bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Cultivation of Tobacco in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Modelling Approach
Authors: Talukder Ashis , Haq Iqramul , Ali Mohammad , Drope Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

An increasing number of studies provide evidence on the serious negative consequences of tobacco farming on economic livelihoods, human health and the environment. There is, however, only limited research on tobacco farming in Bangladesh, a significant producer of tobacco leaf. It is not yet well understood why many farmers choose to grow tobacco considering the challenging context. Accordingly, this study examines the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to grow tobacco in Bangladesh. Socio-demographic and economic information was collected from 220 tobacco farmers and 117 non-tobacco farmers from the major tobacco-growing district of Kushtia, for a total sample of 337. These farmers were recruited from two sub-districts (or upazilla—Daulatpur and Mirpur) using a stratified random sampling. A two-level logistic regression model was applied for the identification of the variables that condition farmers’ decisions to cultivate tobacco leaf. Almost two-thirds of the sampled farmers (65.3%) chose to farm tobacco. The results demonstrate that the following variables shape most farmers’ decisions to cultivate tobacco: older age, less education, tobacco firms’ short-term financial support of growing tobacco, greater ease of selling tobacco products at market, better access to credit (also provided by the tobacco companies), and farmer’s perception about higher profits from tobacco cultivation compared to other crops. This study strongly suggests that the government and others working on tobacco control should consider engaging in initiatives to increase farmers’ education, perhaps particularly for older farmers, and provide meaningful financial support in part by helping to increase access to credit and ensuring a better market facility to sell their other healthier agricultural crops, goods and services.
How Can Design Features and Other Factors Affect the Indoor Air Quality in Inpatient Rooms? Check-Lists for the Design Phase, Daily Procedures and Maintenance Activities for Reducing the Air Concentrations of Chemical Pollution
Authors: Gola Marco , Settimo Gaetano , Capolongo Stefano
Published: June 2020

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of main topics of Public Health on which international institutions and countries are taking action. With regards to healing architectures, several studies have reported data analysis and case studies to improve users’ health (patients, and medical and administrative staffs), but there are not enough regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Regarding chemical pollution of indoor air, the Scientific Community has highlighted that there are several factors that affect the IAQ, in particular the design and management, and energetic efficiency, of inpatient wards. Several stakeholders, from the designers to the managers, are responsible for the indoor air in healing environments. Supported by analysis of the State of the Art and the main factors that influence the heterogeneous scenario of inpatient wards, the paper presents three check-lists, designed for supporting the stakeholders during the design phase, or for the daily procedures and maintenance activities, for pre-assessment of factors that affect chemical pollution, and for the definition of strategies to be applied. In fact, in such environments IAQ assumes a particular meaning and importance, both for the vulnerability of the patients and for the long time spent by the sanitary staff. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the continuous need for interdisciplinary knowledge and skills aimed at finding solutions able to protect users’ health status (including patients, workers and visitors), especially in the field of the indoor air issue.
Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Constructs of COVID-19 Health Beliefs: A Comparison Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Individuals in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Nai-Ying , Lu Wei-Hsin , Chen Yi-Lung , Li Dian-Jeng , Chang Yu-Ping , Wang Peng-Wei , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: June 2020

This online survey study aimed to compare the cognitive, affective, and behavioral constructs of health beliefs related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals in Taiwan. In total, 533 sexual minority and 1421 heterosexual participants were recruited through a Facebook advertisement. The constructs pertaining to cognition (perceived relative susceptibility to COVID-19, perceived COVID-19 severity, having sufficient knowledge and information on COVID-19, and confidence in coping with COVID-19), affect (worry toward COVID-19), and behavior (adoption of health-protective behaviors) in relation to health beliefs about COVID-19 were compared between sexual minority and heterosexual participants. The results indicated that sexual minority participants had lower perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, greater self-confidence in coping with COVID-19, and lower worry about COVID-19 and were less likely to maintain good indoor ventilation and disinfect their household than heterosexual individuals. Sexual orientation is the modifying factor for the Health Belief Model in the COVID-19 pandemic and should be taken into consideration when medical professionals establish prevention programs for COVID-19.
Exposure to Nail and False Eyelash Glue: A Case Series Study
Authors: Brambilla Elena , Crevani Marta , Petrolini Valeria M. , Scaravaggi Giulia , Di Primo Maria , Roda Elisa , Locatelli Carlo A.
Published: June 2020

The use of artificial nail tips in professional manicure services and the application of false eyelashes are a growing trend among young women. Often, this “beauty routine” is performed at home without the supervision of an expert beautician, raising health problems due to either the spillage of these products or to accidental exposure to children. The aim of this study is to review the Pavia Poison Control Centre clinical records to identify the frequency, the most common route of exposure, and the possible risks associated to these events to support the decision-making process in emergency departments. The Pavia Poison Control Centre database was retrospectively searched for records reporting nail or false eyelash glue exposure from January 2007 to April 2020, and 42 patients were identified. Among the patients, 76% presented symptoms from mild to severe, while 24% were asymptomatic. The most common route of exposure was dermal, through cutaneous contact, as determined for 19 patients involved. Among these, seven patients presented with second-degree chemical burns, cutaneous erythema, and ocular symptoms. The most dangerous glue component was cyanoacrylate, leading to symptoms in 16 out of 22 patients, while three cases remained asymptomatic. Even if this exposure is relatively rare, nail and false eyelash glue can be seriously harmful, especially when exposure occurs via dermal or ocular routes. In the case of emergency, it is important to treat the patient as fast as possible to limit the damage caused by a burn. Moreover, even though these products are often perceived as harmless, safety precautions should be taken to prevent children from accidental contact.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of Essential Oils: Implications in Colonic Pathophysiology
Authors: Spisni Enzo , Petrocelli Giovannamaria , Imbesi Veronica , Spigarelli Renato , Azzinnari Demetrio , Donati Sarti Marco , Campieri Massimo , Valerii Maria Chiara
Published: June 2020

Essential oils (EOs) are a complex mixture of hydrophobic and volatile compounds synthesized from aromatic plants, most of them commonly used in the human diet. In recent years, many studies have analyzed their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties in vitro and on experimentally induced animal models of colitis and colorectal cancer. However, there are still few clinical studies aimed to understand their role in the modulation of the intestinal pathophysiology. Many EOs and some of their molecules have demonstrated their efficacy in inhibiting bacterial, fungi and virus replication and in modulating the inflammatory and oxidative processes that take place in experimental colitis. In addition to this, their antitumor activity against colorectal cancer models makes them extremely interesting compounds for the modulation of the pathophysiology of the large bowel. The characterization of these EOs is made difficult by their complexity and by the different compositions present in the same oil having different geographical origins. This review tries to shift the focus from the EOs to their individual compounds, to expand their possible applications in modulating colon pathophysiology.
Association Between Celiac Disease and Cancer
Authors: Marafini Irene , Monteleone Giovanni , Stolfi Carmine
Published: June 2020

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic enteropathy that develops in genetically susceptible individuals after the ingestion of gluten. There has been a substantial increase in CD prevalence in the last 50 years, and it is now estimated that this disease affects approximately 1% of the population in the Western world. In the large majority of cases, CD is a benign disease, characterized by the complete resolution of symptoms and a normal life expectancy after the onset of a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, failure to adhere to a strict GFD bears the risk of adverse events and increases mortality. A considerable number of studies have considered the possible association between CD and neoplasms. In particular, an increased risk of malignancies, such as cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and intestinal lymphomas, has been reported. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current evidence on the possible association between CD and cancer.
Prion Protein in Stem Cells: A Lipid Raft Component Involved in the Cellular Differentiation Process
Authors: Martellucci Stefano , Santacroce Costantino , Santilli Francesca , Manganelli Valeria , Sorice Maurizio , Mattei Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

The prion protein (PrP) is an enigmatic molecule with a pleiotropic effect on different cell types; it is localized stably in lipid raft microdomains and it is able to recruit downstream signal transduction pathways by its interaction with various biochemical partners. Since its discovery, this lipid raft component has been involved in several functions, although most of the publications focused on the pathological role of the protein. Recent studies report a key role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in physiological processes, including cellular differentiation. Indeed, the PrPC, whose expression is modulated according to the cell differentiation degree, appears to be part of the multimolecular signaling pathways of the neuronal differentiation process. In this review, we aim to summarize the main findings that report the link between PrPC and stem cells.
Serum Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Remodelling Reflect Extra-Valvular Cardiac Damage in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Bäz Laura , Dannberg Gudrun , Grün Katja , Westphal Julian , Möbius-Winkler Sven , Jung Christian , Pfeil Alexander , Schulze P. Christian , Franz Marcus
Published: June 2020

In patients with aortic stenosis (AS), a novel staging classification of extra-valvular left and right heart damage with prognostic relevance was introduced in 2017. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biomarkers of cardiovascular tissue remodelling in relation to this novel staging classification. Patients were categorized according to the novel staging classification into stages 0 to 4. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), B and C domain containing tenascin-C (B+ Tn-C, C+ Tn-C), the ED-A and ED-B domain containing fibronectin (ED-A+ Fn, ED-B+ Fn), endothelin 1 (ET-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were determined in serum by ELISA. There were significantly decreased serum levels of MMP-9 and increased levels of B+ Tn-C and C+ Tn-C when comparing stages 0 and 1 with stage 2, with no further dynamics in stages 3 and 4. In contrast, for TIMP-1, C+ Tn-C, ED-A+ Fn, ET-1 and NGAL, significantly increased serum levels could be detected in stages 3 and 4 compared to both stages 0 and 1 and stage 2. ED-A+ Fn and ET-1 could be identified as independent predictors of the presence of stage 3 and/or 4. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study identifying novel serum biomarkers differentially reflecting the patterns of left and right heart extra-valvular damage in patients suffering from AS. Our findings might indicate a more precise initial diagnosis and risk stratification.
The Effect of Substituted Benzene-Sulfonamides and Clinically Licensed Drugs on the Catalytic Activity of CynT2, a Carbonic Anhydrase Crucial for Escherichia coli Life Cycle
Authors: Del Prete Sonia , De Luca Viviana , Bua Silvia , Nocentini Alessio , Carginale Vincenzo , Supuran Claudiu T. , Capasso Clemente
Published: June 2020

Proteins are relevant antimicrobial drug targets, and among them, enzymes represent a significant group, since most of them catalyze reactions essential for supporting the central metabolism, or are necessary for the pathogen vitality. Genomic exploration of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms has revealed genes encoding for a superfamily of metalloenzymes, known as carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1). CAs catalyze the physiologically crucial reversible reaction of the carbon dioxide hydration to bicarbonate and protons. Herein, we investigated the sulfonamide inhibition profile of the recombinant β-CA (CynT2) identified in the genome of the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. This biocatalyst is indispensable for the growth of the microbe at atmospheric pCO2. Surprisingly, this enzyme has not been investigated for its inhibition with any class of CA inhibitors. Here, we show that CynT2 was strongly inhibited by some substituted benzene-sulfonamides and the clinically used inhibitor sulpiride (KIs in the range of 82–97 nM). This study may be relevant for identifying novel CA inhibitors, as well as for another essential part of the drug discovery pipeline, such as the structure–activity relationship for this class of enzyme inhibitors.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Adipose Tissues and Its Implications on Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Wu Kelvin Ka-Lok , Cheung Samson Wing-Ming , Cheng Kenneth King-Yip
Published: June 2020

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine and immune organ that controls systemic immunometabolism via multiple pathways. Diverse immune cell populations reside in adipose tissue, and their composition and immune responses vary with nutritional and environmental conditions. Adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by sterile low-grade chronic inflammation and excessive immune cell infiltration, is a hallmark of obesity, as well as an important link to cardiometabolic diseases. Amongst the pro-inflammatory factors secreted by the dysfunctional adipose tissue, interleukin (IL)-1β, induced by the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, not only impairs peripheral insulin sensitivity, but it also interferes with the endocrine and immune functions of adipose tissue in a paracrine manner. Human studies indicated that NLRP3 activity in adipose tissues positively correlates with obesity and its metabolic complications, and treatment with the IL-1β antibody improves glycaemia control in type 2 diabetic patients. In mouse models, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 activation pathways or IL-1β prevents adipose tissue dysfunction, including inflammation, fibrosis, defective lipid handling and adipogenesis, which in turn alleviates obesity and its related metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize both the negative and positive regulators of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and its pathophysiological consequences on immunometabolism. We also discuss the potential therapeutic approaches to targeting adipose tissue inflammasome for the treatment of obesity and its related metabolic disorders.
Relationship between IL-8 Circulating Levels and TLR2 Hepatic Expression in Women with Morbid Obesity and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Auguet Teresa , Bertran Laia , Binetti Jessica , Aguilar Carmen , Martínez Salomé , Sabench Fàtima , Lopez-Dupla Jesús Miguel , Porras José Antonio , Riesco David , Del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristóbal
Published: June 2020

The progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is linked to systemic inflammation. Currently, two of the aspects that need further investigation are diagnosis and treatment of NASH. In this sense, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between circulating levels of cytokines, hepatic expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), and degrees of NAFLD, and to investigate whether these levels could serve as noninvasive biomarkers of NASH. The present study assessed plasma levels of cytokines in 29 normal-weight women and 82 women with morbid obesity (MO) (subclassified: normal liver (n = 29), simple steatosis (n = 32), and NASH (n = 21)). We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to quantify cytokine and TLR4 levels and RTqPCR to assess TLRs hepatic expression. IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, tPAI-1, and MCP-1 levels were increased, and adiponectin levels were decreased in women with MO. IL-8 was significantly higher in MO with NASH than in NL. To sum up, high levels of IL-8 were associated with the diagnosis of NASH in a cohort of women with morbid obesity. Moreover, a positive correlation between TLR2 hepatic expression and IL-8 circulating levels was found.
UV-Pre-Treated and Protein-Adsorbed Titanium Implants Exhibit Enhanced Osteoconductivity
Authors: Sugita Yoshihiko , Saruta Juri , Taniyama Takashi , Kitajima Hiroaki , Hirota Makoto , Ikeda Takayuki , Ogawa Takahiro
Published: June 2020

Titanium materials are essential treatment modalities in the medical field and serve as a tissue engineering scaffold and coating material for medical devices. Thus, there is a significant demand to improve the bioactivity of titanium for therapeutic and experimental purposes. We showed that ultraviolet light (UV)-pre-treatment changed the protein-adsorption ability and subsequent osteoconductivity of titanium. Fibronectin (FN) adsorption on UV-treated titanium was 20% and 30% greater after 1-min and 1-h incubation, respectively, than that of control titanium. After 3-h incubation, FN adsorption on UV-treated titanium remained 30% higher than that on the control. Osteoblasts were cultured on titanium disks after 1-h FN adsorption with or without UV-pre-treatment and on titanium disks without FN adsorption. The number of attached osteoblasts during the early stage of culture was 80% greater on UV-treated and FN-adsorbed (UV/FN) titanium than on FN-adsorbed (FN) titanium; osteoblasts attachment on UV/FN titanium was 2.6- and 2.1-fold greater than that on control- and UV-treated titanium, respectively. The alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts on UV/FN titanium was increased 1.8-, 1.8-, and 2.4-fold compared with that on FN-adsorbed, UV-treated, and control titanium, respectively. The UV/FN implants exhibited 25% and 150% greater in vivo biomechanical strength of bone integration than the FN- and control implants, respectively. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) adsorption on UV-treated titanium was 4.5-fold greater than that on control titanium after 1-min incubation, resulting in a 4-fold increase in osteoblast attachment. Thus, UV-pre-treatment of titanium accelerated its protein adsorptivity and osteoconductivity, providing a novel strategy for enhancing its bioactivity.
From Single Cell to Plants: Mesophyll Protoplasts as a Versatile System for Investigating Plant Cell Reprogramming
Authors: Pasternak Taras , Lystvan Kateryna , Betekhtin Alexander , Hasterok Robert
Published: June 2020

Plants are sessile organisms that have a remarkable developmental plasticity, which ensures their optimal adaptation to environmental stresses. Plant cell totipotency is an extreme example of such plasticity, whereby somatic cells have the potential to form plants via direct shoot organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis in response to various exogenous and/or endogenous signals. Protoplasts provide one of the most suitable systems for investigating molecular mechanisms of totipotency, because they are effectively single cell populations. In this review, we consider the current state of knowledge of the mechanisms that induce cell proliferation from individual, differentiated somatic plant cells. We highlight initial explant metabolic status, ploidy level and isolation procedure as determinants of successful cell reprogramming. We also discuss the importance of auxin signalling and its interaction with stress-regulated pathways in governing cell cycle induction and further stages of plant cell totipotency.
Impaired Expression of Chloroplast HSP90C Chaperone Activates Plant Defense Responses with a Possible Link to a Disease-Symptom-Like Phenotype
Authors: Islam Shaikhul , Bhor Sachin Ashok , Tanaka Keisuke , Sakamoto Hikaru , Yaeno Takashi , Kaya Hidetaka , Kobayashi Kappei
Published: June 2020

RNA-seq analysis of a transgenic tobacco plant, i-hpHSP90C, in which chloroplast HSP90C genes can be silenced in an artificially inducible manner resulting in the development of chlorosis, revealed the up- and downregulation of 2746 and 3490 genes, respectively. Gene ontology analysis of these differentially expressed genes indicated the upregulation of ROS-responsive genes; the activation of the innate immunity and cell death pathways; and the downregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis, plastid organization, and cell cycle. Cell death was confirmed by trypan blue staining and electrolyte leakage assay, and the H2O2 production was confirmed by diaminobenzidine staining. The results collectively suggest that the reduced levels of HSP90C chaperone lead the plant to develop chlorosis primarily through the global downregulation of chloroplast- and photosynthesis-related genes and additionally through the light-dependent production of ROS, followed by the activation of immune responses, including cell death.
Insight into the Regulatory Relationships between the Insulin-Like Androgenic Gland Hormone Gene and the Insulin-Like Androgenic Gland Hormone-binding Protein Gene in Giant Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Authors: Yang Guang , Lu Zhijie , Qin Zhendong , Zhao Lijuan , Pan Gan , Shen Haiyang , Zhang Menglan , Liang Rishen , Lin Li , Zhang Kai
Published: June 2020

Giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are commonly found throughout the world. The size of the male giant freshwater prawn is much larger than that of the female. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism that underlies the sexual differentiation of M. rosenbergii is of both commercial and scientific importance. Insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) plays a key role in the differentiation of sex in M. rosenbergii. Although IAG has been investigated, the regulatory relationship between IAG and its binding protein partner, the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone-binding protein (IAGBP), has not been studied in M. rosenbergii. Here, we cloned and characterized the IAGBP from M. rosenbergii (Mr-IAGBP) for the very first time. Transcriptomic analysis showed that Mr-IAGBP mRNA was detected in a wide array of tissues with the highest expression found in the androgenic gland. The importance of IAG in male development was further demonstrated by an increase in IAG transcripts during the development of the androgenic gland and Mr-IAG was only highly transcribed in the androgenic gland of M. rosenbergii. Interestingly, we found that the Mr-IAG gene expression started during the 20th-day larva after hatching stage (LH20), followed (20th-day post-larval stage, PL20) by a gradual elevation of Mr-IAGBP levels. The levels of both genes peaked at the adult stage. The relationship between Mr-IAGBP and Mr-IAG was further analyzed using RNA interference. The injection of Mr-IAGBP double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) significantly reduced the transcription of Mr-IAG, while the amount of Mr-IAGBP mRNA and the translation of IAGBP protein was significantly reduced by the injection of Mr-IAG dsRNA. These results revealed that IAGBP is involved in IAG signaling. Furthermore, our data supports the hypothesis that (IAG and IAGBP)-IAG receptor signaling schemes exist in M. rosenbergii. Our results will provide important information for the further study of determining the sex of M. rosenbergii.
Comparing a Query Compound with Drug Target Classes Using 3D-Chemical Similarity
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyeok , Ahn Sangjin , Kim Mi-hyun
Published: June 2020

3D similarity is useful in predicting the profiles of unprecedented molecular frameworks that are 2D dissimilar to known compounds. When comparing pairs of compounds, 3D similarity of the pairs depends on conformational sampling, the alignment method, the chosen descriptors, and the similarity coefficients. In addition to these four factors, 3D chemocentric target prediction of an unknown compound requires compound–target associations, which replace compound-to-compound comparisons with compound-to-target comparisons. In this study, quantitative comparison of query compounds to target classes (one-to-group) was achieved via two types of 3D similarity distributions for the respective target class with parameter optimization for the fitting models: (1) maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of queries, and (2) the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) of target classes. While Jaccard–Tanimoto similarity of query-to-ligand pairs with 3D structures (sampled multi-conformers) can be transformed into query distribution using ML estimation, the ligand pair similarity within each target class can be transformed into a representative distribution of a target class through GMM, which is hyperparameterized via the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm. To quantify the discriminativeness of a query ligand against target classes, the Kullback–Leibler (K–L) divergence of each query was calculated and compared between targets. 3D similarity-based K–L divergence together with the probability and the feasibility index, (Fm), showed discriminative power with regard to some query–class associations. The K–L divergence of 3D similarity distributions can be an additional method for (1) the rank of the 3D similarity score or (2) the p-value of one 3D similarity distribution to predict the target of unprecedented drug scaffolds.
The Recent Progress in Nanotoxicology and Nanosafety from the Point of View of Both Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
Authors: Wu Yuan-Hua , Ho Sheng-Yow , Wang Bour-Jr , Wang Ying-Jan
Published: June 2020

This editorial aims to summarize the 14 scientific papers contributed to the Special Issue “Nanotoxicology and nanosafety 2.0 from the point of view of both toxicology and ecotoxicology”.
Augmentation of Bone Regeneration by Depletion of Stress-Induced Senescent Cells Using Catechin and Senolytics
Authors: Honda Yoshitomo , Huang Anqi , Tanaka Tomonari , Han Xiaoyu , Gao Beiyuan , Liu Haitao , Wang Xinchen , Zhao Jianxin , Hashimoto Yoshiya , Yamamoto Kazuyo , Matsumoto Naoyuki , Baba Shunsuke , Umeda Makoto
Published: June 2020

Despite advances in bone regenerative medicine, the relationship between stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) in cells and bone regeneration remains largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that the implantation of a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sustained-release gelatin sponge (LS-G) increases the number of SIPS cells and that the elimination of these cells promotes bone formation in critical-sized bone defects in the rat calvaria. Histological (hematoxylin–eosin and SA-β-gal) and immunohistological (p16 and p21 for analyzing cellular senescence and 4-HNE for oxidation) staining was used to identify SIPS cells and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Bone formation in defects were analyzed using microcomputed tomography, one and four weeks after surgery. Parallel to LS-G implantation, local epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) administration, and systemic senolytic (dasatinib and quercetin: D+Q) administration were used to eliminate SIPS cells. After LS-G implantation, SA-β-gal-, p16-, and p21-positive cells (SIPS cells) accumulated in the defects. However, treatment with LS-G+EGCG and LS-G+D+Q resulted in lower numbers of SIPS cells than that with LS-G in the defects, resulting in an augmentation of newly formed bone. We demonstrated that SIPS cells induced by sustained stimulation by LPS may play a deleterious role in bone formation. Controlling these cell numbers is a promising strategy to increase bone regeneration.
Berberine Derivatives Suppress Cellular Proliferation and Tumorigenesis In Vitro in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Chang Jia-Ming , Kam Kam-Hong , Chao Wen-Ying , Zhao Pei-Wen , Chen Shu-Hsin , Chung Hui-Chen , Li Yi-Zhen , Wu Jin-Yi , Lee Ying-Ray
Published: June 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the world, and the most common type of lung cancer is non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 85% of lung cancer. Patients with NSCLC, when detected, are mostly in a metastatic stage, and over half of patients diagnosed with NSCLC die within one year after diagnosis; the 5-year survival rate is 24%. However, in patients with metastatic NSCLC, the 5-year survival rate is 6%. Therefore, development of a new therapeutic agent or strategy is urgent for NSCLCs. Berberine has been illustrated to be a therapeutic agent of NSCLC. In the present study, we synthesized six derivatives of berberine, and the anti-NSCLC activity of these agents was examined. Some of them exert increasing proliferation inhibition comparing with berberine. Further studies demonstrated that two of the most effective agents, 9-O-decylberberrubine bromide (B6) and 9-O-dodecylberberrubine bromide (B7), performed cell cycle regulation, in-vitro tumorigenesis inhibition and autophagic flux blocking, but not induction of cellular apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Moreover, B6 and B7 were determined to be green fluorescent and could be penetrated and localized in cellular mitochondria. Herein, B6 and B7, the berberine derivatives we synthesized, revealed better anti-NSCLC activity with berberine and may be used as therapeutic candidates for the treatment of NSCLCs.
New Determinants of Aminoglycoside Resistance and Their Association with the Class 1 Integron Gene Cassettes in Trueperella pyogenes
Authors: Kwiecień Ewelina , Stefańska Ilona , Chrobak-Chmiel Dorota , Sałamaszyńska-Guz Agnieszka , Rzewuska Magdalena
Published: June 2020

Trueperella pyogenes is an important opportunistic animal pathogen. Different antimicrobials, including aminoglycosides, are used to treat T. pyogenes infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate aminoglycoside susceptibility and to detect aminoglycoside resistance determinants in 86 T. pyogenes isolates of different origin. Minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin, streptomycin, and kanamycin was determined using a standard broth microdilution method. Genetic elements associated with aminoglycoside resistance were investigated by PCR and DNA sequencing. All studied isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, but 32.6% and 11.6% of them were classified as resistant to streptomycin and kanamycin, respectively. A total of 30 (34.9%) isolates contained class 1 integrons. Class 1 integron gene cassettes carrying aminoglycoside resistance genes, aadA11 and aadA9, were found in seven and two isolates, respectively. Additionally, the aadA9 gene found in six isolates was not associated with mobile genetic elements. Moreover, other, not carried by gene cassettes, aminoglycoside resistance genes, strA-strB and aph(3’)-IIIa, were also detected. Most importantly, this is the first description of all reported genes in T. pyogenes. Nevertheless, the relevance of the resistance phenotype to genotype was not perfectly matched in 14 isolates. Therefore, further investigations are needed to fully explain aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms in T. pyogenes.
RETRACTED: Lemon Balm Extract ALS-L1023 Regulates Obesity and Improves Insulin Sensitivity via Activation of Hepatic PPARα in High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Lee Dongju , Shin Yujin , Roh Jong , Ahn Jiwon , Jeoong Sunhyo , Shin Soon , Yoon Michung
Published: June 2020

Our previous studies demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activation reduces weight gain and improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Since excess lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues is suggested to be responsible for the development of insulin resistance, this study was undertaken to examine whether the lemon balm extract ALS-L1023 regulates hepatic lipid accumulation, obesity, and insulin resistance and to determine whether its mechanism of action involves PPARα. Administration of ALS-L1023 to high-fat-diet-induced obese mice caused reductions in body weight gain, visceral fat mass, and visceral adipocyte size without changes of food consumption profiles. ALS-L1023 improved hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, glucose and insulin tolerance, and normalized insulin-positive β-cell area in obese mice. ALS-L1023 decreased hepatic lipid accumulation and concomitantly increased the expression of PPARα target genes responsible for fatty acid β-oxidation in livers. In accordance with the in vivo data, ALS-L1023 reduced lipid accumulation and stimulated PPARα reporter gene expression in HepG2 cells. These effects of ALS-L1023 were comparable to those of the PPARα ligand fenofibrate, while the PPARα antagonist GW6471 inhibited the actions of ALS-L1023 on lipid accumulation and PPARα luciferase activity in HepG2 cells. Higher phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt)/Akt ratios and lower expression of gluconeogenesis genes were observed in the livers of ALS-L1023-treated mice. These results indicate that ALS-L1023 may inhibit obesity and improve insulin sensitivity in part through inhibition of hepatic lipid accumulation via hepatic PPARα activation.
Insights about MYC and Apoptosis in B-Lymphomagenesis: An Update from Murine Models
Authors: Vecchio Eleonora , Fiume Giuseppe , Correnti Serena , Romano Salvatore , Iaccino Enrico , Mimmi Selena , Maisano Domenico , Nisticò Nancy , Quinto Ileana
Published: June 2020

The balance between cell survival and cell death represents an essential part of human tissue homeostasis, while altered apoptosis contributes to several pathologies and can affect the treatment efficacy. Impaired apoptosis is one of the main cancer hallmarks and some types of lymphomas harbor mutations that directly affect key regulators of cell death (such as BCL-2 family members). The development of novel techniques in the field of immunology and new animal models has greatly accelerated our understanding of oncogenic mechanisms in MYC-associated lymphomas. Mouse models are a powerful tool to reveal multiple genes implicated in the genesis of lymphoma and are extensively used to clarify the molecular mechanism of lymphoma, validating the gene function. Key features of MYC-induced apoptosis will be discussed here along with more recent studies on MYC direct and indirect interactors, including their cooperative action in lymphomagenesis. We review our current knowledge about the role of MYC-induced apoptosis in B-cell malignancies, discussing the transcriptional regulation network of MYC and regulatory feedback action of miRs during MYC-driven lymphomagenesis. More importantly, the finding of new modulators of apoptosis now enabling researchers to translate the discoveries that have been made in the laboratory into clinical practice to positively impact human health.
Recommender Systems Based on Collaborative Filtering Using Review Texts—A Survey
Authors: Srifi Mehdi , Oussous Ahmed , Ait Lahcen Ayoub , Mouline Salma
Published: June 2020

In e-commerce websites and related micro-blogs, users supply online reviews expressing their preferences regarding various items. Such reviews are typically in the textual comments form, and account for a valuable information source about user interests. Recently, several works have used review texts and their related rich information like review words, review topics and review sentiments, for improving the rating-based collaborative filtering recommender systems. These works vary from one another on how they exploit the review texts for deriving user interests. This paper provides a detailed survey of recent works that integrate review texts and also discusses how these review texts are exploited for addressing some main issues of standard collaborative filtering algorithms.
The Potential for Decision Support Tools to Improve the Management of Root-Feeding Fly Pests of Vegetables in Western Europe
Authors: Collier Rosemary , Mazzi Dominique , Folkedal Schjøll Annette , Schorpp Quentin , Thöming Gunda , Johansen Tor J. , Meadow Richard , Meyling Nicolai V. , Cortesero Anne-Marie , Vogler Ute , Gaffney Michael T. , Hommes Martin
Published: June 2020

Several important vegetable crops grown outdoors in temperate climates in Europe can be damaged by the root-feeding larvae of Diptera (Delia radicum, Delia floralis, Chamaepsila rosae, Delia platura, Delia florilega, Delia antiqua). Knowledge of pest insect phenology is a key component of any Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, and this review considers the methods used to monitor and forecast the occurrence of root-feeding flies as a basis for decision-making by growers and the ways that such information can be applied. It has highlighted some current management approaches where such information is very useful for decision support, for example, the management of C. rosae with insecticidal sprays and the management of all of these pests using crop covers. There are other approaches, particularly those that need to be applied at sowing or transplanting, where knowledge of pest phenology and abundance is less necessary. Going forward, it is likely that the number of insecticidal control options available to European vegetable growers will diminish and they will need to move from a strategy which often involves using a single ‘silver bullet’ to a combination of approaches/tools with partial effects (applied within an IPM framework). For the less-effective, combined methods, accurate information about pest phenology and abundance and reliable decision support are likely to be extremely important.
Mitochondrial COI Sequence Variations within and among Geographic Samples of the Hemp Pest Psylliodes attenuata from China
Authors: Guo Litao , Gao Feng , Cheng Yi , Gao Chunsheng , Chen Jia , Li Zhimin , Wang Tuhong , Xu Jianping
Published: June 2020

The hemp flea beetle Psylliodes attenuata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Psylliodes) is a common pest of Cannabis sativa, including cultivars of both industrial hemp and medicinal marijuana. Both the larval and adult stages of this beetle can cause significant damages to C. sativa, resulting in substantial crop losses. At present, little is known about the populations of this pest, including its genetic diversity. In this study, we obtained 281 P. attenuata samples from nine field sites representing broad industrial hemp productions in China and analyzed their DNA sequences at the mitochondrial COI gene, the insect DNA barcode. Our analyses revealed a total of 48 haplotypes, with 28 being found only in one specimen each while the remaining 20 were shared by two or more specimens each. Of the 20 shared haplotypes, eight were shared among local populations often from far away locations, consistent with recent long-distance dispersals. However, the observed putative long-distance dispersals have not obscured the significant genetic differentiations among the regional populations from northeastern, eastern, central and southwestern China. Interestingly, haplotype network analyses suggest evidence for potential mitochondrial recombination in natural populations of this species. We briefly discuss the implications of our results on its evolution, center of diversity, route of spread, and pest management strategies in hemp fields.
A Commercial Carbonaceous Anode with a-Si Layers by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Chao-Yu , Yeh Fa-Hsing , Yu Ing-Song
Published: June 2020

In this study, we propose a mass production-able and low-cost method to fabricate the anodes of Li-ion battery. Carbonaceous anodes, integrated with thin amorphous silicon layers by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, can improve the performance of specific capacity and coulombic efficiency for Li-ion battery. Three different thicknesses of a-Si layers (320, 640, and 960 nm), less than 0.1 wt% of anode electrode, were deposited on carbonaceous electrodes at low temperature 200 °C. Around 30 mg of a-Si by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) can improve the specific capacity ~42%, and keep coulombic efficiency of the half Li-ion cells higher than 85% after first cycle charge-discharge test. For the thirty cyclic performance and rate capability, capacitance retention can maintain above 96%. The thicker a-Si layers on carbon anodes, the better electrochemical performance of anodes with silicon-carbon composites we get. The traditional carbonaceous electrodes can be deposited a-Si layers easily by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, which is a method with high potential for industrialization.
A Versatile Machine Vision Algorithm for Real-Time Counting Manually Assembled Pieces
Authors: Pierleoni Paola , Belli Alberto , Palma Lorenzo , Sabbatini Luisiana
Published: June 2020

The Industry 4.0 paradigm is based on transparency and co-operation and, hence, on monitoring and pervasive data collection. In highly standardized contexts, it is usually easy to gather data using available technologies, while, in complex environments, only very advanced and customizable technologies, such as Computer Vision, are intelligent enough to perform such monitoring tasks well. By the term “complex environment”, we especially refer to those contexts where human activity which cannot be fully standardized prevails. In this work, we present a Machine Vision algorithm which is able to effectively deal with human interactions inside a framed area. By exploiting inter-frame analysis, image pre-processing, binarization, morphological operations, and blob detection, our solution is able to count the pieces assembled by an operator using a real-time video input. The solution is compared with a more advanced Machine Learning-based custom object detector, which is taken as reference. The proposed solution demonstrates a very good performance in terms of Sensitivity, Specificity, and Accuracy when tested on a real situation in an Italian manufacturing firm. The value of our solution, compared with the reference object detector, is that it requires no training and is therefore extremely flexible, requiring only minor changes to the working parameters to translate to other objects, making it appropriate for plant-wide implementation.
Image Processing Technique and Hidden Markov Model for an Elderly Care Monitoring System
Authors: Htun Swe Nwe Nwe , Zin Thi Thi , Tin Pyke
Published: June 2020

Advances in image processing technologies have provided more precise views in medical and health care management systems. Among many other topics, this paper focuses on several aspects of video-based monitoring systems for elderly people living independently. Major concerns are patients with chronic diseases and adults with a decline in physical fitness, as well as falling among elderly people, which is a source of life-threatening injuries and a leading cause of death. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a video-vision-based monitoring system using image processing technology and a Hidden Markov Model for differentiating falls from normal states for people. Specifically, the proposed system is composed of four modules: (1) object detection; (2) feature extraction; (3) analysis for differentiating normal states from falls; and (4) a decision-making process using a Hidden Markov Model for sequential states of abnormal and normal. In the object detection module, background and foreground segmentation is performed by applying the Mixture of Gaussians model, and graph cut is applied for foreground refinement. In the feature extraction module, the postures and positions of detected objects are estimated by applying the hybrid features of the virtual grounding point, inclusive of its related area and the aspect ratio of the object. In the analysis module, for differentiating normal, abnormal, or falling states, statistical computations called the moving average and modified difference are conducted, both of which are employed to estimate the points and periods of falls. Then, the local maximum or local minimum and the half width value are determined in the observed modified difference to more precisely estimate the period of a falling state. Finally, the decision-making process is conducted by developing a Hidden Markov Model. The experimental results used the Le2i fall detection dataset, and showed that our proposed system is robust and reliable and has a high detection rate.
Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter as a Tracer of Fecal Contamination for Bathing Water Quality Monitoring in the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea (Latium, Italy)
Authors: Madonia Alice , Caruso Gabriella , Piazzolla Daniele , Bonamano Simone , Piermattei Viviana , Zappalà Giuseppe , Marcelli Marco
Published: June 2020

Dissolved organic matter present in natural aquatic environments is a heterogeneous mixture of allochthonous and autochthonous materials. In coastal areas vulnerable to sewage waste, its biologically active component, the chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), is expected to change its composition and distribution in relation to anthropogenic activities, suggesting the possible use of CDOM as a proxy of fecal contamination. This study aimed at testing such hypothesis by investigating and relating the optical properties of CDOM with Escherichia coli abundance, physiological state, and enzymatic activities in a bathing area of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea (Latium, Italy) affected by urban wastewaters. The parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) applied to the excitation–emission matrices (EEMs) of CDOM allowed us to distinguish three main components: C1 (λEx/λEm = 342 nm/435 nm), C2 (λEx/λEm = 281–373 nm/460 nm), and C3 (λEx/λEm = 286 nm/360 nm). C1 and C2 corresponded to humic acids of terrestrial origin, while C3 to tryptophan, whose fluorescence peak was detected close to sewage sites, strongly related to active E. coli cells. The comparison between spectral and microbiological methods is suggested as a suitable approach to monitor bathing water quality for the implementation of coastal observing system capability.