bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Intervention on the Rowers of the Junior Spain National Team
Authors: Isorna-Folgar Manuel , Leirós-Rodríguez Raquel , López-Roel Santiago , García-Soidán José L.
Published: November 2022

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been implemented in the training plans of many athletes and sports teams, obtaining very good results for the improvement of mental skills. These effects are achieved through improvements in cognitive skills such as motivation, mental concentration, and self-confidence, all within an appropriate context of specific physical, technical, and tactical training. However, there are few studies that consider the analysis of performance from a psychological point of view from a gender perspective. The objective of this study was to evaluate a mental training intervention (cognitive-behavioral therapy) in youth rowers in preparation for their participation in the Junior European Championship. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with the complete team of the Spanish youth rowing team (n = 16). The setting where the intervention took place was during the team’s stay prior to the European Rowing Junior Championships. Psychological variables were assessed using the Psychological Characteristics Related to Sport Performance Questionnaire. The final assessment was carried out the week before the championship (after finishing the 10th week of intervention). After the intervention, improvements were identified in the Stress Control and Influence of Performance Evaluation subscales in the total sample. However, in the analysis separated by sex, only women improved on the Influence of Performance Evaluation subscale. Lastly, the linear regression analysis adjusted for the sex variable was only significant with the age variable (with a negative effect). This intervention was found to be effective in improving only some of the psychological components related to athletic performance (Stress Control and Influence of Performance Evaluation). These improvements were not related to better results in the European Rowing Junior Championship. These results should be taken into account because they provide evidence for the efficacy of psychological interventions in the field of grassroots sport.
Kegel Exercise Training Program among Women with Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Abu Raddaha Ahmad H. , Nasr Elsayeda H.
Published: November 2022

A common condition with a large global prevalence and a persistent medical taboo for many people is urinary incontinence. Around one in three women globally are impacted by it. The most frequently suggested physical therapy treatment for women with stress incontinence or urge incontinence is Kegel exercise (also called pelvic floor muscle training). This study aims to assess the effects of a Kegel exercise training program among women with urinary incontinence. The study was conducted at three government hospitals in Egypt’s Port Said city’s outpatient gynecological clinic. The intervention design was quasi-experimental. In total, 292 women with urine incontinence who visited the research sites made up the subjects. The necessary data were gathered using an interview questionnaire. Improvements in urinary incontinence and quality of life were positively correlated with daily Kegel exercise practice. Urinary incontinence has statistically significant positive correlations with age (p = 0.026), respiratory rate (p = 0.007), and body mass index (p = 0.026) as women grow older. Urinary incontinence, being single, and increasing pulse, however, had adversely significant negative correlations (p = 0.031 and 0.020, respectively). Urinary incontinence affects women’s overall wellbeing, particularly in the emotional and social spheres, as well as their quality of life and their ability to participate in normal everyday activities. Following the adoption of the Kegel exercise training program, there was a substantial improvement in both urine incontinence and quality of life.
Cane Girdling Influence on the Berry Texture Properties of Three Table Grape Varieties
Authors: Tóth Adrienn Mária , Zsófi Zsolt , Veres Szilvia
Published: November 2022

The effects of cane girdling on the berry texture characteristics were studied in three table grape cultivars. The application was carried out at véraison. The total soluble solids (TSS, °Bx) of berry must and berry weight were measured. The berry mechanical properties were investigated by a texture analyser. A double compression test was used to determine berry hardness and its derived parameters. A puncture test was also applied to assess skin hardness, skin elasticity and skin break energy. Skin thickness was also investigated. The sugar concentration of the must and the berry weight after the girdling treatment were significantly higher compared to those of the control. Berry hardness, skin hardness and skin thickness were significantly affected by this technique. The changes in berry mechanical and quality parameters with this application did not show the same pattern as those observed during control ripening. Notably, in our experiment, after the girdling treatments, the higher berry hardness was accompanied with a higher sugar concentration compared to the control. The skin hardness showed lower values as a result of girdling. However, skin thickness was significantly higher in the girdled berries compared to the non-treated vines.
Land Use Changes and Ecosystem Services: The Case Study of the Abruzzo Region Coastal Strip
Authors: Zullo Francesco , Montaldi Cristina , Di Pietro Gianni , Cattani Chiara
Published: November 2022

Consistent and optimized territorial planning, imply the use of numerous variables aimed at improving life quality and reduction of environmental impacts. The resilience of the territory to climate change threats is strongly linked to its progressive transformation. This fact is extremely evident in coastal systems, which are intrinsically fragile systems due to their high environmental value and strong anthropogenic pressure. The existing tools and techniques provide to outline future transformation effects through the scenarios analysis. This work has the objective to evaluate the effects of land use changes in the territory of the Abruzzo coast. The conversion from natural soils to artificial uses has a significant impact on several ecosystem services. The regulation services considered in this work are flood regulation, carbon storage and sequestration, and habitat for biodiversity. The first is directly connected to soil sealing which determines a reduction of water infiltration with the consequent overloading of the existing sewerage systems. The quantitative evaluation is made using the concept of surface runoff coefficient. Instead, the estimation of the last two ecosystem services has been made using InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) models, specifically the Carbon Storage and Sequestration model and the Habitat Quality model. The results show that Land Use Changes (2012–2018) caused a potential increase of 10% in runoff and an annual Carbon Sequestration loss estimated at about €820,000.
Therapeutic Potential of Plant Oxylipins
Authors: Savchenko Tatyana , Degtyaryov Evgeny , Radzyukevich Yaroslav , Buryak Vlada
Published: November 2022

For immobile plants, the main means of protection against adverse environmental factors is the biosynthesis of various secondary (specialized) metabolites. The extreme diversity and high biological activity of these metabolites determine the researchers’ interest in plants as a source of therapeutic agents. Oxylipins, oxygenated derivatives of fatty acids, are particularly promising in this regard. Plant oxylipins, which are characterized by a diversity of chemical structures, can exert protective and therapeutic properties in animal cells. While the therapeutic potential of some classes of plant oxylipins, such as jasmonates and acetylenic oxylipins, has been analyzed thoroughly, other oxylipins are barely studied in this regard. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic potential of all major classes of plant oxylipins, including derivatives of acetylenic fatty acids, jasmonates, six- and nine-carbon aldehydes, oxy-, epoxy-, and hydroxy-derivatives of fatty acids, as well as spontaneously formed phytoprostanes and phytofurans. The presented analysis will provide an impetus for further research investigating the beneficial properties of these secondary metabolites and bringing them closer to practical applications.
Automated Path Searching Reveals the Mechanism of Hydrolysis Enhancement by T4 Lysozyme Mutants
Authors: Xi Kun , Zhu Lizhe
Published: November 2022

Bacteriophage T4 lysozyme (T4L) is a glycosidase that is widely applied as a natural antimicrobial agent in the food industry. Due to its wide applications and small size, T4L has been regarded as a model system for understanding protein dynamics and for large-scale protein engineering. Through structural insights from the single conformation of T4L, a series of mutations (L99A,G113A,R119P) have been introduced, which have successfully raised the fractional population of its only hydrolysis-competent excited state to 96%. However, the actual impact of these substitutions on its dynamics remains unclear, largely due to the lack of highly efficient sampling algorithms. Here, using our recently developed travelling-salesman-based automated path searching (TAPS), we located the minimum-free-energy path (MFEP) for the transition of three T4L mutants from their ground states to their excited states. All three mutants share a three-step transition: the flipping of F114, the rearrangement of α0/α1 helices, and final refinement. Remarkably, the MFEP revealed that the effects of the mutations are drastically beyond the expectations of their original design: (a) the G113A substitution not only enhances helicity but also fills the hydrophobic Cavity I and reduces the free energy barrier for flipping F114; (b) R119P barely changes the stability of the ground state but stabilizes the excited state through rarely reported polar contacts S117OG:N132ND2, E11OE1:R145NH1, and E11OE2:Q105NE2; (c) the residue W138 flips into Cavity I and further stabilizes the excited state for the triple mutant L99A,G113A,R119P. These novel insights that were unexpected in the original mutant design indicated the necessity of incorporating path searching into the workflow of rational protein engineering.
Chiroptical Performances in Self-Assembled Hierarchical Nanosegregated Chiral Intermediate Phases Composed of Two Different Achiral Bent-Core Molecules
Authors: Lee Jae-Jin , Kim Sangsub , Nishikawa Hiroya , Takanishi Yoichi , Iwayama Hiroshi , Kim Changsoon , Choi Suk-Won , Araoka Fumito
Published: November 2022

In this paper, chiral intermediate phases composed of two achiral molecules are fabricated by utilizing nanophase separation and molecular hierarchical self-organization. An achiral bent-core guest molecule, exhibiting a calamitic nematic and a dark conglomerate phase according to the temperature, is mixed with another achiral bent-core host molecule possessing a helical nanofilament to separate the phases between them. Two nanosegregated phases are identified, and considerable chiroptical changes, such as circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence, are detected at the transition temperatures between the different nanophase-separated states. The nanosegregated chiral phase—wherein the helical nanofilament and dark conglomerate phases are phase-separated—exhibits the highest chiroptical intensities. The luminescence dissymmetry factor, |glum|, in this phase is amplified by an order of magnitude compared with that of another nanosegregated phase, wherein the helical nanofilament and nematic phases are phase-separated.
Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles in Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Sanz-Ros Jorge , Mas-Bargues Cristina , Romero-García Nekane , Huete-Acevedo Javier , Dromant Mar , Borrás Consuelo
Published: November 2022

Aging is associated with an alteration of intercellular communication. These changes in the extracellular environment contribute to the aging phenotype and have been linked to different aging-related diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are factors that mediate the transmission of signaling molecules between cells. In the aging field, these EVs have been shown to regulate important aging processes, such as oxidative stress or senescence, both in vivo and in vitro. EVs from healthy cells, particularly those coming from stem cells (SCs), have been described as potential effectors of the regenerative potential of SCs. Many studies with different animal models have shown promising results in the field of regenerative medicine. EVs are now viewed as a potential cell-free therapy for tissue damage and several diseases. Here we propose EVs as regulators of the aging process, with an important role in tissue regeneration and a raising therapy for age-related diseases.
Viscoelastic Liquid Matrix with Faster Bulk Relaxation Time Reinforces the Cell Cycle Arrest Induction of the Breast Cancer Cells via Oxidative Stress
Authors: Najmina Mazaya , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Ohmura Takahito , Uto Koichiro
Published: November 2022

The reactivating of disseminated dormant breast cancer cells in a soft viscoelastic matrix is mostly correlated with metastasis. Metastasis occurs due to rapid stress relaxation owing to matrix remodeling. Here, we demonstrate the possibility of promoting the permanent cell cycle arrest of breast cancer cells on a viscoelastic liquid substrate. By controlling the molecular weight of the hydrophobic molten polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) within 35–63 g/mol, this study highlights that MCF7 cells can sense a 1000 times narrower relaxation time range (80–290 ms) compared to other studies by using a crosslinked hydrogel system. We propose that the rapid bulk relaxation response of the substrate promotes more reactive oxygen species generation in the formed semi-3D multicellular aggregates of breast cancer cells. Our finding sheds light on the potential role of bulk stress relaxation in a viscous-dominant viscoelastic matrix in controlling the cell cycle arrest depth of breast cancer cells.
Myomaker and Myomixer Characterization in Gilthead Sea Bream under Different Myogenesis Conditions
Authors: Perelló-Amorós Miquel , Otero-Tarrazón Aitor , Jorge-Pedraza Violeta , García-Pérez Isabel , Sánchez-Moya Albert , Gabillard Jean-Charles , Moshayedi Fatemeh , Navarro Isabel , Capilla Encarnación , Fernández-Borràs Jaume , Blasco Josefina , Chillarón Josep , García de la serrana Daniel , Gutiérrez Joaquim
Published: November 2022

Skeletal muscle is formed by multinucleated myofibers originated by waves of hyperplasia and hypertrophy during myogenesis. Tissue damage triggers a regeneration process including new myogenesis and muscular remodeling. During myogenesis, the fusion of myoblasts is a key step that requires different genes’ expression, including the fusogens myomaker and myomixer. The present work aimed to characterize these proteins in gilthead sea bream and their possible role in in vitro myogenesis, at different fish ages and during muscle regeneration after induced tissue injury. Myomaker is a transmembrane protein highly conserved among vertebrates, whereas Myomixer is a micropeptide that is moderately conserved. myomaker expression is restricted to skeletal muscle, while the expression of myomixer is more ubiquitous. In primary myocytes culture, myomaker and myomixer expression peaked at day 6 and day 8, respectively. During regeneration, the expression of both fusogens and all the myogenic regulatory factors showed a peak after 16 days post-injury. Moreover, myomaker and myomixer were present at different ages, but in fingerlings there were significantly higher transcript levels than in juveniles or adult fish. Overall, Myomaker and Myomixer are valuable markers of muscle growth that together with other regulatory molecules can provide a deeper understanding of myogenesis regulation in fish.
Relevance of Plasma Homocysteine and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase 677TT Genotype in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ames Paul R. J. , Arcaro Alessia , Caruso Matilde , Graf Maria , Marottoli Vincenzo , Gentile Fabrizio
Published: November 2022

We evaluated the relevance of plasma homocysteine (HC) and the TT genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) in sickle cell disease (SCD) and associated vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and ischemic stroke (IS). We identified in Embase and Medline 22 studies on plasma HC and 22 on MTHFR genotypes. Due to age-related HC differences, adult and paediatric SCD were separated: 879 adult SCD and 834 controls (CTR) yielded a neutral effect size; 427 paediatric SCD and 625 CTR favoured SCD (p = 0.001) with wide heterogeneity (I2 = 95.5%) and were sub-grouped by country: six studies (Dutch Antilles n = 1, USA n = 5) yielded a neutral effect size, four (India n = 1, Arab countries n = 3) favoured SCD (p < 0.0001). Moreover, 249 SCD in VOC and 419 out of VOC yielded a neutral effect size. The pooled prevalence of the MTHFR TT genotype in 267 SCD equalled that of 1199 CTR (4.26% vs. 2.86%, p = 0.45), and in 84 SCD with IS equalled that of 86 without IS (5.9% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.47); removal of one paediatric study yielded a significant effect size (p = 0.006). Plasma HC in paediatric SCD from Middle East and India was higher, possibly due to vitamin deficiencies. Despite its low prevalence in SCD, the MTHFR TT genotype relates to adult IS.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects Exerted by 14-Methoxyalternate C from Antarctic Fungal Strain Pleosporales sp. SF-7343 via the Regulation of NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 in HaCaT Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Dong Linsha , Cao Thao Quyen , Liu Zhiming , Tuan Nguyen Quoc , Kim Youn-Chul , Sohn Jae Hak , Yim Joung Han , Lee Dong-Sung , Oh Hyuncheol
Published: November 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a profound negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Four known secondary fungal metabolites were found in the chemical study of the Antarctic fungus Pleosporales sp. SF-7343, including 14-methoxyalternate C (1), 5′-methoxy-6-methyl-biphenyl-3,4,3′-triol (2), 3,8,10-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-6-methylbenzocoumarin (3), and alternariol monomethyl ether (4). Additionally, we identified the skin anti-inflammatory composition from the SF-7343 strain. Interleukin-8 and -6 Screening results showed that compound 1 inhibited IL-8 and IL-6 in tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ stimulated HaCaT cells. Compound 1 showed inhibitory effects on MDC and RANTES. It also downregulated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and upregulated the expression of involucrin. The results of the mechanistic study showed that compound 1 inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 and STAT3. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of the Antarctic fungal strain SF-7343 as a bioactive resource to inhibit skin inflammation, such as AD.
The Expression of Connexin 26 Regulates the Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Signal Pathway
Authors: Li Yuan , Yang Li , Tao Rui , Shang Yajing , Sun Minqiong , Peng Shichao , Zhao Guoping , Zhao Ye
Published: November 2022

Connexin 26 (Cx26) is a protein that constitutes a gap junction and is widely expressed in the liver. Abnormal expression of Cx26 is one of the important mechanisms of liver cancer, and is closely related to the transmission of radiation damage signals between cells. In the present study, we investigated the radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells HepG2, with low expression of Cx26, and SK-hep-1, with high expression of Cx26 after X-ray irradiation. The cell survival, micronucleus formation and protein expressions of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway were detected. The expression level of Cx26 could affect the radiosensitivity of liver cancer cells by affecting the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK proteins and regulating the expression of downstream NF-κB. Cell lines with knock-out and overexpression of Cx26 were also built to confirm the findings. Our results suggested that Cx26 might play an important role in the radiosensitivity of liver cancer and could be a potential target for clinical radiotherapy of liver cancer.
Relationship between Changes in the Protein Folding Pathway and the Process of Amyloid Formation: The Case of Bovine Carbonic Anhydrase II
Authors: Melnik Bogdan S. , Katina Natalya S. , Ryabova Natalya A. , Marchenkov Victor V. , Melnik Tatiana N. , Karuzina Natalya E. , Nemtseva Elena V.
Published: November 2022

Many proteins form amyloid fibrils only under conditions when the probability of transition from a native (structured, densely packed) to an intermediate (labile, destabilized) state is increased. It implies the assumption that some structural intermediates are more convenient for amyloid formation than the others. Hence, if a mutation affects the protein folding pathway, one should expect that this mutation could affect the rate of amyloid formation as well. In the current work, we have compared the effects of amino acid substitutions of bovine carbonic anhydrase II on its unfolding pathway and on its ability to form amyloids at acidic pH and an elevated temperature. Wild-type protein and four mutant forms (L78A, L139A, I208A, and M239A) were studied. We analyzed the change of the protein unfolding pathway by the time-resolved fluorescence technique and the process of amyloid formation by thioflavin T fluorescence assay and electron microscopy. It was revealed that I208A substitution accelerates amyloid formation and affects the structure of the late (molten globule-like)-intermediate state of carbonic anhydrase, whereas the other mutations slow down the growth of amyloids and have either no effect on the unfolding pathway (L78A, L139A) or alter the conformational states arising at the early unfolding stage (M239A).
Ophiopogon Polysaccharide Liposome Regulated the Immune Activity of Kupffer Cell through miR-4796
Authors: Cui Jing , Pan Xingxue , Duan Xueqin , Ke Liting , Song Xiaoping , Zhang Weimin , Ma Wuren , Liu Yingqiu , Fan Yunpeng
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this article is to study the effects and mechanism of miR-4796 in the process of ophiopogon polysaccharide liposome (OPL) regulation of the immune activity of Kupffer cells (KCs). In this study, KCs were used as cell models, and were treated with OPL in different concentrations after being transfected with miR-4796 mimic or miR-4796 inhibitor. Firstly, the secretion of NO and iNOS, phagocytic activity, the expression of surface molecules CD14 and MHC II, apoptosis and ROS secretion were measured by Griess, flow cytometry, fluorescence staining and ELISA. Then, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression of TLR4, IKKβ, MyD88 and NF-κB in the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. The results showed that after transfection with miR-4796 mimic, the secretion of NO and iNOS, cell migration, cell phagocytosis and expression levels of CD14 and MHC II in the OPL group were significantly higher than those in the miR-4796 mimic control group (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB were significantly higher than those in miR-4796 mimic control group (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). After transfection with miR-4796 inhibitor, the secretion of NO and iNOS, cell migration, cell phagocytosis, expression of CD14 and MHCII in OPL group were significantly higher than those in the miR-4796 inhibitor control group (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). These results indicated that OPL could regulate the immune activity of KCs by regulating miR-4796 and activating the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway.
Modulation of the Inflammatory Response in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—Searching for Epigenetic Factors
Authors: Szukiewicz Dariusz , Trojanowski Seweryn , Kociszewska Anna , Szewczyk Grzegorz
Published: November 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Despite its incidence, the syndrome is poorly understood and remains underdiagnosed, and female patients are diagnosed with a delay. The heterogenous nature of this complex disorder results from the combined occurrence of genetic, environmental, endocrine, and behavioral factors. Primary clinical manifestations of PCOS are derived from the excess of androgens (anovulation, polycystic ovary morphology, lack of or scanty, irregular menstrual periods, acne and hirsutism), whereas the secondary manifestations include multiple metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological disorders. Dietary and lifestyle factors play important roles in the development and course of PCOS, which suggests strong epigenetic and environmental influences. Many studies have shown a strong association between PCOS and chronic, low-grade inflammation both in the ovarian tissue and throughout the body. In the vast majority of PCOS patients, elevated values of inflammatory markers or their gene markers have been reported. Development of the vicious cycle of the chronic inflammatory state in PCOS is additionally stimulated by hyperinsulinemia and obesity. Changes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation and noncoding RNA levels are presented in this review in the context of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory signaling in PCOS. Epigenetic modulation of androgenic activity in response to inflammatory signaling is also discussed.
The Role of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 in Regulating Microglial Activation and Retinal Inflammation
Authors: Yang Xu , Diaz Valeria , Huang Hu
Published: November 2022

Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglial activation plays a prominent role in neuroinflammation and CNS diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of microglial activation are not well understood. Here, we report that the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) plays critical roles in microglial activation and retinal inflammation by regulating pro- and anti-inflammatory gene expression. IRF1 expression was upregulated in activated retinal microglia compared to those at the steady state. IRF1 knockout (KO) in BV2 microglia cells (BV2ΔIRF1) created by CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technique causes decreased microglia proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis. IRF1-KO decreased pro-inflammatory M1 marker gene expression induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), such as IL-6, COX-2, and CCL5, but increased anti-inflammatory M2 marker gene expression by IL-4/13, such as Arg-1, CD206, and TGF-β. Compared to the wild-type cells, microglial-conditioned media (MCM) of activated BV2ΔIRF1 cell cultures reduced toxicity or death to several retinal cells, including mouse cone photoreceptor-like 661 W cells, rat retinal neuron precursor R28 cells, and human ARPE-19 cells. IRF1 knockdown by siRNA alleviated microglial activation and retinal inflammation induced by LPS in mice. Together, the findings suggest that IRF1 plays a vital role in regulating microglial activation and retinal inflammation and, therefore, may be targeted for treating inflammatory and degenerative retinal diseases.
Dominant Elongase Activity of Elovl5a but Higher Expression of Elovl5b in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Zhao Ran , Wang Ya-Xin , Yang Chen-Ru , Li Shang-Qi , Li Jin-Cheng , Sun Xiao-Qing , Wang Hong-Wei , Wang Qi , Zhang Yan , Li Jiong-Tang
Published: November 2022

Most diploid freshwater and marine fish encode one elovl5 elongase, having substrate specificity and activities towards C18, C20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The allo-tetraploid common carp is hypothesized to encode two duplicated elovl5 genes. How these two elovl5 genes adapt to coordinate the PUFA biosynthesis through elongase function and expression divergence requires elucidation. In this study, we obtained the full-length cDNA sequences of two elovl5 genes in common carp, named as elovl5a and elovl5b. Functional characterization showed that both enzymes had elongase activity towards C18, C20 and C22 PUFAs. Especially, the activities of these two enzymes towards C22 PUFAs ranged from 3.87% to 8.24%, higher than those in most freshwater and marine fish. The Elovl5a had higher elongase activities than Elovl5b towards seven substrates. The spatial-temporal expression showed that both genes co-transcribed in all tissues and development stages. However, the expression levels of elovl5b were significantly higher than those of elovl5a in all examined conditions, suggesting that elovl5b would be the dominantly expressed gene. These two genes had different potential transcriptional binding sites. These results revealed the complicated roles of elovl5 on PUFA synthesis in common carp. The data also increased the knowledge of co-ordination between two homoeologs of the polyploid fish through function and expression divergence.
Nature of Beryllium, Magnesium, and Zinc Bonds in Carbene⋯MX2 (M = Be, Mg, Zn; X = H, Br) Dimers Revealed by the IQA, ETS-NOCV and LED Methods
Authors: Sagan Filip , Mitoraj Mariusz , Jabłoński Mirosław
Published: November 2022

The nature of beryllium–, magnesium– and zinc–carbene bonds in the cyclopropenylidene⋯MX2 (M = Be, Mg, Zn; X = H, Br) and imidazol-2-ylidene⋯MBr2 dimers is investigated by the joint use of the topological QTAIM-based IQA decomposition scheme, the molecular orbital-based ETS-NOCV charge and energy decomposition method, and the LED energy decomposition approach based on the state-of-the-art DLPNO-CCSD(T) method. All these methods show that the C⋯M bond strengthens according to the following order: Zn < Mg << Be. Electrostatics is proved to be the dominant bond component, whereas the orbital component is far less important. It is shown that QTAIM/IQA underestimates electrostatic contribution for zinc bonds with respect to both ETS-NOCV and LED schemes. The σ carbene→MX2 donation appears to be much more important than the MX2→ carbene back-donation of π symmetry. The substitution of hydrogen atoms by bromine (X in MX2) strengthens the metal–carbene bond in all cases. The physical origin of rotational barriers has been unveiled by the ETS-NOCV approach.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Induction of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines by Thymoquinone
Authors: Abdualmjid Reem J. , Sergi Consolato M.
Published: November 2022

Thymoquinone (TQ), a plant-based bioactive constituent derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa, has been shown to possess some anti-neoplastic activities. The present study aimed to investigate the mitochondria and apoptosis observed when TQ is applied against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and cholangiocarcinoma (HuCCT1) cells, two of the most common primary tumors of the liver. All cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of TQ for varying durations. The anti-proliferative effect of TQ was measured using the methoxyphenyl-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and resulted in dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition in both cell lines. Cell cycle, apoptosis, and assessment of mitochondria viability by morphology assessment and evaluation of the mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. The present study confirms that TQ caused cell cycle arrest at different phases and induced apoptosis in both cell lines. A systematic review of rodent animal models was also carried out. Overall, our data seem to represent the most robust results, suggesting that TQ possesses promising therapeutic potential as an anti-tumor agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Major Genetic Lineages in Moscow in the Context of Vaccine Prophylaxis
Authors: Gushchin Vladimir A. , Pochtovyi Andrei A. , Kustova Daria D. , Ogarkova Darya A. , Tarnovetskii Ivan Y. , Belyaeva Elizaveta D. , Divisenko Elizaveta V. , Vasilchenko Lyudmila A. , Shidlovskaya Elena V. , Kuznetsova Nadezhda A. , Tkachuk Artem P. , Slutskiy Egor A. , Speshilov Gleb I. , Komarov Andrei G. , Tsibin Alexander N. , Zlobin Vladimir I. , Logunov Denis Y. , Gintsburg Alexander L.
Published: November 2022

Findings collected over two and a half years of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the level immunity resulting from vaccination and infection is insufficient to stop the circulation of new genetic variants. The short-term decline in morbidity was followed by a steady increase. The early identification of new genetic lineages that will require vaccine adaptation in the future is an important research target. In this study, we summarised data on the variability of genetic line composition throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Moscow, Russia, and evaluated the virological and epidemiological features of dominant variants in the context of selected vaccine prophylaxes. The prevalence of the Omicron variant highlighted the low effectiveness of the existing immune layer in preventing infection, which points to the necessity of optimising the antigens used in vaccines in Moscow. Logistic growth curves showing the rate at which the new variant displaces the previously dominant variants may serve as early indicators for selecting candidates for updated vaccines, along with estimates of efficacy, reduced viral neutralising activity against the new strains, and viral load in previously vaccinated patients.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of MnO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for 4-Nitrophenol Sensing Applications
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Khan Mohd Quasim , Khan Rais Ahmad , Ahmad Khursheed , Kim Haekyoung
Published: November 2022

Recently, the electrochemical sensing approach has attracted materials/electrochemical scientists to design and develop electrode materials for the construction of electrochemical sensors for the detection of para-nitrophenol (4-NP). In the present study, we have prepared a hybrid composite of MnO2 and rGO (MnO2/rGO) using a hydrothermal approach. The morphological features of the prepared MnO2/rGO composite were studied by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the phase purity and formation of the MnO2/rGO composite were authenticated via the powder X-ray diffraction method. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was also employed to analyze the elemental composition of the prepared MnO2/rGO composite. In further studies, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with MnO2/rGO composite (MnO2/rGO/GCE) and explored as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) sensor. The fabricated MnO2/rGO/GCE exhibited a reasonably good limit of detection of 0.09 µM with a sensitivity of 0.657 µA/µMcm2. The MnO2/rGO/GCE also demonstrates good selectivity, stability and repeatability in 50 cycles.
Microstructural Investigations of VO2 Thermochromic Thin Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition for Smart Windows Applications
Authors: Rai Ayushi , Iacob Nicusor , Leca Aurel , Locovei Claudiu , Kuncser Victor , Mihailescu Cristian N. , Delimitis Andreas
Published: November 2022

The structural properties of VO2 thin films, grown on either LSAT or Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), are elucidated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. The TEM observations confirmed the successful growth of VO2 by PLD in variable thicknesses, by optimizing the O2 partial pressure and growth temperature. The films adopt a columnar polycrystalline morphology with narrow columns, up to the film thickness height. Four VO2 polymorphs have been detected by electron diffraction and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analysis, with M1 being by far the most abundant phase. Post-experimental strain measurements in HRTEM images have revealed that the actual residual strain is minimized due to the columnar morphology of the VO2 grains, as well as intrinsic oxide layers in the VO2/Si epitaxy. The TEM outcomes confirmed the complementary electrical and magnetic measurements in the films, where a transition from a monoclinic M1 to a rutile VO2 R phase has been identified, influenced by the initial percentage of phases in thick VO2 films.
Utility of Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity for Tracking the Arterial Response to Prolonged Sitting
Authors: Alansare Abdullah Bandar , Stoner Lee , Aljuhani Osama Eid , Gibbs Bethany Barone
Published: November 2022

Background: Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is a purported mechanism linking sedentary behavior to cardiovascular disease. This secondary analysis compared associations between measured carotid–femoral PWV (cfPWV) and carotid–radial (crPWV) responses to an acute bout of prolonged sitting with mathematically estimated cfPWV (ePWV). Methods: Overweight/obese adults with elevated blood pressure were enrolled (n = 25; 42 ± 12 yrs; 64% males). Participants performed an 8 h simulated workday of mostly sitting. cfPWV and crPWV were measured while supine in the morning, midday, and afternoon. ePWV was calculated at the same timepoints using age and seated mean arterial pressure (MAP). Pearson correlation coefficients associated ePWV with cfPWV and crPWV. Generalized linear models separately examined the effects of time on cfPWV, crPWV, and ePWV. Results: ePWV significantly associated with cfPWV and crPWV (r = 0.69 and 0.55, respectively; p < 0.05) in the morning (baseline). cfPWV significantly increased over time (β = 0.52 ± 0.20 and 0.48 ± 0.21 with and without MAP adjustment, respectively; p < 0.05). In contrast, ePWV and crPWV did not significantly increase overtime (β = 0.14 ± 0.09 and 0.25 ± 0.23, respectively; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that, although ePWV is associated with cfPWV and crPWV at a fixed timepoint, ePWV responds differently to prolonged sitting and likely does not capture the same acute vascular responses.
Comparison of Multi- and Single-Site Robotic Myomectomy Using the Da Vinci® SP Surgical System: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Kim Jong Mi , Lee Yoon Hee , Chong Gun Oh , Lee Sae Rom , Hong Dae Gy
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between robotic multi-site myomectomy (RMSM) and robotic single-site myomectomy (RSSM), using the da Vinci® SP surgical system and perform propensity score matching analysis to ensure inter-group comparability. Methods: This retrospective study included 105 patients who underwent either three-incision RMSM or RSSM using the da Vinci® SP surgical system. We retrospectively reviewed and compared surgical outcomes using 1:1 propensity score matching. Results: After 1:1 propensity score matching, there were no differences in the total operation time and estimated blood loss between the groups. The docking time (p < 0.0001) and duration of hospital stay (p = 0.0001) were significantly shorter in the RSSM group than in the RMSM group. Conclusions: The surgical outcomes of RSSM were comparable to those of RMSM. Moreover, compared to RMSM, RSSM using the da Vinci® SP surgical system has shorter docking and morcellation times, and duration of hospital stay.
What Exactly Makes Age a Risk Factor for an Unfavorable Outcome after Mitral Valve Surgery?
Authors: Ostovar Roya , Schröter Filip , Kühnel Ralf-Uwe , Hartrumpf Martin , Albes Johannes Maximilian
Published: November 2022

Objective: Age has an undeniable impact on perioperative mortality. However, it is not necessarily a predictor of frailty per se, as older patients have different outcomes. To verify specific conditions underlying frailty, we examined demographics, comorbidities, frequency, and distribution of postoperative complications influencing outcomes in a challenging cohort of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Methods: The study enrolled 1627 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery. Patients younger than 40 years who had been diagnosed with endocarditis were excluded. Patients were divided into three groups with ages ranging from 40–59 (n = 319), 60–74 (n = 795), and >75 years (n = 513). Baseline, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and mortality were recorded. Results: The older the patients were, the more frequently they suffered from pre- and postoperative renal insufficiency (p < 0.001). The likelihood of postoperative renal failure requiring dialysis was significantly higher with pre-existing renal failure. There was a significant association between postoperative renal insufficiency and the development of postoperative pleural or pericardial effusion (p < 0.001, p = 0.016). A significant decrease in BMI was observed in patients >75 years of age compared to the 60–74 years group (27.3 vs. 28.2 kg/m2, p = 0.007). The development of critical illnesses such as myopathy and neuropathy (CIP/CIM) was age-dependent and increased significantly with age (p = 0.04). Hospitalization duration and mortality also increased significantly with age (p = 0.013, p < 0.001). Conclusions: It appears that elderly patients with advanced renal failure have a significantly higher risk of mortality, postoperative renal failure, need for dialysis, and possibly the development of pleural and pericardial effusions in mitral valve surgery. In addition, more frequent CIP/CIM with concomitant decrease in BMI in the most advanced age group indicate sarcopenia and thus an additional feature of frailty besides renal failure.
What Is the Inpatient Cost of Hip Replacement? A Time-Driven Activity Based Costing Pilot Study in an Italian Public Hospital
Authors: Fidanza Andrea , Schettini Irene , Palozzi Gabriele , Mitrousias Vasileios , Logroscino Giandomenico , Romanini Emilio , Calvisi Vittorio
Published: November 2022

The emphasis on value-based payment models for primary total hip replacement (THA) results in a greater need for orthopaedic surgeons and hospitals to better understand actual costs and resource use. Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) is an innovative approach to measure expenses more accurately and address cost challenges. It estimates the quantity of time and the cost per unit of time of each resource (e.g., equipment and personnel) used across an episode of care. Our goal is to understand the true cost of a THA using the TDABC in an Italian public hospital and to comprehend how the adoption of this method might enhance the process of providing healthcare from an organizational and financial standpoint. During 2019, the main activities required for total hip replacement surgery, the operators involved, and the intraoperative consumables were identified. A process map was produced to identify the patient’s concrete path during hospitalization and the length of stay was also recorded. The total inpatient cost of THA, net of all indirect costs normally included in a DRG-based reimbursement, was about EUR 6000. The observation of a total of 90 patients identified 2 main expense items: the prosthetic device alone represents 50.4% of the total cost, followed by the hospitalization, which constitutes 41.5%. TDABC has proven to be a precise method for determining the cost of the healthcare delivery process for THA, considering facilities, equipment, and staff employed. The process map made it possible to identify waste and redundancies. Surgeons should be aware that the choice of prosthetic device and that a lack of pre-planning for discharge can exponentially alter the hospital expenditure for a patient undergoing primary THA.
Screening of Insecticidal and Antifungal Activities of the Culturable Fungi Isolated from the Intertidal Zones of Qingdao, China
Authors: Wang Xiufang , Ji Guixia , Cun Jingfang , Xu Pengjun , Wang Xinwei , Ren Guangwei , Li Wei
Published: November 2022

Numerous studies focused on drug discovery perspective have proved the great potential for exploration of marine-derived fungi to seek bioactive chemicals. Yet, marine-derived fungi are less explored compared to their terrestrial counterparts. Here, 181 fungal strains (134 species) isolated from marine algae and sediment in Chinese intertidal zones were screened to reveal bioactivities using brine shrimp, green peach aphid and plant pathogens as targets. Fermentation supernatants of 85 fungal strains exhibited a high lethality (>70%) of brine shrimp at 24 h, and 14 strains appeared to be acute-toxic as featured by more than 75% mortality at 4 h, indicating efficient insecticidal bioactivity. The crude extracts of 34 strains displayed high toxicity to green peach aphid with more than 70% of mortality at 48 h. For the plant pathogens tested, the inhibitory rates of eight fungal strains affiliated with Alternaria (AS3, AS4), Amphichorda (AS7), Aspergillus (AS14), Chaetomium (AS21), Penicillium (AS46), Purpureocillium (AS55) and Trichoderma (AS67) were equal or higher than that of the positive Prochloraz, and five of them (AS7, AS14, AS21, AS55, AS67) were also strongly toxic to brine shrimp or aphid. Our findings indicate broad potential for exploration of marine-derived fungi as candidate resources to pursue bioactive compounds in controlling agricultural pests and pathogens.
Southern Sea Otter Rehabilitation: Lessons and Impacts from the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Authors: Konrad Leilani , Fujii Jessica A. , Hazan Sandrine , Johnson Andrew B. , Mayer Karl A. , Murray Michael J. , Nicholson Teri E. , Staedler Michelle M. , Young Colleen
Published: November 2022

As biodiversity continues to decline across the globe, conservation of wildlife species and the ecosystems they inhabit is more important than ever. When species dwindle, ecosystems that depend on them are also impacted, often leading to a decrease in the life-giving services healthy ecosystems provide to humans, wildlife, and the global environment. Methods of wildlife conservation are complex and multi-faceted, ranging from education and advocacy to, research, restoration, and rehabilitation. Here, we review a conservation program focused on helping recover the federally listed threatened southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population. We describe the development of unique rehabilitation methods and steps taken to advance the program’s conservation impact. Understanding this evolution can inform conservation efforts for other vulnerable species and their ecosystems.
Land-Development-Right Pricing Based on Spatial Characteristics in Urban Local Function Regeneration
Authors: Zhu He , Gao Xing , Lin Ying , He Yijing
Published: November 2022

The transfer of urban development goals from two-dimensional land to three-dimensional space leads to the dilemmas of the functional adjustment of partial space in the building, such as an unclear property right system, vague land financial expropriation method, uncertain economic value, etc. This study aims to understand land-development-right pricing based on spatial characteristics in spatial function regeneration. Especially, we deal with the following questions: (1) How do we identify the spatial development rights and their pricing? (2) How do we develop an effective method to evaluate the value of local spatial-oriented development rights? Answering these questions helps to establish a sustainable land finance mode, which enables the public and private sectors to share the rising value of the urban functional adjustment. Thus, employing mixed methods, the study analyzes the characteristics of property rights and the economic value of spatial-development rights. We find the following: (1) The main institutional obstacle restricting local regeneration is the inconsistency between the local spatial ownership and use right of land. (2) The technical shortcomings of land finance result from the lack of an evaluation method of the spatial characteristics. Our study motivates the transition of urban economics from a two-dimensional surface to three-dimensional spaces. Meanwhile, for countries with similar land property rights and leasing systems to China, the study also provides a useful reference to deal with the property right and land finance issues in the renewal of local spatial functions.