bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Cultural Ecosystem Services Value of Protected Areas Considering Stakeholders’ Preferences and Trade-Offs—Taking the Xin’an River Landscape Corridor Scenic Area as an Example
Authors: Su Yue , Zhu Congmou , Lin Lin , Wang Cheng , Jin Cai , Cao Jing , Li Tan , Su Chong
Published: October 2022

Improving the accuracy of cultural ecosystem services (CESs) value assessment and paying more attention to the preferences and trade-offs of stakeholders in the administration of CESs are of vital importance for achieving resilient ecosystem management. Combining methodologies from sociology (Q method) and economics (choice experiment), an assessment framework of CESs is introduced to examine stakeholders’ preferences and willingness to pay to participate in CESs in protected areas so as to explore how the value of CESs in protected areas can be optimized. The results show that the selection of CESs by stakeholders reflects certain synergies and trade-offs. Visitors can be classified as preferring humanistic–natural recreation, aesthetic–sense of place, or environmental education according to the factor ranking of the Q method. Visitors have a higher willingness to pay for humanistic heritage and a lower willingness to pay for sense of place experience, which can be measured at $6.55 per visit and $0.96 per visit, respectively. This indicates that the local customs and characteristics should be further explored and promoted through traditional festival celebrations and farming activities in further development of protected areas, apart from protecting local cultural heritages such as Huizhou ancient villages and halls. Furthermore, it is also necessary to actively explore the synergistic development of CESs, promote social participation, raise stakeholders’ awareness of available services, manage visitors and stakeholders from a demand perspective, and promote the realization of the value of ecological products in protected areas.
Evaluation and Determinants of the Digital Inclusive Financial Support Efficiency for Marine Carbon Sink Fisheries: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Weicheng , Zhu Xiangyu
Published: October 2022

The development of digital inclusive finance has greatly improved the feasibility of financial inclusion. Therefore, in the context of the constrained financing of marine carbon sink fisheries, we try to investigate whether digital inclusive finance exhibits a supportive effect on marine carbon sink fisheries and thus enhances the capacity of marine carbon sinks. Specifically, this paper empirically calculates the grey correlation between the development of digital inclusive finance and marine carbon sinks based on data in nine coastal provinces of China from 2011 to 2019. The empirical results show that the grey relational coefficients between the above two in China are more than 0.5, revealing a significant positive correlation. Then, on this basis, we estimate the digital inclusive financial support efficiency (DIFSE) for marine carbon sink fisheries by applying the Super-EBM model. In addition, the determinants affecting the DIFSE for marine carbon sink fisheries selected based on the grounded theory are explored through the Tobit model. The conclusions are as follows. First, there are time-varying characteristics and regional heterogeneity in DIFSE. Generally, the effect of China’s digital inclusive financial support for marine carbon sink fisheries is expanding year by year. Among them, the DIFSE in the northern marine economic circle is currently the highest, followed by that in the south and east. Second, the input of productive factors, promotion of fishery skill, development of fishery technology, and Internet coverage will significantly increase the value of DIFSE, while output structure, income level, fishery disasters, and marine pollution will have significant negative effects on DIFSE. These empirical results can help policymakers better understand the contribution of digital inclusive finance to marine carbon sink fisheries and provide them with valuable information for the formulation of supportive policies.
The Significance of Nanomineral Particles during the Growth Process of Polymetallic Nodules in the Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Huang Qiangtai , He Bo , Cai Zhourong , Huang Qianru
Published: October 2022

As a huge reservoir of economic metallic elements, oceanic polymetallic nodules have important strategic significance and are one of the main research objects in marine geology, especially their formation process and genetic mechanism. In this study, polymetallic nodules from the cobalt-rich crust exploration contract area in the Western Pacific Ocean were taken as the research object. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used for observation and testing. The results indicate that many nanomineral particles, mainly composed of Fe and Mn, developed in polymetallic nodules from the western Pacific Ocean. The solid–liquid interface process of nanomineral particles plays an important role in the growth and evolution of nodules. We propose that the growth process of polymetallic nodules in the western Pacific Ocean can be divided into three stages. First, terrigenous detritus nucleates, and nanomineral particles composed of Fe, Mn, and other elements form, aggregate and attach to the core to form the initial shell. Second, a dense layer of the shell forms under stable conditions. In the third stage, the redox conditions of the nodules change, and the polymetallic nodules experience a variety of interface process modifications.
Impact on Public Health Nutrition Services Due to COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Scoping Review of Primary Studies on Health and Social Security Determinants Affecting the First 1000 Days of Life
Authors: Khandelwal Shweta , Mehra Mahima , Singh Ayushi
Published: October 2022

Context: COVID-19 was declared ‘a global pandemic’ by the World Health Organization in March 2020. India’s lockdown, one of the harshest in the world, came with additional challenges for women. This paper aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related pathways on the first thousand days of life in the Integrated Child Development Scheme and the public distribution ecosystem in India. Data sources: Using Cochrane guidelines, electronic databases, namely Google Scholar and PubMed-NCBI, were searched for evidence between 1 March 2020 and 1 May 2022. A total of 73 studies were identified in initial search; 20 met the inclusion criteria and, thus, were included in the research analysis. Primary studies were conducted throughout pan-India in rural, urban, and semi-urban areas to study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related pathways on the first 1000 days of life. The impact of social security, food insecurity, service delivery, nutrition of pregnant and nursing mothers (P&NMs), and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) varied between geographies and within geographies. Most of the primary studies were conducted at small scale, while only three studies were pan-Indian. The majority of studies were conducted on the mental health of P&NMs and pre-natal and post-natal service delivery disruption. The paucity of the available literature highlights the need to undertake research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related pathways on 1000 days of life in India and worldwide. The best implementation practices were observed where cross-sectional programs were carried out in relation to health services and social security for P&NMs and children.
Can Environmental Regulation Promote Green Innovation and Productivity? The Moderating Role of Government Interventions in Urban China
Authors: Xu Yuanshuo , Liang Jiahe , Dong Zhaoyingzi , Shi Minjun
Published: October 2022

Can environmental regulation promote green innovation and the productivity of cities? The “Compliance Cost” (CC) perspective and the “Porter Hypothesis” (PH) offer contrasting views, whereas the existing empirical results are inconclusive. This paper aims to highlight the roles of multifaceted government interventions, including government-to-firm subsidies, tax levies on firms, and environmental infrastructure provisions, in moderating environmental regulation for realizing PH. Based on the fixed-effects models for Chinese prefecture cities from 2005–2013, we found that environmental regulation positively impacted green innovation but negatively affected productivity. The results of moderating effects suggest that environmental regulation can better promote green innovation if it is compounded with more government-to-firm subsidies, lower firm tax burdens, and increased environmental infrastructure provisions. We further decomposed the impacts of these interventions across seven fields of green innovation and found that subsidy and tax burden relief were especially effective in facilitating more GI in the sector of transportation and alternative energy production. This paper amplifies the theoretical framework of PH by accentuating the analytical lens of multifaceted government interventions but also provides insights into how local governments can effectively design “carrot-and-stick” policies to realize PH at the city level.
Adoption of Improved Reprocessing Decreased Microbiological Non-Compliance for Bronchoscopes
Authors: Tuvo Benedetta , Scarpaci Michela , Cosci Tommaso , Ribechini Alessandro , Briani Silvia , Luchini Grazia , Totaro Michele , Baggiani Angelo , Cristina Maria Luisa , Barnini Simona , Leonetti Simone , Casini Beatrice
Published: October 2022

Background: In the past few decades, the inadequate reprocessing of bronchoscopes has been associated with several serious outbreaks caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. In this study we evaluated the improvement in the quality of reprocessing in a Bronchoscopy Unit (BU), after the introduction of a new procedure. Methods: In 2019, observational and clinical audits were conducted in the BU. After the introduction of an improved procedure in 2020, a microbiological surveillance plan was implemented in 2021. Results: In 2019, 13 of 22 bronchoscopes (59%) resulted as non-compliant, 18% as high concern organisms (HCO) and 36.4% as high microbial count (≥100 CFU/all channels) and HCO. The most frequent microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (38.5%) and NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.4%). The bronchoscopes were stored inside their transport cases, which in some cases were found to be contaminated by the same strains isolated on the bronchoscopes (Enterobacter gergoviae and Vibrio alginolyticus). In 2021, all 31 bronchoscopes were sampled at least three times and 13/99 (13.1%) resulted as non-compliant, mostly K. pneumoniae (4.04%). Contamination level increases weakly in bronchoscopes in use for more than 14 years (R = 0.32). Conclusions: The adoption of an improved reprocessing procedure decreased the non-compliance of bronchoscopes, increasing the quality of the process and patient safety.
Patients’ Health Experiences of Post COVID-19 Condition—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Almgren Johanna , Löfström Emma , Malmborg Julia S , Nygren Jens , Undén Johan , Larsson Ingrid
Published: October 2022

Patients who suffer from long-term symptoms of COVID-19, described as post COVID-19 condition, are a new and large group of patients. There is a lack of knowledge concerning health experiences in this patient group. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ health experiences of post COVID-19 condition. Data collection was performed through 14 semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis resulted in six sub-categories, three categories, and an overall theme. Patients experienced symptoms of varying duration—ranging from 5–21 months. The results showed that patients’ health experiences of post COVID-19 condition moved between uncertainty and new insights. This was shown by patients experiencing: (1) loss of abilities, including losing smell and taste and lacking energy, (2) loss of control, including being foreign to oneself and seeking answers, and (3) revaluation of life, including accepting the transformed body and prioritizing health. This study illustrates that patients living with post COVID-19 condition need to be treated with flexibility, based on each individual’s unique challenges and experiences of the symptoms and the consequences for their health.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with COVID-19—A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gao Yanan , Huang Huiming , Ni Chunxia , Feng Yong , Dong Xiao , Wang Yin , Yu Junwu
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-established treatment for patients with chronic lung disease; however, its role in patients with COVID-19 has not been systematically studied. We provide a protocol outlining the methods and analyses that will be used in the systematic review. Methods: The methodology of this systematic review protocol has been filed in PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42022301418. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and CNKI databases) will be searched from 2019 to 28 July 2022, using pre-determined search terms. Eligibility criteria will be defined using a PICOS framework. Pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life will be the primary outcomes. Quantitative findings will be narratively synthesized, whilst argument synthesis combined with refutational analysis will be employed to synthesize qualitative data. Results: The results will be presented by both meta-analysis and qualitative analysis. Conclusion: This protocol describes what will be the first systematic review to conduct a worldwide assessment of the effect of PR in patients with COVID-19. Because this is a systematic review and meta-analysis, no ethical approval is needed. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated both electronically and in print.
Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment Frameworks—A Systematic Review
Authors: Cresswell-Smith Johanna , Kauppinen Tapani , Laaksoharju Taina , Rotko Tuulia , Solin Pia , Suvisaari Jaana , Wahlbeck Kristian , Tamminen Nina
Published: October 2022

Mental health is largely shaped by the daily environments in which people live their lives, with positive components of mental health emphasising the importance of feeling good and functioning effectively. Promoting mental health relies on broad-based actions over multiple sectors, which can be difficult to measure. Different types of Impact Assessment (IA) frameworks allow for a structured approach to evaluating policy actions on different levels. A systematic review was performed exploring existing IA frameworks relating to mental health and mental wellbeing and how they have been used. A total of 145 records were identified from the databases, from which 9 articles were included in the review, with a further 6 studies included via reference list and citation chaining. Five different mental-health-related IA frameworks were found to be implemented in a variety of settings, mostly in relation to evaluating community actions. A Narrative Synthesis summarised key themes from the 15 included articles. Findings highlight the need for participatory approaches in IA, which have the dual purpose of informing the IA evaluation and advocating for the need to include mental health in policy development. However, it is important to ensure that IA frameworks are user-friendly, designed to be used by laypeople in a variety of sectors and that IA frameworks are operational in terms of time and monetary resources.
Which Shiftwork Pattern Is the Strongest Predictor for Poor Sleep Quality in Nurses?
Authors: Wangsan Kampanat , Chaiear Naesinee , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Klainin-Yobas Piyanee , Simajareuk Kanjana , Boonsawat Watchara
Published: October 2022

Shiftwork is related to an increased risk of several diseases, including gastric ulcers, myocardial infarction, and diabetes. Several shiftwork patterns are related to poor sleep quality, such as a quick returns or extended shifts. This study aimed to find the shiftwork patterns strongly associated with poor sleep quality amongst nurses. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among nurses working for at least one month. The sub-groups were the good sleep quality group (n = 150) and the poor sleep quality group (n = 472). Eligible participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire comprising personal characteristics, job characteristics, shiftwork characteristics, and sleep quality. Factors associated with poor sleep quality were determined using logistic regression analysis. Two factors associated with poor sleep quality remained in the final model: viz., depression and backward rotational shift. The only independent factor for poor sleep quality was a backward rotational shift with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.946 (1.344, 2.871). In conclusion, compared with other shift patterns, backward shiftwork was the most significant factor associated with poor sleep quality and should be avoided.
Care of People with Post-COVID-19 Sequelae in the Scope of Primary Health Care: Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Cardins Karla Karolline Barreto , Uchôa Severina Alice da Costa , Oliveira Lannuzya Veríssimo e , Freitas Cláudia Helena Soares de Morais
Published: October 2022

The sequelae of COVID-19 disease significantly impact the quality of life of people, requiring long-term longitudinal care for recovery and rehabilitation. Primary health care is fundamental in the reception, monitoring, and multi-professional follow-up of post-COVID-19 symptoms and complications. This study proposes a scoping review protocol to identify and map the care process of monitoring and multi-professional follow-up of post-COVID-19 sequelae within the scope of primary health care worldwide. This protocol was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and guided by PRISMA-ScR. Articles, theses, dissertations, and official documents searched in several databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase, and gray literature) will be included. Two independent reviewers will organize and select studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria using the Rayyan software. The selected publications will be organized and summarized using a checklist proposed by the PRISMA-ScR. Simple descriptive statistics will analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis will be used for the qualitative data. The final scoping review will present the main findings, challenges, limitations, and potential research gaps related to the care of people with post-COVID-19 sequelae.
Work Stressors and Intention to Leave the Current Workplace and Profession: The Mediating Role of Negative Affect at Work
Authors: Jasiński Arkadiusz M. , Derbis Romuald
Published: October 2022

The first aim of this study was to determine whether organisational constraints, interpersonal conflicts at work, workload and negative affect at work have a positive relationship with intention to leave a current job or profession. The second aim was to investigate whether negative affect at work mediates the relationship between work stressors and intention to leave a current job or profession. The study was a quantitative cross-sectional design in nature. Data were collected between March and April 2022. The sample consisted of 306 midwives working in the Polish public health service. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling. The results confirmed positive direct relationships between workload and negative affect with intention to leave the current workplace and intention to leave the midwifery profession in general. The relationships between organisational constraints and interpersonal conflicts at work and intention to leave a job or profession were found to be completely mediated by negative affect at work. Our study revealed that workload is the strongest direct predictor of intention to leave the current job or profession. Organisational constraints and interpersonal conflicts at work lead to an intention to leave a job or profession by inducing negative affect at work. Interpersonal conflicts at work are the strongest predictor of negative affect at work.
Physical Activity and Mental Health of Medical Students from Poland and Belarus-Countries with Different Restrictive Approaches during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Baj-Korpak Joanna , Zaworski Kamil , Szymczuk Ewa , Shpakou Andrei
Published: October 2022

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has struck all of us suddenly and unexpectedly; it deprived the society of a sense of control over their lives on different levels. In a short period of time, it led to a number of changes in everyday life of people all over the world. In particular, these changes affected medical staff, who, all of a sudden, were burdened with new work-related responsibilities and duties. This situation may have had a detrimental effect on their mental health. Due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, we attempted to assess its consequences in terms of mental health and physical fitness of university students from countries in which different approaches to these issues were adopted. Methods: A total of 779 medical students (374 students from John Paul II University of Applied Sciences (ABNS) in Biala Podlaska, Poland, and 405 students from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno (YKSUG), Belarus) took part in the survey. Three standardised psychometric tools were used in the study: The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Stress Coping Inventory (Mini-COPE). In addition, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was applied. Results: The vast majority of students both from Poland and Belarus demonstrated high levels of physical activity. However, students from ABNS manifested significantly higher levels of physical activity compared to their counterparts from YKSUG. Students from Biala Podlaska had greater satisfaction with life during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas their peers from Grodno exhibited higher levels of mental distress. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant exacerbation of mental health issues among medical students. In order to alleviate negative effects of the pandemic, it seems necessary for universities to monitor the physical and mental health state of students and to implement prevention programmes.
Characterization of Oral Veillonella Species in Dental Biofilms in Healthy and Stunted Groups of Children Aged 6–7 Years in East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Theodorea Citra Fragrantia , Diven Saint , Hendrawan Devin , Djais Ariadna Adisattya , Bachtiar Boy Muchlis , Widyarman Armelia Sari , Seneviratne Chaminda Jayampath
Published: October 2022

Impaired development that causes stunting is one of the most common health problems in Indonesia. In particular, the highest number of cases of stunting in Indonesia was reported in the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province. Previous studies have shown a tendency for deteriorating oral hygiene in children with a poor nutritional status. In addition, a higher proportion of oral Veillonella has been reported in children with poor oral hygiene. However, the relationship between populations of oral Veillonella and stunting has not been studied before. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the oral Veillonella profile in the dental biofilms of healthy and stunted children aged 6–7 years. The participants were 60 elementary school students in the Nangapanda District, Ende, NTT, Indonesia. In this study, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine dental biofilm samples from the healthy (n = 31) and stunted (n = 29) groups. The results revealed that seven oral Veillonella species were found in all groups. However, the number of four oral Veillonella species significantly differed between the healthy and stunted groups: V. denticariosi, V. infantium, V. rogosae, and V. tobetsuensis. This is the first study to demonstrate a potential association between oral Veillonella species and stunting in children.
Social Vulnerability and COVID-19 Vaccine in Spain
Authors: Pérez-Bermejo Marcelino , Cloquell-Lozano Alexis , Moret-Tatay Carmen , Arteaga-Moreno Francisco Javier
Published: October 2022

Different analyses show that the design of vaccination policies should especially protect the most vulnerable social groups, since the level of acceptance is determined by the population’s knowledge, attitude and concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The objective of this work will be to detect the most socially vulnerable groups with respect to COVID-19 and to analyze the factors that influence predisposition to vaccination. This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) on the Effects and Consequences of Coronavirus (Study 3346 of December 2021). Sociodemographic variables (sex, age, employment status, studies and subjective class identification) were extracted, as well as the answers to the questions indicating the attitude towards vaccination, corresponding to questions 7,8,10 and 11 of the study. The most vulnerable group was lower class women (self-perceived), under 45 years of age with lower educational level, unemployed or performing unpaid work in the home. Most of them are not predisposed to vaccinate only because of the obligation to do so, mainly due to lack of belief in the power and efficacy of vaccines, as well as fear of health risks/collateral side effects. The lower vaccine uptake in this vulnerable population group may be due to a lack of awareness and lower trust in the authorities, as well as the benefits of the vaccine, which could be related to a lack of policy targeting the most socially vulnerable populations.
Social Capital and Self-Rated Health: A Cross-Sectional Study among Rural Japanese Working Residents
Authors: Kuurdor Elijah Deku-Mwin , Tanaka Hirokazu , Kitajima Takumi , Amexo Jennifer Xolali , Sokejima Shigeru
Published: October 2022

Social capital is positively associated with self-rated health; however, this association among workers is still unclear. Thus, this study examined the relationship between social capital and self-rated health with special attention to the employment type. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 6160 workers aged 20–64 years from two towns in Mie Prefecture in January–March 2013. Social capital was assessed using five items in 4816 income-earning workers. The social capital scores were summed and then divided into three groups. The self-rated health responses were dichotomised into ‘poor’ and ‘good’. The association was examined using a stepwise binomial logistic regression stratified by employment type and adjusted for potential confounders. Regular employees with low social capital had a higher significant odds ratio of poor self-rated health than medium (OR 0.58 95% CIs 0.39–0.87) and high (OR 0.39; 95% CIs 0.26–0.59) social capital levels after controlling for all potential confounders. Similar patterns were observed for non-regular employees with medium and high social capital. There was a significant relationship between some indicators of social capital and poor self-rated health among self-employees. These results highlight that social capital acts as an unequal health resource for different types of workers.
Research of a Thermodynamic Function (∂p∂x)T, x→0: Temperature Dependence and Relation to Properties at Infinite Dilution
Authors: Zheng Jiahuan , Chen Xia , Wang Yan , Sun Qichao , Sun Wenting , Wu Lianying , Hu Yangdong , Zhang Weitao
Published: October 2022

In this work, we propose the idea of considering (∂p∂x)T, x→0 as an infinite dilution thermodynamic function. Our research shows that (∂p∂x)T,x→0 as a thermodynamic function is closely related to temperature, with the relation being simply expressed as: ln(∂p∂x)T, x→0=AT+B. Then, we use this equation to correlate the isothermal vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for 40 systems. The result shows that the total average relative deviation is 0.15%, and the total average absolute deviation is 3.12%. It indicates that the model correlates well with the experimental data. Moreover, we start from the total pressure expression, and use the Gibbs–Duhem equation to re-derive the relationship between (∂p∂x)T,x→0 and the infinite dilution activity coefficient (γ∞) at low pressure. Based on the definition of partial molar volume, an equation for (∂p∂x)T,x→0 and gas solubility at high pressure is proposed in our work. Then, we use this equation to correlate the literature data on the solubility of nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide in water. These systems are reported at temperatures ranging from 273.15 K to 398.15 K and pressures up to 101.325 MPa. The total average relative deviation of the predicted values with respect to the experimental data is 0.08%, and the total average absolute deviation is 2.68%. Compared with the Krichevsky–Kasarnovsky equation, the developed model provides more reliable results.
Metabolomic Differences between the Skin and Blood Sera of Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Authors: Ilves Liis , Ottas Aigar , Kaldvee Bret , Abram Kristi , Soomets Ursel , Zilmer Mihkel , Jaks Viljar , Kingo Külli
Published: October 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PS) are common chronic inflammatory dermatoses. Although the differences at the intercellular and intracellular signaling level between AD and PS are well described, the resulting differences at the metabolism level have not yet been systematically analyzed. We compared the metabolomic profiles of the lesional skin, non-lesional skin and blood sera of AD and PS. Skin biopsies from 15 patients with AD, 20 patients with PS and 17 controls were collected, and 25 patients with AD, 55 patients with PS and 63 controls were recruited for the blood serum analysis. Serum and skin samples were analyzed using a targeted approach to find the concentrations of 188 metabolites and their ratios. A total of 19 metabolites differed in the comparison of lesional skins, one metabolite in non-lesional skins and 5 metabolites in blood sera. Although we found several metabolomic similarities between PS and AD, clear differences were outlined. Sphingomyelins were elevated in lesional skin of AD, implying a deficient barrier function. Increased levels of phosphatidylcholines, carnitines and asymmetric dimethylarginine in PS lesional skin and carnitines amino acids in the PS serum pointed to elevated cell proliferation. The comparison of the metabolomic profiles of AD and PS skin and sera outlined distinct patterns that were well correlated with the differences in the pathogenetic mechanisms of these two chronic inflammatory dermatoses.
Migraine Pathophysiology Revisited: Proposal of a New Molecular Theory of Migraine Pathophysiology and Headache Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Shibata Yasushi
Published: October 2022

Various explanations for the pathophysiology of migraines have been proposed; however, none of these provide a complete explanation. The author critically reviews previous theories and proposes a new molecular theory of migraine pathophysiology. The diagnosis of primary headaches is generally based on clinical histories and symptoms only because there is no reliable diagnostic examination. The author proposes a new classification system and set of diagnostic criteria for headaches based on molecular markers.
Androgen Receptor Expression in the Various Regions of Resected Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors and in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Simińska Donata , Korbecki Jan , Kojder Klaudyna , Jeżewski Dariusz , Tarnowski Maciej , Tomasiak Patrycja , Piotrowska Katarzyna , Masztalewicz Marta , Kolasa Agnieszka , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant glioma, difficult to detect and with the lowest survival rates among gliomas. Its greater incidence among men and its higher survival rate among premenopausal women suggest that it may be associated with the levels of androgens. As androgens stimulate the androgen receptor (AR), which acts as a transcription factor, the aim of this study was the investigate the role of AR in the progression of GBM. The study was conducted on tissues collected from three regions of GBM tumors (tumor core, enhancing tumor region, and peritumoral area). In addition, an in vitro experiment was conducted on U-87 cells under various culture conditions (necrotic, hypoxic, and nutrient-deficient), mimicking the conditions in a tumor. In both of the models, androgen receptor expression was determined at the gene and protein levels, and the results were confirmed by confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry. AR mRNA expression was higher under nutrient-deficient conditions and lower under hypoxic conditions in vitro. However, there were no differences in AR protein expression. No differences in AR mRNA expression were observed between the tested tumor structures taken from patients. No differences in AR mRNA expression were observed between the men and women. However, AR protein expression in tumors resected from patients was higher in the enhancing tumor region and in the peritumoral area than in the tumor core. In women, higher AR expression was observed in the peritumoral area than in the tumor core. AR expression in GBM tumors did not differ significantly between men and women, which suggests that the higher incidence of GBM in men is not associated with AR expression. In the group consisting of men and women, AR expression varied between the regions of the tumor: AR expression was higher in the enhancing tumor region and in the peritumoral area than in the tumor core, showing a dependence on tumor conditions (hypoxia and insufficient nutrient supply).
Neuropeptide Y Promotes Human M2 Macrophage Polarization and Enhances p62/SQSTM1-Dependent Autophagy and NRF2 Activation
Authors: Profumo Elisabetta , Maggi Elisa , Arese Marzia , Di Cristofano Claudio , Salvati Bruno , Saso Luciano , Businaro Rita , Buttari Brigitta
Published: October 2022

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an abundantly expressed peptide capable of modulating innate and adaptive immune responses and regulating chemotaxis and cytokine secretion by macrophages. Abnormal regulation of NPY is involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The inflammatory infiltrate within atherosclerotic plaque is characterized by accumulation of macrophages, which are subject to reprogram their phenotypes in response to environmental signals. Macrophage number and phenotype influence plaque fate. Here, we investigated the effect of NPY on the changes in phenotype and functions of human macrophages, from the pro-inflammatory phenotype M1 to the reparative M2, indicative of atherosclerosis regression or stabilization. Human monocytes were differentiated in vitro into macrophages with M-CSF (M0) and polarized towards an M1 phenotype with IFN-γ plus LPS M(IFN-γ/LPS) or M2 with IL-10 (M IL-10) and further challenged with NPY (10−7–10−9 M) for 8–36 h. Cell phenotype and functions were analyzed by immunofluorescence and immunochemical analyses. NPY affected macrophage surface markers and secretome profile expression, thus shifting macrophages toward an M2-like phenotype. NPY also prevented the impairment of endocytosis triggered by the oxysterol 7-keto-cholesterol (7KC) and prevented 7KC-induced foam cell formation by reducing the lipid droplet accumulation in M0 macrophages. NPY-treated M0 macrophages enhanced the autophagosome formation by upregulating the cell content of the autophagy markers LC3-II and p62-SQSTM1, increased activation of the anti-oxidative transcription factor NRF2 (NF-E2-related factor 2), and subsequently induced its target gene HMOX1 that encodes heme oxygenase-1. Our findings indicate that NPY has a cytoprotective effect with respect to the progression of the inflammatory pathway, both enhancing p62/SQSTM1-dependent autophagy and the NRF2–antioxidant signaling pathway in macrophages. NPY signaling may have a crucial role in tissue homeostasis in host inflammatory responses through the regulation of macrophage balance and functions within atherosclerosis.
Stearoyl CoA Desaturase-1 Silencing in Glioblastoma Cells: Phospholipid Remodeling and Cytotoxicity Enhanced upon Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Morais Catarina M. , Cardoso Ana M. , Araújo Ana Rita D. , Reis Ana , Domingues Pedro , Domingues Maria Rosário M. , de Lima Maria C. Pedroso , Jurado Amália S.
Published: October 2022

Modulation of lipid metabolism is a well-established cancer hallmark, and SCD1 has been recognized as a key enzyme in promoting cancer cell growth, including in glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest brain tumor and a paradigm of cancer resistance. The central goal of this work was to identify, by MS, the phospholipidome alterations resulting from the silencing of SCD1 in human GBM cells, in order to implement an innovative therapy to fight GBM cell resistance. With this purpose, RNAi technology was employed, and low serum-containing medium was used to mimic nutrient deficiency conditions, at which SCD1 is overexpressed. Besides the expected increase in the saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio in SCD1 silenced-GBM cells, a striking increase in polyunsaturated chains, particularly in phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin species, was noticed and tentatively correlated with an increase in autophagy (evidenced by the increase in LC3BII/I ratio). The contribution of autophagy to mitigate the impact of SCD1 silencing on GBM cell viability and growth, whose modest inhibition could be correlated with the maintenance of energetically associated mitochondria, was evidenced by using autophagy inhibitors. In conclusion, SCD1 silencing could constitute an important tool to halt GBM resistance to the available treatments, especially when coupled with a mitochondria disrupter chemotherapeutic.
Salivary Endocannabinoid Profiles in Chronic Orofacial Pain and Headache Disorders: An Observational Study Using a Novel Tool for Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Heiliczer Shimrit , Wilensky Asaf , Gaver Tal , Georgiev Olga , Hamad Sharleen , Nemirovski Alina , Hadar Rivka , Sharav Yair , Aframian Doron J. , Tam Joseph , Haviv Yaron
Published: October 2022

The endocannabinoid system is involved in physiological and pathological processes, including pain generation, modulation, and sensation. Its role in certain types of chronic orofacial pain (OFP) has not been thoroughly examined. By exploring the profiles of specific salivary endocannabinoids (eCBs) in individuals with different types of OFP, we evaluated their use as biomarkers and the influence of clinical parameters and pain characteristics on eCB levels. The salivary levels of anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), and their endogenous breakdown product arachidonic acid (AA), as well as the eCB-like molecules N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA), were assessed in 83 OFP patients and 43 pain-free controls using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Patients were grouped by diagnosis: post-traumatic neuropathy (PTN), trigeminal neuralgia (TN), temporomandibular disorder (TMD), migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Correlation analyses between a specific diagnosis, pain characteristics, and eCB levels were conducted. Significantly lower levels of 2-AG were found in the TN and TTH groups, while significantly lower PEA levels were found in the migraine group. BMS was the only group with elevated eCBs (AEA) versus the control. Significant correlations were found between levels of specific eCBs and gender, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), BMI, pain duration, and sleep awakenings. In conclusion, salivary samples exhibited signature eCBs profiles for major OFP disorders, especially migraine, TTH, TN, and BMS. This finding may pave the way for using salivary eCBs biomarkers for more accurate diagnoses and management of chronic OFP patients.
Correction: Rethineswaran et al. CHIR99021 Augmented the Function of Late Endothelial Progenitor Cells by Preventing Replicative Senescence. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 4796
Authors: Rethineswaran Vinoth Kumar , Kim Da Yeon , Kim Yeon-Ju , Jang WoongBi , Ji Seung Taek , Van Le Thi Hong , Giang Ly Thanh Truong , Ha Jong Seong , Yun Jisoo , Jung Jinsup , Kwon Sang-Mo
Published: October 2022

There was an error in representative images of the tube formation in Figure 4b in the original publication [...]
Effects of Lewis Basicity and Acidity on σ-Hole Interactions in Carbon-Bearing Complexes: A Comparative Ab Initio Study
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Shehata Mohammed N. I. , Rady Al-shimaa S. M. , Abuelliel Hassan A. A. , Abd Elhafez Heba S. M. , Shawky Ahmed M. , Oraby Hesham Farouk , Hasanin Tamer H. A. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S. , Moussa Nayra A. M.
Published: October 2022

The effects of Lewis basicity and acidity on σ-hole interactions were investigated using two sets of carbon-containing complexes. In Set I, the effect of Lewis basicity was studied by substituting the X3/X atom(s) of the NC-C6H2-X3 and NCX Lewis bases (LB) with F, Cl, Br, or I. In Set II, the W-C-F3 and F-C-X3 (where X and W = F, Cl, Br, and I) molecules were utilized as Lewis acid (LA) centers. Concerning the Lewis basicity effect, higher negative interaction energies (Eint) were observed for the F-C-F3∙∙∙NC-C6H2-X3 complexes compared with the F-C-F3∙∙∙NCX analogs. Moreover, significant Eint was recorded for Set I complexes, along with decreasing the electron-withdrawing power of the X3/X atom(s). Among Set I complexes, the highest negative Eint was ascribed to the F-C-F3∙∙∙NC-C6H2-I3 complex with a value of −1.23 kcal/mol. For Set II complexes, Eint values of F-C-X3 bearing complexes were noted within the −1.05 to −2.08 kcal/mol scope, while they ranged from −0.82 to −1.20 kcal/mol for the W-C-F3 analogs. However, Vs,max quantities exhibited higher values in the case of W-C-F3 molecules compared with F-C-X3; preferable negative Eint were ascribed to the F-C-X3 bearing complexes. These findings were delineated as a consequence of the promoted contributions of the X3 substituents. Dispersion forces (Edisp) were identified as the dominant forces for these interactions. The obtained results provide a foundation for fields such as crystal engineering and supramolecular chemistry studies that focus on understanding the characteristics of carbon-bearing complexes.
Characterization of Glossy Spike Mutants and Identification of Candidate Genes Regulating Cuticular Wax Synthesis in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Bian Xiuxiu , Yao Lirong , Si Erjing , Meng Yaxiong , Li Baochun , Ma Xiaole , Yang Ke , Lai Yong , Shang Xunwu , Li Chengdao , Wang Juncheng , Wang Huajun
Published: October 2022

Cuticular waxes comprise the hydrophobic layer that protects crops against nonstomatal water loss and biotic and abiotic stresses. Expanding on our current knowledge of the genes that are involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis and regulation plays an important role in dissecting the processes of cuticular wax metabolism. In this study, we identified the Cer-GN1 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutant that is generated by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis with a glossy spike phenotype that is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. A physiological analysis showed that the total cuticular wax loads of Cer-GN1 were one-third that of the progenitor wild-type (WT), and its water loss rate was significantly accelerated (p < 0.05). In addition, Cer-GN1 was defective in the glume’s cuticle according to the toluidine blue dye test, and it was deficient in the tubule-shaped crystals which were observed on the glume surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. Using metabolomics and transcriptomics, we investigated the impacts of cuticular wax composition and waxy regulatory genes on the loss of the glaucous wax in the spikes of Cer-GN1. Among the differential metabolites, we found that 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, which is one of the predominant C16 and C18 fatty acid-derived cutin monomers, was significantly downregulated in Cer-GN1 when it was compared to that of WT. We identified two novel genes that are located on chromosome 4H and are downregulated in Cer-GN1 (HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185) that encode long-chain fatty acid omega-monooxygenase CYP704B1, which regulates the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid. A quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the expression levels of HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 were downregulated at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after the heading stage in Cer-GN1 when it was compared to those of WT. These results suggested that HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 have CYP704B1 activity, which could regulate the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid in barley. Their downregulation in Cer-GN1 reduced the synthesis of the cuticular wax components and ultimately caused the loss of the glaucous wax in the spikes. It is necessary to verify whether HvMSTRG.29184 and HvMSTRG.29185 truly encode a CYP704B1 that regulates the conversion of C16 palmitic acid to 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid in barley.
Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution and Expressional Analysis of OSCA Gene Family in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: She Kuijun , Pan Wenqiu , Yan Ying , Shi Tingrui , Chu Yingqi , Cheng Yue , Ma Bo , Song Weining
Published: October 2022

The hyperosmolality-gated calcium-permeable channel gene family (OSCA) is one kind of conserved osmosensors, playing a crucial role in maintaining ion and water homeostasis and protecting cellular stability from the damage of hypertonic stress. Although it has been systematically characterized in diverse plants, it is necessary to explore the role of the OSCA family in barley, especially its importance in regulating abiotic stress response. In this study, a total of 13 OSCA genes (HvOSCAs) were identified in barley through an in silico genome search method, which were clustered into 4 clades based on phylogenetic relationships with members in the same clade showing similar protein structures and conserved motif compositions. These HvOSCAs had many cis-regulatory elements related to various abiotic stress, such as MBS and ARE, indicating their potential roles in abiotic stress regulation. Furthermore, their expression patterns were systematically detected under diverse stresses using RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR methods. All of these 13 HvOSCAs were significantly induced by drought, cold, salt and ABA treatment, demonstrating their functions in osmotic regulation. Finally, the genetic variations of the HvOSCAs were investigated using the re-sequencing data, and their nucleotide diversity in wild barley and landrace populations were 0.4966 × 10−3 and 0.391 × 10−3, respectively, indicating that a genetic bottleneck has occurred in the OSCA family during the barley evolution process. This study evaluated the genomic organization, evolutionary relationship and genetic expression of the OSCA family in barley, which not only provides potential candidates for further functional genomic study, but also contributes to genetically improving stress tolerance in barley and other crops.