bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“A Streetcar Named Instagram Desire”: Evolutionary Psychological Perspectives on the Multifarious Human Desires That Shape Instagram Selfie-and-Groupfie Cultures
Authors: Jin S. Venus , Ryu Ehri
Published: October 2022

Instagram not only offers an arena for the fulfillment of basic human desires but also cultivates new types of multifaceted desires and consumptions in Web 2.0 environments. This study aims to examine a wide variety of dispositional, psychological, and attitudinal predictors of Instagram consumption and selfie-and-groupfie cultures. Three cross-sectional surveys (Study 1 (N = 108); Study 2 (N = 140); Study 3 (N = 557)) were conducted, and empirical data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Mplus 8.0. Study 1 shows associations among appearance-related self-confidence, appearance-related actual–ideal self-discrepancy, materialism, and Instagram consumption. Study 2 confirms relationships among weight status perception, self-esteem, eating disorder, malicious envy, and Instagram consumption intensity. Study 3 further demonstrates dynamic associations among eating disorders, perceived mate value, narcissistic grandiosity, envy, social comparison, intrasexual competition for mates, and frequency of posting selfies/groupfies on Instagram. Theoretical contributions to the psychosocial and human aspects of the Web 2.0 digital culture, managerial implications for online dating cultures, and practical implications for consumption markets including social media-based health communication, cultural communication, and marketing communication are discussed.
Risk Assessment in the Industry Chain of Industrialized Construction: A Chinese Case Study
Authors: Ji Fanrong , Shi Jili , Zhu Tianle , Hu Xiancun
Published: October 2022

The industry chain of industrialized construction is a key strategy for promoting the sustainable performance of China’s construction industry. Its risk identification is the fundamental step to promote the development of the industry chain. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase included an extensive literature review and case study analysis to document 32 key factors affecting the process of the industry chain of industrialized construction. In the second phase, 22 key factors influencing the development of the industry chain of industrialized construction in Shandong Province were screened through data collection and expert consultation. A complex network of industrialized construction risk associations (CNICRA) was developed to assess these risks by considering the interrelationship among risks, network nodes, and network edges, and the comprehensive degree indicators for improving the model’s accuracy and resolution. The results show that enterprise collaboration level is the most important factor in the industry chain of industrialized construction. The industrialized system is the most transmittable factor of risk. This study investigated a list of risks in the industrialization of construction, optimized a complex network of risk association, and provided theoretical support for risk management of the industry chain of industrialized construction and understanding of risk response strategies for decision makers.
Cable Force Identification for Pre-Stressed Steel Structures Based on a Multi-Frequency Fitting Method
Authors: Qin Jie , Ju Zhu , Liu Feng , Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2022

As cables are the most critical components of pre-stressed steel structures, accurate identification of the cable force is necessary. This paper established a vibration equation of a multi-brace strut cable, which ignores the influence of sagging and changes in the cable force during the vibration. The form of cable vibration was also developed based on the vibration theory of cables. The analytical solutions of cable vibration equations under different boundary conditions were derived by studying the vibration models of single-span cables. The cable vibration under arbitrary boundary conditions was discussed. Additionally, based on the multi-span cable element vibration theory, the theoretical model of multi-span cable vibration and a cable force calculation method were proposed. A realization principle and an algorithm of the multi-frequency fitting method were proposed to calculate and identify the cable force. Further, the accuracy of the cable force calculated by the proposed method was verified based on a multi-span cable model test and two practical project experiments. The results show that the cable force was calculated with a relative error of 8%. Finally, a cable safety monitoring system was developed and established.
Determining the Construction Costs for Basic Type to Estimate the Sale Prices of New Multi-Family Housing Projects
Authors: Cha Yongwoon , Park Taeil , Jin Zhengxun , Park Wonyoung
Published: October 2022

Over the past two decades, the South Korean government has been regulating the supply and prices of multi-family housing (MFH) projects to stabilize the national population. Recently, active research has been conducted on the construction costs for basic type (CCBT) calculation to formulate appropriate policies. However, related previous studies have focused on improving the predictability of the construction cost in early stages based on existing house sale prices. In contrast, the CCBT calculation approach mainly requires policy implementation in practical fields, without considering the requirements of academics. Therefore, it is necessary to academically discuss a different approach for the estimation of sale prices of new MFH in the construction stage. This study aimed to calculate the CCBT to determine the appropriate sale price for new MFH. We selected four sample projects to calculate the CCBT, and a weighted average method was applied to correct regional deviations. Case application, which is a comparison between the CCBT-based sale price and actual case-based sale price, produced cost values in the range of 98–104%, and they included additional expenses. The results of this study demonstrate an extremely high level of cost estimation accuracy according to the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering study. Furthermore, this study can facilitate the stabilization of national housing by determining an appropriate sale price and can contribute to cost management research conducted during the construction phase.
A Literature Survey of Local Climate Zone Classification: Status, Application, and Prospect
Authors: Feng Wenyun , Liu Jianjun
Published: October 2022

Rapid urban expansion and climate change have prompted further investigations into urban thermal climates and the development of local climate zone (LCZ) classification systems. LCZs, proposed 10 years ago, comprise a new and systematic classification of field sites for heat island studies to provide a reference for future LCZ research, so that scholars can understand what research has been done and identify future research trends. We analyzed LCZ studies in a database from 2012 to the present, and identified recurring themes using VOSviewer software, including LCZ mapping, measurement methods, thermal environments, and outdoor thermal comfort, among others. A systematic evaluation was performed using bibliometric analysis in the PRISMA framework—190 relevant studies were selected for subsequent analysis. Descriptive analysis showed that LCZ research has received increasing attention, particularly in China, where more than 60% of the LCZ studies were conducted. The results showed that the maximum number of articles on all themes was 57 articles on LCZ mapping, followed by studies of the thermal environment (UHI/SLT). It is hoped that this article will provide scholars in this area with an understanding of the research that has been conducted and the methods used, and provide insight into future research directions.
Chinese Residents’ Willingness to Buy Housing: An Evaluation in Nanyang City, Henan Province, China Based on the Extension Cloud Model
Authors: Feng Yuan , Wahab Maszuwita Abdul , Azmi Nurul Afiqah Binti , Yan Hong , Wu Han
Published: October 2022

Real estate has always been a key industry associated with China’s economic and social development, and the real estate market has fluctuated violently in recent years. An objective and accurate evaluation of Chinese residents’ willingness to purchase housing provides a foundation for the sustainable development of the real estate industry. Accordingly, an evaluation index system and an evaluation model of Chinese residents’ willingness to buy housing were established in this study. First, the influencing factors of Chinese residents’ willingness to buy housing were systematically analyzed using Perceived Value Theory. Subsequently, the Continuous Ordered Weighted Averaging was used to assign weights to the selected index system, with smaller expert weights assigned to extreme expert opinions to reduce the subjectivity of the weight calculation results. Ultimately, an evaluation model based on the Extension Cloud Model was constructed. Residents of Nanyang City, Henan Province, China, were selected to find some distinctive conclusions. The empirical study showed that Nanyang residents were hesitant about the purchase intention of the case in April 2021, but quickly became resolute in not buying. Owing to the abrupt change in the real estate industry in China, perceived risk has become the most important risk factor. Several methods have been suggested to improve Chinese residents’ willingness to buy housing. Compared with the Analytic Hierarchy Process, the Entropy Weight Method, the fuzzy mathematics, and the grey cluster analysis, it was proved that the proposed model was more effective and advanced.
Air Pollution with Fine Particles in Closed Parking and Theoretical Studies of the Interaction of Inhaled Particles in Respiratory Tract
Authors: Chlebnikovas Aleksandras , Jasevičius Raimondas
Published: October 2022

Indoor air quality must be considered important in regards to its possible harmful effects on the human body. Premises such as underground garages, covered car parks and other similar structures remain crucial in assessing the level of air pollution. In such an environment, the main sources of pollution are motor vehicles, emissions from the heating-ventilation-air-conditioning systems of the engineering networks of the joint building, and pollution. When visiting such premises, a person inhales the air, which contains fine particulate matter and a variety of gaseous pollutants harmful to health. The aim of this study is to assess indoor air pollution with fine particulate matter of 0.3–10 µm depending on the nature of the source, aerodynamic parameters in relation to the potential location of a person, and the mechanical behavior of inhaled particles with respiratory tissues. In this work, the interaction of a fine particle with an alveolar cell is theoretically studied when the particle enters the lungs through the human respiratory tract. Based on the results of this study, it would be possible to assess the extent of pollution and the movement or accumulation of particles in the respiratory system.
A Comprehensive Study on Integrating Clustering with Regression for Short-Term Forecasting of Building Energy Consumption: Case Study of a Green Building
Authors: Ding Zhikun , Wang Zhan , Hu Ting , Wang Huilong
Published: October 2022

Integrating clustering with regression has gained great popularity due to its excellent performance for building energy prediction tasks. However, there is a lack of studies on finding suitable regression models for integrating clustering and the combination of clustering and regression models that can achieve the best performance. Moreover, there is also a lack of studies on the optimal cluster number in the task of short-term forecasting of building energy consumption. In this paper, a comprehensive study is conducted on the integration of clustering and regression, which includes three types of clustering algorithms (K-means, K-medians, and Hierarchical clustering) and four types of representative regression models (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)). A novel performance evaluation index (PI) dedicated to comparing the performance of two prediction models is proposed, which can comprehensively consider different performance indexes. A larger PI means a larger performance improvement. The results indicate that by integrating clustering, the largest PI for SVR, LASSO, XGBoost, and ANN is 2.41, 1.97, 1.57, and 1.12, respectively. On the other hand, the performance of regression models integrated with clustering algorithms from high to low is XGBoost, SVR, ANN, and LASSO. The results also show that the optimal cluster number determined by clustering evaluation metrics may not be the optimal number for the ensemble model (integration of clustering and regression model).
The Behaviour of Load-Carrying Members from Cordwood
Authors: Brics Arvis , Serdjuks Dmitrijs , Gravit Marina , Buka-Vaivade Karina , Goremikins Vadims , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich , Podkoritovs Andrejs
Published: October 2022

With the growing importance of sustainable construction in the world, cordwood is gaining additional interest as a building material for load-bearing structures. The number of studies on cordwood is limited; there is a lack of information on cordwood design methods, including in the case of fire exposure. The design methods for axially compressed load-carrying cordwood members, including in the case of fire action, are described and supplied by the numerical examples. Numerical and laboratory experiments are carried out to clarify the behaviour of cordwood under pressure with different types of binder. For the analysis of cordwood’s load-bearing capacity, the equivalent composite material (rubble masonry) calculation method is proposed. The analytical method for designing cordwood in the case of fire action is based on a combination of the reduced cross-section method and the 500 isotherm method. It is stated that the use of low- or medium-high-strength mortar (up to 10 MPa) for cordwood is the most rational and economical. Additionally, it is shown that 40 cm thick cordwood could be used as a material for load-carrying walls for two-storey buildings and provide very high fire resistance—R180, in the case of a double-sided fire action.
Residual Shear Capacity of RC Beams without Stirrups after Fire Exposure
Authors: Song Yamin , Fu Chuanguo , Liang Shuting
Published: October 2022

To investigate the shear capacity and failure mechanism of RC beams after fire exposure, fourteen full-scale beams without stirrups were tested at ambient temperature and after fire exposure. Three parameters, including the loading ratio, shear span-to-depth ratio and longitudinal reinforcement ratio, were considered in static load tests. The deterioration mechanism of the shear bearing capacity at the diagonal section of RC beams without stirrups after fire exposure was experimentally, numerically and theoretically revealed, and a calculation formula for the shear capacity of post-fire beams without stirrups was proposed. The results show that the shear capacity and stiffness of the specimens decreased after fire exposure, and the shear strength loss of the beams increased with fire exposure time. The shear capacity and stiffness of fire-damaged specimens decreased as the shear span ratio λ increased, and the shear strength loss of the beams decreased with λ. Compared with the theoretical calculation and experimental results of beams without stirrups, the average of the absolute errors was 10.48%. Therefore, this formula can better calculate the residual shear capacity of beam without stirrups after fire exposure.
Strength, Chloride Ion Penetration, and Nanoscale Characteristics of Concrete Prepared with Nano-Silica Slurry Pre-Coated Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Shan Haoliang , Yu Zhouping
Published: October 2022

It has become a feasible green building development strategy to prepare recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) by processing construction and demolition (C&D) wastes into a recycled coarse aggregate (RCA). On the other hand, defects such as low strength and easy cracking of RAC seriously limit its application in construction materials. In this paper, RCA was strengthened by pre-coated nano-silica (NS) slurry to improve RAC performance. The effect of nano-modified recycled coarse aggregate (MRCA) on concrete compressive strength and chloride ion penetration after replacing ordinary RCA or natural coarse aggregate (NCA) was studied. The SEM, MIP and nano-indentation techniques were used to evaluate the effect of MRCA in concrete. The results show that the replacement of NCA with RCA or MRCA reduces the mechanical property and chloride ion penetration of concrete. Under the same conditions, the mechanical property and chloride ion penetration of nano-modified recycled aggregate concrete (MRAC) are better than those of RAC. Compared with RAC, the width of interface transition zone (ITZ) and indentation modulus of MRAC increased by 23.1% and 89.4%. This is mainly attributed to the filling effect of NS slurry, which reduces the number of pores and microfractures on the surface of RCA, and the pozzolanic effect of NS consumes part of calcium hydroxide to produce more calcium silicate hydrate gel, which improves the ITZ of RAC. In addition, the use of NS slurry pre-coating modified RCA has good economic and environmental benefits.
Understanding the Determinants of Blockchain Technology Adoption in the Construction Industry
Authors: Wang Xuetong , Liu Lingyi , Liu Jingkuang , Huang Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

Blockchain has great potential for facilitating the development of the construction industry but has not been widely used to this end. The objective of this study was to identify the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain in the construction industry from the technical, organizational, and environmental dimensions with the help of theories related to technology adoption. Empirical results showed that relative advantage, compatibility, competitive pressure, technological maturity, organizational readiness, and policy have an impact on intention to adopt blockchain in the construction industry through perceived usefulness or perceived ease of use. Competitive pressure has the greatest impact on the internal variables of the technology acceptance model (TAM) (0.696). Perceived cost of adoption does not have a significant effect on blockchain adoption behavior. However, in contrast to previous research, organizational readiness has a negative effect (−0.03) on perceived usefulness. The research results provide inspiration for further research on the impact mechanisms of blockchain adoption in the construction industry, as well as guidance for governments to formulate blockchain adoption policies and guidance for the widespread application of blockchain in construction.
Catalytic Degradation of Organic Contaminants by Microwave-Assisted Persulfate Activation System: Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Li Yunhe , Liu Weibao , Li Lezhuo , Jiang Siyuan , Cheng Xiuwen
Published: October 2022

In this study, a nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) system was constructed to purify a phenol solution in water. During the process, the influences of several critical operating parameters including the NiFe2O4 amount, PS dosage, MW power, initial pH value, and different natural water anions were systematically studied. The results indicated that the constructed system performed excellently regarding the removal efficiency (97.74%) of phenol within 30 min. Meanwhile, the influence of co-existing anions such as Cl−, NO3−, H2PO4−, and HCO3− was also studied, which displayed an inhibiting action on phenol degradation, while HA facilitated it. To explore the reaction mechanism of this system, major free radical quenching experiments were conducted, and it was confirmed that both SO4•− and HO• were primary radicals. Moreover, stability experiments confirmed the apt stability of the NiFe2O4 system. Besides, the mineralization and toxicity analysis performed during phenol degradation also confirmed the superiority of the as-constructed system. Furthermore, the possible degradation mechanism of phenol was proposed. Hence, this system could be applied in advanced wastewater treatment.
Photoelectrocatalytic Properties of a Ti-Modified Nanocrystalline Hematite Film Photoanode
Authors: Grinberg Vitali A. , Emets Victor V. , Mayorova Natalia A. , Averin Aleksey A. , Shiryaev Andrei A.
Published: October 2022

Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of methanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthol on thin-film nanocrystalline hematite electrodes fabricated by electrochemical deposition and promoted with spin-coated titanium has been studied. It is shown that the modification of hematite transforms it into material exhibiting high activity in the photoelectrochemical process of substrate oxidation upon illumination with light in the visible region of the spectrum. The highest activity is observed in the reaction of photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol. Results of intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) suggest that the effect is due to an increased rate of charge transfer in the process of photoelectro-oxidation and efficient suppression of the recombination of generated electron-hole pairs. Therefore, thin-film photoanodes based on modified hematite are promising for practical application in the photooxidation of glycerol, a by-product of biofuel production, as well as in the photoelectrochemical degradation of other organic pollutants, including those formed during the production of pharmaceuticals.
Tailoring the Biochar Physicochemical Properties Using a Friendly Eco-Method and Its Application on the Oxidation of the Drug Losartan through Persulfate Activation
Authors: Ioannidi Alexandra A. , Vakros John , Frontistis Zacharias , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: October 2022

In this study, spent malt rootlet-derived biochar was modified by a friendly eco-method using a low temperature (100 °C) and dilute acid, base, or water. The modification significantly enhanced the surface area from 100 to 308–428 m2g−1 and changed the morphology and the carbon phase. In addition, the mineral’s percentage and zero-point charge were significantly affected. Among the examined materials, the acid-treated biochar exhibited higher degradation of the drug losartan in the presence of persulfate. Interestingly, the biochar acted as an adsorbent at pH 3, whereas at pH = 5.6 and 10, the apparent kinetic constant’s ratio koxidation/kadsorption was 3.73 ± 0.03, demonstrating losartan oxidation. Scavenging experiments indirectly demonstrated that the role of the non-radical mechanism (singlet oxygen) was crucial; however, sulfate and hydroxyl radicals also significantly participated in the oxidation of losartan. Experiments in secondary effluent resulted in decreased efficiency in comparison to pure water; this is ascribed to the competition between the actual water matrix constituents and the target compound for the active biochar sites and reactive species.
Phosphotungstic Acid-Modified MnOx for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Xue Hongyan , Guo Xiaoming , Mao Dongsen , Meng Tao , Yu Jun , Ma Zhen
Published: October 2022

H3PW12O40-modified MnOx catalysts (denoted as Mn-HPW) were used for NOx elimination with co-fed NH3. The optimal Mn-HPW0.02 catalyst exhibited over 90% NOx conversion at 90–270 °C. The incorporation of HPW increased the amount of Lewis acid sites of the catalyst for adsorbing NH3, and accelerated the reaction between the adsorbed NH3 species and gas-phase NOx, thus, increasing the low-temperature catalytic activity. The oxidation ability of the Mn catalyst was decreased due to the addition of HPW, thus, mitigating the overoxidation of the adsorbed NH3 species and improving the de-NOx activity and N2 selectivity in the high-temperature region. DRIFT results revealed that the NH3 species on Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, bridged nitrate, and bidentate nitrate were important species/intermediates for the reaction. NH3-SCR over the Mn and Mn-HPW0.02 catalysts obeyed the Eley–Rideal and Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanisms, simultaneously, at 120 °C.
Highly Selective Gas-Phase Catalytic Hydrogenation of Acetone to Isopropyl Alcohol
Authors: Al-Rabiah Abdulrahman A. , Boz Ismail , Akhmedov Vagif M. , Mostafa Mohamed Mokhtar M. , Bagabas Abdulaziz A.
Published: October 2022

Current industrial synthesis procedures of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), by the direct or indirect hydration of propylene in the gas or liquid phase, suffer from the low conversion of propylene, the requirement for high pressure, and the harmfulness to the environment. In this context, we report a single-step, gas-phase process for the green synthesis of IPA via acetone hydrogenation, in a fixed-bed reactor, under ambient pressure and within a temperature range of 100–350 °C. Composite catalysts with various ratios of ruthenium nanoparticles supported on activated charcoal and nano-zinc oxide (n-Ru/AC/n-ZnO) were used. Catalytic activity and selectivity were functions of n-Ru/AC/n-ZnO loading ratios, reaction temperature, and the hydrogen to acetone molar ratio. The composite catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) analysis, and nitrogen physisorption. High yields of IPA were obtained over 3n-Ru/AC/2n-ZnO) catalyst, which showed the highest selectivity of 98.7% toward isopropyl alcohol and acetone conversion of 96.0% under a hydrogen to acetone mole ratio of 1.5 at 100 °C. Reaction rates, calculated from the model equation, were in reasonable agreement with those measured experimentally. The apparent activation energy (Ea) value for acetone hydrogenation was found to be 17.2 kJ/mol. This study proved that immobilized Ru catalysts were potential superior catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of acetone to IPA in exceptionally mild green synthesis conditions.
Formic Acid Production via One-Pot Hydrolysis-Oxidation of Starch over Quaternary Ammonium Salts of Vanadium-Containing Keggin-Type Heteropoly Acids
Authors: Gromov Nikolay V. , Medvedeva Tatiana B. , Lukoyanov Ivan A. , Panchenko Valentina N. , Timofeeva Maria N. , Taran Oxana P. , Parmon Valentin N.
Published: October 2022

Bifunctional solid acidic quaternary ammonium salts of Keggin-type vanadium-containing heteropoly acids, such as R3.5H0.5PVMo11O40 (R: (C2H5)4N, (C4H9)4N, (C6H13)4N), and [(C4H9)4N]4.5H0.5SiW11VO40, are capable of one-pot hydrolysis-oxidationconversion (OxFA-processing) of starch to biogenic formic acid. The impact of the reaction conditions and catalyst type was revealed. The highest formic acid yield of 50% was achieved over the best [(C2H5)4N]3.5H0.5PVMo11O40 catalyst, which was active and stable in seven reaction cycles. The kinetic computational model, which described formic acid formation well, was proposed in the presence of the most active [(C2H5)4N]3.5H0.5PVMo11O40 catalyst.
Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces-Derived Exosome-like Vesicles and Egr-miR-277a-3p Promote Dendritic Cell Maturation and Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Xiaofan , Gong Wenci , Duan Chaohui , Cai Huixia , Shen Yujuan , Cao Jianping
Published: October 2022

Cystic echinococcosis, a major parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, seriously threatens human health. The excretory–secretory (ES) products of E. granulosus can induce immune tolerance in dendritic cells (DCs) to downregulate the host’s immune response; however, the effect of exosomes in the ES products on the DCs has remained unclear. This study showed that E. granulosus protoscoleces-derived exosome-like vesicles (PSC-ELVs) could be internalized by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), allowing for the delivery of the parasite microRNAs to the BMDCs. Moreover, PSC-ELVs induced BMDCs to produce the proinflammatory cytokinesinterleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, IL-β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). PSC-ELVs also upregulated the BMDCs surface marker major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II), as well as costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86. PSC-ELV-derived egr-miR-277a-3p upregulated the IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α mRNA levels in BMDCs. Moreover, egr-miR-277a-3p directly targeted Nfkb1 (encoding nuclear factor kappa B 1) to significantly suppress the mRNA and protein levels of NF-κB1 in BMDCs, while the expression of NF-κB p65 significantly increased, suggesting that egr-miR-277a-3p induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines by the modification of the NF-kB p65/p50 ratio in BMDCs. These results demonstrated that PSC-ELVs and egr-miR-277a-3p might enhance DCs maturation and differentiation in a cross-species manner, which in turn may modulate the host immune responses and offer a new approach to echinococcosis prevention and treatment.
Effects of Human Deciduous Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium on the Metabolism of HUVECs, Osteoblasts, and BMSCs
Authors: Kunimatsu Ryo , Hiraki Tomoka , Rikitake Kodai , Nakajima Kengo , Putranti Nurul Aisyah Rizky , Abe Takaharu , Ando Kazuyo , Nakatani Ayaka , Sakata Shuzo , Tanimoto Kotaro
Published: October 2022

In this study, we assessed the effects of human deciduous dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived conditioned medium (SHED-CM) on the properties of various cell types. The effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in SHED-CM on the luminal architecture, proliferative ability, and angiogenic potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were determined. We also investigated the effects of SHED-CM on the proliferation of human-bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and mouse calvarial osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) as well as the expression of ALP, OCN, and RUNX2. The protein levels of ALP were examined using Western blot analysis. VEGF blockade in SHED-CM suppressed the proliferative ability and angiogenic potential of HUVECs, indicating that VEGF in SHED-CM contributes to angiogenesis. The culturing of hBMSCs and MC3T3-E1 cells with SHED-CM accelerated cell growth and enhanced mRNA expression of bone differentiation markers. The addition of SHED-CM enhanced ALP protein expression in hBMSCs and MT3T3-E1 cells compared with that of the 0% FBS group. Furthermore, SHED-CM promoted the metabolism of HUVECs, MC3T3-E1 cells, and hBMSCs. These findings indicate the potential benefits of SHED-CM in bone tissue regeneration.
A Novel GATA1 Variant in the C-Terminal Zinc Finger Compared with the Platelet Phenotype of Patients with A Likely Pathogenic Variant in the N-Terminal Zinc Finger
Authors: Bastida José , Malvestiti Stefano , Boeckelmann Doris , Palma-Barqueros Verónica , Wolter Mira , Lozano María , Glonnegger Hannah , Benito Rocío , Zaninetti Carlo , Sobotta Felix , Schilling Freimut , Morgan Neil , Freson Kathleen , Rivera José , Zieger Barbara
Published: October 2022

The GATA1 transcription factor is essential for normal erythropoiesis and megakaryocytic differentiation. Germline GATA1 pathogenic variants in the N-terminal zinc finger (N-ZF) are typically associated with X-linked thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, and dyserythropoietic anemia. A few variants in the C-terminal ZF (C-ZF) domain are described with normal platelet count but altered platelet function as the main characteristic. Independently performed molecular genetic analysis identified a novel hemizygous variant (c.865C>T, p.H289Y) in the C-ZF region of GATA1 in a German patient and in a Spanish patient. We characterized the bleeding and platelet phenotype of these patients and compared these findings with the parameters of two German siblings carrying the likely pathogenic variant p.D218N in the GATA1 N-ZF domain. The main difference was profound thrombocytopenia in the brothers carrying the p.D218N variant compared to a normal platelet count in patients carrying the p.H289Y variant; only the Spanish patient occasionally developed mild thrombocytopenia. A functional platelet defect affecting αIIbβ3 integrin activation and α-granule secretion was present in all patients. Additionally, mild anemia, anisocytosis, and poikilocytosis were observed in the patients with the C-ZF variant. Our data support the concept that GATA1 variants located in the different ZF regions can lead to clinically diverse manifestations.
Febrile Seizures Cause Depression and Anxiogenic Behaviors in Rats
Authors: Yu Yeon Hee , Kim Seong-Wook , Im Hyuna , Song Yejin , Kim Seo Jeong , Lee Yu Ran , Kim Gun Woo , Hwang Changmin , Park Dae-Kyoon , Kim Duk-Soo
Published: October 2022

Febrile seizure (FS) is a common type of seizure occurring in human during infancy and childhood. Although an epileptic seizure is associated with psychiatric disorders and comorbid diseases such as depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, sleep disorders, attention deficits, cognitive impairment, and migraine, the causal relationship between FS and psychiatric disorders is poorly understood. The objective of the current study was to investigate the relationship of FS occurrence in childhood with the pathogenesis of anxiety disorder and depression using an FS rat model. We induced febrile seizures in infantile rats (11 days postnatal) using a mercury vapor lamp. At 3 weeks and 12 weeks after FS induction, we examined behaviors and recorded local field potentials (LFPs) to assess anxiety and depression disorder. Interestingly, after FS induction in infantile rats, anxiogenic behaviors and depression-like phenotypes were found in both adult and juvenile FS rats. The analysis of LFPs revealed that 4–7 Hz hippocampal theta rhythm, a neural oscillatory marker for anxiety disorder, was significantly increased in FS rats compared with their wild-type littermates. Taken together, our findings suggest that FS occurrence in infants is causally related to increased levels of anxiety-related behaviors and depression-like symptoms in juvenile and adult rodents.
Adipokines as Regulators of Autophagy in Obesity-Linked Cancer
Authors: García-Miranda Alin , Garcia-Hernandez Alejandra , Castañeda-Saucedo Eduardo , Navarro-Tito Napoleon , Maycotte Paola
Published: October 2022

Excess body weight and obesity have become significant risk factors for cancer development. During obesity, adipose tissue alters its biological function, deregulating the secretion of bioactive factors such as hormones, cytokines, and adipokines that promote an inflammatory microenvironment conducive to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Adipokines regulate tumor processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and invasion. Additionally, it has been found that they can modulate autophagy, a process implicated in tumor suppression in healthy tissue and cancer progression in established tumors. Since the tumor-promoting role of autophagy has been well described, the process has been suggested as a therapeutic target in cancer. However, the effects of targeting autophagy might depend on the tumor type and microenvironmental conditions, where circulating adipokines could influence the role of autophagy in cancer. Here, we review recent evidence related to the role of adipokines in cancer cell autophagy in an effort to understand the tumor response in the context of obesity under the assumption of an autophagy-targeting treatment.
The C-Terminus of the PSMA3 Proteasome Subunit Preferentially Traps Intrinsically Disordered Proteins for Degradation
Authors: Biran Assaf , Myers Nadav , Steinberger Shirel , Adler Julia , Riutin Marianna , Broennimann Karin , Reuven Nina , Shaul Yosef
Published: October 2022

The degradation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) by a non-26S proteasome process does not require proteasomal targeting by polyubiquitin. However, whether and how IDPs are recognized by the non-26S proteasome, including the 20S complex, remains unknown. Analyses of protein interactome datasets revealed that the 20S proteasome subunit, PSMA3, preferentially interacts with many IDPs. In vivo and cell-free experiments revealed that the C-terminus of PSMA3, a 69-amino-acids-long fragment, is an IDP trapper. A recombinant trapper is sufficient to interact with many IDPs, and blocks IDP degradation in vitro by the 20S proteasome, possibly by competing with the native trapper. In addition, over a third of the PSMA3 trapper-binding proteins have previously been identified as 20S proteasome substrates and, based on published datasets, many of the trapper-binding proteins are associated with the intracellular proteasomes. The PSMA3-trapped IDPs that are proteasome substrates have the unique features previously recognized as characteristic 20S proteasome substrates in vitro. We propose a model whereby the PSMA3 C-terminal region traps a subset of IDPs to facilitate their proteasomal degradation.
Bisphenol Exposure Disrupts Cytoskeletal Organization and Development of Pre-Implantation Embryos
Authors: Yang Luhan , Baumann Claudia , De La Fuente Rabindranath , Viveiros Maria M.
Published: October 2022

The endocrine disrupting activity of bisphenol compounds is well documented, but less is known regarding their impact on cell division and early embryo formation. Here, we tested the effects of acute in vitro exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and its common substitute, bisphenol F (BPF), during critical stages of mouse pre-implantation embryo development, including the first mitotic division, cell polarization, as well as morula and blastocyst formation. Timing of initial cleavage was determined by live-cell imaging, while subsequent divisions, cytoskeletal organization and lineage marker labeling were assessed by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Our analysis reveals that brief culture with BPA or BPF impeded cell division and disrupted embryo development at all stages tested. Surprisingly, BPF was more detrimental to the early embryo than BPA. Notably, poor embryo development was associated with cytoskeletal disruptions of the actomyosin network, apical domain formation during cell polarization, actin ring zippering for embryo sealing and altered cell lineage marker profiles. These results underscore that bisphenols can disrupt cytoskeletal integrity and remodeling that is vital for early embryo development and raise concerns regarding the use of BPF as a ‘safe’ BPA substitute.
Effect of Cell Cycle on Cell Surface Expression of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Na+,K+-ATPase
Authors: Edenfield Samantha , Sims Abigail M. , Porretta Constance , Gould Harry J. , Paul Dennis
Published: October 2022

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are the target for many therapies. Variation in membrane potential occurs throughout the cell cycle, yet little attention has been devoted to the role of VGSCs and Na+,K+-ATPases. We hypothesized that in addition to doubling DNA and cell membrane in anticipation of cell division, there should be a doubling of VGSCs and Na+,K+-ATPase compared to non-dividing cells. We tested this hypothesis in eight immortalized cell lines by correlating immunocytofluorescent labeling of VGSCs or Na+,K+-ATPase with propidium iodide or DAPI fluorescence using flow cytometry and imaging. Cell surface expression of VGSCs during phases S through M was double that seen during phases G0–G1. By contrast, Na+,K+-ATPase expression increased only 1.5-fold. The increases were independent of baseline expression of channels or pumps. The variation in VGSC and Na+,K+-ATPase expression has implications for both our understanding of sodium’s role in controlling the cell cycle and variability of treatments targeted at these components of the Na+ handling system.
A Combined Angelica gigas and Artemisia dracunculus Extract Prevents Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Mice through the Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a Signaling Pathway
Authors: Oh Hyun-Ji , Jin Heegu , Kim Byung-Yong , Lee Ok-Hwan , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: October 2022

Since skeletal muscle atrophy resulting from various causes accelerates the progression of several diseases, its prevention should help maintain health and quality of life. A range of natural materials have been investigated for their potential preventive effects against muscle atrophy. Here, ethanol extracts of Angelica gigas and Artemisia dracunculus were concentrated and dried, and mixed at a ratio of 7:3 to create the mixture CHDT. We then evaluated the potential for CHDT to prevent muscle atrophy and explored the mechanisms involved. CHDT was orally administered to C57BL/6 mice daily for 30 days, and dexamethasone (Dex) was intraperitoneally injected daily to induce muscle atrophy from 14 days after the start of oral administration. We found that CHDT prevented the Dex-induced reductions in muscle strength, mass, and fiber size, likely by upregulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, CHDT reduced the Dex-induced increase in the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which directly induce the degradation of muscle proteins. These findings suggest that CHDT could serve as a natural food supplement for the prevention of muscle atrophy.
NGF Prevents Loss of TrkA/VEGFR2 Cells, and VEGF Isoform Dysregulation in the Retina of Adult Diabetic Rats
Authors: Fico Elena , Rosso Pamela , Triaca Viviana , Segatto Marco , Lambiase Alessandro , Tirassa Paola
Published: October 2022

Among the factors involved in diabetic retinopathy (DR), nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) have been shown to affect both neuronal survival and vascular function, suggesting that their crosstalk might influence DR outcomes. To address this question, the administration of eye drops containing NGF (ed-NGF) to adult Sprague Dawley rats receiving streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection was used as an experimental paradigm to investigate NGF modulation of VEGFA and its receptor VEGFR2 expression. We show that ed-NGF treatment prevents the histological and vascular alterations in STZ retina, VEGFR2 expression decreased in GCL and INL, and preserved the co-expression of VEGFR2 and NGF-tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) receptor in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The WB analysis confirmed the NGF effect on VEGFR2 expression and activation, and showed a recovery of VEGF isoform dysregulation by suppressing STZ-induced VEGFA121 expression. Reduction in inflammatory and pro-apoptotic intracellular signals were also found in STZ+NGF retina. These findings suggest that ed-NGF administration might favor neuroretina protection, and in turn counteract the vascular impairment by regulating VEGFR2 and/or VEGFA isoform expression during the early stages of the disease. The possibility that an increase in the NGF availability might contribute to the switch from the proangiogenic/apoptotic to the neuroprotective action of VEGF is discussed.
The Effect of Mutation in Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis on Bacterial Fitness
Authors: Nagy Laura , Urbán Péter , Makszin Lilla , Sándor Viktor , Kilár Anikó , Ábrahám Hajnalka , Albert Beáta , Kocsis Béla , Kilár Ferenc
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the genome sequence of a Shigella sonnei mutant strain (S. sonnei 4351) and the effect of mutation in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis on bacterial fitness. Lipopolysaccharides are the major component of the outer leaflet of the Gram-negative outer membrane. We report here a frameshift mutation of the gene gmhD in the genome of S. sonnei 4351. The mutation results in a lack of epimerization of the core heptose while we also found increased thermosensitivity, abnormal cell division, and increased susceptibility to erythromycin and cefalexin compared to the S. sonnei 4303. Comparative genomic analysis supplemented with structural data helps us to understand the effect of specific mutations on the virulence of the bacteria and may provide an opportunity to study the effect of short lipopolysaccharides.
Tapping into Plant–Microbiome Interactions through the Lens of Multi-Omics Techniques
Authors: Mishra Ajay Kumar , Sudalaimuthuasari Naganeeswaran , Hazzouri Khaled M. , Saeed Esam Eldin , Shah Iltaf , Amiri Khaled M. A.
Published: October 2022

This review highlights the pivotal role of root exudates in the rhizosphere, especially the interactions between plants and microbes and between plants and plants. Root exudates determine soil nutrient mobilization, plant nutritional status, and the communication of plant roots with microbes. Root exudates contain diverse specialized signaling metabolites (primary and secondary). The spatial behavior of these metabolites around the root zone strongly influences rhizosphere microorganisms through an intimate compatible interaction, thereby regulating complex biological and ecological mechanisms. In this context, we reviewed the current understanding of the biological phenomenon of allelopathy, which is mediated by phytotoxic compounds (called allelochemicals) released by plants into the soil that affect the growth, survival, development, ecological infestation, and intensification of other plant species and microbes in natural communities or agricultural systems. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS), such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, have opened the possibility of better understanding the effects of secreted metabolites on the composition and activity of root-associated microbial communities. Nevertheless, understanding the role of secretory metabolites in microbiome manipulation can assist in designing next-generation microbial inoculants for targeted disease mitigation and improved plant growth using the synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) tool. Besides a discussion on different approaches, we highlighted the advantages of conjugation of metabolomic approaches with genetic design (metabolite-based genome-wide association studies) in dissecting metabolome diversity and understanding the genetic components of metabolite accumulation. Recent advances in the field of metabolomics have expedited comprehensive and rapid profiling and discovery of novel bioactive compounds in root exudates. In this context, we discussed the expanding array of metabolomics platforms for metabolome profiling and their integration with multivariate data analysis, which is crucial to explore the biosynthesis pathway, as well as the regulation of associated pathways at the gene, transcript, and protein levels, and finally their role in determining and shaping the rhizomicrobiome.