bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structural and Functional Differences between Three Species of Fish Scale Gelatin and Pigskin Gelatin
Authors: He Jinmeng , Zhang Jian , Xu Yingjie , Ma Yigang , Guo Xiaobing
Published: December 2022

In this paper, gelatin was extracted from the scales of Coregonus peled, Carp and Bighead carp by the acid method, and the structure and functional properties of the obtained scale gelatin and food-grade pigskin gelatin (FG) were compared. The results showed that all gelatins exhibited relatively high protein (86.81–93.61%), and low lipid (0.13–0.39%) and ash (0.37–1.99%) contents. FG had the highest gel strength, probably because of its high proline content (11.96%) and high average molecular weight distribution. Low β-antiparallel was beneficial to the stability of emulsion, which led FG to have the best emulsifying property. The high content of hydrophobic amino acids may be one of the reasons for the superior foaming property of Bighead carp scales gelatin (BCG). The gel strength of Carp scales gelatin (CG) and BCG, the ESI of Coregonus peled scales gelatin (CPG) and the foaming property of BCG indicate that fish gelatin has the potential to be used in food industry as a substitute for pig skin gelatin.
Hydroxyapatite-Tethered Peptide Hydrogel Promotes Osteogenesis
Authors: Yu Hongwen , Song Jiaqi , Zhang Xianpeng , Jiang Kuo , Fan Hong , Li Yibing , Zhao Yuanting , Liu Shichang , Hao Dingjun , Li Guanying
Published: December 2022

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) as natural bone composition is highly osteoinductive. To harvest its osteoinductivity in bone regenerative engineering, the HAp-supporting hydrogel is urgently needed to minimize inhomogeneous aggregation of HAp. Here, we developed a HAp-stabilizing hydrogel based on peptide self-assembly. FmocFFRR was efficient for HAp-capping due to arginine-phosphate interaction. Tethering FmocFFRR on the HAp surface facilitated self-assembly to form FmocFFRR/HAp hybrid hydrogel, enabling stable dispersion of HAp in it. The molecular interactions between FmocFFRR and HAp particles were studied using microscopic and spectral characterizations. FmocFFRR/HAp hydrogel exhibited more enhanced mechanical properties than FmocFFRR. The biocompatibility of FmocFFRR/HAp hydrogel was verified using an ATP assay and live-dead staining assay. More importantly, FmocFFRR/HAp hydrogel not only enabled cell attachment on its surface, but also supported 3D cell culturing inside the hydrogel. Further, 3D culturing of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts inside FmocFFRR/HAp hydrogel significantly enhanced the expressions of osteogenesis markers, including alkaline phosphate (ALP), type-I collagen (COL1), and osteocalcin (OCN), demonstrating the promoting effect of osteoblast differentiation. These findings inspire its potential application in bone regenerative engineering.
Expression and Polymorphisms of SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 Genes and Their Association with Litter Size in Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Li Mingming , He Na , Sun Ruizhe , Deng Yuting , Wen Xiaocheng , Zhang Junxia
Published: December 2022

SMAD1, SMAD2, and SMAD3 are important transcription factors downstream of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway that mediates several physiological processes. In the current study, we used cloning sequencing, RT-qPCR, bioinformatics methods and iMLDR technology to clone the coding region of Tibetan sheep genes, analyze the protein structure and detect the tissue expression characteristics of Tibetan sheep genes, and detect the polymorphisms of 433 Tibetan sheep and analyze their correlation with litter size. The results showed that the ORFs of the SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 genes were 1398 bp, 1404 bp and 1278 bp, respectively, and encoded 465, 467 and 425 amino acids, respectively. The SMAD1, SMAD2, and SMAD3 proteins were all unstable hydrophilic mixed proteins. SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 were widely expressed in Tibetan sheep tissues, and all were highly expressed in the uterus, spleen, ovary and lung tissues. Litter sizes of the genotype CC in the SMAD1 gene g.10729C>T locus were significantly higher than that of CT (p < 0.05). In the SMAD3 gene g.21447C>T locus, the genotype TT individuals showed a higher litter size than the CC and CT genotype individuals (p < 0.05). These results preliminarily demonstrated that SMAD1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 were the major candidate genes that affected litter size traits in Tibetan sheep and could be used as a molecular genetic marker for early auxiliary selection for improving reproductive traits during sheep breeding.
Effect of Citrus aurantium Aroma on the Happiness of Pre-Hospital Emergency Staff: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghods Ali Asghar , Sotodeh-asl Nemat , Zia Hamid , Ghorbani Raheb , Soleimani Mohsen , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: December 2022

Happiness is a positive internal experience and an indicator of mental health. Having happy and efficient employees is one of the ideals of healthcare organizations, given its impact on the quality of healthcare services. Emergency healthcare staff members face various unpleasant and stressful events. It has been suggested that fragrant herbs such as Citrus aurantium can have cheerfulness effects on individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of Citrus aurantium aroma on the happiness of pre-hospital emergency staff. A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out on 167 prehospital emergency medical staff who were randomly assigned into two groups of aromatherapy and placebo. The participants received Citrus aurantium aromatherapy and placebo for five work shifts and for two consecutive weeks. Aromatherapy was performed using 10% Citrus aurantium scent applied via a pendant containing 1.5 cc of Citrus aurantium scent. The distance from the nose to the container was about 20 cm with the neck straight and the head in a balanced position. Data regarding staff happiness were collected using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean level of happiness did not differ between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.99). Work experience had a statistically significant inverse association with happiness (coefficient = −0.76, 95% CI: −1.49, −0.03). The findings of this randomized controlled trial indicate that Citrus aurantium aroma has no effect on the happiness of prehospital emergency medical services workers. There is a need to study the effect of a combination of complementary and alternative methods on the creation of positive psychological feelings among pre-hospital emergency staff.
Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Developing Diabetes and Diabetes Medication Use
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Mendoza-Muñoz David Manuel , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina , Perez-Corraliza Carolina , Franco-García Juan Manuel , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Mendoza-Muñoz María
Published: December 2022

Diabetes is a global public health challenge, exerting a large socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems. This study aimed to explore Diabetes prevalence and Diabetes medication use in diabetics regarding sex, age group, Physical Activity Level (PAL) and Body Mass Index (BMI) by studying possible differences and calculating the risks of developing Diabetes and Diabetes medication use in the population according to their PAL. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data extracted from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE2017). The sample was finally composed of 17,710 participants. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterise Diabetes prevalence and Diabetes medication use (Chi-square test and a z-test for independent proportions). Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated for Diabetes prevalence and Diabetes medication use according to the participants’ PAL. Both the Diabetes and Diabetes medication use was higher in men than in women, increasing with age and BMI, and decreasing with increasing PAL (p < 0.001). Higher prevalence levels were observed in the inactive group versus very active or active people (p < 0.001). Inactive people had a higher risk of Diabetes and use of Diabetes medication risk compared to the very active and active groups. Prevalence decreased the higher the PAL both in men and women.
Ethical Issues in Smoking and Prioritization of Vaccines for the Prevention of Communicable Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Nakazawa Eisuke , Udagawa Makoto
Published: December 2022

While vaccination is an aid, at least temporarily, for all emerging infectious diseases, not just COVID-19, fair distribution is an issue. Vaccine distribution to smokers is one such example. The provision of vaccine preference to smokers is consistent with the maximum life-saving principle and is justified on utilitarian grounds. However, the following five possible objections can be presented: (1) self-responsibility for smoking; (2) support from non-smokers; (3) preference for those who maintain social function; (4) identification of smokers and inducement to smoking behavior; (5) consideration for passive smokers. However, arguments against prioritizing vaccination based on self-responsibility downplay the social factors of smoking. (1) Smokers should be provided with treatment, not punishment. (2) To understand non-smokers and enhance social cohesion, communitarian explanations based on the reciprocity of care should be carefully provided to non-smokers. (3) The principle of maintaining social functioning does not supersede the principle of maximum life-saving. (4) Support for smokers should be based on self-reporting. (5) Severe cases of COVID-19 caused by passive smoking are among the most important cases to avoid. The extensive implementation of testing should actively identify victims of passive smoking. This will be evidence of the damage caused by passive smoking.
Analysis of Thermal Insulation Thickness for a Container House in the Yanqing Zone of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Authors: Tong Yurou , Yang Hui , Bao Li , Guo Baoxia , Shi Yanzhuo , Wang Congcong
Published: December 2022

A large number of temporary housings (THs) were used in the Yanqing zone of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Taking a kind of container house (CH) used in Yanqing zone as a model, the objective of this paper is to analyze the effect of insulation thickness on heating energy consumption and corresponding carbon emission. The effect of service life of THs on economic thickness was also discussed. The simulation model was developed using EnergyPlus and the heating energy consumption with different insulation materials was simulated based on the meteorological parameters of the top of Xiaohaituo Mountain (2177.5 m) and the Olympic/Paralympic Village (950 m) in Yanqing zone. In the simulation process, the thermal insulation performance of the CH was enhanced with reference to the requirements of GB/T 51350-2019 Technical Standard for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) on one hand. Additionally, the insulation performance was evaluated in terms of payback period and carbon emission. On the other hand, the economic thickness of different insulation materials (rock wool (RW), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyurethane (PU)) and the high performance vacuum insulation panel (HVIP)) for different service lives of CH was studied. Results show that the U-values of the envelope meeting the NZEB standard can decrease approximately 21.4–32.8% of the heating energy consumption, compared with the original envelope. When the service life of CH is extended to 20 years, the carbon emission is reduced by 18.5% and 29.5%. The payback period of HVIP is longest, up to 31.4 a, and the results of economic thickness show that when the service life of the CH ranges from 1 year to 20 years, the economic thickness range of RW is 47–235 mm, XPS is 41–197 mm, PU is 33–149 mm and HVIP is 4–18 mm at the altitude of 2177.5 m. At the altitude of 950 m, the economic thickness range of RW is 28–158 mm, XPS is 26–131 mm, PU is 25–118 mm, and HVIP is 2–12 mm. From an economic point of view, the service life of a CH has a significant impact on the choice of insulation thickness.
A Platform for Inpatient Safety Management Based on IoT Technology
Authors: Arrieta Rodriguez Eugenia , Murillo Fernandez Luis Fernando , Castañez Orta Gustavo Adolfo , Rivas Horta Ana Milena , Baldovino Barco Carlos , Jimenez Barrionuevo Kellys , Cama-Pinto Dora , Arrabal-Campos Francisco Manuel , Martínez-Lao Juan Antonio , Cama-Pinto Alejandro
Published: December 2022

There is a need to integrate advancements in biomedical, information, and communication technologies with care processes within the framework of the inpatient safety program to support effective risk management of adverse events occurring in the hospital environment and to improve inpatient safety. In this respect, this work presents the development of a software platform using the Scrum methodology and the integrated technology of the Internet of Things for monitoring and managing inpatient safety. A modular solution is developed under a hexagonal architecture, using PHP as the backend language through the Laravel framework. A MySQL database was used for the data layer, and Vue.js was used for the user interface. This work implemented an RFID-based nurse call system using Internet of Things (IoT) concepts. The system enables nurses to respond to each inpatient within a given time limit and without the inpatient or a family member having to approach the nursing station. The system also provides reports and indicators that help evaluate the quality of inpatient care and helps to take measures to improve inpatient safety during care. In addition, diet management is integrated to reduce the occurrence of adverse events. A LoRa and Wi-Fi-based IoT network was implemented using a LoRa transceiver and the ESP32 MCU, chosen for its low power consumption, low cost, and wide availability. Bidirectional communication between hardware and software is handled through an MQTT Broker. The system integrates temperature and humidity sensors and smoke sensors, among others.
Impact of Amiodarone Therapy on the Ablation Outcome of Ventricular Tachycardia in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lin Chin-Yu , Chung Fa-Po , Nwe Nwe , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Li Cheng-Hung , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Chao Tze-Fan , Liao Jo-Nan , Chang Ting-Yung , Kuo Ling , Wu Cheng-I , Liu Chih-Min , Liu Shin-Huei , Cheng Wen-Han , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is an accepted treatment option for drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This study investigates the effect of amiodarone on ablation outcomes in ARVC. (2) Methods: The study enrolled patients with ARVC undergoing CA of sustained VT. In all patients, substrate modification was performed to achieve non-inducible VT. The patients were categorized into two groups according to whether they had used amiodarone before CA. Baseline and electrophysiological characteristics, substrate, and outcomes were compared. (3) Results: A total of 72 ARVC patients were studied, including 29 (40.3%) “off” amiodarone and 43 (56.7%) “on” amiodarone. The scar area was similar between the two groups. Patients “off” amiodarone had smaller endocardial and epicardial areas with abnormal electrograms. Twenty of 43 patients (47.5%) “on” amiodarone discontinued it within 3 months after CA. During a mean follow-up period of 43.2 ± 29.5 months, higher VT recurrence was observed in patients “on” amiodarone. Patients “on” amiodarone who discontinued amiodarone after CA had a lower recurrence than those without. (4) Conclusions: Patients with ARVC “on” amiodarone before CA had distinct substrate characteristics and worse ablation outcomes than patients “off” amiodarone, especially in those who had used amiodarone continuously.
The Impact of a CMV Infection on the Expression of Selected Immunological Parameters in Liver Tissue in Children with Biliary Atresia
Authors: Janowska Maria , Bierła Joanna B. , Kaleta Magdalena , Wierzbicka-Rucińska Aldona , Czubkowski Piotr , Kanarek Ewelina , Cukrowska Bożena , Pawłowska Joanna , Cielecka-Kuszyk Joanna
Published: December 2022

The pathogenesis of biliary atresia (BA) is still not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of selected immunological parameters in liver tissue in BA children based on CMV/EBV infection status. Eight of thirty-one children with newly diagnosed BA were included in this prospective study and assigned to two groups (I with active infection, II without active or past infection). All studies were performed on surgical liver biopsies. To visualize CD8+ T cells and CD56 expression, immunohistochemical staining was performed. The viral genetic material in the studied groups was not found, but CMV infection significantly affected the number of CD8+ lymphocytes in both the portal area and the bile ducts. The average number of CD8+ cells per mm2 of portal area in Groups I and II was 335 and 200 (p = 0.002). The average number of these cellsthat infiltrated the epithelium of the bile duct per mm2 in Group I and II was 0.73 and 0.37 (p = 0.0003), respectively. Expression of CD56 in the bile ducts corresponded to the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate of CD8+ cells. Our results suggest that active CMV infection induces an increased infiltration of CD8+ lymphocytes, which could play a role in BA immunopathogenesis. Increased CD56 expression can be a sign of a newly formed bile structure often without lumen, suggesting inhibition of the maturation process in BA.
Donor Noradrenaline Support Is Not Associated with Decreased Survival in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Oehler Daniel , Böttger Charlotte , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Bruno Raphael Romano , Haschemi Jafer , Scheiber Daniel , Voß Fabian , Horn Patrick , Aubin Hug , Tudorache Igor , Westenfeld Ralf , Akhyari Payam , Kelm Malte , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo
Published: December 2022

Objective: Although the application of higher doses of norepinephrine (NE) in potential organ donors is a frequent reason for heart decline, its associations with outcomes after heart transplantation (HTx) are discussed controversially. Therefore, we aimed to explore donor NE support’s potential impact on outcomes in our single-center heart transplant cohort. Methods: All patients who had undergone HTx in our center between September 2010 and April 2022 (n = 241) were screened for eligibility. From those, all patients with complete data on donor NE support (n = 238) were included. Recipients were divided into three groups according to their donor NE support: without support (n = 26), with low support of 0.01–0.2 µg/kg/min (n = 132), and with high support of > 0.2 µg/kg/min (n = 80). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and Kaplan Meier analysis was used to investigate the association of donor NE support and mortality after heart transplantation. Recipient and donor variables, including peri- and postoperative characteristics, were reviewed and compared. Results: NE support in donors ranged between 0 and 2.94 µg/kg/min (median 0.13 µg/kg/min, IQR 0.05–0.26 µg/kg/min). No association between donor NE support and mortality after HTx was observed (AUC for overall survival 0.494). Neither Kaplan-Meier analysis in survival up to 5 years after transplantation (Log Rank p = 0.284) nor group comparisons showed significant differences between the groups. With few exceptions, baseline characteristics in recipients and donors were comparable between the groups. Regarding peri- and postoperative parameters, increasing donor NE support was associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (68 h and 95 h vs. 47 h), longer postoperative IMC/ICU stay (14 vs. 15 vs. 19 days), and a higher need for mechanical life support post-HTx (26% and 39% vs. 12%). Conclusion: In this retrospective analysis, NE support in donors prior to heart transplantation was unrelated to differing survival after heart transplantation. However, higher doses of donor NE were associated with prolonged ventilation, longer duration on IMC/ICU, and a higher need for extracorporeal life support in recipients post-HTx.
Analysis of the Impact of the Presence of Phylum Cyanobacteria in the Microbiome of Patients with Breast Cancer on Their Prognosis
Authors: An Jeongshin , Kil Bum-Jun , Kwon Hyungju , Kim Young Ju
Published: December 2022

Cyanobacterial blooms caused by Cyanobacteria adversely affect the health of the people living in their vicinity. We elucidated the effect of Cyanobacteria in patients with breast cancer. The serum microbiome of the patients with breast cancer was analyzed using NGS. Serologic tests were performed to analyze the association between the factors affecting the liver function of patients with breast cancer and the amount of Cyanobacteria. In addition, the recurrent-free survival of patients with breast cancer according to the abundance of Cyanobacteria was analyzed. The abundance of Cyanobacteria tended to be correlated with the serological results related to liver function. A high abundance of Cyanobacteria seemed to be more related to late-stage breast cancer. A high recurrent-free survival was related to a low abundance of Cyanobacteria. Even though no toxicity study was conducted, this study demonstrates the impact of phylum Cyanobacteria on the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Thus, the abundance of Cyanobacteria in the microbiome can help predict the prognosis of patients with breast cancer.
Older Adults’ Attitudes Regarding COVID-19 and Associated Infection Control Measures in Shanghai and Impact on Well-Being
Authors: Xu Zhimin , Cui Lixian , Ghisi Gabriela Lima de Melo , Liu Xia , Grace Sherry L.
Published: December 2022

This cross-sectional study investigated health management, well-being, and pandemic-related perspectives in Shanghainese adults ≥50 years at the early stages of COVID-19 using a self-report survey in March–April, 2020. Items from the SSS, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were administered. A total of 1181 primarily married, retired females participated. Many participants had hypertension (44.1%), coronary artery disease (CAD; 17.8%), and diabetes (14.5%). While most (n = 868, 73.5%) were strictly following control measures and perceived they could tolerate >6 months (n = 555, 47.0%) and were optimistic (n = 969, 82.0%). A total of 52 (8.2%) of those with any condition and 19 (3.5%) of those without a condition reported that the pandemic was impacting their health. Somatic symptoms were high (29.4 ± 7.1/36), with sleep/cognitive symptoms highest. Totals of 20.2% and 17.0% of respondents had elevated depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively; greater distress was associated with lower income (p = 0.018), having hypertension (p = 0.001) and CAD (p < 0.001), negative perceptions of global COVID-19 control (p = 0.004), COVID-19 spread (p < 0.001), impact on life/health (p < 0.001), compliance with control measures (p < 0.001), and the toleration of shorter time control measures (p < 0.001) in adjusted analyses. In conclusion, during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, most older adults were optimistic/resilient regarding the epidemic and control measures. However, the distress of older adults was not trivial, particularly in those with health issues.
Acoustic Assessment of Fishery Resources in Jinwan Offshore Wind Farm Area
Authors: Wang Teng , Zhang Peng , Zhang Shufei , Liu Qingxia , Liao Xiuli , Rao Yiyong , Huang Honghui , Xie Bin
Published: December 2022

After more than ten years of offshore wind farm (OWF) construction, the total installed capacity of China ranks first in the world. The effect of OWF on fish communities—to attract or banish—differs among fish species and wind farms. Studies on the effects of OWFs are limited in China and results from other regions may not be transferable due to different environmental and biological conditions. In October 2019, an acoustic survey was conducted in Jinwan OWF, outside the Pearl River Estuary, northern South China Sea, China, to assess the fish resources (biomass and abundance), community diversity, and distribution information of this area. According to the Index of Relative Importance (IRI), Harpadon nehereus and Brionobutis koilomatodon were the dominant fish species in the study area. The mean Shannon–Weiner diversity index was 1.74. The mean Margalef richness index and Pielou uniformity index were 2.51 and 0.84, respectively. The ABC curve indicated that the fish community was undisturbed. The mean acoustically-derived biomass and abundance densities were 195.40 ± 254.32 kg/km2 and 6506.83 ± 11,098.96 individuals/km2, respectively. The fishery resources had evident aggregate distribution patterns, and the southern part of the study area had more biomass than the northern part. Seven environmental factors were selected by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) analysis to reveal the correlation between fish assemblages and environmental factors, including nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), dissolved oxygen (DO), water depth, pH, Chlorophyll a (Chl a), and phosphate (PO4+). However, the CCA only accounted for 45.49% of the total variation, indicating that other unexplained stresses affect the fish assemblage in Jinwan OWF. This is the first study to examine the fish distribution patterns and community structures of the Jinwan OWF area. In addition, it will help all sectors of society to more scientifically and objectively understand offshore wind farm projects. In future studies, control areas with more trawl samples can be set up to explore the long-term impact of OWF facilities on local fish communities.
Pulse Pressure Independent of Mean Arterial Pressure Is Associated with Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Normotensive Elders: Findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III 1999–2014
Authors: Jiang Yuqi , Zhang Huanrui , Yang Yu , Sun Yujiao , Tian Wen
Published: December 2022

Background: Pulse pressure (PP), a marker of arterial stiffening, is closely related to adverse outcomes in hypertensive patients. Correspondingly, less attention has been paid to the value of PP in the population with normal blood pressure. Methods: The study included normotensive elders aged over 60 years from the 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). All included participants were followed up until the date of death or 31 December 2015. Restricted cubic spline analyses were used to explore the associations of PP with cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. The population was categorized into two groups according to the optimal cut-off of PP for all-cause mortality by X-tile software. Propensity matching score analysis was further performed to reduce confounding bias. The Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate the associations of widening PP cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses were also conducted. Results: A total of 6309 participants were included (52.9% men and median age 69 (63, 75) years). The median follow-up duration was 74 (42, 114) months. The restricted cubic spline analyses revealed that continuous PP was linearly related to cardiovascular mortality (p for linearity < 0.001; p for nonlinearity = 0.284) and nonlinearly related to all-cause mortality (p for nonlinearity = 0.001). After propensity score matching, 1855 subjects with widening PP and 1855 matched counterparts were included (50.2% men and average age 72 (66, 78) years, 50.9% men and average age 72 (66, 78) years, respectively), of which 966 (26.0%) died during a median follow-up duration of 71 (39, 105) months. In the Cox proportional hazards model, widening PP was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.47; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.07–2.00, p < 0.05] and all-cause mortality (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.01–1.31, p < 0.05). After adjusting for other traditional risk factors, the association of widening PP with cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.44; 95%CI 1.05–1.98, p < 0.05) remained, and the association of widening PP with all-cause mortality was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In the normotensive elder population, a low-risk population without traditional coronary risk factors, PP is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.
Inconsistent Carbon Budget Estimation Using Dynamic/Static Carbon Density under Land Use and Land Cover Change: A Case Study in Henan Province, China
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Shicheng , Gao Yang , Li Meijiao , Wu Pengfei
Published: December 2022

The scientific estimation of carbon budgets induced by land use and land cover change (LUCC) can improve the accuracy of carbon budget estimates for terrestrial ecosystems and deepen our understanding of the future carbon sink potential of these ecosystems. Previous studies have typically selected one of many LUCC-induced carbon budget methods and overlooked the differences in the results between the different methods. Taking Henan Province, China, as a case study, we used the IPCC method, the bookkeeping model, and the inventory method to estimate LUCC-induced carbon budgets and compared the differences in these methods. The results showed that LUCC in Henan Province was categorized as a carbon sink from 1980 to 2015 based on the IPCC method and the inventory method. However, the estimates were significantly different, and the total estimates of the IPCC method were 40% less than those of the inventory method. At the regional ecogeographical scale, the two methods were not consistent in assessing the carbon source/sink of LUCC. The bookkeeping model categorized LUCC as a carbon source in Henan Province for the same period, and the carbon storage change trend opposed those of the other two methods. The failure of the IPCC method and the bookkeeping model to include the dynamic changes in carbon density caused by climate and land use management led to the great differences between the three methods. The inventory method is recommended to estimate the carbon budget caused by LUCC for regions where carbon density varies greatly over time. Both the IPCC method and the bookkeeping model may have great uncertainty in estimating changes in LUCC-induced carbon stocks and should be used with caution.
GHG Emissions from Drainage Ditches in Peat Extraction Sites and Peatland Forests in Hemiboreal Latvia
Authors: Vanags-Duka Mārtiņš , Bārdule Arta , Butlers Aldis , Upenieks Emīls Mārtiņš , Lazdiņš Andis , Purviņa Dana , Līcīte Ieva
Published: December 2022

We determined the magnitude of instantaneous greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from drainage ditches in hemiboreal peatlands in Latvia during the frost-free period of 2021 and evaluated the main affecting factors. In total, 10 research sites were established in drained peatlands in Latvia, including active and abandoned peat extraction sites and peatland forests. Results demonstrated that in terms of global warming potential, the contribution of CO2 emissions to the total budget of GHG emissions from drainage ditches can exceed the CH4 contribution. The average CO2 and N2O emissions from drainage ditches in peatland forests were significantly higher than those from ditches in peat extraction sites, while there was no difference in average CH4 emissions from ditches between peatland forests and peat extraction sites. Emissions from ditches of all GHGs increased with increasing temperature. In addition, CO2 and N2O emissions from drainage ditches increased with decreasing groundwater (GW) level. They were also negatively correlated with water level in ditches, but positively with potassium (K) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in water. By contrast, CH4 emissions from drainage ditches increased with increasing GW level and water level in ditches but were negatively correlated with K and TN concentrations in water.
Orthostatic Intolerance after COVID-19 Infection: Is Disturbed Microcirculation of the Vasa Vasorum of Capacitance Vessels the Primary Defect?
Authors: Wirth Klaus J. , Löhn Matthias
Published: December 2022

Following COVID-19 infection, a substantial proportion of patients suffer from persistent symptoms known as Long COVID. Among the main symptoms are fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, muscle weakness and orthostatic intolerance (OI). These symptoms also occur in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue (ME/CFS). OI is highly prevalent in ME/CFS and develops early during or after acute COVID-19 infection. The causes for OI are unknown and autonomic dysfunction is hypothetically assumed to be the primary cause, presumably as a consequence of neuroinflammation. Here, we propose an alternative, primary vascular mechanism as the underlying cause of OI in Long COVID. We assume that the capacitance vessel system, which plays a key role in physiologic orthostatic regulation, becomes dysfunctional due to a disturbance of the microvessels and the vasa vasorum, which supply large parts of the wall of those large vessels. We assume that the known microcirculatory disturbance found after COVID-19 infection, resulting from endothelial dysfunction, microthrombus formation and rheological disturbances of blood cells (altered deformability), also affects the vasa vasorum to impair the function of the capacitance vessels. In an attempt to compensate for the vascular deficit, sympathetic activity overshoots to further worsen OI, resulting in a vicious circle that maintains OI. The resulting orthostatic stress, in turn, plays a key role in autonomic dysfunction and the pathophysiology of ME/CFS.
Mangosteen Metabolites as Promising Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor Candidates: In Silico and In Vitro Evaluations
Authors: Omar Abdelsattar M. , AlKharboush Dana F. , Mohammad Khadijah A. , Mohamed Gamal A. , Abdallah Hossam M. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M.
Published: December 2022

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by raised glucose levels in the blood, resulting in grave damage over time to various body organs, including the nerves, heart, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. One of its therapeutic treatment approaches involves the inhibition of enzymes accountable for carbohydrate digestion and absorption. The present work is aimed at evaluating the potential of some reported metabolites from Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen, Guttiferae) as alpha-amylase inhibitors. Forty compounds were assessed for their capacity to inhibit alpha-amylase using in silico studies as well as in vitro assays. Molecular docking was carried out to analyze their binding capacities in the 3D structure of alpha-amylase (PDB ID: 4GQR). Among the tested compounds, 6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2,4,6,3′,4′,6′-hexahydroxybenzophenone (8), aromadendrin-8-C-glucoside (5), epicatechin (6), rhodanthenone (4), and garcixanthone D (40) had a high XP G.score and a Glide G.score of −12.425, −11.855, −11.135, and −11.048 Kcal/mol, respectively. Compound 8 possessed the XP and Glide docking score of −12.425 Kcal/mol compared to the reference compounds myricetin and acarbose which had an XP and Glide docking score of −12.319 and 11.201 Kcal/mol, respectively. It interacted through hydrogen bond formations between its hydroxyl groups and the residues His 101, Asp 197, Glu 233, Asp 300, and His 305, in addition to water bridges and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) was used to calculate the binding free energy and molecular dynamic studies that indicated the stability of the alpha-amylase-compound 8 complex during the 100 ns simulation in comparison with myricetin- and acarbose-alpha-amylase complexes. Additionally, the in vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay findings validated the in silico study’s findings. This could further validate the potential of G. mangostana as a candidate for diabetes management.
Semi-Synthetic Ecdysteroid 6-Oxime Derivatives of 20-Hydroxyecdysone Possess Anti-Cryptococcal Activity
Authors: Szerencsés Bettina , Vörös Mónika , Bagi Kristóf , Háznagy Márton B. , Hunyadi Attila , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Pfeiffer Ilona , Vágvölgyi Máté
Published: December 2022

Cryptococcosis, a life-threatening fungal infection, frequently occurs in patients suffering from AIDS. The treatment of the disease is hampered by the limited number of the effective drugs and the increasing resistance; therefore, to find new active substances is needed. As meningitis is the most serious infection affecting the AIDS patients, effective drugs have to be capable of entering to the central nervous system. Ecdysteroids are natural bioactive molecules with considerable anabolic activity and without toxic side effects on humans. The aim of this work was to study the anti-cryptococcal activity of a natural ecdysteroid, 20E, and its three semi-synthetic derivatives obtained by structural modification of the original molecule. We established the minimum inhibitory concentration of the compounds with microdilution method and demonstrated their fungicidal activity by flow cytometry and cultivation of the drug-treated cells. The interaction of the compounds with each other and efflux transporter inhibitors was assessed by checkerboard titration method. Two derivatives, 20E-EOx and 20E-ZOx, inhibited the growth of Cryptococcus neoformans with minimum inhibitory concentration 2 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL, respectively; both compounds possess fungicidal effect. A combination of the ecdysteroids with each other and verapamil resulted in additive interaction. This study confirmed that structural modification of an originally non-antimicrobial molecule can enhance its effectiveness.
Snf2 Proteins Are Required to Generate Gamete Pronuclei in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Fukuda Yasuhiro , Akematsu Takahiko , Bando Hironori , Kato Kentaro
Published: December 2022

During sexual reproduction/conjugation of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, the germinal micronucleus undergoes meiosis resulting in four haploid micronuclei (hMICs). All hMICs undergo post-meiotic DNA double-strand break (PM-DSB) formation, cleaving their genome. DNA lesions are subsequently repaired in only one ‘selected’ hMIC, which eventually produces gametic pronuclei. DNA repair in the selected hMIC involves chromatin remodeling by switching from the heterochromatic to the euchromatic state of its genome. Here, we demonstrate that, among the 15 Tetrahymena Snf2 family proteins, a core of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex in Tetrahymena, the germline nucleus specific Iswi in Tetrahymena IswiGTt and Rad5Tt is crucial for the generation of gametic pronuclei. In either gene knockout, the selected hMIC which shows euchromatin markers such as lysine-acetylated histone H3 does not appear, but all hMICs in which markers for DNA lesions persist are degraded, indicating that both IswiGTt and Rad5Tt have important roles in repairing PM-DSB DNA lesions and remodeling chromatin for the euchromatic state in the selected hMIC.
Interactions of Apigenin and Safranal with the 5HT1A and 5HT2A Receptors and Behavioral Effects in Depression and Anxiety: A Molecular Docking, Lipid-Mediated Molecular Dynamics, and In Vivo Analysis
Authors: Amin Faiq , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Rizwan-ul-Hasan Syed , Khaliq Saima , Gabr Gamal A. , Muhammad  , Khan Asra , Sidhom Peter A. , Tikmani Prashant , Shawky Ahmed M. , Ahmad Saara , Abidi Syed Hani
Published: December 2022

Background: The current study utilizes in silico molecular docking/molecular dynamics to evaluate the binding affinity of apigenin and safranal with 5HT1AR/5HT2AR, followed by assessment of in vivo effects of these compounds on depressive and anxious behavior. Methods: The docking between apigenin and safranal and the 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors was performed utilizing AutoDock Vina software, while MD and protein-lipid molecular dynamics simulations were executed by AMBER16 software. For in vivo analysis, healthy control (HC), disease control (DC), fluoxetine-, and apigenin-safranal-treated rats were tested for changes in depression and anxiety using the forced swim test (FST) and the elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), respectively. Results: The binding affinity estimations identified the superior interacting capacity of apigenin over safranal for 5HT1A/5HT2A receptors over 200 ns MD simulations. Both compounds exhibit oral bioavailability and absorbance. In the rodent model, there was a significant increase in the overall mobility time in the FST, while in the EPMT, there was a decrease in latency and an increase in the number of entries for the treated and HC rats compared with the DC rats, suggesting a reduction in depressive/anxiety symptoms after treatment. Conclusions: Our analyses suggest apigenin and safranal as prospective medication options to treat depression and anxiety.
Biomolecular and Biochemical Aspects of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Marya Anand , Rokaya Dinesh , Heboyan Artak , Fernandes Gustavo Vicentis de Oliveira
Published: December 2022

Recent advances in science, especially innovations in the field of biochemistry and materials science, greatly contribute to improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases [...]
AHNAK Contributes to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Interacting with IGF-1R
Authors: Li Kang , Song Ke , Hou Yuli , Tian Yuan , Wang Huijuan , Sun Libo , Li Ang , Zhang Yonghong
Published: December 2022

Neuroblast differentiation-associated protein AHNAK, a large structural scaffold protein, remains mysterious in biological processes. AHNAK plays a suppressive or progressive role in different types of cancers. To investigate the role of the AHNAK in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cell viability assays were performed to determine the cell proliferation of the stable AHNAK-knockdown HepG2 cell line; co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed on HCC and matched paracancerous (MPC) tissues. The Metascape platform was used for enrichment analyses; the “ComplexHeatmap” package was applied for cluster analyses and visualization. Co-IP, Western botting and immunofluorescence double staining were performed to assess the interactions between AHNAK and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). AHNAK silencing reduced the viability of HepG2 cells; the interactome in HCC and MPC tissues enriched 204 pathways and processes, which partially reflected the signature of HCC field cancerization. AHNAK could co-localize and interact with IGF-1R. These results suggested that the AHNAK complex contributes to HCC growth, potentially by interacting with IGF-1R.
Tuning the Magnetic Properties of Cr2TiC2Tx through Surface Terminations: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Zhang Shaozheng , Zhou Yuanting , Liang Xing , Wang Yulin , Wang Tong , Yang Jianhui , Lv Liang
Published: December 2022

Recently, magnetic two-dimensional Cr2TiC2Tx MXenes with promising applications in spin electronics have been experimentally confirmed. However, the underlying magnetic mechanism needs to be further investigated. Along these lines, in this work, the magnetic properties of Cr2TiC2On/4F2−n/4 and Cr2TiC2On/4 structures were simulated through first-principle calculations using the GGA+U approach. The values of 4.1 and 3.1 eV were calculated for the Hubbard U of Cr and Ti, respectively, by applying the linear response method. Interestingly, the Cr2TiC2On/4F2−n/4-based configurations with low O content (n ≤ 4) exhibit antiferromagnetic behavior, while the majority of the respective configurations with high O content (n ≥ 5) are ferromagnetic. As far as the Cr2TiC2O5/4F3/4 structure (n = 5) is concerned, the value of about 2.64 μB was estimated for the magnetic moment of the Cr atom. On top of that, the Curie temperature lies within the range of 10~47 K. The extracted theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental outcomes of the Cr2TiC2O1.3F0.8-based structure. From the simulated results, it can be also argued that the magnetic moment of Cr atoms and the Neel temperature can be directly tuned by the active content of O atoms. The conductivity of both Cr2TiC2On/4F2−n/4 and Cr2TiC2On/4 configurations can be regulated by the externally applied magnetic field, while the density of states around the Fermi level shifted significantly between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic arrangements. The acquired results provide important theoretical insights to tuning the magnetic properties of Cr2TiC2Tx-based structures through surface termination mechanisms, which are quite significant for their potential applications in spin electronics.
Myrrh and Chamomile Flower Extract Inhibit Mediator Release from IgE-stimulated Mast-Cell-Like RBL-2H3 Cells
Authors: Altenbernd Fabian , Schwarz Lena , Lipowicz Bartosz , Vissiennon Cica
Published: December 2022

Recent clinical evidence supports the efficacy of a traditional medicinal product (TMP) containing a combination of myrrh (Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.), coffee charcoal (Coffea arabica L.), and chamomile flower dry extract (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in the therapy of diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease. Mast cells seem to play a key role in the symptom generation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To evaluate the use of the TMP in IBS treatment, the effects of the herbal extracts on the release of mast-cell mediators from stimulated RBL-2H3 cells were investigated. Therefore, degranulation was induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A13187 (CI) or IgE stimulation, and the amounts of released β-hexosaminidase and histamine were quantified. The extracts showed no effect on the mediator release of PMA- and CI-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Myrrh and chamomile were able to reduce the β-hexosaminidase release of IgE-stimulated cells, while myrrh showed stronger inhibition of the mediator release than chamomile, which reduced only IgE-stimulated histamine release. Thus, these results indicate a mechanistic basis for the use of the herbal combination of myrrh, coffee charcoal, and chamomile flower extract in the symptom-oriented treatment of IBS patients with diarrheal symptoms.
HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Bioactivities of the Ethanolic Extract from Flowers of Moroccan Anacyclus clavatus
Authors: Chroho Mounia , Aazza Mustapha , Bouymajane Aziz , Majdoub Yassine Oulad El , Cacciola Francesco , Mondello Luigi , Zair Touriya , Bouissane Latifa
Published: December 2022

In this work, polyphenols were extracted from Anacylus clavatus flowers using a hydroethanolic solvent, and the obtained extract was studied for its total phenol and flavonoid contents and evaluated for its antioxidant and antibacterial capacities. The contents of total phenols and flavonoids were measured by employing gallic acid and quercetin as references, respectively, and the phenolic composition analysis was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with a photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was tested using a potassium ferric reducing antioxidant power (PFRAP) assay, and the antibacterial activity assay was carried out against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimirium) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphyloccocus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) using the broth microdilution assay. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts equaled 9.53 ± 0.48 mg GAE/g dm and 1.31 ± 0.06 mg QE/g dm, respectively. The chromatographic analysis of the phenolic profile detected 26 phenolic compounds belonging to phenolic acids, flavones and flavonols, and with the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives being the major phenolic compounds present in 12 isomers. Only one organic compound, viz. citric acid, was found. The extracts exhibited interesting antioxidant activity. Bacteriostatic activity towards Escherichia coli and bactericidal activity against Salmonella typhimirium, Staphyloccocus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes were determined. This study revealed that Anacyclus clavatus flower extracts contain phenolic compounds with interesting bioactivities.