bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Fear of External Threats Plays Roles: An Examination of Supervisors’ Trait Anger, Abusive Supervision, Subordinate Burnout and CCB
Authors: Zhang Wen , Liu Wei , Wu Yingyee , Ma Chenlu , Xiao Xiyao , Zhang Xichao
Published: December 2022

In times of uncertainty, such as during COVID-19, many organizations experience profit decline, and employees develop a fear of external threats, such as organizational layoffs. However, most of the literature focuses on how people’s fear influences their well-being. Less is known about how employees’ fear of external threats influences their workplace behaviors. The current study proposes that supervisors’ fear of external threats stimulates those who are high in trait anger to behave in a more abusive way. Simultaneously, subordinates’ fear of external threats would strengthen the positive relationship between abusive supervision and their burnout and compulsory citizenship behaviors (CCB), as fear of external threats constrains their response options to abusive supervision. We tested the hypotheses with a multiwave and multisource survey study (N = 322 dyads) in China, and the results showed that supervisors’ fear of external threats strengthened the positive effect of trait anger on abusive supervision. Subordinates’ fear of external threats strengthens the positive relationships of abusive supervision with CCB and the mediating effect of abusive supervision in the relationship of supervisors’ trait anger with subordinates’ CCB. Our study enriches people’s understanding of how supervisors’ and subordinates’ fear of external threats may play roles in workplace behaviors.
Utilisation of Digital Applications for Personal Recovery Amongst Youth with Mental Health Concerns
Authors: Dallinger Vicki C. , Krishnamoorthy Govind , du Plessis Carol , Pillai-Sasidharan Arun , Ayres Alice , Waters Lillian , Groom Yasmin , Alston Olivia , Anderson Linda , Burton Lorelle
Published: December 2022

There is an increasing population of youths that report mental health issues. Research has shown that youths are reluctant to seek help for various reasons. A majority of those who do seek help are using digital mental health supports. Subsequently, efforts to promote youth mental health have focused on the use of digital applications as a means of overcoming barriers related to factors including stigma and lack of available services. The worldwide move toward recovery-oriented care led to emerging research on personal recovery amongst youths with mental health concerns. This study sought to address the need for recovery-oriented digital resources for youths. It utilised a qualitative design methodology to develop a rich interpretation of how youths are using digital interventions to support their mental health recovery journey. It sought to understand how existing digital applications are useful for youth recovery and identified characteristics associated with recovery and engagement. The content analysis generated five categories that represent facilitators of youth recovery and the thematic analysis identified key elements of digital applications that support youth recovery. The results offer complimentary support and guidance for recovery-oriented care and the use of digital mental health interventions in the promotion of personal recovery amongst youths.
Digital Teacher Competence Frameworks Evolution and Their Use in Ibero-America up to the Year the COVID-19 Pandemic Began: A Systematic Review
Authors: Velandia Rodriguez Camilo A. , Mena-Guacas Andres F. , Tobón Sergio , López-Meneses Eloy
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way education was conducted, not only at the time when the face-to-face model was replaced by virtuality but also in the period of return to normality because the digital skills of teachers are not the same as before. Digital competency frameworks allow for assessment and comparisons between individuals and over time, so they can be used to understand the transformation that may have occurred in teachers’ digital competencies following the pandemic. This systematic literature review analyzes the competency frameworks that have been used in Ibero-America up to the year 2022, with the purpose of defining a concept foundation as an input on which to build a tool to assess digital competencies. The review was done following the pathway proposed by the PRISMA methodology between 2018 and 2022. Results show that there is no consensus or unification of the frameworks, and that there are five purposes in the research being conducted on digital competencies with publications concentrated on two of them. Interest on digital competence frameworks increased substantially in 2020.
Hemocytes: A Useful Tool for Assessing the Toxicity of Microplastics, Heavy Metals, and Pesticides on Aquatic Invertebrates
Authors: Impellitteri Federica , Curpăn Alexandrina-Stefania , Plăvan Gabriel , Ciobica Alin , Faggio Caterina
Published: December 2022

Invertebrates have long been an important tool for assessing water pollution due to their characteristics as intermediate consumers in aquatic ecosystem food chains. Most of the time, the effects of contaminants are measured by their effect on oxidative status or by mortality, although there already exists an easier tool—hemocytes. Hemocytes are circulating cells with a very important role in the immune system of invertebrates, which can be found within the hemolymph, analogous to the blood in vertebrates. The collection of hemolymph samples is easy, fast, minimally invasive, and poses no danger to the life of invertebrates. The purpose of this review was to highlight the advantages of using hemolymph for toxicity assays of various substances, including heavy metals, micro- and nano-plastics, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and oil spills. A literature search was conducted for this purpose using the most common and most often used databases, with a focus on the most recent and relevant studies. Bivalve mollusks, crustaceans, and gastropods were chosen for this investigation. This review found a growing number of studies choosing to use hemolymph as the standard methodology for toxicology assays, confirming their qualities as reliable tools.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Machine-Learning Models on Predicting Chemo-Brain in Breast Cancer Survivors Previously Treated with Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Turcu-Stiolica Adina , Bogdan Maria , Dumitrescu Elena Adriana , Zob Daniela Luminita , Gheorman Victor , Aldea Madalina , Dinescu Venera Cristina , Subtirelu Mihaela-Simona , Stanculeanu Dana-Lucia , Sur Daniel , Lungulescu Cristian Virgil
Published: December 2022

We performed a meta-analysis of chemo-brain diagnostic, pooling sensitivities, and specificities in order to assess the accuracy of a machine-learning (ML) algorithm in breast cancer survivors previously treated with chemotherapy. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for eligible articles before 30 September 2022. We identified three eligible studies from which we extracted seven ML algorithms. For our data, the χ2 tests demonstrated the homogeneity of the sensitivity’s models (χ2 = 7.6987, df = 6, p-value = 0.261) and the specificities of the ML models (χ2 = 3.0151, df = 6, p-value = 0.807). The pooled area under the curve (AUC) for the overall ML models in this study was 0.914 (95%CI: 0.891–0.939) and partial AUC (restricted to observed false positive rates and normalized) was 0.844 (95%CI: 0.80–0.889). Additionally, the pooled sensitivity and pooled specificity values were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75–0.86) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76–0.86), respectively. From all included ML models, support vector machine demonstrated the best test performance. ML models represent a promising, reliable modality for chemo-brain prediction in breast cancer survivors previously treated with chemotherapy, demonstrating high accuracy.
Relationship between Learning and Psychomotor Skills in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Alonso-Vargas José Manuel , Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , Puertas-Molero Pilar , Salvador-Pérez Federico , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis
Published: December 2022

Psychomotor skills are, among others, an aspect particularly valuable for structuring the teaching–learning process of infant schoolchildren. For this reason, a study was carried out with the aim of describing and comparing the socio-demographic, psychomotor, and learning levels of schoolchildren in the second stage of infant education. Ninety-five pupils from the second cycle of infant education in the capital of Granada took part in this study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the movement assessment battery for children-2 (MABC-2), and the preschool learning behaviour scale (PLBS) were used to collect data. The main results show that manual dexterity appears as the main motor factor and similar figures in the three dimensions of learning behaviours. On the other hand, balance and learning behaviours were higher in 6-year-old schoolchildren. In terms of gender, girls obtained higher values for the level of the learning behaviour variables. A positive correlation was found between the dimensions of learning and motor activity.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing versus Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hudays Ali , Gallagher Robyn , Hazazi Ahmed , Arishi Amal , Bahari Ghareeb
Published: December 2022

This meta-analysis review compared eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behavior therapy efficacy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression symptoms. A systematic search for articles published between 2010 and 2020 was conducted using five databases. The RevMan software version 5 was used. Out of 671 studies, 8 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Three studies reported that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing reduced depression symptoms better than cognitive behavior therapy in both children, adolescents, and adults (SDM (95% CI) = −2.43 (−3.93–−0.94), p = 0.001). In three other studies, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing were shown to reduce anxiety in children and adolescents better than cognitive behavior therapy (SDM (95% CI) = −3.99 (−5.47–−2.52), p < 0.001). In terms of reducing PTSD symptoms, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behavior therapy did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences (SDM (95% CI) = −0.14 (−0.48–0.21), p = 0.44). There was no statistically significant difference at the three-month follow-up and at the six-month follow-up for depression (p = 0.31), anxiety (p = 0.59), and PTSD (p = 0.55). We recommend randomized trials with larger samples and longer follow-up times in the future.
Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Association with Social Determinants, Mental and Physical Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Carretero-Bravo Jesús , Ramos-Fiol Begoña , Ortega-Martín Esther , Suárez-Lledó Víctor , Salazar Alejandro , O’Ferrall-González Cristina , Dueñas María , Peralta-Sáez Juan Luis , González-Caballero Juan Luis , Cordoba-Doña Juan Antonio , Lagares-Franco Carolina , Martínez-Nieto José Manuel , Almenara-Barrios José , Álvarez-Gálvez Javier
Published: December 2022

Background: The challenge posed by multimorbidity makes it necessary to look at new forms of prevention, a fact that has become heightened in the context of the pandemic. We designed a questionnaire to detect multimorbidity patterns in people over 50 and to associate these patterns with mental and physical health, COVID-19, and possible social inequalities. Methods: This was an observational study conducted through a telephone interview. The sample size was 1592 individuals with multimorbidity. We use Latent Class Analysis to detect patterns and SF-12 scale to measure mental and physical quality-of-life health. We introduced the two dimensions of health and other social determinants in a multinomial regression model. Results: We obtained a model with five patterns (entropy = 0.727): ‘Relative Healthy’, ‘Cardiometabolic’, ‘Musculoskeletal’, ‘Musculoskeletal and Mental’, and ‘Complex Multimorbidity’. We found some differences in mental and physical health among patterns and COVID-19 diagnoses, and some social determinants were significant in the multinomial regression. Conclusions: We identified that prevention requires the location of certain inequalities associated with the multimorbidity patterns and how physical and mental health have been affected not only by the patterns but also by COVID-19. These findings may be critical in future interventions by health services and governments.
Eating Behaviours in Sportswomen from the Silesian Training in Different Sports Disciplines
Authors: Rutkowska Magdalena , Czajkowska Mariola , Nowakowska Iwona , Kowalczyk Anna , Król Tomasz , Dąbrowska-Galas Magdalena , Skrzypulec-Plinta Violetta
Published: December 2022

Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal, unhealthy eating habits, and disordered body image. In severe cases, it can cause serious health consequences, including cardiac problems, osteoporosis, infertility, or missing menstrual periods. In women competitively training sports, the main cause for disordered eating behaviours are factors associated with dissatisfaction with their appearance and body image and a need to reduce body weight. Factors related to dissatisfaction with one’s own appearance and body image, a need to reduce body weight, a negative perception of themselves and their bodies, the pressure in sports circles, and stress are predictors for eating disorders. The aim of the study was to compare eating behaviours, body satisfaction, and taking various actions related to body mass reduction among women training competitively in volleyball, athletics, gymnastics, and young women not participating in sports. Material and methods: The study covered a group of girls and young women from the Silesian, Poland, who represented three sports disciplines (volleyball, athletics, and gymnastics), of which 30 girls were used as a control group (B). The study was conducted using a study questionnaire. Results: The study participants ate regularly and consumed all food groups during a week. The majority of girls from A1 (83.33%), A3 (53.33%), and B (80%) groups expressed their dissatisfaction with their body weight. In the group of gymnasts, a positive correlation was noted between the need to reduce body weight and regular eating (r = 0.449; p = 0.013). In the group of volleyball players, it was demonstrated that the higher the competitive experience and the greater the training load, the more regular their eating was (r = 0.475; p = 0.009). Conclusions: The importance of a diagnosis of early signs of eating disorders in girls and women as a basic component contributing to FAT development implies that further studies in this area, as well as education of the entire sports circle are necessary.
Application of Machine Learning to Child Mode Choice with a Novel Technique to Optimize Hyperparameters
Authors: Naseri Hamed , Waygood Edward Owen Douglas , Wang Bobin , Patterson Zachary
Published: December 2022

Travel mode choice (TMC) prediction is crucial for transportation planning. Most previous studies have focused on TMC in adults, whereas predicting TMC in children has received less attention. On the other hand, previous children’s TMC prediction studies have generally focused on home-to-school TMC. Hence, LIGHT GRADIENT BOOSTING MACHINE (LGBM), as a robust machine learning method, is applied to predict children’s TMC and detect its determinants since it can present the relative influence of variables on children’s TMC. Nonetheless, the use of machine learning introduces its own challenges. First, these methods and their performance are highly dependent on the choice of “hyperparameters”. To solve this issue, a novel technique, called multi-objective hyperparameter tuning (MOHPT), is proposed to select hyperparameters using a multi-objective metaheuristic optimization framework. The performance of the proposed technique is compared with conventional hyperparameters tuning methods, including random search, grid search, and “Hyperopt”. Second, machine learning methods are black-box tools and hard to interpret. To overcome this deficiency, the most influential parameters on children’s TMC are determined by LGBM, and logistic regression is employed to investigate how these parameters influence children’s TMC. The results suggest that MOHPT outperforms conventional methods in tuning hyperparameters on the basis of prediction accuracy and computational cost. Trip distance, “walkability” and “bikeability” of the origin location, age, and household income are principal determinants of child mode choice. Furthermore, older children, those who live in walkable and bikeable areas, those belonging low-income groups, and short-distance travelers are more likely to travel by sustainable transportation modes.
Screening and Optimization of Conditions for the Adsorption of Cd2+ in Serpentine by Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhang Xufeng , Du Liyu , Jin Wenjuan
Published: December 2022

In order to explore the optimal conditions for the adsorption of Cd2+ in serpentine, this paper studied the adsorption of simulated cadmium solutions with serpentine as an adsorbent. On the basis of a single factor experiment, four factors including the amount of serpentine, initial pH, the initial concentration of solutions, and adsorption time were selected as the influencing factors, and the adsorption quantity and adsorption rate of serpentine to Cd2+ were double response values using the Box–Behnken design. Response surface analyses were used to study the effects of four factors on the adsorption quantity and adsorption rate of serpentine on cadmium, and the interaction between various factors. The results showed that the optimum adsorption conditions were as follows: the amount of serpentine was 1%, the initial pH was 5.5, the initial solution concentration was 40.83 mg·L−1, and the adsorption time was 26.78 h. Under these conditions, the theoretical adsorption quantity and adsorption rate of serpentine to Cd2+ were 3.99 mg·g−1 and 95.24%, respectively. At the same time, after three repeated experiments, the actual adsorption quantity and adsorption rate of serpentine to Cd2+ were 3.91 mg·g−1 and 94.68%, respectively, and the theoretical value was similar to the actual value. Therefore, it was proved that the experimental design of the regression model is reliable, and it is feasible to use the response surface method to optimize the adsorption conditions of serpentine on Cd2+.
Microbially-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Test on Yellow Sandstone Based on LF-NMR Monitoring
Authors: Zhuang Chao , Liu Chuang , Cui Ziteng , Yang Ze , Chen Yongqiang , Dou Zhi
Published: December 2022

The microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique has shown great robustness in dealing with soil and groundwater contamination problems. A typical result of the implementation of MICP technique is a change in the pore structure. In this study, the effects of MICP on the pore structure of yellow sandstone from the Zigong area, Sichuan, China under different conditions, (e.g., temperature, pH, and calcium ion concentration) are investigated using LF-NMR resonance. The pore network of yellow sandstone is accurately measured using the peak area of the T2 spectral signal. The distribution of calcium carbonate in the pores of the yellow sandstone is characterized by the magnitude of the T2 signal variation. The results show that the precipitation of calcium carbonate caused by MICP tends to be deposited in relatively large pores. However, the calcium carbonate precipitates in the smaller pores at a higher temperature. A higher pH considerably enhances the precipitation, and the alkaline environment tends to cause the precipitation of the calcium carbonate in the large pores. Although the amount of produced calcium carbonate continuously increases as the MCIP process continues, which is expected, the production efficiency decreases steadily.
AKBA Promotes Axonal Regeneration via RhoA/Rictor to Repair Damaged Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Wang Yao , Xiong Zongliang , Zhou Chong , Zhang Qiyuan , Liu Shuang , Dong Sainan , Jiang Xiaowen , Yu Wenhui
Published: December 2022

The existing studies by our team demonstrated the pro-recovery effect of 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) on a sciatic nerve injury. To further investigate the role of AKBA in peripheral nerve injury repair, The TMT quantitative proteomics technique was used to obtain differentially significant proteins in a Sham group, Model group, and AKBA group. After that, three time points (5, 14, and 28 d) and four groups (Sham + AKBA, Sham, Model, and AKBA) were set up, and immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and cellular assays were applied to investigate the expression of CDC42, Rac1, RhoA, and Rictor in the sciatic nerve at different time points for each group in more depth. The results showed that AKBA enriched the cellular components of the myelin sheath and axon regeneration after a sciatic nerve injury and that AKBA upregulated CDC42 and Rac1 and downregulated RhoA expression 5 d after a sciatic nerve injury, promoting axon regeneration and improving the repair of a sciatic nerve injury in rats. Rictor is regulated by AKBA and upregulated in PC12 cells after AKBA action. Our findings provide a new basis for AKBA treatment of a peripheral nerve injury.
Examples of Structural Motifs in Viral Genomes and Approaches for RNA Structure Characterization
Authors: Nalewaj Maria , Szabat Marta
Published: December 2022

The relationship between conserved structural motifs and their biological function in the virus replication cycle is the interest of many researchers around the world. RNA structure is closely related to RNA function. Therefore, technological progress in high-throughput approaches for RNA structure analysis and the development of new ones are very important. In this mini review, we discuss a few perspectives on the structural elements of viral genomes and some methods used for RNA structure prediction and characterization. Based on the recent literature, we describe several examples of studies concerning the viral genomes, especially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A virus (IAV). Herein, we emphasize that a better understanding of viral genome architecture allows for the discovery of the structure-function relationship, and as a result, the discovery of new potential antiviral therapeutics.
Genome-Wide Identification of Wheat KNOX Gene Family and Functional Characterization of TaKNOX14-D in Plants
Authors: Li Song , Yao Yaxin , Ye Wenjie , Wang Shaoyu , Zhang Chao , Liu Shudong , Sun Fengli , Xi Yajun
Published: December 2022

The KNOX genes play important roles in maintaining SAM and regulating the development of plant leaves. However, the TaKNOX genes in wheat are still not well understood, especially their role in abiotic stress. In this study, a total of 36 KNOX genes were identified, and we demonstrated the function of the TaKNOX14-D gene under mechanical injury and cold stress. Thirty-six TaKNOX genes were divided into two groups, and thirty-four TaKNOX genes were predicted to be located in the nucleus by Cell-PLoc. These genes contained five tandem duplications. Fifteen collinear gene pairs were exhibited in wheat and rice, one collinear gene pair was exhibited in wheat and Arabidopsis. The phylogenetic tree and motif analysis suggested that the TaKNOX gene appeared before C3 and C4 diverged. Gene structure showed that the numbers of exons and introns in TaKNOX gene are different. Wheat TaKNOX genes showed different expression patterns during the wheat growth phase, with seven TaKNOX genes being highly expressed in the whole growth period. These seven genes were also highly expressed in most tissues, and also responded to most abiotic stress. Eleven TaKNOX genes were up-regulated in the tillering node during the leaf regeneration period after mechanical damage. When treating the wheat with different hormones, the expression patterns of TaKNOX were changed, and results showed that ABA promoted TaKNOX expression and seven TaKNOX genes were up-regulated under cytokinin and auxin treatment. Overexpression of the TaKNOX14-D gene in Arabidopsis could increase the leaf size, plant height and seed size. This gene overexpression in Arabidopsis also increased the compensatory growth capacity after mechanical damage. Overexpression lines also showed high resistance to cold stress. This study provides a better understanding of the TaKNOX genes.
Preparation, Properties, and Mechanism of Flame-Retardant Poly(vinyl alcohol) Aerogels Based on the Multi-Directional Freezing Method
Authors: Wei Jixuan , Zhao Chunxia , Hou Zhaorun , Li Yuntao , Li Hui , Xiang Dong , Wu Yuanpeng , Que Yusheng
Published: December 2022

In this work, exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) and phosphated cellulose (PCF) were employed to synthesize poly(vinyl alcohol) composite aerogels (PVA/PCF/α-ZrP) with excellent flame retardancy through the multi-directional freezing method. The peak heat release rate (PHRR), total smoke release (TSR), and CO production (COP) of the (PVA/PCF10/α-ZrP10-3) composite aerogel were considerably decreased by 42.3%, 41.4%, and 34.7%, as compared to the pure PVA aerogel, respectively. Simultaneously, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was improved from 18.1% to 28.4%. The mechanistic study of flame retardancy showed evidence that PCF and α-ZrP promoted the crosslinking and carbonization of PVA chains to form a barrier, which not only served as insulation between the material and the air, but also significantly reduced the emissions of combustible toxic gases (CO2, CO). In addition, the multi-directional freezing method further improved the catalytic carbonization process. This mutually advantageous strategy offers a new strategy for the preparation of composite aerogels with enhanced fire resistance.
Recent Developments in Electrochemical-Impedimetric Biosensors for Virus Detection
Authors: Štukovnik Zala , Bren Urban
Published: December 2022

Viruses, including influenza viruses, MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus), SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus), HAV (Hepatitis A virus), HBV (Hepatitis B virus), HCV (Hepatitis C virus), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), EBOV (Ebola virus), ZIKV (Zika virus), and most recently SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), are responsible for many diseases that result in hundreds of thousands of deaths yearly. The ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 disease has raised a global concern and intensified research on the detection of viruses and virus-related diseases. Novel methods for the sensitive, rapid, and on-site detection of pathogens, such as the recent SARS-CoV-2, are critical for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases before they spread and affect human health worldwide. In this sense, electrochemical impedimetric biosensors could be applied for virus detection on a large scale. This review focuses on the recent developments in electrochemical-impedimetric biosensors for the detection of viruses.
Novel Algorithm of Network Calcium Dynamics Analysis for Studying the Role of Astrocytes in Neuronal Activity in Alzheimer’s Disease Models
Authors: Mitroshina Elena V. , Pakhomov Alexander M. , Krivonosov Mikhail I. , Yarkov Roman S. , Gavrish Maria S. , Shkirin Alexey V. , Ivanchenko Mikhail V. , Vedunova Maria V.
Published: December 2022

Accumulated experimental data strongly suggest that astrocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The effect of astrocytes on the calcium activity of neuron–astroglia networks in AD modelling was the object of the present study. We have expanded and improved our approach’s capabilities to analyze calcium activity. We have developed a novel algorithm to construct dynamic directed graphs of both astrocytic and neuronal networks. The proposed algorithm allows us not only to identify functional relationships between cells and determine the presence of network activity, but also to characterize the spread of the calcium signal from cell to cell. Our study showed that Alzheimer’s astrocytes can change the functional pattern of the calcium activity of healthy nerve cells. When healthy nerve cells were cocultivated with astrocytes treated with Aβ42, activation of calcium signaling was found. When healthy nerve cells were cocultivated with 5xFAD astrocytes, inhibition of calcium signaling was observed. In this regard, it seems relevant to further study astrocytic–neuronal interactions as an important factor in the regulation of the functional activity of brain cells during neurodegenerative processes. The approach to the analysis of streaming imaging data developed by the authors is a promising tool for studying the collective calcium dynamics of nerve cells.
CSAD Ameliorates Lipid Accumulation in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Tan Rongrong , Li Jiayang , Liu Lu , Wu Qian , Fan Lei , Ma Ningning , Yu Chuwei , Lu Henglei , Zhang Xuemei , Chen Jing , Gong Likun , Ren Jin
Published: December 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic disease manifested in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, etc., which affects over one-quarter of the population around the world. Since no effective therapeutic drugs are available to cope with this widespread epidemic, the functional research of genes with altered expression during NAFLD helps understand the pathogenesis of this disease and the development of new potential therapeutic targets for drugs. In the current work, we discovered via the analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset that cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) decreased significantly in NAFLD patients, which was also confirmed in multiple NAFLD mouse models (HFD-fed C57BL/6J, db/db and HFHFrHC-fed C57BL/6J mice). Next, CSAD’s function in the progression of NAFLD was explored using AAV-mediated liver-directed gene overexpression in an HFD-fed mouse model, where the overexpression of CSAD in the liver could alleviate NAFLD-associated pathologies, including body weight, liver/body weight ratio, hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol, and the degree of steatosis. Mechanically, we found that the overexpression of CSAD could increase the expression of some genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (Acad1, Ppara, and Acox1). Furthermore, we also detected that CSAD could improve mitochondrial injury in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we proposed that the effect of CSAD on lipid accumulation might be independent of the taurine pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that CSAD is involved in the development of NAFLD as a protective factor, which suggested that CSAD has the potential to become a new target for drug discovery in NAFLD.
The Current Developments in Medicinal Plant Genomics Enabled the Diversification of Secondary Metabolites’ Biosynthesis
Authors: Alami Mohammad Murtaza , Ouyang Zhen , Zhang Yipeng , Shu Shaohua , Yang Guozheng , Mei Zhinan , Wang Xuekui
Published: December 2022

Medicinal plants produce important substrates for their adaptation and defenses against environmental factors and, at the same time, are used for traditional medicine and industrial additives. Plants have relatively little in the way of secondary metabolites via biosynthesis. Recently, the whole-genome sequencing of medicinal plants and the identification of secondary metabolite production were revolutionized by the rapid development and cheap cost of sequencing technology. Advances in functional genomics, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, pave the way for discoveries in secondary metabolites and related key genes. The multi-omics approaches can offer tremendous insight into the variety, distribution, and development of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Although many reviews have reported on the plant and medicinal plant genome, chemistry, and pharmacology, there is no review giving a comprehensive report about the medicinal plant genome and multi-omics approaches to study the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites. Here, we introduce the medicinal plant genome and the application of multi-omics tools for identifying genes related to the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites. Moreover, we explore comparative genomics and polyploidy for gene family analysis in medicinal plants. This study promotes medicinal plant genomics, which contributes to the biosynthesis and screening of plant substrates and plant-based drugs and prompts the research efficiency of traditional medicine.
Involvement of Intestinal Microbiota in Adult Neurogenesis and the Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Authors: Agnihotri Nishtha , Mohajeri M. Hasan
Published: December 2022

Growing evidence suggests a possible involvement of the intestinal microbiota in generating new neurons, but a detailed breakdown of the microbiota composition is lacking. In this report, we systematically reviewed preclinical rodent reports addressing the connection between the composition of the intestinal microbiota and neurogenesis and neurogenesis-affecting neurotrophins in the hippocampus. Various changes in bacterial composition from low taxonomic resolution at the phylum level to high taxonomic resolution at the species level were identified. As for neurogenesis, studies predominantly used doublecortin (DCX) as a marker of newly formed neurons or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) as a marker of proliferation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was the only neurotrophin found researched in relation to the intestinal microbiota. Phylum Actinobacteria, genus Bifidobacterium and genus Lactobacillus found the strongest positive. In contrast, phylum Firmicutes, phylum Bacteroidetes, and family Enterobacteriaceae, as well as germ-free status, showed the strongest negative correlation towards neurogenesis or BDNF mRNA expression. Age, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), obesity, and chronic stress were recurring topics in all studies identified. Overall, these findings add to the existing evidence of a connection between microbiota and processes in the brain. To better understand this interaction, further investigation based on analyses of higher taxonomic resolution and clinical studies would be a gain to the matter.
Hypertensive Nephropathy: Unveiling the Possible Involvement of Hemichannels and Pannexons
Authors: Lucero Claudia M. , Prieto-Villalobos Juan , Marambio-Ruiz Lucas , Balmazabal Javiera , Alvear Tanhia F. , Vega Matías , Barra Paola , Retamal Mauricio A. , Orellana Juan A. , Gómez Gonzalo I.
Published: December 2022

Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for developing chronic cardiovascular diseases, including hypertensive nephropathy. Within the glomerulus, hypertension causes damage and activation of mesangial cells (MCs), eliciting the production of large amounts of vasoactive and proinflammatory agents. Accordingly, the activation of AT1 receptors by the vasoactive molecule angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to the pathogenesis of renal damage, which is mediated mostly by the dysfunction of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signaling. Similarly, inflammation entails complex processes, where [Ca2+]i also play crucial roles. Deregulation of this second messenger increases cell damage and promotes fibrosis, reduces renal blood flow, and impairs the glomerular filtration barrier. In vertebrates, [Ca2+]i signaling depends, in part, on the activity of two families of large-pore channels: hemichannels and pannexons. Interestingly, the opening of these channels depends on [Ca2+]i signaling. In this review, we propose that the opening of channels formed by connexins and/or pannexins mediated by AngII induces the ATP release to the extracellular media, with the subsequent activation of purinergic receptors. This process could elicit Ca2+ overload and constitute a feed-forward mechanism, leading to kidney damage.
Voglibose Regulates the Secretion of GLP-1 Accompanied by Amelioration of Ileal Inflammatory Damage and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diabetic KKAy Mice
Authors: Fu Yaxin , Ji Wenming , Liu Quan , Zhang Lin , Li Caina , Huan Yi , Lei Lei , Gao Xuefeng , Chen Leilei , Feng Cunyu , Lei Liran , Zhai Jiayu , Li Pingping , Cao Hui , Liu Shuainan , Shen Zhufang
Published: December 2022

Voglibose is an α-glycosidase inhibitor that improves postprandial hyperglycemia and increases glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the anti-inflammatory effects of voglibose on the intestine, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. This study evaluated the effects and mechanisms of voglibose on glycemic control and intestinal inflammation. Type 2 diabetic KKAy mice were treated with voglibose (1 mg/kg) by oral gavage once daily. After 8 weeks, glucose metabolism, levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), systematic inflammatory factors, intestinal integrity and inflammation were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Voglibose ameliorated glucose metabolism by enhancing basal- and glucose-dependent GLP-1 secretion. Several beneficial SCFAs, such as acetic acid and propionic acid, were increased by voglibose in the fecal sample. Additionally, voglibose notably decreased the proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B but increased the expression of tight junction proteins in the ileum, thus markedly improving intestinal inflammatory damage and reducing the systematic inflammatory factors. Ileal genomics and protein validation suggested that voglibose attenuated inositol-requiring protein 1α-X-box binding protein 1-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Together, these results showed that voglibose enhanced the secretion of GLP-1, which contributed to the glycemic control in KKAy mice at least in part by regulating intestinal inflammation and the expression of ERS factors.
Common and Specific Marks of Different Tau Strains Following Intra-Hippocampal Injection of AD, PiD, and GGT Inoculum in hTau Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ferrer Isidro , Andrés-Benito Pol , Carmona Margarita , del Rio José Antonio
Published: December 2022

Heterozygous hTau mice were used for the study of tau seeding. These mice express the six human tau isoforms, with a high predominance of 3Rtau over 4Rtau. The following groups were assessed: (i) non-inoculated mice aged 9 months (n = 4); (ii) Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)-inoculated mice (n = 4); (iii) Globular Glial Tauopathy (GGT)-inoculated mice (n = 4); (iv) Pick’s disease (PiD)-inoculated mice (n = 4); (v) control-inoculated mice (n = 4); and (vi) inoculated with vehicle alone (n = 2). AD-inoculated mice showed AT8-immunoreactive neuronal pre-tangles, granular aggregates, and dots in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, dentate gyrus (DG), and hilus, and threads and dots in the ipsilateral corpus callosum. GGT-inoculated mice showed unique or multiple AT8-immunoreactive globular deposits in neurons, occasionally extended to the proximal dendrites. PiD-inoculated mice showed a few loose pre-tangles in the CA1 region, DG, and cerebral cortex near the injection site. Coiled bodies were formed in the corpus callosum in AD-inoculated mice, but GGT-inoculated mice lacked globular glial inclusions. Tau deposits in inoculated mice co-localized active kinases p38-P and SAPK/JNK-P, thus suggesting active phosphorylation of the host tau. Tau deposits were absent in hTau mice inoculated with control homogenates and vehicle alone. Deposits in AD-inoculated hTau mice contained 3Rtau and 4Rtau; those in GGT-inoculated mice were mainly stained with anti-4Rtau antibodies, but a small number of deposits contained 3Rtau. Deposits in PiD-inoculated mice were stained with anti-3Rtau antibodies, but rare neuronal, thread-like, and dot-like deposits showed 4Rtau immunoreactivity. These findings show that tau strains produce different patterns of active neuronal seeding, which also depend on the host tau. Unexpected 3Rtau and 4Rtau deposits after inoculation of homogenates from 4R and 3R tauopathies, respectively, suggests the regulation of exon 10 splicing of the host tau during the process of seeding, thus modulating the plasticity of the cytoskeleton.
Pharmacological Agents with Antiviral Activity against Monkeypox Infection
Authors: Zovi Andrea , Ferrara Francesco , Langella Roberto , Vitiello Antonio
Published: December 2022

Monkeypox infection is caused by a virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus, a member of the Poxviridae family. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from individual to individual through contact with lesions, body fluids, and respiratory droplets. The infection caused by monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with mild symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks. Monkeypox typically presents with fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes. New vaccines have recently been authorized for the prevention of monkeypox infection, whereas there are no specific pharmacological antiviral treatments for monkeypox infection. However, because the viruses which cause adult smallpox and monkeypox are similar, antiviral drugs developed in the past have also shown efficacy against monkeypox. In this review, we highlight the in vitro and clinical evidence found in the literature on the efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents with antiviral activity against monkeypox infection and the different regulatory aspects of countries.
Development of Cell Therapies for Renal Disease and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Torrico Selene , Hotter Georgina , Játiva Soraya
Published: December 2022

The incidence of renal disease is gradually increasing worldwide, and this condition has become a major public health problem because it is a trigger for many other chronic diseases. Cell therapies using multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, hematopoietic stem cells, macrophages, and other cell types have been used to induce regeneration and provide a cure for acute and chronic kidney disease in experimental models. This review describes the advances in cell therapy protocols applied to acute and chronic kidney injuries and the attempts to apply these treatments in a clinical setting.
Influence of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Vitamin D Receptor Expression in Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts as a Response to Orthodontic Compression
Authors: Küchler Erika Calvano , Schröder Agnes , Spanier Gerrit , Thedei Geraldo , Carvalho Ribeiro de Oliveira Maria Beatriz , de Menezes-Oliveira Maria Angélica Hueb , Proff Peter , Kirschneck Christian
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate if single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with gene expression in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) fibroblasts under simulated orthodontic compressive force. hPDL samples from 57 patients were used. A physiological compressive strain was performed to simulate orthodontic tooth movement in pressure areas under cell culture conditions. The RNA from hPDL fibroblasts was isolated to determine the relative gene expression (mRNA) of the VDR. The DNA was also isolated for the genotyping analysis of five SNPs in the VDR gene: BglI (rs739837, G/T), BsmI (rs1544410, T/C), ApaI (rs7975232, A/C), FokI (rs2228570, A/G), and TaqI (rs731236, A/G). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for both analyses. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare VDR expression among genotypes of each SNP. A linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate SNP–SNP interaction. An established alpha of 5% was used. The relative mRNA VDR expression according to the genotypes in the SNPs BglI, BsmI, ApaI, FokI, and TaqI was not statistically significantly different (p > 0.05). The SNP–SNP interaction evaluated by regression analysis did not demonstrate any statistically significant association. No association was observed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the SNPs BglI (rs739837), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), FokI (rs2228570), and TaqI (rs731236) did not show an impact on VDR gene expression in hPDL fibroblasts under simulated orthodontic compressive force.
Red-Emitting Latex Nanoparticles by Stepwise Entrapment of β-Diketonate Europium Complexes
Authors: Park Hwan-Woo , Han Daewon , Ahn Jong-Pil , Kim Se-hoon , Kang Yoon-Joong , Jeong Young Gil , Kim Do Kyung
Published: December 2022

The core–shell structure of poly(St-co-MAA) nanoparticles containing β-diketonate Eu3+ complexes were synthesized by a step-wise process. The β-diketonate Eu3+ complexes of Eu (TFTB)2(MAA)P(Oct)3 [europium (III); 4,4,4-Trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione = TFTB; trioctylphosphine = (P(Oct)3); methacrylic acid = MAA] were incorporated to poly(St-co-MAA). The poly(St-co-MAA) has highly monodispersed with a size of 300 nm, and surface charges of the poly(St-co-MAA) are near to neutral. The narrow particle size distribution was due to the constant ionic strength of the polymerization medium. The activated carboxylic acid of poly(St-co-MAA) further chelated with europium complex and polymerize between acrylic groups of poly(St-co-MAA) and Eu(TFTB)2(MAA)P(Oct)3. The Em spectra of europium complexes consist of multiple bands of Em at 585, 597, 612 and 650 nm, which are assigned to 5D0→7FJ (J = 0–3) transitions of Eu3+, respectively. The maximum Em peak is at 621 nm, which indicates a strong red Em characteristic associated with the electric dipole 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ complexes. The cell-specific fluorescence of Eu(TFTB)2(MAA)P(Oct)3@poly(St-co-MAA) indicated endocytosis of Eu(TFTB)2(MAA)P(Oct)3@poly(St-co-MAA). There are fewer early apoptotic, late apoptotic and necrotic cells in each sample compared with live cells, regardless of the culture period. Eu(TFTB)2(MAA)P(Oct)3@poly(St-co-MAA) synthesized in this work can be excited in the full UV range with a maximum Em at 619 nm. Moreover, these particles can substitute red luminescent organic dyes for intracellular trafficking and cellular imaging agents.
A Pan-Cancer Landscape of ABCG2 across Human Cancers: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Lyu Chen , Wang Lili , Stadlbauer Birgit , Buchner Alexander , Pohla Heike
Published: December 2022

Emerging evidence from research or clinical studies reported that ABCG2 (ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2) interrelates with multidrug resistance (MDR) development in cancers. However, no comprehensive pan-cancer analysis is available at present. Therefore, we explore multiple databases, such as TCGA to investigate the potential therapeutic roles of ABCG2 across 33 different tumors. ABCG2 is expressed on a lower level in most cancers and shows a protective effect. For example, a lower expression level of ABCG2 was detrimental to the survival of adrenocortical carcinoma (TCGA-ACC), glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) patients. Distinct associations exist between ABCG2 expression and stemness scores, microenvironmental scores, microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) of tumor patients. We observed a significant positive correlation between the ABCG2 mutation site and prognosis in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients. Moreover, transmembrane transporter activity and hormone biosynthetic-associated functions were found to be involved in the functionality of ABCG2 and its related genes. The cDNAs of cancer cell lines were collected to detect exon mutation sequences and to analyze ABCG2 mRNA expression. The mRNA expression level of ABCG2 showed a significant difference among spheres and drug-resistant cancer cell lines compared with their corresponding adherent cancer cell lines in six types of cancer. This pan-cancer study provides, for the first time, a comprehensive understanding of the multifunctionality of ABCG2 and unveils further details of the potential therapeutic role of ABCG2 in pan-cancer.