bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Key Functional Genes and LncRNAs Influencing Muscle Growth and Development in Leizhou Black Goats
Authors: Zhao Xiuhui , Ye Junning , Lin Xunkai , Xue Huiwen , Zou Xian , Liu Guangbin , Deng Ming , Sun Baoli , Guo Yongqing , Liu Dewu , Li Yaokun
Published: April 2023

Meat yield and quality are important economic traits of livestock. Herein, longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of Leizhou black goats aged 0, 3, and 6 months were used to identify differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to analyze differentially expressed genes. Expression levels of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) and olfactory receptor 2AP1 (OR2AP1) were significantly different in LD muscles of goats aged 0, 3, and 6 months, indicating potentially important roles in postnatal muscle development. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were mainly enriched in biological processes and pathways related to cellular energy metabolism, consistent with previous studies. Three lncRNAs, TCONS_00074191, TCONS_00074190, and TCONS_00078361, may play a cis-acting role with methyltransferase-like 11B (METTL11B) genes and participate in the methylation of goat muscle proteins. Some of the identified genes may provide valuable resources for future studies on postnatal meat development in goat muscles.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Piophila casei (Diptera: Piophilidae): Genome Description and Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: Bi Shenghui , Song Yanfei , Liu Linggao , Wan Jing , Zhou Ying , Zhu Qiujin , Liu Jianfeng
Published: April 2023

Piophila casei is a flesh-feeding Diptera insect that adversely affects foodstuffs, such as dry-cured ham and cheese, and decaying human and animal carcasses. However, the unknown mitochondrial genome of P. casei can provide information on its genetic structure and phylogenetic position, which is of great significance to the research on its prevention and control. Therefore, we sequenced, annotated, and analyzed the previously unknown complete mitochondrial genome of P. casei. The complete mt genome of P. casei is a typical circular DNA, 15,785 bp in length, with a high A + T content of 76.6%. It contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 1 control region. Phylogenetic analysis of 25 Diptera species was conducted using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods, and their divergence times were inferred. The comparison of the mt genomes from two morphologically similar insects P. casei and Piophila megastigmata indicates a divergence time of 7.28 MYA between these species. The study provides a reference for understanding the forensic medicine, taxonomy, and genetics of P. casei.
Transcriptome Analysis of Natural Killer Cells in Response to Newcastle Disease Virus Infected Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Huang Juanjuan , Zheng Tingting , Liang Ying , Qin Ying , Wu Xing , Fan Xiaohui
Published: April 2023

When tumor cells are infected by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), the lysis of tumor cells by natural killer (NK) cells is enhanced, which may be related to the enhanced NK cell activation effect. To better understand the intracellular molecular mechanisms involved in NK cell activation, the transcriptome profiles of NK cells stimulated by NDV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (NDV group) and control (NC group, NK cells stimulated by HCC cells) were analyzed. In total, we identified 1568 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the NK cells of the NDV group compared to the control, including 1389 upregulated and 179 downregulated genes. Functional analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in the immune system, signal transmission, cell growth, cell death, and cancer pathways. Notably, 9 genes from the IFN family were specifically increased in NK cells upon NDV infection and identified as potential prognosis markers for patients with HCC. A qRT-PCR experiment was used to confirm the differential expression of IFNG and the other 8 important genes. The results of this study will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of NK cell activation.
Factors Associated with Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Simulation Learning among Nursing Students in Korea
Authors: Cho Mi-Kyoung , Kim Mi Young
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to examine the relationships between student satisfaction and self-confidence in learning (SCLS), the simulation design scale (SDS), and educational practices in simulation (EPSS) and to identify the influencing factors on SCLS in nursing students undergoing simulation learning. Of the fourth-year nursing students, 71 who were taking a medical–surgical nursing simulation course and voluntarily provided informed consent to participate in the study were enrolled. Data on SCLS, SDS, and EPSS were collected via an online survey after the simulation, from 1 October 2019 to 11 October 2019. The mean SCLS score was 56.31 ± 7.26, the mean SDS score was 86.82 ± 10.19 (range: 64~100), and the mean EPSS score was 70.87 ± 7.66 (range: 53~80). SCLS was positively correlated with SDS (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and EPSS (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). The regression model for SCLS in nursing students revealed that SCLS increased with increasing EPSS and SDS, and that SDS and EPSS explained 58.7% of the variance in SCLS (F = 50.83, p < 0.001). Therefore, to improve the learning satisfaction and learning confidence of nursing students in simulation classes, it is necessary to consider simulation design and practice considering educational factors.
3D-Printed Overlay Template for Diagnosis and Planning Complete Arch Implant Prostheses
Authors: Azpiazu-Flores Francisco X. , Lee Damian J. , Jurado Carlos A. , Nurrohman Hamid
Published: April 2023

Dental implants are a reliable alternative to treating edentulism. In clinical situations where the dentition has been severely affected by partial edentulism, advanced wear, or periodontal disease, establishing important occlusal elements such as the occlusal plane, incisal guidance, and esthetics can be hard to visualize at the diagnostic stage. Contemporary data-acquisition technologies such as 3D scanners and CAD/CAM systems permit the precise manufacture of highly complex devices applicable to any stage of restorative treatment. The present clinical report presents an alternative technique for evaluating the projected artificial tooth relationships, vertical dimension, and occlusal plane in patients with severely weakened dentition by using a 3D-printed overlay template.
Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates Associated with Smoking and Chewing Tobacco Use and the Human Development Index in 172 Countries Worldwide: An Ecological Study 2019–2020
Authors: Hernández-Morales Antonio , González-López Blanca Silvia , Scougall-Vilchis Rogelio José , Bermeo-Escalona Josué Roberto , Velázquez-Enríquez Ulises , Islas-Zarazúa Rosalina , Márquez-Rodríguez Sonia , Sosa-Velasco Taurino Amílcar , Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo , Maupomé Gerardo
Published: April 2023

Tobacco use is associated with diseases worldwide, including cancer. This is one of the major public health problems globally, causing more than 19 million new cases in 2020. Lip and oral cavity cancer (LOCC) is neoplastic growth in the tongue, gums, and lips. The objective of this ecological study was to quantify the strength of the association between incidence and mortality of LOCC, with tobacco use and with the Human Development Index (HDI). Incidence and mortality data on LOCC were obtained for 172 countries in 2020, from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN). The prevalence of tobacco smoking and chewing was obtained from reports conducted in 2019. The inequality in human development was estimated using the HDI from the United Nations Development Program, Human Development Report (2019). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the incidence of LOCC and tobacco smoking and chewing prevalence, except for negative correlations between the prevalence of tobacco smoking LOCC mortality in women, just as in the case of the HDI. No statistically significant differences were found between the prevalence of tobacco chewing only and the incidence of LOCC overall and by sex. A higher LOCC incidence overall and by sex was associated with higher HDI. In conclusion, the present study found positive correlations for various HDI socioeconomic indicators and tobacco use with the incidence and mortality of LOCC, but also a few inverse correlations.
Management Pathways for Traumatic Rib Fractures—Importance of Surgical Stabilisation
Authors: Selvendran Selwyn , Cheluvappa Rajkumar
Published: April 2023

Rib fractures occur in almost half of blunt chest wall trauma victims in Australia. They are associated with a high rate of pulmonary complications, and consequently, with increased discomfort, disability, morbidity, and mortality. This article summarises thoracic cage anatomy and physiology, and chest wall trauma pathophysiology. Institutional clinical strategies and clinical pathway “bundles of care” are usually available to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with chest wall injury. This article analyses multimodal clinical pathways and intervention strategies that include surgical stabilisation of rib fractures (SSRF) in thoracic cage trauma patients with severe rib fractures, including flail chest and simple multiple rib fractures. The management of thoracic cage injury should include a multidisciplinary team approach with proper consideration of all potential avenues and treatment modalities (including SSRF) to obtain the best patient outcomes. There is good evidence for the positive prognostic role of SSRF as part of a “bundle of care” in the setting of severe rib fractures such as ventilator-dependent patients and patients with flail chest. However, the use of SSRF in flail chest treatment is uncommon worldwide, although early SSRF is standard practice at our hospital for patients presenting with multiple rib fractures, flail chest, and/or severe sternal fractures. Several studies report that SSRF in patients with multiple simple rib fractures lead to positive patient outcomes, but these studies are mostly retrospective studies or small case–control trials. Therefore, prospective studies and well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm the benefits of SSRF in patients with multiple simple rib fractures, as well as in elderly chest trauma patients where there is scant evidence for the clinical outcomes of SSRF intervention. When initial interventions for severe chest trauma are unsatisfactory, SSRF must be considered taking into account the patient’s individual circumstances, clinical background, and prognostic projections.
Entrapment, Hopelessness, and Cognitive Control: A Moderated Mediation Model of Depression
Authors: Choi Hyunju , Shin HaeJin
Published: April 2023

The present study aimed to examine the roles that hopelessness and cognitive control play in the relationship between entrapment and depression. Data were collected from 367 college students in South Korea. The participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of the Entrapment Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Inventory, and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Results showed that hopelessness partially mediated the relationship between entrapment and depression. In addition, cognitive control moderated the relationship between entrapment and hopelessness: greater cognitive control weakened the positive association between entrapment and hopelessness. Finally, the mediating effect of hopelessness was moderated by cognitive control. The findings of this study expand the understanding of the protective role of cognitive control, especially when an increased sense of entrapment and hopelessness intensifies depression.
HIV/STI/HCV Risk Clusters and Hierarchies Experienced by Women Recently Released from Incarceration
Authors: Johnson Karen A. , Hunt Timothy , Puglisi Lisa , Chapman Ben , Epa-Llop Amali , Elumn Johanna , Braick Peter , Bhagat Navya , Ko Elizabeth , Nguyen Antoinette , Johnson Rachel , Graham Heather K. , Gilbert Louisa , El-Bassel Nabila , Morse Diane S.
Published: April 2023

This study examines cross-sectional clusters and longitudinal predictions using an expanded SAVA syndemic conceptual framework—SAVA MH + H (substance use, intimate partner violence, mental health, and homelessness leading to HIV/STI/HCV risks)—among women recently released from incarceration (WRRI) (n = 206) participating in the WORTH Transitions (WT) intervention. WT combines two evidence-based interventions: the Women on the Road to Health HIV intervention, and Transitions Clinic. Cluster analytic and logistic regression methods were utilized. For the cluster analyses, baseline SAVA MH + H variables were categorized into presence/absence. For logistic regression, baseline SAVA MH + H variables were examined on a composite HIV/STI/HCV outcome collected at 6-month follow-up, controlling for lifetime trauma and sociodemographic characteristics. Three SAVA MH + H clusters were identified, the first of which had women with the highest overall levels of SAVA MH + H variables, 47% of whom were unhoused. Hard drug use (HDU) was the only significant predictor of HIV/STI/HCV risks in the regression analyses. HDUs had 4.32-fold higher odds of HIV/STI/HCV outcomes than non-HDUs (p = 0.002). Interventions such as WORTH Transitions must differently target identified SAVA MH + H syndemic risk clusters and HDU to prevent HIV/HCV/STI outcomes among WRRI.
Effects of and Prospects for the Hierarchical Medical Policy in Beijing, China
Authors: Gao Yongchuang , Guo Yuangeng , Deng Jianwei
Published: April 2023

Hierarchical medical policies are widely used worldwide to reduce healthcare costs, rationalize the use of healthcare resources, and improve accessibility and fairness of healthcare services. However, few case studies have evaluated the effects and prospects of such policies. Medical reform efforts in China have distinct goals and characteristics. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a hierarchical medical policy in Beijing and assessed the future potential of the policy to yield insights for other countries, especially developing countries. Different methods were used to analyze multidimensional data from official statistics, a questionnaire survey of 595 healthcare workers from 8 representative public hospitals in Beijing, a questionnaire survey of 536 patients, and 8 semi-structured interview records. The hierarchical medical policy had strong positive effects on improving access to healthcare services, balancing the workload of healthcare workers in various levels of public hospitals, and improving the management of public hospitals. The remaining obstacles include severe job stress among healthcare workers, the high cost of some healthcare services, and the need for improvement in the development level and service capacity of primary hospitals. This study provides useful policy recommendations regarding the implementation and extension of the hierarchical medical policy, including the need for governments to improve the hospital assessment system and for hospitals to actively participate in developing medical partnerships.
Promising Therapeutic Impact of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Type II Endometrial Cancer Patients with Deficient Mismatch Repair Status
Authors: Sawada Kiyoka , Nakayama Kentaro , Razia Sultana , Yamashita Hitomi , Ishibashi Tomoka , Ishikawa Masako , Kanno Kosuke , Sato Seiya , Nakayama Satoru , Otsuki Yoshiro , Kyo Satoru
Published: April 2023

Type II endometrial cancer (EC) is responsible for most endometrial cancer-related deaths due to its aggressive nature, late-stage detection, and high tolerance to standard therapies. Thus, novel treatment strategies for type II EC are imperative. For patients with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the prevalence of dMMR tumors in type II EC patients remains unclear. In this study, using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated the expression of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+), and immune checkpoint molecules (PD-L1) in 60 patients with type II EC (16, 5, 17, and 22 were endometrioid G3, serous, de-differentiated, and carcinosarcoma cases, respectively) to investigate the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Approximately 24 cases (40%) had a loss of MMR protein expression. The positivity rate of CD8+ (p = 0.0072) and PD-L1 (p = 0.0061) expression was significantly associated with the dMMR group. These results suggest immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-L1/PD-1 antibodies) could effectively treat type II EC with dMMR. The presence of dMMR might be a biomarker for a positive response to PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in type II EC.
Barriers and Facilitators to the Learning and Acquisition of Research Competencies among Nursing Students through Active Methodologies: A Qualitative Study Using Reflective Writing
Authors: Velarde-García Juan Francisco , Álvarez-Embarba Beatriz , Moro-Tejedor María Nieves , Rodríguez-Leal Leyre , Arrogante Oscar , Alvarado-Zambrano María Gema , Pérez-Corrales Jorge , Palacios-Ceña Domingo
Published: April 2023

Background: The development of educational research, critical thinking skills, and evidence-based practice requires proposals for educational innovation. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of undergraduate nursing students on the barriers and facilitators after the implementation of a novel activity within the course of research methodology, composed of three active learning strategies: (a) project-based learning; (b) small-group learning; and (c) self-directed learning. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study using reflective writing was conducted at the Nursing Department of the Red Cross School (Spain). Seventy-four nursing students participated in the study, enrolled in the research methodology course. Purposive sampling was used. Online reflective notes were collected from a script of open-ended questions. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: The new proposals facilitated learning of the subject matter and its contents. They were useful and enabled the students to put the contents into practice. In addition, they improved the students’ organization, planning, and involvement. The barriers identified were a lack of time, ambiguity, inadequate tutoring or novelty of the work, and inequity in the distribution of tasks and workloads. Conclusions: Our findings shed light on the barriers and facilitators identified by nursing students when implementing an educational innovation proposal, using three active learning methodologies as learning tools for the subject of nursing research.
The Effect of Noise Exposure on High-Frequency Hearing Loss among Chinese Workers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Ping , Xie Hui , Li Yajing , Jin Ke
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the burden of high frequency noise-induced hearing loss (HFNIHL) in Chinese workers exposed to hazardous noise through meta-analysis, to evaluate the major risk factors of HFNIHL in Chinese workers, and to provide evidence for reducing the risk of HFNIHL. We searched for relevant studies on HFNIHL published between January 1990 and June 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to screen the literature, and the quality of the studies was assessed. Meta-analysis was performed using the software Stata 17.0. A total of 39 studies involving 50,526 workers in different industries were included in this study. The incidence of HFNIHL in the noise-exposed group (36.6%) was higher than that in the control group (12.5%), with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 5.16 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 4.10–6.49. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of this meta-analysis were stable. Funnel plots and Egger’s test showed no publication bias. Subgroup analysis showed heterogeneity among the results of different studies, which was related to gender, publication year, age, length of work, and type of industry. The dose–response analysis showed that cumulative noise exposure (CNE) and length of work were the main risk factors for HFNIHL. This study suggests that the detection rate of HFNIHL is high in Chinese workers, the risk of HFNIHL increases rapidly when CNE reaches 90 dB(A)·year, and the first 15 years of exposure to noise is a period of increasing risk. Therefore, reasonable measures for preventing hearing loss should be taken to reduce the risk of occupational HFNIHL.
Nutrient Uptake and Partitioning in Oriental Lilium
Authors: Alvarado-Camarillo Daniela , Cárdenas-Medina Guillermo , Valdez-Aguilar Luis Alonso , Preciado-Rangel Pablo , Cartmill Andrew D.
Published: April 2023

Fertilization programs in lilium are suggested to start after shoot emergence or when the flower buds become visible because the nutrients stored in the bulb are adequate to meet plant demands at the transplant time. Defining plant nutrient uptake is essential to determine the periods of high demand and the amounts at which they should be provided. The objective of this study was to model the nutrients accumulated in Oriental lilium to provide insight into the design of environmentally sound fertilization programs. The most demanded macronutrient was K (1272.8 mg/plant), followed by N (719.1 mg/plant) and Ca (119.7 mg/plant), while Zn (140.7 mg/plant) and Fe (137.7 mg/plant) were the most demanded micronutrients. At the end of the season, most of the Fe (78.0%), P (55.0%) and N (54.3%) originated from the bulb, whereas most of the Ca (86.5%), Mn (84.8%) and Mg (62.9%) were uptaken by roots. During the first 15 days after transplant, 35.1% of the N in the shoot was absorbed from the substrate, as well as 91.0% Mg, 68.6% S, 49.6% K and 13.0% P, suggesting that fertilization for lilium should start at the transplant time. The results suggest that Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu were remobilized from the bulb.
Effects of the Time Period Length on the Determination of Long-Term Mean Annual Discharge
Authors: Poórová Jana , Jeneiová Katarína , Blaškovičová Lotta , Danáčová Zuzana , Kotríková Katarína , Melová Katarína , Paľušová Zuzana
Published: April 2023

Currently, the 40-year-long reference period 1961–2000 is used in Slovakia for systematic assessment of the hydrological regime. The World Meteorological Organization recommends unifying the climatic normal 1991–2020 with a reference period for hydrological characteristics for the purpose of climate change research. We have analyzed changes in the long-term mean annual discharges at 113 water-gauging stations over different time periods. Considering the history of the reference periods used in Slovakia, we have focused on the analysis of the 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50-year-long moving averages of the long-term mean annual discharges in the period 1961–2020 in comparison with the 1961–2000 reference period and the whole selected and analyzed period. The deviations of the annual flow rates for the area of Slovakia and river sub-basins have been analyzed. The results indicate that the new reference period to be used in Slovakia should include the time period after the year 2000. To determine its precise length, a more detailed analysis is needed.
Effectiveness of a Self-Decontaminating Coating Containing Usnic Acid in Reducing Environmental Microbial Load in Tertiary-Care Hospitals
Authors: Maltezou Helena C. , Papamichalopoulos Nikolaos , Horefti Elina , Tseroni Maria , Karapanou Amalia , Gamaletsou Maria N. , Veneti Lamprini , Ioannidis Anastasios , Panagiotou Marina , Dimitroulia Evangelia , Vasilogiannakopoulos Antonios , Angelakis Emmanouil , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Sipsas Nikolaos V.
Published: April 2023

Surfaces have been implicated in the transmission of pathogens in hospitals. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an usnic-acid-containing self-decontaminating coating in reducing microbial surface contamination in tertiary-care hospitals. Samples were collected from surfaces 9 days before coating application, and 3, 10, and 21 days after its application (phases 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Samples were tested for bacteria, fungi, and SARS-CoV2. In phase 1, 53/69 (76.8%) samples tested positive for bacteria, 9/69 (13.0%) for fungi, and 10/139 (7.2%) for SARS-CoV-2. In phase 2, 4/69 (5.8%) samples tested positive for bacteria, while 69 and 139 samples were negative for fungi and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. In phase 3, 3/69 (4.3%) samples were positive for bacteria, 1/139 (0.7%) samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while 69 samples were negative for fungi. In phase 4, 1/69 (1.4%) tested positive for bacteria, while no fungus or SARS-CoV-2 were detected. After the coating was applied, the bacterial load was reduced by 87% in phase 2 (RR = 0.132; 95% CI: 0.108–0.162); 99% in phase 3 (RR = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.003–0.015); and 100% in phase 4 (RR = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.000–0.009). These data indicate that the usnic-acid-containing coating was effective in eliminating bacterial, fungal, and SARS-CoV-2 contamination on surfaces in hospitals.Our findings support the benefit ofan usnic-acid-containing coating in reducing the microbial load on healthcare surfaces.
Tell Me Where to Go: An Experiment in Spreading Visitor Flows in The Netherlands
Authors: Mitas Ondrej , Badal Rajneesh , Verhoeven Maud , Verstraten Koen , de Graaf Liselotte , Mitasova Helena , Weijdema Wendy , Klijs Jeroen
Published: April 2023

Cities attracting large numbers of tourists increasingly face crowding and public resistance to tourism growth. As a result, governments strive to spread tourists from the best-known attractions to less-visited locations to improve both residents’ and tourists’ quality of life. Evidence of success and best practices herein is largely anecdotal, and the effects on tourist experience are also unknown. Thus, we undertook a randomized 2 × 2 experiment in the province of Overijssel (The Netherlands), wherein tourists staying at vacation parks near small and mid-sized cities were exposed to information which emphasized attractions in either heavily visited or less-visited areas. Participants were also assigned to receive the information in either a passive or a conversational form. Location and daily emotion, as well as experience evaluation on the last day of the vacation, were recorded via mobile platforms. We found that tourists receiving information on attractions in less-visited areas engaged in significantly more movements around these attractions, and significantly less around heavily visited areas. The conversational form of information delivery was more positively evaluated than information delivered passively. Furthermore, vacation experience emotions and evaluations were largely unaffected. Thus, it is clearly possible to direct tourists to less-crowded locations without negatively affecting their vacation experiences.
Evacuation Simulation Implemented by ABM-BIM of Unity in Students’ Dormitory Based on Delay Time
Authors: Huang Yonghua , Guo Zhongyang , Chu Hao , Sengupta Raja
Published: April 2023

China’s university dormitories have high population densities, which can result in a large number of casualties because of crowding and stampedes during emergency evacuations. It is therefore important to plan properly for evacuations by mitigating the effect of choke points that create backlogs ahead of time. Accurate computer representations of the structure of a building and behavior of the evacuees are two important factors to obtain accurate evacuation time. In this paper, Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are, respectively, implemented using the Unity platform to simulate the evacuation process. As a case study, the layout of a student dormitory building at Shanghai Normal University Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, is utilized along with the A* algorithm in Unity to explore the impact of evacuation speed and delays in creating choke points. Compared with previous research, the innovation of this study lies in: (1) using Unity software to make simulation of the physical environment both realistic and easy to implement, demonstrating Unity can be a well-developed platform to implement ABM-BIM research that focuses on crowd evacuation. (2) Using these simulations to evaluate different degrees of congestion caused by varying evacuation speeds, thus providing information about possible issues relating to evacuation efforts. Using the results, several recommended measures can be generated to help improve evacuation efficiency.
Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia: Potential Risk Factors in Bone Loss
Authors: Yang Jiancheng , Li Qingmei , Feng Yan , Zeng Yuhong
Published: April 2023

Iron is one of the essential mineral elements for the human body and this nutrient deficiency is a worldwide public health problem. Iron is essential in oxygen transport, participates in many enzyme systems in the body, and is an important trace element in maintaining basic cellular life activities. Iron also plays an important role in collagen synthesis and vitamin D metabolism. Therefore, decrease in intracellular iron can lead to disturbance in the activity and function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, resulting in imbalance in bone homeostasis and ultimately bone loss. Indeed, iron deficiency, with or without anemia, leads to osteopenia or osteoporosis, which has been revealed by numerous clinical observations and animal studies. This review presents current knowledge on iron metabolism under iron deficiency states and the diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). With emphasis, studies related to iron deficiency and bone loss are discussed, and the potential mechanisms of iron deficiency leading to bone loss are analyzed. Finally, several measures to promote complete recovery and prevention of iron deficiency are listed to improve quality of life, including bone health.
Splitting CO2 in Intense Pulsed Plasma Jets
Authors: Scurtu Adrian , Ticoş Dorina , Mitu Maria Luiza , Diplașu Constantin , Udrea Nicoleta , Ticoș Cătălin Mihai
Published: April 2023

The splitting of CO2 was studied in a pulsed plasma discharge produced in a coaxial gun at voltages between ~1 and 2 kV and peak discharge currents of 7 to 14 kA. The plasma was ejected from the gun at a speed of a few km/s and had electron temperatures between 11 and 14 eV with peak electron densities ~2.4 × 1021 particles m−3. Spectroscopic measurements were carried out in the plasma plume produced at pressures between 1 and 5 Torr, and evidence of CO2 dissociation into oxygen and CO was found. An increased discharge current led to the observation of more intense spectra lines and the presence of new oxygen lines, which implies more dissociation channels. Several dissociation mechanisms are discussed, the main candidate being the splitting of the molecule by direct electron impact. Estimates of dissociation rates are made based on measured plasma parameters and interaction cross-sections available in the literature. A possible application of this technique is in future Mars missions where the coaxial plasma gun running in the atmosphere could be able to produce oxygen at a rate of the order of over 100 g per hour in a highly repetitive regime.
Discovery of Lactomodulin, a Unique Microbiome-Derived Peptide That Exhibits Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
Authors: Mousa Walaa K. , Ghemrawi Rose , Abu-Izneid Tareq , Ramadan Azza , Al-Marzooq Farah
Published: April 2023

The human body is a superorganism that harbors trillions of microbes, most of which inhabit the gut. To colonize our bodies, these microbes have evolved strategies to regulate the immune system and maintain intestinal immune homeostasis by secreting chemical mediators. There is much interest in deciphering these chemicals and furthering their development as novel therapeutics. In this work, we present a combined experimental and computational approach to identifying functional immunomodulatory molecules from the gut microbiome. Based on this approach, we report the discovery of lactomodulin, a unique peptide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus that exhibits dual anti-inflammatory and antibiotic activities and minimal cytotoxicity in human cell lines. Lactomodulin reduces several secreted proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. As an antibiotic, lactomodulin is effective against a range of human pathogens, and is most potent against antibiotic-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE). The multifunctional activity of lactomodulin affirms that the microbiome encodes evolved functional molecules with promising therapeutic potential.
MicroRNA Expression Signatures in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: High-Throughput Searching for Key miRNA Markers in Patients from the Volga-Ural Region of Eurasian Continent
Authors: Gilyazova Irina , Ivanova Elizaveta , Izmailov Adel , Sharifgaliev Ildar , Karunas Alexandra , Pudova Elena , Kobelyatskaya Anastasiya , Gilyazova Gulshat , Izmailova Angelina , Pavlov Valentin , Khusnutdinova Elza
Published: April 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by high molecular genetic heterogeneity, metastatic activity and unfavorable prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are 22-nucleotide noncoding RNAs that are aberrantly expressed in cancer cells and have gained serious consideration as non-invasive cancer biomarkers. We investigated possible differential miRNA signatures that may differentiate high-grade ccRCC from primary disease stages. High-throughput miRNAs expression profiling, using TaqMan OpenArray Human MicroRNA panel, was performed in a group of 21 ccRCC patients. The obtained data was validated in 47 ccRCC patients. We identified nine dysregulated miRNAs (miRNA-210, -642, -18a, -483-5p, -455-3p, -487b, -582-3p, -199b and -200c) in tumor ccRCC tissue compared to normal renal parenchyma. Our results show that the combination of miRNA-210, miRNA-483-5p, miRNA-455 and miRNA-200c is able to distinguish low and high TNM ccRCC stages. Additionally, miRNA-18a, -210, -483-5p and -642 showed statistically significant differences between the low stage tumor ccRCC tissue and normal renal tissue. Contrariwise, the high stages of the tumor process were accompanied by alteration in the expression levels of miRNA-200c, -455-3p and -582-3p. Although the biological roles of these miRNAs in ccRCC are not totally clear, our findings need additional investigations into their involvement in the pathogenesis of ccRCC. Prospective studies with large study cohorts of ccRCC patients are important to further establish the clinical validity of our miRNA markers to predict ccRCC.
Hairy Root Cultures as a Source of Phenolic Antioxidants: Simple Phenolics, Phenolic Acids, Phenylethanoids, and Hydroxycinnamates
Authors: Malarz Janusz , Yudina Yulia V. , Stojakowska Anna
Published: April 2023

Plant-derived antioxidants are intrinsic components of human diet and factors implicated in tolerance mechanisms against environmental stresses in both plants and humans. They are being used as food preservatives and additives or ingredients of cosmetics. For nearly forty years, Rhizobium rhizogenes-transformed roots (hairy roots) have been studied in respect to their usability as producers of plant specialized metabolites of different, primarily medical applications. Moreover, the hairy root cultures have proven their value as a tool in crop plant improvement and in plant secondary metabolism investigations. Though cultivated plants remain a major source of plant polyphenolics of economic importance, the decline in biodiversity caused by climate changes and overexploitation of natural resources may increase the interest in hairy roots as a productive and renewable source of biologically active compounds. The present review examines hairy roots as efficient producers of simple phenolics, phenylethanoids, and hydroxycinnamates of plant origin and summarizes efforts to maximize the product yield. Attempts to use Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation for inducing enhanced production of the plant phenolics/polyphenolics in crop plants are also mentioned.
Cholinergic Antagonists and Behavioral Disturbances in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Mahmoudi Rachid , Novella Jean Luc , Laurent-Badr Sarah , Boulahrouz Sarah , Tran David , Morrone Isabella , Jaïdi Yacine
Published: April 2023

Cholinergic antagonists interfere with synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and are involved in pathological processes in patients with neurocognitive disorders (NCD), such as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In this commentary, we will briefly review the current knowledge on the impact of cholinergic burden on BPSD in persons with NCD, including the main pathophysiological mechanisms. Given the lack of clear consensus regarding symptomatic management of BPSD, special attention must be paid to this preventable, iatrogenic condition in patients with NCD, and de-prescription of cholinergic antagonists should be considered in patients with BPSD.
Increased Immunoglobulin Gamma-3 Chain C in the Serum, Saliva, and Urine of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Jung Ju-Yang , Kim Ji-Won , Lee Sang-Won , Baek Wook-Young , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Suh Chang-Hee
Published: April 2023

Immunoglobulin gamma-3 chain C (IGHG3) levels have been detected in the blood and tissue of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aims to assess its clinical value by measuring and comparing levels of IGHG3 in different body fluids in patients with SLE. The levels of IGHG3 in saliva, serum, and urine from 181 patients with SLE and 99 healthy controls were measured and analyzed. In patients with SLE and healthy controls, salivary IGHG3 levels were 3078.9 ± 2473.8 and 1413.6 ± 1075.3 ng/mL, serum IGHG3 levels were 478.1 ± 160.9 and 364.4 ± 97.9 μg/mL, and urine IGHG3 levels were 64.0 ± 74.5 and 27.1 ± 16.2 ng/mL, respectively (all p < 0.001). Salivary IGHG3 was correlated with ESR (correlation coefficient [r], 0.173; p = 0.024). Serum IGHG3 was correlated with leukocyte count (r, −0.219; p = 0.003), lymphocyte count (r, 0.22; p = 0.03), anti-dsDNA antibody positivity (r, 0.22; p = 0.003), and C3 levels (r, −0.23; p = 0.002). Urinary IGHG3 was correlated with hemoglobin level (r, −0.183; p = 0.021), ESR (r, 0.204; p = 0.01), anti-dsDNA antibody positivity (r, 0.262; p = 0.001), C3 levels (r, −0.202; p = 0.011), and SLE disease activity index (r, 0.332; p = 0.01). Urinary IGHG3 was higher in patients with nephritis than in those without (119.5 ± 110.0 vs. 49.8 ± 54.4 ng/mL; p < 0.01). IGHG3 was increased in the saliva, serum, and urine of patients with SLE. While salivary IGHG3 was not identified to be specific to SLE disease activity, serum IGHG3 showed correlations with clinical characteristics. Urinary IGHG3 levels were associated with disease activity and renal involvement in SLE.
The Search for the Pathogenic T Cells in the Joint of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Which T-Cell Subset Drives Autoimmune Inflammation?
Authors: Yamada Hisakata
Published: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting systemic synovial tissues, leading to the destruction of multiple joints. Its etiology is still unknown, but T-cell-mediated autoimmunity has been thought to play critical roles, which is supported by experimental as well as clinical observations. Therefore, efforts have been made to elucidate the functions and antigen specificity of pathogenic autoreactive T cells, which could be a therapeutic target for disease treatment. Historically, T-helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells are hypothesized to be pathogenic T cells in RA joints; however, lines of evidence do not fully support this hypothesis, showing polyfunctionality of the T cells. Recent progress in single-cell analysis technology has led to the discovery of a novel helper T-cell subset, peripheral helper T cells, and attracted attention to the previously unappreciated T-cell subsets, such as cytotoxic CD4 and CD8 T cells, in RA joints. It also enables a comprehensive view of T-cell clonality and function. Furthermore, the antigen specificity of the expanded T-cell clones can be determined. Despite such progress, which T-cell subset drives inflammation is yet known.
Biodiversity of rolB/C-like Natural Transgene in the Genus Vaccinium L. and Its Application for Phylogenetic Studies
Authors: Zhidkin Roman , Zhurbenko Peter , Bogomaz Olesya , Gorodilova Elizaveta , Katsapov Ivan , Antropov Dmitry , Matveeva Tatiana
Published: April 2023

A variety of plant species found in nature contain agrobacterial T-DNAs in their genomes which they transmit in a series of sexual generations. Such T-DNAs are called cellular T-DNAs (cT-DNAs). cT-DNAs have been discovered in dozens of plant genera, and are suggested to be used in phylogenetic studies, since they are well-defined and unrelated to other plant sequences. Their integration into a particular chromosomal site indicates a founder event and a clear start of a new clade. cT-DNA inserts do not disseminate in the genome after insertion. They can be large and old enough to generate a range of variants, thereby allowing the construction of detailed trees. Unusual cT-DNAs (containing the rolB/C-like gene) were found in our previous study in the genome data of two Vaccinium L. species. Here, we present a deeper study of these sequences in Vaccinium L. Molecular-genetic and bioinformatics methods were applied for sequencing, assembly, and analysis of the rolB/C-like gene. The rolB/C-like gene was discovered in 26 new Vaccinium species and Agapetes serpens (Wight) Sleumer. Most samples were found to contain full-size genes. It allowed us to develop approaches for the phasing of cT-DNA alleles and reconstruct a Vaccinium phylogenetic relationship. Intra- and interspecific polymorphism found in cT-DNA makes it possible to use it for phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies of the Vaccinium genus.
Function Analysis of Cholesterol 7-Desaturase in Ovarian Maturation and Molting in Macrobrachium nipponense: Providing Evidence for Reproductive Molting Progress
Authors: Wang Jisheng , Jiang Sufei , Zhang Wenyi , Xiong Yiwei , Jin Shubo , Cheng Dan , Zheng Yalu , Qiao Hui , Fu Hongtuo
Published: April 2023

The Cholesterol 7-desaturase gene plays an important role in insect ecdysone synthesis, but its role in ovarian development has not been reported. In this study, characteristics and the phylogenetic relationship of Cholesterol 7-desaturase were identified by bioinformatics. qPCR showed that the Mn-CH7D gene was highly expressed in the ovary, which was much higher than that in other tissues, and the expression level of Mn-CH7D reached the highest level at the third stage of the ovarian development stage (O-III). During embryonic development, the Mn-CH7D gene expression was highest in the zoea stage. The function of the Mn-CH7D gene was explored by RNA interference. The experimental group was injected with Mn-CH7D dsRNA through the pericardial cavity of M. nipponense, while the control group was injected with the same volume of dsGFP. Statistical analysis of gonadal development and GSI calculation showed that the silencing of Mn-CH7D resulted in the suppression of gonadal development. In addition, the molting frequency of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group during the second molting cycle after silencing Mn-CH7D. On the seventh day after silencing, ecdysone content in the experimental group was significantly reduced. These results demonstrated that the Mn-CH7D gene played a dual role in ovarian maturation and molting of M. nipponense.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) 3D-Scaffold–Conduit for Guided Tissue Sprouting
Authors: Zharkova Irina I. , Volkov Aleksey V. , Muraev Aleksandr A. , Makhina Tatiana K. , Voinova Vera V. , Ryabova Valentina M. , Gazhva Yulia V. , Kashirina Alena S. , Kashina Aleksandra V. , Bonartseva Garina A. , Zhuikov Vsevolod A. , Shaitan Konstantin V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Ivanov Sergey Yu. , Bonartsev Anton P.
Published: April 2023

Scaffold biocompatibility remains an urgent problem in tissue engineering. An especially interesting problem is guided cell intergrowth and tissue sprouting using a porous scaffold with a special design. Two types of structures were obtained from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) using a salt leaching technique. In flat scaffolds (scaffold-1), one side was more porous (pore size 100–300 μm), while the other side was smoother (pore size 10–50 μm). Such scaffolds are suitable for the in vitro cultivation of rat mesenchymal stem cells and 3T3 fibroblasts, and, upon subcutaneous implantation to older rats, they cause moderate inflammation and the formation of a fibrous capsule. Scaffold-2s are homogeneous volumetric hard sponges (pore size 30–300 μm) with more structured pores. They were suitable for the in vitro culturing of 3T3 fibroblasts. Scaffold-2s were used to manufacture a conduit from the PHB/PHBV tube with scaffold-2 as a filler. The subcutaneous implantation of such conduits to older rats resulted in gradual soft connective tissue sprouting through the filler material of the scaffold-2 without any visible inflammatory processes. Thus, scaffold-2 can be used as a guide for connective tissue sprouting. The obtained data are advanced studies for reconstructive surgery and tissue engineering application for the elderly patients.
ZnO Nanorods Create a Hypoxic State with Induction of HIF-1 and EPAS1, Autophagy, and Mitophagy in Cancer and Non-Cancer Cells
Authors: Aventaggiato Michele , Preziosi Adele , Cheraghi Bidsorkhi Hossein , Schifano Emily , Vespa Simone , Mardente Stefania , Zicari Alessandra , Uccelletti Daniela , Mancini Patrizia , Lotti Lavinia Vittoria , Sarto Maria Sabrina , Tafani Marco
Published: April 2023

Nanomaterials are gaining increasing attention as innovative materials in medicine. Among nanomaterials, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are particularly appealing because of their opto-electrical, antimicrobial, and photochemical properties. Although ZnO is recognized as a safe material and the Zn ion (Zn2+) concentration is strictly regulated at a cellular and systemic level, different studies have demonstrated cellular toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs). Recently, ZnO-NP toxicity has been shown to depend on the intracellular accumulation of ROS, activation of autophagy and mitophagy, as well as stabilization and accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein. However, if the same pathway is also activated by ZnO-NRs and how non-cancer cells respond to ZnO-NR treatment, are still unknown. To answer to these questions, we treated epithelial HaCaT and breast cancer MCF-7 cells with different ZnO-NR concentrations. Our results showed that ZnO-NR treatments increased cell death through ROS accumulation, HIF-1α and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) activation, and induction of autophagy and mitophagy in both cell lines. These results, while on one side, confirmed that ZnO-NRs can be used to reduce cancer growth, on the other side, raised some concerns on the activation of a hypoxic response in normal cells that, in the long run, could induce cellular transformation.