bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Continuous Air Pollution and Its Relationship with Socioeconomic and Natural Factors in China
Authors: Zhan Dongsheng , Zhang Qianyun , Xu Xiaoren , Zeng Chunshui
Published: May 2022

Continuous air pollution (CAP) incidents last even longer and generate greater health hazards relative to conventional air pollution episodes. However, few studies have focused on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and driving factors of CAP in China. Drawing on the daily reported ground monitoring data on the ambient air quality in 2019 in China, this paper identifies the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of CAP across 337 Chinese cities above the prefecture level using descriptive statistics and spatial statistical analysis methods, and further examines the spatial heterogeneity effects of both socioeconomic factors and natural factors on CAP with a Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model. The results show that the average proportion of CAP days in 2019 reached 11.50% of the whole year across Chinese cities, a figure equaling to about 65 days, while the average frequency, the maximum amount of days and the average amount of days of CAP were 8.02 times, 7.85 days and 4.20 days, respectively. Furthermore, there was a distinct spatiotemporal distribution disparity in CAP in China. Spatially, the areas with high proportions of CAP days were concentrated in the North China Plain and the Southwestern Xinjiang Autonomous Region in terms of the spatial pattern, while the proportion of CAP days showed a monthly W-shaped change in terms of the temporal pattern. In addition, the types of regions containing major pollutants during the CAP period could be divided into four types, including “Composite pollution”, “O3 + NO2 pollution”, “PM10 + PM2.5 pollution” and “O3 + PM2.5 pollution”, while the region type “PM10 + PM2.5 pollution” covered the highest number of cities. The MGWR model, characterized by multiple spatial scale impacts among the driving factors, outperformed the traditional OLS and GWR model, and both socioeconomic factors and natural factors were found to have a spatial non-stationary relationship with CAP in China. Our findings provide new policy insights for understanding the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of CAP in urban China and can help the Chinese government make prevention and control measures of CAP incidents.
Negative Affectivity Moderates the Relationship between Attentional Control and Focused Skin Picking
Authors: Prochwicz Katarzyna , Antosz-Rekucka Rachela , Kałużna-Wielobób Alina , Sznajder Dominika , Kłosowska Joanna
Published: May 2022

Very little is known about the cognitive functioning of people with body-focused repetitive behaviours and the few existing studies provide mixed findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between attentional control, negative affectivity, and focused skin picking. We hypothesized that the control of attention is associated with focused style of skin picking and that this relationship is moderated by negative affectivity. The final sample consisted of 273 non-clinical subjects (79% women) aged 18 to 54 years; study variables were assessed using questionnaires. Moderation analysis was conducted, followed by a simple slope analysis, and the Johnson–Neyman technique was used to probe the interaction effect. We found that at the low level of negative affectivity, the relationship between attentional control and focused skin picking is negative, but not at the higher levels of this trait. Interestingly, when negative affectivity reaches very high intensity, the association between attentional control and skin picking becomes positive. This relationship seems to be quite complex and may depend on the way that cognitive abilities are used by the individual, as well as on the stage of cognitive processing that they are applied to. Further studies using behavioural measures of attention are needed to better understand this issue.
A Multilevel Study of the Relationship between CSR Promotion Climate and Happiness at Work via Organizational Identification: Moderation Effect of Leader–Followers Value Congruence
Authors: Jeong Jae-Geum , Kang Seung-Wan , Choi Suk Bong
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of team level Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) promotion climate on work happiness of team members. Furthermore, we investigate the mediating role of organizational identification at individual level and the moderating role of leader–follower value congruence at the team level in the relationship between CSR promotion climate and work happiness, thus overcoming the limitations of previous studies which mainly focused on a unitary level of analysis. To this end, a multilevel analysis was used, dealing with team- and individual-level relationships; the sample comprises 70 teams and 336 employees from 23 Korean firms. Our empirical analysis revealed that a team CSR promotion climate positively influenced team members’ happiness at work and organization identification. Furthermore, organization identification partially mediated the relationship between team CSR promotion climate and happiness at the workplace. By interacting with team CSR promotion climate, leader–followers value congruence positively regulated the influence of team CSR promotion climate on happiness at work. In this process, for a group with high leader–follower value congruence, the team CSR promotion climate strengthens team members’ happiness at the workplace. The study utilizes a multilevel analysis method to simultaneously verify team- and individual-level elements positively affecting team members’ happiness at work. Through this method, it confirmed that CSR promotion climate and team organization identification positively influence happiness at work. The theoretical and practical implications are presented, and directions for future research with limitations of the study are discussed.
Gendered Citizenship, Inequality, and Well-Being: The Experience of Cross-National Families in Qatar during the Gulf Cooperation Council Crisis (2017–2021)
Authors: Abu-Ras Wahiba , Elzamzamy Khalid , Burghul Maryam M. , Al-Merri Noora H. , Alajrad Moumena , Kharbanda Vardha A.
Published: May 2022

This study explores the impact of gendered citizenship on the well-being of cross-national families following the political blockade imposed on Qatar in 2017. More specifically, it examines how these families, women, and children face challenges related to their lives, well-being, and rights. Twenty-three face-to-face interviews were conducted with Qatari and non-Qatari women and men married to non-Qatari spouses residing in Qatar. The study’s findings revealed that Qatari women with non-Qatari husbands did not enjoy the benefits of full citizenship, further undermining their psychological well-being and their socioeconomic and legal rights. Additionally, children born before or during the blockade have become stateless and undocumented, which jeopardizes their mental and physical well-being and the prospects of their parents’ economic advancement. This study contributes to the conceptualization of and debate on gender citizenship rules and policies, which can exclude these women and children and deny them the recognition and rights they deserve. Since ensuring full citizenship rights is crucial for people’s well-being, increasing gender equality and reforming Qatar’s existing citizenship policies would benefit both groups and provide social justice for all.
Natural Cyanobacteria Removers Obtained from Bio-Waste Date-Palm Leaf Stalks and Black Alder Cone-Like Flowers
Authors: Kandić Irina , Kragović Milan , Krstić Jugoslav B. , Gulicovski Jelena , Popović Jasmina , Rosić Milena , Karadžić Vesna , Stojmenović Marija
Published: May 2022

The impact of urbanization and modern agricultural practice has led to accelerated eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems, which has resulted in the massive development of cyanobacteria. Very often, in response to various environmental influences, cyanobacteria produce potentially carcinogenic cyanotoxins. Long-term human exposure to cyanotoxins, through drinking water as well as recreational water (i.e., rivers or lakes), can cause serious health consequences. In order to overcome this problem, this paper presents the synthesis of completely new activated carbons and their potential application in contaminated water treatment. The synthesis and characterization of new active carbon materials obtained from waste biomass, date-palm leaf stalks (P_AC) and black alder cone-like flowers (A_AC) of reliable physical and chemical characteristics were presented in this article. The commercial activated carbon (C_AC) was also examined for the purpose of comparisons with the obtained materials. The detailed characterization of materials was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), low-temperature N2 physisorption, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Preliminary analyzes of the adsorption capacities of all activated carbon materials were conducted on water samples from Aleksandrovac Lake (Southern part of Serbia), as a eutrophic lake, in order to remove Cyanobacteria from water. The results after 24 h showed removal efficiencies for P_AC, A_AC, and C_AC of 99.99%, 99.99% and 89.79%, respectively.
Integrating the Ecological Security Pattern and the PLUS Model to Assess the Effects of Regional Ecological Restoration: A Case Study of Hefei City, Anhui Province
Authors: Cao Xiufeng , Liu Zhaoshun , Li Shujie , Gao Zhenjun
Published: May 2022

Most studies in the field of ecological restoration have only focused on repairing damaged land and have made no attempt to account for the impact of high-intensity land use on future landscape patterns. The purpose of this study was to propose a framework for evaluating the expected effects of ecological restoration based on land-use change and the ecological security pattern. Therefore, we integrated the PLUS model with the ecological security pattern and used Hefei City as a case study to conduct research. The results showed that from 2020 to 2030, land-use changes would occur primarily in the main urban area of Hefei and along the eastern shore of the Chaohu Lake watershed. Under the ecological protection scenario, arable land would be converted to construction land and woodland. Additionally, there would be an increase in ecological sources and pinch points in the area, and the number and area of the barriers would show a certain degree of reduction. The ecosystem quality, ecological integrity, and landscape connectivity of Hefei would be improved. This study offers a novel perspective for evaluating the expected effects of regional ecological restoration and provides an important reference for the dynamic formulation of multilevel ecological restoration policies.
Risk Factors Associated with Defaulted Follow-Up and Sharp Injury Management among Health Care Workers in a Teaching Hospital in Northeastern Malaysia
Authors: Kutubudin Ahmed Farrasyah Mohd , Wan Mohammad Wan Mohd Zahiruddin , Md Noor Siti Suraiya , Shafei Mohd Nazri
Published: May 2022

Sharp injury is a serious occupational risk for healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to determine the distribution and associated factors of sharp injury cases among HCWs working at a teaching hospital in northeastern Malaysia. This was a retrospective cohort study on all reported sharp injury cases from 2015 to 2020. The secondary data were examined using descriptive and multiple logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined for associated factors of HCWs who did not attend immediate treatment after a sharp injury or any of the subsequent follow-up variables, with a p-value of less than 0.05. A total of 286 cases fulfilled the study criteria. The mean (SD) age of sharp injury was 29.4 (5.38) years. The overall defaulted rate for follow-up was 51.4%. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant relationship between defaulted follow up on sharp injury management and job category as well as the type of device used. Being a doctor (Adj OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.40, 4.03; p = 0.010) and those using other sharp instruments such as Coupland and drip sets (Adj OR 4.55; 95% CI: 1.59, 13.02; p = 0.005) had a higher odds to default follow up on sharp injury management. In conclusion, although there is a link between defaulting the follow-up and both the work category and the type of device that caused the injury, a deeper analysis is needed to uncover any additional factors and determine the appropriate intervention strategies to ensure follow up adherence.
An Assessment of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi in the Female Dormitory Environment: Level, Impact Factors and Dose Rate
Authors: Li Yanju , Wang Xinyu , Cao Guoqing , Wang Yu , Miao Qingqing , He Jinlu
Published: May 2022

In this study, the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi were tested in a female dormitory room; the effects of heating, relative humidity and number of occupants on indoor microorganisms were analyzed and the dose rate of exposure to microbes was assessed. The bacterial and fungal concentrations in the room ranged from 100 to several thousand CFU/m3, and the highest counts were observed in the morning (930 ± 1681 CFU/m3). Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. were found in the dormitory. When the heating was on, the total bacterial and fungal counts were lower than when there was no heating. Moreover, statistically significant differences were observed for bacterial concentrations during the morning periods between the times when there was no heating and the times when there was heating. The number of occupants had an obvious positive effect on the total bacterial counts. Moreover, RH had no correlation with the airborne fungi in the dormitory, statistically. Furthermore, the highest dose rate from exposure to bacteria and fungi was observed during sleeping hours. The dose rate from exposure to airborne microorganisms in the dormitory was associated with the activity level in the room. These results helped to elucidate the threat of bioaerosols to the health of female occupants and provide guidance for protective measures.
Changes in Postural Control Ability after Wearing Corrective Glasses for Distance in Older Adults and Their Causes
Authors: Yu Dong-Sik , Kim Sang-Yeob
Published: May 2022

Deterioration of postural control in older adults is unavoidable due to age-associated degeneration of the visual system. Our study objective was therefore to verify whether there is a positive effect on postural control ability after providing older adults, whose postural control function had deteriorated, with corrective glasses to correct refractive errors. Twenty-seven participants, 66 to 90 years of age, were included in this study. Stability index, synchronization index, and sway power index were measured by using the TETRAX balance system and comparatively analyzed before and after wearing the corrective glasses for distance. The stability index after wearing corrective glasses significantly decreased compared to before wearing them (p < 0.05). Four synchronization areas, among six, showed a significant increase in the synchronization index after wearing corrective glasses compared to before wearing them (p < 0.05). The sway power index significantly decreased in the mid–high and the high frequency after wearing the corrective glasses (p < 0.05). Optimal visual information can be obtained through the correction of residual refractive errors, eliciting a positive effect on the overall posture control by improving the sensory integration ability with the somatic nervous system responsible for posture control, maximizing the lower extremity motor function of the elderly.
Extracting the Urban Landscape Features of the Historic District from Street View Images Based on Deep Learning: A Case Study in the Beijing Core Area
Authors: Yin Siming , Guo Xian , Jiang Jie
Published: May 2022

Accurate extraction of urban landscape features in the historic district of China is an essential task for the protection of the cultural and historical heritage. In recent years, deep learning (DL)-based methods have made substantial progress in landscape feature extraction. However, the lack of annotated data and the complex scenarios inside alleyways result in the limited performance of the available DL-based methods when extracting landscape features. To deal with this problem, we built a small yet comprehensive history-core street view (HCSV) dataset and propose a polarized attention-based landscape feature segmentation network (PALESNet) in this article. The polarized self-attention block is employed in PALESNet to discriminate each landscape feature in various situations, whereas the atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASPP) block is utilized to capture the multi-scale features. As an auxiliary, a transfer learning module was introduced to supplement the knowledge of the network, to overcome the shortage of labeled data and improve its learning capability in the historic districts. Compared to other state-of-the-art methods, our network achieved the highest accuracy in the case study of Beijing Core Area, with an mIoU of 63.7% on the HCSV dataset; and thus could provide sufficient and accurate data for further protection and renewal in Chinese historic districts.
Effect of Acrylamide Treatment on Cyp2e1 Expression and Redox Status in Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Marković Filipović Jelena , Miler Marko , Kojić Danijela , Karan Jelena , Ivelja Ivana , Čukuranović Kokoris Jovana , Matavulj Milica
Published: May 2022

Acrylamide (AA) toxicity is associated with oxidative stress. During detoxification, AA is either coupled to gluthatione or biotransformed to glycidamide by the enzyme cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). The aim of our study was to examine the hepatotoxicity of AA in vivo and in vitro. Thirty male Wistar rats were treated with 25 or 50 mg/kg b.w. of AA for 3 weeks. Qualitative and quantitative immunohistochemical evaluation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CYP2E1, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and SOD2 expression in liver was carried out. Bearing in mind that the liver is consisted mainly of hepatocytes, in a parallel study, we used the rat hepatoma cell line H4IIE to investigate the effects of AA at IC20 and IC50 concentrations on the redox status and the activity of CAT, SOD, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), their gene expression, and CYP2E1 and iNOS expression. Immunohistochemically stained liver sections showed that treatment with AA25mg induced a significant decrease of CYP2E1 protein expression (p < 0.05), while treatment with AA50mg led to a significant increase of iNOS protein expression (p < 0.05). AA treatment dose-dependently elevated SOD2 protein expression (p < 0.05), while SOD1 protein expression was significantly increased only at AA50mg (p < 0.05). CAT protein expression was not significantly affected by AA treatments (p > 0.05). In AA-treated H4IIE cells, a concentration-dependent significant increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels was observed (p < 0.05), while GSH content and SOD activity significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). AA IC50 significantly enhanced GST activity (p < 0.05). The level of mRNA significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner for iNOS, SOD2, and CAT in AA-treated H4IIE cells (p < 0.05). AA IC50 significantly increased the transcription of SOD1, GSTA2, and GSTP1 genes (p < 0.05), while AA IC20 significantly decreased mRNA for CYP2E1 in H4IIE cells (p < 0.05). Obtained results indicate that AA treatments, both in vivo and in vitro, change hepatocytes; drug-metabolizing potential and disturb its redox status.
An Integrated Multi-Omic Network Analysis Identifies Seizure-Associated Dysregulated Pathways in the GAERS Model of Absence Epilepsy
Authors: Harutyunyan Anna , Chong Debbie , Li Rui , Shah Anup D. , Ali Zahra , Huang Cheng , Barlow Christopher K. , Perucca Piero , O’Brien Terence J. , Jones Nigel C. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Anderson Alison , Casillas-Espinosa Pablo M.
Published: May 2022

Absence epilepsy syndromes are part of the genetic generalized epilepsies, the pathogenesis of which remains poorly understood, although a polygenic architecture is presumed. Current focus on single molecule or gene identification to elucidate epileptogenic drivers is unable to fully capture the complex dysfunctional interactions occurring at a genetic/proteomic/metabolomic level. Here, we employ a multi-omic, network-based approach to characterize the molecular signature associated with absence epilepsy-like phenotype seen in a well validated rat model of genetic generalized epilepsy with absence seizures. Electroencephalographic and behavioral data was collected from Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS, n = 6) and non-epileptic controls (NEC, n = 6), followed by proteomic and metabolomic profiling of the cortical and thalamic tissue of rats from both groups. The general framework of weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify groups of highly correlated proteins and metabolites, which were then functionally annotated through joint pathway enrichment analysis. In both brain regions a large protein-metabolite module was found to be highly associated with the GAERS strain, absence seizures and associated anxiety and depressive-like phenotype. Quantitative pathway analysis indicated enrichment in oxidative pathways and a downregulation of the lysine degradation pathway in both brain regions. GSTM1 and ALDH2 were identified as central regulatory hubs of the seizure-associated module in the somatosensory cortex and thalamus, respectively. These enzymes are involved in lysine degradation and play important roles in maintaining oxidative balance. We conclude that the dysregulated pathways identified in the seizure-associated module may be involved in the aetiology and maintenance of absence seizure activity. This dysregulated activity could potentially be modulated by targeting one or both central regulatory hubs.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Breaking the Bridge
Authors: Effendi Wiwin Is , Nagano Tatsuya
Published: May 2022

CTGF is upregulated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by the deposition of a pathological extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, many omics studies confirmed that aberrant cellular senescence-associated mitochondria dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming had been identified in different IPF lung cells (alveolar epithelial cells, alveolar endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages). Here, we reviewed the role of the CTGF in IPF lung cells to mediate anomalous senescence-related metabolic mechanisms that support the fibrotic environment in IPF.
Role of Plasminogen Activation System in Platelet Pathophysiology: Emerging Concepts for Translational Applications
Authors: Napolitano Filomena , Montuori Nunzia
Published: May 2022

Traditionally, platelets have been exclusively considered for their procoagulant and antifibrinolytic effects during normal activation of hemostasis. Effectively, activated platelets secrete coagulation factors, expose phosphatidylserine, and promote thrombin and fibrin production. In addition to procoagulant activities, platelets confer resistance of thrombi to fibrinolysis by inducing clot retraction of the fibrin network and release of huge amounts of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, which is the major physiologic inhibitor of the fibrinolytic cascade. However, the discovery of multiple relations with the fibrinolytic system, also termed Plasminogen Activation System (PAS), has introduced new perspectives on the platelet role in fibrinolysis. Indeed, the activated membrane surface of platelets provides binding sites on which fibrinolytic enzymes can be activated. This review discusses the evidence of the profibrinolytic properties of platelets through the description of PAS components and related proteins that are contained in or bind to platelets. Our analyses of literature data lead to the conclusion that in the initial phase of the hemostatic process, antifibrinolytic effects prevail over profibrinolytic activity, but at later stages, platelets might enhance fibrinolysis through the engagement of PAS components. A better understanding of spatial and temporal characteristics of platelet-mediated fibrinolysis during normal hemostasis could improve therapeutic options for bleeding and thrombotic disorders.
A Secreted Lignin Peroxidase Required for Fungal Growth and Virulence and Related to Plant Immune Response
Authors: Xiao Feng , Xu Wenxing , Hong Ni , Wang Liping , Zhang Yongle , Wang Guoping
Published: May 2022

Botryosphaeria spp. are important phytopathogenic fungi that infect a wide range of woody plants, resulting in big losses worldwide each year. However, their pathogenetic mechanisms and the related virulence factors are rarely addressed. In this study, seven lignin peroxidase (LiP) paralogs were detected in Botryosphaeria kuwatsukai, named BkLiP1 to BkLiP7, respectively, while only BkLiP1 was identified as responsible for the vegetative growth and virulence of B. kuwatsukai as assessed in combination with knock-out, complementation, and overexpression approaches. Moreover, BkLiP1, with the aid of a signal peptide (SP), is translocated onto the cell wall of B. kuwatsukai and secreted into the apoplast space of plant cells as expressed in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana, which can behave as a microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) to trigger the defense response of plants, including cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, callose deposition, and immunity-related genes up-regulated. It supports the conclusion that BkLiP1 plays an important role in the virulence and vegetative growth of B. kuwatsukai and alternatively behaves as an MAMP to induce plant cell death used for the fungal version, which contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism of Botryosphaeria fungi.
Endometrial Epithelial ARID1A Is Required for Uterine Immune Homeostasis during Early Pregnancy
Authors: Marquardt Ryan M. , Ahn Soo Hyun , Reske Jake J. , Chandler Ronald L. , Petroff Margaret G. , Kim Tae Hoon , Jeong Jae-Wook
Published: May 2022

A growing body of work suggests epigenetic dysregulation contributes to endometriosis pathophysiology and female infertility. The chromatin remodeling complex subunit AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) must be properly expressed to maintain normal uterine function. Endometrial epithelial ARID1A is indispensable for pregnancy establishment in mice through regulation of endometrial gland function; however, ARID1A expression is decreased in infertile women with endometriosis. We hypothesized that ARID1A performs critical operations in the endometrial epithelium necessary for fertility besides maintaining gland function. To identify alterations in uterine gene expression resulting from loss of epithelial ARID1A, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on pre-implantation uteri from LtfiCre/+Arid1af/f and control mice. Differential expression analysis identified 4181 differentially expressed genes enriched for immune-related ingenuity canonical pathways including agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis and natural killer cell signaling. RT-qPCR confirmed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine and macrophage-related gene expression but a decrease in natural killer cell signaling. Immunostaining confirmed a uterus-specific increase in macrophage infiltration. Flow cytometry delineated an increase in inflammatory macrophages and a decrease in uterine dendritic cells in LtfiCre/+Arid1af/f uteri. These findings demonstrate a role for endometrial epithelial ARID1A in suppressing inflammation and maintaining uterine immune homeostasis, which are required for successful pregnancy and gynecological health.
The Ability of Chlorophyll to Trap Carcinogen Aflatoxin B1: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Vázquez-Durán Alma , Téllez-Isaías Guillermo , Hernández-Rodríguez Maricarmen , Ruvalcaba René Miranda , Martínez Joel , Nicolás-Vázquez María Inés , Aceves-Hernández Juan Manuel , Méndez-Albores Abraham
Published: May 2022

The coordination of one and two aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, a potent carcinogen) molecules with chlorophyll a (chl a) was studied at a theoretical level. Calculations were performed using the M06-2X method in conjunction with the 6-311G(d,p) basis set, in both gas and water phases. The molecular electrostatic potential map shows the chemical activity of various sites of the AFB1 and chl a molecules. The energy difference between molecular orbitals of AFB1 and chl a allowed for the establishment of an intermolecular interaction. A charge transfer from AFB1 to the central cation of chl a was shown. The energies of the optimized structures for chl a show two configurations, unfolded and folded, with a difference of 15.41 kcal/mol. Chl a appeared axially coordinated to the plane (α-down or β-up) of the porphyrin moiety, either with the oxygen atom of the ketonic group, or with the oxygen atom of the lactone moiety of AFB1. The complexes of maximum stability were chl a 1-α-E-AFB1 and chl a 2-β-E-AFB1, at −36.4 and −39.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, with two AFB1 molecules were chl a 1-D-2AFB1 and chl a 2-E-2AFB1, at −60.0 and −64.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Finally, biosorbents containing chlorophyll could improve AFB1 adsorption.
Enhancement of Corrosion Resistance Properties of Electrodeposited Ni/nano-TiC Composite Layers
Authors: Bogatu Nicoleta , Benea Lidia , Axente Elena Roxana , Celis Jean Pierre
Published: May 2022

This paper presents novel results on the effects of the dispersion of titanium carbide nanoparticles (50 nm mean diameter) into a nickel-plating electrolyte on the corrosion behavior of the nanocomposite layers obtained. The Ni/nano-TiC layers are compared with pure nickel layers obtained at the same electrodeposition parameters with 60 mA·cm−2 current density and 10 min deposition time. The comparative corrosion performances are investigated using a three-electrode electrochemical cell in a solution (mixed boric acid with lithium hydroxide), which simulates the primary water circuit of pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Open circuit potential measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were employed as the electrochemical methods, using an electrochemical workstation connected to an electrochemical cell, as well as a PC with software to drive the experimental work. The results clearly revealed enhanced corrosion properties for the Ni/nano-TiC hybrid layers as compared to the pure Ni layers. The significantly improved corrosion behavior can be attributed to the TiC nanoparticles embedded into the Ni matrix, which have the effect of insulating centers at the composite layer/corrosive solution interface.
Characterization of the Biomass Degrading Enzyme GuxA from Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Authors: Hengge Neal N. , Mallinson Sam J. B. , Pason Patthra , Lunin Vladimir V. , Alahuhta Markus , Chung Daehwan , Himmel Michael E. , Westpheling Janet , Bomble Yannick J.
Published: May 2022

Microbial conversion of biomass relies on a complex combination of enzyme systems promoting synergy to overcome biomass recalcitrance. Some thermophilic bacteria have been shown to exhibit particularly high levels of cellulolytic activity, making them of particular interest for biomass conversion. These bacteria use varying combinations of CAZymes that vary in complexity from a single catalytic domain to large multi-modular and multi-functional architectures to deconstruct biomass. Since the discovery of CelA from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii which was identified as one of the most active cellulase so far identified, the search for efficient multi-modular and multi-functional CAZymes has intensified. One of these candidates, GuxA (previously Acel_0615), was recently shown to exhibit synergy with other CAZymes in C. bescii, leading to a dramatic increase in growth on biomass when expressed in this host. GuxA is a multi-modular and multi-functional enzyme from Acidothermus cellulolyticus whose catalytic domains include a xylanase/endoglucanase GH12 and an exoglucanase GH6, representing a unique combination of these two glycoside hydrolase families in a single CAZyme. These attributes make GuxA of particular interest as a potential candidate for thermophilic industrial enzyme preparations. Here, we present a more complete characterization of GuxA to understand the mechanism of its activity and substrate specificity. In addition, we demonstrate that GuxA exhibits high levels of synergism with E1, a companion endoglucanase from A. cellulolyticus. We also present a crystal structure of one of the GuxA domains and dissect the structural features that might contribute to its thermotolerance.
Baicalin Alleviates Short-Term Lincomycin-Induced Intestinal and Liver Injury and Inflammation in Infant Mice
Authors: Zhang Shunfen , Zhong Ruqing , Tang Shanlong , Han Hui , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu
Published: May 2022

The adverse effects of short-term megadose of antibiotics exposure on the gastrointestinal and liver tissue reactions in young children have been reported. Antibiotic-induced intestinal and liver reactions are usually unpredictable and present a poorly understood pathogenesis. It is, therefore, necessary to develop strategies for reducing the adverse effects of antibiotics. Studies on the harm and rescue measures of antibiotics from the perspective of the gut–liver system are lacking. Here, we demonstrate that lincomycin exposure reduced body weight, disrupted the composition of gut microbiota and intestinal morphology, triggered immune-mediated injury and inflammation, caused liver dysfunction, and affected lipid metabolism. However, baicalin administration attenuated the lincomycin-induced changes. Transcriptome analysis showed that baicalin improved immunity in mice, as evidenced by the decreased levels of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and expression of genes that regulate Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell differentiation, and inhibited mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis pathways. In addition, baicalin improved liver function by upregulating the expression of genes involved in bile acid secretion and lipid degradation, and downregulating genes involved in lipid synthesis in lincomycin-treated mice. Bile acids can regulate intestinal immunity and strengthen hepatoenteric circulation. In addition, baicalin also improved anti-inflammatory bacteria abundance (Blautia and Coprobacillus) and reduced pathogenic bacteria abundance (Proteobacteria, Klebsiella, and Citrobacter) in lincomycin-treated mice. Thus, baicalin can ameliorate antibiotic-induced injury and its associated complications such as liver disease.
Allosteric Binding Sites of Aβ Peptides on the Acetylcholine Synthesizing Enzyme ChAT as Deduced by In Silico Molecular Modeling
Authors: Baidya Anurag TK , Kumar Amit , Kumar Rajnish , Darreh-Shori Taher
Published: May 2022

The native function of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is still unexplored. However, several recent reports suggest a prominent role of Aβ peptides in acetylcholine homeostasis. To clarify this role of Aβ, we have reported that Aβ peptides at physiological concentrations can directly enhance the catalytic efficiency of the key cholinergic enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), via an allosteric interaction. In the current study, we further aimed to elucidate the underlying ChAT-Aβ interaction mechanism using in silico molecular docking and dynamics analysis. Docking analysis suggested two most probable binding clusters on ChAT for Aβ40 and three for Aβ42. Most importantly, the docking results were challenged with molecular dynamic studies of 100 ns long simulation in triplicates (100 ns × 3 = 300 ns) and were analyzed for RMSD, RMSF, RoG, H-bond number and distance, SASA, and secondary structure assessment performed together with principal component analysis and the free-energy landscape diagram, which indicated that the ChAT-Aβ complex system was stable throughout the simulation time period with no abrupt motion during the evolution of the simulation across the triplicates, which also validated the robustness of the simulation study. Finally, the free-energy landscape analysis confirmed the docking results and demonstrated that the ChAT-Aβ complexes were energetically stable despite the unstructured nature of C- and N-terminals in Aβ peptides. Overall, this study supports the reported in vitro findings that Aβ peptides, particularly Aβ42, act as endogenous ChAT-Potentiating-Ligand (CPL), and thereby supports the hypothesis that one of the native biological functions of Aβ peptides is the regulation of acetylcholine homeostasis.
Food Additive Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Dissolution, Interaction, Fate, Cytotoxicity, and Oral Toxicity
Authors: Youn Su-Min , Choi Soo-Jin
Published: May 2022

Food additive zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used as a Zn supplement in the food and agriculture industries. However, ZnO NPs are directly added to complex food-matrices and orally taken through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where diverse matrices are present. Hence, the dissolution properties, interactions with bio- or food-matrices, and the ionic/particle fates of ZnO NPs in foods and under physiological conditions can be critical factors to understand and predict the biological responses and oral toxicity of ZnO NPs. In this review, the solubility of ZnO NPs associated with their fate in foods and the GI fluids, the qualitative and quantitative determination on the interactions between ZnO NPs and bio- or food-matrices, the approaches for the fate determination of ZnO NPs, and the interaction effects on the cytotoxicity and oral toxicity of ZnO NPs are discussed. This information will be useful for a wide range of ZnO applications in the food industry at safe levels.
The Potential of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in Targeting Autophagy for Cancer Treatment: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ferrari Elena , Bettuzzi Saverio , Naponelli Valeria
Published: May 2022

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process for the degradation of redundant or damaged cellular material by means of a lysosome-dependent mechanism, contributing to cell homeostasis and survival. Autophagy plays a multifaceted and context-dependent role in cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression; it has a tumor suppressive role in the absence of disease and is upregulated in cancer cells to meet their elevated metabolic demands. Autophagy represents a promising but challenging target in cancer treatment. Green tea is a widely used beverage with healthy effects on several diseases, including cancer. The bioactive compounds of green tea are mainly catechins, and epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active among them. In this review, evidence of autophagy modulation and anti-cancer effects induced by EGCG treatment in experimental cancer models is presented. Reviewed articles reveal that EGCG promotes cytotoxic autophagy often through the inactivation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, resulting in apoptosis induction. EGCG pro-oxidant activity has been postulated to be responsible for its anti-cancer effects. In combination therapy with a chemotherapy drug, EGCG inhibits cell growth and the drug-induced pro-survival autophagy. The selected studies rightly claim EGCG as a valuable agent in cancer chemoprevention.
De Novo Development of Mitochondria-Targeted Molecular Probes Targeting Pink1
Authors: Ben-Uliel Shulamit Fluss , Zoabi Faten Habrat , Slavin Moriya , Sibony-Benyamini Hadas , Kalisman Nir , Qvit Nir
Published: May 2022

Mitochondria play central roles in maintaining cellular metabolic homeostasis, cell survival and cell death, and generate most of the cell’s energy. Mitochondria maintain their homeostasis by dynamic (fission and fusion) and quality control mechanisms, including mitophagy, the removal of damaged mitochondria that is mediated mainly by the Pink1/Parkin pathway. Pink1 is a serine/threonine kinase which regulates mitochondrial function, hitherto many molecular mechanisms underlying Pink1 activity in mitochondrial homeostasis and cell fate remain unknown. Peptides are vital biological mediators that demonstrate remarkable potency, selectivity, and low toxicity, yet they have two major limitations, low oral bioavailability and poor stability. Herein, we rationally designed a linear peptide that targets Pink1 and, using straightforward chemistry, we developed molecular probes with drug-like properties to further characterize Pink1. Initially, we conjugated a cell-penetrating peptide and a cross-linker to map Pink1’s 3D structure and its interaction sites. Next, we conjugated a fluorescent dye for cell-imaging. Finally, we developed cyclic peptides with improved stability and binding affinity. Overall, we present a facile approach to converting a non-permeable linear peptide into a research tool possessing important properties for therapeutics. This is a general approach using straightforward chemistry that can be tailored for various applications by numerous laboratories.
Promoter Methylation Changes in KRT17: A Novel Epigenetic Marker for Wool Production in Angora Rabbit
Authors: Chen Yang , Bao Zhiyuan , Liu Ming , Li Jiali , Dai Yingying , Wang Fan , Zhang Xiyu , Zhai Pin , Zhao Bohao , Wu Xinsheng
Published: May 2022

Wool production is an important economic trait of Angora rabbits. Exploring molecular markers related to wool production is one of the essentials of Angora rabbits’ breeding. KRT17 (Keratin 17) is an important gene of hair follicle development, which must be explored for genetic/epigenetic variation to assess its effect on wool production. Based on the effective wool production data of 217 Angora rabbits, the high and low yield groups were screened with 1.5 standard deviations of the population mean. The full-length sequence of KRT17 was obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends technology, and the polymorphism was analyzed in the promoter, exon, and intron regions by direct sequencing. KRT17, SP1 over-expression plasmids, and siRNA were constructed and transfected into dermal papilla cells. The mRNA expressions of relevant genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR. The methylation level of the KRT17 promoter was determined by Bisulfite Sequencing PCR. Dual-luciferase system, site-directed mutagenesis, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to analyze the binding relationship between SP1 and the promoter of KRT17. The structure map of KRT17 was drawn, and no SNPs were found in the promoter, exon, and intron, indicating a relatively conserved structure of KRT17. Expression of KRT17 was significantly higher in cutaneous tissues than in other tissues and was significantly upregulated in the high-yield group compared to the low-yield group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the overall high methylation levels of KRT17 CpG I and CpG III showed significant association with low wool yield; the methylation levels of 5 CpG locus (CpG I site 4 and CpG III site 2–5) were significantly different between the high and low yield groups (p < 0.05). The methylation levels of 3 CpG locus (CpG I site 4 and CpG III site 4, 14) showed a significant correlation with KRT17 expression (p < 0.05). Overall, CpG III site 4 significantly affects wool production and KRT17 expressions (p < 0.05). This site promotes SP1 binding to the KRT17 promoter region (CGCTACGCCC) to positively regulate the KRT17 expression. KRT17 CpG III site 4 can be used as candidate epigenetic markers for the breeding of high wool-producing Angora rabbits.
The Role of Antibodies in the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection, and Evaluating Their Contribution to Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of Infection
Authors: Farouq Mohammed A. H. , Acevedo Reinaldo , Ferro Valerie A. , Mulheran Paul A. , Al Qaraghuli Mohammed M.
Published: May 2022

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response, in fighting off pathogens as well as helping create strong immunological memory. Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) occurs when non-neutralising antibodies recognise and bind to a pathogen, but are unable to prevent infection, and is widely known and is reported as occurring in infection caused by several viruses. This narrative review explores the ADE phenomenon, its occurrence in viral infections and evaluates its role in infection by SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of yet, there is no clear evidence of ADE in SARS-CoV-2, though this area is still subject to further study.
Neuroimaging Modalities in Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis and Clinical Features
Authors: Kim JunHyun , Jeong Minhong , Stiles Wesley R. , Choi Hak Soo
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease causing progressive cognitive decline until eventual death. AD affects millions of individuals worldwide in the absence of effective treatment options, and its clinical causes are still uncertain. The onset of dementia symptoms indicates severe neurodegeneration has already taken place. Therefore, AD diagnosis at an early stage is essential as it results in more effective therapy to slow its progression. The current clinical diagnosis of AD relies on mental examinations and brain imaging to determine whether patients meet diagnostic criteria, and biomedical research focuses on finding associated biomarkers by using neuroimaging techniques. Multiple clinical brain imaging modalities emerged as potential techniques to study AD, showing a range of capacity in their preciseness to identify the disease. This review presents the advantages and limitations of brain imaging modalities for AD diagnosis and discusses their clinical value.
Immunogenicity of MultiTEP-Platform-Based Recombinant Protein Vaccine, PV-1950R, Targeting Three B-Cell Antigenic Determinants of Pathological α-Synuclein
Authors: Zagorski Karen , Chailyan Gor , Hovakimyan Armine , Antonyan Tatevik , Kiani Shabestari Sepideh , Petrushina Irina , Davtyan Hayk , Cribbs David H. , Blurton-Jones Mathew , Masliah Eliezer , Agadjanyan Michael G. , Ghochikyan Anahit
Published: May 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are characterized by the aberrant accumulation of intracytoplasmic misfolded and aggregated α-synuclein (α-Syn), resulting in neurodegeneration associated with inflammation. The propagation of α-Syn aggregates from cell to cell is implicated in the spreading of pathological α-Syn in the brain and disease progression. We and others demonstrated that antibodies generated after active and passive vaccinations could inhibit the propagation of pathological α-Syn in the extracellular space and prevent/inhibit disease/s in the relevant animal models. We recently tested the immunogenicity and efficacy of four DNA vaccines on the basis of the universal MultiTEP platform technology in the DLB/PD mouse model. The antibodies generated by these vaccines efficiently reduced/inhibited the accumulation of pathological α-Syn in the different brain regions and improved the motor deficit of immunized female mice. The most immunogenic and preclinically effective vaccine, PV-1950D, targeting three B-cell epitopes of pathological α-Syn simultaneously, has been selected for future IND-enabling studies. However, to ensure therapeutically potent concentrations of α-Syn antibodies in the periphery of the vaccinated elderly, we developed a recombinant protein-based MultiTEP vaccine, PV-1950R/A, and tested its immunogenicity in young and aged D-line mice. Antibody responses induced by immunizations with the PV-1950R/A vaccine and its homologous DNA counterpart, PV-1950D, in a mouse model of PD/DLB have been compared.