bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Genotypes Diversity for the Integrated Production of Bioethanol and Grains
Authors: Danzi Donatella , Marino Ivana , De Bari Isabella , Mastrolitti Silvio , Petretto Giacomo L. , Pignone Domenico , Janni Michela , Cellini Francesco , Venditti Tullio
Published: November 2021

Wheat straw is an abundant source of lignocellulosic biomass that is generally not utilized for biofuel production, nor for other uses. Recent EU renewable energy directive fosters bioethanol production through lignocellulosic sugars fermentation, but the cost of this process is an issue that often depends on biomass characteristics. Lignin is a class of three-dimensional polymers providing structural integrity of plant tissues. Its complex structure, together with hemicelluloses and uronic acids content, could affect the ability of hydrolyzing biomass to fermentable sugars. To get insights into this variation, a set of 10 durum wheat genotypes was analyzed to determine variation of straw digestibility to fermentable sugars. The results showed that the lignin content was the major factor determining the recalcitrance to enzymatic process. The analysis of Spearman’s correlation indicated that the sugar released after enzymatic hydrolysis had a negative connection with the lignin content, while it was positively correlated with the culm length. The possible role of other cell wall components, such as arabinose and uronic acids, was also discussed. This work aimed at analyzing the diversity of lignocellulosic digestibility to fermentable sugars of wheat straw in a small germplasm collection. Some of the selected genotypes were characterized by high sugars digestibility and high grain yield, characteristics that could make biorefining of wheat straw profitable.
Enhanced Energy Recovery from Food Waste by Co-Production of Bioethanol and Biomethane Process
Authors: Jarunglumlert Teeraya , Bampenrat Akarasingh , Sukkathanyawat Hussanai , Prommuak Chattip
Published: November 2021

The primary objective of this research is to study ways to increase the potential of energy production from food waste by co-production of bioethanol and biomethane. In the first step, the food waste was hydrolysed with an enzyme at different concentrations. By increasing the concentration of enzyme, the amount of reducing sugar produced increased, reaching a maximum amount of 0.49 g/g food waste. After 120 h of fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nearly all reducing sugars in the hydrolysate were converted to ethanol, yielding 0.43–0.50 g ethanol/g reducing sugar, or 84.3–99.6% of theoretical yield. The solid residue from fermentation was subsequently subjected to anaerobic digestion, allowing the production of biomethane, which reached a maximum yield of 264.53 ± 2.3 mL/g VS. This results in a gross energy output of 9.57 GJ, which is considered a nearly 58% increase in total energy obtained, compared to ethanol production alone. This study shows that food waste is a raw material with high energy production potential that could be further developed into a promising energy source. Not only does this benefit energy production, but it also lowers the cost of food waste disposal, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is a sustainable energy production approach.
Exploring the Mystery of the Sweetness of Baijiu by Sensory Evaluation, Compositional Analysis and Multivariate Data Analysis
Authors: Sun Yulu , Ma Yue , Chen Shuang , Xu Yan , Tang Ke
Published: November 2021

Sweetness is an important Baijiu quality marker, but there is limited research on it. In this study, the main contributors to Baijiu sweetness were identified by “sensomics” combined with “flavoromics”. A total of 43 volatile compounds (mostly esters) were found that appeared to contribute to Baijiu sweetness, through sensory-guided fractionation and compositional analysis. Correlation analysis between the volatile composition and perceived sweetness of 18 Baijiu samples with different sweet intensities identified 14 potential contributors. Additional testing verified that combining the 14 compounds reproduced Baijiu sweetness exactly, and omission testing identified ethyl hexanoate, hexyl hexanoate and ethyl 3-methylbutanoate as the major contributors to Baijiu sweetness. These findings not only broadened our understanding of Baijiu sweetness, but also highlighted the major contribution of volatile compounds to sweetness perception, knowledge which may facilitate future flavor modification of a wide variety of foods and beverages.
Protein Hydrolysis and Glycosylation as Strategies to Produce Bioactive Ingredients from Unmarketable Prawns
Authors: Gómez-Estaca Joaquín , Albertos Irene , Martín-Diana Ana Belén , Rico Daniel , Martínez-Álvarez Óscar
Published: November 2021

The present work shows a procedure to valorize non-commercial boiled shrimp to produce functional ingredients, using a combined treatment based on enzymatic hydrolysis and subsequent glycation under mild conditions. Antioxidant and prolyl endopeptidase-inhibiting activities were determined as a function of hydrolysis and glycation times (0–120 min and 0–180 min, respectively). The reaction products were characterized by determining the degree of hydrolysis, browning, fluorescent compounds, free amino acids, phenol content, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and molecular weight of the different fractions obtained. Enzymatic hydrolysis generated hydrolysates with significant antioxidant and prolyl endopeptidase-inhibiting activities. Glycation under mild conditions was used as a strategy to improve the antioxidant and potential nootropic properties of the hydrolysates. During glycation, the free amino acid content decreased, total phenols and fluorescent compounds increased significantly, and low molecular weight melanoidins were formed. The presence of peptide-glucose conjugates was also confirmed by FTIR. Glycation increased the antioxidant activities of the hydrolysates; however, their prolyl-endopeptidase-inhibiting activity was lost. Results showed that compounds with promising antioxidant (hydrolysis and glycation) and potential nootropic (hydrolysis) activities and applications in food systems were obtained from the biotechnological strategy used.
Allelic Variation at Glutenin Loci (Glu-1, Glu-2 and Glu-3) in a Worldwide Durum Wheat Collection and Its Effect on Quality Attributes
Authors: Roncallo Pablo F. , Guzmán Carlos , Larsen Adelina O. , Achilli Ana L. , Dreisigacker Susanne , Molfese Elena , Astiz Valentina , Echenique Viviana
Published: November 2021

Durum wheat grains (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) are the main source for the production of pasta, bread and a variety of products consumed worldwide. The quality of pasta is mainly defined by the rheological properties of gluten, an elastic network in wheat endosperms formed of gliadins and glutenins. In this study, the allelic variation at five glutenin loci was analysed in 196 durum wheat genotypes. Two loci (Glu-A1 and Glu-B1), encoding for high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), and three loci (Glu-B2, Glu-A3 and Glu-B3), encoding for low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS), were assessed by SDS-PAGE. The SDS-sedimentation test was used and the grain protein content was evaluated. A total of 32 glutenin subunits and 41 glutenin haplotypes were identified. Four novel alleles were detected. Fifteen haplotypes represented 85.7% of glutenin loci variability. Some haplotypes carrying the 7 + 15 and 7 + 22 banding patterns at Glu-B1 showed a high gluten strength similar to those that carried the 7 + 8 or 6 + 8 alleles. A decreasing trend in grain protein content was observed over the last 85 years. Allelic frequencies at the three main loci (Glu-B1, Glu-A3 and Glu-B3) changed over the 1915–2020 period. Gluten strength increased from 1970 to 2020 coinciding with the allelic changes observed. These results offer valuable information for glutenin haplotype-based selection for use in breeding programs.
Toxic Metals in Wild Ungulates and Domestic Meat Animals Slaughtered for Food Purposes: A Systemic Review
Authors: Nkosi Davies Veli , Bekker Johan Leon , Hoffman Louwrens Christian
Published: November 2021

The presence of toxic metals in harvested game meat is a cause for concern for public health and meat safety in general. Authorities and food safety agencies continue to develop guidelines and limits of the maximum allowable levels of toxic metals in food products. However, the situation is different for game meat products in developing countries, where a number of shortcomings have been identified. This includes a lack of game meat animal slaughter regulations, specific species’ product limits that have not yet been established and the continued use of hunting or game meat animals’ harvesting plans that could introduce the same toxic metals of concern. This review was conducted from English literature published between 2011 and 2021; it highlights the possible health effects and the shortcomings in the implementation of game meat safety production strategies for toxic metals (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury) in game meat animal production. Lead (Pb) remains the most significant threat for toxic metals contamination in game meat animals and the slaughter processes. In most developing countries, including in South Africa, the monitoring and control of these heavy metals in the game meat value chain has not yet been implemented.
Innovative Preservation Methods Improving the Quality and Safety of Fish Products: Beneficial Effects and Limits
Authors: Speranza Barbara , Racioppo Angela , Bevilacqua Antonio , Buzzo Veronica , Marigliano Piera , Mocerino Ester , Scognamiglio Raffaella , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Scognamiglio Gennaro , Sinigaglia Milena
Published: November 2021

Fish products are highly perishable, requiring proper processing to maintain their quality and safety during the entire storage. Different from traditional methods used to extend the shelf-life of these products (smoking, salting, marinating, icing, chilling, freezing, drying, boiling, steaming, etc.), in recent years, some alternative methods have been proposed as innovative processing technologies able to guarantee the extension of their shelf-life while minimally affecting their organoleptic properties. The present review aims to describe the primary mechanisms of some of these innovative methods applied to preserve quality and safety of fish products; namely, non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), pulsed light (PL), ultrasounds (US) and electrolyzed water (EW) are analysed, focusing on the main results of the studies published over the last 10 years. The limits and the benefits of each method are addressed in order to provide a global overview about these promising emerging technologies and to facilitate their greater use at industrial level. In general, all the innovative methods analysed in this review have shown a good effectiveness to control microbial growth in fish products maintaining their organoleptic, nutritional and sensory characteristics. Most of the technologies have also shown the great advantage to have a lower energy consumption and shorter production times. In contrast, not all the methods are in the same development stage; thus, we suggest further investigations to develop one (or more) hurdle-like non-thermal method able to meet both food production requirements and the modern consumers’ demand.
Forecasting with Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Hussain Walayat , Alkalbani Asma Musabah , Gao Honghao
Published: November 2021

The decision-maker is increasingly utilising machine learning (ML) techniques to find patterns in huge quantities of real-time data [...]
COVID-19 and Tourism: Analyzing the Effects of COVID-19 Statistics and Media Coverage on Attitudes toward Tourism
Authors: Godovykh Maksim , Ridderstaat Jorge , Baker Carissa , Fyall Alan
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 has significantly influenced tourism, including tourists’ and residents’ attitudes toward tourism. At the same time, attitudes and consumer confidence are important for economic recovery in the tourism sector. This study explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s attitudes toward tourism by analyzing time-series data on the number of COVID-19 positive cases, vaccinations, news sentiment, a total number of daily mentions of tourism, and the share of voice for positive and negative sentiment toward tourism. The applied data analysis techniques include descriptive analysis, visual representation of data, data decomposition into trend and cycle components, unit root tests, Granger causality test, and multiple time series regression. The results demonstrate that the COVID-19 statistics and media coverage have significant effects on interest in tourism in general, as well as the positive and negative sentiment toward tourism. The results contribute to knowledge and practice by describing the effects of the disease statistics on attitudes toward tourism, introducing social media sentiment analysis as an opportunity to measure positive and negative sentiment toward tourism, and providing recommendations for government authorities, destination management organizations, and tourism providers.
Correlation of Expression Changes between Genes Controlling 5-HT Synthesis and Genes Crh and Trh in the Midbrain Raphe Nuclei of Chronically Aggressive and Defeated Male Mice
Authors: Redina Olga E. , Babenko Vladimir N. , Smagin Dmitry A. , Kovalenko Irina L. , Galyamina Anna G. , Kudryavtseva Natalia N.
Published: November 2021

Midbrain raphe nuclei (MRNs) contain a large number of serotonergic neurons associated with the regulation of numerous types of psychoemotional states and physiological processes. The aim of this work was to study alterations of the MRN transcriptome in mice with prolonged positive or negative fighting experience and to identify key gene networks associated with the regulation of serotonergic system functioning. Numerous genes underwent alterations of transcription in the MRNs of male mice that either manifested aggression or experienced social defeat in daily agonistic interactions. The expression of the Tph2 gene encoding the rate-limiting enzyme of the serotonin synthesis pathway correlated with the expression of many genes, 31 of which were common between aggressive and defeated mice and were downregulated in the MRNs of mice of both experimental groups. Among these common differentially expressed genes (DEGs), there were genes associated with behavior, learning, memory, and synaptic signaling. These results suggested that, in the MRNs of the mice, the transcriptome changes associated with serotonergic regulation of various processes are similar between the two groups (aggressive and defeated). In the MRNs, more DEGs correlating with Tph2 expression were found in defeated mice than in the winners, which is probably a consequence of deeper Tph2 downregulation in the losers. It was shown for the first time that, in both groups of experimental mice, the changes in the transcription of genes controlling the synthesis and transport of serotonin directly correlate with the expression of genes Crh and Trh, which control the synthesis of corticotrophin- and thyrotropin-releasing hormones. Our findings indicate that CRH and TRH locally produced in MRNs are related to serotonergic regulation of brain processes during a chronic social conflict.
Water Use Efficiency and Nutritional Status of a New Grapevine Rootstock Selection
Authors: Bianchi Davide , Brancadoro Lucio
Published: November 2021

The production and quality of grapes are determined by the hydric and nutritional status of the vine. In modern viticulture, the interface between grapevine and soil is represented by the rootstock, which modulates the uptake of water and nutrients. Thus, selection of new rootstocks for abiotic stress tolerance represents an adaptation strategy for viticulture to the new environmental conditions imposed by climate change. The aim of this work is to evaluate the water-use efficiency (WUE) and the nutritional status of a selection of 30 new rootstock genotypes, originating from several breeding programs. WUE and gas exchange were measured for each genotype in two environments characterized by different water availability, and the levels of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the leaf blades were determined during the phenological stages of flowering and ripening. Water availability was different in the two environments, affecting gas exchange, with mean values of carbon assimilation of 10.43 ± 0.32 and 3.84 ± 0.34 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1, respectively. Genotypes were classified according to their water stress tolerance, vigor, and affinity for macronutrients and micronutrients. A total of 14 genotypes showed tolerance to water stress, and 10 of them reported high vigor and carbon assimilation. Furthermore, the majority of water-stress-tolerant genotypes had greater affinity for Mg than for K. In further studies, the most promising rootstocks will be evaluated in grafting combination with Vitis vinifera.
Vocational Interventions to Improve Employment Participation of People with Psychosocial Disability, Autism and/or Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Weld-Blundell Isabelle , Shields Marissa , Devine Alexandra , Dickinson Helen , Kavanagh Anne , Marck Claudia
Published: November 2021

Objective: To systematically review interventions aimed at improving employment participation of people with psychosocial disability, autism, and intellectual disability. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, ERIC, and ERC for studies published from 2010 to July 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions aimed at increasing participation in open/competitive or non-competitive employment were eligible for inclusion. We included studies with adults with psychosocial disability autism and/or intellectual disability. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias II Tool. Data were qualitatively synthesized. Our review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020219192). Results: We included 26 RCTs: 23 targeted people with psychosocial disabilities (n = 2465), 3 included people with autism (n = 214), and none included people with intellectual disability. Risk of bias was high in 8 studies, moderate for 18, and low for none. There was evidence for a beneficial effect of Individual Placement and Support compared to control conditions in 10/11 studies. Among young adults with autism, there was some evidence for the benefit of Project SEARCH and ASD supports on open employment. Discussion: Gaps in the availability of high-quality evidence remain, undermining comparability and investment decisions in vocational interventions. Future studies should focus on improving quality and consistent measurement, especially for interventions targeting people with autism and/or intellectual disability.
Characteristics of the Phytoplankton Community Structure and Water Quality Evaluation in Autumn in the Huaihe River (China)
Authors: Zhang Yun , Gao Wanli , Li Yuying , Jiang Yeqing , Chen Xiaonuo , Yao Yinlei , Messyasz Beata , Yin Kun , He Wenxiang , Chen Yong
Published: November 2021

As an important indicator of phytoplankton in water quality evaluation, the phytoplankton community structure is very sensitive to changes in water quality, and analyzing their community composition and function is of great significance for the ecological management and maintenance of watershed environments. To understand the environment and ecological status as well as reconstruct or restore a healthy aquatic ecosystem in the Huaihe River Basin in China, a comprehensive phytoplankton survey was conducted in the main stream and main tributaries of the Huaihe River in 2019. A total of 266 species or genera of phytoplankton were identified, mainly belonging to Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta. The number of phytoplankton species upstream and downstream was higher than that in the middle. The results of phytoplankton biomass showed significant spatial differences in different river reaches (p < 0.05). The identified phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) were divided into 27 groups, including 16 representative functional groups (RFGs), followed by A, B, F, G, H1, J, K, LM, LO, M, MP, P, T, TB, WO and X2. The mean values of the Shannon–Wiener index and Margalef index were 2.47 and 2.50, respectively, showing that most of the water in the Huaihe River Basin was in a state of moderate nutritional status. The results of this study provided a reference for studying the composition and distribution of phytoplankton communities, nutrient status, and pollution levels in the Huaihe River Basin, as well as in other similar watersheds.
Strategies Adopted by Addiction Facilities during the Coronavirus Pandemic to Support Treatment for Individuals in Recovery or Struggling with a Substance Use Disorder: A Scoping Review
Authors: de Vargas Divane , Pereira Caroline Figueira , Volpato Rosa Jacinto , Lima Ana Vitória Corrêa , da Silva Ferreira Rogério , de Oliveira Sheila Ramos , Aguilar Thiago Faustino
Published: November 2021

This review aimed to identify and synthesize strategies and actions adopted by addiction facilities to support and maintain treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A scoping review was conducted using the following information sources: Virtual Health Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature. From a total of 971 articles, 28 studies were included. The strategies to maintain the care offer were telehealth/telemedicine, counselling/screening, 24-h telephone, webinars, conducting group therapy and support among users, adaptation for electronic health records, increased methadone/naloxone dispensing, restriction in the number of medication dispensing/day, and electronic prescription and home delivery medications. These strategies can be used to support health professionals in addressing the impact of the pandemic on the treatment of those in recovery or struggling with a substance use disorder when in-person treatment is not possible.
Knowledge and Attitude of Polish Dental Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Turska-Szybka Anna , Prokopczyk Maria , Winkielman Piotr , Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota
Published: November 2021

Objectives: This study analyzed Polish dentists’ knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the main problems in their work during the early phase of the pandemic. Methods: Dentists responded to an online anonymous survey consisting of 57 questions relating to socio-demographics, knowledge about COVID-19, and office procedures. The obtained data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics, significance of dependencies and Chi square and Mann–Whitney tests; p < 0.05. Results: Ultimately, responses from 730 dentists were included. The mean age was 43.62 ± 11.57. Almost 3/4 of the respondents followed the information on COVID-19. A total of 95.5% had knowledge about COVID-19. Genetic testing was the basic test according to 69.2%. Further, 56.0% were concerned about the pandemic, and 23.6% were significantly anxious. In addition, 42.1% considered a risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace as very high. A total of 84.0% admitted patients performing a triage and using personal protective equipment (PPE). Further, 44.5% planned to become vaccinated. Continuing the work during the pandemic was strongly correlated with age, sector, and location and duration of work. Conclusions: Most Polish dentists follow the information on the COVID-19 protocol and have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Dentists are concerned and anxious about the situation. The vast majority admitted patients during the pandemic and use PPE. Only almost half plan to be vaccinated.
Informal Caregiving, Loneliness and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hajek André , Kretzler Benedikt , König Hans-Helmut
Published: November 2021

Background: Several empirical studies have shown an association between informal caregiving for adults and loneliness or social isolation. Nevertheless, a systematic review is lacking synthesizing studies which have investigated these aforementioned associations. Therefore, our purpose was to give an overview of the existing evidence from observational studies. Materials and Methods: Three electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL) were searched in June 2021. Observational studies investigating the association between informal caregiving for adults and loneliness or social isolation were included. In contrast, studies examining grandchild care or private care for chronically ill children were excluded. Data extractions covered study design, assessment of informal caregiving, loneliness and social isolation, the characteristics of the sample, the analytical approach and key findings. Study quality was assessed based on the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Each step (study selection, data extraction and evaluation of study quality) was conducted by two reviewers. Results: In sum, twelve studies were included in our review (seven cross-sectional studies and five longitudinal studies)—all included studies were either from North America or Europe. The studies mainly showed an association between providing informal care and higher loneliness levels. The overall study quality was fair to good. Conclusion: Our systematic review mainly identified associations between providing informal care and higher loneliness levels. This is of great importance in assisting informal caregivers in avoiding loneliness, since it is associated with subsequent morbidity and mortality. Moreover, high loneliness levels of informal caregivers may have adverse consequences for informal care recipients.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life of Entrepreneurs. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Puciato Daniel , Rozpara Michał , Bugdol Marek , Borys Tadeusz , Słaby Teresa
Published: November 2021

Background: Quality of life is one of the most important conceptual categories in many scientific fields and socio-economic practices. In the authors’ opinion, the assessment of the overall quality of life and the health-related quality of life of private entrepreneurs deserves particular attention. Until now, quality of life and its determinants in entrepreneurs have been investigated by few authors. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the key determinants of quality of life and its health-related aspects in entrepreneurs from Wroclaw, Poland. Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out in a group of 616 entrepreneurs selected from among 4332 individuals (2276 women, 2056 men) who had participated in a study on the socioeconomic determinants of quality of life and physical activity of Wrocław residents of working age. The main research method was a diagnostic survey using S-ES and WHOQOL BREF questionnaires. Information was obtained on respondents’ quality of life and perceived health condition, as well as sex, age, education, marital status, number of people in the household, income per capita, savings, and indebtedness. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using numerical distribution, medians, and quartile deviation. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were used to assess relationships between entrepreneurs’ quality of life and socioeconomic status. Results: Over 66% of Wroclaw entrepreneurs rated their overall quality of life as average or above average and about 34% as below average. An average or above assessment of perceived health condition was provided by 71% of respondents, and below average by 29% of respondents. Health-related quality of life was assessed as average or above average in the environmental domain by 79%, physical domain by 77%, social domain by 65%, and psychological domain by 58% of the entrepreneurs. Among the respondents significant correlations were found between quality of life and perceived health condition; family status, i.e., marital status; number of persons in the household; and financial status, i.e., per capita income, savings, and debt. Conclusions: The results of this study can be used for managing the quality of life of entrepreneurs. Quality of life determinants should be constantly updated, as they may change along with further economic development and Poland’s economic convergence with better developed EU countries.
Impact and Return on Investment of the Take Kare Safe Space Program—A Harm Reduction Strategy Implemented in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Doran Christopher M. , Wadds Phillip , Shakeshaft Anthony , Tran Dam Anh
Published: November 2021

Safe spaces are increasingly utilized to reduce alcohol-related harm, violence, crime and improve public safety in nightlife settings. This study aimed to determine the impact and return on investment of the Take Kare Safe Space (TKSS) program—a harm reduction program implemented to address alcohol-related violence and disorder in three locations in Sydney’s night-time economy between 2014 and 2019. TKSS ambassadors provided support at static safe spaces and patrolled designated nightlife precincts to provide practical assistance to vulnerable and intoxicated people. Ambassadors recorded information relating to these interactions including ‘client’ age, gender, perceived level of intoxication, time and length of engagement with the program. Costs of program implementation and benefits of major incidents averted were obtained to allow calculation of return on investment. From December 2014 to April 2019, 66,455 people were supported by TKSS ambassadors. Most users were male (62%) and aged 18–25 years (66%). Of 3633 interventions by ambassadors, serious risk of harm was averted in 735 cases (20%). The program’s return on investment is estimated at 2.67, suggesting that a $1 investment results in $2.67 in benefits. Safe Spaces are extensively utilized, particularly by young males with high levels of intoxication, and represent a positive return on investment. Despite the growth of such services, there remains a notable absence of rigorous, independent evaluation regarding the outcomes and/or social benefit of safe space programs. From a policy perspective, there is a need for more high-quality economic evaluations to better inform decisions about competing uses of limited resources.
Helping While Social Distancing: Pathogen Avoidance Motives Influence People’s Helping Intentions during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ding Yi , Ji Tingting , Guo Yongyu
Published: November 2021

The behavioral immune system (BIS) theory suggests that pathogen avoidance motives relate to greater behavioral avoidance against social interactions that pose potential risks of pathogen transmission. Based on the BIS theory, pathogen avoidance motives would decrease people’s helping behavior towards others. However, would pathogen avoidance motives decrease all types of helping behavior towards others during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (i.e., COVID-19) pandemic indiscriminately? In the present study, we conducted a within-subjects design to compare people’s helping intentions toward voluntary work with and without social contact. Specifically, participants (N = 1562) completed an online survey at the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in China measuring pathogen disgust sensitivity, state anxiety, and intentions to perform volunteer work with and without social contact. Results revealed that pathogen disgust sensitivity negatively predicted intentions to perform voluntary work with social contact yet had no influence on intentions to perform socially distanced voluntary work. Moreover, the effect of pathogen disgust sensitivity on socially distanced volunteering preference was mediated by the state anxiety people experienced during the pandemic. The findings have implications for understanding people’s helping behavior during the pandemic.
A Systematic Approach to the Development of Cilostazol Nanosuspension by Liquid Antisolvent Precipitation (LASP) and Its Combination with Ultrasound
Authors: Jakubowska Emilia , Milanowski Bartłomiej , Lulek Janina
Published: November 2021

Nanosizing is an approach to improve the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. The first aim of this work was to develop nanosuspension of cilostazol with liquid antisolvent precipitation (LASP) and its combination with ultrasound. Second, to systematically study the effect of bottom-up processing factors on precipitated particles’ size and identify the optimal settings for the best reduction. After solvent and stabilizer screening, in-depth process characterization and optimization was performed using Design of Experiments. The work discusses the influence of critical factors found with statistical analysis: feed concentration, stabilizer amount, stirring speed and ultrasound energy governed by time and amplitude. LASP alone only generated particle size of a few microns, but combination with ultrasound was successful in nanosizing (d10 = 0.06, d50 = 0.33, d90 = 1.45 µm). Micro- and nanosuspension’s stability, particle morphology and solid state were studied. Nanosuspension displayed higher apparent solubility than equilibrium and superior dissolution rate over coarse cilostazol and microsuspension. A bottom-up method of precipitation-sonication was demonstrated to be a successful approach to improve the dissolution characteristics of poorly soluble, BCS class II drug cilostazol by reducing its particle size below micron scale, while retaining nanosuspension stability and unchanged crystalline form.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Attenuates the Inflammatory Response of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lee Ha-Reum , Yoo Su-Jin , Kim Jinhyun , Park Chan Keol , Kang Seong Wook
Published: November 2021

The production and oxidation mechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are out of balance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the correlation between ROS and T cell subsets in RA remains unclear. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with RA (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 10) were isolated from whole blood samples. Synovial tissues (n = 3) and synovial fluid (n = 10) were obtained from patients with RA. The repartition of T cell subsets and expression of ROS and cytokines were examined according to RA severity. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with RA were stimulated with PBMCs and the expression of inflammation-related molecules were measured by RT-PCR and cytokine array. Regulatory T cells from patients with moderate (5.1 > DAS28 ≥ 3.2) RA showed the highest expression of mitochondrial ROS among the groups based on disease severity. Although ROS levels steadily increased with RA severity, there was a slight decline in severe RA (DAS28 ≥ 5.1) compared with moderate RA. The expression of inflammatory cytokines in RA FLSs were significantly inhibited when FLSs were co-cultured with PBMCs treated with ROS inhibitor. These findings provide a novel approach to suppress inflammatory response of FLSs through ROS regulation in PBMCs.
Enhancement of Bone-Forming Ability on Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate by Modulating Cellular Senescence Mechanisms Using Senolytics
Authors: Wang Xinchen , Honda Yoshitomo , Zhao Jianxin , Morikuni Hidetoshi , Nishiura Aki , Hashimoto Yoshiya , Matsumoto Naoyuki
Published: November 2021

Various stresses latently induce cellular senescence that occasionally deteriorates the functioning of surrounding tissues. Nevertheless, little is known about the appearance and function of senescent cells, caused by the implantation of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)—used widely in dentistry and orthopedics for treating bone diseases. In this study, two varying sizes of β-TCP granules (<300 μm and 300–500 μm) were implanted, and using histological and immunofluorescent staining, appearances of senescent-like cells in critical-sized bone defects in the calvaria of Sprague Dawley rats were evaluated. Parallelly, bone formation in defects was investigated with or without the oral administration of senolytics (a cocktail of dasatinib and quercetin). A week after the implantation, the number of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, p21-, p19-, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells increased and then decreased upon administrating senolytics. This administration of senolytics also attenuated 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal staining, representing reactive oxygen species. Combining senolytic administration with β-TCP implantation significantly enhanced the bone formation in defects as revealed by micro-computed tomography analysis and hematoxylin-eosin staining. This study demonstrates that β-TCP granules latently induce senescent-like cells, and senolytic administration may improve the bone-forming ability of β-TCP by inhibiting senescence-associated mechanisms.
Contribution of the Transcription Factors Sp1/Sp3 and AP-1 to Clusterin Gene Expression during Corneal Wound Healing of Tissue-Engineered Human Corneas
Authors: Gross Christelle , Le-Bel Gaëtan , Desjardins Pascale , Benhassine Manel , Germain Lucie , Guérin Sylvain L.
Published: November 2021

In order to reduce the need for donor corneas, understanding of corneal wound healing and development of an entirely tissue-engineered human cornea (hTECs) is of prime importance. In this study, we exploited the hTEC to determine how deep wound healing affects the transcriptional pattern of corneal epithelial cells through microarray analyses. We demonstrated that the gene encoding clusterin (CLU) has its expression dramatically repressed during closure of hTEC wounds. Western blot analyses confirmed a strong reduction in the expression of the clusterin isoforms after corneal damage and suggest that repression of CLU gene expression might be a prerequisite to hTEC wound closure. Transfection with segments from the human CLU gene promoter revealed the presence of three regulatory regions: a basal promoter and two more distal negative regulatory regions. The basal promoter bears DNA binding sites for very potent transcription factors (TFs): Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) and Specificity protein-1 and 3 (Sp1/Sp3). By exploiting electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), we demonstrated that AP-1 and Sp1/Sp3 have their DNA binding site overlapping with one another in the basal promoter of the CLU gene in hCECs. Interestingly, expression of both these TFs is reduced (at the protein level) during hTEC wound healing, thereby contributing to the extinction of CLU gene expression during that process. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms accounting for the repression of CLU gene expression during corneal wound healing.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Activation by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) Dose-Dependently Shifts the Gut Microbiome Consistent with the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Fling Russell R. , Zacharewski Timothy R.
Published: November 2021

Gut dysbiosis with disrupted enterohepatic bile acid metabolism is commonly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and recapitulated in a NAFLD-phenotype elicited by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in mice. TCDD induces hepatic fat accumulation and increases levels of secondary bile acids, including taurolithocholic acid and deoxycholic acid (microbial modified bile acids involved in host bile acid regulation signaling pathways). To investigate the effects of TCDD on the gut microbiota, the cecum contents of male C57BL/6 mice orally gavaged with sesame oil vehicle or 0.3, 3, or 30 µg/kg TCDD were examined using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Taxonomic analysis identified dose-dependent increases in Lactobacillus species (i.e., Lactobacillus reuteri). Increased species were also associated with dose-dependent increases in bile salt hydrolase sequences, responsible for deconjugation reactions in secondary bile acid metabolism. Increased L. reuteri levels were further associated with mevalonate-dependent isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) biosynthesis and o-succinylbenzoate synthase, a menaquinone biosynthesis associated gene. Analysis of the gut microbiomes from cirrhosis patients identified an increased abundance of genes from the mevalonate-dependent IPP biosynthesis as well as several other menaquinone biosynthesis genes, including o-succinylbenzoate synthase. These results extend the association of lactobacilli with the AhR/intestinal axis in NAFLD progression and highlight the similarities between TCDD-elicited phenotypes in mice to human NAFLD.
The Role of Cytokines Produced via the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Mouse Macrophages Stimulated with Dental Calculus in Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Mae Megumi , Alam Mohammad Ibtehaz , Yamashita Yasunori , Ozaki Yukio , Higuchi Kanako , Ziauddin S. M. , Montenegro Raudales Jorge Luis , Sakai Eiko , Tsukuba Takayuki , Yoshimura Atsutoshi
Published: November 2021

Dental calculus (DC) is a common deposit in periodontitis patients. We have previously shown that DC contains both microbial components and calcium phosphate crystals that induce an osteoclastogenic cytokine IL-1β via the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. In this study, we examined the effects of cytokines produced by mouse macrophages stimulated with DC on osteoclastogenesis. The culture supernatants from wild-type (WT) mouse macrophages stimulated with DC accelerated osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-primed mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), but inhibited osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-primed RAW-D cells. WT, but not NLRP3-deficient, mouse macrophages stimulated with DC produced IL-1β and IL-18 in a dose-dependent manner, indicating the NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent production of IL-1β and IL-18. Both WT and NLRP3-deficient mouse macrophages stimulated with DC produced IL-10, indicating the NLRP3 inflammasome-independent production of IL-10. Recombinant IL-1β accelerated osteoclastogenesis in both RANKL-primed BMMs and RAW-D cells, whereas recombinant IL-18 and IL-10 inhibited osteoclastogenesis. These results indicate that DC induces osteoclastogenic IL-1β in an NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent manner and anti-osteogenic IL-18 and IL-10 dependently and independently of the NLRP3 inflammasome, respectively. DC may promote alveolar bone resorption via IL-1β induction in periodontitis patients, but suppress resorption via IL-18 and IL-10 induction in some circumstances.
Increased Frequency of Copy Number Variations Revealed by Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization in the Offspring of Male Mice Exposed to Low Dose-Rate Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Ogura Keiji , Ayabe Yoshiko , Harada Chihiro , Tanaka Ignacia Braga , Tanaka Satoshi , Komura Jun-ichiro
Published: November 2021

There is very little information on the transgenerational or genetic effects of low dose-rate ionizing radiation. We report the detection of the transgenerational effects of chronic low dose-rate irradiation in mice, at the molecular level in the whole genome, using array comparative genomic hybridization technology. We observed that the number of the mice with de novo copy number variations (specifically, deletions) was significantly increased in the offspring of C57BL/6J male mice exposed to 20 mGy/day gamma-rays for 400 days (total dose: 8000 mGy), as compared to non-irradiated controls. We did not detect any difference in the size of the de novo deletions between the irradiated and the non-irradiated groups. An analysis of the life span of the offspring suggested a possibility that de novo copy-number variations may be associated with shorter life spans.
The Influence of UV Varnishes on the Content of Cysteine and Methionine in Women Nail Plates—Chromatographic Studies
Authors: Borowczyk Kamila , Głowacki Rafał
Published: November 2021

The main purpose of this work was to determine if the use of hybrid nail polishes causes changes in concentration of the most important sulfur amino acids that build nail plate structures, cysteine and methionine. We found that the average contents of cysteine and methionine in studied samples before the use of hybrid manicure were 1275.3 ± 145.9 nmol mg−1 and 111.7 ± 23.8 nmol mg−1, respectively. After six months of hybrid manicure use, the average amount of these sulfur amino acids in studied samples were 22.1% and 36.5% lower in the case of cysteine and methionine, respectively. The average amounts of cysteine and methionine in nail plate samples after the use of hybrid manicures were 992.4 ± 96.2 nmol mg−1 and 70.9 ± 14.8 nmol mg−1, respectively. We also confirmed that in studied women the application of UV light varnishes reduced the thickness of the nail plate, from 0.50 ± 0.12 mm before to 0.46 ± 0.12 mm after the use of the hybrid manicure.
Obeticholic Acid Improves Aminotransferases Early during Treatment in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis Not Responding to Ursodeoxycholic Acid: A Study in Clinical Practice
Authors: Labanca Sara , Cacciato Valentina , Borro Paolo , Marenco Simona , Pieri Giulia , Picciotto Antonino , Plaz Torres Maria , Giannini Edoardo
Published: November 2021

Obeticholic acid (OCA) improves cholestasis and is generally well tolerated in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) not responding, or intolerant, to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). As PBC is mainly a cholestatic disorder, less attention is paid to aminotransferase behavior in the course of treatment. In this study we evaluated, in clinical practice, the efficacy of OCA treatment on both alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) using updated healthy ranges for aminotransferases. Fifteen PBC patients, non-responders to UDCA, were evaluated at baseline and during OCA treatment with serial measurement of cholestasis indexes and ALT, that were also assessed using updated normal ranges (<30 IU/L in males, <19 IU/L in females). Median ALP and ALT decreased from 2.16 to 1.27 × upper limit of normal (p = 0.003) and from 0.93 to 0.78 × upper limit of normal (p = 0.008), respectively, in the course of OCA treatment. At treatment day-15, median ALT decreased by 29.7% and ALP by 8.8%. Bilirubin and albumin were unmodified throughout treatment. Using updated normal ranges, ALT levels were normal in 6.7% of patients at baseline and in 33.3% of patients at 18 months of treatment. OCA treatment improves cholestasis and, also, indexes of hepatocyte necrosis, with a decline in necro-inflammatory activity even predating the improvement in cholestasis. Use of recalibrated healthy ranges for aminotransferases might be a useful tool to assess hepatic histological activity and its improvement with OCA treatment.