu Suzana , Micu Elena Simona , Sevastre Ani-Simona
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, due to recent advances in molecular biology, the pathogenesis of glioblastoma is better understood. For the newly diagnosed, the current standard of care is represented by resection followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide administration, but because median overall survival remains poor, new diagnosis and treatment strategies are needed. Due to the quick progression, even with aggressive multimodal treatment, glioblastoma remains almost incurable. It is known that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification is a characteristic of the classical subtype of glioma. However, targeted therapies against this type of receptor have not yet shown a clear clinical benefit. Many factors contribute to resistance, such as ineffective blood–brain barrier penetration, heterogeneity, mutations, as well as compensatory signaling pathways. A better understanding of the EGFR signaling network, and its interrelations with other pathways, are essential to clarify the mechanisms of resistance and create better therapeutic agents.
Effects of Mephedrone and Amphetamine Exposure during Adolescence on Spatial Memory in Adulthood: Behavioral and Neurochemical Analysis
Authors: Grochecki Pawel , Smaga Irena , Lopatynska-Mazurek Malgorzata , Gibula-Tarlowska Ewa , Kedzierska Ewa , Listos Joanna , Talarek Sylwia , Marszalek-Grabska Marta , Hubalewska-Mazgaj Magdalena , Korga-Plewko Agnieszka , Dudka Jaroslaw , Marzec Zbigniew , Filip Małgorzata , Kotlinska Jolanta H.
Published: January 2021

A synthetic cathinone, mephedrone is widely abused by adolescents and young adults. Despite its widespread use, little is known regarding its long-term effects on cognitive function. Therefore, we assessed, for the first time, whether (A) repeated mephedrone (30 mg/kg, i.p., 10 days, once a day) exposure during adolescence (PND 40) induces deleterious effects on spatial memory and reversal learning (Barnes maze task) in adult (PND 71–84) rats and whether (B) these effects were comparable to amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, the influence of these drugs on MMP-9, NMDA receptor subunits (GluN1, GluN2A/2B) and PSD-95 protein expression were assessed in adult rats. The drug effects were evaluated at doses that per se induce rewarding/reinforcing effects in rats. Our results showed deficits in spatial memory (delayed effect of amphetamine) and reversal learning in adult rats that received mephedrone/amphetamine in adolescence. However, the reversal learning impairment may actually have been due to spatial learning rather than cognitive flexibility impairments. Furthermore, mephedrone, but not amphetamine, enhanced with delayed onset, MMP-9 levels in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Mephedrone given during adolescence induced changes in MMP-9 level and up-regulation of the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) in young adult (PND 63) and adult (PND 87) rats. Finally, in adult rats, PSD-95 expression was increased in the prefrontal cortex and decreased in the hippocampus. In contrast, in adult rats exposed to amphetamine in adolescence, GluN2A subunit and PSD-95 expression were decreased (down-regulated) in the hippocampus. Thus, in mephedrone—but not amphetamine-treated rats, the deleterious effects on spatial memory were associated with changes in MMP-9 level. Because the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor dominates in adolescence, mephedrone seems to induce more harmful effects on cognition than amphetamine does during this period of life.
Regulation of Anti-Apoptotic SOD2 and BIRC3 in Periodontal Cells and Tissues
Authors: Rath-Deschner Birgit , Nogueira Andressa Vilas Boas , Memmert Svenja , Nokhbehsaim Marjan , Augusto Cirelli Joni , Eick Sigrun , Miosge Nicolai , Kirschneck Christian , Kesting Marco , Deschner James , Jäger Andreas , Damanaki Anna
Published: January 2021

The aim of the study was to clarify whether orthodontic forces and periodontitis interact with respect to the anti-apoptotic molecules superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 3 (BIRC3). SOD2, BIRC3, and the apoptotic markers caspases 3 (CASP3) and 9 (CASP9) were analyzed in gingiva from periodontally healthy and periodontitis subjects by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. SOD2 and BIRC3 were also studied in gingiva from rats with experimental periodontitis and/or orthodontic tooth movement. Additionally, SOD2 and BIRC3 levels were examined in human periodontal fibroblasts incubated with Fusobacterium nucleatum and/or subjected to mechanical forces. Gingiva from periodontitis patients showed significantly higher SOD2, BIRC3, CASP3, and CASP9 levels than periodontally healthy gingiva. SOD2 and BIRC3 expressions were also significantly increased in the gingiva from rats with experimental periodontitis, but the upregulation of both molecules was significantly diminished in the concomitant presence of orthodontic tooth movement. In vitro, SOD2 and BIRC3 levels were significantly increased by F. nucleatum, but this stimulatory effect was also significantly inhibited by mechanical forces. Our study suggests that SOD2 and BIRC3 are produced in periodontal infection as a protective mechanism against exaggerated apoptosis. In the concomitant presence of orthodontic forces, this protective anti-apoptotic mechanism may get lost.
Dietary Salt Accelerates Orthodontic Tooth Movement by Increased Osteoclast Activity
Authors: Schröder Agnes , Gubernator Joshua , Leikam Alexandra , Nazet Ute , Cieplik Fabian , Jantsch Jonathan , Neubert Patrick , Titze Jens , Proff Peter , Kirschneck Christian
Published: January 2021

Dietary salt uptake and inflammation promote sodium accumulation in tissues, thereby modulating cells like macrophages and fibroblasts. Previous studies showed salt effects on periodontal ligament fibroblasts and on bone metabolism by expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells-5 (NFAT-5). Here, we investigated the impact of salt and NFAT-5 on osteoclast activity and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). After treatment of osteoclasts without (NS) or with additional salt (HS), we analyzed gene expression and the release of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and calcium phosphate resorption. We kept wild-type mice and mice lacking NFAT-5 in myeloid cells either on a low, normal or high salt diet and inserted an elastic band between the first and second molar to induce OTM. We analyzed the expression of genes involved in bone metabolism, periodontal bone loss, OTM and bone density. Osteoclast activity was increased upon HS treatment. HS promoted periodontal bone loss and OTM and was associated with reduced bone density. Deletion of NFAT-5 led to increased osteoclast activity with NS, whereas we detected impaired OTM in mice. Dietary salt uptake seems to accelerate OTM and induce periodontal bone loss due to reduced bone density, which may be attributed to enhanced osteoclast activity. NFAT-5 influences this reaction to HS, as we detected impaired OTM and osteoclast activity upon deletion.