bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying LiDAR to Quantify the Plant Area Index Along a Successional Gradient in a Tropical Forest of Thailand
Authors: Pimmasarn Siriruk , Tripathi Nitin Kumar , Ninsawat Sarawut , Sasaki Nophea
Published: May 2020

Long-term monitoring of vegetation is critical for understanding the dynamics of forest ecosystems, especially in Southeast Asia’s tropical forests, which play a significant role in the global carbon cycle and have continually been converted into various stages of secondary forests. In Thailand, long-term monitoring of forest dynamics during the successional process is limited to plot scales assuming from the distinct structure of successional stages. Our study highlights the potential of coupling airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology and stand age data derived from Landsat time-series to track back forest succession, and infer patterns in the plant area index (PAI) recovery. Here, using LIDAR data, we estimated the PAI of the 510 sample plots of a seasonal evergreen forest dispersed over the study area in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, capturing a successional gradient of tropical secondary forests. The sample plots age was derived from the available Landsat time-series dataset (1972–2017). We developed a PAI recovery model during the first 42 years of the succession process. We investigated the relationship between the model residuals and PAI values with topographic factors, such as elevation, slope, and topographic wetness index. The results show that the PAI increased non-linearly (pseudo-R2 of 0.56) during the first 42 years of forest succession, and all three topographic factors have less influence on PAI variability. These results provide valuable information of the spatio-temporal PAI patterns during the successional process and help understand the dynamics of tropical secondary forests in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Such information is essential for forest management and local, regional, and global PAI synthesis. Moreover, our results provide significant information for ground-based spatial sampling strategies to enable more accurate PAI measurements.
Germination of Dracaena cinnabari Balf.f. Seeds under Controlled Temperature Conditions
Authors: Bauerová Lucie , Munie Shiferaw Alem , Houšková Kateřina , Habrová Hana
Published: May 2020

Research highlights: This study is focused on the germination of Dracaena cinnabari seeds in order to discover the possibility of natural and artificial regeneration of this species. Background and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the optimal temperature for D. cinnabari seed germination, e.g., the temperature at which the germination percentage and germination rate (vitality) are the highest. The objectives of this study are to: (1) determine the optimal temperature for the germination of D. cinnabari seeds, (2) compare the suitability of different seed collection methods, and (3) compare the germination parameters of seeds that were collected from different localities. The results of this study will contribute to obtaining the highest number of seedlings from limited seed material for reforestation of the most endangered localities of D. cinnabari species. Materials and methods: Four seed sections were employed. These sections were directly collected from either the fruits of a cut panicle or the ground and were obtained from different localities that differ in altitude. The seeds were tested in a greenhouse while using Petri dishes at three different temperatures—22, 26, and 30 °C—with four replicates of 25 seeds of each section. ANOVA and the t-test were employed for data analysis. Results: The highest germination percentages (GPs) were achieved at 26 °C and 30 °C, which were 84.6% and 82.5%, respectively. The ANOVA and t-test results showed that the germination index (GI) of the species was relatively higher at a temperature of 30 °C relative to that at other temperatures in the study. Although seeds that were collected from the tree achieved a higher GP, the t-test result showed no significant differences in the GI of D. cinnabari seeds that were collected from the ground and from the tree (p > 0.05). Overall, the findings of this study show that temperature has substantial influence on the germination of seeds of D. cinnabari. Therefore, we recommend a temperature of 30 °C to facilitate the germination of D. cinnabari, as it achieved the highest GI at this temperature relative to that at the other temperatures (22 °C, 26 °C) applied in this study.
Assessing the Oenological Potential of Nakazawaea ishiwadae, Candida railenensis and Debaryomyces hansenii Strains in Mixed-Culture Grape Must Fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Wyk Niel , Pretorius Isak S. , von Wallbrunn Christian
Published: May 2020

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of non-Saccharomyces yeast (NSY) as a coculturing partner with Saccharomyces cerevisiae during grape must fermentation. We investigated three new strains, namely Nakazawaea ishiwadae, Candida railenensis and Debaryomyces hansenii, for their oenological potential in mixed-culture micro-vinifications with S. cerevisiae Vin13 using Muscaris grape must. None of the NSY strains impeded the fermentation performance as all the mixed-culture experiments finished at the same time. Coculturing with N. ishiwadae yielded significantly higher concentrations of ethyl and acetate esters in the final wine product. Apart from higher acetic acid levels, wines produced with C. railenensis and D. hansenii yielded much lower esters concentrations. The concentrations of certain terpenes and norisoprenoids were also significantly modulated in the mixed-culture fermentations. This study reveals the rarely reported species of N. ishiwadae as a promising coculturing partner for increasing aroma-active compounds in a wine.
Household Living Arrangements and Old Age Pauperism in Late-Victorian England
Authors: Heritage Tom , Hinde Andrew , Clifford David
Published: May 2020

The fortunes of older people in late nineteenth-century England varied considerably. At the two extremes were a comfortable retirement and complete reliance on the New Poor Law, but most older people got by on some combination of part-time work, familial support, and transfer payments from the New Poor Law. This paper considers the extent to which access to resources during working age affected the risk of becoming pauperised (that is, dependent on transfer payments from the New Poor Law) in old age. We hypothesised that access to resources was an important determinant of old age pauperisation and that such access was associated with household living arrangements in earlier life. The analysis was conducted at both aggregate and individual levels and was based on a sample of small areas in England. We linked census data to New Poor Law records to assess the extent to which individuals relied on payments from the New Poor Law in their old age. We distinguished between those who, in their old age, received transfer payments while living in their own homes and those who were institutionalised through admission to the workhouse. The main finding is that people who, in earlier adult life, lived in households containing extended family members were less likely to have recourse to the New Poor Law in their old age than those who, in earlier adult life, lived with only their spouse and offspring. The results also support previous work that has found that females were more likely than males to be supported by the New Poor Law, but that males were more likely than females to enter workhouses.
Rolling-Circle Replication in Mitochondrial DNA Inheritance: Scientific Evidence and Significance from Yeast to Human Cells
Authors: Ling Feng , Yoshida Minoru
Published: May 2020

Studies of mitochondrial (mt)DNA replication, which forms the basis of mitochondrial inheritance, have demonstrated that a rolling-circle replication mode exists in yeasts and human cells. In yeast, rolling-circle mtDNA replication mediated by homologous recombination is the predominant pathway for replication of wild-type mtDNA. In human cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce rolling-circle replication to produce concatemers, linear tandem multimers linked by head-to-tail unit-sized mtDNA that promote restoration of homoplasmy from heteroplasmy. The event occurs ahead of mtDNA replication mechanisms observed in mammalian cells, especially under higher ROS load, as newly synthesized mtDNA is concatemeric in hydrogen peroxide-treated human cells. Rolling-circle replication holds promise for treatment of mtDNA heteroplasmy-attributed diseases, which are regarded as incurable. This review highlights the potential therapeutic value of rolling-circle mtDNA replication.
Effect of Dynamic Balance Exercises Based on Visual Feedback on Physical Function, Balance Ability, and Depression in Women after Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Jung-Hee , Lee Byoung-Hee
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dynamic balance exercises with and without visual feedback on recovery from total knee arthroplasty. The participants were 30 women who underwent total knee arthroplasty more than one week before the study, and were randomly allocated into two groups. The average ages of the experimental and control groups were 70.13 and 69.00 years, respectively. The dynamic balance exercise with visual feedback (VF) group practiced dynamic balance exercises using a laser pointer for five 30-min sessions over a 4-week period. The dynamic balance exercise without visual feedback (control) group practiced dynamic balance exercises for five 30 min sessions over a 4 week period. The following clinical measures were used for assessing physical function, balance ability, and depression. Compared with the control group, the VF group showed significant improvements in the physical performance test, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), confidence ellipse area (CEA), path length (PL), average velocity (AV), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG test) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the VF group showed significant improvements in all post-surgery outcome measures compared with the pre-surgery values (p < 0.05). The above results indicated that the dynamic balance exercises based on visual feedback improved physical function and balance ability in patients following total knee arthroplasty, suggesting the need for effective rehabilitation programs for patients with total knee arthroplasty.
Examining Regional Differences of Dietary Inflammatory Index and Its Association with Depression and Depressive Symptoms in Korean Adults
Authors: Shin Dayeon , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Lee Kyung Won
Published: May 2020

The relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and depression and depressive symptoms in South Korean adults remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the overall relationship between the DII and depression in South Korea and to evaluate the association between the DII and depressive symptoms and depression across regions among Korean adults aged ≥19 years. A total of 15,929 study participants were selected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014–2017. Energy-adjusted (E-DII) scores were calculated using 24-h dietary recall data. Depression and depressive symptoms were measured on the basis of the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale, a doctor’s diagnosis of depression, and self-reported depressive symptom-related questionnaire. Overall, 4.2% of the participants had depression, with notable gender differences (i.e., 2.4% in men and 6.2% in women). Korean adults residing in the Capital area, Chungcheong-do and Jeju-do, and with diets in the highest tertile of the E-DII (most pro-inflammatory diet) had significantly increased odds of having depression and depressive symptoms compared with those in the lowest tertile of the E-DII (most anti-inflammatory diet) after controlling for covariates (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.99; AOR 2.97, 95% CI 1.36–6.52; AOR 4.06, 95% CI 1.56–10.53, respectively). No association between the E-DII and depression/depressive symptoms was found in other regions of South Korea. A pro-inflammatory diet is associated with greater odds of depression and depressive symptoms, with distinct regional differences. The present study provides evidence regarding existing regional differences in the association of the E-DII with depression and depressive symptoms.
Perfectionism Profiles and Motivation to Exercise Based on Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Vicent María , Sanmartín Ricardo , Vásconez-Rubio Oswaldo , García-Fernández José Manuel
Published: May 2020

This study complements extant variable-centered research that focus on the relationship between perfectionism and the autonomous and controlled motivation to exercise. A person-centered approach is used for identifying perfectionism profiles as well as analyzing inter-profile differences in terms of the six regulatory styles located on the autonomy-control continuum. A sample of 597 (Mage = 22.08, SD = 3.33) Ecuadorian undergraduates enrolled in a sport science degree program was employed. Latent Profile Analysis based on two higher-order perfectionism dimensions, Perfectionistic Strivings (PS) and Perfectionistic Concerns (PC), supported a four-class solution: Non-Perfectionists (low PS and PC), Adaptive Perfectionists (high PS and low PC), Maladaptive Perfectionists (high PS and PC), and Moderate Perfectionists (moderate PS and PC). Adaptive Perfectionists obtained the highest means on Intrinsic, Integrated, and Identified regulations. However, these differences where only significant when compared with Moderate Perfectionists, and only in the case of Integrated regulation, in comparison with Non-Perfectionists. In contrast, Maladaptive Perfectionists obtained significantly higher scores on Introjected and External regulations as well as on Amotivation than the other three classes. Results are discussed in light of Self-Determination Theory.
Will Buying Follow Others Ease Their Threat of Death? An Analysis of Consumer Data during the Period of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Song Wei , Jin Xiaotong , Gao Jian , Zhao Taiyang
Published: May 2020

How to overcome informational conformity consumer behavior when faced with threats of death is a social problem in response to COVID-19. This research is based on the terror management theory, the need to belong theory and the materialism theory. It uses a theoretical model to determine the relationships between threats of death and informational conformity consumer behavior. From 1453 samples collected during outbreak of COVID-19 in China, we used a structural equation model to test multiple research hypotheses. The result shows that threats of death are positively associated with a need to belong, materialism and informational conformity consumer behavior. The need to belong and materialism can play a mediating role between threats of death and information conformity consumption behavior, and perceived social support can play a moderating role between threats of death and information conformity consumption behavior.
Son Preference and the Reproductive Behavior of Rural-Urban Migrant Women of Childbearing Age in China: Empirical Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Data
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Nie Wenjie , Liu Pengcheng
Published: May 2020

Son preference has been shown to influence the childbearing behavior of women, especially in China. Existing research has largely focused on this issue using cross-sectional data of urban or rural populations in China, while evidence from the rural-urban migrant women is relatively limited. Based on the data of China Migrants Dynamic Survey in 2015, we used logistic regression models to explore the relationship of son preference and reproductive behavior of rural-urban migrant women in China. The results show that the son preference of migrant women is still strong, which leads women with only daughters to have significantly higher possibility of having another child and results in a higher imbalance in the sex ratio with higher parity. Migrant women giving birth to a son is a protective factor against having a second child compared to women whose first child was a girl. Similarly, the effects of the gender of the previous child on women’s progression from having two to three children showed the same result that is consistent with a preference for sons. These findings have implications for future public strategies to mitigate the son preference among migrant women and the imbalance in the sex ratio at birth.
An Overview on the Effect of Neonicotinoid Insecticides on Mammalian Cholinergic Functions through the Activation of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Houchat Jean-Noël , Cartereau Alison , Le Mauff Anaïs , Taillebois Emiliane , Thany Steeve H.
Published: May 2020

Neonicotinoid insecticides are used worldwide and have been demonstrated as toxic to beneficial insects such as honeybees. Their effectiveness is predominantly attributed to their high affinity for insect neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Mammalian neuronal nAChRs are of major importance because cholinergic synaptic transmission plays a key role in rapid neurotransmission, learning and memory processes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Because of the low agonist effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on mammalian neuronal nAChRs, it has been suggested that they are relatively safe for mammals, including humans. However, several lines of evidence have demonstrated that neonicotinoid insecticides can modulate cholinergic functions through neuronal nAChRs. Major studies on the influence of neonicotinoid insecticides on cholinergic functions have been conducted using nicotine low-affinity homomeric α7 and high-affinity heteromeric α4β2 receptors, as they are the most abundant in the nervous system. It has been found that the neonicotinoids thiamethoxam and clothianidin can activate the release of dopamine in rat striatum. In some contexts, such as neurodegenerative diseases, they can disturb the neuronal distribution or induce oxidative stress, leading to neurotoxicity. This review highlights recent studies on the mode of action of neonicotinoid insecticides on mammalian neuronal nAChRs and cholinergic functions.
How Incivility and Academic Stress Influence Psychological Health among College Students: The Moderating Role of Gratitude
Authors: Huang Naizhu , Qiu Shaoping , Alizadeh Amin , Wu Hongchao
Published: May 2020

Many students suffer from academic stress and uncivil behaviors at colleges and there is a need to identify to what extent these negative phenomena might impact students’ mental health. The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between incivility, academic stress, and psychological health, as well as investigate the moderating role of gratitude. The study design of this research is cross-sectional. The final sample consisted of 895 university students in China; The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was utilized to conduct statistical analysis. Sample t-tests were used to examine whether there were gender differences in terms of four continuous variables: incivility, stress, gratitude, and psychological wellbeing. We also used multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis to test the relationships between the aforementioned four variables and the moderating effect of gratitude. The results of our study indicate that academic stress and incivility are positively associated with psychological distress, and gratitude moderates the relationship between incivility and psychological distress. However, no significant moderating effect of gratitude was found in the relationship between academic stress and psychological distress.
Children’s Health in the Digital Age
Authors: Dresp-Langley Birgitta
Published: May 2020

Environmental studies, metabolic research, and state of the art research in neurobiology point towards the reduced amount of natural day and sunlight exposure of the developing child, as a consequence of increasingly long hours spent indoors online, as the single unifying source of a whole set of health risks identified worldwide, as is made clear in this review of currently available literature. Over exposure to digital environments, from abuse to addiction, now concerns even the youngest (ages 0 to 2) and triggers, as argued on the basis of clear examples herein, a chain of interdependent negative and potentially long-term metabolic changes. This leads to a deregulation of the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter pathways in the developing brain, currently associated with online activity abuse and/or internet addiction, and akin to that found in severe substance abuse syndromes. A general functional working model is proposed under the light of evidence brought to the forefront in this review.
The Emergence of a Sustainable Tobacco Treatment Program across the Cancer Care Continuum: A Systems Approach for Implementation at the University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Tong Elisa K. , Wolf Terri , Cooke David T. , Fairman Nathan , Chen Moon S.
Published: May 2020

Tobacco treatment is increasingly recognized as important to cancer care, but few cancer centers have implemented sustainable tobacco treatment programs. The University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCD CCC) was funded to integrate tobacco treatment into cancer care. Lessons learned from the UCD CCC are illustrated across a systems framework with the Cancer Care Continuum and by applying constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Findings demonstrate different motivational drivers for the cancer center and the broader health system. Implementation readiness across the domains of the Cancer Care Continuum with clinical entities was more mature in the Prevention domain, but Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship domains demonstrated less implementation readiness despite leadership engagement. Over a two-year implementation process, the UCD CCC focused on enhancing information and knowledge sharing within the treatment domain with the support of the cancer committee infrastructure, while identifying available resources and adapting workflows for various cancer care service lines. The UCD CCC findings, while it may not be generalizable to all cancer centers, demonstrate the application of conceptual frameworks to accelerate implementation for a sustainable tobacco treatment program. Key common elements that may be shared across oncology settings include a state quitline for an adaptable intervention, cancer committees for outer/inner setting infrastructure, tobacco quality metrics for data reporting, and non-physician staff for integrated services.
Prevalence and Determinants of Antibiotic Consumption in the Elderly during 2006–2017
Authors: Portero de la Cruz Silvia , Cebrino Jesús
Published: May 2020

Elderly people are a particularly important population with regard to antibiotic overuse, using around 50% more antibiotics per capita than younger adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence, associated factors and evolution over time of antibiotic consumption among the Spanish population aged ≥ 65 years from 2006 to 2017. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Spanish National Health Survey in 2006, 2011/2012 and 2017, and from the European Health Survey in Spain in 2009 and 2014. The sample consisted of 26,891 non-institutionalized individuals ≥ 65 years. Antibiotic consumption was the dependent variable, and sociodemographic variables, lifestyle habits and health status were analyzed using a logistic regression model. The prevalence of antibiotic consumption was 4.94%, with a marked increase from 2006 (4.64%) to 2017 (5.81%) (p < 0.0001). Higher antibiotic consumption was associated with poor or very poor self-perceived health status, no polypharmacy and not having been in hospital during the previous twelve months, while a lower consumption was linked to being limited but not severely due to a health problem and not being at all limited.
Perceived Stress and Indicators of Burnout in Teachers at Portuguese Higher Education Institutions (HEI)
Authors: Teles Renata , Valle Antonio , Rodríguez Susana , Piñeiro Isabel , Regueiro Bibiana
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the phenomena of burnout and perceived stress in teachers at Higher Education Institutions, as this professional class is one of the most affected by high levels of stress. A sample of 520 university teachers was used, of which 339 (65.2%) were women. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to measure perceived stress. A sociodemographic data questionnaire produced by the authors was also applied, which consisted of questions about age, sex, experience in the teaching profession and the participants’ teaching areas. The results indicated that university teachers over 60 years old exhibited lower levels of perceived stress, as did teachers with more teaching experience (30 years or more), and those with less experience (less than 10 years). Women exhibited higher levels of perceived stress than men. Women also scored higher levels of Emotional Exhaustion in the burnout dimensions, whereas teachers will less experience (under 10 years) and teachers with more experience (more than 30 years) had the lowest scores in this dimension. Through an examination of the relation between perceived stress and the burnout dimensions, we concluded that perceived stress was directly proportional to emotional exhaustion and depersonalization; and was inversely proportional to personal accomplishment. A total of 31.3% of the variance in burnout was explained by perceived stress.
Structure, Function, and Regulation of the Essential Virulence Factor Capsular Polysaccharide of Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Pettis Gregg S. , Mukerji Aheli S.
Published: May 2020

Vibrio vulnificus populates coastal waters around the world, where it exists freely or becomes concentrated in filter feeding mollusks. It also causes rapid and life-threatening sepsis and wound infections in humans. Of its many virulence factors, it is the V. vulnificus capsule, composed of capsular polysaccharide (CPS), that plays a critical role in evasion of the host innate immune system by conferring antiphagocytic ability and resistance to complement-mediated killing. CPS may also provoke a portion of the host inflammatory cytokine response to this bacterium. CPS production is biochemically and genetically diverse among strains of V. vulnificus, and the carbohydrate diversity of CPS is likely affected by horizontal gene transfer events that result in new combinations of biosynthetic genes. Phase variation between virulent encapsulated opaque colonial variants and attenuated translucent colonial variants, which have little or no CPS, is a common phenotype among strains of this species. One mechanism for generating acapsular variants likely involves homologous recombination between repeat sequences flanking the wzb phosphatase gene within the Group 1 CPS biosynthetic and transport operon. A considerable number of environmental, genetic, and regulatory factors have now been identified that affect CPS gene expression and CPS production in this pathogen.
Cholinergic Markers and Cytokines in OSA Patients
Authors: Reale Marcella , Velluto Lucia , Di Nicola Marta , D’Angelo Chiara , Costantini Erica , Marchioni Michele , Cerroni Gianluigi , Guarnieri Biancamaria
Published: May 2020

The role of inflammation and dysfunction of the cholinergic system in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has not exhaustively clarified. Thus, in this study, we explore the non-neuronal cholinergic system and the balance of T helper (Th) 17- and T regulatory (Treg)-related cytokines in OSA patients. The study includes 33 subjects with obstructive sleep apnea and 10 healthy controls (HC). The expression levels of cholinergic system component, RAR-related orphan receptor (RORc), transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) and cytokines were evaluated. Th17- and Treg-related cytokines, choline levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity were quantified in OSA and control subjects. AChE and nicotinic receptor α 7 subunit (α7nAChR) gene expression and serum levels of choline, AChE and BuChE were lower in OSA patients than in the HC group. Compared with the HC group, OSA patients exhibited an increased expression, secretion and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a reduced expression, secretion and serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)β and reduced Foxp3 mRNA levels. The Th17/Treg-related cytokine ratio was higher in the OSA group. Our results confirm and reinforce the hypothesis that OSA may be considered a systemic inflammatory disease, and that an imbalance of non-neuronal cholinergic and pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines may contribute to development and progression of comorbidities in OSA subjects. The evaluation of Th17/Treg-related cytokine may provide an additional explanation for OSA pathogenesis and clinical features, opening new directions for the OSA management.
Network of Palladium-Based Nanorings Synthesized by Liquid-Phase Reduction Using DMSO-H2O: In Situ Monitoring of Structure Formation and Drying Deformation by ASEM
Authors: Komenami Takuki , Yoshimura Akihiro , Matsuno Yasunari , Sato Mari , Sato Chikara
Published: May 2020

We developed a liquid-phase synthesis method for Pd-based nanostructure, in which Pd dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions was precipitated using acid aqueous solution. In the development of the method, in situ monitoring using atmospheric scanning electron microscopy (ASEM) revealed that three-dimensional (3D) Pd-based nanonetworks were deformed to micrometer-size particles possibly by the surface tension of the solutions during the drying process. To avoid surface tension, critical point drying was employed to dry the Pd-based precipitates. By combining ASEM monitoring with critical point drying, the synthesis parameters were optimized, resulting in the formation of lacelike delicate nanonetworks using citric acid aqueous solutions. Precipitation using HCl acid aqueous solutions allowed formation of 500-nm diameter nanorings connected by nanowires. The 3D nanostructure formation was controllable and modifiable into various shapes using different concentrations of the Pd and Cl ions as the parameters.
Combination Drug Therapy for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kabir Md. Tanvir , Uddin Md. Sahab , Mamun Abdullah Al , Jeandet Philippe , Aleya Lotfi , Mansouri Rasha A. , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Mathew Bijo , Bin-Jumah May N. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: May 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Even though the number of AD patients is rapidly growing, there is no effective treatment for this neurodegenerative disorder. At present, implementation of effective treatment approaches for AD is vital to meet clinical needs. In AD research, priorities concern the development of disease-modifying therapeutic agents to be used in the early phases of AD and the optimization of the symptomatic treatments predominantly dedicated to the more advanced AD stages. Until now, available therapeutic agents for AD treatment only provide symptomatic treatment. Since AD pathogenesis is multifactorial, use of a multimodal therapeutic intervention addressing several molecular targets of AD-related pathological processes seems to be the most practical approach to modify the course of AD progression. It has been demonstrated through numerous studies, that the clinical efficacy of combination therapy (CT) is higher than that of monotherapy. In case of AD, CT is more effective, mostly when started early, at slowing the rate of cognitive impairment. In this review, we have covered the major studies regarding CT to combat AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we have also highlighted the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of CT in the treatment of AD.
Acute Kidney Injury in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Direct Effect of Virus on Kidney Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: Soleimani Manoocher
Published: May 2020

Coronaviruses (CoVs), including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and the novel coronavirus disease-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are a group of enveloped RNA viruses that cause a severe respiratory infection which is associated with a high mortality [...]
Evaluation of Cell Harvesting Techniques to Optimize Lipidomic Analysis from Human Meibomian Gland Epithelial Cells in Culture
Authors: Ziemanski Jillian F. , Chen Jianzhong , Nichols Kelly K.
Published: May 2020

The lipidomic analysis of immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cells (HMGECs) has been proposed as a preclinical model to study meibomian gland dysfunction. An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate neutral lipid recovery following three harvesting techniques and to identify candidate lipid biomarkers of HMGECs. HMGECs were cultured in serum-containing media for two days to promote lipid production. Cells were either harvested by 0.25% trypsin–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), harvested by 10 mM EDTA, or simultaneously harvested and extracted by 2:1 chloroform–methanol (CM). After extraction by a modified Folch technique, the nonpolar phase was processed and infused into a TripleTOF 5600 mass spectrometer (Sciex, Framingham, MA, USA) with electrospray ionization. MS and MS/MSall spectra were acquired. Nonpolar cholesteryl esters (CEs) were consistently detected in all samples, while wax esters were not. Only small differences in two out of twenty CEs were detected between harvesting methods. CM yielded less CE18:1 than the other methods but greater CE20:4 than the trypsin–EDTA method (p < 0.05 for all). Similar to human meibum, very long-chain CEs with carbon number (nc) ≥ 24 were detected in all samples and may serve as HMGEC lipid biomarkers. Further work is needed to address the absence of wax esters. Overall, the three harvesting methods are reasonably equivalent, though CM promotes much better efficiency and is recommended for higher throughput.
Unraveling the Chloroplast Genomes of Two Prosopis Species to Identify Its Genomic Information, Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Relationship
Authors: Asaf Sajjad , Khan Abdul Latif , Khan Arif , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Genus Prosopis (family Fabaceae) are shrubby trees, native to arid and semi-arid regions of Asia, Africa, and America and known for nitrogen fixation. Here, we have sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of two Prosopis species (P. juliflora and P. cineraria) and compared them with previously sequenced P. glandulosa, Adenanthera microsperma, and Parkia javanica belonging to the same family. The complete genome sequences of Prosopis species and related species ranged from 159,389 bp (A. microsperma) to 163,677 bp (P. cineraria). The overall GC contents of the genomes were almost the similar (35.9–36.6%). The P. juliflora and P. cineraria genomes encoded 132 and 131 genes, respectively, whereas both the species comprised of 85 protein-coding genes higher than other compared species. About 140, 134, and 129 repeats were identified in P. juliflora, P. cineraria and P. glandulosa cp genomes, respectively. Similarly, the maximum number of simple sequence repeats were determined in P. juliflora (88), P. cineraria (84), and P. glandulosa (78). Moreover, complete cp genome comparison determined a high degree of sequence similarity among P. juliflora, P. cineraria, and P. glandulosa, however some divergence in the intergenic spacers of A. microsperma and Parkia javanica were observed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that P. juliflora is closer to P. cineraria than P. glandulosa.
Acid and Neutral Sphingomyelinase Behavior in Radiation-Induced Liver Pyroptosis and in the Protective/Preventive Role of rMnSOD
Authors: Cataldi Samuela , Borrelli Antonella , Ceccarini Maria Rachele , Nakashidze Irina , Codini Michela , Belov Oleg , Ivanov Alexander , Krasavin Eugene , Ferri Ivana , Conte Carmela , Patria Federica Filomena , Beccari Tommaso , Mancini Aldo , Curcio Francesco , Ambesi-Impiombato Francesco Saverio , Albi Elisabetta
Published: May 2020

Sphingomyelins (SMs) are a class of relevant bioactive molecules that act as key modulators of different cellular processes, such as growth arrest, exosome formation, and the inflammatory response influenced by many environmental conditions, leading to pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death due to Caspase-1 involvement. To study liver pyroptosis and hepatic SM metabolism via both lysosomal acid SMase (aSMase) and endoplasmic reticulum/nucleus neutral SMase (nSMase) during the exposure of mice to radiation and to ascertain if this process can be modulated by protective molecules, we used an experimental design (previously used by us) to evaluate the effects of both ionizing radiation and a specific protective molecule (rMnSOD) in the brain in collaboration with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna (Russia). As shown by the Caspase-1 immunostaining of the liver sections, the radiation resulted in the loss of the normal cell structure alongside a progressive and dose-dependent increase of the labelling, treatment, and pretreatment with rMnSOD, which had a significant protective effect on the livers. SM metabolic analyses, performed on aSMase and nSMase gene expression, as well as protein content and activity, proved that rMnSOD was able to significantly reduce radiation-induced damage by playing both a protective role via aSMase and a preventive role via nSMase.
Spatiotemporal Regulation of Signaling: Focus on T Cell Activation and the Immunological Synapse
Authors: Garcia Esther , Ismail Shehab
Published: May 2020

In a signaling network, not only the functions of molecules are important but when (temporal) and where (spatial) those functions are exerted and orchestrated is what defines the signaling output. To temporally and spatially modulate signaling events, cells generate specialized functional domains with variable lifetime and size that concentrate signaling molecules, enhancing their transduction potential. The plasma membrane is a key in this regulation, as it constitutes a primary signaling hub that integrates signals within and across the membrane. Here, we examine some of the mechanisms that cells exhibit to spatiotemporally regulate signal transduction, focusing on the early events of T cell activation from triggering of T cell receptor to formation and maturation of the immunological synapse.
An α5 GABAA Receptor Inverse Agonist, α5IA, Attenuates Amyloid Beta-Induced Neuronal Death in Mouse Hippocampal Cultures
Authors: Vinnakota Chitra , Govindpani Karan , Tate Warren Perry , Peppercorn Katie , Anekal Praju Vikas , Waldvogel Henry John , Faull Richard Lewis Maxwell , Kwakowsky Andrea
Published: May 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which no cognition-restoring therapies exist. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Increasing evidence suggests a remodeling of the GABAergic system in AD, which might represent an important therapeutic target. An inverse agonist of α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α5GABAARs), 3-(5-Methylisoxazol-3-yl)-6-[(1-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyloxy]-1,2,4-triazolo[3–a]phthalazine (α5IA) has cognition-enhancing properties. This study aimed to characterize the effects of α5IA on amyloid beta (Aβ1–42)-induced molecular and cellular changes. Mouse primary hippocampal cultures were exposed to either Aβ1-42 alone, or α5IA alone, α5IA with Aβ1–42 or vehicle alone, and changes in cell viability and mRNA expression of several GABAergic signaling components were assessed. Treatment with 100 nM of α5IA reduced Aβ1–42-induced cell loss by 23.8% (p < 0.0001) after 6 h and by 17.3% after 5 days of treatment (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, we observed an Aβ1-42-induced increase in ambient GABA levels, as well as upregulated mRNA expression of the GABAAR α2,α5,β2/3 subunits and the GABABR R1 and R2 subunits. Such changes in GABARs expression could potentially disrupt inhibitory neurotransmission and normal network activity. Treatment with α5IA restored Aβ1-42-induced changes in the expression of α5GABAARs. In summary, this compound might hold neuroprotective potential and represent a new therapeutic avenue for AD.
Targeting AKT/mTOR in Oral Cancer: Mechanisms and Advances in Clinical Trials
Authors: Harsha Choudhary , Banik Kishore , Ang Hui Li , Girisa Sosmitha , Vikkurthi Rajesh , Parama Dey , Rana Varsha , Shabnam Bano , Khatoon Elina , Kumar Alan Prem , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B.
Published: May 2020

Oral cancer (OC) is a devastating disease that takes the lives of lots of people globally every year. The current spectrum of treatment modalities does not meet the needs of the patients. The disease heterogeneity demands personalized medicine or targeted therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify potential targets for the treatment of OC. Abundant evidence has suggested that the components of the protein kinase B (AKT)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway are intrinsic factors for carcinogenesis. The AKT protein is central to the proliferation and survival of normal and cancer cells, and its downstream protein, mTOR, also plays an indispensable role in the cellular processes. The wide involvement of the AKT/mTOR pathway has been noted in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This axis significantly regulates the various hallmarks of cancer, like proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, autophagy, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Activated AKT/mTOR signaling is also associated with circadian signaling, chemoresistance and radio-resistance in OC cells. Several miRNAs, circRNAs and lncRNAs also modulate this pathway. The association of this axis with the process of tumorigenesis has culminated in the identification of its specific inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of OC. In this review, we discussed the significance of AKT/mTOR signaling in OC and its potential as a therapeutic target for the management of OC. This article also provided an update on several AKT/mTOR inhibitors that emerged as promising candidates for therapeutic interventions against OC/head and neck cancer (HNC) in clinical studies.
The Effects of Maternal and Postnatal Dietary Methyl Nutrients on Epigenetic Changes that Lead to Non-Communicable Diseases in Adulthood
Authors: Randunu Raniru S. , Bertolo Robert F.
Published: May 2020

The risk for non-communicable diseases in adulthood can be programmed by early nutrition. This programming is mediated by changes in expression of key genes in various metabolic pathways during development, which persist into adulthood. These developmental modifications of genes are due to epigenetic alterations in DNA methylation patterns. Recent studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation can be affected by maternal or early postnatal diets. Because methyl groups for methylation reactions come from methionine cycle nutrients (i.e., methionine, choline, betaine, folate), deficiency or supplementation of these methyl nutrients can directly change epigenetic regulation of genes permanently. Although many studies have described the early programming of adult diseases by maternal and infant nutrition, this review discusses studies that have associated early dietary methyl nutrient manipulation with direct effects on epigenetic patterns that could lead to chronic diseases in adulthood. The maternal supply of methyl nutrients during gestation and lactation can alter epigenetics, but programming effects vary depending on the timing of dietary intervention, the type of methyl nutrient manipulated, and the tissue responsible for the phenotype. Moreover, the postnatal manipulation of methyl nutrients can program epigenetics, but more research is needed on whether this approach can rescue maternally programmed offspring.
Primary Hemostasis in Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis: What Did We Learn over the Past Decade?
Authors: van Dievoet Marie-Astrid , Eeckhoudt Stéphane , Stephenne Xavier
Published: May 2020

Changes in primary hemostasis have been described in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and cirrhosis and are still subject to ongoing debate. Thrombocytopenia is common and multifactorial. Numerous studies also reported platelet dysfunction. In spite of these changes, primary hemostasis seems to be balanced. Patients with CLD and cirrhosis can suffer from both hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Variceal bleeding is the major hemorrhagic complication and is mainly determined by high portal pressure. Non portal hypertension-related bleeding due to hemostatic failure is uncommon. Thrombocytopenia can complicate management of invasive procedures in CLD patients. Recently, oral thrombopoietin agonists have been approved to raise platelets before invasive procedures. In this review we aim to bundle literature, published over the past decade, discussing primary hemostasis in CLD and cirrhosis including (1) platelet count and the role of thrombopoietin (TPO) agonists, (2) platelet function tests and markers of platelet activation, (3) von Willebrand factor and (4) global hemostasis tests.
Disruption of Placental Homeostasis Leads to Preeclampsia
Authors: Nakashima Akitoshi , Shima Tomoko , Tsuda Sayaka , Aoki Aiko , Kawaguchi Mihoko , Yoneda Satoshi , Yamaki-Ushijima Akemi , Cheng Shi-Bin , Sharma Surendra , Saito Shigeru
Published: May 2020

Placental homeostasis is directly linked to fetal well-being and normal fetal growth. Placentas are sensitive to various environmental stressors, including hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress. Once placental homeostasis is disrupted, the placenta may rebel against the mother and fetus. Autophagy is an evolutionally conservative mechanism for the maintenance of cellular and organic homeostasis. Evidence suggests that autophagy plays a crucial role throughout pregnancy, including fertilization, placentation, and delivery in human and mouse models. This study reviews the available literature discussing the role of autophagy in preeclampsia.
Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Counteracting Oxidative Stress—Related Neurodegeneration
Authors: Angeloni Cristina , Gatti Martina , Prata Cecilia , Hrelia Silvana , Maraldi Tullia
Published: May 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases include a variety of pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and so forth, which share many common characteristics such as oxidative stress, glycation, abnormal protein deposition, inflammation, and progressive neuronal loss. The last century has witnessed significant research to identify mechanisms and risk factors contributing to the complex etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as genetic, vascular/metabolic, and lifestyle-related factors, which often co-occur and interact with each other. Apart from several environmental or genetic factors, in recent years, much evidence hints that impairment in redox homeostasis is a common mechanism in different neurological diseases. However, from a pharmacological perspective, oxidative stress is a difficult target, and antioxidants, the only strategy used so far, have been ineffective or even provoked side effects. In this review, we report an analysis of the recent literature on the role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases as well as in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, retinal ganglion cells, and ataxia. Moreover, the contribution of stem cells has been widely explored, looking at their potential in neuronal differentiation and reporting findings on their application in fighting oxidative stress in different neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the exposure to mesenchymal stem cells or their secretome can be considered as a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance antioxidant capacity and neurotrophin expression while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, which are common aspects of neurodegenerative pathologies. Further studies are needed to identify a tailored approach for each neurodegenerative disease in order to design more effective stem cell therapeutic strategies to prevent a broad range of neurodegenerative disorders.