bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Selected Wild Edible Plants Collected from Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Adamu Endale , Asfaw Zemede , Demissew Sebsebe , Baye Kaleab
Published: August 2022

In Ethiopia, wild edible plants (WEPs) offer a natural food supply for humans to alleviate food insecurity and hunger. Despite the extensive usage of WEPs in Ethiopia, there have been few investigations on their nutritional composition. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-nutritional factors of the most commonly consumed WEPs in Northeastern Ethiopia. The antioxidant parameters including total phenol, total flavonoid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay contents and the anti-nutritional parameters including oxalate, phytate and tannin contents of the selected seven WEPs were evaluated using standard food analysis techniques. The total phenol (mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid (mg QE/100 g) content of WEPs resulted in ranges of 0.79–17.02 and 2.27–7.12, respectively. The antioxidant activity revealed that leaves of Amaranthus hybridus and Rumex nervosus have the highest DPPH and FRAP value, scavenging 50% of free radicals under 50 µg/mL. Non-food values resulted in the respective ranges of 3.37–11.73 mg/100 g oxalate, 16.31–165 µg/100 g phytate and 1.38–5.49 mg/100 g tannin. The investigation indicates that the antioxidant activity of WEPs under research was higher than common crops, and the non-food values were laid in the safe limit, indicating that these might be used for making more healthy and nutritious foods.
The Construction of High-Order Robust Theta Methods with Applications in Subdiffusion Models
Authors: Yin Baoli , Zhang Guoyu , Liu Yang , Li Hong
Published: August 2022

An exponential-type function was discovered to transform known difference formulas by involving a shifted parameter θ to approximate fractional calculus operators. In contrast to the known θ methods obtained by polynomial-type transformations, our exponential-type θ methods take the advantage of the fact that they have no restrictions in theory on the range of θ such that the resultant scheme is asymptotically stable. As an application to investigate the subdiffusion problem, the second-order fractional backward difference formula is transformed, and correction terms are designed to maintain the optimal second-order accuracy in time. The obtained exponential-type scheme is robust in that it is accurate even for very small α and can naturally resolve the initial singularity provided θ=−12, both of which are demonstrated rigorously. All theoretical results are confirmed by extensive numerical tests.
Applications of q-Hermite Polynomials to Subclasses of Analytic and Bi-Univalent Functions
Authors: Zhang Caihuan , Khan Bilal , Shaba Timilehin Gideon , Ro Jong-Suk , Araci Serkan , Khan Muhammad Ghaffar
Published: August 2022

In mathematics, physics, and engineering, orthogonal polynomials and special functions play a vital role in the development of numerical and analytical approaches. This field of study has received a lot of attention in recent decades, and it is gaining traction in current fields, including computational fluid dynamics, computational probability, data assimilation, statistics, numerical analysis, and image and signal processing. In this paper, using q-Hermite polynomials, we define a new subclass of bi-univalent functions. We then obtain a number of important results such as bonds for the initial coefficients of |a2|, |a3|, and |a4|, results related to Fekete–Szegö functional, and the upper bounds of the second Hankel determinant for our defined functions class.
Multi-Solitons, Multi-Breathers and Multi-Rational Solutions of Integrable Extensions of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili Equation in Three Dimensions
Authors: Fokas Athanassios S. , Cao Yulei , He Jingsong
Published: August 2022

The celebrated Korteweg–de Vries and Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP) equations are prototypical examples of integrable evolution equations in one and two spatial dimensions, respectively. The question of constructing integrable evolution equations in three-spatial dimensions has been one of the most important open problems in the history of integrability. Here, we study an integrable extension of the KP equation in three-spatial dimensions, which can be derived using a specific reduction of the integrable generalization of the KP equation in four-spatial and two-temporal dimensions derived in (Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, (2006) 190201). For this new integrable extension of the KP equation, we construct smooth multi-solitons, high-order breathers, and high-order rational solutions, by using Hirota’s bilinear method.
Open-Source Radiative Modeling Tools for Extragalactic VHE Gamma-ray Sources
Authors: Nigro Cosimo , Tramacere Andrea
Published: August 2022

In this review, we discuss various open-source software for modeling the broadband emission of extragalactic sources from radio up to the highest gamma-ray energies. As we provide an overview of the different tools available, we discuss the physical processes that such tools implement and detail the computations they can perform. We also examine their conformity with modern good software practices. After considering the currently available software as a first generation of open-source modeling tools, we outline some desirable characteristics for the next generation.
Mechanisms of Caspases 3/7/8/9 in the Degeneration of External Gills of Chinese Giant Salamanders (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Yang Shijun , Tan Caixia , Sun Xuerong , Tang Xiong , Huang Xiao , Yan Fan , Zhu Guangxiang , Wang Qin
Published: August 2022

Metamorphosis is a critical stage in the adaptive development of amphibians from aquatic to terrestrial animals. Metamorphosis of the Chinese giant salamander is mainly manifested by the loss of external gills with consequent changes in the respiratory pattern. The loss of the external gill is regulated by the pathway of apoptosis in which caspase genes are the key factors. This study cloned and expressed the caspase 3/7/8/9 genes of the Chinese giant salamander. The main results were as follows: the complete open reading frames (ORFs) were 885 bp, 960 bp, 1461 bp and 1279 bp, respectively; caspase 3/7/8/9 genes all contained the CASc domain, and most of the motifs were located in CASc domain; and caspase 8 possessed two DED structural domains and caspase 9 possessed a CARD structural domain. Furthermore, results from the tissue distribution analysis indicated that caspase 3/7/8/9 genes were all significantly expressed in the external gill, and at 9 and 10 months of age (MOA), which is the peak time for the loss, the EXPRESSION level of caspase 3/7/8/9 genes was obviously high, which was consistent with the histological result. Moreover, the loss of external gills of the Chinese giant salamander may result from activation of both the apoptosis-related death receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway. Finally, it was discovered that thyroid hormone (TH) treatment could both advance the time point at which the external gills of the Chinese giant salamander began to degenerate and shorten this process. Interestingly, at the peak of its metamorphosis (9 MOA), the Chinese giant salamander further accelerated the metamorphosis rate of TH treatment, which suggested a promotive effect on the loss of external gills via the superimposition of the exogenous TH and caspase genes. The study of caspase genes in this experiment was conducive to understanding the mechanism of external gill loss in the Chinese giant salamander, as well as improving our understanding of the metamorphosis development of some Caudata species.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Endangered Species Stemona parviflora: Insight into the Phylogenetic Relationship and Conservation Implications
Authors: Wei Ran , Li Qiang
Published: August 2022

Stemona parviflora is an endangered species, narrowly endemic to Hainan and Southwest Guangdong. The taxonomic classification of S. parviflora remains controversial. Moreover, studying endangered species is helpful for current management and conservation. In this study, the first complete chloroplast genome of S. parviflora was assembled and compared with other Stemona species. The chloroplast genome size of S. parviflora was 154,552 bp, consisting of 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and one pseudogene. The ψycf1 gene was lost in the cp genome of S. sessilifolia, but it was detected in four other species of Stemona. The inverted repeats (IR) regions have a relatively lower length variation compared with the large single copy (LSC) and small single copy (SSC) regions. Long repeat sequences and simple sequence repeat (SSR) were detected, and most SSR were distributed in the LSC region. Codon usage bias analyses revealed that the RSCU value of the genus Stemona has almost no difference. As with most angiosperm chloroplast genomes, protein-coding regions were more conservative than the inter-gene spacer. Seven genes (atpI, ccsA, cemA, matK, ndhA, petA, and rpoC1) were detected under positive selection in different Stemona species, which may result from adaptive evolution to different habitats. Phylogenetic analyses show the Stemona cluster in two main groups; S. parviflora were closest to S. tuberosa. A highly suitable region of S. parviflora was simulated by Maxent in this study; it is worth noting that the whole territory of Taiwan has changed to a low fitness area and below in the 2050 s, which may not be suitable for the introduction and cultivation of S. parviflora. In addition, limited by the dispersal capacity of S. parviflora, it is necessary to carry out artificial grafts to expand the survival areas of S. parviflora. Our results provide valuable information on characteristics of the chloroplast genome, phylogenetic relationships, and potential distribution range of the endangered species S. parviflora.
Genetic Variants at the APOE Locus Predict Cardiometabolic Traits and Metabolic Syndrome: A Taiwan Biobank Study
Authors: Yeh Kuan-Hung , Wan Hsiang-Lin , Teng Ming-Sheng , Chou Hsin-Hua , Hsu Lung-An , Ko Yu-Lin
Published: August 2022

Several apolipoprotein genes are located at the APOE locus on chromosome 19q13.32. This study explored the genetic determinants of cardiometabolic traits and metabolic syndrome at the APOE locus in a Taiwanese population. A total of 81,387 Taiwan Biobank (TWB) participants were enrolled to undergo genotype–phenotype analysis using data from the Axiom Genome-Wide CHB arrays. Regional association analysis with conditional analysis revealed lead single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) at the APOE locus: APOE rs7412 and rs429358 for total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels; CLPTM1 rs3786505 and rs11672748 for LDL and HDL cholesterol levels; and APOC1 rs438811 and APOE-APOC1 rs439401 for serum triglyceride levels. Genotype–phenotype association analysis revealed a significant association of rs429358 and rs438811 with metabolic syndrome and of rs7412, rs438811, and rs439401 with serum albumin levels (p < 0.0015). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that CLPTM1 variants were independently associated with LDL and HDL cholesterol levels (p = 3.10 × 10−15 for rs3786505 and p = 1.48 × 10−15 for rs11672748, respectively). APOE rs429358 and APOC1 rs438811 were also independently associated with metabolic syndrome (p = 2.29 × 10−14) and serum albumin levels (p = 3.80 × 10−6), respectively. In conclusion, in addition to APOE variants, CLPTM1 is a novel candidate locus for LDL and HDL cholesterol levels at the APOE gene region in Taiwan. Our data also indicated that APOE and APOC1 variants were independently associated with metabolic syndrome and serum albumin levels, respectively. These results revealed the crucial role of genetic variants at the APOE locus in predicting cardiometabolic traits and metabolic syndrome.
Ablation of Ghrelin Receptor Mitigates the Metabolic Decline of Aging Skeletal Muscle
Authors: O’Reilly Colleen , Lin Ligen , Wang Hongying , Fluckey James , Sun Yuxiang
Published: August 2022

The orexigenic hormone ghrelin has multifaceted roles in health and disease. We have reported that ablation of the ghrelin receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), protects against metabolic dysfunction of adipose tissues in aging. Our further observation interestingly revealed that GHS-R deficiency phenocopies the effects of myokine irisin. In this study, we aim to determine whether GHS-R affects the metabolic functions of aging skeletal muscle and whether GHS-R regulates the muscular functions via irisin. We first studied the expression of metabolic signature genes in gastrocnemius muscle of young, middle-aged and old mice. Then, old GHS-R knockout (Ghsr−/−) mice and their wild type counterparts were used to assess the impact of GHS-R ablation on the metabolic characteristics of gastrocnemius and soleus muscle. There was an increase of GHS-R expression in skeletal muscle during aging, inversely correlated with the decline of metabolic functions. Remarkedly the muscle of old GHS-R knockout (Ghsr−/−) mice exhibited a youthful metabolic profile and better maintenance of oxidative type 2 muscle fibers. Furthermore, old Ghsr−/− mice showed improved treadmill performance, supporting better functionality. Also intriguing to note was the fact that old GHS-R-ablated mice showed increased expression of the irisin precursor FNDC5 in the muscle and elevated plasma irisin levels in circulation, which supports a potential interrelationship between GHS-R and irisin. Overall, our work suggests that GHS-R has deleterious effects on the metabolism of aging muscle, which may be at least partially mediated by myokine irisin.
Representation of Women Writers in Galician Emigration Press in Buenos Aires: Avelina Valladares and Rosalía de Castro as Displayed in Galician Almanac [Almanaque Gallego] (1898–1927)
Authors: Jones Irene
Published: August 2022

Galician Almanac in Buenos Aires [Almanaque Gallego de Buenos Aires] (1898–1927), founded and directed by Manuel Castro López, consists of a true collection of Galician knowledge made up of numerous works of historical and literary research by intellectuals and writers from both sides of the Atlantic. In its pages there are plenty of references to two contemporary fellow writers who have attracted our attention and become the subject of this brief study: Avelina Valladares and Rosalía de Castro. This paper examines the differences and proximities in the representation of women writers as highlighted by the magazine around these authors, considering that they are misadjusted characters in terms of the behavior standards of their time. In this sense, our study analyses how the Almanac… retrieves an imagery of the origins around the Galician emigrates, by pointing out that both Rosalia de Castro and Avelina Valladares took part in the setting of new literary and political standards. By this, the Almanac builds upon these women the sense of a new beginning for Galician emigrates in America.
Modeling COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Effects with a Visualized Knowledge Graph Database
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Gao Ximing , Li Chenyu
Published: August 2022

In this study, we utilized ontology and machine learning methods to analyze the current results on vaccine adverse events. With the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) Database, the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are summarized, and a relational/graph database was implemented for further applications and analysis. The adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines up to March 2022 were utilized in the study. With the built network of the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines, the API can help provide a visualized interface for patients, healthcare providers and healthcare officers to quickly find the information of a certain patient and the potential relationships of side effects of a certain vaccine. In the meantime, the model was further applied to predict the key feature symptoms that contribute to hospitalization and treatment following receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine and the performance was evaluated with a confusion matrix method. Overall, our study built a user-friendly visualized interface of the side effects of vaccines and provided insight on potential adverse effects with ontology and machine learning approaches. The interface and methods can be expanded to all FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved vaccines.
Pressure Ulcers from the Medico-Legal Perspective: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gibelli Filippo , Bailo Paolo , Sirignano Ascanio , Ricci Giovanna
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The identification of professional liability profiles related to the development of pressure injuries is a very thorny issue from a medico-legal perspective. This is because no matter how strict the applied prevention protocols applied may be, the development of such injuries is largely dependent on endogenous factors. This paper aims to investigate the medico-legal issues related to this topic through the exposition of one case of medico-legal litigation and a traditional review of the literature. Methods: We performed a literature search using three databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and Web Of Science), restricting the search to the period between 2001 and 2021. We used “pressure ulcers” and “jurisprudence” as the main keywords. From an initial library of 236 articles, our selection resulted in 12 articles, which were included in the review. Results: We identified the ever-increasing expectations of patients and the concept of automatic attribution of responsibility when a pressure ulcer develops as the primary reasons for the increase in litigation over the past 20 years. The related corrective measures are numerous: a strict adherence to guidelines, an adequate documentation of preventive measures, a risk assessment, family involvement, and a successful collaboration between physicians and government institutions. Conclusions: The biological complexity of the pathogenetic development of pressure ulcers makes the subject very delicate from the medico-legal point of view. In principle, it is possible to state that a very large proportion of such injuries are preventable, but that there remains a percentage of them that cannot be prevented. In such cases, only a proper documentary demonstration of the adequacy of preventive measures can exclude liability profiles.
Broken Needle Embedded in the Body during Vascular Puncture
Authors: Choi Hye Sook
Published: August 2022

The use of needles is essential in most medical procedures and surgery; however, needle breakage is not known to happen very frequently. Even if it does, it is most likely to occur during dental procedures, sutures, aspiration, biopsy, anesthesia, and drug abuse. To our knowledge, this is the first report about needle detachment from the syringe during a vascular puncture for blood collection. In this case, an 87-year-old obese woman with generalized edema had repeated vascular punctures to the femoral artery for arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA). After blood collection at this instance, when the syringe was pulled out, the needle was detached from it. Radiography revealed that the broken needle was lodged in the groin. A surgical incision with the fluoroscopic radiography located the embedded needle in the soft tissue and allowed the retrieval of its fragments from the groin soft tissue. Obesity and repeated punctures may increase the risk of needle breakage and prior inspection of needles for such procedures may be necessary.
Pressure Ulcers Risk Assessment According to Nursing Criteria
Authors: Vera-Salmerón Eugenio , Mota-Romero Emilio , Romero-Béjar José Luis , Dominguez-Nogueira Carmen , Gómez-Pozo Basilio
Published: August 2022

Pressure ulcers (PU) represent a health problem with a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of immobilized patients, and on the quality of life of affected people and their families. Risk assessment of pressure ulcers incidence must be carried out in a structured and comprehensive manner. The Braden Scale is the result of an analysis of risk factors that includes subscales that define exactly what should be interpreted in each one. The healthcare work with evidence-based practice with an objective criterion by the nursing professional is an essential addition for the application of preventive measures. Explanatory models based on the different subscales of Braden Scale purvey an estimation to level changes in the risk of suffering PU. A binary-response logistic regression model, supported by a study with an analytical, observational, longitudinal, and prospective design in the Granada-Metropolitan Primary Healthcare District (DSGM) in Andalusia (Southern Spain), with a sample of 16,215 immobilized status patients, using a Braden Scale log, is performed. A model that includes the mobility and activity scales achieves a correct classification rate of 86% (sensitivity (S) = 87.57%, specificity (SP) = 81.69%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 91.78%, and negative preventive value (NPV) = 73.78%), while if we add the skin moisture subscale to this model, the correct classification rate is 96% (S = 90.74%, SP = 88.83%, PPV = 95.00%, and NPV = 80.42%). The six subscales provide a model with a 99.5% correct classification rate (S = 99.93%, SP = 98.50%, PPV = 99.36%, and NPV = 99.83%). This analysis provides useful information to help predict this risk in this group of patients through objective nursing criteria.
Associations between Physical Activity Level and Mental Health in the Spanish Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina , Gómez-Galán Rafael , Franco-García Juan Manuel , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Contreras-Barraza Nicolás , Gianikellis Konstantinos , Muñoz-Bermejo Laura
Published: August 2022

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles appear to be critical factors in developing mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and other diseases in developed societies. This study analysed the associations between physical activity level (PAL) and mental health using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) in the Spanish population before the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design, based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE 2017), the last health survey before the pandemic, was carried out with 17,641 participants. Data did not follow a normal distribution, so non-parametric tests were used to analyse intergroup differences, differences at baseline and post hoc, and correlations between variables. Associations were found between the PAL, mental health and all its dimensions. The groups that performed moderate and intense PAL showed lower values in the GHQ12 questionnaire than those who walked or were inactive. Thus, higher PAL was associated with better mental health indicators, including successful coping, self-esteem and stress. This study provides a framework to compare outcomes between the pre- and post-pandemic periods, as the ENSE is performed every five years.
Rapid and Accurate Production of 3D Point Cloud via Latest-Generation Sensors in the Field of Cultural Heritage: A Comparison between SLAM and Spherical Videogrammetry
Authors: Pepe Massimiliano , Alfio Vincenzo Saverio , Costantino Domenica , Herban Sorin
Published: August 2022

The manuscript intends to describe different methodologies for the acquisition, data processing, and identification of strategies aimed at improving the quality of 3D point cloud production using latest-generation sensors in the field of cultural heritage surveying. The point clouds taken into consideration were acquired by passive and active sensors on the Buziaș site, an important historical and architectural structure in Romania. In particular, a spherical camera (Ricoh Theta Z1) was used in order to obtain a video; subsequently, starting from the video, more datasets were extracted and processed in a photogrammetric software based on Structure from Motion and Multi View Stereo algorithms. In addition, a Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) sensor (ZEB Revo RT) was used in order to generate a point cloud. The different point clouds produced were compared with the data obtained through a Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) survey. Statistical analyses were carried out to check and validate the results obtained from the comparison between the different techniques and data acquisition methods. The statistical analysis showed that the model obtained with the GeoSLAM was metrically more accurate and detailed than the point cloud generated by the videogrammetric processing highlighted in this study. The paper also analyzes the performance of the three different sensors used, including parameters such as acquisition (timing and ease of use), processing (timing and ease of use), results (accuracy, resolution, and chromatic quality), and costs (instrumental and operator).
Compost Composition and Application Rate Have a Greater Impact on Spinach Yield and Soil Fertility Benefits Than Feedstock Origin
Authors: Kelley Alicia J. , Campbell David N. , Wilkie Ann C. , Maltais-Landry Gabriel
Published: August 2022

Rapid urbanization results in the accumulation of food wastes that can be composted and diverted from landfills. Previous lab incubations demonstrated that food-based composts can increase soil N relative to manure-based composts, but these benefits were not tested within a crop system. We assessed soil fertility and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown in two different soils in a greenhouse, comparing two food- and two manure-based composts added at the recommended N rate (101 kg N ha−1). We quantified soil N mineralization and resin-extractable phosphorus, spinach biomass (root and shoot), and crop nutrient concentrations and accumulation. Nitrogen mineralization generally peaked four weeks after application, and one food-based compost (but no manure-based composts) increased soil phosphorus at harvest compared to an unamended control. One manure-based compost and one food-based compost produced a higher yield and greater nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium accumulation than the unamended control, whereas only the food-based compost increased spinach phosphorus and potassium concentrations. There was a positive relationship between yield and compost inputs of potassium and plant-available nitrogen (especially nitrate), suggesting that potassium inputs may also explain differences observed among composts. Our results suggest that food-based compost provides more nutrients than composts made from cow manure fiber.
Effects of Group Music Intervention on Depression for Elderly People in Nursing Homes
Authors: Yu Ai-Ling , Lo Shu-Fen , Chen Pei-Yu , Lu Shiou-Fang
Published: August 2022

Depression is the most common mental problem among the elderly, especially in long-term care facilities. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of group music intervention on depression for elderly people in nursing homes. Methods: A randomized control trial consisting of sixty-three elderly participants randomly and blindly assigned to a music group or control group was utilized. The music group received 20 sessions of group music intervention (two 30-min sessions per week for 10 weeks), and the control group received usual care with no music intervention. The Geriatric Depression Scale—Short Form (GDS-SF) and salivary cortisol at baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks were collected for analysis. Results of the GEEs (generalized estimating equations) analysis indicated that after 20 sessions for 10 weeks of group music intervention, the groups showed a statistically significant difference in depression at 5 weeks and 10 weeks. There was no significant difference in the salivary cortisol concentration between the two groups. The results show that the group music intervention may effectively reduce the depression scores for elderly people in nursing homes. Conclusion: The group music intervention has positive effects on depression.
Differential Effect of Dietary Supplementation with a Soybean Oil Enriched in Oleic Acid versus Linoleic Acid on Plasma Lipids and Atherosclerosis in LDLR-Deficient Mice
Authors: Yang Zhi-Hong , Nill Kimball , Takechi-Haraya Yuki , Playford Martin P. , Nguyen David , Yu Zu-Xi , Pryor Milton , Tang Jingrong , Rojulpote Krishna Vamsi , Mehta Nehal N. , Wen Han , Remaley Alan T.
Published: August 2022

Both monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important roles in lipid metabolism, and diets enriched with either of these two fatty acids are associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. Conventional soybean oil (CSO), a common food ingredient, predominantly contains linoleic acid (LA; C18:2), a n-6 PUFA. Recently, a modified soybean oil (MSO) enriched in oleic acid (C18:1), a n-9 MUFA, has been developed, because of its improved chemical stability to oxidation. However, the effect of the different dietary soybean oils on cardiovascular disease remains unknown. To test whether diets rich in CSO versus MSO would attenuate atherosclerosis development, LDL receptor knock-out (LDLR-KO) mice were fed a Western diet enriched in saturated fatty acids (control), or a Western diet supplemented with 5% (w/w) LA-rich CSO or high-oleic MSO for 12 weeks. Both soybean oils contained a similar amount of linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3). The CSO diet decreased plasma lipid levels and the cholesterol content of VLDL and LDL by approximately 18% (p < 0.05), likely from increased hepatic levels of PUFA, which favorably regulated genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. The MSO diet, but not the CSO diet, suppressed atherosclerotic plaque size compared to the Western control diet (Control Western diet: 6.5 ± 0.9%; CSO diet: 6.4 ± 0.7%; MSO diet: 4.0 ± 0.5%) (p < 0.05), independent of plasma lipid level changes. The MSO diet also decreased the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA in the liver (Control Western diet: 4.5 ± 0.2; CSO diet: 6.1 ± 0.2; MSO diet: 2.9 ± 0.2) (p < 0.05), which correlated with favorable hepatic gene expression changes in lipid metabolism and markers of systemic inflammation. In conclusion, supplementation of the Western diet with MSO, but not CSO, reduced atherosclerosis development in LDLR-KO mice independent of changes in plasma lipids.
Specific Isolation of Clostridium botulinum Group I Cells by Phage Lysin Cell Wall Binding Domain with the Aid of S-Layer Disruption
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Douillard François P. , Korkeala Hannu , Lindström Miia
Published: August 2022

Clostridium botulinum is a notorious pathogen that raises health and food safety concerns by producing the potent botulinum neurotoxin and causing botulism, a potentially fatal neuroparalytic disease in humans and animals. Efficient methods for the identification and isolation of C. botulinum are warranted for laboratory diagnostics of botulism and for food safety risk assessment. The cell wall binding domains (CBD) of phage lysins are recognized by their high specificity and affinity to distinct types of bacteria, which makes them promising for the development of diagnostic tools. We previously identified CBO1751, which is the first antibotulinal phage lysin showing a lytic activity against C. botulinum Group I. In this work, we assessed the host specificity of the CBD of CBO1751 and tested its feasibility as a probe for the specific isolation of C. botulinum Group I strains. We show that the CBO1751 CBD specifically binds to C. botulinum Group I sensu lato (including C. sporogenes) strains. We also demonstrate that some C. botulinum Group I strains possess an S-layer, the disruption of which by an acid glycine treatment is required for efficient binding of the CBO1751 CBD to the cells of these strains. We further developed CBO1751 CBD-based methods using flow cytometry and magnetic separation to specifically isolate viable cells of C. botulinum Group I. These methods present potential for applications in diagnostics and risk assessment in order to control the botulism hazard.
PARP Inhibitors: Clinical Limitations and Recent Attempts to Overcome Them
Authors: Kim Dongha , Nam Hye Jin
Published: August 2022

PARP inhibitors are the first clinically approved drugs that were developed based on synthetic lethality. PARP inhibitors have shown promising outcomes since their clinical applications and have recently been approved as maintenance treatment for cancer patients with BRCA mutations. PARP inhibitors also exhibit positive results even in patients without homologous recombination (HR) deficiency. Therapeutic effects were successfully achieved; however, the development of resistance was unavoidable. Approximately 40–70% of patients are likely to develop resistance. Here, we describe the mechanisms of action of PARP inhibitors, the causes of resistance, and the various efforts to overcome resistance. Particularly, we determined the survival probability of cancer patients according to the expression patterns of genes associated with HR restoration, which are critical for the development of PARP inhibitor resistance. Furthermore, we discuss the innovative attempts to degrade PARP proteins by chemically modifying PARP inhibitors. These efforts would enhance the efficacy of PARP inhibitors or expand the scope of their usage.
Inhibition of Autophagy Negates Radiofrequency-Induced Adaptive Response in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Sannino Anna , Scarfì Maria Rosaria , Dufossée Mélody , Romeo Stefania , Poeta Loredana , Prouzet-Mauléon Valerie , Priault Muriel , Zeni Olga
Published: August 2022

In the last years, radiofrequency (RF) has demonstrated that it can reduce DNA damage induced by a subsequent treatment with chemical or physical agents in different cell types, resembling the adaptive response, a phenomenon well documented in radiobiology. Such an effect has also been reported by other authors both in vitro and in vivo, and plausible hypotheses have been formulated, spanning from the perturbation of the cell redox status, to DNA repair mechanisms, and stress response machinery, as possible cellular mechanisms activated by RF pre-exposure. These mechanisms may underpin the observed phenomenon, and require deeper investigations. The present study aimed to determine whether autophagy contributes to RF-induced adaptive response. To this purpose, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 20 h to 1950 MHz, UMTS signal, and then treated with menadione. The results obtained indicated a reduction in menadione-induced DNA damage, assessed by applying the comet assay. Such a reduction was negated when autophagy was inhibited by bafilomycin A1 and E64d. Moreover, CRISPR SH-SY5Y cell lines defective for ATG7 or ATG5 genes did not show an adaptive response. These findings suggest the involvement of autophagy in the RF-induced adaptive response in human neuroblastoma cells; although, further investigation is required to extend such observation at the molecular level.
BDNF Therapeutic Mechanisms in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Bazzari Amjad H. , Bazzari Firas H.
Published: August 2022

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most abundant neurotrophin in the adult brain and functions as both a primary neurotrophic signal and a neuromodulator. It serves essential roles in neuronal development, maintenance, transmission, and plasticity, thereby influencing aging, cognition, and behavior. Accumulating evidence associates reduced central and peripheral BDNF levels with various neuropsychiatric disorders, supporting its potential utilization as a biomarker of central pathologies. Subsequently, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate restoring, or otherwise augmenting, BDNF transmission as a potential therapeutic approach. Promising results were indeed observed for genetic BDNF upregulation or exogenous administration using a multitude of murine models of neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, varying mechanisms have been proposed to underlie the observed therapeutic effects, and many findings indicate the engagement of disease-specific and other non-specific mechanisms. This is because BDNF essentially affects all aspects of neuronal cellular function through tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor signaling, the disruptions of which vary between brain regions across different pathologies leading to diversified consequences on cognition and behavior. Herein, we review the neurophysiology of BDNF transmission and signaling and classify the converging and diverging molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic potentials in neuropsychiatric disorders. These include neuroprotection, synaptic maintenance, immunomodulation, plasticity facilitation, secondary neuromodulation, and preservation of neurovascular unit integrity and cellular viability. Lastly, we discuss several findings suggesting BDNF as a common mediator of the therapeutic actions of centrally acting pharmacological agents used in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric illness.
Inhibition of Monoacylglycerol Lipase by NSD1819 as an Effective Strategy for the Endocannabinoid System Modulation against Neuroinflammation-Related Disorders
Authors: Micheli Laura , Maramai Samuele , Toti Alessandra , Ferrara Valentina , Ciampi Clara , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla
Published: August 2022

Neuroinflammation is a key pathological event shared by different diseases affecting the nervous system. Since the underlying mechanism of neuroinflammation is a complex and multifaceted process, current pharmacological treatments are unsatisfactory—a reason why new therapeutic approaches are mandatory. In this context, the endocannabinoid system has proven to possess neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions under neuroinflammatory status, and its modulation could represent a valuable approach to address different inflammatory processes. To this aim, we evaluated the efficacy of a repeated treatment with NSD1819, a potent β-lactam-based monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor in a mouse model of neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS 1 mg/kg for five consecutive days to induce systemic inflammation. Concurrently, NSD1819 (3 mg/kg) was daily per os administered from day 1 until the end of the experiment (day 11). Starting from day 8, behavioral measurements were performed to evaluate the effect of the treatment on cognitive impairments, allodynia, motor alterations, anhedonia, and depressive-like behaviors evoked by LPS. Histologically, glial analysis of the spinal cord was also performed. The administration of NSD1819 was able to completely counteract thermal and mechanical allodynia as highlighted by the Cold plate and von Frey tests, respectively, and to reduce motor impairments as demonstrated by the Rota rod test. Moreover, the compound was capable of neutralizing the memory loss in the Passive avoidance test, and reducing depressive-like behavior in the Porsolt test. Finally, LPS stimulation caused a significant glial cells activation in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord that was significantly recovered by NSD1819 repeated treatment. In conclusion, NSD1819 was able to thwart the plethora of symptoms evoked by LPS, thus representing a promising candidate for future applications in the context of neuroinflammation and related diseases.
Identification of the Gene Repertoire of the IMD Pathway and Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide Genes in Several Tissues and Hemolymph of the Cockroach Blattella germanica
Authors: Zuber Leo , Domínguez-Santos Rebeca , García-Ferris Carlos , Silva Francisco J.
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes, triggered by Toll and IMD pathways, are essential components of the innate immune system in the German cockroach Blattella germanica. Besides their role in killing pathogenic bacteria, AMPs could be involved in controlling its symbiotic systems (endosymbiont and microbiota). We found that the IMD pathway was active in the adult female transcriptomes of six tissues (salivary glands, foregut, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules and fat body) and hemolymph. Total expression of AMP genes was high in hemolymph and salivary glands and much lower in the other sample types. The expression of specific AMP genes was very heterogeneous among sample types. Two genes, defensin_g10 and drosomycin_g5, displayed relevant expression in the seven sample types, although higher in hemolymph. Other genes only displayed high expression in one tissue. Almost no expression of attacin-like and blattellicin genes was observed in any sample type, although some of them were among the genes with the highest expression in adult female whole bodies. The expression of AMP genes in salivary glands could help control pathogens ingested with food and even determine gut microbiota composition. The low expression levels in midgut and hindgut are probably related to the presence of beneficial microbiota. Furthermore, a reduction in the expression of AMP genes in fat body could be the way to prevent damage to the population of the endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti within bacteriocytes.
Unravelling the Inflammatory Processes in the Early Stages of Diabetic Nephropathy and the Potential Effect of (Ss)-DS-ONJ
Authors: Gómez-Jaramillo Laura , Cano-Cano Fátima , Sánchez-Fernández Elena M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , García-Fernández José M. , Alcalá Martín , Álvarez-Gallego Fabiola , Iturregui Marta , González-Montelongo María del Carmen , Campos-Caro Antonio , Arroba Ana I. , Aguilar-Diosdado Manuel
Published: August 2022

Inflammatory processes play a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the early stages of the disease. The authors demonstrate that the glycolipid mimetic (Ss)-DS-ONJ is able to abolish inflammation via the induction of autophagy flux and provokes the inhibition of inflammasome complex in ex vivo and in vitro models, using adult kidney explants from BB rats. The contribution of (Ss)-DS-ONJ to reducing inflammatory events is mediated by the inhibition of classical stress kinase pathways and the blocking of inflammasome complex activation. The (Ss)-DS-ONJ treatment is able to inhibit the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression, but only when the IL18 levels are reduced by the treatment. These findings suggest that (Ss)-DS-ONJ could be a novel, and multifactorial treatment for DN.
The Kv10.1 Channel: A Promising Target in Cancer
Authors: Luis Enoch , Anaya-Hernández Arely , León-Sánchez Paulina , Durán-Pastén María Luisa
Published: August 2022

Carcinogenesis is a multistage process involving the dysregulation of multiple genes, proteins, and pathways that make any normal cell acquire a cancer cell phenotype. Therefore, it is no surprise that numerous ion channels could be involved in this process. Since their discovery and subsequent cloning, ion channels have been established as therapeutic targets in excitable cell pathologies (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias or epilepsy); however, their involvement in non-excitable cell pathologies is relatively recent. Among all ion channels, the voltage-gated potassium channels Kv10.1 have been established as a promising target in cancer treatment due to their high expression in tumoral tissues compared to low levels in healthy tissues.
cpxDeepMSA: A Deep Cascade Algorithm for Constructing Multiple Sequence Alignments of Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Liu Zi , Yu Dong-Jun
Published: August 2022

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to many biological processes. The coevolution-based prediction of interacting residues has made great strides in protein complexes that are known to interact. A multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is the basis of coevolution analysis. MSAs have recently made significant progress in the protein monomer sequence analysis. However, no standard or efficient pipelines are available for the sensitive protein complex MSA (cpxMSA) collection. How to generate cpxMSA is one of the most challenging problems of sequence coevolution analysis. Although several methods have been developed to address this problem, no standalone program exists. Furthermore, the number of built-in properties is limited; hence, it is often difficult for users to analyze sequence coevolution according to their desired cpxMSA. In this article, we developed a novel cpxMSA approach (cpxDeepMSA. We used different protein monomer databases and incorporated the three strategies (genomic distance, phylogeny information, and STRING interaction network) used to join the monomer MSA results of protein complexes, which can prevent using a single method fail to the joint two-monomer MSA causing the cpxMSA construction failure. We anticipate that the cpxDeepMSA algorithm will become a useful high-throughput tool in protein complex structure predictions, inter-protein residue-residue contacts, and the biological sequence coevolution analysis.
Tricine as a Novel Cryoprotectant with Osmotic Regulation, Ice Recrystallization Inhibition and Antioxidant Properties for Cryopreservation of Red Blood Cells
Authors: Liu Xiangjian , Hu Yuying , Zhang Wenqian , Yang Deyi , Pan Yuxin , Ekpo Marlene Davis , Xie Jingxian , Zhao Rui , Tan Songwen
Published: August 2022

The cryopreservation of red blood cells (RBCs) plays a key role in blood transfusion therapy. Traditional cryoprotectants (CPAs) are mostly organic solvents and may cause side effects to RBCs, such as hemolysis and membrane damage. Therefore, it is necessary to find CPAs with a better performance and lower toxicity. Herein, we report for the first time that N-[Tri(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (tricine) showed a great potential in the cryopreservation of sheep RBCs. The addition of tricine significantly increased the thawed RBCs’ recovery from 19.5 ± 1.8% to 81.2 ± 8.5%. The properties of thawed RBCs were also maintained normally. Through mathematical modeling analysis, tricine showed a great efficiency in cryopreservation. We found that tricine had a good osmotic regulation capacity, which could mitigate the dehydration of RBCs during cryopreservation. In addition, tricine inhibited ice recrystallization, thereby decreasing the mechanical damage from ice. Tricine could also reduce oxidative damage during freezing and thawing by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintaining the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. This work is expected to open up a new path for the study of novel CPAs and promote the development of cryopreservation of RBCs.
Basal Forebrain-Dorsal Hippocampus Cholinergic Circuit Regulates Olfactory Associative Learning
Authors: Zheng Yingwei , Tao Sijue , Liu Yue , Liu Jingjing , Sun Liping , Zheng Yawen , Tian Yu , Su Peng , Zhu Xutao , Xu Fuqiang
Published: August 2022

The basal forebrain, an anatomically heterogeneous brain area containing multiple distinct subregions and neuronal populations, innervates many brain regions including the hippocampus (HIP), a key brain region responsible for learning and memory. Although recent studies have revealed that basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) are involved in olfactory associative learning and memory, the potential neural circuit is not clearly dissected yet. Here, using an anterograde monosynaptic tracing strategy, we revealed that BFCNs in different subregions projected to many brain areas, but with significant differentiations. Our rabies virus retrograde tracing results found that the dorsal HIP (dHIP) received heavy projections from the cholinergic neurons in the nucleus of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band (HDB), magnocellular preoptic nucleus (MCPO), and substantia innominate (SI) brain regions, which are known as the HMS complex (HMSc). Functionally, fiber photometry showed that cholinergic neurons in the HMSc were significantly activated in odor-cued go/no-go discrimination tasks. Moreover, specific depletion of the HMSc cholinergic neurons innervating the dHIP significantly decreased the performance accuracies in odor-cued go/no-go discrimination tasks. Taken together, these studies provided detailed information about the projections of different BFCN subpopulations and revealed that the HMSc-dHIP cholinergic circuit plays a crucial role in regulating olfactory associative learning.