bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Anthropometric Factors and Circulating Adipokines as Predictors of Birth Weight and Length
Authors: Mazurek Dominika , Bronkowska Monika
Published: July 2020

Pregnancy is a period of serial metabolic and hormonal changes in the woman’s body. Factors such as circulating adipokines affect the fetal period and may cause long-term changes in metabolic pathways at the cellular, tissue, or organ level. The nutritional status of the pregnant woman affects the course of pregnancy, delivery, and confinement, as well as the health of the offspring following birth and in subsequent years. Adipokine hormones essential for modulating metabolism during pregnancy include adiponectin and leptin. This study aimed to assess maternal anthropometric parameters and plasma concentrations of specific adipokines as predictive measures of newborn birth weight, birth length, and ponderal index. Anthropometric measurements (prepregnancy body weight and height) were obtained from 168 surveyed Polish women. Data related to the birth parameters of 168 newborns (body length and mass) were derived from clinical records. Circulating maternal adiponectin and leptin levels at birth were determined. Significant correlations between newborn birth weight and maternal prepregnancy body mass index (p < 0.05) or maternal weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0.05) were observed. Women with below normal weight gain during pregnancy were more likely to give birth to newborns with significantly lower birth weight than women with excessive weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0.05). Maternal plasma concentrations of leptin were significantly related to prepregnancy maternal body mass index (p < 0.05), and concentrations of adiponectin and leptin were significantly related to weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0.05). However, they did not affect the birth parameters of the newborn.
Internal Structure, Reliability and Invariance across Gender Using the Multidimensional School Climate Scale PACE-33
Authors: Escalante Mateos Naiara , Goñi Palacios Eider , Fernández-Zabala Arantza , Antonio-Agirre Iratxe
Published: July 2020

The school climate is one of the keys to the efficiency, quality and improvement of the school. For this reason, numerous studies have highlighted the importance of evaluating this construct. However, there is still no measure in Spanish that evaluates the most relevant aspects of school climate in a valid and reliable way. This paper has two main objectives that try to overcome this limitation: (1) to analyse the internal structure and internal consistency reliability of the Students’ Perception of School Climate scale (escala Percepción del Alumnado sobre el Clima Escolar—PACE-33); and (2) examine its measurement and structural invariance across men and women. This study involved 1180 adolescents (mean age, Mage = 15.37 years; standard deviation, SD = 1.90) selected by means of incidental sampling. The results obtained show that, among the models tested, the one corresponding to nine correlated factors shows the best adjustment to the data; furthermore, they note that it presents adequate internal consistency indices. The results also prove that this model is equivalent in men and women. These data support that the PACE-33 is a valid and reliable measure to assess the adolescents’ perception of the main aspects of the school climate.
Community Intervention Self-Efficacy Scale for Parent Leaders (CONNECTED): Parents’ Empowerment to Prevent Adolescent Alcohol Use
Authors: Lloret Daniel , Gervilla Elena , Juan Montse , Castaño Yasmina , Pischke Claudia R. , Samkange-Zeeb Florence , Mendes Fernando
Published: July 2020

Empowering parents by actively engaging them in environmental prevention strategies is a promising approach that only a few programs use. Evidence suggests that when families and the wider community are engaged, alcohol prevention is more efficient. However, due to the novelty of this approach, no specific assessment tools for measuring this type of engagement are available. The objective of this study is to design a parental empowerment measurement tool to evaluate parents’ self-efficacy when engaging in environmental and community actions and to analyze its psychometric properties. A total of 132 parents active in in-school parent associations from Spain (n = 77; 58.4%) and Portugal (n = 55; 41.7%) completed a pencil and paper battery of four questionnaires, including the developed scale COmmuNity iNtervention SElf-Efficacy SCale for ParenT LEaDers (CONNECTED). The scale showed a good reliability and good test-retest stability in a three-month period. The convergent validity with other well-established instruments that assess similar constructs was significant. A preliminary confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed an acceptable fit. Environmental prevention supported by families is a promising preventive strategy because the participation and involvement of families is an effective way to address some risks in adolescence; however, new assessment tools are needed in this field. The developed scale could be a first step to identify the areas of need in a community and to monitor the progress and evaluate the outcomes of the preventive interventions implemented.
Is BMI a Valid Indicator of Overweight and Obesity for Adolescents?
Authors: Karchynskaya Viktoryia , Kopcakova Jaroslava , Klein Daniel , Gába Aleš , Madarasova-Geckova Andrea , van Dijk Jitse P. , de Winter Andrea F. , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: July 2020

Background: Overweight and obesity are mostly monitored via the Body Mass Index (BMI), based on self-reported or measured height and weight. Previous studies have shown that BMI as a measure of obesity can introduce important misclassification problems. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of overweight and obesity classification based on self-reported and on measured height and weight versus the proportion of body fat as the criterion. Methods: We used data on 782 adolescents (mean age = 13.5, 55.8% boys) from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in 2018 in Slovakia. We obtained self-reported (height and weight) and objective measures (height, weight) and the proportion of fat (as the criterion measure) measured via bioimpedance body composition analysis (BIA) with an InBody 230 from the adolescents. Results: Both measured and self-reported BMI indicated overweight and obesity with relatively low sensitivity (66–82%), but high specificity (90–92%). The superior accuracy of measured BMI in comparison to self-reported BMI was confirmed by the area under the curve (AUC) based on the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves (AUC measured/self-reported: 0.94/0.89; p < 0.001). The misclassification of overweight and obesity was significantly higher when using self-reported BMI than when using measured BMI. Conclusion: Both self-reported and measured BMI as indicators of overweight and obesity underestimate the prevalence of adolescents with overweight and obesity.
Self-Control Moderates the Association Between Perceived Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Mental Health Problems Among the Chinese Public
Authors: Li Jian-Bin , Yang An , Dou Kai , Cheung Rebecca Y. M.
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused thousands of deaths in China. Prior research suggests that individuals’ perceived severity of COVID-19 is related to a range of negative emotional and behavioral reactions among the Chinese public. However, scant research has examined the underlying mechanisms. Drawing upon the risk-resilience model, this study proposes that self-control, as a resilient factor, would potentially moderate the association between perceived severity of COVID-19 and mental health problems. Data from a national survey was used to examine this idea. Participants were 4607 citizens from 31 regions in China (Mage = 23.71 years, 72.5% female) who completed a national survey at the beginning of February 2020. Results of hierarchical regression showed that after controlling for a number of demographic variables, perceived severity of COVID-19 and self-control were positively and negatively related to mental health problems, respectively. More importantly, self-control moderated the “perceived severity of COVID-19–mental health problems” association, with this link attenuating as the levels of self-control increased. These findings suggest that compared to those with high self-control, individuals with low self-control are more vulnerable and are more in need of psychological aids to maintain mental health in the encounter of the COVID-19 outbreak. Practically, enhancing individuals’ self-control ability might be a promising way to improve individuals’ mental health during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Are Heart Rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion Effective to Control Indoor Cycling Intensity?
Authors: Canário-Lemos Rui , Vilaça-Alves José , Moreira Tiago , Peixoto Rafael , Garrido Nuno , Goss Fredric , Furtado Hélio , Machado Reis Victor
Published: July 2020

Indoor cycling’s popularity is related to the combination of music and exercise leading to higher levels of exercise intensity. It was our objective to determine the efficacy of heart rate and rating of perceived exertion in controlling the intensity of indoor cycling classes and to quantify their association with oxygen uptake. Twelve experienced males performed three indoor cycling sessions of 45 min that differed in the way the intensity was controlled: (i) oxygen uptake; (ii) heart rate; and (iii) rating of perceived exertion using the OMNI-Cycling. The oxygen uptake levels were significantly higher (p = 0.007; μp2 = 0.254) in oxygen uptake than heart rate sessions. Oxygen uptake related to body mass was significantly higher (p < 0.005) in the oxygen uptake sessions compared with other sessions. Strong correlations were observed between oxygen uptake mean in the oxygen uptake and rating of perceived exertion sessions (r =0.986, p < 0.0001) and between oxygen uptake mean in the oxygen uptake and heart rate sessions (r = 0.977, p < 0.0001). Both heart rate and rating of perceived exertion are effective in controlling the intensity of indoor cycling classes in experienced subjects. However, the use of rating of perceived exertion is easier to use and does not require special instrumentation.
Bullying Victimization among Mexican Adolescents: Psychosocial Differences from an Ecological Approach
Authors: Nuñez-Fadda Silvana Mabel , Castro-Castañeda Remberto , Vargas-Jiménez Esperanza , Musitu-Ochoa Gonzalo , Callejas-Jerónimo Juan Evaristo
Published: July 2020

This transversal study over a random representative sample of 1687 Mexican students attending public and private secondary schools (54% girls, 12–17 years old, M = 13.65. DT = 1.14) aimed to analyze psychosocial differences between victims and non-victims of bullying from the bioecological model. It included individual variables (ontosystem), familiar, community, and scholar factors (microsystem), and gender (macrosystem) to perform a multivariate discriminant analysis and a logistic regression analysis. The discriminant analysis found that psychological distress, offensive communication with mother and father, and a positive attitude toward social norms transgression characterized the high victimization cluster. For the non-victims, the discriminant variables were community implication, positive attitude toward institutional authority, and open communication with the mother. These variables allowed for correctly predicting membership in 76% of the cases. Logistic regression analysis found that psychological distress, offensive communication with the father, and being a boy increased the probability of high victimization, while a positive attitude toward authority, open communication with the mother, and being a girl decrease this probability. These results highlight the importance of open and offensive communication between adolescents and their parents on psychological distress, attitude toward authority, community implication, and bullying victimization.
“I Felt Safe”: The Role of the Rapid Rehousing Program in Supporting the Security of Families Experiencing Homelessness in Salt Lake County, Utah
Authors: García Ivis , Kim Keuntae
Published: July 2020

Homelessness is a public health issue that many organizations are addressing through a Housing First Model. One such organization is The Road Home (TRH), which provides services to homeless individuals and families in Salt Lake County. TRH is perhaps best known for their emergency shelters, but the organization also administers the Rapid Rehousing Program (RRHP), designed to help families experiencing homelessness transition back into stable housing. Those experiencing homelessness tend to have high rates of chronic mental/physical disabilities as well as issues related to substance abuse. Having a home is the first step toward achieving some kind of stability in their lives. The RRHP allows families to find housing in the private rental market and will cover the initial costs and several months of rent for clients. While the program has been praised by policymakers and social service providers for helping homeless families find rental housing, there is no empirical research about participant perspectives regarding their residential (in)security. The research question of this article is: what is the role of the RRHP in supporting the security of families experiencing homelessness? Researchers collected qualitative data through focus groups and interviews with 31 participants, 23 families experiencing homelessness, two landlords, six case managers, and service providers. Lastly, we identify recommendations for program improvements based on information gathered from research participants. It is our hope that the information presented in this article can and will be used in a way that improves public health by increasing the residential security of families experiencing homelessness.
Particle-Bound PAHs and Elements in a Highly Industrialized City in Southern Italy: PM2.5 Chemical Characterization and Source Apportionment after the Implementation of Governmental Measures for Air Pollution Mitigation and Control
Authors: Palmisani Jolanda , Di Gilio Alessia , Franchini Silvana Angela , Cotugno Pietro , Miniero Daniela Valeria , D’Ambruoso Paolo , de Gennaro Gianluigi
Published: July 2020

The present study was aimed at determining airborne concentrations of PAHs, Nitro-/Oxy-PAHs and elements in industrial and urban areas of Taranto, a site of environmental risk in Southern Italy, after the issue of strategic measures for air pollution mitigation and control by the Italian Environment Ministry in 2012. A PM2.5 sampling campaign was carried out from 9 to 28 December 2014 at eight receptor sites, two placed in the urban settlement and five included in the high spatial resolution fence monitoring network of the biggest European steel plant. The integration of collected data with meteorological parameters and source apportionment analysis by Positive Matrix Factorization and bivariate polar plots allowed to discriminate among emission sources and estimate their contributions. Evidence on the effect of distinct processes (homogenization, sintering) occurring inside the steel plant on airborne concentrations of PAHs and selected elements was provided. The impact of emissions from the steel plant “core” on the surrounding area was observed at receptor sites downwind to it. Moreover, the extent of the effectiveness of mitigation measures, partially applied at the moment of study’s beginning, was demonstrated by mean and peak pollutant concentrations at all receptor sites up to one order of magnitude lower than those documented prior to 2012.
Validity and Reliability of the New Basic Functional Assessment Protocol (BFA)
Authors: Hernández-García Raquel , Gil-López María Isabel , Martínez-Pozo David , Martínez-Romero María Teresa , Aparicio-Sarmiento Alba , Cejudo Antonio , Sainz de Baranda Pilar , Bishop Chris
Published: July 2020

The global evaluation of motion patterns can examine the synchrony of neuromuscular control, range of motion, strength, resistance, balance and coordination needed to complete the movement. Visual assessments are commonly used to detect risk factors. However, it is essential to define standardized field-based tests that can evaluate with accuracy. The aims of the study were to design a protocol to evaluate fundamental motor patterns (FMP), and to analyze the validity and reliability of an instrument created to provide information about the quality of movement in FMP. Five tasks were selected: Overhead Squat (OHS); Hurdle Step (HS); Forward Step Down (FSD); Shoulder Mobility (SM); Active Stretching Leg Raise (ASLR). A list of variables was created for the evaluation of each task. Ten qualified judges assessed the validity of the instrument, while six external observers performed inter-intra reliability. The results show that the instrument is valid according to the experts’ opinion; however, the reliability shows values below those established. Thus, the instrument was considered unreliable, so it is recommended to repeat the reliability process by performing more training sessions for the external observers. The present study creates the basic functional assessment (BFA), a new protocol which comprises five tasks and an instrument to evaluate FMP.
Incorporating an Increase in Plant-Based Food Choices into a Model of Culturally Responsive Care for Hispanic/Latino Children and Adults Who Are Overweight/Obese
Authors: Singh Pramil , Steinbach Jessica , Nelson Anna , Shih Wendy , D’Avila Mary , Castilla Selene , Jordan Michael , McCarthy William , Hayes-Bautista David , Flores Hector
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The national rate of obesity in US Hispanic/Latinos exceeds all other major ethnic subgroups and represents an important health disparity. Plant-based diet interventions that emphasize whole plant foods with minimal processing and less refined grains and sugar have shown great promise in control of obesity, but there is a paucity of data translating this treatment effect to disparate populations. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program (HELP) for accomplishing weight management in a hospital-based, family centered, culturally tailored, plant-based diet intervention for Hispanic/Latino children who were overweight or obese. Methods: Our mixed methods evaluation included: (1) A one arm study to measure changes in body mass index (BMI) from pre- to post-intervention, and (2) A stakeholder analysis of the program staff. Results: For children ages 5–12 years who were overweight/obese, we found no evidence of excess weight gain evidenced by BMI Z scores (Zpost-pre = −0.02, p = 0.11). Among the parent/guardians who were overweight or obese, we found a decrease in BMI that was stronger in men (BMI post-pre = −0.75 kg/m2, p = 0.01) than in women (BMI post-pre = −0.12 kg/m2, p = 0.30). A program strength was the cultural tailoring of the plant-based diet choices. Conclusions: The evaluation raises the possibility that incorporating intervention components of HELP (plant-based food choices, family-based, cultural tailoring) into pediatric weight management can improve the standard of care.
Hospitalized Patients Accessing Information on Prescribed Medications from the Bedside Terminal: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cho Jungwon , Kim Seungyeon , Shin Sangyoon , Yoo Hyejin , Park Gi Hyue , Jeon Eunha , Lee Eunsook , Lee Ho-Young , Lee Euni
Published: July 2020

Studies have documented the impact of various types of health care information technology (HIT) on patient outcomes. However, literature on the HIT products is largely for outpatients and little is known about those for hospitalized patients. In 2014, a Korean hospital developed an inpatient portal known as the Smart Bedside Station (SBS). A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the associated factors for accessing the medication view menu (Today’s Medication) on the SBS using data from October 2018 through September 2019. A root cause analysis with expert review was conducted to identify additional barriers for accessing the medication view menu. Approximately 92.58% of the study population accessed the SBS at least once during their hospital stay. However, 99.20% of accessed patients used the SBS for entertainment purposes (e.g., television) and 40.16% viewed the medication information. Younger age, higher education, and certain jobs were significant associated factors for accessing the medication information. In conclusion, this study revealed strong associations between accessing the medication view menu on the SBS and a number of associated factors. Based on the results, further research is warranted to suggest new items to access the medication view menu by hospitalized patients.
Developing a Multi-variate Logistic Regression Model to Analyze Accident Scenarios: Case of Electrical Contractors
Authors: Gholizadeh Pouya , Esmaeili Behzad
Published: July 2020

The ability to identify factors that influence serious injuries and fatalities would help construction firms triage hazardous situations and direct their resources towards more effective interventions. Therefore, this study used odds ratio analysis and logistic regression modeling on historical accident data to investigate the contributing factors impacting occupational accidents among small electrical contracting enterprises. After conducting a thorough content analysis to ensure the reliability of reports, the authors adopted a purposeful variable selection approach to determine the most significant factors that can explain the fatality rates in different scenarios. Thereafter, this study performed an odds ratio analysis among significant factors to determine which factors increase the likelihood of fatality. For example, it was found that having a fatal accident is 4.4 times more likely when the source is a “vehicle” than when it is a “tool, instrument, or equipment”. After validating the consistency of the model, 105 accident scenarios were developed and assessed using the model. The findings revealed which severe accident scenarios happen commonly to people in this trade, with nine scenarios having fatality rates of 50% or more. The highest fatality rates occurred in “fencing, installing lights, signs, etc.” tasks in “alteration and rehabilitation” projects where the source of injury was “parts and materials”. The proposed analysis/modeling approach can be applied among all specialty contracting companies to identify and prioritize more hazardous situations within specific trades. The proposed model-development process also contributes to the body of knowledge around accident analysis by providing a framework for analyzing accident reports through a multivariate logistic regression model.
Psychological and Physiological Responses in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Use of Acute Exercise and Virtual Reality Environment
Authors: Wang Tsai-Chiao , Sit Cindy Hui-Ping , Tang Ta-Wei , Tsai Chia-Liang
Published: July 2020

Virtual exercise therapy is considered a useful method by which to encourage patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to engage in aerobic exercise in order to reduce stress. This study was intended to explore the psychological and physiological responses of patients with GAD after cycling in a virtual environment containing natural images. Seventy-seven participants with GAD were recruited in the present study and randomly assigned to a virtual nature (VN) or a virtual abstract painting (VAP) group. Their electroencephalogram alpha activity, perceived stress, and levels of restorative quality and satisfaction were assessed at baseline and after an acute bout of 20 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. The results showed that both the VN and VAP groups showed significantly higher alpha activity post-exercise as compared to pre-exercise. The VN group relative to the VAP group exhibited higher levels of stress-relief, restorative quality, and personal satisfaction. These findings imply that a virtual exercise environment is an effective way to induce a relaxing effect in patients with GAD. However, they exhibited more positive psychological responses when exercising in such an environment with natural landscapes.
Phylloseptin-1 is Leishmanicidal for Amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis Inside Infected Macrophages
Authors: Kückelhaus Selma A. S. , de Aquino Daniela Sant’Ana , Borges Tatiana K. , Moreira Daniel C. , Leite Luciana de Magalhães , Muniz-Junqueira Maria Imaculada , Kückelhaus Carlos S. , Romero Gustavo A. Sierra , Prates Maura V. , Bloch Carlos , Leite José Roberto S. A.
Published: July 2020

Leishmania protozoans are the causal agents of neglected diseases that represent an important public health issue worldwide. The growing occurrence of drug-resistant strains of Leishmania and severe side effects of available treatments represent an important challenge for the leishmaniases treatment. We have previously reported the leishmanicidal activity of phylloseptin-1 (PSN-1), a peptide found in the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa azurea (=Pithecopus azureus), against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. However, its impact on the amastigote form of L. amazonensis and its impact on infected macrophages are unknown. In this work, we evaluated the effects of PSN-1 on amastigotes of L. amazonensis inside macrophages infected in vitro. We assessed the production of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, as well as the levels of inflammatory and immunomodulatory markers (TGF-β, TNF-α and IL-12), in infected and non-infected macrophages treated with PSN-1. Treatment with PSN-1 decreased the number of infected cells and the number of ingested amastigotes per cell when compared with the untreated cells. At 32 µM (64 µg/mL), PSN-1 reduced hydrogen peroxide levels in both infected and uninfected macrophages, whereas it had little effect on NO production or TGF-β release. The effect of PSN-1 on IL-12 and TNF-α secretion depended on its concentration, but, in general, their levels tended to increase as PSN-1 concentration increased. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of PSN-1 and its interaction with the immune system aiming to develop pharmacological applications.
Spatial Heterogeneity Influences of Environmental Control and Informal Regulation on Air Pollutant Emissions in China
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Zhang Guoxing , Song Shunfeng , Su Bin
Published: July 2020

High air pollutant emissions in China have become serious environmental issues threatening public health. While spatial heterogeneity plays an important role in environmental regulation in China, it is necessary to analyze the spatial heterogeneity influences of air pollution control policies and informal environmental regulation on air pollutant emissions in China. Based on the quantification of air pollution control policies, this paper incorporates the central government’s policy formulation and local government’s policy implementation into the intensity of air pollution control policy. This paper uses the panel data of China’s 30 provinces to examine the spatial impact of air pollution control policy and informal environmental regulation on air pollutant emissions. The results show that (a) air pollutant emissions represented by soot and dust emission intensity has a significant positive spatial spillover effect; (b) air pollution control policy and informal environmental regulation play significant inhibitory roles in air pollutant emissions; (c) informal environmental regulation has a negative moderating effect on the negative relationship between air pollution control policy and air pollutant emissions. Other implications for environmental management have also been discussed.
Cluster-Based Analysis of Infectious Disease Occurrences Using Tensor Decomposition: A Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Jung Seungwon , Moon Jaeuk , Hwang Eenjun
Published: July 2020

For a long time, various epidemics, such as lower respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases, have caused serious social losses and costs. Various methods for analyzing infectious disease occurrences have been proposed for effective prevention and proactive response to reduce such losses and costs. However, the results of the occurrence analyses were limited because numerous factors affect the outbreak of infectious diseases and there are complex interactions between these factors. To alleviate this limitation, we propose a cluster-based analysis scheme of infectious disease occurrences that can discover commonalities or differences between clusters by grouping elements with similar occurrence patterns. To do this, we collect and preprocess infectious disease occurrence data according to time, region, and disease. Then, we construct a tensor for the data and apply Tucker decomposition to extract latent features in the dimensions of time, region, and disease. Based on these latent features, we conduct k-means clustering and analyze the results for each dimension. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this scheme, we conduct a case study on data from South Korea and report some of the results.
How Is the Presence of Company Related to Thwarted Belongingness in Real Time? Taking a Closer Look at the Conceptualization of the Construct of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide
Authors: Hallensleben Nina , Glaesmer Heide , Forkmann Thomas , Rath Dajana , Strauss Maria , Kersting Anette , Spangenberg Lena
Published: July 2020

(1) Background: The role of thwarted belongingness (TB) in predicting suicidal ideation, as originally assumed by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, is repeatedly challenged by empirical findings. This could be due to an inadequate conceptualization of the construct of TB that is assumed to be influenced by intrapersonal and interpersonal factors. (2) Methods: We examined the associations of TB with intrapersonal variables related to depression, and with interpersonal variables related to an individual’s actual social environment. We analyzed data from an ecological momentary assessment study in psychiatric inpatients with depressive disorders. N = 73 participants rated momentary TB, depressive affect and status of company up to 10 times per day, over a period of six days, on smartphones. (3) Results: TB was lower when assessed while participants were in company compared to when they were alone, and the more desired the company was, the less TB was experienced. Individuals who had a partnership experienced less momentary TB. Furthermore, higher levels of momentary depressive affect, as well as more stable levels of depression, were related to higher levels of TB, and the relation between the presence of company and TB was weaker for more depressed persons. (4) Conclusions: Our findings can be seen as evidence that both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors relate to TB, and thus support the conceptualization of TB as proposed by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide.
Effects of DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Exposed to PM2.5 from Beijing, China, in Winter
Authors: Niu Bing-Yu , Li Wen-Ke , Li Jiang-Shuai , Hong Qi-Hao , Khodahemmati Sara , Gao Jing-Feng , Zhou Zhi-Xiang
Published: July 2020

Epidemiological studies have corroborated that respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, are related to fine particulate matter (<2.5 μm) (PM2.5) exposure. The toxic responses of PM2.5 are greatly influenced by the source of PM2.5. However, the effects of PM2.5 from Beijing on bronchial genotoxicity are scarce. In the present study, PM2.5 from Beijing was sampled and applied in vitro to investigate its genotoxicity and the mechanisms behind it. Human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE were used as a model for exposure. Low (67.5 μg/mL), medium (116.9 μg/mL), and high (202.5 μg/mL) doses of PM2.5 were used for cell exposure. After PM2.5 exposure, cell viability, oxidative stress markers, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) strand breaks, 8-OH-dG levels, micronuclei formation, and DNA repair gene expression were measured. The results showed that PM2.5 significantly induced cytotoxicity in 16HBE. Moreover, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and cellular heme oxygenase (HO-1) were increased, and the level of glutathione (GSH) was decreased, which represented the occurrence of severe oxidative stress in 16HBE. The micronucleus rate was elevated, and DNA damage occurred as indicators of the comet assay, γ-H2AX and 8-OH-dG, were markedly enhanced by PM2.5, accompanied by the influence of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1), X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1), and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) expression. These results support the significant role of PM2.5 genotoxicity in 16HBE cells, which may occur through the combined effect on oxidative stress and the influence of DNA repair genes.
Integrative Bioinformatic Analyses of Global Transcriptome Data Decipher Novel Molecular Insights into Cardiac Anti-Fibrotic Therapies
Authors: Fuchs Maximilian , Kreutzer Fabian Philipp , Kapsner Lorenz A. , Mitzka Saskia , Just Annette , Perbellini Filippo , Terracciano Cesare M. , Xiao Ke , Geffers Robert , Bogdan Christian , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Fiedler Jan , Thum Thomas , Kunz Meik
Published: July 2020

Integrative bioinformatics is an emerging field in the big data era, offering a steadily increasing number of algorithms and analysis tools. However, for researchers in experimental life sciences it is often difficult to follow and properly apply the bioinformatical methods in order to unravel the complexity and systemic effects of omics data. Here, we present an integrative bioinformatics pipeline to decipher crucial biological insights from global transcriptome profiling data to validate innovative therapeutics. It is available as a web application for an interactive and simplified analysis without the need for programming skills or deep bioinformatics background. The approach was applied to an ex vivo cardiac model treated with natural anti-fibrotic compounds and we obtained new mechanistic insights into their anti-fibrotic action and molecular interplay with miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis. Several gene pathways associated with proliferation, extracellular matrix processes and wound healing were altered, and we could identify micro (mi) RNA-21-5p and miRNA-223-3p as key molecular components related to the anti-fibrotic treatment. Importantly, our pipeline is not restricted to a specific cell type or disease and can be broadly applied to better understand the unprecedented level of complexity in big data research.
Elucidating Potential Profibrotic Mechanisms of Emerging Biomarkers for Early Prognosis of Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Zehra Mishghan , Curry James C. , Pillai Sneha S. , Lakhani Hari Vishal , Edwards Cory E. , Sodhi Komal
Published: July 2020

Hepatic fibrosis has been associated with a series of pathophysiological processes causing excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Several cellular processes and molecular mechanisms have been implicated in the diseased liver that augments fibrogenesis, fibrogenic cytokines and associated liver complications. Liver biopsy remains an essential diagnostic tool for histological evaluation of hepatic fibrosis to establish a prognosis. In addition to being invasive, this methodology presents with several limitations including poor cost-effectiveness, prolonged hospitalizations, and risks of peritoneal bleeding, while the clinical use of this method does not reveal underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Several alternate noninvasive diagnostic strategies have been developed, to determine the extent of hepatic fibrosis, including the use of direct and indirect biomarkers. Immediate diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis by noninvasive means would be more palatable than a biopsy and could assist clinicians in taking early interventions timely, avoiding fatal complications, and improving prognosis. Therefore, we sought to review some common biomarkers of liver fibrosis along with some emerging candidates, including the oxidative stress-mediated biomarkers, epigenetic and genetic markers, exosomes, and miRNAs that needs further evaluation and would have better sensitivity and specificity. We also aim to elucidate the potential role of cardiotonic steroids (CTS) and evaluate the pro-inflammatory and profibrotic effects of CTS in exacerbating hepatic fibrosis. By understanding the underlying pathogenic processes, the efficacy of these biomarkers could allow for early diagnosis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, once validated.
MOTILIPERM Ameliorates Immobilization Stress-Induced Testicular Dysfunction via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in SD Rats
Authors: Karna Keshab , Soni Kiran , You Jae , Choi Na , Kim Hye , Kim Chul , Lee Sung , Shin Yu , Park Jong
Published: July 2020

It is well established that physiological stress has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system. Experimental studies have demonstrated the promising effects of MOTILIPERM in male infertility. MOTILIPERM extract is composed of three crude medicinal herbs: Morinda officinalis How (Rubiaceae) roots, Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae) outer scales, and Cuscuta chinensis Lamark (convolvulaceae) seeds. The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms responsible for the effects of MOTILIPERM on testicular dysfunction induced by immobilization stress. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each): a normal control group (CTR), a control group administered MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg (M 200), an immobilization-induced stress control group (S), an immobilization-induced stress group administered MOTILIPERM 100 mg/kg (S + M 100), and MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg (S + M 200). Stressed rats (n = 30) were subjected to stress by immobilization for 6 h by placing them in a Perspex restraint cage, while controls (n = 20) were maintained without disturbance. Rats were administrated 100 or 200 mg/kg MOTILIPERM once daily for 30 days 1 h prior to immobilization. At the end of the treatment period, we measured body and reproductive organ weight; sperm parameters; histopathological damage; reproductive hormone levels; steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR); biomarkers of oxidative stress; and apoptosis markers. MOTILIPERM treatment improved testicular dysfunction by up-regulating (p < 0.05) sperm count, sperm motility, serum testosterone level, StAR protein level, Johnsen score, and spermatogenic cell density in stressed rats. MOTILIPERM decreased oxidative stress by increasing (p < 0.05) testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx 4), catalase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) levels and decreasing (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) levels. Furthermore, MOTILIPERM down-regulated (p < 0.05) cleaved caspase 3 and BCL2 associated X protein (Bax) levels; increased pro caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels; and upregulated testicular germ cell proliferation in stressed rats. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after pretreatment with MOTILIPERM in stressed rats. Collectively, our results suggest that, in immobilization-mediated stress-induced testicular dysfunction, MOTILIPERM sustains normal spermatogenesis via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities by activating the NRF/HO-1 signaling pathway.
YUCCA-Mediated Biosynthesis of the Auxin IAA Is Required during the Somatic Embryogenic Induction Process in Coffea canephora
Authors: Uc-Chuc Miguel A. , Pérez-Hernández Cleyre , Galaz-Ávalos Rosa M. , Brito-Argaez Ligia , Aguilar-Hernández Víctor , Loyola-Vargas Víctor M.
Published: July 2020

Despite the existence of considerable research on somatic embryogenesis (SE), the molecular mechanism that regulates the biosynthesis of auxins during the SE induction process remains unknown. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is an auxin that is synthesized in plants through five pathways. The biosynthetic pathway most frequently used in this synthesis is the conversion of tryptophan to indol-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) by tryptophan aminotransferase of Arabidopsis (TAA) followed by the conversion of IPA to IAA by enzymes encoded by YUCCA (YUC) genes of the flavin monooxygenase family; however, it is unclear whether YUC-mediated IAA biosynthesis is involved in SE induction. In this study, we report that the increase of IAA observed during SE pre-treatment (plants in MS medium supplemented with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 0.54 µM and kinetin (Kin) 2.32 µM for 14 days) was due to its de novo biosynthesis. By qRT-PCR, we demonstrated that YUC gene expression was consistent with the free IAA signal found in the explants during the induction of SE. In addition, the use of yucasin to inhibit the activity of YUC enzymes reduced the signal of free IAA in the leaf explants and dramatically decreased the induction of SE. The exogenous addition of IAA restored the SE process in explants treated with yucasin. Our findings suggest that the biosynthesis and localization of IAA play an essential role during the induction process of SE in Coffea canephora.
A Comprehensive Proteomic SWATH-MS Workflow for Profiling Blood Extracellular Vesicles: A New Avenue for Glioma Tumour Surveillance
Authors: Hallal Susannah , Azimi Ali , Wei Heng , Ho Nicholas , Lee Maggie Yuk Ting , Sim Hao-Wen , Sy Joanne , Shivalingam Brindha , Buckland Michael Edward , Alexander-Kaufman Kimberley Louise
Published: July 2020

Improving outcomes for diffuse glioma patients requires methods that can accurately and sensitively monitor tumour activity and treatment response. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membranous nanoparticles that can traverse the blood–brain-barrier, carrying oncogenic molecules into the circulation. Measuring clinically relevant glioma biomarkers cargoed in circulating EVs could revolutionise how glioma patients are managed. Despite their suitability for biomarker discovery, the co-isolation of highly abundant complex blood proteins has hindered comprehensive proteomic studies of circulating-EVs. Plasma-EVs isolated from pre-operative glioma grade II–IV patients (n = 41) and controls (n = 11) were sequenced by Sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) and data extraction was performed by aligning against a custom 8662-protein library. Overall, 4054 proteins were measured in plasma-EVs. Differentially expressed proteins and putative circulating-EV markers were identified (adj. p-value < 0.05), including those reported in previous in-vitro and ex-vivo glioma-EV studies. Principal component analysis showed that plasma-EV protein profiles clustered according to glioma histological-subtype and grade, and plasma-EVs resampled from patients with recurrent tumour progression grouped with more aggressive glioma samples. The extensive plasma-EV proteome profiles achieved here highlight the potential for SWATH-MS to define circulating-EV biomarkers for objective blood-based measurements of glioma activity that could serve as ideal surrogate endpoints to assess tumour progression and allow more dynamic, patient-centred treatment protocols.
Role of Human Leukocyte Antigens at the Feto-Maternal Interface in Normal and Pathological Pregnancy: An Update
Authors: Tersigni Chiara , Meli Federica , Neri Caterina , Iacoangeli Azzurra , Franco Rita , Lanzone Antonio , Scambia Giovanni , Di Simone Nicoletta
Published: July 2020

The successful maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic fetus provides an apparent immunologic paradox. Indeed, deep invasion of placental trophoblast cells into maternal uterine tissue and the following growth of the fetus have to be tolerated by a pregnant woman’s immune system. Among the various possible protective mechanisms that may be involved in human pregnancy, the expression of a non-classical pattern of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and the complete lack of expression of HLA class II molecules in placental tissues seem to be the most relevant mechanisms of fetal escape from maternal immune recognition. The importance of HLA molecules in fetal toleration by the maternal immune system is highlighted by pregnancy complications occurring in cases of abnormal HLA molecule expression at the maternal–fetal interface. In this review, we summarize evidences about the role of placental HLA molecules in normal and pathological pregnancies.
Induction of ER Stress in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells by the Deubiquitinase Inhibitor VLX1570
Authors: Pellegrini Paola , Selvaraju Karthik , Faustini Elena , Mofers Arjan , Zhang Xiaonan , Ternerot Jens , Schubert Alice , Linder Stig , D′Arcy Pádraig
Published: July 2020

The proteasome is a validated target of cancer therapeutics. Inhibition of proteasome activity results in the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) characterized by phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), global translational arrest, and increased expression of the proapoptotic CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein) protein. Defects in the UPR response has been reported to result in altered sensitivity of tumor cells to proteasome inhibitors. Here, we characterized the effects of the deubiquitinase (DUB) inhibitor VLX1570 on protein homeostasis, both at the level of the UPR and on protein translation, in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Similar to the 20S inhibitor bortezomib, VLX1570 induced accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins and increased expression of the chaperone Grp78/Bip in ALL cells. Both compounds induced cleavage of PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) in ALL cells, consistent with induction of apoptosis. However, and in contrast to bortezomib, VLX1570 treatment resulted in limited induction of the proapoptotic CHOP protein. Translational inhibition was observed by both bortezomib and VLX1570. We report that in distinction to bortezomib, suppression of translation by VXL1570 occurred at the level of elongation. Increased levels of Hsc70/Hsp70 proteins were observed on polysomes following exposure to VLX1570, possibly suggesting defects in nascent protein folding. Our findings demonstrate apoptosis induction in ALL cells that appears to be uncoupled from CHOP induction, and show that VLX1570 suppresses protein translation by a mechanism distinct from that of bortezomib.
Signaling Pathways That Control Muscle Mass
Authors: Vainshtein Anna , Sandri Marco
Published: July 2020

The loss of skeletal muscle mass under a wide range of acute and chronic maladies is associated with poor prognosis, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Decades of research indicate the importance of skeletal muscle for whole body metabolism, glucose homeostasis, as well as overall health and wellbeing. This tissue’s remarkable ability to rapidly and effectively adapt to changing environmental cues is a double-edged sword. Physiological adaptations that are beneficial throughout life become maladaptive during atrophic conditions. The atrophic program can be activated by mechanical, oxidative, and energetic distress, and is influenced by the availability of nutrients, growth factors, and cytokines. Largely governed by a transcription-dependent mechanism, this program impinges on multiple protein networks including various organelles as well as biosynthetic and quality control systems. Although modulating muscle function to prevent and treat disease is an enticing concept that has intrigued research teams for decades, a lack of thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that control muscle mass, in addition to poor transferability of findings from rodents to humans, has obstructed efforts to develop effective treatments. Here, we review the progress made in unraveling the molecular mechanisms responsible for the regulation of muscle mass, as this continues to be an intensive area of research.