bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a High Flow Rate Puff Topography System Designed for Measurement of Sub-Ohm, Third Generation Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Authors: Floyd Evan , Oni Toluwanimi , Cai Changjie , Rehman Bilal , Hwang Jooyeon , Watson Tyler
Published: June 2022

There are few known puff topography devices designed solely for gathering electronic cigarette puff topography information, and none made for high-powered sub-ohm devices. Ten replicate Bernoulli flow cells were designed and 3D printed. The relationship between square root of pressure difference and flow rate was determined across 0–70 L/min. One representative flow cell was used to estimate puff volume and flow rate under six simulated puffing regimes (0.710 L, 2.000 L and 3.000 L, at low and high flow rates) to determine the system’s accuracy and utility of using dual pressure sensors for flow measurement. The relationship between flow rate and square root of pressure differential for the ten replicate cells was best fit with a quadratic model (R2 = 0.9991, p < 0.0001). The higher-pressure sensor was accurate at both low and high flow rates for 0.71 L (102% and 111% respectively), 2.00 L (96% and 103% respectively), and 3.00 L (100.1% and 107% respectively) but the lower-pressure sensor provided no utility, underpredicting volume and flow. This puff topography system generates very little resistance to flow, easily fits between user’s atomizer and mouthpiece, and is calibrated to measure flows up to 70 L/min.
The Effects of Receiving and Expressing Health Information on Social Media during the COVID-19 Infodemic: An Online Survey among Malaysians
Authors: Zhang Hongjie (Thomas) , Tham Jen Sern , Waheed Moniza
Published: June 2022

Social media is used by the masses not only to seek health information but also to express feelings on an array of issues, including those related to health. However, there has been little investigation on the influence of expressing and receiving information in terms of health-related engagement on social media. Moreover, little is known of the cognitive mechanisms underlying the expression and reception of health information on information overload (IO) during an infectious disease outbreak. Guided by the Cognitive Mediation Model (CMM), this study proposes a conceptual model to understand the effects of receiving and expressing COVID-19 information on social media on IO. Using an online survey conducted in Malaysia, our results indicated that risk perception positively predicted the reception and expression of information which, in turn, was positively associated with perceived stress and IO. Additionally, perceived stress triggered IO, indicating that the greater the perceived stress from health information engagement, the higher the likelihood of one experiencing IO during the pandemic. We conclude that the CMM can be extended to study IO as an outcome variable. More studies in diverse health contexts need to be conducted to enhance the conceptualization and operationalization of IO in health information processing.
Influence of Walking as Physiological Training to Improve Respiratory Parameters in the Elderly Population
Authors: Novotová Klára , Pavlů Dagmar , Dvořáčková Dominika , Arnal-Gómez Anna , Espí-López Gemma Victoria
Published: June 2022

Walking as physiological training is reported to be an effective activity in order to beneficially influence and slow the onset of aging in healthy elderly people. However, insufficient evidence exists on how walking influences lung function in seniors. In our study, we aim to evaluate the effect of different types of walking on lung function in healthy seniors. The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO Essentials databases were searched, while the methodological quality was assessed by the RoB2 tool. A total of seven studies (RCTs) published between 2002–2022 that met the eligibility criteria were analysed in this review. All participants were older adults without any specific associated disease, aged 60 and above. The interventions included structured physical activity; a high/moderate exercise program; long-term regular walking; walking as a part of functional movement training; walking sideways, backward and forward as a part of aerobic training; fast walking; Stepper walking; walking on a treadmill combined with incentive spirometry; and Nordic walking. Overall, most of the mentioned types of walking led to improved lung function in healthy elderly subjects. However, the prescribed Stepper walking program did not improve lung function in healthy seniors.
Factors Influencing Dechlorane plus Distributions in Various Sheep Tissues
Authors: Jin Hongli , Chen Wenming , Bao Junsong , Bu Te , Li Tianwei , Liu Yiming , Liu Yanli , Jin Jun
Published: June 2022

Dechlorane plus (DP) is a potential persistent organic pollutant and its distribution in various tissues and organs of terrestrial organisms is currently unknown. DP concentrations in sheep tissues were determined in this study. The DP concentrations in the tissues decreased in the following order: abdominal fat > liver > stomach > heart > outer tenderloin > lung > hind leg meat > kidney > small intestine > tail fat > spleen > brain. Apart from brain and fat, anti-DP is enriched more readily than syn-DP in sheep tissues, but syn-DP is more readily enriched in brain and abdominal fat. The factors influencing DP distributions in sheep tissues were assessed by determining the DP to sheep serum albumin binding forces, binding types, and binding sites by fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that anti-DP more readily binds to sheep serum albumin than does syn-DP. Therefore, sheep serum albumin will more readily transport anti-DP than syn-DP to sheep tissues, and anti-DP will be enriched more than syn-DP in the tissues. The molecular diameter of DP is the main factor affecting DP concentrations in sheep brain and fat because of the blood–brain barrier and because the main source of DP to abdominal fat is dermal contact.
High-Resolution Urban Air Quality Mapping for Multiple Pollutants Based on Dense Monitoring Data and Machine Learning
Authors: Guo Rong , Qi Ying , Zhao Bu , Pei Ziyu , Wen Fei , Wu Shun , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2022

Spatially explicit urban air quality information is important for urban fine-management and public life. However, existing air quality measurement methods still have some limitations on spatial coverage and system stability. A micro station is an emerging monitoring system with multiple sensors, which can be deployed to provide dense air quality monitoring data. Here, we proposed a method for urban air quality mapping at high-resolution for multiple pollutants. By using the dense air quality monitoring data from 448 micro stations in Lanzhou city, we developed a decision tree model to infer the distribution of citywide air quality at a 500 m × 500 m × 1 h resolution, with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.740 for PM2.5, 0.754 for CO and 0.716 for SO2. Meanwhile, we also show that the deployment density of the monitoring stations can have a significant impact on the air quality inference results. Our method is able to show both short-term and long-term distribution of multiple important pollutants in the city, which demonstrates the potential and feasibility of dense monitoring data combined with advanced data science methods to support urban atmospheric environment fine-management, policy making, and public health studies.
Resilience and Regulation of Emotions in Adolescents: Serial Mediation Analysis through Self-Esteem and the Perceived Social Support
Authors: Surzykiewicz Janusz , Skalski Sebastian Binyamin , Sołbut Agnieszka , Rutkowski Sebastian , Konaszewski Karol
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to test a model that takes into account self-esteem and perceived social support as potential mediators of the relationship between resilience and emotional regulation. The study involved 251 adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years (M = 16.85). The study procedure consisted of completing paper-and-pencil questionnaires to measure resilience, self-esteem, and answer questions about perceived social support and emotional regulation. Bootstrap sampling analysis showed statistically significant serial mediation (B = 0.030; p < 0.001). As a result of the analysis, a positive direct relationship between resilience and emotional regulation was observed (B = 0.061; p < 0.001). Our results suggest that self-esteem and perception of social support may mediate the relationship between resilience and emotional regulation. The findings have an applicable value. They can be used to develop preventive and educational programs, as well as therapeutic interventions. The obtained results show that interventions aimed at resilience can improve self-assessment and perceived social support and thus favor the high level of emotional regulation skills in the adolescent group.
Femicide and Attempted Femicide before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile
Authors: Cantor Erika , Salas Rodrigo , Torres Romina
Published: June 2022

Experts and international organizations hypothesize that the number of cases of fatal intimate partner violence against women increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to social distancing strategies and the implementation of lockdowns to reduce the spread of the virus. We described cases of attempted femicide and femicide in Chile before (January 2014 to February 2020) and during (March 2020 to June 2021) the pandemic. The attempted-femicide rate increased during the pandemic (incidence rate ratio: 1.22 [95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 1.43], p value: 0.016), while the rate of femicide cases remained unchanged. When a comparison between attempted-femicide and femicide cases was performed, being a foreigner, having an intimate partner relationship with a perpetrator aged 40 years or more, and the use of firearms during the assault were identified as factors associated independently with a higher probability of being a fatal victim in Chile. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that attempted femicide and femicide continued to occur frequently in family contexts both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assessing the Perception of Pharmacy Students on Launching a Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health Dual Degree Program in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Institutional Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Badreldin Hisham A. , Bin Saleh Khalid , Badr Aisha F. , Alhifany Abdullah , Alowais Shuroug A. , Almohareb Sumaya N. , Alsuhebany Nada , Alshehri Abdulmajeed , Alzahrani Mohammed , Aldwsari Anas , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Sulaiman Khalid Al , Alturki Allulu , Alhaidal Hayfa , Ghawaa Yazeed
Published: June 2022

There is a lack of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree programs in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to examine current pharmacy students’ perceptions regarding establishing such a program and the perceived limitations and advantages of pursuing such a degree. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based short survey to assess the feasibility of establishing a PharmD/MPH dual degree program in several randomly selected pharmacy schools in Saudi Arabia. Our cohort consisted of 657 students. Almost 56% were males, and nearly 58% were fourth-year pharmacy students. Close to 85% had a “very well” or “well” understanding regarding the pharmacist’s role in the public health area, and almost 70% stated that they see themselves playing a role in public health as a future pharmacist. Nearly 93% reported that they are either “very likely” or “likely” to enroll in such a program if given the opportunity. Almost 80% felt it would increase their job opportunities. On the other hand, close to 70% felt it would increase workload and stress. This study highlights pharmacy students’ positive perceptions regarding establishing a PharmD/MPH dual degree program in Saudi Arabia. The study results could be utilized as the starting point to propose and establish this program to health education policymakers in Saudi Arabia.
Human Stem Cell and Organoid Models to Advance Acute Kidney Injury Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Pode-Shakked Naomi , Devarajan Prasad
Published: June 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an increasingly common problem afflicting all ages, occurring in over 20% of non-critically ill hospitalized patients and >30% of children and >50% of adults in critical care units. AKI is associated with serious short-term and long-term consequences, and current therapeutic options are unsatisfactory. Large gaps remain in our understanding of human AKI pathobiology, which have hindered the discovery of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. Although animal models of AKI have been extensively studied, these differ significantly from human AKI in terms of molecular and cellular responses. In addition, animal models suffer from interspecies differences, high costs and ethical considerations. Static two-dimensional cell culture models of AKI also have limited utility since they have focused almost exclusively on hypoxic or cytotoxic injury to proximal tubules alone. An optimal AKI model would encompass several of the diverse specific cell types in the kidney that could be targets of injury. Second, it would resemble the human physiological milieu as closely as possible. Third, it would yield sensitive and measurable readouts that are directly applicable to the human condition. In this regard, the past two decades have seen a dramatic shift towards newer personalized human-based models to study human AKI. In this review, we provide recent developments using human stem cells, organoids, and in silico approaches to advance personalized AKI diagnostics and therapeutics.
Special Issue “Bone Ontogeny, Embryology, and Homeostasis”
Authors: Smith John Kelly
Published: June 2022

The intention of this Special Issue is to provide the reader with an in-depth understanding of the ontogeny, embryology, and homeostasis of bone, with an emphasis on recent research that has contributed to our understanding of the skeletal system at the molecular level [...]
The Therapeutic Potential of the Restoration of the p53 Protein Family Members in the EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer
Authors: Fregni Matilde , Ciribilli Yari , Zawacka-Pankau Joanna E.
Published: June 2022

Despite the recent development of precision medicine and targeted therapies, lung cancer remains the top cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The patients diagnosed with metastatic disease have a five-year survival rate lower than 6%. In metastatic disease, EGFR is the most common driver of mutation, with the most common co-driver hitting TP53. EGFR-positive patients are offered the frontline treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, yet the development of resistance and the lack of alternative therapies make this group of patients only fit for clinical trial participation. Since mutant p53 is the most common co-driver in the metastatic setting, therapies reactivating the p53 pathway might serve as a promising alternative therapeutic approach in patients who have developed a resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review focuses on the molecular background of EGFR-mutated lung cancer and discusses novel therapeutic options converging on the reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor pathways.
Maternal Fluoride Exposure Exerts Different Toxicity Patterns in Parotid and Submandibular Glands of Offspring Rats
Authors: dos Santos Vinicius Ruan Neves , Ferreira Maria Karolina Martins , Bittencourt Leonardo Oliveira , Mendes Paulo Fernando Santos , Souza-Monteiro Deiweson , Balbinot Karolyny Martins , Pinheiro João de Jesus Viana , Charone Senda , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Lima Rafael Rodrigues
Published: June 2022

There is currently a controversial and heated debate about the safety and ethical aspects of fluoride (F) used for human consumption. Thus, this study assessed the effects of prenatal and postnatal F exposure of rats on the salivary glands of their offspring. Pregnant rats were exposed to 0, 10, or 50 mg F/L from the drinking water, from the first day of gestation until offspring weaning (42 days). The offspring rats were euthanized for the collection of the parotid (PA) and submandibular (SM) glands, to assess the oxidative biochemistry and to perform morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. F exposure was associated with a decrease in the antioxidant competence of PA in the 10 mg F/L group, contrasting with the increase observed in the 50 mg F/L group. On the other hand, the antioxidant competence of the SM glands was decreased at both concentrations. Moreover, both 10 and 50 mg F/L groups showed lower anti-α-smooth muscle actin immunostaining area in SM, while exposure to 50 mg F/L was associated with changes in gland morphometry by increasing the duct area in both glands. These findings demonstrate a greater susceptibility of the SM glands of the offspring to F at high concentration in comparison to PA, reinforcing the need to adhere to the optimum F levels recommended by the regulatory agencies. Such findings must be interpreted with caution, especially considering their translational meaning.
Cellular Conditions Responsible for Methylmercury-Mediated Neurotoxicity
Authors: Fujimura Masatake , Usuki Fusako
Published: June 2022

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widely known environmental pollutant that causes severe neurotoxicity. MeHg-induced neurotoxicity depends on various cellular conditions, including differences in the characteristics of tissues and cells, exposure age (fetal, childhood, or adulthood), and exposure levels. Research has highlighted the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MeHg-induced toxicity and the site- and cell-specific nature of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. The cerebellar granule cells and deeper layer cerebrocortical neurons are vulnerable to MeHg. In contrast, the hippocampal neurons are resistant to MeHg, even at high mercury accumulation levels. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying MeHg-mediated intracellular events that lead to site-specific neurotoxicity. Specifically, we discuss the mechanisms associated with the redox ability, neural outgrowth and synapse formation, cellular signaling pathways, epigenetics, and the inflammatory conditions of microglia.
Nitrate Utilization Promotes Systemic Infection of Salmonella Typhimurium in Mice
Authors: Li Wanwu , Li Linxing , Yan Xiaolin , Wu Pan , Zhang Tianli , Fan Yu , Ma Shuai , Wang Xinyue , Jiang Lingyan
Published: June 2022

Salmonella Typhimurium is an invasive enteric pathogen that causes gastroenteritis in humans and life-threatening systemic infections in mice. During infection of the intestine, S. Typhimurium can exploit nitrate as an electron acceptor to enhance its growth. However, the roles of nitrate on S. Typhimurium systemic infection are unknown. In this study, nitrate levels were found to be significantly increased in the liver and spleen of mice systemically infected by S. Typhimurium. Mutations in genes encoding nitrate transmembrane transporter (narK) or nitrate-producing flavohemoprotein (hmpA) decreased the replication of S. Typhimurium in macrophages and reduced systemic infection in vivo, suggesting that nitrate utilization promotes S. Typhimurium systemic virulence. Moreover, nitrate utilization contributes to the acidification of the S. Typhimurium cytoplasm, which can sustain the virulence of S. Typhimurium by increasing the transcription of virulence genes encoding on Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2). Furthermore, the growth advantage of S. Typhimurium conferred by nitrate utilization occurred only under low-oxygen conditions, and the nitrate utilization was activated by both the global regulator Fnr and the nitrate-sensing two-component system NarX-NarL. Collectively, this study revealed a novel mechanism adopted by Salmonella to interact with its host and increase its virulence.
A Novel Neurofilament Light Chain ELISA Validated in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Subjective Cognitive Decline, and the Evaluation of Candidate Proteins for Immunoassay Calibration
Authors: Das Shreyasee , Dewit Nele , Jacobs Dirk , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , In ‘t Veld Sjors G. J. G. , Coppens Salomé , Quaglia Milena , Hirtz Christophe , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Vanmechelen Eugeen
Published: June 2022

Neurofilament light chain (Nf-L) is a well-known biomarker for axonal damage; however, the corresponding circulating Nf-L analyte in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is poorly characterized. We therefore isolated new monoclonal antibodies against synthetic peptides, and these monoclonals were characterized for their specificity on brain-specific intermediate filament proteins. Two highly specific antibodies, ADx206 and ADx209, were analytically validated for CSF applications according to well-established criteria. Interestingly, using three different sources of purified Nf-L proteins, a significant impact on interpolated concentrations was observed. With a lower limit of analytical sensitivity of 100 pg/mL using bovine Nf-L as the calibrator, we were able to quantify the Nf-L analyte in each sample, and these Nf-L concentrations were highly correlated to the Uman diagnostics assay (Spearman rho = 0.97, p < 0.001). In the clinical diagnostic groups, the new Nf-L ELISA could discriminate patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n = 20) from those with frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD, n = 20) and control samples with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n = 20). Henceforth, this novel Nf-L ELISA with well-defined specificity and epitopes can be used to enhance our understanding of harmonizing the use of Nf-L as a clinically relevant marker for neurodegeneration in CSF.
Pro-Inflammatory Signalling PRRopels Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity
Authors: Domingo Ivan K. , Latif Asna , Bhavsar Amit P.
Published: June 2022

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic that has long since been effective against a variety of solid-cancers, substantially improving the five-year survival rates for cancer patients. Its use has also historically been limited by its adverse drug reactions, or cisplatin-induced toxicities (CITs). Of these reactions, cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN), cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO) are the three most common of several CITs recognised thus far. While the anti-cancer activity of cisplatin is well understood, the mechanisms driving its toxicities have only begun to be defined. Most of the literature pertains to damage caused by oxidative stress that occurs downstream of cisplatin treatment, but recent evidence suggests that the instigator of CIT development is inflammation. Cisplatin has been shown to induce pro-inflammatory signalling in CIN, CIPN, and CIO, all of which are associated with persisting markers of inflammation, particularly from the innate immune system. This review covered the hallmarks of inflammation common and distinct between different CITs, the role of innate immune components in development of CITs, as well as current treatments targeting pro-inflammatory signalling pathways to conserve the use of cisplatin in chemotherapy and improve long-term health outcomes of cancer patients.
The Activity of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Hepatogastrointestinal Disorders and Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rodríguez-Pastén Alicia , Pérez-Hernández Nury , Añorve-Morga Javier , Jiménez-Alvarado Rubén , Cariño-Cortés Raquel , Sosa-Lozada Teresa , Fernández-Martínez Eduardo
Published: June 2022

The components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatogastrointestinal diseases are widespread worldwide, since many factors associated with lifestyle and diet influence their development and correlation. Due to these growing health problems, it is necessary to search for effective alternatives for prevention or adjuvants in treating them. The positive impact of regulated microbiota on health is known; however, states of dysbiosis are closely related to the development of the conditions mentioned above. Therefore, the role of prebiotics, probiotics, or symbiotic complexes has been extensively evaluated; the results are favorable, showing that they play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and the biotransformation of bile acids, as well as the modulation of their central receptors FXR and TGR-5, which also have essential immunomodulatory and metabolic activities. It has also been observed that they can benefit the host by displacing pathogenic species, improving the dysbiosis state in MetS. Current studies have reported that paraprobiotics (dead or inactive probiotics) or postbiotics (metabolites generated by active probiotics) also benefit hepatogastrointestinal health.
Exposure to Toxicants Affects Everyone, Especially the Very Young
Authors: Abbott Louise C.
Published: June 2022

Toxicology is an incredibly complex and diverse area of biomedical science that includes numerous areas of specialization [...]
Heat Shock Alters the Proteomic Profile of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Abd-El-Aziz Ahmad , Riveroll Angela , Esparza-Gonsalez Blanca , McDuffee Laurie , Cohen Alejandro M. , Fenech Adam L. , Montelpare William J.
Published: June 2022

The aim of this research was to determine the impact of heat stress on cell differentiation in an equine mesenchymal stem cell model (EMSC) through the application of heat stress to primary EMSCs as they progressed through the cell specialization process. A proteomic analysis was performed using mass spectrometry to compare relative protein abundances among the proteomes of three cell types: progenitor EMSCs and differentiated osteoblasts and adipocytes, maintained at 37 °C and 42 °C during the process of cell differentiation. A cell-type and temperature-specific response to heat stress was observed, and many of the specific differentially expressed proteins were involved in cell-signaling pathways such as Notch and Wnt signaling, which are known to regulate cellular development. Furthermore, cytoskeletal proteins profilin, DSTN, SPECC1, and DAAM2 showed increased protein levels in osteoblasts differentiated at 42 °C as compared with 37 °C, and these cells, while they appeared to accumulate calcium, did not organize into a whorl agglomerate as is typically seen at physiological temperatures. This altered proteome composition observed suggests that heat stress could have long-term impacts on cellular development. We propose that this in vitro stem cell culture model of cell differentiation is useful for investigating molecular mechanisms that impact cell development in response to stressors.
CITF1 Functions Downstream of SPL7 to Specifically Regulate Cu Uptake in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cai Yuerong , Liang Gang
Published: June 2022

Copper (Cu) is one of the most indispensable micronutrients, and proper Cu homeostasis is required for plants to maintain essential cellular functions. Plants activate the Cu uptake system during Cu limitation. Although SPL7 (SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 7) and CITF1 (Cu-DEFICIENCY INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 1) are two transcription factors in Cu homeostasis, it remains unclear how SPL7 and CITF1 control the Cu uptake system. Here, we reveal that overexpression of CITF1 causes the enhanced tolerance to Cu deficiency and the elevated expression of Cu uptake genes COPT2, FRO4 and FRO5. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and transient expression assays indicate that SPL7 directly binds to and activates the promoter of CITF1. The overexpression of CITF1 partially rescues the sensitivity of spl7-1 to Cu deficiency. Transcriptome data suggest that SPL7 and CITF1 coregulate the Cu-homeostasis-signaling network, and CITF1 has its own independent functions. Moreover, both SPL7 and CITF1 can directly bind to and activate the promoters of three Cu uptake genes COPT2, FRO4 and FRO5. This work shows the functions of CITF1 in the Cu-homeostasis-signaling network, providing insights into the complicated molecular mechanism underlying Cu homeostasis.
Gene Networks of Hyperglycemia, Diabetic Complications, and Human Proteins Targeted by SARS-CoV-2: What Is the Molecular Basis for Comorbidity?
Authors: Saik Olga V. , Klimontov Vadim V.
Published: June 2022

People with diabetes are more likely to have severe COVID-19 compared to the general population. Moreover, diabetes and COVID-19 demonstrate a certain parallelism in the mechanisms and organ damage. In this work, we applied bioinformatics analysis of associative molecular networks to identify key molecules and pathophysiological processes that determine SARS-CoV-2-induced disorders in patients with diabetes. Using text-mining-based approaches and ANDSystem as a bioinformatics tool, we reconstructed and matched networks related to hyperglycemia, diabetic complications, insulin resistance, and beta cell dysfunction with networks of SARS-CoV-2-targeted proteins. The latter included SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors (ACE2 and DPP4), SARS-CoV-2 entry associated proteases (TMPRSS2, CTSB, and CTSL), and 332 human intracellular proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2. A number of genes/proteins targeted by SARS-CoV-2 (ACE2, BRD2, COMT, CTSB, CTSL, DNMT1, DPP4, ERP44, F2RL1, GDF15, GPX1, HDAC2, HMOX1, HYOU1, IDE, LOX, NUTF2, PCNT, PLAT, RAB10, RHOA, SCARB1, and SELENOS) were found in the networks of vascular diabetic complications and insulin resistance. According to the Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, the defined molecules are involved in the response to hypoxia, reactive oxygen species metabolism, immune and inflammatory response, regulation of angiogenesis, platelet degranulation, and other processes. The results expand the understanding of the molecular basis of diabetes and COVID-19 comorbidity.
Extracellular Cysteines Are Critical to Form Functional Cx46 Hemichannels
Authors: Fernández-Olivares Ainoa , Durán-Jara Eduardo , Verdugo Daniel A. , Fiori Mariana C. , Altenberg Guillermo A. , Stehberg Jimmy , Alfaro Iván , Calderón Juan Francisco , Retamal Mauricio A.
Published: June 2022

Connexin (Cxs) hemichannels participate in several physiological and pathological processes, but the molecular mechanisms that control their gating remain elusive. We aimed at determining the role of extracellular cysteines (Cys) in the gating and function of Cx46 hemichannels. We studied Cx46 and mutated all of its extracellular Cys to alanine (Ala) (one at a time) and studied the effects of the Cys mutations on Cx46 expression, localization, and hemichannel activity. Wild-type Cx46 and Cys mutants were expressed at comparable levels, with similar cellular localization. However, functional experiments showed that hemichannels formed by the Cys mutants did not open either in response to membrane depolarization or removal of extracellular divalent cations. Molecular-dynamics simulations showed that Cys mutants may show a possible alteration in the electrostatic potential of the hemichannel pore and an altered disposition of important residues that could contribute to the selectivity and voltage dependency in the hemichannels. Replacement of extracellular Cys resulted in “permanently closed hemichannels”, which is congruent with the inhibition of the Cx46 hemichannel by lipid peroxides, through the oxidation of extracellular Cys. These results point to the modification of extracellular Cys as potential targets for the treatment of Cx46-hemichannel associated pathologies, such as cataracts and cancer, and may shed light into the gating mechanisms of other Cx hemichannels.
Chronic Hyperglycaemia Inhibits Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle in Rat Cardiomyoblasts Overexpressing Glucose Transporter Type 4
Authors: Stratmann Bernd , Eggers Britta , Mattern Yvonne , Silva de Carvalho Tayana , Marcus Katrin , Tschoepe Diethelm
Published: June 2022

An oversupply of nutrients with a loss of metabolic flexibility and subsequent cardiac dysfunction are hallmarks of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Even if excess substrate is offered, the heart suffers energy depletion as metabolic fluxes are diminished. To study the effects of a high glucose supply, a stably glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4)-overexpressing cell line presenting an onset of diabetic cardiomyopathy-like phenotype was established. Long-term hyperglycaemia effects were analysed. Rat cardiomyoblasts overexpressing GLUT4 (H9C2KE2) were cultured under normo- and hyperglycaemic conditions for long-term. Expression profiles of several proteins were compared to non-transfected H9C2 cells (H9C2) using RT-qPCR, proteomics-based analysis, or Western blotting. GLUT4 surface analysis, glucose uptake, and cell morphology changes as well as apoptosis/necrosis measurements were performed using flow cytometry. Additionally, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, glucose consumption, and lactate production were quantified. Long-term hyperglycaemia in H9C2KE2 cells induced increased GLUT4 presence on the cell surface and was associated with exaggerated glucose influx and lactate production. On the metabolic level, hyperglycaemia affected the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle with accumulation of fumarate. This was associated with increased BNP-levels, oxidative stress, and lower antioxidant response, resulting in pronounced apoptosis and necrosis. Chronic glucose overload in cardiomyoblasts induced by GLUT4 overexpression and hyperglycaemia resulted in metabolically stimulated proteome profile changes and metabolic alterations on the TCA level.
Detection of Racist Language in French Tweets
Authors: Vanetik Natalia , Mimoun Elisheva
Published: June 2022

Toxic online content has become a major issue in recent years due to the exponential increase in the use of the internet. In France, there has been a significant increase in hate speech against migrant and Muslim communities following events such as Great Britain’s exit from the EU, the Charlie Hebdo attacks, and the Bataclan attacks. Therefore, the automated detection of offensive language and racism is in high demand, and it is a serious challenge. Unfortunately, there are fewer datasets annotated for racist speech than for general hate speech available, especially for French. This paper attempts to breach this gap by (1) proposing and evaluating a new dataset intended for automated racist speech detection in French; (2) performing a case study with multiple supervised models and text representations for the task of racist language detection in French; and (3) performing cross-lingual experiments.
Survivorship-Reducing Effect of Propylene Glycol on Vector Mosquito Populations and Its Potential Use in Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits
Authors: Pullmann Lindsley Heidi , Lyons Henry B. , Leon-Noreña Melissa , Pitts Ronald Jason
Published: June 2022

Arthropod control mechanisms are a vital part of public health measures around the world as many insect species serve as vectors for devastating human diseases. Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) is a widely distributed, medically important mosquito species that transmits viruses such as yellow fever, Dengue, and Zika. Many traditional control mechanisms have become less effective due to insecticide resistance or exhibit unwanted off-target effects, and, consequently, there is a need for novel solutions. The use of attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSBs) has increased in recent years, though the toxic elements are often harmful to humans and other vertebrates. Therefore, we are investigating propylene glycol, a substance that is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for human consumption. Using a series of feeding assays, we found that propylene glycol is highly toxic to Ae. aegypti adults and a single day of exposure significantly reduces the survivorship of test populations compared with controls. The effects are more pronounced in males, drastically reducing their survivorship after one day of consumption. Additionally, the consumption of propylene glycol reduced the survivorship of two prominent disease vectors: Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) and Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758). These findings indicate that propylene glycol could be used as a safe and effective alternative to pesticides in an ATSB system.
Perspectives on the Barriers to Nuclear Power Generation in the Philippines: Prospects for Directions in Energy Research in the Global South
Authors: Andal Aireen Grace , PraveenKumar Seepana , Andal Emmanuel Genesis , Qasim Mohammed A. , Velkin Vladimir Ivanovich
Published: June 2022

This paper offers a discussion on the social dimensions of the barriers to nuclear power generation in the country. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the literature by identifying the barriers to nuclear power generation in the Philippines and offering perspectives on the social relevance of potentially adding nuclear sources to the country’s energy mix. Given the contemporary relevance of the energy transitions globally, this work builds on the available sources over the past decade concerning nuclear energy technology in the Philippines and provides further discussions on the diverse barriers to the country’s energy transition pathway. Findings present barriers related to politics, policy, infrastructure, technical capacities, environment and information. The differences in priorities and values concerning nuclear energy reflect that the barriers to nuclear energy generation in the Philippines are social as much as technical. Based on the findings and descriptions of the current discussions on Philippine energy generation, this work provides some key points for consideration in order to deploy nuclear power plants in the country. These recommendations, however, are not definitive measures and are still subject to local conditions that may arise. This study hopes to be instructive to other countries in terms of further reflecting on the social dimensions of the barriers to nuclear energy generation.
Biological Variation in Rotational Thromboelastometry in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Rivaroxaban
Authors: Božič Mijovski Mojca , Antovic Jovan P. , Malmström Rickard E. , Mavri Alenka
Published: June 2022

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a viscoelastic hemostasis test used primarily in the management of bleeding after trauma or in cardiac surgery. To allow safe and valid clinical interpretation of test results, objective specifications for analytical performance are needed, which are generally based on biological variation within (CVI) and between (CVG) individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate biological variation in ROTEM in patients receiving rivaroxaban. Sixty patients with atrial fibrillation on stable rivaroxaban therapy were included, from whom blood was collected on six occasions: three times at trough and three at peak rivaroxaban concentrations. ROTEM® Extem and LowTF were measured as well as rivaroxaban concentration, PT, APTT, and anti-Xa. Within- (CVI) and between-subject (CVG) biological estimates were calculated. Knowledge of these biological variation components will help to establish the appropriate objective analytical performance specifications for ROTEM analysis.
Effectiveness of Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation, Using Wearable Sensors, as a Multicomponent, Cutting-Edge Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Antoniou Varsamo , Davos Constantinos H. , Kapreli Eleni , Batalik Ladislav , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Pepera Garyfallia
Published: June 2022

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is a highly recommended intervention towards the advancement of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients’ health profile; though with low participation rates. Although home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) with the use of wearable sensors is proposed as a feasible alternative rehabilitation model, further investigation is needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable sensors-assisted HBCR in improving the CVD patients’ cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health profile. PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO were searched from 2010 to January 2022, using relevant keywords. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials, written in English, comparing wearable sensors-assisted HBCR to center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) or usual care (UC), were included. Wearable sensors-assisted HBCR significantly improved CRF when compared to CBCR (Hedges’ g = 0.22, 95% CI 0.06, 0.39; I2 = 0%; p = 0.01), whilst comparison of HBCR to UC revealed a nonsignificant effect (Hedges’ g = 0.87, 95% CI −0.87, 1.85; I2 = 96.41%; p = 0.08). Effects on physical activity, quality of life, depression levels, modification of cardiovascular risk factors/laboratory parameters, and adherence were synthesized narratively. No significant differences were noted. Technology tools are growing fast in the cardiac rehabilitation era and promote exercise-based interventions into a more home-based setting. Wearable-assisted HBCR presents the potential to act as an adjunct or an alternative to CBCR.
Pulmonary Complications after Vertebral Body Tethering: Incidence, Treatment, Outcomes and Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Trobisch Per , Migliorini Filippo , Vanspauwen Thomas , Baroncini Alice
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is gaining popularity for the management of selected AIS patients. The most frequent non-mechanical complications after VBT are pulmonary complications, with a reported incidence of up to 8% for recurrent pleural effusion. However, only trace data have been published on this topic. We aimed to analyze the incidence, timing, treatment, outcomes and risk factors of pulmonary complications after VBT. Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent VBT between September 2018 and September 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The rate of pulmonary complications was analyzed and the symptoms, timing of onset, treatment and outcomes were recorded. An analysis of demographic, radiographic, surgical and pulmonary function data was conducted to explore possible risk factors for pulmonary complications. Results: Data from 140 patients were available: 14 experienced a pulmonary complication 1 day to 6 weeks after VBT, with 9 presenting a recurrent pleural effusion. A total of 13 patients required invasive treatment. All recovered without sequelae. The risk factor analysis did not result in any significant observations. However, 11/14 patients had had a diaphragm split. Conclusion: Pulmonary complications were observed in 10% of patients. The timing, symptoms and required treatment were heterogeneous. Pleural effusion seems to be more common after diaphragm crossing, but evidence is not yet conclusive.
Long-Term Impacts of Early Musical Abilities on Academic Achievement: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Janurik Márta , Józsa Krisztián
Published: June 2022

Numerous neurological, psychological, and transfer studies confirmed the role of learning music in cognitive development and education. However, exploring the long-term impacts of early musical abilities on academic achievement has gained relatively little attention thus far. In a seven-year longitudinal study, we examined the predictive role of musical abilities in future success in school. The sample consisted of 76 Hungarian students. The independent variables were mothers’ education and the tests administered to Grade-1 students, which included Raven’s Progressive Matrices and tests on word reading, mathematics, and musical abilities. The dependent variable was GPA in Grade 7. All tests demonstrated adequate reliability. In the regression model with the most significant predictive role, the independent variables explained 46% of GPA in Grade 7 when taken together. We established the long-term predictive role of musical abilities in later success in school. Rhythm perception and reproduction demonstrated the most significant explanatory power (11%) of variance for GPA. Mathematics and mothers’ education each explained 10% of the variance. The findings shed light on the positive impacts that early musical training may play in later academic achievement, even in the long run.
Pile Installation Assessment of Offshore Wind Jacket Foundation in Completely Weathered Rock: A Case Study of the South China Sea
Authors: Yin Jiangsong , Li Sa , Sun Liqiang , Li Tingting
Published: June 2022

The assessment of pile drivability is the premise of successful pile installation, and completely weathered (CW) rock may bring the risk of pile refusal. This paper presents a case of pile driving refusal that occurred in a CW gneiss layer. The physical and mechanical properties of the CW gneiss are analyzed based on the results of a laboratory test, a cone penetration test (CPT), and a standard penetration test (SPT). By comparing the properties of CW gneiss with those from intact gneiss, the CW gneiss layer in this study was found to be soil-like. Additionally, it is a sand-like layer according to CPT-based soil classification systems. The soil resistance to driving (SRD) in pile driving was calculated with different methods for sand and compared with the SRD inferred from the pile-driving records. The results show that the modified Fugro’s method assuming a fully plugged condition may provide good pile drivability assessment in this study. It was found that it is necessary to determine the properties of the CW rock layer reasonably before conducting pile driving analysis, and a framework is proposed for analyzing the pile drivability in a CW rock layer based on this case study.
A Comparative Study of Skeletal and Dental Outcome between Transcutaneous External Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis and Conventional Rigid External Device in Treating Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Tsai Chi-Yu , Lee Yi-Hao , Wu Te-Ju , Lin Shiu-Shiung , Lai Jui-Pin , Chang Yu-Jen
Published: June 2022

Background: Traditional distraction osteogenesis (DO) with the tooth-borne rigid external device (RED) system was regularly used in treating patients with cleft-related maxillary hypoplasia. However, the bone-borne RED system with miniplates and bone screws has currently become an effective treatment. This retrospective study was to compare bone-borne RED with traditional tooth-borne RED in distraction effectiveness, blood loss, operative time, and long-term stability. Methods: Twenty-two growing patients who underwent RED therapy were divided into two groups: eleven patients utilizing the bone-borne RED system with the transcutaneous wire attached with skeletal anchorage; another eleven patients using the traditional tooth-borne RED system with the intra-oral device attached with dental anchorage. Serial lateral cephalograms were analyzed for comparing treatment outcomes and stability in 1 month, 6 months, and 1.5 years after distraction. Results: In bone-borne RED group, the maxilla was advanced by 19.98 mm with slight clockwise rotation of 0.40° and minimal palatal inclination change of incisor by −3.94°. In traditional tooth-borne RED group, the maxilla showed less advancement by 14.52 mm, with significant counter-clockwise rotation of −11.23° and excessive palatal inclination change of incisor by −10.86°. Although operative time was longer in the bone-borne RED group by 38.4 min, this did not bring about greater blood loss. Conclusions: the bone-borne RED via transcutaneous wire system provides an easy, simple, and comfortable procedure as well as favorable long-term stability in maxillary distraction.
Progress in Personalized Psychiatric Therapy with the Example of Using Intranasal Oxytocin in PTSD Treatment
Authors: Szafoni Sandra , Piegza Magdalena
Published: June 2022

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder that results in the frequent coexistence of other diseases, lowers patients’ quality of life, and has a high annual cost of treatment. However, despite the variety of therapeutic approaches that exist, some patients still do not achieve the desired results. In addition, we may soon face an increase in the number of new PTSD cases because of the current global situation—both the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing armed conflicts. Hence, in recent years, many publications have sought a new, more personalized treatment approach. One such approach is the administration of intranasal oxytocin (INOXT), which, due to its pleiotropic effects, seems to be a promising therapeutic option. However, the current findings suggest that it might only be helpful for a limited, strictly selected group of patients.