bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of the Construction Industry in Developing Countries and Its Implications for Health and Safety: An Exploratory Study in Ghana
Authors: Boadu Elijah Frimpong , Wang Cynthia Changxin , Sunindijo Riza Yosia
Published: June 2020

From both practical and theoretical perspectives, understanding the health and safety (H&S) implications of the characteristics and foundation upon which the construction industry in developing countries is built and operates is essential for H&S management within the industry. While many studies have provided evidence of factors affecting construction H&S in developing countries, none has fully considered the H&S implications of the industry’s characteristics. The current study thus examined how the peculiar characteristics of the construction industry in developing countries impact on the industry’s H&S management. Data were collected using questionnaire surveys from construction industry professionals in Ghana. Nine distinct characteristics were identified and ranked, as well as their relationships and statistical significance determined through correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA), respectively. The findings showed that these characteristics of the construction industry in developing countries, particularly the lack of skilled and educated workforce, reliance on labour intensive methods and lack of single regulatory authority, present huge challenges to the management of H&S. Accordingly, this research recommended strategic interventions which are tailored towards the context of the industry’s characteristics. With the construction industry in developing countries exhibiting similar characteristics, the findings of this research can serve as a framework for country-specific study. The study contributes to the broader H&S performance improvement research in developing countries by throwing light on the characteristics of the industry that pose challenges to H&S performance.
A Cross-International Study to Evaluate Knowledge and Attitudes Related to Basic Life Support among Undergraduate Nursing Students—A Questionnaire Study
Authors: Kwiecień-Jaguś Katarzyna , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Galdikienė Nijolė , Via Clavero Gemma , Kopeć Monika
Published: June 2020

Practicing the algorithms of basic life support (BLS) is essential in order to take adequate measures to save lives, and future nursing staff should be advanced when it comes to performing lifesaving activities. The purpose of the study was to analyse the theoretical and practical knowledge of nursing students (within the undergraduate course) with regards to the basic life support (BLS). The study has a prospective, comparative and descriptive nature. Three countries that educate nursing students within the undergraduate course participated in the project. Data was collected with the use of a questionnaire based on the guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC 2015). The study was carried out among a total of 748 respondents from three countries: Poland (n = 189, 25.3%), Lithuania (n = 500, 66.8%) and Spain (n = 59; 7.9%). The average age of respondents was 23.41 (SD ± 5.90). The average score obtained by the respondents who answered the questions was 11.13 with a standard deviation of SD ± 2.29. The conducted study revealed that a substantial number of the respondents who participated in the study obtained an average result concerning theoretical and practical knowledge of BLS. It was also confirmed that the additional education in the form of first aid training courses has a major impact on improving the levels of knowledge among the students in each of the analysed country.
Psychological Distress among College Students: Role of Food Insecurity and Other Social Determinants of Mental Health
Authors: Becerra Monideepa B. , Becerra Benjamin J.
Published: June 2020

Food insecurity is a major social determinant of health and an assessment of how it may impact college students’ mental health is imperative, as well as differential associations by self-identified gender. A cross-sectional survey was used among college students of a mid-size minority-serving institution with a final sample size of 302 participants aged 18 years or above. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable regressions were conducted, by gender, to assess the role of food insecurity (United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) six-item questionnaire), on mental health outcomes (Kessler-6 scale and self-perception). All the statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS version 24 (IBM, Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA) with an alpha less than 0.05 used to denote significance. Among those with food insecurity, the odds of reporting psychological distress (odds ratio (OR) = 3.645, p < 0.05) and an average to very poor self-perceived mental health status (OR = 2.687, p <0.05) were higher compared to their food-secure counterparts, with the results consistent in a gender-specific analysis as well. Compared to men, however, women had higher odds of psychological distress (OR = 2.280, p < 0.05), as well as reporting average to very poor self-perceived mental health statuses (OR = 2.700, p < 0.05). Among women, any alcohol use in the past 12 months (OR = 2.505, p < 0.05) and a low self-perceived physical health status (OR = 3.601, p < 0.05) were associated with an average to very poor self-perceived mental health status. Among men, a low perceived physical health status was associated with higher odds of psychological distress (OR = 3.477, p < 0.05). The results of our study highlight that food insecurity should be considered a social determinant of mental health wellbeing. In addition, gender-specific trends in mental health highlight the need for targeted interventions for prevention and treatment.
Does Monetary Policy Influence the Profitability of Banks in New Zealand?
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Acharya Sanjeev , Ho Ly T. H.
Published: June 2020

The study investigates the relationship between monetary policy and bank profitability in New Zealand using the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator. Our sample comprises 19 banks from New Zealand over the period 2006–2018. Our results suggest that an increase in short-term rate leads to an increase in the profitability of banks, while an increase in long-term interest rates reduces bank profitability. In addition to monetary policy variables, capital adequacy ratio, non-performing loan ratio, and cost to income ratio are also important determinants of the profitability of banks in New Zealand. Capital adequacy ratio has a positive impact on bank profitability, while non-performing loan ratio and cost to income ratio have a negative impact on bank profitability.
Quality Verification of Volunteered Geographic Information Using OSM Notes Data in a Global Context
Authors: Seto Toshikazu , Kanasugi Hiroshi , Nishimura Yuichiro
Published: June 2020

Although the data obtained from volunteered geographic information (VGI) are inherently different from public surveys, the quantity of the data are vast and the quality of the data are often poor. To improve the quality of VGI data, the positional accuracy and diversity and interaction of the number of users involved in the regional generation of the data are important. This research proposes a new approach for the accumulation of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data by using OSM Notes and attempts to analyze the geographical distribution and the characteristics of the contents of the contributions, quantitatively and qualitatively. Subsequently, the results demonstrated regional differences in OSM Notes, but it provided users with an understanding of the new features of quality management in OSM, even in regions where OSM activities are not necessarily active. In addition, it was also possible to discover new factors such as the time transition required for the correction and contribution of anonymous users. These results are expected to serve as a tool for users to communicate with each other to resolve data bugs that exist in OSM and provide future researchers with examples of user interaction in global OSM activities.
Digital Data Literacy in an Economic World: Geo-Spatial Data Literacy Aspects
Authors: Juergens Carsten
Published: June 2020

Data literacy is an essential skill for today’s digital way of life, to be able to judge the reliability of different data presented, for instance in news and media or in business processes. Geo-Spatial data are a specific kind of data and influence most of our daily decisions. In school one learns how to critically read and reflect texts and literature. So one is literate in the case of textual data. For other data, and especially geo-spatial data, one seems to be less skilled. This contribution is supposed to open one’s eyes to understand the origin of geo-spatial data sets, their specific nature and how to gain geo-spatial data sets with specific focus on economic applications. In addition to that, how the selection of geo-spatial data and the processing of geo-spatial data can influence the decision-making of people in thematic fields such as economy and business is discussed. The overall goal is to make people of disciplines other than those that are geo-related aware of the characteristics and possible ways of manipulation of maps and geo-spatial products as well as of the power of geo-spatial data and map products in their specific thematic field of operation.
Mapping and Monitoring Urban Environment through Sentinel-1 SAR Data: A Case Study in the Veneto Region (Italy)
Authors: Semenzato Andrea , Pappalardo Salvatore Eugenio , Codato Daniele , Trivelloni Umberto , De Zorzi Silvano , Ferrari Sabrina , De Marchi Massimo , Massironi Matteo
Published: June 2020

Focusing on a sustainable and strategic urban development, local governments and public administrations, such as the Veneto Region in Italy, are increasingly addressing their urban and territorial planning to meet national and European policies, along with the principles and goals of the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development. In this regard, we aim at testing a methodology based on a semi-automatic approach able to extract the spatial extent of urban areas, referred to as “urban footprint”, from satellite data. In particular, we exploited Sentinel-1 radar imagery through multitemporal analysis of interferometric coherence as well as supervised and non-supervised classification algorithms. Lastly, we compared the results with the land cover map of the Veneto Region for accuracy assessments. Once properly processed and classified, the radar images resulted in high accuracy values, with an overall accuracy ranging between 85% and 90% and percentages of urban footprint differing by less than 1%–2% with respect to the values extracted from the reference land cover map. These results provide not only a reliable and useful support for strategic urban planning and monitoring, but also potentially identify a solid organizational dataflow process to prepare geographic indicators that will help answering the needs of the 2030 Agenda (in particular the goal 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”).
Special Issue “Global Grid Systems”
Authors: Samavati Faramarz F. , Alderson Troy
Published: June 2020

This Special Issue is dedicated to research papers on topics related to global grid systems, from their geometric foundations to their cutting-edge applications [...]
Landslide Susceptibility Prediction Considering Regional Soil Erosion Based on Machine-Learning Models
Authors: Huang Faming , Chen Jiawu , Du Zhen , Yao Chi , Huang Jinsong , Jiang Qinghui , Chang Zhilu , Li Shu
Published: June 2020

Soil erosion (SE) provides slide mass sources for landslide formation, and reflects long-term rainfall erosion destruction of landslides. Therefore, it is possible to obtain more reliable landslide susceptibility prediction results by introducing SE as a geology and hydrology-related predisposing factor. The Ningdu County of China is taken as a research area. Firstly, 446 landslides are obtained through government disaster survey reports. Secondly, the SE amount in Ningdu County is calculated and nine other conventional predisposing factors are obtained under both 30 m and 60 m grid resolutions to determine the effects of SE on landslide susceptibility prediction. Thirdly, four types of machine-learning predictors with 30 m and 60 m grid resolutions—C5.0 decision tree (C5.0 DT), logistic regression (LR), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and support vector machine (SVM)—are applied to construct the landslide susceptibility prediction models considering the SE factor as SE-C5.0 DT, SE-LR, SE-MLP and SE-SVM models; C5.0 DT, LR, MLP and SVM models with no SE are also used for comparisons. Finally, the area under receiver operating feature curve is used to verify the prediction accuracy of these models, and the relative importance of all the 10 predisposing factors is ranked. The results indicate that: (1) SE factor plays the most important role in landslide susceptibility prediction among all 10 predisposing factors under both 30 m and 60 m resolutions; (2) the SE-based models have more accurate landslide susceptibility prediction than the single models with no SE factor; (3) all the models with 30 m resolutions have higher landslide susceptibility prediction accuracy than those with 60 m resolutions; and (4) the C5.0 DT and SVM models show higher landslide susceptibility prediction performance than the MLP and LR models.
Machine Learning Generalisation across Different 3D Architectural Heritage
Authors: Grilli Eleonora , Remondino Fabio
Published: June 2020

The use of machine learning techniques for point cloud classification has been investigated extensively in the last decade in the geospatial community, while in the cultural heritage field it has only recently started to be explored. The high complexity and heterogeneity of 3D heritage data, the diversity of the possible scenarios, and the different classification purposes that each case study might present, makes it difficult to realise a large training dataset for learning purposes. An important practical issue that has not been explored yet, is the application of a single machine learning model across large and different architectural datasets. This paper tackles this issue presenting a methodology able to successfully generalise to unseen scenarios a random forest model trained on a specific dataset. This is achieved looking for the best features suitable to identify the classes of interest (e.g., wall, windows, roof and columns).
Spatial Analysis of Housing Prices and Market Activity with the Geographically Weighted Regression
Authors: Cellmer Radosław , Cichulska Aneta , Bełej Mirosław
Published: June 2020

The main part of the study will be to demonstrate that models taking into account spatial heterogeneity (Geographically Weighted Regression and Mixed Geographically Weighted Regression) which reproduce housing market determinants better reflect market relationships than conventional regression models. The spatial heterogeneity of the housing market determinants results in the spatial diversity of the market activity, as well as of real estate prices and values. The main aim of the study was to analyse an effect of these socio-demographic and environmental factors on average housing property prices and on the number of transactions in a spatial approach. In previous research conducted on a national scale, usually all variables were treated in a similar way, i.e., as global or local variables. During the research, an attempt was also made to answer the question of which of the variables adopted for analysis have a local impact on prices and market activity, and which are global. The study was conducted in Poland and used data from the year 2018 on 380 counties (Local Administrative Units). The study showed that determinants both for average prices and for the housing market activity show spatial autocorrelation with high–high and low–low cluster groups. Owing to these models, it was possible to draw specific conclusions on local determinants of flat prices and the market activity in Poland. The study findings have confirmed that they are an extremely effective tool for spatial data analysis.
Myc as a Regulator of Ribosome Biogenesis and Cell Competition: A Link to Cancer
Authors: Destefanis Francesca , Manara Valeria , Bellosta Paola
Published: June 2020

The biogenesis of ribosomes is a finely regulated multistep process linked to cell proliferation and growth—processes which require a high rate of protein synthesis. One of the master regulators of ribosome biogenesis is Myc, a well-known proto-oncogene that has an important role in ribosomal function and in the regulation of protein synthesis. The relationship between Myc and the ribosomes was first highlighted in Drosophila, where Myc’s role in controlling Pol-I, II and III was evidenced by both microarrays data, and by the ability of Myc to control growth (mass), and cellular and animal size. Moreover, Myc can induce cell competition, a physiological mechanism through which cells with greater fitness grow better and thereby prevail over less competitive cells, which are actively eliminated by apoptosis. Myc-induced cell competition was shown to regulate both vertebrate development and tumor promotion; however, how these functions are linked to Myc’s control of ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis and growth is not clear yet. In this review, we will discuss the major pathways that link Myc to ribosomal biogenesis, also in light of its function in cell competition, and how these mechanisms may reflect its role in favoring tumor promotion.
Single and Combined Fe and S Deficiency Differentially Modulate Root Exudate Composition in Tomato: A Double Strategy for Fe Acquisition?
Authors: Astolfi Stefania , Pii Youry , Mimmo Tanja , Lucini Luigi , Miras-Moreno Maria B. , Coppa Eleonora , Violino Simona , Celletti Silvia , Cesco Stefano
Published: June 2020

Fe chlorosis is considered as one of the major constraints on crop growth and yield worldwide, being particularly worse when associated with S shortage, due to the tight link between Fe and S. Plant adaptation to inadequate nutrient availabilities often relies on the release of root exudates that enhance nutrients, mobilization from soil colloids and favour their uptake by roots. This work aims at characterizing the exudomic profile of hydroponically grown tomato plants subjected to either single or combined Fe and S deficiency, as well as at shedding light on the regulation mechanisms underlying Fe and S acquisition processes by plants. Root exudates have been analysed by untargeted metabolomics, through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry as well as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry following derivatization. More than 200 metabolites could be putatively annotated. Venn diagrams show that 23%, 10% and 21% of differential metabolites are distinctively modulated by single Fe deficiency, single S deficiency or combined Fe–S deficiency, respectively. Interestingly, for the first time, a mugineic acid derivative is detected in dicot plants root exudates. The results seem to support the hypothesis of the co-existence of the two Fe acquisition strategies in tomato plants.
Elastography Techniques for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Honda Yasushi , Yoneda Masato , Imajo Kento , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: June 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is expected to increase in prevalence because of the ongoing epidemics of obesity and diabetes, and it has become a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Liver fibrosis is associated with long-term outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Liver biopsy is recommended as the gold standard method for the staging of liver fibrosis. However, it has several problems. Therefore, simple and noninvasive methods for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis are urgently needed in place of biopsy. This review discusses recent studies of elastography techniques (vibration-controlled transient elastography, point shear wave elastography, two-dimensional shear wave elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography) that can be used for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
Anticancer and Antiangiogenic Activities of Novel α-Mangostin Glycosides in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Downregulation of c-Met and HIF-1α
Authors: Kim Sung Min , Han Jang Mi , Le Tuoi Thi , Sohng Jae Kyung , Jung Hye Jin
Published: June 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Therefore, exploring effective anticancer agents and their modes of action is essential for the prevention and treatment of HCC. Glycosylation can significantly improve the physicochemical and biological properties of small molecules, such as high solubility, stability increase, and lower toxicity. In the present study, for the first time, we evaluated the anticancer and antiangiogenic activities of α-mangostin-3-O-β-D-2-deoxyglucopyranoside (Man-3DG) and α-mangostin 6-O-β-D-2-deoxyglucopyranoside (Man-6DG), glycosides of α-mangostin, against human HCC cells. Our results demonstrated that Man-3DG and Man-6DG significantly suppressed the growth of three different HCC cells (Hep3B, Huh7, and HepG2) as well as the migration of Hep3B cells. Furthermore, they induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phases and apoptotic cell death by regulating apoptosis-related proteins of mitochondria in Hep3B cells. Noticeably, Man-3DG and Man-6DG also caused autophagy, while co-treatment of the α-mangostin glycosides with an autophagy inhibitor 3-MA enhanced the inhibitory effect on Hep3B cell growth in comparison to single agent treatment. Moreover, Man-3DG and Man-6DG inhibited the c-Met signaling pathway that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of HCC. Furthermore, the α-mangostin glycosides decreased Hep3B cell-induced angiogenesis in vitro through the downregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Notably, Man-6DG more effectively inhibited the growth, tumorsphere formation, and expression of cancer stemness regulators compared to α-mangostin and Man-3DG in 3D spheroid-cultured Hep3B cells. These findings suggest that the α-mangostin glycosides might be promising anticancer agents for HCC treatment with superior pharmacological properties than the parent molecule α-mangostin.
The C-Terminus Tail Regulates ERK3 Kinase Activity and Its Ability in Promoting Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Elkhadragy Lobna , Alsaran Hadel , Long Weiwen
Published: June 2020

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. It harbors a kinase domain in the N-terminus and a long C-terminus extension. The C-terminus extension comprises a conserved in ERK3 and ERK4 (C34) region and a unique C-terminus tail, which was shown to be required for the interaction of ERK3 with the cytoskeletal protein septin 7. Recent studies have elucidated the role of ERK3 signaling in promoting the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells. However, little is known about the intramolecular regulation of the enzymatic activity and cellular functions of ERK3. In this study, we investigated the role of the elongated C-terminus extension in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and its ability to promote cancer cell migration and invasion. Our study revealed that the deletion of the C-terminus tail greatly diminishes the ability of ERK3 to promote the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. We identified two molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Firstly, the deletion of the C-terminus tail decreases the kinase activity of ERK3 towards substrates, including the oncogenic protein steroid receptor co-activator 3 (SRC-3), an important downstream target for ERK3 signaling in cancer. Secondly, in line with the previous finding that the C-terminus tail mediates the interaction of ERK3 with septin 7, we found that the depletion of septin 7 abolished the ability of ERK3 to promote migration, indicating that septin 7 acts as a downstream effector for ERK3-induced cancer cell migration. Taken together, the findings of this study advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of ERK3 signaling by unraveling the role of the C-terminus tail in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and functions in cancer cells. These findings provide useful insights for the development of therapeutic agents targeting ERK3 signaling in cancer.
Gut–Brain Axis and Neurodegeneration: State-of-the-Art of Meta-Omics Sciences for Microbiota Characterization
Authors: Tilocca Bruno , Pieroni Luisa , Soggiu Alessio , Britti Domenico , Bonizzi Luigi , Roncada Paola , Greco Viviana
Published: June 2020

Recent advances in the field of meta-omics sciences and related bioinformatics tools have allowed a comprehensive investigation of human-associated microbiota and its contribution to achieving and maintaining the homeostatic balance. Bioactive compounds from the microbial community harboring the human gut are involved in a finely tuned network of interconnections with the host, orchestrating a wide variety of physiological processes. These includes the bi-directional crosstalk between the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., gut–brain axis). The increasing accumulation of evidence suggest a pivotal role of the composition and activity of the gut microbiota in neurodegeneration. In the present review we aim to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of meta-omics sciences including metagenomics for the study of microbial genomes and taxa strains, metatranscriptomics for gene expression, metaproteomics and metabolomics to identify and/or quantify microbial proteins and metabolites, respectively. The potential and limitations of each discipline were highlighted, as well as the advantages of an integrated approach (multi-omics) to predict microbial functions and molecular mechanisms related to human diseases. Particular emphasis is given to the latest results obtained with these approaches in an attempt to elucidate the link between the gut microbiota and the most common neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Lessons on the Sigma-1 Receptor in TNBS-Induced Rat Colitis: Modulation of the UCHL-1, IL-6 Pathway
Authors: Almási Nikoletta , Török Szilvia , Dvorácskó Szabolcs , Tömböly Csaba , Csonka Ákos , Baráth Zoltán , Murlasits Zsolt , Valkusz Zsuzsanna , Pósa Anikó , Varga Csaba , Kupai Krisztina
Published: June 2020

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune ailment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is characterized by enhanced activation of proinflammatory cytokines. It is suggested that the sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) confers anti-inflammatory effects. As the exact pathogenesis of IBD is still unknown and treatment options are limited, we aimed to investigate the effects of σ1R in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced experimental colitis. To this end, male Wistar–Harlan rats were used to model colitic inflammation through the administration of TNBS. To investigate the effects of σ1R, Fluvoxamine (FLV, σ1R agonist) and BD1063 (σ1R antagonist) were applied via intracolonic administration to the animals once a day for three days. Our radioligand binding studies indicated the existence of σ1Rs as [3H](+)-pentazocine binding sites, and FLV treatment increased the reduced σ1R maximum binding capacity in TNBS-induced colitis. Furthermore, FLV significantly attenuated the colonic damage, the effect of which was abolished by the administration of BD1063. Additionally, FLV potentially increased the expression of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase ligase-1 (UCHL-1) and the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and decreased the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inducible NOS (iNOS) expression. In summary, our study offers evidence for the anti-inflammatory potential of FLV and σ1R in experimental colitis, and our results present a promising approach to the development of new σ1R-targeted treatment options against IBD.
The Mitochondrial Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein PPR18 Is Required for the cis-Splicing of nad4 Intron 1 and Essential to Seed Development in Maize
Authors: Liu Rui , Cao Shi-Kai , Sayyed Aqib , Xu Chunhui , Sun Feng , Wang Xiaomin , Tan Bao-Cai
Published: June 2020

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein comprises a large family, participating in various aspects of organellar RNA metabolism in land plants. There are approximately 600 PPR proteins in maize, but the functions of many PPR proteins remain unknown. In this study, we defined the function of PPR18 in the cis-splicing of nad4 intron 1 in mitochondria and seed development in maize. Loss function of PPR18 seriously impairs embryo and endosperm development, resulting in the empty pericarp (emp) phenotype in maize. PPR18 encodes a mitochondrion-targeted P-type PPR protein with 18 PPR motifs. Transcripts analysis indicated that the splicing of nad4 intron 1 is impaired in the ppr18 mutant, resulting in the absence of nad4 transcript, leading to severely reduced assembly and activity of mitochondrial complex I and dramatically reduced respiration rate. These results demonstrate that PPR18 is required for the cis-splicing of nad4 intron 1 in mitochondria, and critical to complex I assembly and seed development in maize.
Facile Histamine Detection by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Using SiO2@Au@Ag Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Huynh Kim-Hung , Pham Xuan-Hung , Hahm Eunil , An Jaehyun , Kim Hyung-Mo , Jo Ahla , Seong Bomi , Kim Yoon-Hee , Son Byung Sung , Kim Jaehi , Rho Won-Yeop , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: June 2020

Histamine intoxication associated with seafood consumption represents a global health problem. The consumption of high concentrations of histamine can cause illnesses ranging from light symptoms, such as a prickling sensation, to death. In this study, gold–silver alloy-embedded silica (SiO2@Au@Ag) nanoparticles were created to detect histamine using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The optimal histamine SERS signal was measured following incubation with 125 μg/mL of SiO2@Au@Ag for 2 h, with a material-to-histamine solution volume ratio of 1:5 and a phosphate-buffered saline-Tween 20 (PBS-T) solvent at pH 7. The SERS intensity of the histamine increased proportionally with the increase in histamine concentration in the range 0.1–0.8 mM, with a limit of detection of 3.698 ppm. Our findings demonstrate the applicability of SERS using nanomaterials for histamine detection. In addition, this study demonstrates that nanoalloys could have a broad application in the future.
Antiviral Activity of Compound L3 against Dengue and Zika Viruses In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chuang Fu-Kai , Liao Ching-Len , Hu Ming-Kuan , Chiu Yi-Lin , Lee An-Rong , Huang Shih-Ming , Chiu Yu-Lung , Tsai Pei-Ling , Su Bo-Cyuan , Chang Tsung-Hsien , Lin Chang-Chi , Shih Chih-Chin , Yen Li-Chen
Published: June 2020

Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that cause severe illness after infection. Currently, there are no specific or effective treatments against DENV and ZIKV. Previous studies have shown that tyrosine kinase activities and signal transduction are involved in flavivirus replication, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for DENV and ZIKV. In this study, we found that compound L3 can significantly reduce viral protein expression and viral titers in HEK-293, MCF-7, HepG2, and Huh-7 cells and exhibits superior therapeutic efficacy against flaviviral infection compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In addition, compound L3 can decrease endogenous HER2 activation and inhibit the phosphorylation of the HER2 downstream signaling molecules Src and ERK1/2, the levels of which have been associated with viral protein expression in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, silencing HER2 diminished DENV-2 and ZIKV expression in MCF-7 cells, which suggests that HER2 activity is involved in flavivirus replication. Furthermore, in DENV-2-infected AG129 mice, treatment with compound L3 increased the survival rates and reduced the viremia levels. Overall, compound L3 demonstrates therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo and could be developed as a promising antiviral drug against emerging flaviviruses or for concurrent DENV and ZIKV outbreaks.
Genetically Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells: The Next Generation of Stem Cell-Based Therapy for TBI
Authors: Shahror Rami Ahmad , Wu Chung-Che , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Chen Kai-Yun
Published: June 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as an attractive approach for restorative medicine in central nervous system (CNS) diseases and injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), due to their relatively easy derivation and therapeutic effect following transplantation. However, the long-term survival of the grafted cells and therapeutic efficacy need improvement. Here, we review the recent application of MSCs in TBI treatment in preclinical models. We discuss the genetic modification approaches designed to enhance the therapeutic potency of MSCs for TBI treatment by improving their survival after transplantation, enhancing their homing abilities and overexpressing neuroprotective and neuroregenerative factors. We highlight the latest preclinical studies that have used genetically modified MSCs for TBI treatment. The recent developments in MSCs’ biology and potential TBI therapeutic targets may sufficiently improve the genetic modification strategies for MSCs, potentially bringing effective MSC-based therapies for TBI treatment in humans.
Intracellular Cl− Regulation of Ciliary Beating in Ciliated Human Nasal Epithelial Cells: Frequency and Distance of Ciliary Beating Observed by High-Speed Video Microscopy
Authors: Yasuda Makoto , Inui Taka-aki , Hirano Shigeru , Asano Shinji , Okazaki Tomonori , Inui Toshio , Marunaka Yoshinori , Nakahari Takashi
Published: June 2020

Small inhaled particles, which are entrapped by the mucous layer that is maintained by mucous secretion via mucin exocytosis and fluid secretion, are removed from the nasal cavity by beating cilia. The functional activities of beating cilia are assessed by their frequency and the amplitude. Nasal ciliary beating is controlled by intracellular ions (Ca2+, H+ and Cl−), and is enhanced by a decreased concentration of intracellular Cl− ([Cl−]i) in ciliated human nasal epithelial cells (cHNECs) in primary culture, which increases the ciliary beat amplitude. A novel method to measure both ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and ciliary beat distance (CBD, an index of ciliary beat amplitude) in cHNECs has been developed using high-speed video microscopy, which revealed that a decrease in [Cl−]i increased CBD, but not CBF, and an increase in [Cl−]i decreased both CBD and CBF. Thus, [Cl−]i inhibits ciliary beating in cHNECs, suggesting that axonemal structures controlling CBD and CBF may have Cl− sensors and be regulated by [Cl−]i. These observations indicate that the activation of Cl− secretion stimulates ciliary beating (increased CBD) mediated via a decrease in [Cl−]i in cHNECs. Thus, [Cl−]i is critical for controlling ciliary beating in cHNECs. This review introduces the concept of Cl− regulation of ciliary beating in cHNECs.
Molecular Cytogenetic Identification of Wheat-Aegilops Biuncialis 5Mb Disomic Addition Line with Tenacious and Black Glumes
Authors: Song Liqiang , Zhao Hui , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Shuai , Liu Jiajia , Zhang Wei , Zhang Na , Ji Jun , Li Lihui , Li Junming
Published: June 2020

Production of wheat-alien disomic addition lines is of great value to the exploitation and utilization of elite genes originated from related species to wheat. In this study, a novel wheat-Aegilops biuncialis 5Mb disomic addition line WA317 was characterized by in situ hybridization (ISH) and specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) markers. Compared to its parent Chinese Spring (CS), the glumes of WA317 had black color and were difficult to remove after harvesting, suggesting chromosome 5Mb carried gene(s) related to glume development and Triticeae domestication process. A total of 242 Ae. biuncialis SLAF-based markers (298 amplified patterns) were developed and further divided into four categories by Ae. biuncialis Y17, Ae. umbellulata Y139 and Ae. comosa Y258, including 172 markers amplifying the same bands of U and M genome, six and 102 markers amplifying U-specific and M-specific bands, respectively and eighteen markers amplifying specific bands in Y17. Among them, 45 markers had the specific amplifications in WA317 and were 5Mb specific markers. Taken together, line WA317 with tenacious and black glumes should serve as the foundation for understanding of the Triticeae domestication process and further exploitation of primitive alleles for wheat improvement. Ae. biuncialis SLAF-based markers can be used for studying syntenic relationships between U and M genomes as well as rapid tracking of U and M chromosomal segments in wheat background.
Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor Ameliorates Autophagic Flux Impairment on Renal Proximal Tubular Cells in Obesity Mice
Authors: Fukushima Kazuhiko , Kitamura Shinji , Tsuji Kenji , Sang Yizhen , Wada Jun
Published: June 2020

Obesity is supposed to cause renal injury via autophagy deficiency. Recently, sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were reported to protect renal injury. However, the mechanisms of SGLT2i for renal protection are unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of SGLT2i for autophagy in renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs) on obesity mice. We fed C57BL/6J mice with a normal diet (ND) or high-fat and -sugar diet (HFSD) for nine weeks, then administered SGLT2i, empagliflozin, or control compound for one week. Each group contained N = 5. The urinary N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase level in the HFSD group significantly increased compared to ND group. The tubular damage was suppressed in the SGLT2i–HFSD group. In electron microscopic analysis, multi lamellar bodies that increased in autophagy deficiency were increased in PTCs in the HFSD group but significantly suppressed in the SGLT2i group. The autophagosomes of damaged mitochondria in PTCs in the HFSD group frequently appeared in the SGLT2i group. p62 accumulations in PTCs were significantly increased in HFSD group but significantly suppressed by SGLT2i. In addition, the mammalian target of rapamycin was activated in the HFSD group but significantly suppressed in SGLT2i group. These data suggest that SGLT2i has renal protective effects against obesity via improving autophagy flux impairment in PTCs on a HFSD.
The MNK1/2-eIF4E Axis as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Melanoma
Authors: Prabhu Sathyen A. , Moussa Omar , Miller Wilson H. , del Rincón Sonia V.
Published: June 2020

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the pigment-producing cells of the body known as melanocytes. Most genetic aberrations in melanoma result in hyperactivation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. We and others have shown that a specific protein synthesis pathway known as the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis is often dysregulated in cancer. The MNK1/2-eIF4E axis is a point of convergence for these signaling pathways that are commonly constitutively activated in melanoma. In this review we consider the functional implications of aberrant mRNA translation in melanoma and other malignancies. Moreover, we discuss the consequences of inhibiting the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis on the tumor and tumor-associated cells, and we provide important avenues for the utilization of this treatment modality in combination with other targeted and immune-based therapies. The past decade has seen the increased development of selective inhibitors to block the action of the MNK1/2-eIF4E pathway, which are predicted to be an effective therapy regardless of the melanoma subtype (e.g., cutaneous, acral, and mucosal).
Homology Modeling of the Human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and Insights into Ligand Binding through Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Mora Lagares Liadys , Minovski Nikola , Caballero Alfonso Ana Yisel , Benfenati Emilio , Wellens Sara , Culot Maxime , Gosselet Fabien , Novič Marjana
Published: June 2020

The ABCB1 transporter also known as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane protein belonging to the ATP binding cassette super-family of transporters; it is a xenobiotic efflux pump that limits intracellular drug accumulation by pumping the compounds out of cells. P-gp contributes to a decrease of toxicity and possesses broad substrate specificity. It is involved in the failure of numerous anticancer and antiviral chemotherapies due to the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenomenon, where it removes the chemotherapeutics out of the targeted cells. Understanding the details of the ligand–P-gp interaction is therefore crucial for the development of drugs that might overcome the MRD phenomenon and for obtaining a more effective prediction of the toxicity of certain compounds. In this work, an in silico modeling was performed using homology modeling and molecular docking methods with the aim of better understanding the ligand–P-gp interactions. Based on different mouse P-gp structural templates from the PDB repository, a 3D model of the human P-gp (hP-gp) was constructed by means of protein homology modeling. The homology model was then used to perform molecular docking calculations on a set of thirteen compounds, including some well-known compounds that interact with P-gp as substrates, inhibitors, or both. The sum of ranking differences (SRD) was employed for the comparison of the different scoring functions used in the docking calculations. A consensus-ranking scheme was employed for the selection of the top-ranked pose for each docked ligand. The docking results showed that a high number of π interactions, mainly π–sigma, π–alkyl, and π–π type of interactions, together with the simultaneous presence of hydrogen bond interactions contribute to the stability of the ligand–protein complex in the binding site. It was also observed that some interacting residues in hP-gp are the same when compared to those observed in a co-crystallized ligand (PBDE-100) with mouse P-gp (PDB ID: 4XWK). Our in silico approach is consistent with available experimental results regarding P-gp efflux transport assay; therefore it could be useful in the prediction of the role of new compounds in systemic toxicity.
Long Non-Coding RNA HAND2-AS1 Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Gokulnath Priyanka , de Cristofaro Tiziana , Manipur Ichcha , Di Palma Tina , Soriano Amata Amy , Guarracino Mario Rosario , Zannini Mariastella
Published: June 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly being identified as crucial regulators in pathologies like cancer. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common subtype of ovarian cancer (OC), one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies. LncRNAs, especially in cancers such as HGSC, could play a valuable role in diagnosis and even therapy. From RNA-sequencing analysis performed between an OC cell line, SKOV3, and a Fallopian Tube (FT) cell line, FT194, an important long non-coding RNA, HAND2 Anti sense RNA 1 (HAND2-AS1), was observed to be significantly downregulated in OCs when compared to FT. Its downregulation in HGSC was validated in different datasets and in a panel of HGSC cell lines. Furthermore, this study shows that the downregulation of HAND2-AS1 is caused by promoter hypermethylation in HGSC and behaves as a tumor suppressor in HGSC cell lines. Since therapeutic relevance is of key importance in HGSC research, for the first time, HAND2-AS1 upregulation was demonstrated to be one of the mechanisms through which HDAC inhibitor Panobinostat could be used in a strategy to increase HGSC cells’ sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents currently used in clinical trials. To unravel the mechanism by which HAND2-AS1 exerts its role, an in silico mRNA network was constructed using mRNAs whose expressions were positively and negatively correlated with this lncRNA in HGSC. Finally, a putative ceRNA network with possible miRNA targets of HAND2-AS1 and their mRNA targets was constructed, and the enriched Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified.
Cross-Reactivity of Palladium in a Murine Model of Metal-induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Shigematsu Hiroaki , Kumagai Kenichi , Suzuki Motoaki , Eguchi Takanori , Matsubara Ryota , Nakasone Yasunari , Nasu Keisuke , Yoshizawa Takamasa , Ichikawa Haruno , Mori Takahiro , Hamada Yoshiki , Suzuki Ryuji
Published: June 2020

Metal allergy is usually diagnosed by patch testing, however, the results do not necessarily reflect the clinical symptoms because of cross-reactivity between different metals. In this study, we established the novel mouse model of cross-reactive metal allergy, and aimed to elucidate the immune response in terms of T-cell receptor repertoire. This model was classified into two groups: the sensitization to nickel and challenge with palladium group, and the sensitization to chromium and challenge with palladium group. This model developed spongiotic edema with intra- and peri-epithelial infiltration of CD4+ T cells in the inflamed skin that resembles human contact dermatitis. Using T cell receptor analysis, we detected a high proportion of T cells bearing Trav8d-1-Traj49 and Trav5-1-Traj37 in the Ni- and Cr-sensitized Pd-challenged mice. Furthermore, mucosal-associated invariant T cells and invariant natural killer T cells were also detected. Our results indicated that T cells bearing Trav8d-1-Traj49 and Trav5-1-Traj37 induced the development of palladium-cross reactive allergy, and that mucosal-associated invariant T and invariant natural killer T cells were also involved in the cross-reactivity between different metals.
Human Sperm Capacitation Involves the Regulation of the Tyr-Phosphorylation Level of the Anion Exchanger 1 (AE1)
Authors: Donà Gabriella , Tibaldi Elena , Andrisani Alessandra , Ambrosini Guido , Sabbadin Chiara , Pagano Mario Angelo , Brunati Anna Maria , Armanini Decio , Ragazzi Eugenio , Bordin Luciana
Published: June 2020

Bicarbonate uptake is one of the early steps of capacitation, but the identification of proteins regulating anion fluxes remains elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of sperm solute carrier 4 (SLC4) A1 (spAE1) in the capacitation process. The expression, location, and tyrosine-phosphorylation (Tyr-P) level of spAE1 were assessed. Thereby, it was found that 4,4′-Diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS), an SLC4 family channel blocker, inhibited capacitation in a dose-dependent manner by decreasing acrosome reaction (ARC% 24.5 ± 3.3 vs. 64.9 ± 4.3, p < 0.05) and increasing the percentage of not viable cells (NVC%), comparable to the inhibition by I-172, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) blocker (AR% 30.5 ± 4.4 and NVC% 18.6 ± 2.2). When used in combination, a synergistic inhibitory effect was observed with a remarkable increase of the percentage of NVC (45.3 ± 4.1, p < 0.001). spAE1 was identified in sperm membrane as a substrate for Tyr-protein kinases Lyn and Syk, which were identified as both soluble and membrane-bound pools. spAE1-Tyr-P level increased in the apical region of sperm under capacitating conditions and was negatively affected by I-172 or DIDS, and, to a far greater extent, by a combination of both. In conclusion, we demonstrated that spAE1 is expressed in sperm membranes and it is phosphorylated by Syk, but above all by Lyn on Tyr359, which are involved in sperm viability and capacitation.