bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese Consumers’ Heterogeneous Preferences for the Front-of-Package Labeling on Fresh Pork: A Choice Experiment Approach
Authors: Huang Beixun , Li Haijun , Huang Zeying , Huang Jiazhang , Sun Junmao
Published: September 2022

Excessive average daily pork intake of Chinese residents increases the risk of obesity and related chronic diseases. Understanding consumers’ preference for the Front-of-Package (FOP) labeling on fresh pork is of practical significance for designing an FOP labeling scheme that meets market demand and effectively guides moderate pork consumption. This study used the conditional logit model to reveal the stated preferences of 930 nationally representative respondents in China for FOP labeling attributes elicited by a choice experiment approach. The results indicated that respondents preferred the nutritional information to be printed in Chinese characters, the label size to be a quarter of the front package surface, the label color to be green, and the label price to account for 10% of the retail price of 500 g standard fresh pork. Moreover, these preferences were heterogeneous across the sample population due to respondents’ different levels of education and trust in labeling. People with primary and junior high school education preferred nutritional information in Chinese characters, while those with junior high education and above preferred green labeling. The higher the respondents’ trust in the labeling, the stronger their willingness to accept the appropriate FOP labeling price. Information campaigns and educational programs can be used to increase the acceptance of FOP labelling, particularly among consumers with low education levels and distrust of FOP labeling.
Survival Analysis with High-Dimensional Omics Data Using a Threshold Gradient Descent Regularization-Based Neural Network Approach
Authors: Fan Yu , Zhang Sanguo , Ma Shuangge
Published: September 2022

Analysis of data with a censored survival response and high-dimensional omics measurements is now common. Most of the existing analyses are based on specific (semi)parametric models, in particular the Cox model. Such analyses may be limited by not having sufficient flexibility, for example, in accommodating nonlinearity. For categorical and continuous responses, neural networks (NNs) have provided a highly competitive alternative. Comparatively, NNs for censored survival data remain limited. Omics measurements are usually high-dimensional, and only a small subset is expected to be survival-associated. As such, regularized estimation and selection are needed. In the existing NN studies, this is usually achieved via penalization. In this article, we propose adopting the threshold gradient descent regularization (TGDR) technique, which has competitive performance (for example, when compared to penalization) and unique advantages in regression analysis, but has not been adopted with NNs. The TGDR-based NN has a highly sensible formulation and an architecture different from the unregularized and penalization-based ones. Simulations show its satisfactory performance. Its practical effectiveness is further established via the analysis of two cancer omics datasets. Overall, this study can provide a practical and useful new way in the NN paradigm for survival analysis with high-dimensional omics measurements.
Hazard and Risk-Based Tsunami Early Warning Algorithms for Ocean Bottom Sensor S-Net System in Tohoku, Japan, Using Sequential Multiple Linear Regression
Authors: Li Yao , Goda Katsuichiro
Published: September 2022

This study presents robust algorithms for tsunami early warning using synthetic tsunami wave data at ocean bottom sensor (OBS) arrays with sequential multiple linear regression. The study focuses on the Tohoku region of Japan, where an S-net OBS system (150 pressure sensors) has been deployed. To calibrate the tsunami early warning system using realistic tsunami wave profiles at the S-net stations, 4000 stochastic tsunami simulations are employed. Forecasting models are built using multiple linear regression together with sequential feature selection based on Akaike Information Criterion and knee-point method to identify sensors that improve the accuracy most significantly. The study considers tsunami wave amplitude at a nearshore location and regional tsunami loss for buildings to develop hazard-based and risk-based tsunami warning algorithms. The models identify an optimal configuration of OBS stations and waiting time for issuing tsunami warnings. The model performance is compared against a base model, which only uses the earthquake magnitude and epicenter location. The result indicates that estimating the tsunami amplitude and loss via S-net improves accuracy. For the hazard-based forecasting, adding six sensors from the S-net improves the accuracy of the estimation most significantly with an optimal waiting time of 3 min. For the risk-based forecasting, a longer waiting time between 5 and 10 min is suitable.
Role of Organizational Resilience and Psychological Resilience in the Workplace—Internal Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Wut Tai-Ming , Lee Stephanie-Wing , Xu Jing (Bill)
Published: September 2022

The role of organizational resilience is important in an era of the new normal after COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of organizational resilience and psychological resilience on perceived well-being and employee resilience in the workplace from the internal stakeholder perspective. A new research framework has been proposed. Cross-sectional research design was employed to collect responses from 115 employees from various organizations. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Organizational resilience is associated with perceived well-being and employee resilience. Psychological resilience is associated with perceived well-being and employee resilience. Employee resilience and perceived well-being are associated with work engagement. Complex mediation models are proposed. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are discussed.
Breaking the Code: Considerations for Effectively Disseminating Mass Notifications in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Harris Curt , Zerylnick James , McCarthy Kelli , Fease Curtis , Taylor Morgan
Published: September 2022

Many healthcare facilities use code-based alert systems to notify staff of ongoing emergencies via public announcement systems. This study sought to assess the ability of clinical and non-clinical employees across the State of Georgia to correctly identify their facility’s emergency codes, assess employee’s opinions of emergency alert systems, and identify significant predictors of emergency code identification accuracy. Anonymous electronic surveys asked 304 employees at five facilities to identify the codes for 14 different emergencies. Participants correctly identified the emergency codes with 44.37% accuracy on average. The codes for fire, infant abduction, and cardiac arrest were most commonly identified correctly. Code identification accuracy was significantly associated with training at orientation, knowledge of emergency code activation procedures, facility experience, and the total number of facilities in an employee’s career. Most survey participants favored a code-based alert system over a plain language-based alert system, citing concerns of causing panic in patients and visitors, and of maintaining confidentiality and discretion. The low code identification accuracy suggests healthcare employees may have limited awareness of ongoing emergencies. Transitioning to plain language overhead emergency alerts will better position employees, as well as patients and visitors, to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters occurring within a healthcare facility.
Risk Analysis of Heavy Metals Migration from Sewage Sludge of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Kowalik Robert , Gawdzik Jarosław , Bąk-Patyna Paulina , Ramiączek Piotr , Jurišević Nebojša
Published: September 2022

More and more attention in sewage sludge management is being devoted to its environmental utilization. This approach is justified both from economic and environmental points of view. However, as with any method, there are certain possibilities and limitations. The goal of the natural utilization of sewage sludge is to recover the valuable agronomic properties and fertilizing potential of the sludge. The main aspect limiting the possibility of using sludge as a fertilizer is the heavy metal content. In this paper, an analysis of the risk of environmental contamination in the case of application of sewage sludge with different forms of sludge treatment was carried out. Risk indices such as Igeo and PERI, based on the comparison of total metal content in sludge and soil, as well as RAC and ERD indices, which take into account the mobility of metals in soil, were calculated. It was shown that high levels of potential risk and geoaccumulation indicators do not necessarily disqualify the use of sewage sludge, the key aspect is the form of mobility in which the heavy metals are found in the sludge, and this should be the only aspect taken into account for the possibility of their environmental use.
Long Working Hours and the Risk of Glucose Intolerance: A Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Yesung , Seo Eunhye , Lee Woncheol
Published: September 2022

Long working hours have negative effects on the health of workers. Several studies have reported the association between long working hours and both diabetes and prediabetes. Therefore, we aimed to examine the temporal relationship between long working hours and glucose intolerance. Our cohort study collected data from 25,803 healthy male participants at baseline. To evaluate the risk of incident glucose intolerance, we estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. During 77,605.0 person-years of follow-up, 6741 participants developed glucose intolerance. Multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for weekly working 41–52 and >52 h compared with working 35–40 h, were 1.28 (1.17–1.40) and 2.80 (2.54–3.09), respectively. In the dose-response analyses, long working hours had a nearly linear relationship with the development of glucose intolerance across most working hours per week. The association between long working hours and incident glucose intolerance was stronger in the younger-age subgroups than in the older-age subgroups (p for interaction <0.001). Our large-scale cohort study demonstrated that long working hours were associated with incident glucose intolerance, with a dose-response relationship.
Changes in Novel Anthropometric Indices of Abdominal Obesity during Weight Loss with Selected Obesity-Associated Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms: A Small One-Year Pilot Study
Authors: Iłowiecka Katarzyna , Glibowski Paweł , Libera Justyna , Koch Wojciech
Published: September 2022

Whether BMI and the competing waist circumference (WC)-based anthropometric indices are associated with obesity-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is as yet unknown. The current study aimed to evaluate the anthropometric indices (fat mass index, body shape index, visceral adiposity index, relative fat mass, body roundness index, and conicity index) during a weight loss intervention in 36 obese individuals. Blood biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides) and three SNPs (FTO rs9939609, TFAP2B rs987237, and PLIN1 rs894160) were assessed in 22 women and 14 men (35.58 ± 9.85 years, BMI 35.04 ± 3.80 kg/m2) who completed a 12-month balanced energy-restricted diet weight loss program. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance (SECA mBCA515). At the end of the weight loss intervention, all anthropometric indices were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). For the SNP FTO rs9939609, the higher risk allele (A) was characteristic of 88.9% of the study group, in which 10 participants (27.8%) were homozygous. We found a similar distribution of alleles in TFAP2B and PLIN1. Heterozygous genotypes in FTO rs9939609 and TFAP2B rs987237 were predisposed to significant reductions in WC-based novel anthropometric indices during weight loss. The influence of PLIN1 rs894160 polymorphisms on the changes in the analyzed indices during weight loss has not been documented in the present study.
Planning for Sustainable Green Urbanism: An Empirical Bottom-Up (Community-Led) Perspective on Green Infrastructure (GI) Indicators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan
Authors: Rayan Muhammad , Gruehn Dietwald , Khayyam Umer
Published: September 2022

Rising vulnerability of the urban green infrastructure (UGI) is grabbing global attention, for which inclusive urban landscape and greening policies (ULGP) and frameworks are crucial to support green growth. As such, this research intends to explore the local community’s perspective to assemble sustainable UGI indicators for vital taxonomy of the urban green space (UGS) elements, aiming to develop a multi-functional and sustainable UGI-indicator-based framework that is eco-friendly and supports green-resilient cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. An in-depth household survey was executed in three KP districts: Charsadda, Peshawar, and Mardan, placing self-administered 192 questionnaires while covering themes around climate change adaptation, urban resilience, and UGI. Relative importance index (RII) and the interquartile range (IQR) methods were set up for data analysis that revealed excellent reliability (α > 0.88) and internal consistency. The results confirmed community-based UGI indicators with a focus on promoting green-energy-saving strategies as e-imp (level 9, RII = 0.915), while other (ten) UGI indicators as important (RII = 0.811–0.894) and (eleven) as moderately important (RII = 0.738–0.792). These UGI indicators were found to be enhanced by UGS elements (RII ≥ 0.70). These findings provide a foundation for urban policy change and the development of a sustainable UGI framework to build an eco-regional paradigm for greener growth.
Feasible Intervention through Simple Exercise for Risk of Falls in Dementia Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: López-García Ana , Sánchez-Ruíz Marta Encarnación
Published: September 2022

Physical exercise can help older people maintain capacities such as muscle strength, balance, postural control, bone mass, and functionality in ADL that usually decline with age. Dementia patients can attend day care centers where they participate in activities such as cognitive training, music and art therapy, and physical exercise sessions. This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of simple lower limb strength and single leg stance training, feasible in the facilities of day care centers, to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly with dementia. Twenty patients with dementia were divided into intervention and control groups. They participated in mobility, strength, coordination, and balance exercise sessions for 45–50 min on weekdays for 5 weeks. In addition, the intervention group patients performed simple lower limb strength (sit-to-stands) and single leg stance exercises in every session. Risk of falls was assessed with the Tinetti test and the SPPB. Comparisons of post- and pre-intervention scores for the Tinetti test and SPPB were statistically increased (0.8 ± 0.7, p = 0.03; 1.5 ± 1.3 points, p = 0.02) in intervention patients. Simple lower limb strength and single leg stance exercises feasible to be done in day care facilities are effective tools for reducing the risk of falls in the elderly with dementia.
Molecular Approaches and Echocardiographic Deformation Imaging in Detecting Myocardial Fibrosis
Authors: Sonaglioni Andrea , Nicolosi Gian Luigi , Rigamonti Elisabetta , Lombardo Michele , La Sala Lucia
Published: September 2022

The pathological remodeling of myocardial tissue is the main cause of heart diseases. Several processes are involved in the onset of heart failure, and the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the pathological phenotype deserves special attention to find novel procedures to identify the site of injury and develop novel strategies, as well as molecular druggable pathways, to counteract the high degree of morbidity associated with it. Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is recognized as a critical trigger for disruption of heart functionality due to the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, in response to an injury. Its diagnosis remains focalized on invasive techniques, such as endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), or may be noninvasively detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). The detection of MF by non-canonical markers remains a challenge in clinical practice. During the last two decades, two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a new non-invasive imaging modality, able to detect myocardial tissue abnormalities without specifying the causes of the underlying histopathological changes. In this review, we highlighted the clinical utility of 2D-STE deformation imaging for tissue characterization, and its main technical limitations and criticisms. Moreover, we focalized on the importance of coupling 2D-STE examination with the molecular approaches in the clinical decision-making processes, in particular when the 2D-STE does not reflect myocardial dysfunction directly. We also attempted to examine the roles of epigenetic markers of MF and hypothesized microRNA-based mechanisms aiming to understand how they match with the clinical utility of echocardiographic deformation imaging for tissue characterization and MF assessment.
Molecular Pathways of WRKY Genes in Regulating Plant Salinity Tolerance
Authors: Price Lewis , Han Yong , Angessa Tefera , Li Chengdao
Published: September 2022

Salinity is a natural and anthropogenic process that plants overcome using various responses. Salinity imposes a two-phase effect, simplified into the initial osmotic challenges and subsequent salinity-specific ion toxicities from continual exposure to sodium and chloride ions. Plant responses to salinity encompass a complex gene network involving osmotic balance, ion transport, antioxidant response, and hormone signaling pathways typically mediated by transcription factors. One particular transcription factor mega family, WRKY, is a principal regulator of salinity responses. Here, we categorize a collection of known salinity-responding WRKYs and summarize their molecular pathways. WRKYs collectively play a part in regulating osmotic balance, ion transport response, antioxidant response, and hormone signaling pathways in plants. Particular attention is given to the hormone signaling pathway to illuminate the relationship between WRKYs and abscisic acid signaling. Observed trends among WRKYs are highlighted, including group II WRKYs as major regulators of the salinity response. We recommend renaming existing WRKYs and adopting a naming system to a standardized format based on protein structure.
The CFTR Amplifier Nesolicaftor Rescues TGF-β1 Inhibition of Modulator-Corrected F508del CFTR Function
Authors: Bengtson Charles , Silswal Neerupma , Baumlin Nathalie , Yoshida Makoto , Dennis John , Yerrathota Sireesha , Kim Michael , Salathe Matthias
Published: September 2022

Highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have led to dramatic improvements in lung function in many people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). However, the efficacy of CFTR modulators may be hindered by persistent airway inflammation. The cytokine transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is associated with worse pulmonary disease in PwCF and can diminish modulator efficacy. Thus, strategies to augment the CFTR response to modulators in an inflammatory environment are needed. Here, we tested whether the CFTR amplifier nesolicaftor (or PTI-428) could rescue the effects of TGF-β1 on CFTR function and ciliary beating in primary human CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells. CFBE cells homozygous for F508del were treated with the combination of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) and TGF-β1 in the presence and absence of nesolicaftor. Nesolicaftor augmented the F508del CFTR response to ETI and reversed TGF-β1-induced reductions in CFTR conductance by increasing the expression of CFTR mRNA. Nesolicaftor further rescued the reduced ciliary beating and increased expression of the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 caused by TGF-β1. Finally, nesolicaftor augmented the F508del CFTR response to ETI in CFBE cells overexpressing miR-145, a negative regulator of CFTR expression. Thus, CFTR amplifiers, but only when used with highly effective modulators, may provide benefit in an inflamed environment.
Estrogen Receptor Subtypes Elicit a Distinct Gene Expression Profile of Endothelial-Derived Factors Implicated in Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability
Authors: Nasiri-Ansari Narjes , Spilioti Eliana , Kyrou Ioannis , Kalotychou Vassiliki , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios , Sanoudou Despina , Dahlman-Wright Karin , Randeva Harpal S. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. , Moutsatsou Paraskevi , Kassi Eva
Published: September 2022

In the presence of established atherosclerosis, estrogens are potentially harmful. MMP-2 and MMP-9, their inhibitors (TIMP-2 and TIMP-1), RANK, RANKL, OPG, MCP-1, lysyl oxidase (LOX), PDGF-β, and ADAMTS-4 play critical roles in plaque instability/rupture. We aimed to investigate (i) the effect of estradiol on the expression of the abovementioned molecules in endothelial cells, (ii) which type(s) of estrogen receptors mediate these effects, and (iii) the role of p21 in the estrogen-mediated regulation of the aforementioned factors. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were cultured with estradiol in the presence or absence of TNF-α. The expression of the aforementioned molecules was assessed by qRT-PCR and ELISA. Zymography was also performed. The experiments were repeated in either ERα- or ERβ-transfected HAECs and after silencing p21. HAECs expressed only the GPR-30 estrogen receptor. Estradiol, at low concentrations, decreased MMP-2 activity by 15-fold, increased LOX expression by 2-fold via GPR-30, and reduced MCP-1 expression by 3.5-fold via ERβ. The overexpression of ERα increased MCP-1 mRNA expression by 2.5-fold. In a low-grade inflammation state, lower concentrations of estradiol induced the mRNA expression of MCP-1 (3.4-fold) and MMP-9 (7.5-fold) and increased the activity of MMP-2 (1.7-fold) via GPR-30. Moreover, p21 silencing resulted in equivocal effects on the expression of the abovementioned molecules. Estradiol induced different effects regarding atherogenic plaque instability through different ERs. The balance of the expression of the various ER subtypes may play an important role in the paradoxical characterization of estrogens as both beneficial and harmful.
BR-Mediated Protein S-Nitrosylation Alleviated Low-Temperature Stress in Mini Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Gao Xueqin , Ma Jizhong , Tie Jianzhong , Li Yutong , Hu Linli , Yu Jihua
Published: September 2022

Brassinosteroids (BRs), a novel plant hormone, are widely involved in plant growth and stress response processes. Nitric oxide (NO), as an important gas signaling molecule, can regulate target protein activity, subcellular localization and function in response to various stresses through post-translational S-nitrosylation modifications. However, the relationship between BR and NO in alleviating low-temperature stress of mini Chinese cabbage remains unclear. The hydroponic experiment combined with the pharmacological and molecular biological method was conducted to study the alleviating mechanism of BR at low temperature in mini Chinese cabbage. The results showed that low temperature inhibited the growth of mini Chinese cabbage seedlings, as evidenced by dwarf plants and yellow leaves. Treatment with 0.05 mg/L BR and 50 µM NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) significantly increased the leaf area, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, dry and fresh weight and proline content. Meanwhile, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in 0.05 mg/L BR- and 50 µM GSNO-treated leaves were significantly lower than those in other treated leaves under low-temperature conditions. In addition, BR and GSNO applications induced an increase in NO and S-nitrosothiol (SNO) levels in vivo under low-temperature stress. Similarly, spraying BR after the elimination of NO also increased the level of S-nitrosylation in vivo, while spraying GSNO after inhibiting BR biosynthesis decreased the level of NO and SNO in vivo. In contrast, the S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (BrGSNOR) relative expression level and GSNOR enzyme activity were downregulated and inhibited by BR treatment, GSNO treatment and spraying BR after NO clearance, while the relative expression level of BrGSNOR was upregulated and GSNOR enzyme activity was also increased when spraying GSNO after inhibiting BR synthesis. Meanwhile, the biotin switch assay showed that exogenous BR increased the level of total nitrosylated protein in vivo under low-temperature stress. These results suggested that BR might act as an upstream signal of NO, induced the increase of NO content in vivo and then induced the protein S-nitrosylation modification to alleviate the damage of mini Chinese cabbage seedlings under low-temperature stress.
Correlation between Type I Interferon Associated Factors and COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Bencze Dóra , Fekete Tünde , Pázmándi Kitti
Published: September 2022

Antiviral type I interferons (IFN) produced in the early phase of viral infections effectively inhibit viral replication, prevent virus-mediated tissue damages and promote innate and adaptive immune responses that are all essential to the successful elimination of viruses. As professional type I IFN producing cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) have the ability to rapidly produce waste amounts of type I IFNs. Therefore, their low frequency, dysfunction or decreased capacity to produce type I IFNs might increase the risk of severe viral infections. In accordance with that, declined pDC numbers and delayed or inadequate type I IFN responses could be observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as compared to individuals with mild or no symptoms. Thus, besides chronic diseases, all those conditions, which negatively affect the antiviral IFN responses lengthen the list of risk factors for severe COVID-19. In the current review, we would like to briefly discuss the role and dysregulation of pDC/type I IFN axis in COVID-19, and introduce those type I IFN-dependent factors, which account for an increased risk of COVID-19 severity and thus are responsible for the different magnitude of individual immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Insights into the Mechanism of Pre-mRNA Splicing of Tiny Introns from the Genome of a Giant Ciliate Stentor coeruleus
Authors: Nuadthaisong Jirayu , Phetruen Tanaporn , Techawisutthinan Chanakan , Chanarat Sittinan
Published: September 2022

Stentor coeruleus is a ciliate known for its regenerative ability. Recent genome sequencing reveals that its spliceosomal introns are exceptionally small. We wondered whether the multimegadalton spliceosome has any unique characteristics for removal of the tiny introns. First, we analyzed intron features and identified spliceosomal RNA/protein components. We found that all snRNAs are present, whereas many proteins are conserved but slightly reduced in size. Some regulators, such as Serine/Arginine-rich proteins, are noticeably undetected. Interestingly, while most parts of spliceosomal proteins, including Prp8′s positively charged catalytic cavity, are conserved, regions of branching factors projecting to the active site are not. We conjecture that steric-clash avoidance between spliceosomal proteins and a sharply looped lariat might occur, and splicing regulation may differ from other species.
Recent Advances of Chitosan Formulations in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Abourehab Mohammed A. S. , Pramanik Sheersha , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Abualsoud Bassam M. , Kadi Ammar , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Deepak A.
Published: September 2022

Chitosan, a naturally abundant cationic polymer, is chemically composed of cellulose-based biopolymers derived by deacetylating chitin. It offers several attractive characteristics such as renewability, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi, etc., because of which it is receiving immense attention as a biopolymer for a plethora of applications including drug delivery, protective coating materials, food packaging films, wastewater treatment, and so on. Additionally, its structure carries reactive functional groups that enable several reactions and electrochemical interactions at the biomolecular level and improves the chitosan’s physicochemical properties and functionality. This review article highlights the extensive research about the properties, extraction techniques, and recent developments of chitosan-based composites for drug, gene, protein, and vaccine delivery applications. Its versatile applications in tissue engineering and wound healing are also discussed. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for chitosan in biomedical applications are elucidated.
Highly Bright Silica-Coated InP/ZnS Quantum Dot-Embedded Silica Nanoparticles as Biocompatible Nanoprobes
Authors: Ham Kyeong-Min , Kim Minhee , Bock Sungje , Kim Jaehi , Kim Wooyeon , Jung Heung Su , An Jaehyun , Song Hobeom , Kim Jung-Won , Kim Hyung-Mo , Rho Won-Yeop , Lee Sang Hun , Park Seung-min , Kim Dong-Eun , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: September 2022

Quantum dots (QDs) have outstanding optical properties such as strong fluorescence, excellent photostability, broad absorption spectra, and narrow emission bands, which make them useful for bioimaging. However, cadmium (Cd)-based QDs, which have been widely studied, have potential toxicity problems. Cd-free QDs have also been studied, but their weak photoluminescence (PL) intensity makes their practical use in bioimaging challenging. In this study, Cd-free QD nanoprobes for bioimaging were fabricated by densely embedding multiple indium phosphide/zinc sulfide (InP/ZnS) QDs onto silica templates and coating them with a silica shell. The fabricated silica-coated InP/ZnS QD-embedded silica nanoparticles (SiO2@InP QDs@SiO2 NPs) exhibited hydrophilic properties because of the surface silica shell. The quantum yield (QY), maximum emission peak wavelength, and full-width half-maximum (FWHM) of the final fabricated SiO2@InP QDs@SiO2 NPs were 6.61%, 527.01 nm, and 44.62 nm, respectively. Moreover, the brightness of the particles could be easily controlled by adjusting the amount of InP/ZnS QDs in the SiO2@InP QDs@SiO2 NPs. When SiO2@InP QDs@SiO2 NPs were administered to tumor syngeneic mice, the fluorescence signal was prominently detected in the tumor because of the preferential distribution of the SiO2@InP QDs@SiO2 NPs, demonstrating their applicability in bioimaging with NPs. Thus, SiO2@InP QDs@SiO2 NPs have the potential to successfully replace Cd-based QDs as highly bright and biocompatible fluorescent nanoprobes.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Attenuates Apoptosis and Ferroptosis in Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity via the Reduction of Intracellular Lipid Droplets
Authors: Cho Sam , Hong Seok Jin , Kang Sung Hun , Park YongKeun , Kim Sung Kyun
Published: September 2022

Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) is a potent antioxidant that can prevent apoptosis associated with cisplatin-induced ototoxicity through ROS. Ferroptosis is defined as an iron-dependent cell death pathway that has recently been highlighted and is associated with the accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) due to an inflammatory process. Herein, we investigated the impact of α-LA on ferroptosis and analyzed the characteristics of LDs in auditory hair cells treated with cisplatin using high-resolution 3D quantitative-phase imaging with reconstruction of the refractive index (RI) distribution. HEI-OC1 cells were treated with 500 μM α-LA for 24 h and then with 15 μM cisplatin for 48 h. With 3D optical diffraction tomography (3D-ODT), the RI values of treated cells were analyzed. Regions with high RI values were considered to be LDs and labelled to measure the count, mass, and volume of LDs. The expression of LC3-B, P62, GPX4, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and xCT was evaluated by Western blotting. HEI-OC1 cells damaged by cisplatin showed lipid peroxidation, depletion of xCT, and abnormal accumulation of 4-HNE. Additionally, the count, mass, and volume of LDs increased in the cells. Cells treated with α-LA had inhibited expression of 4-HNE, while the expression of xCT and GPX4 was recovered, which restored LDs to a level that was similar to that in the control group. Our research on LDs with 3D-ODT offers biological evidence of ferroptosis and provides insights on additional approaches for investigating the molecular pathways.
Unhealthy Diets Induce Distinct and Regional Effects on Intestinal Inflammatory Signalling Pathways and Long-Lasting Metabolic Dysfunction in Rats
Authors: Nogueira Sofia , Barbosa Joana , Faria Juliana , Sá Susana I. , Cardoso Armando , Soares Raquel , Fonseca Bruno M. , Leal Sandra
Published: September 2022

The intestinal epithelium is a principal site for environmental agents’ detection. Several inflammation- and stress-related signalling pathways have been identified as key players in these processes. However, it is still unclear how the chronic intake of inadequate nutrients triggers inflammatory signalling pathways in different intestinal regions. We aimed to evaluate the impact of unhealthy dietary patterns, starting at a younger age, and the association with metabolic dysfunction, intestinal inflammatory response, and obesity in adulthood. A rat model was used to evaluate the effects of the consumption of sugary beverages (HSD) and a Western diet (WD), composed of ultra-processed foods. Both diets showed a positive correlation with adiposity index, but a positive correlation was found between the HSD diet and the levels of blood glucose and triglycerides, whereas the WD diet correlated positively with triglyceride levels. Moreover, a distinct inflammatory response was associated with either the WD or HSD diets. The WD induced an increase in TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) intestinal gene expression, with higher levels in the colon and overexpression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase. In turn, the HSD diet induced activation of the TLR2-mediated NF-κB signalling pathway in the small intestine. Altogether, these findings support the concept that early intake of unhealthy foods and nutrients are a main exogenous signal for disturbances of intestinal immune mechanisms and in a region-specific manner, ultimately leading to obesity-related disorders in later life.
Molecular Insights into mRNA Polyadenylation and Deadenylation
Authors: Liu Junjie , Lu Xubing , Zhang Siyu , Yuan Ling , Sun Yadong
Published: September 2022

Poly(A) tails are present on almost all eukaryotic mRNAs, and play critical roles in mRNA stability, nuclear export, and translation efficiency. The biosynthesis and shortening of a poly(A) tail are regulated by large multiprotein complexes. However, the molecular mechanisms of these protein machineries still remain unclear. Recent studies regarding the structural and biochemical characteristics of those protein complexes have shed light on the potential mechanisms of polyadenylation and deadenylation. This review summarizes the recent structural studies on pre-mRNA 3′-end processing complexes that initiate the polyadenylation and discusses the similarities and differences between yeast and human machineries. Specifically, we highlight recent biochemical efforts in the reconstitution of the active human canonical pre-mRNA 3′-end processing systems, as well as the roles of RBBP6/Mpe1 in activating the entire machinery. We also describe how poly(A) tails are removed by the PAN2-PAN3 and CCR4-NOT deadenylation complexes and discuss the emerging role of the cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding protein (PABPC) in promoting deadenylation. Together, these recent discoveries show that the dynamic features of these machineries play important roles in regulating polyadenylation and deadenylation.
The Impact of Spermidine on C2C12 Myoblasts Proliferation, Redox Status and Polyamines Metabolism under H2O2 Exposure
Authors: Ceci Roberta , Duranti Guglielmo , Giuliani Stefano , Rossi Marianna Nicoletta , Dimauro Ivan , Sabatini Stefania , Mariottini Paolo , Cervelli Manuela
Published: September 2022

A central feature of the skeletal muscle is its ability to regenerate through the activation, by environmental signals, of satellite cells. Once activated, these cells proliferate as myoblasts, and defects in this process profoundly affect the subsequent process of regeneration. High levels of reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with the consequent formation of oxidized macromolecules increase myoblasts’ cell death and strongly contribute to the loss of myoblast function. Recently, particular interest has turned towards the beneficial effects on muscle of the naturally occurring polyamine spermidine (Spd). In this work, we tested the hypothesis that Spd, upon oxidative challenge, would restore the compromised myoblasts’ viability and redox status. The effects of Spd in combination with aminoguanidine (Spd-AG), an inhibitor of bovine serum amine oxidase, on murine C2C12 myoblasts treated with a mild dose of H2O2 were evaluated by analyzing: (i) myoblast viability and recovery from wound scratch; (ii) redox status and (iii) polyamine (PAs) metabolism. The treatment of C2C12 myoblasts with Spd-AG increased cell number and accelerated scratch wound closure, while H2O2 exposure caused redox status imbalance and cell death. The combined treatment with Spd-AG showed an antioxidant effect on C2C12 myoblasts, partially restoring cellular total antioxidant capacity, reducing the oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio and increasing cell viability through a reduction in cell death. Moreover, Spd-AG administration counteracted the induction of polyamine catabolic genes and PA content decreased due to H2O2 challenges. In conclusion, our data suggest that Spd treatment has a protective role in skeletal muscle cells by restoring redox balance and promoting recovery from wound scratches, thus making myoblasts able to better cope with an oxidative insult.
Rebuilding Stakeholder Confidence in Health-Relevant Big Data Applications: A Social Representations Perspective
Authors: Maina Anthony M. , Singh Upasana G.
Published: September 2022

Big data applications are at the epicentre of recent breakthroughs in digital health. However, controversies over privacy, security, ethics, accountability, and data governance have tarnished stakeholder trust, leaving health-relevant big data projects under threat, delayed, or abandoned. Taking the notion of big data as social construction, this work explores the social representations of the big data concept from the perspective of stakeholders in Kenya’s digital health environment. Through analysing the similarities and differences in the way health professionals and information technology (IT) practitioners comprehend the idea of big data, we draw strategic implications for restoring confidence in big data initiatives. Respondents associated big data with a multiplicity of concepts and were conflicted in how they represented big data’s benefits and challenges. On this point, we argue that peculiarities and nuances in how diverse players view big data contribute to the erosion of trust and the need to revamp stakeholder engagement practices. Specifically, decision makers should complement generalised informational campaigns with targeted, differentiated messages designed to address data responsibility, access, control, security, or other issues relevant to a specialised but influential community.
Energy Consumption and Cold Hardiness of Diapausing Fall Webworm Pupae
Authors: Zhao Lvquan , Wang Xinmei , Liu Zheng , Torson Alex S.
Published: September 2022

Diapause and cold hardiness are essential components of winter survival for most insects in temperate zones. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, overwinters in a pupal diapause. In this study, we investigated the energy consumption and cold hardiness of diapausing pupae. We found that lipid content decreased from October to November and stabilized from November to March. Glycogen content decreased by 61.3% and 52.2% for females and males, respectively, from October to November, and decreased slowly from November to March. We also observed a significant increase in trehalose concentrations as ambient temperatures decreased from October to November and a decrease in trehalose as temperatures increased again in March. We did not observe substantial changes in pupal supercooling points among the dates sampled. In addition, prolonged pupal development time reduced their survival rate and had no significant effect on post-diapause adult body mass and fecundity but reduced egg diameter in females. These results suggest that the energy consumption of H. cunea pupae during early diapause depends on lipid and glycogen, while it shifts to depend on glycogen or other energy stores in the mid- and late diapause stages. Our results also suggest that the prolonged development time of diapausing pupae had a negative effect on post-diapause fitness.
Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Plus Ultrasound-Guided Peritendinous Hyaluronic Acid Compared to Therapeutic Exercise for Patients with Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Authors: Pellegrino Raffaello , Paolucci Teresa , Brindisino Fabrizio , Mondardini Paolo , Di Iorio Angelo , Moretti Antimo , Iolascon Giovanni
Published: September 2022

Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a common painful musculoskeletal disorder. Several treatments have been proposed to provide pain reduction and functional recovery, including laser therapy, hyaluronic acid peritendinous injection (Hy-A), and therapeutic exercise (TE). Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of a combined approach with high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and Hy-A injections compared to TE on pain, muscle strength, and disability in patients with painful LET. A retrospective longitudinal study was carried out by consulting the medical records of patients with a diagnosis of painful LET formulated by clinical and instrumental findings that received functional evaluations, including the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) and muscle strength measurement at least four times: T0 (“baseline”), 1-month (T1), 3-month (T2), and 6-month follow-ups (T3). Medical records of 80 patients were analyzed. In the HILT + HyA group, the Peak-strength (p < 0.001) and mean strength (p < 0.001) significantly increased compared to the TE group between study times. For the PRTEE-total-score as for the subscales, the HILT + HyA group reported statistically significant reductions only for the comparisons of baseline versus T1 and baseline versus T2. No serious adverse events occurred. Our findings suggest that Hy-A associated with HILT might be more effective than TE for people with LET in the short–medium term.
A Study on the Structural Features of Amorphous Nanoparticles of Ni by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Tran Quoc Tuan , Nguyen Trong Dung , Cao Long Van , Saraç Umut , Ţălu Ştefan
Published: September 2022

This study deals with the impact of the heating rate (HR), temperature (T), and the number of atoms (N) on the structural features of amorphous nanoparticles (ANPs) of Ni by molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) with the Pak–Doyama pair interaction potential field (PD). The obtained results showed that the structural features of ANPs of Ni are significantly affected by the studied factors. The correlation between the size (D) and the N was determined to be D~N−1/3. The energy (E) was proportional to N−1, and the Ni-Ni link length was 2.55 Å. The glass transition temperature (Tg) derived from the E-T graph was estimated to be 630 K. An increase in the HR induced a change in the shape of the ANPs of Ni. Furthermore, raising the HR caused an enhancement in the D and a decrement in the density of atoms. The obtained results are expected to contribute to future empirical studies.
Review of the Scientific Literature on Biology, Ecology, and Aspects Related to the Fishing Sector of the Striped Venus (Chamelea gallina) in Northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Grazioli Eleonora , Guerranti Cristiana , Pastorino Paolo , Esposito Giuseppe , Bianco Emanuele , Simonetti Emilio , Rainis Simona , Renzi Monia , Terlizzi Antonio
Published: September 2022

Striped venus (Chamelea gallina) is one of the most important fish resources on the west coast of the Adriatic Sea. Recently, there has been a widespread die-off of C. gallina populations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy), probably due to unfavorable climatic events. Overall, wild populations have become increasingly rare due to many factors affecting the ecological balance of the species. In this study, the available literature was reviewed to determine the current state of knowledge on the biology, ecology, fisheries, and status of C. gallina populations with reference to populations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. However, few data are available in terms of peer-reviewed articles; much of it can be found in the gray literature (e.g., project reports, ministerial reports, institutional websites, etc.). However, a critical review of the sources reveals that the species is as endangered as the habitats it inhabits. As a result, conservation and restoration efforts have been undertaken to date as part of some larger project to protect the species. Therefore, considering the ecological and economic importance of this species, the results of the new studies will be useful for the scientific community and will be a key element in the conservation of this species.
An Improved Sea Spray-Induced Heat Flux Algorithm and Its Application in the Case Study of Typhoon Mangkhut (2018)
Authors: Lan Yunjie , Leng Hongze , Sun Difu , Song Junqiang , Cao Xiaoqun
Published: September 2022

The prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) intensity has been a lasting challenge. Numerical models often underestimate the intensity of strong TCs. Accurately describing the air–sea heat flux is essential for improving the simulation of TCs. It is widely accepted that sea spray has a nonnegligible effect on the heat transfer between the atmosphere and the ocean. However, the commonly used sea spray-induced heat flux algorithms have poor applicability under high wind speeds, and it is difficult to apply these algorithms to models to forecast TCs. In this study, we proposed an improved sea spray-induced heat flux algorithm based on the FASTEX dataset. This improved algorithm performs much better under high wind speed conditions than the commonly used algorithms and can be used in a coupled numerical model. The addition of sea spray-induced heat fluxes noticeably enhances the total air–sea heat fluxes and allows more energy to be transferred from the ocean to the lower atmosphere. In the simulation of TCs, the addition of sea spray-induced heat fluxes significantly improves the simulation of TC intensity and makes the low-pressure structure and wind field structure more fully developed in the horizontal direction.