bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight on a Competitive Nucleophilic Addition Reaction of Nε-(Carboxymethyl) Lysine or Different Amino Acids with 4-Methylbenzoquinone
Authors: Zhang Zhenhui , Li Lin , Li Yuting , Wu Yi , Zhang Xia , Qi Haiping , Li Bing
Published: May 2022

ο-benzoquinone is a common intermediate which is mostly formed by the oxidation of phenolics or polyphenols containing catechol structure. ο-benzoquinone has an outstanding nucleophilic ability, while advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are nucleophilic and can undergo a nucleophilic addition reaction with ο-benzoquinone to mitigate the harmful effects of AGEs on the body. As common nucleophilic substances, amino acids existing in large quantities in food processing and in vivo may bind competitively with ο-benzoquinone, thus influencing the trapping of ο-benzoquinone with AGEs. In this study, cyclic voltammetry and coexistence experiments were used to compare the reactivities of Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) and amino acids with 4-methylbenzoquinone (4-MBQ). The results showed that CML is more reactive with ο-benzoquinone than most amino acids, and even in complex systems, ο-benzoquinone still captured CML. Moreover, almost all adducts were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and their chemical formulas were deduced. Quantum chemistry accurately predicts the efficiency and site of reactions of ο-benzoquinone and nucleophiles to a certain extent, and found that a secondary amine has a greater reactivity with 4-MBQ than a primary amine in a similar molecular structure. In general, ο-benzoquinone could capture AGEs, thereby showing potential to reduce the harmfulness of AGEs.
A Conceptual Framework for Food Sharing as Collaborative Consumption
Authors: Octavia Damayanti , Nasution Reza Ashari , Yudoko Gatot
Published: May 2022

Food waste has increased significantly and become a global issue amidst a growing concern regarding famine in several countries. Food sharing constitutes the solution to the problem provided an appropriate framework is developed that guides its application. The sharing economy was touted as the appropriate framework, yet it is excessively macroscopic to be able to capture the dynamics of food sharing activities. A microscopic framework is required to overcome this problem, the concept of collaborative consumption with its focus on activity level being one potential solution. However, an investigation into how food sharing activities can be viewed as collaborative consumption should be completed. This paper presents an analysis of the relationship between food sharing activities and collaborative consumption. The authors employed a systematic literature review conducted by meta-analysis and content analysis to identify the commonalities between the two and the theories underlying them. The result is a conceptual framework of food sharing activities as a collaborative consumption practice. The framework highlights eight propositions that can explain the intention, performance, and continuity of food sharing activities. At the end of the paper, the authors outline the theoretical and managerial contributions and recommend future research activities.
Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Changes of Bioactive Compounds in Mung Beans (Vigna radiata) during γ-Aminobutyric Acid Enrichment Treatment
Authors: Ma Yuling , Zhou Sumei , Lu Jing
Published: May 2022

Soaking together with Heat and Relative Humidity (HRH) treatment has been applied successfully to enrich γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mung beans. However, whether and how the above GABA enrichment processing influences the other bioactive molecules is elusive. In the present study, mung beans were soaked and then treated by HRH for 5 or 7 h. By using metabolomics techniques, the changes of 496 metabolites were determined. The relative content of flavonoids and phenolic acids increased during soaking but slightly decreased during HRH. Intriguingly, soaking and HRH had the opposite effects on the glycosylation of polyphenols. The relative content of glycosylated or un-glycosylated polyphenols increased during soaking or HRH, respectively. The relative content of α-ketoglutaric acid increased more than 20 times after 5 h HRH treatment. Bioactive molecules could be enriched during GABA enrichment processing. Depending on the desired bioactive compounds, soaking and different duration of HRH treatment could be selected.
Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Lung Epithelial Cell Type-Specific Responses to HDM and Regulation by Tet1
Authors: Zhu Tao , Brown Anthony P. , Cai Lucy P. , Quon Gerald , Ji Hong
Published: May 2022

Tet1 protects against house dust mite (HDM)-induced lung inflammation in mice and alters the lung methylome and transcriptome. In order to explore the role of Tet1 in individual lung epithelial cell types in HDM-induced inflammation, we established a model of HDM-induced lung inflammation in Tet1 knockout and littermate wild-type mice, then studied EpCAM+ lung epithelial cells using single-cell RNA-seq analysis. We identified eight EpCAM+ lung epithelial cell types, among which AT2 cells were the most abundant. HDM challenge altered the relative abundance of epithelial cell types and resulted in cell type-specific transcriptomic changes. Bulk and cell type-specific analysis also showed that loss of Tet1 led to the altered expression of genes linked to augmented HDM-induced lung inflammation, including alarms, detoxification enzymes, oxidative stress response genes, and tissue repair genes. The transcriptomic regulation was accompanied by alterations in TF activities. Trajectory analysis supports that HDM may enhance the differentiation of AP and BAS cells into AT2 cells, independent of Tet1. Collectively, our data showed that lung epithelial cells had common and unique transcriptomic signatures of allergic lung inflammation. Tet1 deletion altered transcriptomic networks in various lung epithelial cells, which may promote allergen-induced lung inflammation.
Comparing and Optimizing RNA Extraction from the Pancreas of Diabetic and Healthy Rats for Gene Expression Analyses
Authors: Al-Adsani Amani M. , Barhoush Sahar A. , Bastaki Nasmah K. , Al-Bustan Suzanne A. , Al-Qattan Khaled K.
Published: May 2022

Advanced differential gene expression analysis requires high-quality RNA. However, isolating intact pancreatic RNA is challenging due to abundant pancreatic ribonucleases, which limits efficient downstream gene expression analysis. RNAlater treatment reduces endogenous ribonucleases effects through either pre-organ excision via organ mass or bile duct direct injection or organ mass injection post-isolation. We compared RNA extraction protocols to establish a reproducible and effective pancreatic RNA extraction method to obtain high RNA integrity number (RIN) values from healthy and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for gene expression analyses. Different methods were tested focusing on RNase activity inhibition using RNAlater (Qiagen) pre-harvest of the pancreatic tissue, and extracted RNA quality and concentration were analyzed using NanoDrop spectrophotometer, Agilent Bioanalyzer, and RT-PCR. Inclusion of several pre- and post-excision modifications in the RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen) protocol resulted in RIN values more than two-fold higher compared to those using the standard protocol. Additionally, RT-PCR amplification of the housekeeping gene, β-actin, revealed no differences in extracted RNA quality from healthy and STZ-induced diabetic rats. We compared and developed a more effective and reproducible pancreatic RNA extraction method from healthy and diabetic rats, which resulted in RNA of superior quality and integrity and is suitable for complex molecular investigations.
Assessment of Badlands Erosion Dynamics in the Adriatic Side of Central Italy
Authors: Bufalini Margherita , Omran Adel , Bosino Alberto
Published: May 2022

Badlands are unique soil erosion landforms distributed in numerous geological, geomorphological, and climate contexts in several Mediterranean countries. The aim of this study was to map, classify, and analyze the temporal evolution of the badlands that crop out between the Tesino and Tronto Rivers in the Marche region, Central Apennines (Italy). In this study, 328 badlands landforms were mapped through Google Earth, orthophoto analysis (year 2016), and field surveys. Moreover, badlands were classified from a morphological point of view based on the active processes detected in the field. Additionally, badlands were studied from a lithological point of view, meaning they were strictly related to the soft sedimentary formations of the study area. Subsequently, through the analysis of a 10 × 10 m DEM, the most significant morphometric indices were extrapolated and badlands were classified. Finally, through the orthophotos from 1988, another badlands dataset was created and the area of each landform was compared with respect to the orthophotos from 2016. The multi-temporal air photo analysis, combined with the NDVI results, identified a general reduction trend in badlands areas, with increases in green cover and dense vegetation and changes in badlands morphotypes.
Marvel Presents a Global Utopia and Confronts Nationalism: Eternals as a New Mythology Forged from Western Roots
Authors: de Beus Emma
Published: May 2022

Marvel’s 2021 film Eternals presents a new mythology for a new century, for an audience grappling with the complexity of postcolonialism and concerned about resurging white nationalism. Its mythology, while rooted in Western narratives, presents a utopia in the form of a multicultural pantheon, presented by a carefully selected, diverse class. While Marvel undoubtedly has commercial concerns, its careful construction of this new mythology and the considered adaptation process show a moral vision for the future. Importantly, this vision presents a direct contrast to the resurgence of the appropriation of classical mythology as justification for white supremacy. Marvel’s Eternals therefore can be seen as utopian: it offers the perfection of moral predictability, of good triumphing over evil. However, it simultaneously undercuts its story by couching it in the genre of a comic book superhero fantasy adventure–the reality Eternals offers, even fictionally, is beyond ordinary, mortal humans.
Sibling Support Program: A Novel Peer Support Intervention for Parents, Caregivers and Siblings of Youth Experiencing Mental Illness
Authors: Feriante Joshua , Shayani Ariella , Lauer Emily , Pressman Adele , Rubin Emily
Published: May 2022

Caregivers and siblings of youth with mental illness often experience role-related psychological challenges, and it is important to focus on the needs of these family members. Existing literature demonstrates that caregivers and affected children benefit from participation in peer support and family-centered programs. This paper describes the Sibling Support Program: A Family-Centered Mental Health Initiative (SSP), a novel intervention for families of youth with mental illness. The SSP distinguishes itself from existing family-centered programs in that it utilizes a unique combination of peer support, parent mentor guidance, and clinician-led group therapy. The paper details the structure of the treatment model and presents preliminary data from participant surveys. Results show preliminary indications that the program provides both emotional and practical benefits. Along with high satisfaction ratings, family members report decreased feelings of isolation, gains in knowledge, and more positive thinking after program participation. Caregivers report that the SSP helped improve their understanding about the impact of a child’s mental illness on family members, and that they learned about effective family management strategies and access to resources. Siblings report learning coping strategies and feeling better after meeting peers with shared experiences.
Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program on Prevalence and Severity of the Frailty Syndrome in a Sample of Italian Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Mulasso Anna , Roppolo Mattia , Rainoldi Alberto , Rabaglietti Emanuela
Published: May 2022

Background: Frailty is a well-known condition that leads to a lack of resilience, with a reduced homeostatic capacity and a consequent higher risk of suffering adverse health outcomes. This study investigated the effectiveness of an exercise program to improve and reverse physical frailty amongst Italian older adults. Methods: One hundred and twenty-three community dwelling older adults (mean age 74 years, SD = 6; 64% women) were involved in an experimental (EG; n = 62) and a control (CG; n = 61) group. Frailty was assessed at baseline and after the intervention using an adapted version of the frailty phenotype. The EG took part in a 16-week exercise program, consisting of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility exercises, while the CG maintained the same routine. Results: After the exercise program, the EG was more robust than the CG (F = 43.51, p < 0.001). Within the EG, 46% of pre-frail and 50% of frail people reached the robust and pre-frail levels, respectively. Effects of training were higher in frail and pre-frail people (reduction of frailty of 0.67 and 0.76 points, respectively) compared to robust ones (who frailty levels increased by 0.23 points; F = 11.32, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A multicomponent exercise program may be effective at improving and reverting frailty, specifically for frail and pre-frail people.
Oral Tissue Involvement and Probable Factors in Post-COVID-19 Mucormycosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chandwani Neelam , Dabhekar Sandeep , Selvi Kalai , Mohamed Roshan Noor , Abullais Shahabe Saquib , Moothedath Muhamood , Jadhav Ganesh , Chandwani Jaya , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Pawar Ajinkya M.
Published: May 2022

The primary goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of oral involvement and, secondarily, the likely variables in patients with confirmed COVID-19 accompanied by mucormycosis infection. The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive sort that was performed at a tertiary centre. The non-probability convenience sampling approach was used to determine the sample size. Between May 2021 and July 2021, all patients who presented to our tertiary care centre with suspected mucormycosis were considered for the investigation. The research only included individuals with proven mucormycosis after COVID-19. The features of the patients, the frequency of intraoral signs/symptoms, and the possible variables were all noted. Of the 333 COVID-19-infected patients, 47 (14%) were diagnosed with confirmed mucormycosis. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 59.7 (11.9) years. Of the 47 patients with confirmed mucormycosis, 34% showed sudden tooth mobility, 34% expressed toothache, 8.5% reported palatal eschar, 34% presented with jaw pain, 8.5% had tongue discoloration, and 17% had temporomandibular pain. About 53% of the patients were known cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 89% of patients had a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection, 89.3% underwent oxygen support therapy, and 89.3% were administered intravenous steroids during hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. About 14% of the suspected cases attending the mucormycosis out-patient department (OPD) had been confirmed with definite mucormycosis. Oral involvement was seen in 45% of cases of CAM (COVID-associated mucormycosis). The most frequent oral symptoms presented in CAM were sudden tooth mobility and toothache. Diabetes and steroids were the likely contributing factors associated with CAM.
Construction of Talent Competency Model for Senior Care Professionals in Intelligent Institutions
Authors: Song Yu , Chun Dongphil , Xiong Peng , Wang Xinyuan
Published: May 2022

As the problem of the aging population becomes more and more serious, building an intelligent senior care service model and optimizing the senior care service industry become key to the development of the senior care service industry. The key to developing intelligent senior care services is to improve the overall senior care personnel quality and construct a competency model of intelligent institutional senior care professionals. This study used literature research and interviews to establish 31 relevant institutional senior care professional talent competency elements. We proposed six research propositions, prepared questionnaires for empirical analysis, and took caregivers of senior care institutions implementing intelligent management in some cities in Hebei Province, China as samples. This study established and validated 28 competency quality index models of senior care professionals in intelligent institutions in four dimensions: nursing knowledge, professional ability, personal quality, and professional attitude through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Based on the index system, this study suggests three aspects: improving the talent recruitment and selection mechanism, talent training and development mechanism, and assessment and incentive mechanism. The traditional talent competency model only focuses on fundamental aspects, such as competence. This study comprehensively establishes an evaluation model from four aspects, providing theoretical and practical significance for selecting and developing talents in intelligent institutions.
Indirect Quantitative Analysis of Biochemical Parameters in Banana Using Spectral Reflectance Indices Combined with Machine Learning Modeling
Authors: Galal Hoda , Elsayed Salah , Allam Aida , Farouk Mohamed
Published: May 2022

The primary issues in collecting biochemical information in a large area using chemical laboratory procedures are low throughput, hard work, time-consuming, and requiring several samples. Thus, real-time and precise estimation of biochemical variables of various fruits using a proximal remote sensing based on spectral reflectance is critical for harvest time, artificial ripening, and food processing, which might be beneficial economically and ecologically. The main goal of this study was to assess the biochemical parameters of banana fruits such as chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), respiration rate, total soluble solids (TSS), and firmness using published and newly developed spectral reflectance indices (SRIs), integrated with machine learning modeling (Artificial Neural Networks; ANN and support vector machine regression; SVMR) at different ripening degrees. The results demonstrated that there were evident and significant differences in values of SRIs at different ripening degrees, which may be attributed to the large variations in values of biochemical parameters. The newly developed two-band SRIs are more effective at measuring different biochemical parameters. The SRIs that were extracted from the visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and their combination showed better R2 with biochemical parameters. SRIs combined with ANN and SVMR would be an effective method for estimating five biochemical parameters in the calibration (Cal.) and validation (Val.) datasets with acceptable accuracy. The ANN-TSS-SRI-13 model was built to determine TSS with greater performance expectations (R2 = 1.00 and 0.97 for Cal. and Val., respectively). Furthermore, the model ANN-Firmness-SRI-15 was developed for determining firmness, and it performed better (R2 = 1.00 and 0.98 for Cal. and Val., respectively). In conclusion, this study revealed that SRIs and a combination approach of ANN and SVMR models would be a useful and excellent tool for estimating the biochemical characteristics of banana fruits.
Remote Sensing of Sediment Discharge in Rivers Using Sentinel-2 Images and Machine-Learning Algorithms
Authors: Mohsen Ahmed , Kovács Ferenc , Kiss Tímea
Published: May 2022

The spatio-temporal dynamism of sediment discharge (Qs) in rivers is influenced by various natural and anthropogenic factors. Unfortunately, most rivers are only monitored at a limited number of stations or not gauged at all. Therefore, this study aims to provide a remote-sensing-based alternative for Qs monitoring. The at-a-station hydraulic geometry (AHG) power–law method was compared to the at-many-stations hydraulic geometry (AMHG) method; in addition, a novel AHG machine-learning (ML) method was introduced to estimate water discharge at three gauging stations in the Tisza (Szeged and Algyő) and Maros (Makó) Rivers in Hungary. The surface reflectance of Sentinel-2 images was correlated to in situ suspended sediment concentration (SSC) by support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and combined algorithms. The best performing water discharge and SSC models were employed to estimate the Qs. Our novel AHG ML method gave the best estimations of water discharge (Szeged: R2 = 0.87; Algyő: R2 = 0.75; Makó: R2 = 0.61). Furthermore, the RF (R2 = 0.9) and combined models (R2 = 0.82) showed the best SSC estimations for the Maros and Tisza Rivers. The highest Qs were detected during floods; however, there is usually a clockwise hysteresis between the SSC and water discharge, especially in the Tisza River.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the Indoor and Outdoor Areas of Urban Public Transport Systems of Three Major Cities of Portugal in 2021
Authors: da Silva Priscilla Gomes , Gonçalves José , Nascimento Maria São José , Sousa Sofia I. V. , Mesquita João R.
Published: May 2022

Airborne transmission is mainly associated with poorly ventilated and crowded indoor environments where people stay for long periods of time. As such, public transport is often perceived as having a high risk for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Considering that data on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in public transport systems are scarce, we performed air sampling for SARS-CoV-2 in indoor and outdoor spaces of public transport systems in Portugal. Air (n = 31) and surface (n = 70) samples were collected using a Coriolis® Compact microbial air sampler and sterile flocked plastic swabs, respectively. Samples were extracted and analyzed through RT-qPCR. Only two air samples from an outdoor and a partially open space were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. No positive surface samples were detected. These results indicate that the viral concentration in ambient air in public transport systems is linked to the number of people present in that environment and whether they are wearing properly fitting masks. Considering the current lifting of COVID-19 restrictions around the world, it is essential that people continue to wear masks in both indoor and outdoor environments, especially in crowded spaces. More studies on this topic are needed to fully elucidate the real risk of infection in outdoor spaces.
The Comparison of Various Types of Health Insurance in the Healthcare Utilization, Costs and Catastrophic Health Expenditures among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults
Authors: Chen Sha , Lin Zhiye , Fan Xiaoru , Li Jushuang , Xie Yao-Jie , Hao Chun
Published: May 2022

Rapid aging in China is increasing the number of older people who tend to require health services for their poor perceived health. Drawing on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 data, we used two-part model and binary logistic regression to compare various types of health insurance in the healthcare utilization, costs and catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) among the middle-aged and older adults in China. Compared with uninsured, all types of health insurance promoted hospital utilization rate (ranged from 8.6% to 12.2%) and reduced out-of-pocket (OOP) costs (ranged from 64.9% to 123.6%), but had no significant association with total costs. In contrast, the association of health insurance and outpatient care was less significant. When Urban Employee Medical Insurance (UEMI) as reference, other types of insurance did not show a significant difference. Health insurance could not reduce the risk of CHE. The equity in healthcare utilization improved and healthcare costs had been effectively controlled among the elderly, but health insurance did not protect against CHE risks. Policy efforts should further focus on optimizing healthcare resource allocation and inclining toward the lower socio-economic and poor-health groups.
Restraint Use for Child Occupants in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ahmad Inam , Fildes Brian N. , Logan David B. , Koppel Sjaan
Published: May 2022

The overall objective of the current study was to investigate the behaviours and knowledge of parents/carers in relation to safe child occupant travel in the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A community survey was completed by 786 participants who were responsible for the safety of 1614 children (aged 10 years and younger). The survey included questions related to the type, frequency and appropriateness of restraint use for their eldest child. Overall, 24 percent of participants reported that they ‘never/almost never’ restrained their eldest child while travelling in a motor vehicle, with this proportion increasing with child age. For example, though 89 percent of participants reported that they restrained their infants (<1 year) in an ‘appropriate’ restraint for their age, this rate was much lower for children aged between 5 and 7 years (10%). Overall, these findings suggest that a large proportion of child occupants, especially those aged five years and older, are not appropriately restrained in vehicles, and therefore are at an increased risk of death or serious injury in the event of a crash. Future research will validate this self-reported child restraint use data with objective data from observations of real-world child restraint use behaviour in the UAE.
Nature-Based Early Childhood Education and Children’s Social, Emotional and Cognitive Development: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Johnstone Avril , Martin Anne , Cordovil Rita , Fjørtoft Ingunn , Iivonen Susanna , Jidovtseff Boris , Lopes Frederico , Reilly John J. , Thomson Hilary , Wells Valerie , McCrorie Paul
Published: May 2022

This systematic review synthesised evidence on associations between nature-based early childhood education (ECE) and children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. A search of nine databases was concluded in August 2020. Studies were eligible if: (a) children (2–7 years) attended ECE, (b) ECE integrated nature, and (c) assessed child-level outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened full-text articles and assessed study quality. Synthesis included effect direction, thematic analysis, and results-based convergent synthesis. One thousand three hundred and seventy full-text articles were screened, and 36 (26 quantitative; 9 qualitative; 1 mixed-methods) studies were eligible. Quantitative outcomes were cognitive (n = 11), social and emotional (n = 13), nature connectedness (n = 9), and play (n = 10). Studies included controlled (n = 6)/uncontrolled (n = 6) before-after, and cross-sectional (n = 15) designs. Based on very low certainty of the evidence, there were positive associations between nature-based ECE and self-regulation, social skills, social and emotional development, nature relatedness, awareness of nature, and play interaction. Inconsistent associations were found for attention, attachment, initiative, environmentally responsible behaviour, and play disruption/disconnection. Qualitative studies (n = 10) noted that nature-based ECE afforded opportunities for play, socialising, and creativity. Nature-based ECE may improve some childhood development outcomes, however, high-quality experimental designs describing the dose and quality of nature are needed to explore the hypothesised pathways connecting nature-based ECE to childhood development (Systematic Review Registration: CRD42019152582).
Humility and Competence: Which Attribute Affects Social Relationships at Work?
Authors: Teoh Ai Ni , Kriwangko Livia
Published: May 2022

Between likability and competence, people value likable colleagues (regardless of their competence level) more than competent colleagues. If humility replaces competence, the preference might be different since humility is not always associated with positive outcomes. Humility and competence form four archetypes: humble star, humble fool, competent jerk, and incompetent jerk. This study examined the personal and professional preferences for these archetypes in the workplace and how the preference is moderated by colleagues’ seniority. There were 475 working adults aged between 21 and 77 (M = 40.34, SD = 11.32) recruited to complete an online survey. While humble fools were more likable than competent jerks in personal interactions, competent jerks received more cooperation than humble fools in professional interactions. Seniority did not affect these findings. Our findings shed light on whether, and when, humility should be highly valued in organizational settings. Promoting humility in the workplace setting might require more caution.
The Forgotten Age Phase of Healthy Lifestyle Promotion? A Preliminary Study to Examine the Potential Call for Targeted Physical Activity and Nutrition Education for Older Adolescents
Authors: Howells Kristy , Coppinger Tara
Published: May 2022

To date, little research on healthy lifestyle promotion has focused on older adolescents (16–18-year-olds), yet this is a key time that habitual healthy lifestyles could be developed. Ninety-three participants (thirty-nine males; fifty-four females) (mean age = 16.9, (SD 0.4) years), from three low socio-economic high schools in England, completed an online questionnaire on their self-reported: (i) daily physical activity (PA), (ii) active transportation, (iii) active leisure time, (iv) food intake and (v) experiences of how healthy lifestyles are promoted specifically to them. Overall, 60% reached the daily PA recommended guidelines. Yet, 92% used a bicycle/walked for a least 10 min continuously as active transport and of these, 86% undertook this at least 5 days per week. Almost half undertook MVPA as active leisure, but 66% still spent ≥ 5 h sedentary. Seventeen percent met recommended nutritional guidelines for health and 90% (n = 80) did not report school as a place that promoted healthy lifestyles. It is recommended as a public health measure and as an educational policy matter that schools implement more targeted PA and healthy eating initiatives for older adolescents that also include the adolescent voice. Further, gaining a deeper insight into male older adolescents’ health literacy is needed.
A Redo Percutaneous Emergency Intervention of Left Ventricular Assist Device Graft Occlusion
Authors: Stio Rocco Edoardo , Comisso Marina , Paolucci Luca , Coletta Silvio , Cesario Vincenzo , Gioia Michele , Nazzaro Marco Stefano , Saitto Guglielmo , Contento Carlo , D’Avino Emilio , De Felice Francesco , Gabrielli Domenico , Musumeci Francesco
Published: May 2022

In patients with advanced heart failure (HF), left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have demonstrated to be effective in improving the quality of life and reducing further hospitalizations. Although uncommon, LVAD outflow graft obstruction (OGO) is a potentially life-threatening complication and percutaneous treatment has been proposed as a standard intervention strategy in such cases. We report the case of a 69 year old man admitted due to LVAD failure causing unstable HF. Past medical history included percutaneous intervention on the outflow graft with stent implantation one year before. The patient was under chronic treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Emergent percutaneous angiography was performed, showing recurrent OGO due to thrombosis located at a kinking site, distally to the previously treated segment. Using distal anchoring technique, a balloon-expandable 10 × 79 mm endoprosthesis (GORE® Viabahn® VBX) was effectively positioned and post-dilated. Final angiography confirmed the patency of the stent implanted one-year before. Despite the procedure succeeding in restoring LVAD function, the patient died due to septic shock ten days after. Our case suggests that recurrent OGO can be effectively treated with percutaneous redo and that long-term stent patency can be achieved with a standard antithrombotic treatment, despite further thrombotic events in other segments of the graft are still possible (especially at the kinking site). Moreover, other noncardiac conditions as infective complications, can dramatically impact the clinical course and lead to unfavorable outcomes.
A Longitudinal Study on the Addictive Behaviors of General Population before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Ma Zaifei , Wang Chunan
Published: May 2022

By using nationally representative longitudinal data, this study investigates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the addictive behaviors (smoking and drinking) of the general population in China. From the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2018 and 2020, we extract a sample of individuals over 16 years of age in China, consisting of 14,468 individuals and 28,936 observations. We decompose the sample into three age groups, that is, ages between 16 and 39, ages between 40 and 59 and ages above 60. The bootstrap method is used to estimate the confidence interval of the difference in the mean of addictive behaviors, and logit models are used in the regression analysis. Our results show that the COVID-19 pandemic reduces the smoking behavior of individuals above 40 years of age, and that it reduces the drinking behavior of individuals above 16 years of age. However, the pandemic increases the smoking behavior of individuals between 16 and 39 years of age. These results may be closely related to the characteristics of COVID-19 (that is, a respiratory system disease), the working and economic pressures of young Chinese and the role of drinking alcohol in building and maintaining social networks in China.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels among Female Firefighters
Authors: Davidson Samantha , Jahnke Sara , Jung Alesia M. , Burgess Jefferey L. , Jacobs Elizabeth T. , Billheimer Dean , Farland Leslie V.
Published: May 2022

Female firefighters have occupational exposures which may negatively impact their reproductive health. Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is a clinical marker of ovarian reserve. We investigated whether AMH levels differed in female firefighters compared to non-firefighters and whether there was a dose-dependent relationship between years of firefighting and AMH levels. Female firefighters from a pre-existing cohort completed a cross-sectional survey regarding their occupational and health history and were asked to recruit a non-firefighter friend or relative. All participants provided a dried blood spot (DBS) for AMH analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between firefighting status and AMH levels. Among firefighters, the influence of firefighting-related exposures was evaluated. Firefighters (n = 106) and non-firefighters (n = 58) had similar age and BMI. Firefighters had a lower mean AMH compared to non-firefighters (2.93 ng/mL vs. 4.37 ng/mL). In multivariable adjusted models, firefighters had a 33% lower AMH value than non-firefighters (−33.38%∆ (95% CI: −54.97, −1.43)). Years of firefighting was not associated with a decrease in AMH. Firefighters in this study had lower AMH levels than non-firefighters. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which firefighting could reduce AMH and affect fertility.
The Head-to-Toe Hormone: Leptin as an Extensive Modulator of Physiologic Systems
Authors: Misch Monica , Puthanveetil Prasanth
Published: May 2022

Leptin is a well-known hunger-sensing peptide hormone. The role of leptin in weight gain and metabolic homeostasis has been explored for the past two decades. In this review, we have tried to shed light upon the impact of leptin signaling on health and diseases. At low or moderate levels, this peptide hormone supports physiological roles, but at chronically higher doses exhibits detrimental effects on various systems. The untoward effects we observe with chronically higher levels of leptin are due to their receptor-mediated effect or due to leptin resistance and are not well studied. This review will help us in understanding the non-anorexic roles of leptin, including their contribution to the metabolism of various systems and inflammation. We will be able to get an alternative perspective regarding the physiological and pathological roles of this mysterious peptide hormone.
Recombinant Human Thymosin β4 (rhTβ4) Modulates the Anti-Inflammatory Responses to Alleviate Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)-Induced Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Zhai Yanfang , Zheng Xiaoxiang , Mao Yunyun , Li Kai , Liu Yanhong , Gao Yuemei , Zhao Mengsu , Yang Rui , Yu Rui , Chen Wei
Published: May 2022

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular disorder that interferes with daily living and reduces quality of life. However, there is no most ideal therapeutic treatment to address all the deleterious defects of DED. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of recombinant human thymosin β4 (rhTβ4) to promote healing in a benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-induced mice DED model and the anti-inflammatory effects involved in that process. Eye drops consisting of 0.05% and 0.1% rhTβ4 were used for treatment of DED. Tear volume and corneal staining scores were measured after 7 days. Periodic acid-Schiff staining for gobleT cells in conjunctiva, immunohistochemical staining for CD4+ T cells, TUNEL assay for apoptotic positive cells in cornea and conjunctiva, qRT-PCR and ELISA assays for multiple cytokines were performed. All clinical parameters showed improvement in both the 0.05% and 0.1% rhTβ4 groups. Specifically, topical application of rhTβ4 significantly increased conjunctival gobleT cells and reduced apoptotic cells in conjunctiva. Mechanically, the rhTβ4 groups showed significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and CD4+ T cells in conjunctiva by blocking NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) activation, suggesting that 0.05–0.1% rhTβ4 eye drops may be used as a potential therapeutic treatment for DED.
Truncated O-Glycan-Bearing MUC16 Enhances Pancreatic Cancer Cells Aggressiveness via α4β1 Integrin Complexes and FAK Signaling
Authors: Rajesh Christabelle , Sagar Satish , Rathinavel Ashok Kumar , Chemparathy Divya Thomas , Peng Xianlu Laura , Yeh Jen Jen , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Radhakrishnan Prakash
Published: May 2022

Elevated levels of Mucin-16 (MUC16) in conjunction with a high expression of truncated O-glycans is implicated in playing crucial roles in the malignancy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the mechanisms by which such aberrant glycoforms present on MUC16 itself promote an increased disease burden in PDAC are yet to be elucidated. This study demonstrates that the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic deletion of MUC16 in PDAC cells decreases tumor cell migration. We found that MUC16 enhances tumor malignancy by activating the integrin-linked kinase and focal adhesion kinase (ILK/FAK)-signaling axis. These findings are especially noteworthy in truncated O-glycan (Tn and STn antigen)-expressing PDAC cells. Activation of these oncogenic-signaling pathways resulted in part from interactions between MUC16 and integrin complexes (α4β1), which showed a stronger association with aberrant glycoforms of MUC16. Using a monoclonal antibody to functionally hinder MUC16 significantly reduced the migratory cascades in our model. Together, these findings suggest that truncated O-glycan containing MUC16 exacerbates malignancy in PDAC by activating FAK signaling through specific interactions with α4 and β1 integrin complexes on cancer cell membranes. Targeting these aberrant glycoforms of MUC16 can aid in the development of a novel platform to study and treat metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on MS-Based Proteomics Applied to Human Peripheral Fluids to Assess Potential Biomarkers of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Rodrigues Joao E. , Martinho Ana , Santos Vítor , Santa Catia , Madeira Nuno , Martins Maria J. , Pato Carlos N. , Macedo Antonio , Manadas Bruno
Published: May 2022

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a clinically heterogeneous condition, presenting a complex underlying etiopathogenesis that is not sufficiently characterized. Without molecular biomarkers being used in the clinical environment, several large screen proteomics studies have been conducted to provide valuable molecular information. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques can be a powerful tool for the identification of disease biomarkers, improving prediction and diagnosis ability. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of MS proteomics applied to human peripheral fluids to assess BD biomarkers and identify relevant networks of biological pathways. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for studies using MS proteomics to identify proteomic differences between BD patients and healthy controls (PROSPERO database: CRD42021264955). Fourteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, allowing the identification of 266 differentially expressed proteins. Gene ontology analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and focal adhesion as the main enriched biological pathways. A meta-analysis was performed for apolipoproteins (A-I, C-III, and E); however, no significant differences were found. Although the proven ability of MS proteomics to characterize BD, there are several confounding factors contributing to the heterogeneity of the findings. In the future, we encourage the scientific community to use broader samples and validation cohorts, integrating omics with bioinformatics tools towards providing a comprehensive understanding of proteome alterations, seeking biomarkers of BD, and contributing to individualized prognosis and stratification strategies, besides aiding in the differential diagnosis.
Amyloidogenic Peptides: New Class of Antimicrobial Peptides with the Novel Mechanism of Activity
Authors: Galzitskaya Oxana V. , Kurpe Stanislav R. , Panfilov Alexander V. , Glyakina Anna V. , Grishin Sergei Y. , Kochetov Alexey P. , Deryusheva Evgeniya I. , Machulin Andrey V. , Kravchenko Sergey V. , Domnin Pavel A. , Surin Alexey K. , Azev Viacheslav N. , Ermolaeva Svetlana A.
Published: May 2022

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are recognized as one of the leading causes of death in the world. We proposed and successfully tested peptides with a new mechanism of antimicrobial action “protein silencing” based on directed co-aggregation. The amyloidogenic antimicrobial peptide (AAMP) interacts with the target protein of model or pathogenic bacteria and forms aggregates, thereby knocking out the protein from its working condition. In this review, we consider antimicrobial effects of the designed peptides on two model organisms, E. coli and T. thermophilus, and two pathogenic organisms, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. We compare the amino acid composition of proteomes and especially S1 ribosomal proteins. Since this protein is inherent only in bacterial cells, it is a good target for studying the process of co-aggregation. This review presents a bioinformatics analysis of these proteins. We sum up all the peptides predicted as amyloidogenic by several programs and synthesized by us. For the four organisms we studied, we show how amyloidogenicity correlates with antibacterial properties. Let us especially dwell on peptides that have demonstrated themselves as AMPs for two pathogenic organisms that cause dangerous hospital infections, and in which the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) turned out to be comparable to the MIC of gentamicin sulfate. All this makes our study encouraging for the further development of AAMP. The hybrid peptides may thus provide a starting point for the antibacterial application of amyloidogenic peptides.
Investigation of the Role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide (PACAP) and Its Type 1 (PAC1) Receptor in Uterine Contractility during Endometritis in Pigs
Authors: Jana Barbara , Całka Jarosław , Witek Krzysztof
Published: May 2022

Uterine inflammation is a common pathology in animals, leading to disturbances in reproductive processes and reduced production profitability. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) effects at the uterine level during inflammation are not known. In the current study, we analyzed the relative PACAP type 1 receptor (PAC1R) mRNA transcript and protein abundances in the myometrium (MYO), as well s PACAP and PAC1R involvement in the contractile function of inflamed pig uterus. To that end, E. coli suspension (E. coli group) or saline (SAL group) was injected into the uterine horns or laparotomy was performed (CON group). Eight days after the bacteria injections, severe acute endometritis and a reduced relative abundance of PAC1R protein in the MYO were observed. Compared to the period before PACAP in vitro administration, PACAP (10−7 M) in the CON and SAL groups decreased in amplitude in the MYO and endometrium (ENDO)/MYO, whereas in the E. coli group, increased amplitude in the MYO and reduced amplitude in the ENDO/MYO were observed. In the E. coli group, PACAP enhanced the amplitude in the MYO (10−7 M) and decreased the amplitude in the ENDO/MYO (10−8 M) compared with other groups. PACAP (10−7 M) increased the frequency of both kinds of strips in the CON and SAL groups compared with the pretreatment period. PACAP (both doses) did not significantly change the frequency in the E. coli group, whereas in response to PACAP (10−7 M), the frequency was reduced compared to other groups. In the MYO, PAC1R antagonist decreased the amplitude reduction (CON and SAL groups) and reversed a rise in PACAP (10−7 M)-evoked amplitude (E. coli group). PAC1R blocking reversed (MYO) and abolished (ENDO/MYO) the stimulatory effect of PACAP (10−7 M) on the frequency (CON and SAL groups). PAC1R antagonist and PACAP (10−7 M) evoked the appearance of frequency depression in both kinds of strips (E. coli group). In summary, in pigs, severe acute endometritis reduces the relative abundance of PAC1R protein in the MYO, and PAC1R mediates the influence of PACAP on inflamed uterus contractility.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveal Possible Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Tea Plant Growth Elicited by Chitosan Oligosaccharide
Authors: Ji Dezhong , Ou Lina , Ren Xiaoli , Yang Xiuju , Tan Yanni , Zhou Xia , Jin Linhong
Published: May 2022

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) plays an important role in the growth and development of tea plants. However, responses in tea plants trigged by COS have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis to understand the mechanisms of chitosan-induced tea quality improvement and growth promotion. The combined analysis revealed an obvious link between the flourishing development of the tea plant and the presence of COS. It obviously regulated the growth and development of the tea and the metabolomic process. The chlorophyll, soluble sugar, and amino acid content in the tea leaves was increased. The phytohormones, carbohydrates, and amino acid levels were zoomed-in in both transcript and metabolomics analyses compared to the control. The expression of the genes related to phytohormones transduction, carbon fixation, and amino acid metabolism during the growth and development of tea plants were significantly upregulated. Our findings indicated that alerted transcriptomic and metabolic responses occurring with the application of COS could cause efficiency in substrates in pivotal pathways and hence, elicited plant growth.