bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remdesivir Strongly Binds to RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase, Membrane Protein, and Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Indication From Molecular Modeling and Simulations
Authors: Khan Faez Iqbal , Kang Tongzhou , Ali Haider , Lai Dakun
Published: July 2021

Development of new drugs is a time-taking and expensive process. Comprehensive efforts are being made globally toward the search of therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. Several drugs such as remdesivir, favipiravir, ritonavir, and lopinavir have been included in the treatment regimen and shown effective results in several cases. Among the existing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, remdesivir is found to be more effective against SARS-CoV-2. Remdesivir has broad-spectrum antiviral action against many single-stranded RNA viruses including pathogenic SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). In this study, we proposed that remdesivir strongly binds to membrane protein (Mprotein), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP), and main protease (Mprotease) of SARS-CoV-2. It might show antiviral activity by inhibiting more than one target. It has been found that remdesivir binds to Mprotease, Mprotein, and RDRP with −7.8, −7.4, and −7.1 kcal/mol, respectively. The structure dynamics study suggested that binding of remdesivir leads to unfolding of RDRP. It has been found that strong binding of remdesivir to Mprotein leads to decrease in structural deviations and gyrations. Additionally, the average solvent-accessible surface area of Mprotein decreases from 127.17 to 112.12 nm2, respectively. Furthermore, the eigenvalues and the trace of the covariance matrix were found to be low in case of Mprotease–remdesivir, Mprotein–remdesivir, and RDRP–remdesivir. Binding of remdesivir to Mprotease, Mprotein, and RDRP reduces the average motions in protein due to its strong binding. The MMPBSA calculations also suggested that remdesivir has strong binding affinity with Mprotein, Mprotease, and RDRP. The detailed analysis suggested that remdesivir has more than one target of SARS-CoV-2.
Comparative Genomics Provide Insights Into Function and Evolution of Odorant Binding Proteins in Cydia pomonella
Authors: Huang Cong , Zhang Xue , He Dongfeng , Wu Qiang , Tang Rui , Xing Longsheng , Liu Wanxue , Wang Wenkai , Liu Bo , Xi Yu , Yang Nianwan , Wan Fanghao , Qian Wanqiang
Published: July 2021

Insect olfaction is vital for foraging, mating, host-seeking, and avoidance of predators/pathogens. In insects, odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are involved in transporting hydrophobic odor molecules from the external environment to receptor neurons. The codling moth,Cydia pomonella, one of the most destructive insect fruit pests, causes enormous economic losses. However, little is known about the number, variety, gains and losses, and evolution ofOBPgenes inC. pomonella. Here we report the identification of 40OBPsinC. pomonella, most (75%) of which are classicOBPs, using genomic and transcriptomic analyses. TwoOBPgenes were lost inC. pomonellarelative to possible distant ancestor in Lepidoptera lineage based on an analysis of gene gains and losses. The phylogenetic tree and chromosome location showed that the expansion ofOBPgenes mainly resulted from tandem duplications, as theCpomGOBP2gene was duplicated twice along with loss ofCpomPBPB. Two positive selection sites of theCpomGOBP1gene were identified while otherOBPgenes evolved under purifying selection. Our results provide fundamental knowledge ofOBPgenes allowing further study of their function inC. pomonella.
Genomic Predictions With Nonadditive Effects Improved Estimates of Additive Effects and Predictions of Total Genetic Values in Pinus sylvestris
Authors: Calleja-Rodriguez Ainhoa , Chen ZhiQiang , Suontama Mari , Pan Jin , Wu Harry X.
Published: July 2021

Genomic selection study (GS) focusing on nonadditive genetic effects of dominance and the first order of epistatic effects, in a full-sib family population of 695 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees, was undertaken for growth and wood quality traits, using 6,344 single nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs) generated by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Genomic marker-based relationship matrices offer more effective modeling of nonadditive genetic effects than pedigree-based models, thus increasing the knowledge on the relevance of dominance and epistatic variation in forest tree breeding. Genomic marker-based models were compared with pedigree-based models showing a considerable dominance and epistatic variation for growth traits. Nonadditive genetic variation of epistatic nature (additive × additive) was detected for growth traits, wood density (DEN), and modulus of elasticity (MOEd) representing between 2.27 and 34.5% of the total phenotypic variance. Including dominance variance in pedigree-based Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (PBLUP) and epistatic variance in genomic-based Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) resulted in decreased narrow-sense heritability and increased broad-sense heritability for growth traits, DEN and MOEd. Higher genetic gains were reached with early GS based on total genetic values, than with conventional pedigree selection for a selection intensity of 1%. This study indicates that nonadditive genetic variance may have a significant role in the variation of selection traits of Scots pine, thus clonal deployment could be an attractive alternative for the species. Additionally, confidence in the role of nonadditive genetic effects in this breeding program should be pursued in the future, using GS.
Exercise as a Useful Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Improve Physical Fitness in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lardier David T. , Coakley Kathryn E. , Holladay Kelley R. , Amorim Fabiano T. , Zuhl Micah N.
Published: July 2021

Objective: This meta-analysis and systematic review examined the effects of exercise interventions on alcohol consumption and binge drinking in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Data sources: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus, and ERIC databases.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials published in English between 1970 and 2021. All studies compared exercise (Ex) and treatment as usual (TAU) to TAU in adults with an alcohol-related diagnosis. All forms of exercise interventions were included (e.g., aerobic exercise, yoga, resistance exercise, etc.).

Data Extraction: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols standard and the Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies guidelines were followed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool as described by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Interventions.

Results: The literature searches retrieved a combined 2527 studies, with 1,034 studies screened after removal of duplicates and 973 (94%) rejected after reviewing titles and abstracts. Full-text review was performed on 61 studies, with seven studies meeting inclusion criteria for qualitative and meta-analysis. Across seven studies (n = 492 participants), a significant effect (Z-value = −3.37; g = −0.30; 95% CI [−0.50—−0.09]; p = 0.001) was found for Ex+TAU on drinking volume. There was no effect of Ex+TAU on binge drinking. The effect of Ex+TAU on physical fitness (VO2max, ml•kg−1•min−1) was significant (Z-score = 3.70; g = 0.64; 95% CI [0.19–1.08]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Exercise interventions may decrease alcohol consumption and improve fitness and can be an effective adjunctive treatment for individuals with alcohol-related diagnoses including AUD.
The Family Check-Up Online: A Telehealth Model for Delivery of Parenting Skills to High-Risk Families With Opioid Use Histories
Authors: Stormshak Elizabeth A. , Matulis Jordan M. , Nash Whitney , Cheng Yijun
Published: July 2021

Growing opioid misuse in the United States has resulted in more children living with an adult with an opioid use history. Although an abundance of research has demonstrated a link between opioid misuse and negative parenting behaviors, few intervention efforts have been made to target this underserved population. The Family Check-Up (FCU) has been tested in more than 25 years of research, across multiple settings, and is an evidence-based program for reducing risk behavior, enhancing parenting skills, and preventing the onset of substance use. It is designed to motivate parents to engage in positive parenting practices and to change problematic parenting and has been tested across a variety of ages including early childhood and adolescence. It is highlighted in NIDA’s Principles of Substance Use Prevention for Early Childhood: A research-based guide as one of only three effective selective prevention programs for substance abuse among families with young children. Recently, we developed an online version of the FCU that has now been adapted for early childhood and families with opioid use histories. The online platform and telehealth model allow for wide-scale dissemination, ease of training with community providers, and increased public health reach for families in remote, rural areas. This is particularly important when targeting families with opioid misuse and addiction because there are high rates of addiction in remote areas, yet few services available. In this article, we describe the FCU Online and review new content in the model that targets a population of young adult parents with substance abuse histories, including opioid use. New modules include content focused on harm reduction for this high-risk population of parents, such as safety in the home, substance use while parenting, and managing conflict with partners and friends.
Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Perfectionism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gyori Dora , Balazs Judit
Published: July 2021

Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and perfectionism mean a huge concern related to mental health and psychopathology. Recently, there has been a growing interest in research on the exploration of the association of perfectionism and NSSI, but till today there is no systematic review has been prepared in this topic.

Aims: Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review of published studies that investigated the association between NSSI and perfectionism.

Methods: The systematic search was made on PubMed, OVID Medline, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search terms were (“nonsuicidal self-injury” OR “nonsuicidal self-injury” OR NSSI OR “self-injury” OR “self-injurious behavior” OR SIB OR “self-harm” OR “deliberate self-harm” OR DSH) AND (perfectionism). The inclusion criteria were as follows: written in English; reported empirical data; used validated self-report measures; investigated the association of nonsuicidal self-injury and perfectionism. There were no restrictions on participants regarding age, gender, race or ethnicity. Exclusion criteria: not written in English; was a review/meta-analysis; measured suicide behavior; measured self-injury irrespective of motivation or suicidal intent; was not about the association between nonsuicidal self-injury and perfectionism.

Results: After the screening process, 15 studies were included in our systematic review. The majority of studies (12) were published in the last 10 years. Nine (60%) recruited participants from community samples, four (26.7%) from clinical populations, and two (13.3%) both from community and clinical participants. Fourteen (93.3%) of the studies were cross-sectional studies, and one study contained a longitudinal investigation. The majority of studies included only or mainly female participants (62.3–87.2%) and two studies contained a balanced male-female ratio population. Fourteen (93.3%) studies from the 15 studies found a significant positive association between NSSI and perfectionism.

Limitations: The heterogeneity of used instruments makes it difficult to compare the results of involved studies. Only two studies investigated populations with balanced gender ratios. Only two studies examined both clinical and community populations. Clinical investigations enrolled mainly eating-disordered (ED) patients.

Conclusions: The results of the current systematic review highlight the role of perfectionism in NSSI engagement. This systematic review may help the development of effective prevention initiatives and treatment strategies.
The Impact of Video-Based Educational Interventions on Cervical Cancer, Pap Smear and HPV Vaccines
Authors: Drokow Emmanuel Kwateng , Effah Clement Yaw , Agboyibor Clement , Sasu Evans , Amponsem-Boateng Cecilia , Akpabla Gloria Selorm , Ahmed Hafiz Abdul Waqas , Sun Kai
Published: July 2021

Background: Video-based interventions have the potential to contribute to long-lasting improvements in health-seeking behaviours. Ghana's upsurge rate of information and communication technology usage presents an opportunity to improve the awareness of HPV vaccination and screening rates of cervical cancer among women in Ghana. This research aimed to assess the impact of video-based educational intervention centred on the Health Belief and Transtheoretical Models of behavioural changes in promoting HPV vaccination, cervical carcinoma awareness and willingness to have Pap smear test (PST) among women in Ghana.

Methods: To achieve the intended sample size, convenient, purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used. SPSS v. 23.0 was used in the data analysis. Percentages and frequencies were used to represent participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge of (1) cervical carcinoma, (2) human papillomavirus vaccine, and (3) Pap smear test. The chi-square test by McNemar was employed to evaluate variations in the post- and pre-intervention responses. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The level of significance was adjusted owing to multiple comparisons by using the Bonferroni's correction.

Results: Before the intervention, 84.2% of the participant had some knowledge or information about cervical cancer, but after the intervention, 100% of the participant became aware of cervical cancer which represents 15.8% increment at a P < .001. The willingness to have a pap smear test increased from 35.8% to 94.2% (df = 58.4%, P < .001) after the educational intervention. The willingness to be vaccinated increased from 47.5% to 81.7% (df = 34.2%, P < .001) after the educational intervention. Six months after the intervention, participants were followed-up. 253 (42.2%) participants had gone for cervical cancer screening (Pap smear test) while 347 (57.8%) participants had not been screened. In terms of HPV vaccination, 192 participants (32.0%) had begun their HPV vaccination cycle.

Conclusion: The study results show that health education, using videos, may be influential in perception changing, self-efficacy improvement and the understanding of cervical carcinoma screening and HPV vaccination.
Exploring Learners' Expectations of Sustainability Objectives and Organizational Change: The Case of Gender Reporting Training
Authors: Oppi Chiara
Published: July 2021

Sustainability reporting (SR) practices at higher education institutions (HEIs) appear fragmented and underutilized. Research is needed to persuade HEIs to adopt SR standards, explaining the SR advantages of achieving sustainability objectives and realizing organizational change. Only a few research studies have investigated how HEIs employees can be trained on SR and how this can affect SR implementation. This research explores SR training for HEIs employees, focusing on gender reporting (GR) training as a means to achieve sustainability objectives and realize organizational change. Among the United Nations' Sustainable and Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality (GE) emerges as a relevant topic to investigate, also in the HEIs context, with current research being limited. Through a survey among Italian HEIs employees who attended a GR training course, this study investigates the effects of learning outcomes of respondents' expected achievement of GR objectives and organizational change after GR implementation. The research also studies whether the perceived organizational barriers to GR affect the expected realization of organizational change. The results support the impact of learning outcomes on the expected achievement of GR objectives and organizational change. Conversely, the perceived organizational barriers to GR do not affect the expected realization of organizational change. The study enters the debate about GR at HEIs and contributes to literature on sustainability training for HEIs employees, providing practical implications for organizations that intend to implement such training and showing their advantages.
Association Between Subcatchment Land Cover and Ecological Stoichiometry Along a Human Modified Stream Network
Authors: Pearce Nolan J. T. , Spooner Daniel E. , Plourde Jessica M. , Wilson Henry F. , Frost Paul C. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A.
Published: July 2021

The intersection between land cover and topography at the subcatchment scale can generate spatial heterogeneity in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) supplies and alter ecological stoichiometry within river networks. Recognition of spatial patterns in the balance of energy and elements at the stream network scale is needed to increase our comprehension of the importance that watershed physiography has on stream functionality. Here we assessed the influence of topographically weighted land cover on the ecological stoichiometry of stream water, periphyton, and benthic macroinvertebrates among 18 stream segments within the Beaver River watershed (Ontario, Canada). Natural and anthropogenic land cover classes were topographically weighted within each subcatchment by increasing the weight of land cover located in hydrologically connected areas of the landscape (i.e., proximity to stream network, flow distance to sampling location, and flow accumulation). Univariate regression models were used to evaluate the influence of topographically weighted land cover and land use on the C, N, and P content and ratios of stream water, periphyton, and benthic macroinvertebrate consumers while accounting for spatial autocorrelation within the river network. We found that topographically weighted developed land was largely associated with the balance and concentrations of nutrients in stream water and primary consumer nutrient ratios, whereas topographically weighted agriculture inversely correlated with natural and wetland cover was associated with periphyton stoichiometry in addition to that of stream water and primary consumers. Spatial patterns in primary consumer elemental composition coincided with that of stream water and periphyton indicating a potential intermediary effect of land use on resource quality. Our results suggest that heterogeneity in the spatial arrangement of land cover within river networks can influence the ecological stoichiometry of stream water, periphyton, and benthic macroinvertebrates at the subcatchment scale.
Proteomic Characterization of Canine Gastric Fluid by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Development of Protein Biomarkers in Regurgitation, Vomiting, and Cough
Authors: Grobman Megan , Rindt Hansjörg , Reinero Carol R.
Published: July 2021

Reflux and aspiration in people cause and exacerbate respiratory diseases in the absence of gastrointestinal signs. Protein biomarkers in humans detect extraesophageal reflux (EER) from oropharyngeal (OP) and bronchoalveloar lavage samples. Reflux likely contributes to respiratory disease in dogs. The objectives of this study were to analyze the canine gastric fluid (GF) proteome and compare this to the OP proteome in normal, vomiting/regurgitating, and coughing dogs to identify biomarkers for EER/aspiration. Twenty-three client-owned dogs were enrolled. Canine GF samples (n = 5) and OP swabs in normal (n = 6), vomiting/regurgitating (n = 7), and coughing (n = 5) dogs were within 2 weeks of sample collection. Protein digests were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Differential abundance (DA) of proteins between groups was evaluated by Fisher's exact test with p < 0.0004 significance level after correction for multiple comparisons. DA was found between all groups (p < 0.0001): GF vs. normal (n = 130 proteins), coughing vs. normal (n = 22 proteins), and vomiting/regurgitating vs. normal (n = 20 proteins). Protein abundance was highly variable between dogs. Gastrointestinal-specific proteins were found in OP swabs from vomiting/regurgitating and coughing dogs but not from healthy dogs. In conclusion, the proteomic composition of the OP varies between health and disease. The presence of gastrointestinal-specific proteins in OP of coughing dogs may suggest reflux and/or aspiration as contributing factors. The variable protein abundance warrants investigation into biomarker panels.
Backstepping Sliding-Mode Control of Piezoelectric Single-Piston Pump-Controlled Actuator
Authors: Wang Bin , Ren Pengda , Huang Xinhao
Published: July 2021

A piston piezoelectric (PZT) pump has many advantages for the use of light actuators. How to deal with the contradiction between the intermittent oil supplying and position control precision is essential when designing the controller. In order to accurately control the output of the actuator, a backstepping sliding-mode control method based on the Lyapunov function is introduced, and the controller is designed on the basis of establishing the mathematical model of the system. The simulation results show that, compared with fuzzy PID and ordinary sliding-mode control, backstepping sliding-mode control has a stronger anti-jamming ability and tracking performance, and improves the control accuracy and stability of the piezoelectric pump-controlled actuator system.
Improved Soil Moisture and Electrical Conductivity Prediction of Citrus Orchards Based on IoT Using Deep Bidirectional LSTM
Authors: Gao Peng , Xie Jiaxing , Yang Mingxin , Zhou Ping , Chen Wenbin , Liang Gaotian , Chen Yufeng , Han Xiongzhe , Wang Weixing
Published: July 2021

In order to create an irrigation scheduling plan for use in large-area citrus orchards, an environmental information collection system of citrus orchards was established based on the Internet of Things (IoT). With the environmental information data, deep bidirectional long short-term memory (Bid-LSTM) networks are proposed to improve soil moisture (SM) and soil electrical conductivity (SEC) predictions, providing a meaningful reference for the irrigation and fertilization of citrus orchards. The IoT system contains SM, SEC, air temperature and humidity, wind speed, and precipitation sensors, while the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2) were calculated to evaluate the performance of the models. The performance of the deep Bid-LSTM model was compared with a multi-layer neural network (MLNN). The results for the performance criteria reveal that the proposed deep Bid-LSTM networks perform better than the MLNN model, according to many of the evaluation indicators of this study.
The Potential of Digestate and the Liquid Fraction of Digestate as Chemical Fertiliser Substitutes under the RENURE Criteria
Authors: Reuland Gregory , Sigurnjak Ivona , Dekker Harmen , Michels Evi , Meers Erik
Published: July 2021

This study assessed how digestate and the liquid fraction (LF) of digestate would perform as candidate RENURE fertilisers (recovered nitrogen from manure) in nitrate vulnerable zones under the proposed criteria of the Joint Research Centre, namely, (i) a mineral nitrogen to total nitrogen ratio ≥ 90% (Nmin:TN ≥ 90%) or a total organic carbon to TN ratio ≤ 3 (TOC:TN ≤ 3); (ii) limits of ≤300 copper (Cu) mg kg−1 and ≤800 Zinc (Zn) mg kg−1. These criteria were applied to unpublished data (n = 2622) on digestate compositional properties, further amended with data from the literature (n = 180); digestate analysis from seven full-scale biogas facilities (n = 14); and biogas industry stakeholders (n = 23). The results showed that Cu and Zn mostly met the criteria, with compliance rates of 94.7% (of 1035 entries) and 95.0% (of 1038 entries), respectively. Just above 5% (of 1856 entries) met the Nmin/TN ≥ 90% criterion, while 36% (of 1583 entries) met the TOC/TN ≤ 3 criterion, while total compliance was 32% (of 1893 entries). When targeting the LF, total compliance increased noticeably, between 43 and 58% depending on DM range, indicating that LFs are better suited RENURE candidate fertilisers than unseparated digestate.
Polymicrobial Interactions in the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome Impact the Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Reece Emma , Bettio Pedro H. de Almeida , Renwick Julie
Published: July 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most dominant pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease and contributes to significant inflammation, airway damage, and poorer disease outcomes. The CF airway is now known to be host to a complex community of microorganisms, and polymicrobial interactions have been shown to play an important role in shaping P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and resistance. P. aeruginosa can cause chronic infections that once established are almost impossible to eradicate with antibiotics. CF patients that develop chronic P. aeruginosa infection have poorer lung function, higher morbidity, and a reduced life expectancy. P. aeruginosa adapts to the CF airway and quickly develops resistance to several antibiotics. A perplexing phenomenon is the disparity between in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity testing and clinical response. Considering the CF airway is host to a diverse community of microorganisms or ‘microbiome’ and that these microorganisms are known to interact, the antimicrobial resistance and progression of P. aeruginosa infection is likely influenced by these microbial relationships. This review combines the literature to date on interactions between P. aeruginosa and other airway microorganisms and the influence of these interactions on P. aeruginosa tolerance to antimicrobials.
Classical Description of Resonant Charge Exchange Involving the Second Flavor of Hydrogen Atoms
Authors: Oks Eugene
Published: July 2021

We studied the consequences of the existence of the second flavor of hydrogen atoms (SFHA)—the existence proven by atomic experiments and evidenced by astrophysical observations—on the resonant charge exchange. We found analytically that there is indeed an important difference in the corresponding cross-sections for the SFHA compared to the usual hydrogen atoms. This difference could serve as an additional tool for distinguishing between the two kinds of hydrogen atoms in future experiments/observations. We also show that the SFHA does not exhibit any Stark effect—whether in a uniform or a non-uniform electric field—in any order of the perturbation theory.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Current Concepts in the Management of Inflammation in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Nurul Asma Abdullah , Azlan Maryam , Ahmad Mohd Zain Muhammad Rajaei , Sebastian Alphy Alphonsa , Fan Ying Zhen , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: July 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been known as a “wear and tear” disease, which is mainly characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage and changes in the subchondral bone. Despite the fact that OA is often thought of as a degenerative disease, the catabolic products of the cartilage matrix often promote inflammation by activating immune cells. Current OA treatment focuses on symptomatic treatment, with a primary focus on pain management, which does not promote cartilage regeneration or attenuate joint inflammation. Since articular cartilage have no ability to regenerate, thus regeneration of the tissue is one of the key targets of modern treatments for OA. Cell-based therapies are among the new therapeutic strategies for OA. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively researched as potential therapeutic agents in cell-based therapy of OA due to their ability to differentiate into chondrocytes and their immunomodulatory properties that can facilitate cartilage repair and regeneration. In this review, we emphasized current knowledge and future perspectives on the use of MSCs by targeting their regeneration potential and immunomodulatory effects in the treatment of OA.
Epigenetic Drifts during Long-Term Intestinal Organoid Culture
Authors: Thalheim Torsten , Siebert Susann , Quaas Marianne , Herberg Maria , Schweiger Michal R. , Aust Gabriela , Galle Joerg
Published: July 2021

Organoids retain the morphological and molecular patterns of their tissue of origin, are self-organizing, relatively simple to handle and accessible to genetic engineering. Thus, they represent an optimal tool for studying the mechanisms of tissue maintenance and aging. Long-term expansion under standard growth conditions, however, is accompanied by changes in the growth pattern and kinetics. As a potential explanation of these alterations, epigenetic drifts in organoid culture have been suggested. Here, we studied histone tri-methylation at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and 27 (H3K27me3) and transcriptome profiles of intestinal organoids derived from mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient and control mice and cultured for 3 and 20 weeks and compared them with data on their tissue of origin. We found that, besides the expected changes in short-term culture, the organoids showed profound changes in their epigenomes also during the long-term culture. The most prominent were epigenetic gene activation by H3K4me3 recruitment to previously unmodified genes and by H3K27me3 loss from originally bivalent genes. We showed that a long-term culture is linked to broad transcriptional changes that indicate an ongoing maturation and metabolic adaptation process. This process was disturbed in MMR-deficient mice, resulting in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and Wnt activation. Our results can be explained in terms of a mathematical model assuming that epigenetic changes during a long-term culture involve DNA demethylation that ceases if the metabolic adaptation is disturbed.
Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Disaster Management
Authors: Jang Jeong-Hun , Ha Kyoo-Man
Published: July 2021

Disability inclusion of children in disaster management means to identify and then eliminate the challenges faced by children with disabilities during disaster occurrence. The present research aimed to explore how the challenges of children with disabilities can be resolved in disaster management. Qualitative content analysis was used to compare individual-stakeholder-based disaster management with all-stakeholder disaster management considering three stakeholders: developed nations, developing nations, and international organizations. A key finding is that these stakeholders must shift from the individual-stakeholder-based approach to the all-stakeholders approach while enhancing disaster medicine, education, monitoring, and implementation stages. A comprehensive framework of disability inclusion is proposed to reflect effective disaster management for these children.
Oral Health and Psychosocial Predictors of Quality of Life and General Well-Being among Adolescents in Lesotho, Southern Africa
Authors: Jessani Abbas , Choi Jonghm , El-Rabbany Abdul , Lefoka Pulane , Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Laronde Denise M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Adolescents’ quality of life is reported to be significantly associated with physical and social wellbeing. Although adolescents are 30% of the Southern African population, no previous studies have focused on this group in relation to oral health and quality of life. Methods: A 40-item survey and clinical oral examinations were conducted in public schools in Maseru from 10 to 25 August 2016. Simple, bivariate, and multivariate regressions were used to evaluate the associations of oral health and psychosocial factors with self-reported general health status and quality of life. Results: A total of 526 participants, aged 12–19 years old, responded to the survey and participated in the clinical examinations. The majority reported a good (good/very good/excellent) quality of life (84%) and general health (81%). Bivariate results showed that self-reported general health in this population was significantly influenced by age. The presence of toothache and sensitivity in the adolescents were significantly associated with poor (fair/poor) self-reported general health and were found to be the best predictors for self-general health and quality of life. Conclusions: The absence of dental conditions such as toothache and tooth sensitivity can lead to a better perception of general health and Quality of Life in adolescents.
Impact of Wind on the Spatio-Temporal Variation in Concentration of Suspended Solids in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia
Authors: Sato Michitaka , Khanal Rajendra , Uk Sovannara , Siev Sokly , Sok Ty , Yoshimura Chihiro
Published: July 2021

Even though wind, water depth, and shear stress are important factors governing sediment resuspension in lakes, their actual relations to total suspended solids (TSS) distribution in natural environments have not been well elucidated. This study aims to elucidate the impact of the wind on the spatio-temporal variation of TSS in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, during low-water (March and June, <1 m) and high-water (September and December, 8–10 m) seasons. To this end, wind and TSS data for December 2016 and March, June, and September 2017 were collected and analyzed. For spatial interpolation of wind speed, the inverse distance weighted method was found to be better (R2 = 0.49) than the vectorized average (R2 = 0.30) and inverse of the ratio of distance (R2 = 0.31). Spatial interpolation showed that the wind speed and direction on the lake were <5 m/s and southward during the low-water season and <7 m/s and westward during the high-water season. The TSS concentration in the low-water season was higher (>50 mg/L) than that in the high-water season. The TSS concentration during the low-water season was empirically described by wind speed (W), water depth (D), and shear stress (τ_wave) with a function of W3, W3/D, and exp(W/D) or exp(τ_wave), depending on the location in the lake. The critical shear stress due to wind-induced waves at most of the places in the lake was higher than the total shear stress indicated. Sedimentation was predominant in December and June, and erosion (siltation) was dominant in March. Most of the siltation in March was dominant in the southern part of the lake.
Biological Activity of Extracts from Aromatic Plants as Control Agents against Spoilage Molds Isolated from Sheep Cheese
Authors: Muñoz-Tebar Nuria , González-Navarro Emilio J. , López-Díaz Teresa María , Santos Jesús A. , Elguea-Culebras Gonzalo Ortiz de , García-Martínez M. Mercedes , Molina Ana , Carmona Manuel , Berruga María Isabel
Published: July 2021

The aim of this work was to assess the antifungal and antioxidant activity of essential oils and ethanolic extracts from distilled solid by-products from aromatic plants (Artemisia dracunculus, Hyssopus officinalis, Lavandula stoechas, Origanum vulgare and Satureja montana) against 14 fungi strains isolated from sheep cheese and identified at species level using DNA barcoding based on β-tubulin sequence analysis. In addition, capacity of fungi to produce ochratoxin A, patulin, cyclopiazonic acid and sterigmatocystin was analyzed. Of the isolates, 85.7% belonged to Penicillium (P. commune/biforme, P. crustosum) and 14.3% to Aspergillus (A. puulaauensis and A. jensenii), the first time that these Aspergillus species have been found in sheep’s cheese. All P. commune isolates were producers of cyclopiazonic acid, and the two Aspergillus strains produced sterigmatocystin, but the others did not produce any tested mycotoxin. Among the essential oils tested, oregano, savory and tarragon had a significant antifungal activity against all the isolated strains, but no ethanolic extract showed antifungal activity. By contrast, ethanolic extracts showed great potential as antioxidants. The identification of new molds in cheese will help the dairy industry to know more about those molds affecting the sector, and the use of aromatic plants in the control of fungal spoilage could be a suitable alternative to chemical preservatives used in the agri-food industry.
Multiple Light Scattering Measurements for Online Monitoring of Milk Fermentation
Authors: Ramezani Mohsen , Ferrentino Giovanna , Morozova Ksenia , Scampicchio Matteo
Published: July 2021

The present paper investigates the use of multiple light scattering for the monitoring of milk fermentation. The experiments were performed on milk fermented with different starter concentrations (0.05% to 4.5% (w/w) at temperatures from 36 to 44 °C and in the presence of antibiotics at concentrations up to 100 µg/kg. The fermentation was monitored continuously by using a multiple light scattering technique and simultaneously by a pH meter, a rheometer and a texture analyzer. The backscattering signal recorded by multiple light scattering measurements was correlated with the changes in pH, rheological parameters and firmness of the samples along the fermentation. A gelation time of 120 min was obtained when the highest concentration of starter (4.5%, w/w) and incubation temperature of 44 °C were used. These results were confirmed by the pH, rheological and texture monitoring. The analysis of backscattering spectra allowed the detection of the effect of antibiotic on the gel formation even at low concentrations (1.3 µg/kg). Overall, the results highlighted the advantages of using a multiple light scattering technique as quality control tool for online monitoring of milk fermentation.
Artificial Intelligence in Digital Pathology: What Is the Future? Part 1: From the Digital Slide Onwards
Authors: Giovagnoli Maria Rosaria , Giansanti Daniele
Published: July 2021

This commentary aims to address the field of Artificial intelligence (AI) in Digital Pathology (DP) both in terms of the global situation and research perspectives. It has four polarities. First, it revisits the evolutions of digital pathology with particular care to the two fields of the digital cytology and the digital histology. Second, it illustrates the main fields in the employment of AI in DP. Third, it looks at the future directions of the research challenges from both a clinical and technological point of view. Fourth, it discusses the transversal problems among these challenges and implications and introduces the immediate work to implement.
Influence of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate on Early Ejaculation—Results from a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Haghighi Mohammad , Doostizadeh Mona , Jahangard Leila , Soltanian Alireza , Faryadres Mohammad , Dürsteler Kenneth M. , Beatrix Brühl Annette , Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena , Brand Serge
Published: July 2021

Background: Among male sexual dysfunctions, erectile dysfunction and early ejaculation have the highest prevalence rates. Here, we tested the influence of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyas®) on early ejaculation. To this end, we performed a double-blind randomized clinical trial among males with early ejaculation. Methods: A total of 46 males with early ejaculation (mean age: 35.23 years) and in stable marital relationships with regular weekly penile–vaginal intercourse were randomly assigned either to the lisdexamfetamine dimesylate condition (30 mg) or to the placebo condition. Compounds were taken about six hours before intended penile–vaginal intercourse. At baseline and four weeks later at the end of the study, participants completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering early ejaculation. Female partners also rated participants’ early ejaculation profile. Results: Compared to the placebo condition, dimensions of early ejaculation improved over time in the lisdexamfetamine condition, though improvements were also observed in the placebo condition. Conclusions: Among male adults in stable marital relationships with regular weekly penile–vaginal intercourse, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate improved dimensions of early ejaculation. Given that improvements were also observed in the placebo condition, psychological factors such as increased attention to early ejaculation and favorable expectations of the compound should be considered.
Back Pain Prevalence, Intensity, and Associated Risk Factors among Female Teachers in Slovakia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Prieto-González Pablo , Šutvajová Miroslava , Lesňáková Anna , Bartík Peter , Buľáková Kristína , Friediger Teresa
Published: July 2021

Significant back pain prevalence and intensity are reported in female pedagogues. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been exposed to remote working conditions, higher psychological demands, and stress. Our objective was to evaluate the back pain prevalence, intensity, and related risk factors in female teachers from Slovak regions in the context of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. An electronic questionnaire was applied for data collection. A total of 782 adult female teachers (age 43.11 ± 0.36, BMI 34.94 ± 5.94) from primary, secondary, and tertiary schools from Slovak regions were included in the survey. Of these, 74% reported cervical pain, 67% lower back pain, and 60% pain in more than one vertebral region. The highest pain intensities were reported in the following cohorts (pain scale 1–5, 1 = no pain, and 5 = extreme pain): pedagogues from the Presov region (3.74), those working in the special education sector (3.83), those who gave five online classes a week (3.58), those who performed no physical activity (PA, 3.86), pedagogues who did not work in compliance with ergonomic recommendations (3.59), those with moderate or severe stress (3.66), and those who were sitting all or most of the time (3.62). The main risk factors identified were: no PA performed, no compliance with ergonomic recommendations, and stress.
Porphylipoprotein Accumulation and Porphylipoprotein Photodynamic Therapy Effects Involving Cancer Cell-Specific Cytotoxicity
Authors: Kurokawa Hiromi , Ito Hiromu , Matsui Hirofumi
Published: July 2021

In photodynamic therapy (PDT) for neoplasms, photosensitizers selectively accumulate in cancer tissue. Upon excitation with light of an optimal wavelength, the photosensitizer and surrounding molecules generate reactive oxygen species, resulting in cancer cell-specific cytotoxicity. Porphylipoprotein (PLP) has a porphyrin-based nanostructure. The porphyrin moiety of PLP is quenched because of its structure. When PLP is disrupted, the stacked porphyrins are separated into single molecules and act as photosensitizers. Unless PLP is disrupted, there is no photosensitive disorder in normal tissues. PLP can attenuate the photosensitive disorder compared with other photosensitizers and is ideal for use as a photosensitizer. However, the efficacy of PLP has not yet been evaluated. In this study, the mechanism of cancer cell-specific accumulation of PLP and its cytotoxic effect on cholangiocarcinoma cells were evaluated. The effects were investigated on normal and cancer-like mutant cells. The cytotoxicity effect of PLP PDT in cancer cells was significantly stronger than in normal cells. In addition, reactive oxygen species regulated intracellular PLP accumulation. The cytotoxic effects were also investigated using a cholangiocarcinoma cell line. The cytotoxicity of PLP PDT was significantly higher than that of laserphyrin-based PDT, a conventional type of PDT. PLP PDT could also inhibit tumor growth in vivo.
The Link between SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Inflammation and Hypercoagulability-Impact of Hemorheologic Alterations on Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Sandor-Keri Johanna , Benedek Istvan , Polexa Stefania , Benedek Imre
Published: July 2021

The link between severe forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and cardiovascular diseases has been well documented by various studies that indicated a higher risk of cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients, in parallel with a higher risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases. It seems that inflammation, which is a major pathophysiological substrate for both acute myocardial infarction and severe forms of COVID-19, may play a pivotal role in the interrelation between these two critical conditions, and hypercoagulability associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection could be responsible for acute cardiovascular complications. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) proved to be independent predictors for prognosis in acute coronary syndromes and systemic inflammatory diseases; therefore, they may be used as independent prognostic markers of disease severity in COVID-19 infection. The aim of this review is to present the most recent advances in understanding the complex link between SARS-CoV-2 infection, inflammation and alteration of blood coagulability and hemorheology, leading to major cardiovascular events.
Methodology to Calibrate the Dissection Properties of Aorta Layers from Two Sets of Experimental Measurements
Authors: Ríos-Ruiz Itziar , Cilla Myriam , Martínez Miguel A. , Peña Estefanía
Published: July 2021

Aortic dissection is a prevalent cardiovascular pathology that can have a fatal outcome. However, the mechanisms that trigger this disease and the mechanics of its progression are not fully understood. Computational models can help understand these issues, but they need a proper characterisation of the tissues. Therefore, we propose a methodology to obtain the dissection parameters of all layers in aortic tissue via the computational modelling of two different delamination tests: the peel and mixed tests. Both experimental tests have been performed in specimens of porcine aorta, where the intima-media and media-adventitia interfaces, as well as the medial layer, were dissected. These two tests have been modelled using a cohesive zone formulation for the separating interface and a hyperelastic anisotropic material model via an implicit static analysis. The dissection properties of each interface have been calibrated by reproducing the force-displacement curves obtained in the experimental tests. The values of peak and mean force of the experiments were fitted with an error below 10%. With this methodology, we intend to contribute to the development of reliable numerical tools for simulating aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm rupture.
Existence–Uniqueness and Wright Stability Results of the Riemann–Liouville Fractional Equations by Random Controllers in MB-Spaces
Authors: Mesiar Radko , Saadati Reza
Published: July 2021

We apply the random controllers to stabilize pseudo Riemann–Liouville fractional equations in MB-spaces and investigate existence and uniqueness of their solutions. Next, we compute the optimum error of the estimate. The mentioned process i.e., stabilization by a control function and finding an approximation for a pseudo functional equation is called random HUR stability. We use a fixed point technique derived from the alternative fixed point theorem (FPT) to investigate random HUR stability of the Riemann–Liouville fractional equations in MB-spaces. As an application, we introduce a class of random Wright control function and investigate existence–uniqueness and Wright stability of these equations in MB-spaces.
The Effects of Fractional Time Derivatives in Porothermoelastic Materials Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Marin Marin , Hobiny Aatef , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

In this work, a new model for porothermoelastic waves under a fractional time derivative and two time delays is utilized to study temperature increments, stress and the displacement components of the solid and fluid phases in porothermoelastic media. The governing equations are presented under Lord–Shulman theory with thermal relaxation time. The finite element method has been adopted to solve these equations due to the complex formulations of this problem. The effects of fractional parameter and porosity in porothermoelastic media have been studied. The numerical outcomes for the temperatures, the stresses and the displacement of the fluid and the solid are presented graphically. These results will allow future studies to gain a detailed insight into non-simple porothermoelasticity with various phases.