bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Identification and Quantification of Chinese Yam Powder Adulteration Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Zhifang , Wang Qianqian , Xu Xiangjun , Chen Feng , Teng Geer , Wei Kai , Chen Guoyan , Cai Yu , Guo Lianbo
Published: April 2022

As a popular food, Chinese yam (CY) powder is widely used for healthy and commercial purposes. Detecting adulteration of CY powder has become essential. In this work, chemometric methods combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) were developed for identification and quantification of CY powder adulteration. Pure powders (CY, rhizome of winged yam (RY) and cassava (CS)) and adulterated powders (CY adulterated with CS) were pressed into pellets to obtain LIBS spectra for identification and quantification experiments, respectively. After variable number optimization by principal component analysis and random forest (RF), the best model random forest-support vector machine (RF-SVM) decreased 48.57% of the input variables and improved the accuracy to 100% in identification. Following the better feature extraction method RF, the Gaussian process regression (GPR) method performed the best in the prediction of the adulteration rate, with a correlation coefficient of prediction (Rp2) of 0.9570 and a root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 7.6243%. Besides, the variable importance of metal elements analyzed by RF revealed that Na and K were significant due to the high metabolic activity and maximum metal content of CY powder, respectively. These results demonstrated that chemometric methods combined with LIBS can identify and quantify CY powder adulteration accurately.
Development, Characterization and Optimization of the Anti-Inflammatory Influence of Meloxicam Loaded into a Eucalyptus Oil-Based Nanoemulgel
Authors: Shehata Tamer M. , Elnahas Hanan M. , Elsewedy Heba S.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the present study was to explore the influence of a certain natural essential oil, namely eucalyptus oil, as an anti-inflammatory agent in addition to its prospective role in enhancing the action of meloxicam in reducing inflammation. As far as we know, this has been the first integration of meloxicam and eucalyptus essential oil into a nanoemulgel formulation intended for topical use. Primarily, eucalyptus oil was utilized in developing a nanoemulsion formulation incorporating meloxicam. A 22 factorial design was constructed using two independent variables (oil concentration and surfactant concentration) with two responses (particle size and % of in vitro release). One optimized formula was selected depending on the desirability function and subjected to a stability study. The optimized nanoemulsion was mixed with HPMC as a gelling agent to produce a meloxicam-loaded nanoemulgel, which was examined for its properties, stability, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation. Eventually, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated and compared with a placebo and corresponding gel formulation. The developed nanoemulgel revealed acceptable physical characteristics to be applied topically. Studying of the in vitro release was conducted successfully for 6 h. The ex vivo permeation from the nanoemulgel formulations was prompted, showing an appropriate value of the steady-state transdermal flux (SSTF). As a final point, the anti-inflammatory activity of the developed nanoemulgel revealed a valued anti-inflammatory influence. Additionally, the concurrence of eucalyptus essential oil and meloxicam was assured, and their potential in combating and lowering inflammation was supported.
Design and Experimental Assessment of a Prestressed Lead Damper with Straight Shaft for Seismic Protection of Structures
Authors: Quaglini Virginio , Pettorruso Carlo , Bruschi Eleonora
Published: April 2022

This study introduces a new energy dissipation device with a high damping capacity for the seismic protection of buildings. The device exploits the friction losses between a movable shaft and a lead core to dissipate the seismic energy and takes advantage of the prestressing of the lead material to control the friction force. Numerical analyses are introduced to evaluate the influence of prestressing on the axial force of the device. Cyclic tests performed on a prototype demonstrate the high damping capability, with an equivalent damping ratio ξeff of approximately 55%, a robust and stable response over repeated cycles and a low sensitivity of the mechanical properties to the frequency, suggesting that the proposed device may be a potentially effective solution for providing supplementary energy dissipation to structures in seismic areas. Moreover, the device is able to endure multiple cycles of motion at the basic design earthquake displacement, ensuring maintenance-free operation even in presence of repeated ground shakes.
A Kinetic Explanation for Combined Potassium Gains and Radiogenic 40Argon Losses of Diagenetic Illite-Rich Clay Separates
Authors: Clauer Norbert , Lerman Abraham
Published: April 2022

In this study, a kinetic model sketches the concomitant K gain and radiogenic 40Ar loss of clay separates recovered from progressively buried sediments. Published K-Ar ages of clay separates from the Mahakam Delta, the Texas Gulf Coast, and the North Sea were used to constrain the modeling. As compared with analytical results, the model simulates changes relative to depth or to deposition time of the K-Ar ages from fine- and coarse-grained clay crystals. The decrease in the K-Ar ages of detrital-rich coarse-grained fractions (>2 μm) is bracketed with depth by K addition rates between 0.2 and 3.5%/Ma and slightly higher 40Ar release rates between 0.5 and 4.5%/Ma. The former rate varies from 3.5 to 6%/Ma in the fine-grained fractions (<0.4 μm) and the latter rate varies from 0.7 to 6%/Ma in the same fractions. In fact, the K addition and the radiogenic 40Ar release rates record independent processes on different material sizes and types. Small K addition and 40Ar escape rates of about 1%/Ma also simulate analytical cases in which the mean K-Ar ages of the finer grained fractions remain about constant with increasing depth, confirming that the relationship between K-Ar age and stratigraphic depth cannot represent a temporary “steady state”, but a continuing dynamic process at a smaller rate. In turn, the modeled results help quantifying the illitization reactions in size separates consisting of authigenic and detrital clay materials from sediments covering stratigraphic intervals from 10 to 1000 Ma.
Polyphenols in the Waste Water Produced during the Hydrodistillation of ‘Narcea Roses’ Cultivated in the Cibea River Valley (Northern Spain)
Authors: Boso Susana , Gago Pilar , Santiago José-Luis , Álvarez-Acero Inmaculada , Martinez Bartolomé Miguel-Angel , Martínez María-Carmen
Published: April 2022

The ‘Narcea rose’ is a recently described yet ancient rose cultivar of interest to the perfume industry. Given its excellent adaptation to the conditions of the place where it was rediscovered, the possibilities of its horticultural/industrial production have been under examination for some time. The hydrodistillation process produces a red-to-brownish mixture of water and rose petals that could contain compounds that could be used in other industrial procedures. Their recovery and further utilization would reduce disposal costs and improve the sustainability of relevant industries. This work reports the quantification, by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC–MS) and quadrupole time of flight Q-TOF analyses, of the polyphenol content in the waste water. This waste was found to contain high concentrations of quercetin, gallic acid and ellagic acid, as well as smaller concentrations of kaempferol and its derivatives, all of which can influence plant, human and animal health.
Influence of the Electrical Conductivity of the Nutrient Solution in Different Phenological Stages on the Growth and Yield of Cherry Tomato
Authors: Lu Tao , Yu Hongjun , Wang Tanyu , Zhang Taoyue , Shi Chenhua , Jiang Weijie
Published: April 2022

Soilless cultivation is an important alternative to traditional agriculture and facilitates harvest by allowing for the precise control of plant nutrients to maximize the vegetable production of uniform fruits. Nutrient solution concentration is a critical factor affecting nutrient supply in soilless cultivation. Although some nutrient solution concentrations throughout the growth cycle for tomatoes have been developed, there are limited studies on nutrient solution concentrations at different phenological stages. Hence, we studied the effects of nutrient solution concentrations in different growth stages on the physiology, yield and fruit quality of cherry tomatoes with a previously developed nutrient solution formulation. The whole growth cycle of the tomato was divided into three stages which were irrigated with a nutrient solution with different electrical conductivities (ECs). A total of five treatments were set: CK (EC was 3.0 ms·cm−1 for the 1st–3rd stage), T1 (EC was 1.5 ms·cm−1 for the 1st stage, 3.0 ms·cm−1 for the 2nd–3rd stage), T2 (EC was 1.5 ms·cm−1 for the 1st stage, 3.0 ms·cm−1 for the 2nd stage, 4.5 ms·cm−1 for the 3rd stage ), T3 (EC was 1.5 ms·cm−1 for the 1st–2nd stage, 3.0 ms·cm−1 for the 3rd stage), and T4 (EC was 1.5 ms·cm−1 for the 1st stage, 4.5 ms·cm−1 for the 2nd–3rd stage). The results showed that the tomato plants treated with T2 and T4 had the strongest growth (with the highest plant height and leaf formation) as well as the best leaf photosynthetic performance (the chlorophyll content and the net photosynthetic rate were significantly increased). Additionally, the use of T2 and T4 significantly improved cherry tomato fruit quality as reflected by the significant promotion of total soluble solids by 9.1% and 9.8%, respectively, as well as by the improvement of maturity by 12.9% and 13.7%, respectively. Additionally, the yields for treatments T2 and T4 were increased by 7.3% and 13.4%, respectively, which was mainly due to the increase in single fruit weight. More importantly, nutrient solution EC management improved fertilizer use efficiency: the partial fertilizer productivity of T1, T2, and T4 was increased by 2%, 7% and 14%, respectively, while that of T3 was reduced by 7%. A comprehensive comparison showed that the ranking of the effect on production was T4 > T2 > T1 > CK > T3. Our results suggest that the regulation of EC in different growth stages affects the growth and yield characteristics of cherry tomatoes. This study may provide some references for further research to adjust the concentration of nutrient solutions to improve the utilization rate of fertilizer and fruit quality.
PpSAUR43, an Auxin-Responsive Gene, Is Involved in the Post-Ripening and Softening of Peaches
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Su Weijing , Liu Kun , Xu Ze , Shah Kamran , Ma Juanjuan , Zhang Dong , Hu Yanan , Zhao Caiping
Published: April 2022

Auxin’s role in the post-ripening of peaches is widely recognized as important. However, little is known about the processes by which auxin regulates fruit post-ripening. As one of the early auxin-responsive genes, it is critical to understand the role of small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) genes in fruit post-ripening and softening. Herein, we identified 72 PpSAUR auxin-responsive factors in the peach genome and divided them into eight subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. Subsequently, the members related to peach post-ripening in the PpSAUR gene family were screened, and we targeted PpSAUR43. The expression of PpSAUR43 was decreased with fruit post-ripening in melting flesh (MF) fruit and was high in non-melting flesh (NMF) fruit. The overexpression of PpSAUR43 showed a slower rate of firmness decline, reduced ethylene production, and a delayed fruit post-ripening process. The MADS-box gene family plays an important regulatory role in fruit ripening. In this study, we showed with yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) experiments that PpSAUR43 can interact with the MADS-box transcription factor PpCMB1(PpMADS2), which indicates that PpSAUR43 may inhibit fruit ripening by suppressing the function of the PpCMB1 protein. Together, these results indicate that PpSAUR43 acts as a negative regulator involved in the peach post-ripening process.
Will Macau’s Restaurants Survive or Thrive after Entering the O2O Food Delivery Platform in the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Cheong Fan , Law Rob
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 presents a formidable challenge to global tourism. One of the emergency measures adopted by the Macau restaurant industry has been to increase its revenue by joining an online-to-offline (O2O) platform. Nevertheless, are there any risks that follow these opportunities? This article aims to explore whether any risks follow these opportunities, which could extend the literature. Study 1 explores the key factors that customers focus on by analyzing the content of customer reviews published on the Aomi platform through Python. Results show that brand credibility, freshness, and taste remained prominent in the customers’ dining experience. Packaging, delivery quality, and hygiene emerged as new factors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the popularity of the O2O platform. Customers and staff continued to participate in service interactions through these online channels. Meanwhile, Study 2 contributes to the present understanding of O2O services in restaurants by interviewing catering professionals, and the results highlight how restaurateurs adopt their strategies on O2O platforms.
Examining Geographic Food Access, Food Insecurity, and Urbanicity among Diverse, Low-Income Participants in Austin, Texas
Authors: Janda Kathryn M. , Ranjit Nalini , Salvo Deborah , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Nielsen Aida , Casnovsky Joy , van den Berg Alexandra
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between geographic food access and food insecurity and the potential role of race/ethnicity, income, and urbanicity among a low-income, diverse sample in Central Texas. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, secondary data analysis of an existing cohort was used to examine the association between food insecurity; geographic food access; and sociodemographic factors of race/ethnicity, income, urbanicity, and additional covariates using binomial logistic regression models. The existing cohort was recruited from lower-income communities in Travis County, Texas. The sample (N = 393) was predominantly Hispanic, lived in urban areas, and nearly 40% were food insecure. Geographic food access was not found to be significantly associated with food insecurity. However, rural residents had greater odds of being food insecure than urban residents. Also, participants who earned USD 45,000–64,999 and over USD 65,000 had lower odds of being food insecure than participants who earned under USD 25,000. These findings add to the inconsistent literature about the association between geographic food access and food insecurity and contribute to urbanicity and income disparities in food-insecurity literature. Future work should consider urbanicity, income, and utilize community-specific data to gain greater understanding of the association between geographic food access and food insecurity.
Synthetic Pyrethroids Exposure and Embryological Outcomes: A Cohort Study in Women from Fertility Clinic
Authors: Radwan Paweł , Wielgomas Bartosz , Radwan Michał , Krasiński Rafał , Kilanowicz-Sapota Anna , Banaszczyk Renata , Jurewicz Joanna
Published: April 2022

Pyrethroids exposure has been associated with adverse reproductive outcome. However, there is no study that explores the effect of environmental exposure and embryological outcomes. This question was addressed in a prospective cohort of couples undergoing fertility treatment. The study aims to assess the association between urinary metabolites of synthetic pyrethroids and embryological outcomes (MII oocyte count, top quality embryo, fertilization and implantation rate). We included 450 women aged 25–45 undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle at Infertility Clinic in Poland. Urine samples were collected at the time of fertility procedure(s) to assess four urinary synthetic pyrethroids concentrations (3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DCCA), trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA), cis-2,2-dibromovinyl-2,2-dimethylocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (DBCA)) using validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry and calculated for each cycle-specific metabolite. To evaluate the effect of environmental exposure to synthetic pyrethroids and embryological outcomes (methaphase II (MII) oocyte yield, top quality embryo, fertilization rate, implantation rate), multivariable generalized linear mixed analyses with random intercepts were prepared. Urinary 3-PBA concentrations decrease MII oocyte count (p = 0.007) in the fourth quartile (>75 percentile) compared to women in the first quartile (≤25 percentile). Additionally, when 3-PBA was treated as continuous variable, the negative association between exposure to pyrethroids and MII oocyte count was also observed (p = 0.012). Exposure to other pyrethroid metabolities (CDCCA, TDCCA, DBCA) was not related to any of the examined embryological outcomes. Exposure to synthetic pyrethroids may be associated with poorer embryological outcome among couples seeking fertility treatments. As this is the first study on this topic, the results need to be confirmed in further studies.
Analysis of Specific Physical Fitness in High-Level Table Tennis Players—Sex Differences
Authors: Pradas Francisco , Toro-Román Víctor , de la Torre Ana , Moreno-Azze Alejandro , Gutiérrez-Betancur Juan , Ortega-Zayas Miguel
Published: April 2022

Table tennis performance depends on multiple factors such as technique, tactics and fitness. Several studies have focused on investigating different technical-tactical variables. However, research analysing the specific physical qualities of this sport is scarce, particularly in the female sex. The aim of the present study was to assess the physical fitness variables associated with individual performance in elite table tennis players according to sex. Forty-eight elite players divided into males (n = 24; 25.38 ± 4.01 years) and females (n = 24; 22.33 ± 3.83 years) participated in the study. To determine physical fitness, participants performed vertical jump, hand grip strength, ergospirometry and lateral displacement tests (reaction time, displacement time and lateral acceleration). Male players showed higher values in vertical jump, hand grip strength and maximum oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). Likewise, male players moved laterally faster (p < 0.001). On the other hand, female players had a better reaction time towards the dominant side (p < 0.01). Elite male table tennis players showed better physical fitness compared to female players. Due to the scarcity of data on elite table tennis players, these results can serve as reference values for different table tennis practitioners.
Implementation of Interventions and Policies on Opioids and Awareness of Opioid-Related Harms in Canada: A Multistage Mixed Methods Descriptive Study
Authors: Goyer Camille , Castillon Genaro , Moride Yola
Published: April 2022

In Canada, interventions and policies have been implemented to minimize the risk of opioid-related harms. This mixed methods study aimed at describing trends over time in implementation, as well as in awareness and health outcomes. For implementation, we conducted a scoping review to identify opioids interventions and policies implemented in Canada between 1 January 2016 and 15 November 2019. Awareness was measured through a descriptive analysis of opioid-related harm cases reported by consumers and health care professionals (HCPs) to the national spontaneous reporting system and of social media coverage, while health outcome consisted of opioid-related deaths recorded in the coroner’s reports database of the province of Quebec, Canada. Trends over time in implementation of interventions were compared to trends in awareness and opioid-related deaths, without implying causality. There were 413 national or provincial interventions on opioids implemented over the study period, with a four-fold increase in 2016. The most common (31.5%) was harm reduction strategies, such as naloxone distribution. The reporting rate of opioid-related harms ranged between 0.1 and 0.2 per 100,000 persons with no observed time trend. Compared to 2015, the number of social media posts increased in 2016 by 35.4% (Reddit), 329.0% (Facebook), and 381.5% (Twitter). Between 2016 and 2019, there was a slight decrease in the number of opioid-related deaths recorded in the coroner’s database. Overall, the increase in the number of policies did not see a parallel increase in spontaneous reports of opioid-related harms as an indicator of consumer or HCP awareness. Conversely, the dramatic increase in social media coverage was consistent with heightened public awareness. Although no inferences of causality were made in this study, the decrease in opioid-related deaths observed in the recent years may indicate a potential effectiveness of interventions and policies.
The Usage of an Air Purifier Device with HEPA 14 Filter during Dental Procedures in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Capparè Paolo , D’Ambrosio Raffaele , De Cunto Renato , Darvizeh Atanaz , Nagni Matteo , Gherlone Enrico
Published: April 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of an air purifier device (professional XXl inn-561 innoliving) with HEPA 14 filter in reducing the number of suspended particles generated during dental procedures as a vector of COVID-19 transmission. The survey was conducted on 80 individuals who underwent Oral Surgery with dental Hygiene Procedures, divided into two groups based on the operational risk classification related to dental procedures: a Test Group (with application of filtering device) and a Control Group (without filtering device). All procedures were monitored throughout the clinical controls, utilising professional tools such as molecular particle counters (Lasair III 350 L 9.50 L/min), bacteriological plates (Tryptic Soy Agar), sound meters for LAFp sound pressure level (SPL) and LCpk instantaneous peak level. The rate of suspended particles, microbiological pollution and noise pollution were calculated. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis method. The results showed the higher efficacy of the TEST Group on pollution abatement, 83% more than the Control fgroup. Additionally, the contamination was reduced by 69–80%. Noise pollution was not noticeable compared to the sounds already present in the clinical environment. The addition of PAC equipment to the already existing safety measures was found to be significantly effective in further microbiological risk reduction.
Functional Properties of Meat in Athletes’ Performance and Recovery
Authors: di Corcia Martina , Tartaglia Nicola , Polito Rita , Ambrosi Antonio , Messina Gaetana , Francavilla Vincenzo Cristian , Cincione Raffaele Ivan , della Malva Antonella , Ciliberti Maria Giovanna , Sevi Agostino , Messina Giovanni , Albenzio Marzia
Published: April 2022

Physical activity (PA) and sport play an essential role in promoting body development and maintaining optimal health status both in the short and long term. Despite the benefits, a long-lasting heavy training can promote several detrimental physiological changes, including transitory immune system malfunction, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress, which manifest as exercise-induced muscle damages (EIMDs). Meat and derived products represent a very good source of bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Bioactive molecules represent dietary compounds that can interact with one or more components of live tissue, resulting in a wide range of possible health consequences such as immune-modulating, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and antioxidative activities. The health benefits of meat have been well established and have been extensively reviewed elsewhere, although a growing number of studies found a significant positive effect of meat molecules on exercise performance and recovery of muscle function. Based on the limited research, meat could be an effective post-exercise food that results in favorable muscle protein synthesis and metabolic performance.
Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Perinatal Outcomes of Placental Abruption—Detailed Annual Data and Clinical Perspectives from Polish Tertiary Center
Authors: Bączkowska Monika , Kosińska-Kaczyńska Katarzyna , Zgliczyńska Magdalena , Brawura-Biskupski-Samaha Robert , Rebizant Beata , Ciebiera Michał
Published: April 2022

Placental abruption (PA) is a separation of the placenta from the uterine wall occurring with the fetus still present in the uterine cavity. It contributes to numerous neonatal and maternal complications, increasing morbidity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary perinatal care center, which included 2210 cases of labor that took place in 2015 with a PA occurrence of 0.7%. No maternal or fetal death during delivery was reported in this period. The identified PA risk factors were uterine malformations, pPROM, placenta previa spectrum, and oligohydramnios. The significant maternal PA complications identified were maternal anemia, uterine rupture, and HELLP syndrome. Preterm delivery occurred significantly more often in the PA group, and the number of weeks of pregnancy and the birth weight at delivery were both significantly lower in the PA group. PA is a relatively rare perinatal complication with very serious consequences, and it still lacks effective prophylaxis and treatment. Despite its rare occurrence, each center should develop a certain strategy for dealing with this pathology or predicting which patients are at risk. Much work is still needed to ensure the proper care of the mother and the baby in this life-threatening condition.
Comment on Chiu et al. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Interventions for the Elderly: A Scoping Review from 2015–2019. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 5335
Authors: Neumann Tim
Published: April 2022

Chiu et al. report in their paper “Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Interventions for the Elderly: A Scoping Review from 2015–2019” [...]
Norketamine, the Main Metabolite of Ketamine, Induces Mitochondria-Dependent and ER Stress-Triggered Apoptotic Death in Urothelial Cells via a Ca2+-Regulated ERK1/2-Activating Pathway
Authors: Lin Jhe-Wei , Lin Yi-Chun , Liu Jui-Ming , Liu Shing-Hwa , Fang Kai-Min , Hsu Ren-Jun , Huang Chun-Fa , Chang Kai-Yao , Lee Kuan-I , Chang Kai-Chih , Su Chin-Chuan , Chen Ya-Wen
Published: April 2022

Ketamine-associated cystitis is characterized by suburothelial inflammation and urothelial cell death. Norketamine (NK), the main metabolite of ketamine, is abundant in urine following ketamine exposure. NK has been speculated to exert toxic effects in urothelial cells, similarly to ketamine. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to NK-induced urothelial cytotoxicity are almost unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of NK and the potential mechanisms underlying NK-induced urothelial cell injury. In this study, NK exposure significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in human urinary bladder epithelial-derived RT4 cells that NK (0.01–0.5 mM) exhibited greater cytotoxicity than ketamine (0.1–3 mM). Signals of mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss and cytosolic cytochrome c release, were found to be involved in NK-induced cell apoptosis and death. NK exposure of cells also triggered the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins including GRP78, CHOP, XBP-1, ATF-4 and -6, caspase-12, PERK, eIF-2α, and IRE-1. Pretreatment with 4-phenylbutyric acid (an ER stress inhibitor) markedly prevented the expression of ER stress-related proteins and apoptotic events in NK-exposed cells. Additionally, NK exposure significantly activated JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 signaling and increased intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i). Pretreatment of cells with both PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) and BAPTA/AM (a cell-permeable Ca2+ chelator), but not SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), effectively suppressed NK-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress-related signals, and apoptotic events. The elevation of [Ca2+]i in NK-exposed cells could be obviously inhibited by BAPTA/AM, but not PD98059. Taken together, these findings suggest that NK exposure exerts urothelial cytotoxicity via a [Ca2+]i-regulated ERK1/2 activation, which is involved in downstream mediation of the mitochondria-dependent and ER stress-triggered apoptotic pathway, consequently resulting in urothelial cell death. Our findings suggest that regulating [Ca2+]i/ERK signaling pathways may be a promising strategy for treatment of NK-induced urothelial cystitis.
The Benefits of Using Saccharose for Photocatalytic Water Disinfection
Authors: Rokicka-Konieczna Paulina , Markowska-Szczupak Agata , Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina , Morawski Antoni W.
Published: April 2022

In this work, the characteristics of saccharose (sucrose)-modified TiO2 (C/TiO2) photocatalysts obtained using a hydrothermal method at low temperature (100 °C) are presented. The influence of C/TiO2 on survivability and enzyme activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase) of Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 29425) and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 49461) under UV-A and artificial solar light (ASL) were examined. The obtained TiO2-1%-S-100 photocatalysts were capable of total E. coli and S. epidermidis inactivation under ASL irradiation in less than 1 h. In addition, the impacts of sugars on the photocatalytic activity and disinfection performance are discussed.
Exploring Diverse Coagulation Factor XIII Subunit Expression Datasets: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Jamil Muhammad Ahmer , Singh Sneha , El-Maarri Osman , Oldenburg Johannes , Biswas Arijit
Published: April 2022

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) circulates in plasma as a pro-transglutaminase heterotetrameric complex (FXIIIA2B2), which upon activation by thrombin and calcium covalently crosslinks preformed fibrin polymers. The heterotetrameric complex is composed of a catalytic FXIIIA2 subunit and a protective/regulatory FXIII-B2 subunit coded by F13A1 and F13B genes, respectively. The catalytic FXIIIA2 subunit is encoded by the F13A1 gene, expressed primarily in cells of mesenchymal origin, whereas the FXIIIB subunit encoded by the F13B gene is expressed and secreted from hepatocytes. The plasma FXIIIA2 subunit, which earlier was believed to be secreted from cells of megakaryocytic lineage, is now understood to result primarily from resident macrophages. The regulation of the FXIII subunits at the genetic level is still poorly understood. The current study adopts a purely bioinformatic approach to analyze the temporal, time-specific expression array-data corresponding to both the subunits in specific cell lineages, with respect to the gene promoters. We analyze the differentially expressed genes correlated with F13A1 and F13B expression levels in an array of cell types, utilizing publicly available microarray data. We attempt to understand the regulatory mechanism underlying the variable expression of FXIIIA2 subunit in macrophages (M0, M1, M2 and aortic resident macrophages). Similarly, the FXIIIB2 subunit expression data from adult, fetal hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells derived hepatoblasts (hESC-hepatoblast) was analyzed. The results suggest regulatory dependence between the two FXIII subunits at the transcript level. Our analysis also predicts the involvement of the FXIIIA2 subunit in macrophage polarization, plaque stability, and inflammation.
Chelating Polymers for Targeted Decontamination of Actinides: Application of PEI-MP to Hydroxyapatite-Th(IV)
Authors: Fèvre Jeanne , Leveille Elena , Jeanson Aurélie , Santucci-Darmanin Sabine , Pierrefite-Carle Valérie , Carle Georges F. , Den Auwer Christophe , Di Giorgio Christophe
Published: April 2022

In case of an incident in the nuclear industry or an act of war or terrorism, the dissemination of plutonium could contaminate the environment and, hence, humans. Human contamination mainly occurs via inhalation and/or wounding (and, less likely, ingestion). In such cases, plutonium, if soluble, reaches circulation, whereas the poorly soluble fraction (such as small colloids) is trapped in alveolar macrophages or remains at the site of wounding. Once in the blood, the plutonium is delivered to the liver and/or to the bone, particularly into its mineral part, mostly composed of hydroxyapatite. Countermeasures against plutonium exist and consist of intravenous injections or inhalation of diethylenetetraminepentaacetate salts. Their effectiveness is, however, mainly confined to the circulating soluble forms of plutonium. Furthermore, the short bioavailability of diethylenetetraminepentaacetate results in its rapid elimination. To overcome these limitations and to provide a complementary approach to this common therapy, we developed polymeric analogs to indirectly target the problematic retention sites. We present herein a first study regarding the decontamination abilities of polyethyleneimine methylcarboxylate (structural diethylenetetraminepentaacetate polymer analog) and polyethyleneimine methylphosphonate (phosphonate polymeric analog) directed against Th(IV), used here as a Pu(IV) surrogate, which was incorporated into hydroxyapatite used as a bone model. Our results suggest that polyethylenimine methylphosphonate could be a good candidate for powerful bone decontamination action.
Recent Advances in Sandwich SERS Immunosensors for Cancer Detection
Authors: Pollap Aleksandra , Świt Paweł
Published: April 2022

Cancer has been one of the most prevalent diseases around the world for many years. Its biomarkers are biological molecules found in the blood or other body fluids of people with cancer diseases. These biomarkers play a crucial role not only in the diagnosis of cancer diseases, but also in risk assessment, selection of treatment methods, and tracking its progress. Therefore, highly sensitive and selective detection and determination of cancer biomarkers are essential from the perspective of oncological diagnostics and planning the treatment process. Immunosensors are special types of biosensors that are based on the recognition of an analyte (antigen) by an antibody. Sandwich immunosensors apply two antibodies: a capture antibody and a detection antibody, with the antigen ‘sandwiched’ between them. Immunosensors’ advantages include not only high sensitivity and selectivity, but also flexible application and reusability. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, known also as the sensitive and selective method, uses the enhancement of light scattering by analyte molecules adsorbed on a nanostructured surface. The combination of immunosensors with the SERS technique further improves their analytical parameters. In this article, we followed the recent achievements in the field of sandwich SERS immunosensors for cancer biomarker detection and/or determination.
The Long Non-Coding RNA HOXA-AS2 Promotes Proliferation of Glioma Stem Cells and Modulates Their Inflammation Pathway Mainly through Post-Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Le Boiteux Elisa , Guichet Pierre-Olivier , Masliantsev Konstantin , Montibus Bertille , Vaurs-Barriere Catherine , Gonthier-Gueret Céline , Chautard Emmanuel , Verrelle Pierre , Karayan-Tapon Lucie , Fogli Anne , Court Franck , Arnaud Philippe
Published: April 2022

Glioblastomas represent approximatively half of all gliomas and are the most deadly and aggressive form. Their therapeutic resistance and tumor relapse rely on a subpopulation of cells that are called Glioma Stem Cells (GSCs). Here, we investigated the role of the long non-coding RNA HOXA-AS2 in GSC biology using descriptive and functional analyses of glioma samples classified according to their isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene mutation status, and of GSC lines. We found that HOXA-AS2 is overexpressed only in aggressive (IDHwt) glioma and GSC lines. ShRNA-based depletion of HOXA-AS2 in GSCs decreased cell proliferation and altered the expression of several hundreds of genes. Integrative analysis revealed that these expression changes were not associated with changes in DNA methylation or chromatin signatures at the promoter of the majority of genes deregulated following HOXA-AS2 silencing in GSCs, suggesting a post-transcriptional regulation. In addition, transcription factor binding motif enrichment and correlation analyses indicated that HOXA-AS2 affects, directly or indirectly, the expression of key transcription factors implicated in GCS biology, including E2F8, E2F1, STAT1, and ATF3, thus contributing to GCS aggressiveness by promoting their proliferation and modulating the inflammation pathway.
The Cooperative Anti-Neoplastic Activity of Polyphenolic Phytochemicals on Human T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Line MOLT-4 In Vitro
Authors: Koszałka Patrycja , Stasiłojć Grzegorz , Miękus-Purwin Natalia , Niedźwiecki Maciej , Purwin Maciej , Grabowski Szymon , Bączek Tomasz
Published: April 2022

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematological malignancy affecting pediatric patients. ALL treatment regimens with cytostatics manifest substantial toxicity and have reached the maximum of well-tolerated doses. One potential approach for improving treatment efficiency could be supplementation of the current regimen with naturally occurring phytochemicals with anti-cancer properties. Nutraceuticals such as quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, and genistein have been studied in anti-cancer therapy, but their application is limited by their low bioavailability. However, their cooperative activity could potentially increase their efficiency at low, bioavailable doses. We studied their cooperative effect on the viability of a human ALL MOLT-4 cell line in vitro at the concentration considered to be in the bioavailable range in vivo. To analyze their potential side effect on the viability of non-tumor cells, we evaluated their toxicity on a normal human foreskin fibroblast cell line (BJ). In both cell lines, we also measured specific indicators of cell death, changes in cell membrane permeability (CMP), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Even at a low bioavailable concentration, genistein and curcumin decreased MOLT-4 viability, and their combination had a significant interactive effect. While resveratrol and quercetin did not affect MOLT-4 viability, together they enhanced the effect of the genistein/curcumin mix, significantly inhibiting MOLT-4 population growth in vitro. Moreover, the analyzed phytochemicals and their combinations did not affect the BJ cell line. In both cell lines, they induced a decrease in MMP and correlating CMP changes, but in non-tumor cells, both metabolic activity and cell membrane continuity were restored in time. (4) Conclusions: The results indicate that the interactive activity of analyzed phytochemicals can induce an anti-cancer effect on ALL cells without a significant effect on non-tumor cells. It implies that the application of the combinations of phytochemicals an anti-cancer treatment supplement could be worth further investigation regardless of their low bioavailability.
Neurochemical Alterations in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): A Systematic Review of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Elsaid Sonja , Rubin-Kahana Dafna S. , Kloiber Stefan , Kennedy Sidney H. , Chavez Sofia , Le Foll Bernard
Published: April 2022

(1) Objective: Considering that current knowledge of mechanisms involved in the molecular pathogenesis of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is limited, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate cumulative data obtained by Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic (1H MRS) studies. (2) Methods: A computer-based literature search of Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and ProQuest was performed. Only cross-sectional studies using 1H MRS techniques in participants with SAD and healthy controls (HCs) were selected. (3) Results: The search generated eight studies. The results indicated regional abnormalities in the ‘fear neurocircuitry’ in patients with SAD. The implicated regions included the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), insula, occipital cortex (OC), as well as the subcortical regions, including the thalamus, caudate, and the putamen. (4) Conclusions: The evidence derived from eight studies suggests that possible pathophysiological mechanisms of SAD include impairments in the integrity and function of neurons and glial cells, including disturbances in energy metabolism, maintenance of phospholipid membranes, dysregulations of second messenger systems, and excitatory/inhibitory neurocircuitry. Conducting more cross-sectional studies with larger sample sizes is warranted given the limited evidence in this area of research.
HIV-2 Neutralization Sensitivity in Relation to Co-Receptor Entry Pathways and Env Motifs
Authors: Szojka Zsófia Ilona , Karlson Sara , Johansson Emil , Şahin Gülşen Özkaya , Jansson Marianne
Published: April 2022

HIV-2, compared to HIV-1, elicits potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies, and uses a broad range of co-receptors. However, both sensitivity to neutralization and breadth of co-receptor use varies between HIV-2 isolates, and the molecular background is still not fully understood. Thus, in the current study, we have deciphered relationships between HIV-2 neutralization sensitivity, co-receptor use and viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) molecular motifs. A panel of primary HIV-2 isolates, with predefined use of co-receptors, was assessed for neutralization sensitivity using a set of HIV-2 Env-directed monoclonal antibodies and co-receptor indicator cell lines. Neutralization sensitivity of the isolates was analysed in relation target cell co-receptor expression, in addition to amino acid motifs and predicted structures of Env regions. Results showed that HIV-2 isolates were more resistant to neutralizing antibodies when entering target cells via the alternative co-receptor GPR15, as compared to CCR5. A similar pattern was noted for isolates using the alternative co-receptor CXCR6. Sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies appeared also to be linked to specific Env motifs in V1/V2 and C3 regions. Our findings suggest that HIV-2 sensitivity to neutralization depends both on which co-receptor is used for cell entry and on specific Env motifs. This study highlights the multifactorial mechanisms behind HIV-2 neutralization sensitivity.
Electron Transfer in a Bio-Photoelectrode Based on Photosystem I Multilayer Immobilized on the Conducting Glass
Authors: Szewczyk Sebastian , Goyal Alice , Abram Mateusz , Burdziński Gotard , Kargul Joanna , Gibasiewicz Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

A film of ~40 layers of partially oriented photosystem I (PSI) complexes isolated from the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae formed on the conducting glass through electrodeposition was investigated by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. The experiments were performed at a range of electric potentials applied to the film and at different compositions of electrolyte solution being in contact with the film. The amount of immobilized proteins supporting light-induced charge separation (active PSI) ranged from ~10%, in the absence of any reducing agents (redox compounds or low potential), to ~20% when ascorbate and 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol were added, and to ~35% when the high negative potential was additionally applied. The origin of the large fraction of permanently inactive PSI (65–90%) was unclear. Both reducing agents increased the subpopulation of active PSI complexes, with the neutral P700 primary electron donor, by reducing significant fractions of the photo-oxidized P700 species. The efficiencies of light-induced charge separation in the PSI film (10–35%) did not translate into an equally effective generation of photocurrent, whose internal quantum efficiency reached the maximal value of 0.47% at the lowest potentials. This mismatch indicates that the vast majority of the charge-separated states in multilayered PSI complexes underwent charge recombination.
Ferroptosis and Apoptosis Are Involved in the Formation of L-Selenomethionine-Induced Ocular Defects in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Gao Meng , Hu Jun , Zhu Yuejie , Wang Xianqing , Zeng Shumin , Hong Yijiang , Zhao Guang
Published: April 2022

Selenium is an essential trace element for humans and other vertebrates, playing an important role in antioxidant defense, neurobiology and reproduction. However, the toxicity of excessive selenium has not been thoroughly evaluated, especially for the visual system of vertebrates. In this study, fertilized zebrafish embryos were treated with 0.5 µM L-selenomethionine to investigate how excessive selenium alters zebrafish eye development. Selenium-stressed zebrafish embryos showed microphthalmia and altered expression of genes required for retinal neurogenesis. Moreover, ectopic proliferation, disrupted mitochondrial morphology, elevated ROS-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and ferroptosis were observed in selenium-stressed embryos. Two antioxidants—reduced glutathione (GSH) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC)—and the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin (Fer-1) were unable to rescue selenium-induced eye defects, but the ferroptosis and apoptosis activator cisplatin (CDDP) was able to improve microphthalmia and the expression of retina-specific genes in selenium-stressed embryos. In summary, our results reveal that ferroptosis and apoptosis might play a key role in selenium-induced defects of embryonic eye development. The findings not only provide new insights into selenium-induced cellular damage and death, but also important implications for studying the association between excessive selenium and ocular diseases in the future.
The Influence of Treatment with PCSK9 Inhibitors and Variants in the CRP (rs1800947), TNFA (rs1800629), and IL6 (rs1800795) Genes on the Corresponding Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Very High Lipoprotein(a) Levels
Authors: Levstek Tina , Podkrajšek Nik , Rehberger Likozar Andreja , Šebeštjen Miran , Trebušak Podkrajšek Katarina
Published: April 2022

Chronic inflammation contributes significantly to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the factors that lead to an inflammatory imbalance towards a proinflammatory state are not yet fully understood. The CRP rs1800947, TNFA rs1800629, and IL6 rs1800795 polymorphisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and were therefore selected to investigate the influence of genetic variability on the corresponding plasma levels after treatment with a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor. A group of 69 patients with stable coronary artery disease after myocardial infarction before the age of 50 years and very high lipoprotein(a) levels were enrolled in the study. All patients received a PCSK9 inhibitor (evolocumab or alirocumab). Genotyping was performed using TaqMan assays (CRP rs1800947, TNFA rs1800629, and IL6 rs1800795). Consistent with previous studies, no significant change in levels of inflammatory biomarkers was observed after 6 months of treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. We also did not detect any significant association between single nucleotide polymorphisms CRP rs1800947, TNFA rs1800629, and IL6 rs1800795 and plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), or interleukin 6 (IL6), respectively, at enrollment. However, the difference in IL6 levels after treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors was statistically significant (p = 0.050) in patients with IL6-74CC genotype, indicating the possible role of the IL6 rs1800795 polymorphism in modulating inflammation.