bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Dietary Fiber as a Prebiotic on Inflammation in Children with Obesity
Authors: Visuthranukul Chonnikant , Kwanbunbumpen Tanisa , Chongpison Yuda , Chamni Supakarn , Panichsillaphakit Ekkarit , Uaariyapanichkul Jaraspong , Maholarnkij Settachote , Chomtho Sirinuch
Published: September 2022

Background: Obesity is associated with dysbiosis, contributing to inflammation and insulin resistance. Inulin might reduce inflammation by manipulating intestinal microbiota. Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of inulin supplementation on inflammation and assess the relationships of inflammatory cytokines with adiposity and insulin resistance in obese Thai children. Design: Obese Thai children ages 7–15 years were randomly assigned to inulin (intervention), maltodextrin (placebo), and dietary fiber advice groups. All participants received monthly follow-up and identical advice on lifestyle modification for six visits. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and fecal calprotectin were analyzed by ELISA technique at baseline and the final visit. Spearman correlation was used to assess the associations between inflammation and other clinical outcome variables. Results: A total of 155 obese children completed the study (mean age: 10.4 ± 2.2 years, 59% male). All groups showed a significant decrease in BMI z-score, fat mass index (FMI), percent body fat, and trunk FMI. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model showed significantly decreased IL-1β and TNF-α of 34.8% and 25.8%, (p < 0.0001) but increased IL-6 (21.5%, p = 0.006) in all groups. There were no significant differences in inflammatory cytokines and fecal calprotectin between groups. Mean IL-6 was higher in obese children with acanthosis nigricans (p = 0.048). Only IL-6 was positively correlated with body fat percentage and FMI (r = 0.29, p = 0.008 and r = 0.25, p = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions: Intensive behavioral modification and frequent follow-up visits were effective methods to reduce BMI and adiposity leading to decreased inflammatory cytokines. The additional benefits of inulin on inflammation could not be demonstrated due to the Hawthorne effect. Among the three cytokines, IL-6 was the most likely mediator relating FM and insulin resistance at baseline; therefore, it could be used as a surrogate marker of inflammation in obese children who are at risk for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kania-Dobrowolska Małgorzata , Baraniak Justyna
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, many people are struggling with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis, which are called the scourge of the 21st century. These illnesses coexist in metabolic syndrome, which is not a separate disease entity because it includes several clinical conditions such as central (abdominal) obesity, elevated blood pressure, and disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Lifestyle is considered to have an impact on the development of metabolic syndrome. An unbalanced diet, the lack of sufficient physical activity, and genetic factors result in the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The treatment of metabolic syndrome is aimed primarily at reducing the risk of the development of coexisting diseases, and the appropriate diet is the key factor in the treatment. Plant raw materials containing compounds that regulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the human body are investigated. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) is a plant, the consumption of which affects the regulation of lipid and sugar metabolism. The growth of this plant is widely spread in Eurasia, both Americas, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. The use and potential of this plant that is easily accessible in the world in contributing to the treatment of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis have been proved by many studies.
Finite Element Approximations to Caputo–Hadamard Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation with Application in Parameter Identification
Authors: Cheng Shijing , Du Ning , Wang Hong , Yang Zhiwei
Published: September 2022

A finite element scheme for solving a two-timescale Hadamard time-fractional equation is discussed. We prove the error estimate without assuming the smoothness of the solution. In order to invert the fractional order, a finite-element Levenberg–Marquardt method is designed. Finally, we give corresponding numerical experiments to support the correctness of our analysis.
Probabilistic Genotyping of Single Cell Replicates from Mixtures Involving First-Degree Relatives Prevents the False Inclusions of Non-Donor Relatives
Authors: Huffman Kaitlin , Ballantyne Jack
Published: September 2022

Analysis of complex DNA mixtures comprised of related individuals requires a great degree of care due to the increased risk of falsely including non-donor first-degree relatives. Although alternative likelihood ratio (LR) propositions that may aid in the analysis of these difficult cases can be employed, the prior information required for their use is not always known, nor do these alternative propositions always prevent false inclusions. For example, with a father/mother/child mixture, conditioning the mixture on the presence of one of the parents is recommended. However, the definitive presence of the parent(s) is not always known and an assumption of their presence in the mixture may not be objectively justifiable. Additionally, the high level of allele sharing seen with familial mixtures leads to an increased risk of underestimating the number of contributors (NOC) to a mixture. Therefore, fully resolving and identifying each of the individuals present in familial mixtures and excluding related non-donors is an important goal of the mixture deconvolution process and can be of great investigative value. Here, firstly, we further investigated and confirmed the problems encountered with standard bulk analysis of familial mixtures and demonstrated the ability of single cell analysis to fully distinguish first-degree relatives (FDR). Then, separation of each of the individual donors via single cell analysis was carried out by a combination of direct single cell subsampling (DSCS), enhanced DNA typing, and probabilistic genotyping, and applied to three complex familial 4-person mixtures resulting in a probative gain of LR for all donors and an accurate determination of the NOC. Significantly, non-donor first-degree relatives that were falsely included (LRs > 102–108) by a standard bulk sampling and analysis approach were no longer falsely included using DSCS.
Upscaling the Mechanical Properties of a Fractured Rock Mass Using the Lattice-Spring-Based Synthetic Rock Mass (LS-SRM) Modeling Approach—Comparison of Discontinuum, Continuum and Empirical Approaches
Authors: Gottron Dominik , Henk Andreas
Published: September 2022

A numerical characterization of a fractured rock mass and its mechanical behavior using a discontinuum approach was carried out utilizing lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) models. First, LS-SRM models on a laboratory scale were created to reproduce standard rock mechanical tests on Triassic sandstone samples from a quarry in Germany. Subsequently, the intact rock properties were upscaled to an element volume representative for geotechnical applications, recalibrated and combined with a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model. The resulting fractured rock mass properties are compared to predictions from empirical relationships based on rock mass classification schemes and the DFN-Oda-Geomechanics approach. Modeling results reveal a significant reduction in the strength of the fractured rock mass compared to the intact rock, showing a high agreement with empirically calculated values. Results for the deformation modulus reveal a significant reduction induced by the fracture network and a good agreement compared to the results obtained by other approaches. It is shown that the LS-SRM allows analyzing the complex mechanical behavior during failure of rock masses, including crack initiation, propagation and coalescence. The resulting rock mass properties are key parameters for a wide range of geotechnical applications and can be used for large-scale numerical modeling as well.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Requesting a Complete Blood Count (CBC) in the Management of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sayed Anwar A.
Published: September 2022

Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have attempted to determine the value of the different laboratory investigations. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of requesting a complete blood count (CBC) for COVID-19 patients, as opposed to ordering a COVID-19 antibody titer in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The prices of a CBC, COVID-19 PCR, and antibody titer were obtained from 40 healthcare establishments in Saudi Arabia, between January and February 2022. Results: Requesting a CBC is significantly cheaper than requesting a COVID-19 antibody titer, which was available in almost all of the establishments, as compared to COVID-19 PCR and antibody titer testing. The investigation prices did not differ significantly between hospitals and private laboratories, nor across cities in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: CBC, which provides valuable information on the patient’s condition and prognosis, is a cost-effective and widely available tool for managing COVID-19. The price and availability of CBC warrant it to be included in the COVID-19 management protocols.
Sleep Hygiene Practices: Where to Now?
Authors: Chow Chin Moi
Published: September 2022

This paper examined why sleep hygiene practices work in some cases and not in others with a focus on non-clinical population. Sleep hygiene rules target lifestyle and environmental factors. Changing sleep-wake routines, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, bright light, and vigorous exercise near bedtime, and improving the sleeping environment (making it darker, quieter, and cooler) should yield a better night’s sleep. However, the factors that predispose to sleeping difficulties are divergent among individuals. Additionally, current sleep hygiene practices fail to consider critical factors that can affect sleep, such as emotional stress (worries, stress, anxiety, anger, and fear); daytime exposure to light (that regulates the sleep-wake cycle); and human’s deep-seated habits where motivating change takes time and may necessitate behavioral therapy. The paper posits that sleep hygiene practices need (1) to be tailored individually, demanding a precision medicine approach, (2) consider negative emotions that can impact sleep and (3) incorporate a behavioral change and a commitment to planned actions for its successful implementation. Further, recommendations are provided to guide future research into sleep hygiene practices.
Global Research Trends of Artificial Intelligence on Histopathological Images: A 20-Year Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zhou Wentong , Deng Ziheng , Liu Yong , Shen Hui , Deng Hongwen , Xiao Hongmei
Published: September 2022

Cancer has become a major threat to global health care. With the development of computer science, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely applied in histopathological images (HI) analysis. This study analyzed the publications of AI in HI from 2001 to 2021 by bibliometrics, exploring the research status and the potential popular directions in the future. A total of 2844 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection were included in the bibliometric analysis. The country/region, institution, author, journal, keyword, and references were analyzed by using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The results showed that the number of publications has grown rapidly in the last five years. The USA is the most productive and influential country with 937 publications and 23,010 citations, and most of the authors and institutions with higher numbers of publications and citations are from the USA. Keyword analysis showed that breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer are the tumor types of greatest concern. Co-citation analysis showed that classification and nucleus segmentation are the main research directions of AI-based HI studies. Transfer learning and self-supervised learning in HI is on the rise. This study performed the first bibliometric analysis of AI in HI from multiple indicators, providing insights for researchers to identify key cancer types and understand the research trends of AI application in HI.
A Practical Approach for Environmental Flow Calculation to Support Ecosystem Management in Wujiang River, China
Authors: Ni Xiaokuan , Dong Zengchuan , Xie Wei , Wu Shujun , Chen Mufeng , Yao Hongyi , Jia Wenhao
Published: September 2022

To promote ecosystem protection in the Wujiang River, this paper proposes a practical approach for calculating the environmental flow. The proposed approach combines the idea of the “guarantee rate” of the flow duration curve (FDC) method and the grading idea of the Tennant method. A daily flow series of the Wujiang River was compiled from 1956 to 2019 and used to compare the effect of the proposed approach versus the traditional approaches in four selected sections along the river. The results show that the environmental flow of the Wujiang River can be divided into five levels by the T-FDC method, with a level-by-level disparity, and all levels can capture the temporal and spatial variability of river flow. Additionally, the calculated basic environmental flow process ranges between the historical minimum and second minimum monthly average flow, and the threshold width of the optimal flow is more reasonable than the Tennant method. The T-FDC method can provide technical support for Wujiang River ecosystem management and sustainable development.
The Current Prevalence of Underweight, Overweight, and Obesity Associated with Demographic Factors among Pakistan School-Aged Children and Adolescents—An Empirical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tanveer Moazzam , Hohmann Andreas , Roy Nadeem , Zeba Asifa , Tanveer Umar , Siener Maximilian
Published: September 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the most recent estimates of underweight, overweight, and obesity prevalence in Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience random clustered sampling approach with 3,551 Pakistani school children aged 9 to 17 years from 52 schools throughout seven districts in central Punjab province. The CDC US 2000 was used to define underweight (BMI < 5th percentile), overweight (85th ≤ BMI < 95th percentile), and obesity (95th percentile ≤ BMI) for different school grade cohorts (primary, middle, secondary, and higher secondary schools). As a trend test, the Chi-square test was used. A Spearman correlation analysis (r) was used to determine the correlations between demographic variables and weight status. A regression analysis was conducted to explore the predictive power of demographic factors in relation to body weight. Results: In Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents, the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity was 21.9%, 66.9%, 5.8%, and 5.4%, respectively. Significant correlations with body weight status were shown for individual demographic parameters (age, gender, school type, and school grade). Children in urban areas were more likely to be underweight, overweight, or obese than those in rural areas. Boys were found to have a lower BMI than girls. Accordingly, more boys than girls were underweight (odds ratio (OR) = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.33–1.85) and more girls had a higher risk of obesity than boys (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.03–1.86). Lower grades showed more underweight (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.39–1.99) whereas higher grades showed a higher risk of obesity (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.41–2.57). Conclusions: In Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents, underweight, overweight, and obesity were prevalent. Compared with studies from 2011, the risk of overweight and obesity in Pakistan has decreased. However, this may also be due to the fact that students in Pakistan have a lower BMI compared to other countries. This issue has also been seen in the present study and is confirmed here by the high number of cases of underweight students. Future research studies should look into additional weight status correlates and factors. To evaluate the association between weight status and behavioral and other health variables, future research should use longitudinal or interventional designs.
Influence of One Hour versus Two Hours of Daily Static Stretching for Six Weeks Using a Calf-Muscle-Stretching Orthosis on Maximal Strength
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Keiner Michael , Hillebrecht Martin , Schiemann Stephan
Published: September 2022

Rebuilding strength capacity is of crucial importance in rehabilitation since significant atrophy due to immobilization after injury and/or surgery can be assumed. To increase maximal strength (MSt), strength training is commonly used. The literature regarding animal studies show that long-lasting static stretching (LStr) interventions can also produce significant improvements in MSt with a dose–response relationship, with stretching times ranging from 30 min to 24 h per day; however, there is limited evidence in human studies. Consequently, the aim of this study is to investigate the dose–response relationship of long-lasting static stretching on MSt. A total of 70 active participants (f = 30, m = 39; age: 27.4 ± 4.4 years; height: 175.8 ± 2.1 cm; and weight: 79.5 ± 5.9 kg) were divided into three groups: IG1 and IG2 both performed unilateral stretching continuously for one (IG1) or two hours (IG2), respectively, per day for six weeks, while the CG served as the non-intervened control. MSt was determined in the plantar flexors in the intervened as well as in the non-intervened control leg to investigate the contralateral force transfer. Two-way ANOVA showed significant interaction effects for MSt in the intervened leg (ƞ2 = 0.325, p < 0.001) and in the contralateral control leg (ƞ2 = 0.123, p = 0.009), dependent upon stretching time. From this, it can be hypothesized that stretching duration had an influence on MSt increases, but both durations were sufficient to induce significant enhancements in MSt. Thus, possible applications in rehabilitation can be assumed, e.g., if no strength training can be performed, atrophy could instead be reduced by performing long-lasting static stretch training.
Criterion Validity of the Newly Developed Occlusal Cant Index
Authors: Alhuwaish Hessah A. , Almoammar Khalid A. , Fakhouri Abdulaziz S. , Alabdulkarim Lamya M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To assess the criterion-related (concurrent) validity of the newly developed occlusal cant index (OCI). Materials and Methods: Four standardized posterior–anterior (PA) cephalometric radiographs of four patients were obtained at a 0° occlusal cant (OC) and manipulated to create various degrees of OC from 1° to 4° on the right and left sides, with a total of 36 PA images. The angle between the actual horizontal line and the occlusal plane was manually drawn on each PA radiographic image. The set of radiographic images was displayed to 36 orthodontists, who were asked to measure the drawn angle and apply the OCI to each PA radiographic image. Results: The overall criterion-related validity of the OCI was statistically significant among all grades. Conclusion: The OCI is highly valid and recommended for clinical consideration.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Carbon Emission Efficiency in the Yellow River Basin of China: Comparative Analysis of Resource and Non-Resource-Based Cities
Authors: Xu Yingqi , Cheng Yu , Zheng Ruijing , Wang Yaping
Published: September 2022

Comparing the carbon emission efficiency (CEE) of resource and non-resource-based cities in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) can guide their synergistic development and low-carbon transition. This study used the super-efficiency slacks-based measure (super-SBM) model to measure the CEE of cities in the YRB. Kernel density estimation and Theil index decomposition methods were used to explore the spatiotemporal evolutionary patterns, and a panel regression model was established to analyze the influencing factors of CEE. The research results showed that the CEE of the two types of cities have an overall upward trend in time, with a widening regional gap. Resource-based cities mainly displayed the characteristics of decentralized regional agglomeration, while non-resource-based cities mainly showed the characteristics of convergent regional agglomeration. Panel regression results showed that the levels of economic development, indus-trial structure, and population density are significantly positively correlated with CEE in the YRB, while foreign direct investment and resource endowment are significantly negatively correlated with CEE. Except for economic development and industrial structure, there is some variability in the contribution of the remaining influencing factors to the CEE of the resource and non-resource-based cities. The research results suggest developing classification measures for low-carbon transition in the YRB.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity and the Key Influencing Factors of PM2.5 and PM10 in Heilongjiang, China from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Fu Longhui , Wang Qibang , Li Jianhui , Jin Huiran , Zhen Zhen , Wei Qingbin
Published: September 2022

Particulate matter (PM) degrades air quality and negatively impacts human health. The spatial–temporal heterogeneity of PM (PM2.5 and PM10) concentration in Heilongjiang Province during 2014–2018 and the key impacting factors were investigated based on principal component analysis-based ordinary least square regression (PCA-OLS), PCA-based geographically weighted regression (PCA-GWR), PCA-based temporally weighted regression (PCA-TWR), and PCA-based geographically and temporally weighted regression (PCA-GTWR). Results showed that six principal components represented the temperature, wind speed, air pressure, atmospheric pollution, humidity, and vegetation cover factor, respectively, contributing 87% of original variables. All the local models (PCA-GWR, PCA-TWR, and PCA-GTWR) were superior to the global model (PCA-OLS), and PCA-GTWR has the best performance. PM had greater temporal than spatial heterogeneity due to seasonal periodicity. Air pollutants (i.e., SO2, NO2, and CO) and pressure were promoted whereas temperature, wind speed, and vegetation cover inhibited the PM concentration. The downward trend of annual PM concentration is obvious, especially after 2017, and the hot spot gradually changed from southwestern to southeastern cities. This study laid the foundation for precise local government prevention and control by addressing both excessive effect factors (i.e., meteorological factors, air pollutants, vegetation cover) and spatial-temporal heterogeneity of PM.
Home-Based Robotic Upper Limbs Cardiac Telerehabilitation System
Authors: Mocan Bogdan , Mocan Mihaela , Fulea Mircea , Murar Mircea , Feier Horea
Published: September 2022

This article proposes a new, improved home-based cardiac telerehabilitation system enhanced by a robotic and Virtual Reality module for cardiac patients to be used in their rehabilitation program. In this study, a novel strategy was used to integrate existing equipment and applications with newly developed ones, with the aim of reducing the need for technical skills of patients using remote control. Patients with acute or chronic heart diseases require long-term, individualized rehabilitation in order to promote their motor recovery and maintain an active and independent lifestyle. This will be accomplished by creating a system for at-home cardiac telerehabilitation augmented by a VR and cobot systems, which can be used long-term at home by each individual patient. In the pre-feasibility study carried out on healthy volunteers familiar with software applications and robotic systems, we demonstrate that RoboTeleRehab could be technically feasible both hardware and software.
Validation of the Korean Version of Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale
Authors: Lee Boram , Oh Younjae , Lee Eunhee , Nam Kyoung A
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Research that examines moral courage has received a great deal of attention from scholars and practitioners in recent years due to the impact of moral distress experienced by nurses. Although it needs to identify the phenomenon related to moral courage among nurses, there has been a lack of instrumentation to investigate the quantitative aspects of moral courage among Korean nurses. This study aimed to test the validity of the Korean version of the Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through convenience sampling of 243 nurses from two general hospitals in South Korea. (3) Results: The Korean version of the Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale was developed from construct validity evidence, including 12 items in four domains: ‘Compassion and true presence’, ‘Moral integrity’, ‘Moral responsibility’, and ‘Commitment to good care’. Concurrent validity was obtained according to the significant correlation coefficients among the variables: moral courage, moral sensitivity, and professional moral courage. (4) Discussion: Our research contributes to the knowledge and understanding of moral courage in the nursing context and encourages future researchers to conduct a quantitative analysis of moral courage among Korean nurses using the validated K-NMCS.
Patient Engagement in Oncology Practice: A Qualitative Study on Patients’ and Nurses’ Perspectives
Authors: Tolotti Angela , Barello Serena , Vignaduzzo Camilla , Liptrott Sarah , Valcarenghi Dario , Nania Tiziana , Sari Davide , Bonetti Loris
Published: September 2022

Patient engagement has gained increasing attention in cancer care as it is widely acknowledged as an essential element of high-quality care. There are limited data on how oncology nurses might apply techniques that encourage patient engagement. Therefore, this study aims to understand which nursing strategies can favour patient engagement in oncological care from patients’ and nurses’ perspectives. We conducted a qualitative study involving oncology patients and oncology nurses. Patients were interviewed, while nurses were involved in focus groups (FGs). Both interviews and FGs were analysed by the means of thematic analysis. We interviewed six patients and conducted two FGs, involving 17 nurses. Five themes were identified from patients’ interviews: effective information, having the opportunity to choose, being considered a person, trusted relationship with nurses, and receiving support and advice. Additionally, five themes were identified from the FGs: the nurse–patient relationship, personalisation of care, information style, engagement strategies, and the team. The participants highlighted the importance of comprehensive information in order for patients to feel more involved. Great importance was given to the nurse–patient relationship, which must be based on trust and mutual respect. Both nurses and patients emphasised the importance of person-centred care. A more systematic implementation of suggestions from the participants in this study is desirable for the future.
Evidence of Unhealthy Dietary Patterns in the School Lunch Sent from Home for Children in Mexico City
Authors: Flores-Moreno Brenda Jazmín , Martínez-Andrade Gloria , Klünder-Klünder Miguel , Miranda-Lora América Liliana , Beristain-Lujano Brenda , Flores-Huerta Samuel , Mendoza Eugenia , Mayorga-Lima Ariana , Duque Ximena , Vilchis-Gil Jenny
Published: September 2022

The identification and characterization of dietary patterns are tools that are used to assess associations between diet and health or disease conditions. In Mexico, studies have examined dietary patterns in children for breakfast or for the whole day, but not specifically for their school lunch. The aim was to describe dietary patterns identified in school lunch and their association with the nutritional status and metabolic parameters of schoolchildren. In this cross-sectional study on schoolchildren from four elementary schools of Mexico City, we recorded anthropometry measurements, a fasting blood sample was collected, and metabolic parameters were determined. We obtained information on the foods and beverages that children brought for their school lunch; estimated the caloric and nutritional content; and created food groups to obtain dietary patterns from the energy provided by those groups. Among the 350 schoolchildren (mean age, 7.9 ± 1.2 years) included, 24.9% and 21.7% presented having overweight and obesity, respectively. A total of 89.4% of schoolchildren brought the school lunch from home. Using the K-means method, the following four dietary patterns were identified: (1) sandwiches, tortas, and sweetened dairy products were consumed by 13.1% (n = 46) of the schoolchildren; (2) sweet snacks were consumed by 50.3% (n = 176); (3) sweetened dairy products were brought by 15.1% of the children (n = 53); and (4) sandwiches and tortas were brought by 21.4% (n = 75). These four patterns showed significant differences in terms of the caloric and nutritional contents (p < 0.001). Energy sources in the identified patterns were primarily sugars (15.8–40%). No association was found between the anthropometric and metabolic parameters of children and the dietary patterns. No dietary pattern obtained from the school lunch could be considered as healthy, since all of them had high energy content, and a high percentage of the energy was from sugars from ultra-processed foods and beverages.
Back to School: Italian Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impact of COVID-19 on Personal and Social Well-Being and Teaching Methods
Authors: Porru Annamaria , Dicataldo Raffaele , Leo Irene , Roch Maja , Lucangeli Daniela
Published: September 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, continuous closing and reopening of schools may have had an impact on teachers’ perception of the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and of the effectiveness of health measures introduced to limit the spread of the virus, with consequences on teaching methods and relational bonds within schools. By means of an online survey, we measured: teachers’ stress, job-satisfaction, self-efficacy and emotions at work, risk-perception of contracting SARS-CoV-2, perception of effectiveness of health measures, teaching methods and social relationships. Participants were 2446 teachers (2142 women and 304 men) all engaged in the four educational stages. Most of the respondents were aged 50 or older (45%), followed by a group aged 41–50 (31%) and by a group aged <40 (24%). We used path analysis to test the impact that COVID-19 had, according to teachers, on teaching methods (Model 1) and social relationships (Model 2). In both models, teachers’ stress was positively directly associated with risk-perception of contracting SARS-CoV-2 (Model 1: β = 0.10; p < 0.001; Model 2: β = 0.09; p < 0.001). Additionally, we found an indirect path between teachers’ stress and risk-perception of contracting SARS-CoV-2 on the one hand, and perception of effectiveness of health measures on the other hand (Model 1: β = 0.02; p < 0.001; Model 2: β = 0.02; p < 0.001). These results suggest that, in emergencies, risk perception level, emotional regulation, and teachers’ stress levels were all key factors affecting teaching methods and relationship quality in schools.
Transcriptome Sequencing and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Drought Stress in Millet
Authors: Cao Xiaoning , Hu Yulu , Song Jian , Feng Hui , Wang Junjie , Chen Ling , Wang Lun , Diao Xianmin , Wan Yan , Liu Sichen , Qiao Zhijun
Published: September 2022

As one of the oldest agricultural crops in China, millet (Panicum miliaceum) has powerful drought tolerance. In this study, transcriptome and metabolome analyses of ‘Hequ Red millet’ (HQ) and ‘Yanshu No.10’ (YS10) millet after 6 h of drought stress were performed. Transcriptome characteristics of drought stress in HQ and YS10 were characterized by Pacbio full-length transcriptome sequencing. The pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that the highly enriched categories were related to starch and sucrose metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, metabolic pathways, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites when the two millet varieties were subjected to drought stress. Under drought stress, 245 genes related to energy metabolism were found to show significant changes between the two strains. Further analysis showed that 219 genes related to plant hormone signal transduction also participated in the drought response. In addition, numerous genes involved in anthocyanin metabolism and photosynthesis were confirmed to be related to drought stress, and these genes showed significant differential expression and played an important role in anthocyanin metabolism and photosynthesis. Moreover, we identified 496 transcription factors related to drought stress, which came from 10 different transcription factor families, such as bHLH, C3H, MYB, and WRKY. Further analysis showed that many key genes related to energy metabolism, such as citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and ATP synthase, showed significant upregulation, and most of the structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis also showed significant upregulation in both strains. Most genes related to plant hormone signal transduction showed upregulated expression, while many JA and SA signaling pathway-related genes were downregulated. Metabolome analysis was performed on ‘Hequ red millet’ (HQ) and ‘Yanshu 10’ (YS10), a total of 2082 differential metabolites (DEMs) were identified. These findings indicate that energy metabolism, anthocyanins, photosynthesis, and plant hormones are closely related to the drought resistance of millet and adapt to adversity by precisely regulating the levels of various molecular pathways.
Type 1 Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Differentially Modulates Neurotransmitter Levels in the Nucleus Accumbens of Juvenile versus Adult Rats
Authors: Zegers-Delgado Juan , Aguilera-Soza Alejandro , Calderón Florencia , Davidson Harley , Verbel-Vergara Daniel , Yarur Hector E. , Novoa Javier , Blanlot Camila , Bastias Cristian P. , Andrés María Estela , Gysling Katia
Published: September 2022

Adversity is particularly pernicious in early life, increasing the likelihood of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Juvenile and adult rats exposed to social isolation show differences in anxiety-like behaviors and significant changes in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Brain response to stress is partly mediated by the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system, composed of CRF and its two main receptors, CRF-R1 and CRF-R2. In the NAc shell of adult rats, CRF induces anxiety-like behavior and changes local DA balance. However, the role of CRF receptors in the control of neurotransmission in the NAc is not fully understood, nor is it known whether there are differences between life stages. Our previous data showed that infusion of a CRF-R1 antagonist into the NAc of juvenile rats increased DA levels in response to a depolarizing stimulus and decreased basal glutamate levels. To extend this analysis, we now evaluated the effect of a CRF-R1 antagonist infusion in the NAc of adult rats. Here, we describe that the opposite occurred in the NAc of adult compared to juvenile rats. Infusion of a CRF-R1 antagonist decreased DA and increased glutamate levels in response to a depolarizing stimulus. Furthermore, basal levels of DA, glutamate, and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) were similar in juvenile animals compared to adults. CRF-R1 protein levels and localization were not different in juvenile compared to adult rats. Interestingly, we observed differences in the signaling pathways of CRF-R1 in the NAc of juveniles compared to adult rats. We propose that the function of CRF-R1 receptors is differentially modulated in the NAc according to life stage.
AIE-Featured Redox-Sensitive Micelles for Bioimaging and Efficient Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhao Wei , Li Zixue , Liang Na , Liu Jiyang , Yan Pengfei , Sun Shaoping
Published: September 2022

In the present study, an amphiphilic polymer was prepared by conjugating methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) with tetraphenylethene (TPE) via disulfide bonds (Bi(mPEG-S-S)-TPE). The polymer could self-assemble into micelles and solubilize hydrophobic anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel (PTX) in the core. Combining the effect of TPE, mPEG, and disulfide bonds, the Bi(mPEG-S-S)-TPE micelles exhibited excellent AIE feature, reduced protein adsorption, and redox-sensitive drug release behavior. An in vitro intracellular uptake study demonstrated the great imaging ability and efficient internalization of Bi(mPEG-S-S)-TPE micelles. The excellent anticancer effect and low systemic toxicity were further evidenced by the in vivo anticancer experiment. The Bi(mPEG-S-S)-TPE micelles were promising drug carriers for chemotherapy and bioimaging.
MicroRNA398: A Master Regulator of Plant Development and Stress Responses
Authors: Li Jing , Song Qiaoqiao , Zuo Zhi-Fang , Liu Lin
Published: September 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in plant development and stress responses, and a growing number of studies suggest that miRNAs are promising targets for crop improvement because they participate in the regulation of diverse, important agronomic traits. MicroRNA398 (miR398) is a conserved miRNA in plants and has been shown to control multiple stress responses and plant growth in a variety of species. There are many studies on the stress response and developmental regulation of miR398. To systematically understand its function, it is necessary to summarize the evolution and functional roles of miR398 and its target genes. In this review, we analyze the evolution of miR398 in plants and outline its involvement in abiotic and biotic stress responses, in growth and development and in model and non-model plants. We summarize recent functional analyses, highlighting the role of miR398 as a master regulator that coordinates growth and diverse responses to environmental factors. We also discuss the potential for fine-tuning miR398 to achieve the goal of simultaneously improving plant growth and stress tolerance.
Investigation of Anxiety- and Depressive-like Symptoms in 4- and 8-Month-Old Male Triple Transgenic Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Várkonyi Dorottya , Török Bibiána , Sipos Eszter , Fazekas Csilla Lea , Bánrévi Krisztina , Correia Pedro , Chaves Tiago , Farkas Szidónia , Szabó Adrienn , Martínez-Bellver Sergio , Hangya Balázs , Zelena Dóra
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. Approximately 50% of AD patients show anxiety and depressive symptoms, which may contribute to cognitive decline. We aimed to investigate whether the triple-transgenic mouse (3xTg-AD) is a good preclinical model of this co-morbidity. The characteristic histological hallmarks are known to appear around 6-month; thus, 4- and 8-month-old male mice were compared with age-matched controls. A behavioral test battery was used to examine anxiety- (open field (OF), elevated plus maze, light-dark box, novelty suppressed feeding, and social interaction (SI) tests), and depression-like symptoms (forced swim test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference test, splash test, and learned helplessness) as well as the cognitive decline (Morris water maze (MWM) and social discrimination (SD) tests). Acetylcholinesterase histochemistry visualized cholinergic fibers in the cortex. Dexamethasone-test evaluated the glucocorticoid non-suppression. In the MWM, the 3xTg-AD mice found the platform later than controls in the 8-month-old cohort. The SD abilities of the 3xTg-AD mice were missing at both ages. In OF, both age groups of 3xTg-AD mice moved significantly less than the controls. During SI, 8-month-old 3xTg-AD animals spent less time with friendly social behavior than the controls. In the splash test, 3xTg-AD mice groomed themselves significantly less than controls of both ages. Cortical fiber density was lower in 8-month-old 3xTg-AD mice compared to the control. Dexamethasone non-suppression was detectable in the 4-month-old group. All in all, some anxiety- and depressive-like symptoms were present in 3xTg-AD mice. Although this strain was not generally more anxious or depressed, some aspects of comorbidity might be studied in selected tests, which may help to develop new possible treatments.
Effects of Sulforaphane-Induced Cell Death upon Repeated Passage of Either P-Glycoprotein-Negative or P-Glycoprotein-Positive L1210 Cell Variants
Authors: Bertova Anna , Kontar Szilvia , Polozsanyi Zoltan , Simkovic Martin , Rosenbergova Zuzana , Rebros Martin , Sulova Zdena , Breier Albert , Imrichova Denisa
Published: September 2022

The expression of the membrane ABCB1 transporter in neoplastic cells is one of the most common causes of reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy. In our previous study, we investigated the effect of a single culture of ABCB1-negative (S) and ABCB1-positive variants of L1210 cells (R and T) in the presence of sulforaphane (SFN). We demonstrated that SFN induces the onset of autophagy more markedly in S cells than in R or T cells. In the current study, we focused on the effect of the repeated culture of S, R and T cells in SFN-containing media. The repeated cultures increased the onset of autophagy compared to the simple culture, mainly in S cells and to a lesser extent in R and T cells, as indicated by changes in the cellular content of 16 and 18 kDa fragments of LC3B protein or changes in the specific staining of cells with monodansylcadaverine. We conclude that SFN affects ABCB1-negative S cells more than ABCB1-positive R and T cells during repeated culturing. Changes in cell sensitivity to SFN appear to be related to the expression of genes for cell-cycle checkpoints, such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases.
Identification, Pathogenicity, and Genetic Diversity of Fusarium spp. Associated with Maize Sheath Rot in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Yang Xilang , Xu Xi , Wang Shuo , Zhang Li , Shen Guijin , Teng Haolin , Yang Chunbo , Song Chunru , Xiang Wensheng , Wang Xiangjing , Zhao Junwei
Published: September 2022

Maize sheath rot is a prevalent maize disease in China. From 2020 to 2021, symptomatic samples were collected from the main maize-growing regions of Heilongjiang province. To clarify the population and genetic diversity, as well as the virulence of pathogens responsible for maize sheath rot, a total of 132 Fusarium isolates were obtained and used for follow-up studies. Ten Fusarium species were identified based on morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the TEF-1α gene sequences, including F. verticillioides (50.00%), F. subglutinans (18.94%), the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (14.39%), F. temperatum (5.30%), F. acuminatum (3.03%), F. solani (2.27%), F. sporotrichioides (2.27%), F. tricinctum (1.52%), F. asiaticum (1.52%), and F. proliferatum (0.76%). All 10 Fusarium species could produce oval-to-annular lesions on maize sheath, and the lesions were grayish yellow to dark brown in the center and surrounded by a dark gray-to-dark brown halo. Of these, F. tricinctum and F. proliferatum showed significantly higher virulence than the other Fusarium species. In addition, haplotype analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS and TEF-1a genes showed that 99 Fusarium isolates which belonged to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex—consisting of F. verticillioides isolates, F. subglutinans isolates, F. temperatum isolates, and F. proliferatum isolates—could be grouped into 10 haplotypes, including 5 shared haplotypes (Haps 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) and 5 private haplotypes (Haps 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10). Furthermore, the F. verticillioides clade in the haplotype network was radial with the center of Hap 2, suggesting that population expansion occurred. This research showed that Fusarium species associated with maize sheath rot in Heilongjiang province are more diverse than previously reported, and this is the first time that F. subglutinans, F. temperatum, F. solani, F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum, and F. acuminatum have been confirmed as the causal agents of maize sheath rot in Heilongjiang province.
Activating PPARβ/δ Protects against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Astrocytic Apoptosis via UCP2-Dependent Mitophagy in Depressive Model
Authors: Ji Juan , Li Shangze , Jiang Zikai , Yu Jianbing , Sun Yuqin , Cai Zhenyu , Dong Yinfeng , Sun Xiulan
Published: September 2022

As energy metabolism regulation factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) is thought to be a potential target for the treatment of depression. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of activating PPARβ/δ, the most highly expressed subtype in the brain, in depressive in vivo and in vitro models. We observed that PPARβ/δ agonist GW0742 significantly alleviated depressive behaviors in mice and promoted the formation of autophagosomes around the damaged mitochondria in hippocampal astrocytes. Our in vitro experiments showed that GW0742 could reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress, and thereby attenuate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis pathway via inhibiting IRE1α phosphorylation, subsequently protect against astrocytic apoptosis and loss. Furthermore, we found that PPARβ/δ agonist induces astrocytic mitophagy companied with the upregulated UCP2 expressions. Knocking down UCP2 in astrocytes could block the anti-apoptosis and pro-mitophagy effects of GW0742. In conclusion, our findings reveal PPARβ/δ activation protects against ER stress-induced astrocytic apoptosis via enhancing UCP2-mediated mitophagy, which contribute to the anti-depressive action. The present study provides a new insight for depression therapy.
Tumor-Suppressive and Oncogenic Roles of microRNA-149-5p in Human Cancers
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhao Nan , Zhao Nan , Hu Xinyao , He Xiaoqin , Xu Yangtao , Chen Jiayu , Chen Wenliang , Liu Xin , Zhou Zhuolin , Cao Dedong , Xu Ximing
Published: September 2022

Malignant tumors are always a critical threat to human health, with complex pathogenesis, numerous causative factors, and poor prognosis. The features of cancers, such as gene mutations, epigenetic alterations, and the activation and inhibition of signaling pathways in the organism, play important roles in tumorigenesis and prognosis. MicroRNA (miRNA) enables the control of various molecular mechanisms and plays a variety of roles in human cancers, such as radiation sensitivity and tumor immunity, through the regulation of target genes. MiR-149-5p participates in the process and is closely related to lipogenesis, the migration of vascular endothelial cells, and the expression of stem-cell-related proteins. In recent years, its role in cancer has dramatically increased. In this review, we summarize the regular physiological roles of miRNAs, specifically miR-149-5p, in the organism and discuss the tumor-suppressive or oncogenic roles of miR-149-5p in different human cancers with respect to signaling pathways involved in regulation. Possible clinical applications of miR-149-5p in future targeted therapies and prognosis improvement in oncology are suggested.