bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Feasibility Study of the My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) Program for Young People Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Cumming Jennifer , Clarke Fiona J. , Holland Mark J. G. , Parry Benjamin J. , Quinton Mary L. , Cooley Sam J.
Published: March 2022

My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) is a positive youth development program for improving wellbeing and social inclusion in young people experiencing homelessness. MST4Life™ addresses a gap in strengths-based programs aimed at promoting healthy and optimal development in vulnerable older adolescents/emerging adults. The program was co-developed with a UK housing service as part of a long-term (>8 years) community–academic partnership. This mixed-methods study describes a key step in developing and evaluating the program: exploring its feasibility and acceptability with 15 homeless young people (Mean age = 19.99 years, SD = 2.42; 60% male, 40% female). Participants experienced 8 weekly sessions within their local community, followed by a 4-day/3-night residential outdoor adventure trip. In addition to their attendance records, the viewpoints of the participants and their support workers were obtained using diary rooms and focus groups. Feasibility was indicated via the themes of attendance, engagement, and reaction. The findings suggested that young people enjoyed and perceived a need for the program, that they considered the program and its evaluation methods to be acceptable, and that both the community-based and outdoor adventure residential phases could be implemented as planned. Minor modifications are needed to recruitment strategies before it is more widely rolled out and evaluated.
The Use of Vibration Training in Men after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nowak-Lis Agata , Nowak Zbigniew , Gabrys Tomasz , Szmatlan-Gabrys Urszula , Batalik Ladislav , Knappova Vera
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the applied whole-body vibration training (WBV) as additional training to standard rehabilitation programme on exercise tolerance, evaluated through an exercise test, blood lipid profile, and the changes in selected echocardiographic parameters of patients after myocardial infarction. The study involved 63 males. The subjects were divided into two groups: standard—ST (27) and with vibration training—ST + WBV (36). All the subjects had undergone angioplasty with stent implantation. The standard and with vibration training group carried out a 24-day improvement program comprising 22 training units. Each session consisted of endurance, general stamina, and resistance training. Instead of resistance training, the experimental group performed exercises on the vibration platform. Statistically significant changes in both groups were observed in the parameters of the echocardiographic exercise test, such as test duration (p < 0.001), distance covered (p < 0.001), MET (p < 0.001), VO2max (p < 0.001), and HRrest (p < 0.01). The echocardiographic test revealed significant improvement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in both groups (ST + WBV group p = 0.024, ST group p = 0.005). There were no statistically significant changes in blood lipid profile and body mass and composition.
Whether Disabled Parents Receive Personal Assistance for Parenting and the Consequences for Children—An Interview Study
Authors: Berggren Ulrika Järkestig , Bergman Ann-Sofie
Published: March 2022

Personal assistance, since its implementation in 1993, has been shown to provide support for persons with severe functional disabilities in their everyday life, ensuring inclusion in societal roles such as working life. Personal assistance (PA) may also provide support in parenting; however, with the right to PA becoming increasingly questioned in Sweden, parents with disabilities have varying experiences of receiving support for their role as parents. Experiences also differ in regard to how access to a personal assistant is important to their child’s daily life. The aim of this article is to shed light on the meaning of PA for parents and children in everyday life, especially when PA is reduced or even withdrawn. Eleven parents who have had or presently have PA were interviewed. The results show that parents describe that PA help them to fullfil their parental roles although the support could be more flexible to the needs of parents and their children. In situations when PA has been denied, children are negatively impacted and some children act by taking on responsibilities for the care of their parent. In conclusion; childrens’ perspective of their family life needs to be taken in consideration when assessing the rights to PA.
Analysis of the Coping Strategies of Primary Health Care Professionals: Cross-Sectional Study in a Large Brazilian Municipality
Authors: Lourenção Luciano Garcia , Rigino Bruno Martinez , Sasaki Natalia Sperli Geraldes Marin dos Santos , Pinto Maria Jaqueline Coelho , Ximenes Neto Francisco Rosemiro Guimarães , Borges Flávio Adriano , Santos Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes , Penha José Gustavo Monteiro , Galvão Daniela Menezes , dos Santos Betânia Maria Pereira , Cunha Isabel Cristina Kowal Olm , de Oliveira Jacqueline Flores , Afonso Max dos Santos , Cunha Carlos Leonardo Figueiredo , da Silva Francielle Garcia , Freire Neyson Pinheiro , do Nascimento Vagner Ferreira , Rodrigues Sidiane Teixeira , de Carvalho Taisa Moitinho , Lemos Messias , da Cunha Juliana Lima , Domingos Neide Aparecida Micelli
Published: March 2022

Objective: To analyze the coping strategies used by primary healthcare (PHC) professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study realized with professionals working in primary healthcare units in São José do Rio Preto, a large city in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. For data collection, we used an instrument developed by the researchers containing sociodemographic and professional variables, as well as the Problem Coping Modes Scale (EMEP). Results: We evaluated 333 PHC professionals. A difference was observed between the scores of the four coping strategies (p < 0.001), with the highest score for the problem-focused strategy (3.8) and the lowest score for the emotion-focused strategy (2.4). Physicians had the lowest scores in coping strategies focused on religious practices/fantastical thinking (p < 0.001) and pursuit of social support (p = 0.045), while community health agents had the highest scores in these coping strategies. Conclusions: Professionals working in PHC have different coping strategies for the problems and stressful situations experienced in the work environment. These strategies can involve more positive attitudes focused on confrontation and problem solving, and on emotional responses that involve attitudes of avoidance and denial of the problem.
Pollution Assessment and Source Apportionment of Soil Heavy Metals in a Coastal Industrial City, Zhejiang, Southeastern China
Authors: Wang Shiyi , Zhang Yanbin , Cheng Jieliang , Li Yi , Li Feng , Li Yan , Shi Zhou
Published: March 2022

In this research, Ningbo City, a typical industrial city in southeastern China, was selected as the study area, and the concentrations of 12 heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu, Hg, As, Co, V, Se, and Mn) were measured at 248 sampling points. Pollution index methods were used to assess the status of soil heavy metal contamination, and the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model and Unmix model were integrated to identify and apportion the sources of heavy metal contamination. The results indicated that nearly 70% of the study area was polluted by heavy metals, and that Ni, Cr, and Zn were the main enriched heavy metals. The five sources identified using the PMF model were a geological source, an atmospheric deposition source, a transportation emissions source, a mixed source of agriculture and industry, and a mixed source of geology and industry. The four sources identified using the Unmix model were a mixed source of geology, agriculture, and industry (14.27%); a transportation emissions source (4.76%); a geological source (14.7%); and a mixed source of geology and industry (66.28%). These results have practical significance, as they can help to carry out pollution source risk assessment and give priority to the management of pollution source control.
The Aging Process of Cadmium in Paddy Soils under Intermittent Irrigation with Acid Water: A Short-Term Simulation Experiment
Authors: Han Dongya , Pei Lixin , Huang Guanxing , Hou Qinxuan , Zhang Meng , Song Jiangmin , Gan Lin , Wu Heqiu
Published: March 2022

Cadmium (Cd)-contaminated paddy soils are a big concern. However, the effect of irrigation with acid water on the migration and transformation of Cd and the effect of alternating redox conditions caused by intermittent irrigation on Cd aging processes in different depths of paddy soils are unclear. This study revealed Cd fractionation and aging in a Cd-contaminated paddy soil under four irrigation periods with acid water and four drainage periods, by applying a soil columns experiment and a sequential extraction procedure. The results showed that the dynamic changes of soil pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), iron (Fe) oxides and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) throughout the intermittent irrigation affected the transformation of Cd fractions. After 32 days, the proportion of exchangeable Cd (F1) to the total Cd decreased with a reduction of 24.4% and 20.1% at the topsoil and the subsoil, respectively. The labile fractions of Cd decreased, and the more immobilizable fractions of Cd increased in the different depths of soils due to the aging process. Additionally, the redistribution of the Fe and Mn oxide-bound Cd (F3) and organic matter and secondary-sulfide-bound Cd (F4) occurred at different depths of soils during the incubation time. Overall, the bioaccessibility of Cd in the subsoil was higher than that in the topsoil, which was likely due to the leaching and accumulation of soluble Cd in the deep soil. In addition, the aging processes in different depths of soils were divided into three stages, which can be mainly described as the transformation of F1 into F3 and F4.
Dentists’ Attitudes toward Diabetes Mellitus Screening in Thai Dental Clinics
Authors: Tantipoj Chanita , Sirichanyaphong Thaksaporn , Nuntachurat Jiratchaya , Ruetaijetjaroen Kriddichon , Hiransuthikul Narin , Pujarern Patr , Fuangtharnthip Pornpoj , Khovidhunkit Siribang-on Piboonniyom
Published: March 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM), especially type 2 DM, has become a common problem worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated that chairside screening can effectively identify undetected type 2 DM patients. This study was conducted to determine dentists’ attitudes toward DM screening in dental clinics. A total of 632 currently active dentists with more than 1 year of working experience participated. The six-part (importance, barriers, willingness, readiness, knowledge, and routine management) anonymous, self-administered questionnaire of five-point response scales was then distributed. The results illustrated that most dentists (86.3%) realized the importance of DM screening and that patients’ willingness was the main potential barrier (86.4%). Of the respondents, 98.1% and 82.4% were willing to measure blood pressure and weight and height for their patients, whereas only 45.4% and 38.8% were willing to collect blood from the fingertip or oral fluids for salivary diagnostics, respectively. Moreover, 73.7% of respondents were ready to refer patients to physicians, and 59.5% could explain the relationship between DM and oral diseases. However, only 44.3% and 27.9% were prepared to provide education about DM awareness or were able to perform screening, respectively. In addition, 67.2% and 65.8% knew the screening criteria and risk factors of DM, respectively, but only 45.1% knew what to do. The result of our study provided essential knowledge with respect to dentists’ attitudes in the screening for DM in Thai dental clinics.
“There Was Some Kind of Energy Coming into My Heart”: Creating Safe Spaces for Sri Lankan Women and Girls to Enjoy the Wellbeing Benefits of the Ocean
Authors: Burtscher Martina , Britton Easkey
Published: March 2022

Worldwide, there is growing recognition of the wellbeing benefits of accessing and engaging with healthy blue spaces, especially seas, coasts, and beaches. However, vast gender inequalities persist that impact women’s and girls’ ability to safely access these spaces for recreational benefit. This is even more pronounced in the context of emerging surf cultures in regions such as Southeast Asia. Using a qualitative and reflective approach, this paper explored how safe spaces for female surfers are created, using case studies from two female-focused surfing programs in Sri Lanka. To facilitate a safe space, the multi-layered challenges that female surfers face were analysed. The common mediators that enable females to participate in surfing were then investigated and identified, including: seeing surfing as an option, supportive families and communities, the group factor, free lessons, an all-female environment, culturally appropriate surf apparel, and a safe and playful methodology. This study highlights pathways for how unsafe spaces of exclusion and fear may be transformed into safe spaces of inclusion, healing, and empowerment. These findings have implications for how safe spaces may be facilitated for other organisations, as well as the sustainability of female access to surfing, beyond the life of surfing programs.
Differential Bioaccumulation Patterns of α, β-Hexachlorobenzene and Dicofol in Adipose Tissue from the GraMo Cohort (Southern Spain)
Authors: Salcedo-Bellido Inmaculada , Amaya Esperanza , Pérez-Díaz Celia , Soler Anabel , Vela-Soria Fernando , Requena Pilar , Barrios-Rodríguez Rocío , Echeverría Ruth , Pérez-Carrascosa Francisco M. , Quesada-Jiménez Raquel , Martín-Olmedo Piedad , Arrebola Juan Pedro
Published: March 2022

To identify bioaccumulation patterns of α-, β- hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dicofol in relation to sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, adipose tissue samples of 387 subjects from GraMo cohort in Southern Spain were analyzed. Potential predictors of these organochlorine pesticides (OCP) levels were collected by face-to-face interviews and assessed by multivariable linear and logistic regression. OCPs were detected in 84.2% (β-HCH), 21.7% (α-HCH), and 19.6% (dicofol) of the population. β-HCH levels were positively related to age, body mass index (BMI), mother’s occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, living in Poniente and Alpujarras, white fish, milk and water consumption, and negatively related to being male, living near to an agricultural area, working ≥10 years in agriculture, and beer consumption. Detectable α-HCH levels were positively related to age, BMI, milk consumption, mother’s occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, and negatively with residence in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city, and Granada Metropolitan Area. Residence near to an agricultural area, smoking habit, white fish and water consumption, and living in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city and Granada Metropolitan Area were negatively associated with detectable dicofol levels. Our study revealed different bioaccumulation patterns of α, β-HCH and dicofol, probably due to their dissimilar period of use, and emphasize the need for assessing the exposure to frequently overlooked pollutants.
Protecting Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Perinatal Care Recommendations in the Context of Maternal and Child Well-Being
Authors: Wesołowska Aleksandra , Orczyk-Pawiłowicz Magdalena , Bzikowska-Jura Agnieszka , Gawrońska Małgorzata , Walczak Bartłomiej
Published: March 2022

The objective of this scoping review is to determine to what extent the recommendations on perinatal care protect breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review follows the PRISMA ScR Extension guidelines. The research was conducted in Scopus, Medline via Pubmed, and Web of Science databases from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2021, using 392 combinations of keywords. We searched for reviews and original papers published in English providing recommendations on delivery mode, companion during labor, the possibility of skin-to-skin contact (SSC), breastfeeding, and visitors policy. After screening, 86 out of 8416 publications qualified for data extraction. The majority of them indicated that COVID-19 infection is not a sufficient reason for a cesarean section; however, on a national level, cesarean births in severely ill patients were overrepresented. A significant number of recommendations deprived mothers of the necessary support during their labor and stay in the maternity ward. A shared decision-making model was hardly visible. Only the earliest COVID-19 recommendations suspended direct breastfeeding; in later publications, decisions were related to the mother’s health, but other options of natural feeding were rarely discussed.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Target Tracking Based on OTSCKF and Improved Coordinated Lateral Guidance Law
Authors: Jiang Wei , Lyu Yongxi , Shi Jingping
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes an approach of target tracking of a ground target for UAVs using Optimal Two-Stage Cubature Kalman Filter and Improved Coordinated Lateral Guidance Law. Firstly, the Optimal Two-Stage Cubature Kalman Filter (OTSCKF) is proposed to estimate the target motion. The OTSCKF combines two-stage filtering technology with CKF to improve the estimation accuracy. Secondly, to keep a constant distance between the UAV and the target, a new guidance law based on the lateral turning equation is proposed and its asymptotic stability is proven. On this basis, a distributed tracking algorithm is designed to balance the phase difference and achieve cooperation among multi-UAVs. Thirdly, numerical experiments are performed for the tracking problems of moving targets and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed guidance algorithm.
Clustering Methods Based on Stay Points and Grid Density for Hotspot Detection
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Zhang Zepei , Luo Yonglong
Published: March 2022

With the widespread use of GPS equipment, a large amount of mobile location data is recorded, and urban hotspot areas extracted from GPS data can be applied to location-based services, such as tourist recommendations and point of interest positioning. It can also provide decision support for the analysis of population migration distribution and land use and planning. However, taxi GPS location data has a large amount of data and sparse points. How to avoid the influence of noise and efficiently detect hotspots in cities have become urgent problems to be solved. This paper proposes a clustering algorithm based on stay points and grid density. Firstly, a filtering pre-processing algorithm using stay points classification and stay points thresholds is proposed, so the influence of stop points is avoided. Then, the data space is divided into rectangular grid cells; each grid cell is determined to be a dense or non-dense grid according to the defined density threshold, and the cluster boundary points and noise points are judged in the non-dense grid cells to avoid normal sampling points being treated as noise. Finally, the associated dense grids are connected into clusters. The sampling points mapped to the grid cells are the elements in the clusters. Our method is more efficient than the DBSCAN algorithm because the grid cells are calculated. The superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of clustering accuracy and time efficiency is verified in the real data set compared to traditional algorithms.
Genetic Therapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology: Safety, Pharmacovigilance, and Perspectives for Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Orzetti Sabrina , Tommasi Federica , Bertola Antonella , Bortolin Giorgia , Caccin Elisabetta , Cecco Sara , Ferrarin Emanuela , Giacomin Elisa , Baldo Paolo
Published: March 2022

The impressive advances in the knowledge of biomarkers and molecular targets has enabled significant progress in drug therapy for crucial diseases such as cancer. Specific areas of pharmacology have contributed to these therapeutic outcomes—mainly targeted therapy, immunomodulatory therapy, and gene therapy. This review focuses on the pharmacological profiles of these therapeutic classes and intends, on the one hand, to provide a systematic definition and, on the other, to highlight some aspects related to pharmacovigilance, namely the monitoring of safety and the identification of potential toxicities and adverse drug reactions. Although clinicians often consider pharmacovigilance a non-priority area, it highlights the risk/benefit ratio, an essential factor, especially for these advanced therapies, which represent the most innovative and promising horizon in oncology.
Oxamate Attenuates Glycolysis and ER Stress in Silicotic Mice
Authors: Mao Na , Fan Yuhang , Liu Wenjing , Yang Honghao , Yang Yi , Li Yaqian , Jin Fuyu , Li Tian , Yang Xinyu , Gao Xuemin , Cai Wenchen , Liu Heliang , Xu Hong , Li Shifeng , Yang Fang
Published: March 2022

Glycolysis and ER stress have been considered important drivers of pulmonary fibrosis. However, it is not clear whether glycolysis and ER stress are interconnected and if those interconnections regulate the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Our previous studies found that the expression of LDHA, a key enzyme involved in glycolysis, was increased in silica-induced macrophages and silicotic models, and it was closely related to silicosis fibrosis by participating in inflammatory response. However, whether pharmacological inhibition of LDHA is beneficial to the amelioration of silicosis fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of oxamate, a potent inhibitor of LDHA, on the regulation of glycolysis and ER stress in alveolar macrophages and silicotic mice. We found that silica induced the upregulation of glycolysis and the expression of key enzymes directly involved in ER stress in NR8383 macrophages. However, treatment of the macrophages and silicotic mice with oxamate attenuated glycolysis and ER stress by inhibiting LDHA, causing a decrease in the production of lactate. Therefore, oxamate demonstrated an anti-fibrotic role by reducing glycolysis and ER stress in silicotic mice.
Pathogenesis of Pregnancy-Related Complications 1.0 and 2.0
Authors: Hromadnikova Ilona
Published: March 2022

These Special Issue IJMS were dedicated to the major complications responsible for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, such as gestational hypertension (GH), preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm birth, and chronic venous disease [...]
Simple Zn-Mediated Seleno- and Thio-Functionalization of Steroids at C-1 Position
Authors: Grześ Paweł A. , Monti Bonifacio , Wawrusiewicz-Kurylonek Natalia , Bagnoli Luana , Sancineto Luca , Jastrzebska Izabella , Santi Claudio
Published: March 2022

Here we report the reaction in the biphasic system of the in situ prepared selenols and thiols with 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (1) or prednisone acetate (2) having α,β-unsaturated ketone as an electrophilic functionalization. The Michael-type addition reaction resulted to be chemo- and stereoselective, affording a series of novel steroidal selenides and sulfides. This is an example of a one-step, eco-friendly process that bypasses some of the main concerns connected with the bad smell and the toxicity of these seleno- and thio-reagents. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the proposed methodology offers the possibility to prepare libraries of steroids variously and selectively decorated with different organochalcogen moieties at the C1 position starting from 1,4-androstadienic skeletons and leaving unaltered the C4–C5 unsaturation. Based on the data reported in the literature the introduction of an organoselenium or an organosulfur moiety in a steroid could provide new interesting pharmaceutically active entities exerting anticancer and antimicrobial activities. In this optic, new synthetic strategies to efficiently prepare this class of compounds could be strongly desirable.
Identifying Function Determining Residues in Neuroimmune Semaphorin 4A
Authors: Chapoval Svetlana P. , Lee Mariah , Lemmer Aaron , Ajayi Oluwaseyi , Qi Xiulan , Neuwald Andrew F. , Keegan Achsah D.
Published: March 2022

Semaphorin 4A (Sema4A) exerts a stabilizing effect on human Treg cells in PBMC and CD4+ T cell cultures by engaging Plexin B1. Sema4A deficient mice display enhanced allergic airway inflammation accompanied by fewer Treg cells, while Sema4D deficient mice displayed reduced inflammation and increased Treg cell numbers even though both Sema4 subfamily members engage Plexin B1. The main objectives of this study were: 1. To compare the in vitro effects of Sema4A and Sema4D proteins on human Treg cells; and 2. To identify function-determining residues in Sema4A critical for binding to Plexin B1 based on Sema4D homology modeling. We report here that Sema4A and Sema4D display opposite effects on human Treg cells in in vitro PBMC cultures; Sema4D inhibited the CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cell numbers and CD25/Foxp3 expression. Sema4A and Sema4D competitively bind to Plexin B1 in vitro and hence may be doing so in vivo as well. Bayesian Partitioning with Pattern Selection (BPPS) partitioned 4505 Sema domains from diverse organisms into subgroups based on distinguishing sequence patterns that are likely responsible for functional differences. BPPS groups Sema3 and Sema4 into one family and further separates Sema4A and Sema4D into distinct subfamilies. Residues distinctive of the Sema3,4 family and of Sema4A (and by homology of Sema4D) tend to cluster around the Plexin B1 binding site. This suggests that the residues both common to and distinctive of Sema4A and Sema4D may mediate binding to Plexin B1, with subfamily residues mediating functional specificity. We mutated the Sema4A-specific residues M198 and F223 to alanine; notably, F223 in Sema4A corresponds to alanine in Sema4D. Mutant proteins were assayed for Plexin B1-binding and Treg stimulation activities. The F223A mutant was unable to stimulate Treg stability in in vitro PBMC cultures despite binding Plexin B1 with an affinity similar to the WT protein. This research is a first step in generating potent mutant Sema4A molecules with stimulatory function for Treg cells with a view to designing immunotherapeutics for asthma.
The Family Keeps on Growing: Four Novel Fungal OYEs Characterized
Authors: Robescu Marina Simona , Loprete Giovanni , Gasparotto Matteo , Vascon Filippo , Filippini Francesco , Cendron Laura , Bergantino Elisabetta
Published: March 2022

Aiming at expanding the portfolio of Old Yellow Enzymes (OYEs), which have been systematically studied to be employed in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries as useful biocatalysts, we decided to explore the immense reservoir of filamentous fungi. We drew from the genome of the two Ascomycetes Aspergillus niger and Botryotinia fuckeliana four new members of the OYE superfamily belonging to the classical and thermophilic-like subfamilies. The two BfOYEs show wider substrate spectra than the AnOYE homologues, which appear as more specialized biocatalysts. According to their mesophilic origins, the new enzymes neither show high thermostability nor extreme pH optimums. The crystal structures of BfOYE4 and AnOYE8 have been determined, revealing the conserved features of the thermophilic-like subclass as well as unique properties, such as a peculiar N-terminal loop involved in dimer surface interactions. For the classical representatives BfOYE1 and AnOYE2, model structures were built and analyzed, showing surprisingly wide open access to the active site cavities due to a shorter β6-loop and a disordered capping subdomain.
Sunflower WRINKLED1 Plays a Key Role in Transcriptional Regulation of Oil Biosynthesis
Authors: Lim Audrey R. Q. , Kong Que , Singh Sanjay K. , Guo Liang , Yuan Ling , Ma Wei
Published: March 2022

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide. However, the transcriptional regulation underlying oil accumulation in sunflower is not fully understood. WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is an essential transcription factor governing oil accumulation in plant cells. Here, we identify and characterize a sunflower ortholog of WRI1 (HaWRI1), which is highly expressed in developing seeds. Transient production of HaWRI1 stimulated substantial oil accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, fatty acid quantification, and gene expression analysis demonstrate that HaWRI1 acts as a pivotal transcription factor controlling the expression of genes involved in late glycolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis. HaWRI1 directly binds to the cis-element, AW-box, in the promoter of biotin carboxyl carrier protein isoform 2 (BCCP2). In addition, we characterize an 80 amino-acid C-terminal domain of HaWRI1 that is crucial for transactivation. Moreover, seed-specific overexpression of HaWRI1 in Arabidopsis plants leads to enhanced seed oil content as well as upregulation of the genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. Taken together, our work demonstrates that HaWRI1 plays a pivotal role in the transcriptional control of seed oil accumulation, providing a potential target for bioengineering sunflower oil yield improvement.
Chiral Linked Systems as a Model for Understanding D-Amino Acids Influence on the Structure and Properties of Amyloid Peptides
Authors: Ageeva Aleksandra A. , Doktorov Alexander B. , Polyakov Nikolay E. , Leshina Tatyana V.
Published: March 2022

In this review, we provide an illustration of the idea discussed in the literature of using model compounds to study the effect of substitution of L- for D-amino acid residues in amyloid peptides. The need for modeling is due to the inability to study highly disordered peptides by traditional methods (high-field NMR, X-ray). At the same time, the appearance of such peptides, where L-amino acids are partially replaced by D-analogs is one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease. The review presents examples of the use diastereomers with L-/D-tryptophan in model process—photoinduced electron transfer (ET) for studying differences in reactivity and structure of systems with L- and D-optical isomers. The combined application of spin effects, including those calculated using the original theory, fluorescence techniques and molecular modeling has demonstrated a real difference in the structure and efficiency of ET in diastereomers with L-/D-tryptophan residues. In addition, the review compared the factors governing chiral inversion in model metallopeptides and Aβ42 amyloid.
To Expedite Roadway Identification and Damage Assessment in LiDAR 3D Imagery for Disaster Relief Public Assistance
Authors: Mehta Sharad , Peach John , Weinert Andrew
Published: March 2022

Aerial surveys using LiDAR systems can play a vital role in the quantitative assessment of infrastructure damage caused by hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. GmAPD LiDAR provides high-resolution 3D point-cloud data which enables the surveyor to take accurate measurements of damages to roads, buildings, communication towers, power lines, etc. Due to the high point cloud density, a very large volume of data is generated during an aerial survey. The data collected during the airborne imaging is post-processed with calibration, geo-registration, and segmentation. Albeit very accurate, extracting useful information from this data is a slow and laborious process. For disaster response, methods of automating this process have spurred the development of simple, fast algorithms that can be used to recognize physical structures from the point-cloud data that can later be assessed for structural damage. In this paper, we describe an efficient algorithm to extract roadways from a massive Lidar data-set to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in assessing road conditions as a step toward helping surveyors expedite a quantitative assessment of road damages for providing and distributing public assistance for disaster relief.
Phenolic 3° Phosphine Oxides as a Class of Metal-Free Catalysts for the Activation of C–O Bonds in Aliphatic Alcohols: Direct Synthesis of Catalyst Candidates, and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Martin Matthew , Brown Sadie , Beres Danielle , Frederic Wrebekah , Banks Ashley , Bloomfield Aaron
Published: March 2022

It was recently reported that a (2-hydroxybenzyl)phosphine oxide (2-HOBPO) can serve as a phosphorus-centered catalyst for the stereo-invertive coupling of aliphatic alcohols and acidic pronucleophiles (akin to a Mitsunobu reaction, but without additional reagents). Herein, we report an improved synthesis, which provides direct access to systematically varied 2-HOBPOs in a single step from commercially available precursors (salicylaldehydes and secondary phosphines). The efficiency and generality of the synthetic method enabled limited structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, from which it was determined that substituents on both the phenolic and phosphine oxide portions can exert significant influence on the turnover frequency (TOF) of each catalyst. Importantly, for all catalytically active 2-HOBPOs examined, the molecularity of catalyst in the rate law of the alcohol coupling was determined to be <1. Thus, for high catalyst loadings, differences in catalytic activity between 2-HOBPOs appear to be dominated by differences in catalytic auto-inhibition, while for low catalyst loadings, differences are attributed to inherent differences in the energetic span of the catalytic cycle, ignoring off-cycle species, in good agreement with density functional theory (DFT) modeling at the ωB97X-D/6-311G(d,p) level.
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Flowers with Fe and Ni Dual Metal Centers for Effective Electroreduction of Oxygen
Authors: Mercado Rene , Nichols Forrest , Chen Shaowei
Published: March 2022

Carbon-based nanocomposites have been attracting extensive attention as high-performance catalysts in alkaline media towards the electrochemical reduction of oxygen. Herein, polyacrylonitrile nanoflowers are synthesized via a free-radical polymerization route and used as a structural scaffold and precursor, whereby controlled pyrolysis leads to the ready preparation of carbon nanocomposites (FeNi-NCF) doped with both metal (Fe and Ni) and nonmetal (N) elements. Transmission electron microscopy studies show that the FeNi-NCF composites retain the flower-like morphology, with the metal species atomically dispersed into the flaky carbon petals. Remarkably, despite a similar structure, elemental composition, and total metal content, the FeNi-NCF sample with a high Fe:Ni ratio exhibits an electrocatalytic performance towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media that is similar to that by commercial Pt/C, likely due to the Ni to Fe electron transfer that promotes the adsorption and eventual reduction of oxygen, as evidenced in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. Results from this study underline the importance of the electronic properties of metal dopants in the manipulation of the ORR activity of carbon nanocomposites.
Integrative Insight into Relationships between Florivorous Thrips Haplothrips leucanthemi and H. niger (Insecta, Thysanoptera)
Authors: Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba Agnieszka , Kucharczyk Halina , Kucharczyk Marek , Kucharska Kinga
Published: March 2022

Haplothrips niger is recognized as a parthenogenetic form of H. leucanthemi and is also considered to be a pest in clover-seed plantations. On the contrary, some researchers highlight the distinctiveness of H. niger and H. leucanthemi. Taking into account these two points of view, as well as the lack of molecular studies investigating the relationship between the mentioned thrips, we decided to perform analyses of both mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear markers (28S and ITS2) to determine the genetic diversity of H. leucanthemi and H. niger. Additionally, as a part of an integrative approach, we determined and analyzed their microbiota profiles, based on high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results of the molecular analyses revealed high intraspecific diversity of H. leucanthemi and did not support the distinctiveness of H. niger. The identified microbiota profiles were similar in both species and the performed analyses also did not support the distinctiveness of H. niger. Significant differences were, in turn, observed between H. leucanthemi and H. niger larvae. Moreover, two known endosymbiotic bacteria were found in the analyzed microbiota profiles (i.e., Wolbachia and Rickettsia). Nevertheless, these symbionts were not predominantly found in the bacterial communities that are associated with H. niger and thus, its impact on the parthenogenetic mode of its reproduction seems less likely.
The Role of Neuropathy Screening Tools in Patients Affected by Fibromyalgia
Authors: Galiero Raffaele , Salvatore Teresa , Ferrara Roberta , Masini Francesco , Caturano Alfredo , Docimo Giovanni , Borrelli Margherita , Rinaldi Luca , Cuomo Giovanna , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: March 2022

Fibromyalgia syndrome (sFM) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain. This study aimed to assess the presence of small and large fiber impairment in fibromyalgic patients by applying validated scores used in the screening for diabetic neuropathy. The endpoints for the study were the assessment of neuropathy prevalence in sFM patients using the NerveCheck Master (NCM), the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4). The sample was composed of 46 subjects: subjects with sFM (n = 23) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 23). The positivity rates in each group for DN4 were significantly different (p < 0.001), with a prevalence in symptomatic subjects of 56.3% (n = 9) among sFM individuals. A similar difference was also observed with the DNS total score (p < 0.001). NCM and MNSI did not disclose significant differences between the two groups. This finding seems to confirm the data regarding the prevalence of a neuropathic pain in sFM patients.
Thickness Measurement of Endothelium-Descemet Membrane in Descemt Membrane Detachment Patients Using High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Lingjuan , Su Guanyu , Luo Ban , Gao Jing , Tan Yongyao , Zhang Hong , Li Guigang
Published: March 2022

Purpose: (1) To measure the corneal endothelium-Descemet membrane (EDM) layer thickness in Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) patients in vivo using high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT), and to investigate its correlation with age. (2) To explore whether the detachment time will affect the EDM thickness. (3) To explore whether the EDM thickness of cornea with DMD was different from that without DMD. Participants: Patients with DMD were divided into three groups. Group 1 included twenty-three patients whose Descemet membrane (DM) was partial or complete detached from the corneal stroma after various ocular surgeries. Group 2 included eight patients from group 1 who underwent twice HD-OCT examination on different days before the DM reattached to the stroma. Group 3 included nine patients from group 1 who had clear grayscale boundary between the DM and stroma in HD-OCT images after DM reattachment. Methods: All patients underwent HD-OCT and EDM thickness was measured using Image -Pro Plus 6.0. In Group 1, regression analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between EDM thickness and age, and the thickness difference between the ≤50-year-old group and the >50-year-old group was analyzed by independent sample t-test. In Group 2, paired samples t-test was used to check whether detachment time would affect EDM thickness. In Group 3, paired samples t-test was used to check whether the EDM thickness of cornea with DMD was different from that without DMD. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: In Group 1, the EDM thickness measured on the first post-operative day was 27.8 ± 3.6 μm, and a positive correlation was found between EDM thickness and age (r = 0.619, p < 0.05). The EDM thickness of ≤50-year-old group and >50-year-old group were 23.9 ± 3.2 and 29.2 ± 2.6 μm, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.001). In Group 2, the first measurement of EDM thickness was 27.5 ± 4.0 μm, the second measurement was 27.6 ± 4.2 μm, the interval between the two measurements was 2.1 ± 1.6 days, and there was no significant difference between the two measurements (p = 0.328). In Group 3, the EDM thickness with DM detachment was 28.3 ± 3.5 μm, with DM reattachment was 23.4 ± 2.4 μm, there was a significant difference between the two measurements (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The EDM thickness in the state of DMD is thicker than its actual thickness in normal cornea, and EDM thickness of the >50-year-old group is much thicker than that of the ≤50-year-old group.
Additional Value of [18F]FDG PET/CT in Detection of Suspected Malignancy in Patients with Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes Having Negative Results of Conventional Radiological Imaging
Authors: Opalińska Marta , Sowa-Staszczak Anna , Wężyk Kamil , Jagiełła Jeremiasz , Słowik Agnieszka , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja
Published: March 2022

Background: Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) affecting the CNS (central nervous system) are rare, presenting in less than 1% of all those with cancer. The pathogenesis of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes is not fully understood, but it is presumed to result from an immune attack on the underlying malignancy. The presence of different types of onconeural antibodies may occur in different tumors and can lead to different clinical manifestations, making the early detection of cancers challenging. Aim: An evaluation of [18F]FDG PET/CT in neoplastic tumor detection in patients with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes having negative or unremarkable results of conventional radiological imaging. Methods: Among all patients diagnosed with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes in the Neurology Department in 2016–2020, 15 patients with unremarkable conventional radiological findings who underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT were included in the study. Results: [18F]FDG PET/CT enabled localization of suspected malignancy in 53% (8 of 15) of PNS cases with previous unremarkable conventional radiological findings. Conclusion: [18F]FDG PET/CT may be considered as a useful tool for neoplastic tumor detection in patients with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, accelerating the diagnostic process and enabling faster initiation of appropriate treatment.
Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Responses to an Isokinetic Testing Protocol in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Pérez-Gosalvez Arturo , García-Muro San José Francisco , Carrión-Otero Ofelia , Pérez-Fernández Tomás , Fernández-Rosa Luis
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to determine blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses triggered during an isokinetic testing protocol in professional soccer players and compare cardiovascular parameters at completion of this isokinetic protocol with those during a treadmill test. Using purposive sampling, 63 professional soccer players were recruited. Cardiovascular responses were measured noninvasively during a bilateral testing protocol of knee flexion and extension. Treadmill ergospirometry following an incremental speed protocol was performed to analyze the same cardiovascular parameters at rest and at completion of this test. There were significant differences in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR according to field position. The parameters presented high homogeneity at both competitive levels. Systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, HR, and rate pressure product at completion of the treadmill test were significantly higher than those at completion of the isokinetic protocol. Intermittent isokinetic testing protocol of the knee triggers normal and safe BP and HR responses in healthy professional soccer players. The HR of the defenders was higher than those of the forwards and midfielders but was independent of the competitive level. The values of cardiovascular parameters at isokinetic protocol completion were lower than those during the treadmill test.
Evaluation of Dietary Habits, Type A Behavior Pattern and Its Relationship with Oral Health Status in Dental Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Olmos-Valverde Marta , Carrillo-Díaz María , González-Olmo María José , Romero-Maroto Martín , Jiménez-Trujillo Isabel
Published: March 2022

Oral health status among dental students has been widely studied, and while the repercussions of certain factors, such as personality type, adherence to healthy lifestyle habits and certain eating patterns, have been considered in the past, this study aims to study the combination of such factors and to carry out, in addition, clinical examinations that could provide deeper knowledge of real oral health status. A sample of 195 dental students was gathered and basic sociodemographic data (gender, age, nationality, hygiene habits, body mass index (BMI)) were collected, and type A personality scale (ERCTA), emotional eating (EE) and healthy lifestyle scale (EVS) values were registered. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlations, a hierarchical linear regression model and moderation analysis were performed. Results showed that higher EE values were associated with a higher BMI, an increase in the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, a higher number of carious and filled teeth, a higher ERCTA and a lower adherence to the EVS. Likewise, a higher DMFT was associated with a higher BMI, higher bleeding on probing index (BOP) values, higher ERCTA values and lower adherence to EVS. Dental floss disuse, BMI, EE and EVS predicted 25.3% of DMFT. In addition, a type A personality has a moderating effect only in those with medium and high EE levels.
Effects of Iloprost on Oxygenation during One-Lung Ventilation in Patients with Low Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Lee Kyuho , Oh Young Jun , Kim Mina , Song Sei Han , Kim Namo
Published: March 2022

The protective mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction during one-lung ventilation (OLV) is impaired in patients with a low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). We hypothesized that iloprost inhalation would improve oxygenation and lung mechanics in patients with low DLCO who underwent pulmonary resection. Forty patients with a DLCO < 75% were enrolled. Patients were allocated into either an iloprost group (ILO group) or a control group (n = 20 each), in which iloprost and saline were inhaled, respectively. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio, pulmonary shunt fraction, alveolar dead space, dynamic compliance, and hemodynamic parameters were assessed 20 min after the initiation of OLV and 20 min after drug administration. Repeated variables were analyzed using a linear mixed model between the groups. Data from 39 patients were analyzed. After iloprost inhalation, the ILO group exhibited a significant increase in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and a decrease in alveolar dead space compared with the control group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.042, respectively). Pulmonary shunt, dynamic compliance, hemodynamic parameters, and short-term prognosis were comparable between the two groups. Selective iloprost administration during OLV reduced alveolar dead space and improved oxygenation while minimally affecting hemodynamics and short-term prognosis.