bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of Chilling Stress by Ozone Pretreatment and Acclimation of Sweet Pepper Grown under Unheated Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Sharaf-Eldin Mohamed A. , Etman Abdelwahab A. , Yassin Ali Mahmoud , Elsayed Salah , Scholz Miklas , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: December 2022

Ozone is an important air pollutant that causes many challenges for human health, such as lung diseases. The negative impacts of exogenous ozone on cultivated plants have been discussed in several publications, but the positive impacts are less investigated. The current study is an attempt to answer the following question: is there any positive contribution of ozone pretreatment in growing plants under stress? Plants grown in unheated plastic greenhouses suffer from cold stress during the winter when the temperature drops to 5–10 °C. This stress can also be enhanced under saline soil conditions in arid regions. Treatments involving different ozone application methods (seed priming and seedling foliar application) and cold pretreatment (4 °C for 36 h) were compared with untreated controls of two sweet pepper hybrids (Zidenka and Lirica) in an unheated plastic greenhouse. In general, the Lirica hybrid outperformed the Zidenka hybrid in growth and fruit yield and showed good adaptation to cold stress resulting from ozone treatment through foliar application on seedlings. Moreover, cold treatment was associated with higher values of the studied parameters compared to the control (untreated). A concentration of 20 ppm of ozone in the first season and as 30 ppm of ozone in the second season increased plant leaf area, proline content, and APX activity, all of which improved the plant’s defense mechanisms against cold stress. These benefits contributed to high fruit sets; early, total, and marketable fruit yields; and fruit quality under cold stress. The highest yield (16.52 kg m−2) was attained with 30 ppm ozone applied as a seedling spray, compared with 10.07 kg m−2 in the control. Therefore, the foliar application of ozone up to 30 ppm can be recommended for sweet pepper hybrids of Lirica under unheated plastic greenhouse conditions. Further investigations are needed to study the interaction of combined ozone and cold stress, as well as various levels of soil salinity.
Liquid Leachate Produced from Vermicompost Effects on Some Agronomic Attributes and Secondary Metabolites of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Exposed to Severe Water Stress Conditions
Authors: Kosem Hatice , Kocak Mehmet Zeki , Kaysim Mustafa Guven , Celikcan Ferdi , Kulak Muhittin
Published: December 2022

Water stress is one of the most critical threats to the growth and productivity of plants and is one of the most studied topics in agricultural sciences. In order to enhance the tolerance of plants to water stress conditions, synthetic fertilizers have been widely used in the field. However, due to their toxic effects, recent reports have focused on organic options. In this study, the effects of liquid vermicompost applications (25, 50, 75, and 100%) on the agronomic attributes, phenolic compounds, and essential oil compounds of basil plants exposed to drought stress conditions were investigated. Accordingly, water stress critically reduced the factors of plant height, plant fresh weight, root fresh weight, leaf length, and leaf diameter. On the other hand, vermicompost applications significantly affected all of the parameters considered, except the leaf length of well-watered basil plants. However, a two-way ANOVA analysis revealed that the interactions of water stress and vermicompost were significant on root length and root fresh weight. Regarding the essential oil compounds, the contents of humulene, anethol, eucalyptol, estragole, bisabolene, germacrene, and caryophyllene were quantified. Estragole was determined as a major component by 85–90%. The results revealed that the highest estragole content was determined in the 25% vermicompost + water stress, water stress, and control groups. Of the major phenolic compounds, caffeic acid decreased as a result of water stress conditions but increased with vermicompost treatments. The rosmarinic acid content increased during water stress conditions, attaining the highest content at 25% via the vermicompost and water stress interaction. In general, the 25% and 50% vermicompost applications increased the content of phenolic compounds in plants under either well-watered or stress conditions.
Hazelnut-Associated Bacteria and Their Implications in Crop Management
Authors: Nicoletti Rosario , Petriccione Milena , Curci Martina , Scortichini Marco
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the cultivation of hazelnut (Corylus avellana) has expanded in several areas of Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America following the increased demand for raw materials by the food industry. Bacterial diseases caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina and Pseudomonas avellanae are threats of major concern for hazelnut farmers. These pathogens have been controlled with copper-based products, which are currently being phased out in the European Union. Following the need for alternative practices to manage these diseases, some progress has been recently achieved through the exploitation of the plant’s systemic acquired resistance mechanisms, nanoparticle technology, as well as preventive measures based on hot water treatment of the propagation material. However, bacteria are not only agents of the biotic adversities of hazelnut. In fact, the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria at the seedling level could enhance better performance of the tree. Likewise, endophytic and epiphytic microorganisms are considered to play a notable role in plant nutrition and protection, and their effects on hazelnut fitness deserve to be further investigated. Finally, bacterial associations may also be relevant in the post-harvest phase, particularly with reference to the processes of lipid oxidation and fat degradation suffered by the kernels after grinding.
Formation of Predictive-Based Models for Monitoring the Microbiological Quality of Beef Meat Processed for Fast-Food Restaurants
Authors: Šovljanski Olja , Pezo Lato , Tomić Ana , Ranitović Aleksandra , Cvetković Dragoljub , Markov Siniša
Published: December 2022

Consumption of raw or undercooked meat is responsible for 2.3 million foodborne illnesses yearly in Europe alone. The greater part of this illness is associated with beef meat, which is used in many traditional dishes across the world. Beneath the low microbiological quality of beef lies (pathogenic) bacterial contamination during primary production as well as inadequate hygiene operations along the farm-to-fork chain. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the microbiological quality pathway of minced beef processed for fast-food restaurants over three years using an artificial neural network (ANN) system. This simultaneous approach provided adequate precision for the prediction of a microbiological profile of minced beef meat as one of the easily spoiled products with a short shelf life. For the first time, an ANN model was developed to predict the microbiological profile of beef minced meat in fast-food restaurants according to meat and storage temperatures, butcher identification, and working shift. Predictive challenges were identified and included standardized microbiological analyses that are recommended for freshly processed meat. The obtained predictive models (an overall r2 of 0.867 during the training cycle) can serve as a source of data and help for the scientific community and food safety authorities to identify specific monitoring and research needs.
Childhood Obesity and Incorrect Body Posture: Impact on Physical Activity and the Therapeutic Role of Exercise
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Marin Luca , Vandoni Matteo , Rossi Virginia , Pirazzi Agnese , Grazi Roberta , Patané Pamela , Silvestro Giustino , Carnevale Pellino Vittoria , Albanese Ilaria , Fabiano Valentina , Febbi Massimiliano , Silvestri Dario , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo
Published: December 2022

Obesity is associated with various dysfunctions of the organism, including musculoskeletal problems. In this narrative review, we aim to consider postural problems in children and adolescents with obesity, focusing on the relationship with its negative impact on physical activity, and to discuss the role of exercise as a therapeutic approach. The body reacts to excess weight by changing its normal balance, and the somatosensory system of children with obesity is forced to make major adjustments to compensate for postural problems. These adaptations become more difficult and tiring if activities that require continuous postural changes and multi-tasking are engaged in. Children with obesity have less body control and functional ability due to the excess fat mass, which reduces their ability to perform motor skills and take part in physical activity. Appropriate early interventions for the management of musculoskeletal problems are needed to ensure healthy growth and to prevent comorbidities in childhood and adulthood. Prevention programs must be based not only on the reduction of body weight but also on the definition of correct postural habits from an early age. It is equally important to provide correct information on the types and doses of physical activity that can help prevent these problems.
Digital Forms of Commensality in the 21st Century: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pereira-Castro Maína Ribeiro , Pinto Adriano Gomes , Caixeta Tamila Raposo , Monteiro Renata Alves , Bermúdez Ximena Pamela Díaz , Mendonça Ana Valéria Machado
Published: December 2022

The social act of eating together has been influenced and mediated by technologies in recent decades. This phenomenon has been investigated in different academic fields, but the topic is still in an incipient dimension, and there is a lack of consensus regarding terminology and definitions. The study aimed to characterize the main scientific findings regarding digital forms of commensality in the 21st century and to identify possible relationships between these practices and public health. A scoping review was conducted to identify papers published in different languages between 2001 and 2021. A total of 104 publications that combined commensality and technology in all contexts were included. Most studies were qualitative; from the Design and Technology field; used social media and video platforms or prototypes/augmented reality gadgets; and used different terms to refer to digital forms of commensality, allowing the analysis of the construction of field definitions over time. The intersections with health were observed from impacts on family/community engagement, culinary skills development, and mental health and eating habits. These practices also structured specific social interactions, such as virtual food communities and commensality, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper indicates the consistent growth of these practices and recommends the development of future research for theoretically and longitudinally deeper evaluations of the impacts of these new ways of eating together, especially regarding their effects on human health.
Conceptual Framework for Smart Health: A Multi-Dimensional Model Using IPO Logic to Link Drivers and Outcomes
Authors: Deng Jianwei , Huang Sibo , Wang Liuan , Deng Wenhao , Yang Tianan
Published: December 2022

Smart health is considered to be a new phase in the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in healthcare that can improve its efficiency and sustainability. However, based on our literature review on the concept of smart health, there is a lack of a comprehensive perspective on the concept of smart health and a framework for how to link the drivers and outcomes of smart health. This paper aims to interweave the drivers and outcomes in a multi-dimensional framework under the input–process–output (IPO) logic of the “system view” so as to promote a deeper understanding of the model of smart health. In addition to the collection of studies, we used the modified Delphi method (MDM) to invite 10 experts from different fields, and the views of the panelists were analyzed and integrated through a three-round iterative process to reach a consensus on the elements included in the conceptual framework. The study revealed that smart health contains five drivers (community, technology, policy, service, and management) and eight outcomes (efficient, smart, sustainable, planned, trustworthy, safe, equitable, health-beneficial, and economic). They all represent a unique aspect of smart health. This paper expands the research horizon of smart health, shifting from a single technology to multiple perspectives, such as community and management, to guide the development of policies and plans in order to promote smart health.
Well-Being amongst College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a Developing Country
Authors: Martinez Lina , Valenzuela Lina Sofia , Soto Victoria Eugenia
Published: December 2022

College students face unique challenges that the consequences of COVID-19 might aggravate. To explore the pandemic’s consequences on college students’ well-being, we conducted an online survey with 634 students from a private university in Cali, Colombia. The study sought to assess students’ well-being due to COVID-19, and to explore the mediating effects of optimism, gratitude, and emotional closeness on college students’ well-being. Results showed that COVID-19 affected students’ mental health and well-being. Being optimistic and grateful mediated with life satisfaction and happiness. Optimism, emotional closeness, and gratitude also mediated the negative effect of fear of infection and the pandemic’s impact on students’ academic performance. The results of this analysis will promote discussion of the implementation of coping strategies to help students thrive, promote resilience, and contribute to students’ well-being and better mental health.
16 Weeks of Physically Active Mathematics and English Language Lessons Improves Cognitive Function and Gross Motor Skills in Children Aged 8–9 Years
Authors: Boat Ruth , Cooper Simon B. , Carlevaro Fabio , Magno Francesca , Bardaglio Giulia , Musella Giovanni , Magistro Daniele
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of physically active lessons, implemented through the Mathematics and English Language curriculum, on cognitive function and gross motor skill development. Following ethical approval, 192 children aged 8–9 years were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 98) or a control group (n = 94). The intervention consisted of 8 h.wk−1 of physically active lessons, equally split between Mathematics and English Language, for 16 weeks. Cognitive function (digit span, coding and arithmetic reasoning) and gross motor skill development (TGMD-3) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. The improvement in every domain of cognitive function was greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (group * time, p = 0.008–0.023, d = 0.34–0.42). Furthermore, total TGMD-3 score (group * time, p < 0.001, d = 1.16) and both sub-scales (locomotor, p < 0.001, d = 0.63; object control, p < 0.001, d = 1.29) also improved by a greater extent in the intervention group than in the control group. These findings suggest that 16 weeks of physically active lessons, taught in both Mathematics and English Language curriculum, synergistically improved cognitive function and gross motor skill development in primary school children aged 8–9 years.
Patterns and Determinants of Multimorbidity in Older Adults: Study in Health-Ecological Perspective
Authors: Chen Yiming , Shi Lei , Zheng Xiao , Yang Juan , Xue Yaqing , Xiao Shujuan , Xue Benli , Zhang Jiachi , Li Xinru , Lin Huang , Ma Chao , Zhang Chichen
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Multimorbidity has become one of the key issues in the public health sector. This study aims to explore the patterns and health-ecological factors of multimorbidity in China to propose policy recommendations for the management of chronic diseases in the elderly. (2) Methods: A multi-stage random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 3637 older adults aged 60 and older in Shanxi, China. Association rule mining analysis (ARM) and network analysis were applied to analyze the patterns of multimorbidity. The health-ecological model was adopted to explore the potential associated factors of multimorbidity in a multidimensional perspective. A hierarchical multiple logistic model was employed to investigate the association strengths reflected by adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence. (3) Results: Multimorbidity occurred in 20.95% of the respondents. The graph of network analysis showed that there were 6 combinations of chronic diseases with strong association strengths and 14 with moderate association strengths. The results of the ARM were similar to the network analysis; six dyadic chronic disease combinations and six triadic ones were obtained. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression indicated that innate personal traits (age, history of genetics, and body mass index), behavioral lifestyle (physical activity levels and medication adherence), interpersonal network (marital status), and socioeconomic status (educational level) were the common predictors of multimorbidity for older adults, among which, having no family history was found to be a relative determinant as a protective factor for multimorbidity after controlling the other covariates. (4) Conclusions: multimorbidity was prevalent in older adults and most disease combinations are associated with hypertension, followed by diabetes. This shows that diabetes and hypertension have a high prevalence among older adults and have a wide range of associations with other chronic diseases. Exploring the patterns and associated factors of multimorbidity will help the country prevent complications and avoid the unnecessary use of the health service, adopting an integrated approach to managing multimorbidity rather than an individual disease-specific approach and implementing different strategies according to the location of residence.
Green Trust as a Mediator in the Relationship between Green Advertising Skepticism, Environmental Knowledge, and Intention to Buy Green Food
Authors: de Sio Sara , Zamagni Alessandra , Casu Giulia , Gremigni Paola
Published: December 2022

Changing individual habits towards greener choices is an essential ingredient in tackling the environmental crisis. Engaging in green behavior may improve psychological wellbeing. Although the intention to buy green products is widespread, the eco-friendly market is struggling to leave the ground. Greenwashing can increase skepticism towards green advertising, which in turn can hinder the intention to buy green products. Conversely, a better knowledge of environmental issues can promote a positive attitude towards environment and thus the intention to purchase green products. This study aimed to investigate if trust in green claims can mediate the relationships of green advertising skepticism and environmental knowledge with the intention to buy green food. An online survey was administered to 410 Italian consumers (63% female; 18–78 years). Our mediation model explained 23% of the variability in intention. Trust fully mediated the relationship between green advertising skepticism and intention to buy green food, while it partially mediated the relationship between perceived environmental knowledge and intention. Specifically, GAS was associated with lower INT through lower TR, whereas PEK was linked to higher INT though higher TR. The findings of this study can provide green market operators and policy makers with valuable information to encourage green food purchases.
Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Muscle Oxygenation during Vascular Occlusion Testing in Trained Healthy Adult Males
Authors: Yáñez-Sepúlveda Rodrigo , Verdugo-Marchese Humberto , Duclos-Bastías Daniel , Tuesta Marcelo , Alvear-Ordenes Ildefonso
Published: December 2022

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may have an additional effect on cardiovascular autonomic modulation, which could improve the metabolism and vascular function of the muscles. Aim: To determine the effects of IMT on vascular and metabolic muscle changes and their relationship to changes in physical performance. Methods: Physically active men were randomly placed into an experimental (IMTG; n = 8) or IMT placebo group (IMTPG; n = 6). For IMT, resistance load was set at 50% and 15% of the maximum dynamic inspiratory strength (S-Index), respectively. Only the IMTG’s weekly load was increased by 5%. In addition, both groups carried out the same concurrent training. Besides the S-Index, a 1.5-mile running test, spirometry, and deoxyhemoglobin (HHbAUC during occlusion) and reperfusion tissue saturation index (TSIMB and TSIMP: time from minimum to baseline and to peak, respectively) in a vascular occlusion test were measured before and after the 4-week training program. In addition, resting heart rate and blood pressure were registered. Results: IMTG improved compared to IMTPG in the S-Index (Δ = 28.23 ± 26.6 cmH2O), maximal inspiratory flow (MIF: Δ = 0.91 ± 0.6 L/s), maximum oxygen uptake (Δ = 4.48 ± 1.1 mL/kg/min), 1.5-mile run time (Δ = −0.81 ± 0.2 s), TSIMB (Δ = −3.38 ± 3.1 s) and TSIMP (Δ = −5.88 ± 3.7 s) with p < 0.05. ΔVO2max correlated with S-Index (r = 0.619) and MIF (r = 0.583) with p < 0.05. Both ΔTSIMB and TSIMP correlated with ΔHHbAUC (r = 0.516 and 0.596, respectively) and with Δ1.5-mile run time (r = 0.669 and 0.686, respectively) with p < 0.05. Conclusion: IMT improves vascular function, which is related to additional improvements in physical performance.
In Situ Remediation Technology for Heavy Metal Contaminated Sediment: A Review
Authors: Xu Qinqin , Wu Boran , Chai Xiaoli
Published: December 2022

Sediment is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, which involves material storage and energy exchange. However, heavy metal pollution in sediment is on the increase, becoming an important concern for the world. In this paper, the state-of-art in situ remediation technology for contaminated sediment was elaborated, including water diversion, capping, electrokinetic remediation, chemical amendments, bioremediation and combined remediation. The mechanisms for these techniques to reduce/immobilize heavy metals include physical, electrical, chemical and biological processes. Furthermore, application principle, efficiency and scope, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the latest research progress for each restoration technology, are systematically reviewed. This information will benefit in selecting appropriate and effective remediation techniques for heavy metal-contaminated sediment in specific scenarios.
Association between Perceived Health-Related Quality of Life and Depression with Frailty in the FRASNET Study
Authors: Delli Zotti Giulia B. , Citterio Lorena , Farinone Sara , Concas Maria Pina , Brioni Elena , Zagato Laura , Messaggio Elisabetta , Faienza Sipontina , Simonini Marco , Napoli Alessandra , Di Mattei Valentina , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Sarno Lucio , Clementi Emilio , Manfredi Angelo A. , Lanzani Chiara , Manunta Paolo
Published: December 2022

Frailty is a major challenge facing the aging world. The phenotype of the frail subject is still far from being satisfactorily defined. We report data on mood, cognition, and quality of life (QoL) in relation to anamnestic factors, health, and socio-economic status in the FRASNET geriatric population (1204 subjects in stable health conditions), which is an observational cohort study that includes fairly balanced groups of Italian frail (421, 35%), pre-frail (449, 37.3%) and robust (334, 27.7%) subjects. A conditional inference tree analysis revealed a substantial influence of psychological variables on frailty. The physical indicator of QoL (Short Form Survey-36-Physical Component Summary, SF-36-PCS) was the predominant variable in the full model (threshold at 39.9, p < 0.001): higher frailty was found in subjects with a caregiver and lower SF-36-PCS. Frailty was also associated with the mental indicator of QoL (Short Form Survey-36-Mental Component Summary, SF-36-MCS), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-15), leisure activities, and level of education. In support of the prominent role of inflammation in aging and mental illness, the SF-36-PCS score was correlated with the blood concentration of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) (r Pearson −0.355, p = 0.015), a critical signal in cell senescence and inflammaging, while the rs7567647 variant in FN1 gene encoding a glycoprotein in the extracellular matrix was significantly associated with frailty in a multivariable model (p = 0.0006). The perception of health-related QoL and subclinical depression contribute to frailty. Their assessment could improve the identification of older patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes.
OdorTAM: Technology Acceptance Model for Biometric Authentication System Using Human Body Odor
Authors: Naaz Sameena , Khan Sarah Ali , Siddiqui Farheen , Sohail Shahab Saquib , Madsen Dag Øivind , Ahmad Asad
Published: December 2022

Body odor is a biometric feature unique to each individual, and it can be used for authentication. However, decision makers must learn about the users’ level of acceptance of this technology, as well as their thoughts on the system’s features and procedures. In this study, a technology acceptance model (TAM) for body-odor-based biometric techniques named OdorTAM was proposed and validated. An English language questionnaire was developed in a web-based, easy-to-read format on Google Forms. The survey consisted of 19 questions, and 150 responses were received. Statistical analysis of the responses was carried out, and it was found that all the hypotheses were supported. Therefore, the OdorTAM model appears to be satisfactory. To this end, we posit that a body-odor-based biometric technique can be one of the alternatives for authentication, and it can also be used along with some other techniques for improved security. The study contributes to the literature on consumers’ understanding of biometric technologies, in particular odor detection, which has received relatively less attention in extant research.
Exercise Dependence in Practitioners of Martial Arts and Combat Sports
Authors: Kostorz Karolina , Cynarski Wojciech J. , Polechoński Jacek
Published: December 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse prevalence exercise dependence among practicing martial arts and combat sports. Methods: There were 166 respondents. The Exercise Dependence Scale—EDS was used. Results: The martial arts practitioners obtained a lower result in the ‘intention effects’ (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.03), ‘continuance’ (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03), ‘lack of control’ (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.03), ‘reduction in other activities’ (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03), and ‘total score’ (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03) than the combat sports athletes. Both the respondents with a high training rank (p < 0.05) and subjects with above 5 years of training experience (p = 0.03; η2 = 0.03) achieved the higher mean in the ‘time’ subscale. Women obtained lower results in the case of ‘tolerance’ (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.04). The regression coefficient indicates that the higher respondent’s age, the lower total score she/he will achieve in the EDS. Conclusions: The findings have practical implications for identifying subjects ‘at-risk for exercise dependence’ symptoms, and may aid coaches and individuals in the implementation of a prevention program, to seek suitable support.
Life Satisfaction of Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland
Authors: Stefanowicz-Bielska Anna , Słomion Magdalena , Rąpała Małgorzata
Published: December 2022

Background: Health care practitioners are at highest risk of COVID-19 disease. They experience an enormous overload of work and time pressures. The objective of the study was to assess nurses’ life satisfaction. Method: The study included professionally active nurses. The research method was an author’s questionnaire and a standardized questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The study group included 361 working nurses. The mean raw score and the sten score of the nurses’ responses to the statements on the SWLS questionnaire were 21.0 (SD ± 5.6, range = 5–35) and 5.73 (SD ± 1.94, range = 1–10), respectively. It was shown that lower life satisfaction was experienced by nurses aged 51 to 60 (raw score: p = 0.003, sten score: p = 0.005), as well as nurses with secondary and undergraduate nursing education (raw score: p = 0.061, sten score: p = 0.043). Nurses who had a higher self-evaluation of the level of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced greater life satisfaction (raw score: p = 0.008, sten score: p = 0.022). Conclusions: The majority of Polish nurses surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic had a low or medium level of life satisfaction. The low response rate to the survey was most likely due to work overloads during the pandemic. Working in a public service profession, a nurse is exposed to stressful conditions related to protecting human health. Constant difficult and stressful situations and total fatigue experienced by nursing professionals can be the cause of a lack of motivation, occupational burnout, listlessness and mental and physical disease. Further research is necessary to assess the factors positively influencing the level of life satisfaction.
The Nutrition Transition and the Double Burden of Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan African Countries: How Do These Countries Compare with the Recommended LANCET COMMISSION Global Diet?
Authors: Nel Johanna H. , Steyn Nelia P.
Published: December 2022

Background: Over the last two decades, many sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries have undergone dietary and nutrition transitions fuelled by rapid urbanisation, economic development, and globalisation. The aim of the current study was to examine outcomes of the nutrition transition and the epidemiologic transition in SSA countries in terms of food intake, health, and socioeconomic and development factors. Methods: Food balance sheet data—specifically, per capita energy intake per day and per capita gram intake per day—from the CountrySTAT framework of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) were analysed for major food commodities. Additionally, selected health and development indicators supplied by UNICEF, the WHO and the World Bank were analysed. Results: Four dietary patterns emerged. The diet of the southern African/island cluster (South Africa, Mauritius, Eswatini, Namibia, Cabo Verde, and the outlier Seychelles) resembles a Westernised diet, with median values high on sugar/sweeteners, alcohol, meat, animal fats, eggs, and dairy. On the other hand, the diet of countries in the other three clusters appears to be more traditional, with countries in the desert/semi-arid cluster consuming more cereals and pulses/tree nuts, countries in the tropical coastal cluster consuming more fish and vegetable oils, and countries in the equatorial cluster consuming more starchy roots and fruit and vegetables. The resulting median values of health indicators also indicate a higher prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the southern African/island cluster, whereas stunting and anaemia are higher in the other three clusters. Conclusions: SSA countries are in different stages of the nutrition transition. By superimposing clusters generated using macronutrient intake values on a map of the climatic regions in Africa, one can clearly see the importance of climate on the availability of food and food intake patterns. Climate change presents a great challenge to healthy eating, as the link between climate regions and diets is illustrated.
Immunopathological Inflammation in the Evolution of Mucositis and Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Labis Varvara , Bazikyan Ernest , Sizova Svetlana , Oleinikov Vladimir , Trulioff Andrey , Serebriakova Maria , Kudryavtsev Igor , Zhigalina Olga , Khmelenin Dmitry , Dyachkova Irina , Zolotov Denis , Asadchikov Victor , Volkov Alexey , Khaidukov Sergey , Kozlov Ivan
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to provide an immuno-mediated substantiation of the etiopathogenesis of mucositis and peri-implantitis based on the results of experimental, laboratory and clinical studies. The biopsy material was studied to identify impregnated nanoscale and microscale particles in the structure of pathological tissues by using X-ray microtomography and X-ray fluorescence analyses. Electron microscopy with energy-dispersive analysis identified the composition of supernatants containing nanoscale metal particles obtained from the surfaces of dental implants. The parameters of the nanoscale particles were determined by dynamic light scattering. Flow cytometry was used to study the effect of nanoscale particles on the ability to induce the activation and apoptosis of immunocompetent cells depending on the particles’ concentrations during cultivation with the monocytic cell line THP-1 with the addition of inductors. An analysis of the laboratory results suggested the presence of dose-dependent activation, as well as early and late apoptosis of the immunocompetent cells. Activation and early and late apoptosis of a monocytic cell line when THP-1 was co-cultured with nanoscale metal particles in supernatants were shown for the first time. When human venous blood plasma was added, both activation and early and late apoptosis had a dose-dependent effect and differed from those of the control groups.
miRNAs Participate in the Regulation of Oxidative Stress-Related Gene Expression in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Mieszczański Paweł , Januszyk Szmon , Zmarzły Nikola , Ossowski Piotr , Dziobek Konrad , Sagan Dorota , Boroń Dariusz , Opławski Marcin , Grabarek Beniamin Oskar
Published: December 2022

Reactive oxygen species are formed as by-products of normal cell metabolism. They are needed to maintain cell homeostasis and signaling, which is possible due to defense systems. Disruption of this balance leads to oxidative stress that can induce cancer. Redox regulation by miRNAs may be a potential therapeutic target. The aim of the study was to assess the activity of genes associated with oxidative stress in endometrial cancer and to determine their relationship with miRNAs. The study included 45 patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer and 45 without neoplastic changes. The expression profile of genes associated with oxidative stress was determined with mRNA microarrays, RT-qPCR and ELISA. The miRNA prediction was performed based on the miRNA microarray experiment and the mirDB tool. PRDX2 and AQP1 showed overexpression that was probably not related to miRNA activity. A high level of PKD2 may be the result of a decrease in the activity of miR-195-3p, miR-20a, miR-134. A SOD3 level reduction can be caused by miR-328, miR-363. In addition, miR-363 can also regulate KLF2 expression. In the course of endometrial cancer, the phenomenon of oxidative stress is observed, the regulation of which may be influenced by miRNAs.
Yeast Models and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases 2.0
Authors: Kaminska Joanna , Zoladek Teresa
Published: December 2022

One of the goals of human genetics is to discover the variants that contribute to human diseases [...]
Methods for the Assessment of NET Formation: From Neutrophil Biology to Translational Research
Authors: Stoimenou Marina , Tzoros Georgios , Skendros Panagiotis , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi
Published: December 2022

Several studies have indicated that a neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, apart from its role in host defense, can contribute to or drive pathogenesis in a wide range of inflammatory and thrombotic disorders. Therefore, NETs may serve as a therapeutic target or/and a diagnostic tool. Here, we compare the most commonly used techniques for the assessment of NET formation. Furthermore, we review recent data from the literature on the application of basic laboratory tools for detecting NET release and discuss the challenges and the advantages of these strategies in NET evaluation. Taken together, we provide some important insights into the qualitative and quantitative molecular analysis of NETs in translational medicine today.
Efficacy of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Combined with Silver Ions against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Clinical Isolates
Authors: Rivera-Sánchez Sandra Patricia , Rojas-Abadía José María , Ríos-Acevedo John Jairo , Mejía-Hurtado Ana Fernanda , Espinosa-Moya Luz Natalia , Ocampo-Ibáñez Iván Darío
Published: December 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious public health problem that results in high morbidity and mortality rates. In particular, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains circulating in hospital settings pose a major threat as they are associated with serious nosocomial infections. Therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection procedures, usually using chemical disinfectants, must be implemented in these facilities. Hydrogen peroxide (HP)-based disinfectants have proven high microbicidal activity and several comparative advantages over conventional disinfectants. We assessed the in vitro biocidal activity of an 8% HP solution combined with 30 mg/L silver ions (HP + Ag) against MDR clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKp) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPa), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Accordingly, the in vitro antibacterial activity was determined using the macrodilution method, and the efficacy was determined for 30 min in terms of (1) activity on bacteria in suspension and (2) activity on surfaces using vaporized HP + Ag on a 20 cm2 stainless steel surface. A strong bactericidal effect of HP + Ag was observed against MDRKp, MDRPa, and MRSA strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations between 362.5 and 5800 mg/L. A strong effect was observed during the 30 min of HP + Ag exposure to the resistant clinical isolates, with over 4-Log10 reduction in CFUs. Regarding the efficacy of the disinfectant on surfaces, bacterial load reductions of >99% were observed. These results suggest that HP + Ag is potentially useful as an effective disinfectant for decontaminating surfaces in hospital settings suspected of contamination with MDR bacteria.
Three Different Interaction Patterns between MCM-41 and Proteins
Authors: Xie Yuke , Zhong Ziqiao , Wang Wenhao , Huang Ying , Wu Chuanbin , Pan Xin , Huang Zhengwei
Published: December 2022

As one of the most studied mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) in drug delivery systems, Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) possesses unique properties including perfect channel architecture, excellent load capacity, and good biocompatibility. However, the applications of MCM-41 nanoparticles in drug delivery have not yet been industrialized, due to the interaction between MCM-41 and biomolecules (especially proteins) that affect their in vivo behaviors after dosing. To investigate the interactions between MCM-41 and proteins, this study selected bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme (Lyso), and bovine hemoglobin (BHb) as model proteins and characterized the ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectra and the protein adsorption of MCM-41-protein complex. The UV-Vis spectra exhibited the different absorption increment degrees of three proteins. The fluorescence spectra showed that the fluorescence intensity of proteins changed by different trends. The CD spectra indicated that the secondary structure changes were ranked as BSA > Lyso > BHb, which is consistent with the protein’s adsorption capability on MCM-41. It was shown that there were three different patterns of MCM-41-proteins interactions. The hydrophilic and low-charged BSA followed the strong interaction pattern, the hydrophilic but heavily charged Lyso followed the moderate interaction pattern, and the hydrophobic BHb followed the weak interaction pattern. Different interaction patterns would lead to different effects on the structural properties of proteins, the surface chemistry of MCM-41, and the absorption capability of proteins on MCM-41. We believe our study will provide a better insight into the application of MCM-41 nanoparticles in drug delivery systems.
L-RAPiT: A Cloud-Based Computing Pipeline for the Analysis of Long-Read RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Nelson Theodore M. , Ghosh Sankar , Postler Thomas S.
Published: December 2022

Long-read sequencing (LRS) has been adopted to meet a wide variety of research needs, ranging from the construction of novel transcriptome annotations to the rapid identification of emerging virus variants. Amongst other advantages, LRS preserves more information about RNA at the transcript level than conventional high-throughput sequencing, including far more accurate and quantitative records of splicing patterns. New studies with LRS datasets are being published at an exponential rate, generating a vast reservoir of information that can be leveraged to address a host of different research questions. However, mining such publicly available data in a tailored fashion is currently not easy, as the available software tools typically require familiarity with the command-line interface, which constitutes a significant obstacle to many researchers. Additionally, different research groups utilize different software packages to perform LRS analysis, which often prevents a direct comparison of published results across different studies. To address these challenges, we have developed the Long-Read Analysis Pipeline for Transcriptomics (L-RAPiT), a user-friendly, free pipeline requiring no dedicated computational resources or bioinformatics expertise. L-RAPiT can be implemented directly through Google Colaboratory, a system based on the open-source Jupyter notebook environment, and allows for the direct analysis of transcriptomic reads from Oxford Nanopore and PacBio LRS machines. This new pipeline enables the rapid, convenient, and standardized analysis of publicly available or newly generated LRS datasets.
Identification of New Purpuroine Analogues from the Arctic Echinodermata Pteraster militaris That Inhibit FLT3-ITD+ AML Cell Lines
Authors: Ullsten Sara , Petit Guillaume A. , Isaksson Johan , Hansen Ida K. Ø. , Schneider Yannik K.-H. , Jenssen Marte , Li Chun , Hansen Kine Ø.
Published: December 2022

Isolation of bioactive products from the marine environment is considered a very promising approach to identify new compounds that can be used for further drug development. In this work we have isolated three new compounds from the purpuroine family by mass-guided preparative HPLC; purpuroine K-M. These compounds where screened for antibacterial- and antifungal activity, antibiofilm formation and anti-cell proliferation activity. Additionally, apoptosis-, cell cycle-, kinase binding- and docking studies were performed to evaluate the mechanism-of-action. None of the compounds showed activity in antibacterial-, antibiofilm- or antifungal assays. However, one of the isolated compounds, purpuroine K, showed activity against two cell lines, MV-4-11 and MOLM-13, two AML cell lines both carrying the FTL3-ITD mutation. In MV-4-11 cells, purpuroine K was found to increase apoptosis and arrest cells cycle in G1/G0, which is a common feature of FLT3 inhibitors. Interactions between purpuroine K and the FLT3 wild type or FLT3 ITD mutant proteins could however not be elucidated in our kinase binding and docking studies. In conclusion, we have isolated three novel molecules, purpuroine K-M, one of which (purpuroine K) shows a potent activity against FLT3-ITD mutated AML cell lines, however, the molecular target(s) of purpuroine K still need to be further investigated.
Specific Post-Translational Modifications of VDAC3 in ALS-SOD1 Model Cells Identified by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pittalà Maria Gaetana Giovanna , Reina Simona , Nibali Stefano Conti , Cucina Annamaria , Cubisino Salvatore Antonio Maria , Cunsolo Vincenzo , Amodeo Giuseppe Federico , Foti Salvatore , De Pinto Vito , Saletti Rosaria , Messina Angela
Published: December 2022

Damage induced by oxidative stress is a key driver of the selective motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mitochondria are among the main producers of ROS, but they also suffer particularly from their harmful effects. Voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDACs) are the most represented proteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane where they form pores controlling the permeation of metabolites responsible for mitochondrial functions. For these reasons, VDACs contribute to mitochondrial quality control and the entire energy metabolism of the cell. In this work we assessed in an ALS cell model whether disease-related oxidative stress induces post-translational modifications (PTMs) in VDAC3, a member of the VDAC family of outer mitochondrial membrane channel proteins, known for its role in redox signaling. At this end, protein samples enriched in VDACs were prepared from mitochondria of an ALS model cell line, NSC34 expressing human SOD1G93A, and analyzed by nUHPLC/High-Resolution nESI-MS/MS. Specific over-oxidation, deamidation, succination events were found in VDAC3 from ALS-related NSC34-SOD1G93A but not in non-ALS cell lines. Additionally, we report evidence that some PTMs may affect VDAC3 functionality. In particular, deamidation of Asn215 alone alters single channel behavior in artificial membranes. Overall, our results suggest modifications of VDAC3 that can impact its protective role against ROS, which is particularly important in the ALS context. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD036728.
Vulgarin, a Sesquiterpene Lactone from Artemisia judaica, Improves the Antidiabetic Effectiveness of Glibenclamide in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats via Modulation of PEPCK and G6Pase Genes Expression
Authors: Althurwi Hassan N. , Soliman Gamal A. , Abdel-Rahman Rehab F. , Abd-Elsalam Reham M. , Ogaly Hanan A. , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Albaqami Faisal F. , Abdel-Kader Maged S.
Published: December 2022

The current investigation assessed the effect of the eudesmanolid, Vulgarin (VGN), obtained from Artemisia judaica (A. judaica), on the antidiabetic potential of glibenclamide (GLB) using streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Seven groups of rats were used in the study; the first group received the vehicle and served as normal control. The diabetic rats of the second to the fifth groups were treated with the vehicle (negative control), GLB at 5 mg/kg (positive control), VGN at 10 mg/kg (VGN-10) and VGN at 20 mg/kg (VGN-20), respectively. The diabetic rats of the sixth and seventh groups were administered combinations of GLB plus VGN-10 and GLB plus VGN-20, respectively. The diabetic rats treated with GLB plus VGN-20 combination showed marked improvement in the fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as well as the lipid profile, compared with those treated with GLB alone. Further, the pancreatic tissues of the diabetic rats that received the GLB+VGN-20 combination showed superior improvements in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant parameters than those of GLB monotherapy. The insulin content of the β-cells was restored in all treatments, while the levels of glucagon and somatostatin of the α- and δ-endocrine cells were reduced in the pancreatic islets. In addition, the concurrent administration of GLB+VGN-20 was the most effective in restoring PEPCK and G6Pase mRNA expression in the liver. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the GLB+VGN-20 combination led to greater glycemic improvement in diabetic rats compared with GLB monotherapy through its antioxidant effect and capability to modulate PEPCK and G6Pase gene expression in their livers.