bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Sequestration Potential in the Restoration of Highly Eutrophic Shallow Lakes
Authors: Skwierawski Andrzej
Published: May 2022

The primary goal of the study was to determine the quantity of carbon accumulated in shallow fertile water bodies that were restored after a long period of drainage. Massive drainage of mid-field water bodies took place in north-eastern Poland in the 19th century. Of 143 identified drained lakes (each of more than 1 ha before drying) in the Olsztyn Lakeland, 27 have been restored to their original state through natural rewilding processes or recovery projects. From among the variety of drained water bodies, 8 which have been naturally or artificially restored to their original condition 13 to 47 years ago, were the subject of a detailed study on carbon sequestration. The studied water bodies had high productivity, and they were classified as moderately eutrophic to extremely hypertrophic. An analysis of bottom sediments revealed that, after restoration, the examined water bodies have accumulated 275.5 g C m−2 a−1 on average, which is equivalent to 10.1 Mg ha−1 a−1 of carbon dioxide (CO2) removed from the atmosphere. Results showed that the evaluated water bodies are effective carbon sinks. Most of the lakes drained in the 19th century are wastelands today, and they can be relatively easily restored to their original condition to create additional carbon sequestration sites. Lake restoration seems to be a cost-effective method both for carbon capture (as additional potential capacity as part of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods) and to support the sustainable use of agricultural areas. However, this second goal may be limited by the poor ecological status of such facilities.
Heavy-Metal Speciation Distribution and Adsorption Characteristics of Cr (VI) in the Soil within Sewage Irrigation Areas
Authors: Liu Songtao , Yu Furong , Zhang Jianuo
Published: May 2022

While sewage irrigation relieves water shortages in Northern China, its excessive application triggers a series of environmental problems, such as heavy-metal pollution. Soil profile and river sediment profile samples from the sewage irrigation area (SIA) were collected by selecting the farmlands in which sewage irrigation activity has been reported since the 1960s, around Huiji River (HJR) and Huafei River (HFR) in Kaifeng, Henan Province, China, as research areas. In this study, the total amount of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Ni) and the heavy-metal speciation analysis using the modified BCR sequential extraction method were used to evaluate the impacts of wastewater on agricultural soils and the potential risk. Furthermore, the least contaminated Cr (VI) was selected for the study of adsorption characteristics to determine the environmental capacity of soils for heavy metals when the composition of wastewater changes under long-term effluent irrigation conditions. The results show that: (1) the concentrations of heavy metals in soil continuously decreased with depth, while the opposite was observed in sediment, reflecting the continuous improvement in water quality over the historical period; (2) In the topsoil, the mean concentrations (mg·kg−1) in rank order are as follows: Mn (588.68) > Zn (284.21) > Pb (99.76) > Cr (76.84) > Ni (34.71) > Cd (3.25), where Cd exceeded the control value by 3.15 times around HFR, and sediment samples also showed higher heavy metal concentrations in HFR than in HJR; (3) Speciation distribution and risk assessment code (RAC) indicate that Mn and Cd were at medium risk and that Cd warrants attention due to its being a non-essential toxic element in humans; (4) The adsorption rates of soil in various layers in different profiles within SIAs for Cr (VI) gradually increased with the increasing initial content of Cr (VI). Among the three isothermal adsorption models, the fit result obtained by the Langmuir equation was superior to those obtained by the Freundlich equation and the linear equation.
Can the Adjustment of China’s Grain Purchase and Storage Policy Improve Its Green Productivity?
Authors: Li Jingdong , Lin Qingning
Published: May 2022

While the sustainability of grain production has been extensively studied, there have been few studies focusing on the impact of grain policy adjustment on its sustainable production, and the quantitative relationship between these two aspects and the internal mechanism is not completely clear. The main objective of this paper was to explore the impact of grain purchase and storage policy (GPSP) adjustment on its green productivity by expounding the evolution logic and influence mechanism of GPSP. Therefore, taking maize production as an example, this paper constructs the analysis framework of the evolution logic and influence mechanism, and the super-epsilon-based measure model (Super-EBM) is adopted to measure maize green productivity (MGP) in main producing areas from 1997 to 2019, then two groups of difference-in-differences (DID) models are constructed to study the influence of the temporary purchase and storage policy (TPSP) and the producer subsidy policy (PSP) on MGP. The main conclusions include: the implementation of TPSP reduces MGP in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning and Inner Mongolia (experimental group), whereas the implementation of PSP improves MGP in these provinces is due to the difference in policy effects under the different regulatory objectives and measures; under the demonstration effect of two policies, the increase in effective irrigation and agricultural financial expenditure are important factors to improve MGP, but the backwardness of agricultural mechanization has been hindering the improvement of MGP; after the reform from TPSP to PSP, the continuous increase in production capacity hinders the improvement of MGP under the support effect, the impacts of farmers’ income and agricultural production price on MGP both shift from negative to positive under the wealth effect, and the influence of production agglomeration on MGP shifts from negative to positive under the siphon effect. The excessive implementation of GPSP has seriously affected the sustainability of grain production, thus, this study has certain practical significance and guiding value. The paper emphasizes that the effective way to achieve sustainable food production is to combine the adjustment of GPSP with improving the subsidy mechanism, enhancing the agricultural mechanization and maintaining the appropriate scale of operation.
The Meaning of Sense of Coherence (SOC) in Persons with Late Effects of Polio—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nolvi Maria , Forsberg Anna , Brogårdh Christina , Jacobsson Lars , Lexell Jan
Published: May 2022

Sense of Coherence (SOC), comprising comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness, is important for the sense of living a good life with Late Effects of Polio (LEoP). However, there is a lack of knowledge about the meaning of these three components. The aim of this study was to explore in-depth the meaning of SOC among persons living with LEoP, in terms of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. A directed content analysis was performed based on individual interviews with 7 men and 7 women with LEoP (mean age 73 years). SOC in persons with LEoP existed in two overarching themes that were closely intertwined: a state of motion and a state of being. The state of motion comprised active approaches, choices and actions, and was a process aimed at achieving a stronger comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. The state of being comprised the comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness that the persons currently experienced. A profound understanding of SOC as both a state of motion and state being is essential for rehabilitation professionals when providing self-management support to persons living with LEoP. This understanding can increase their sense of living a good life and also be used in the rehabilitation of other life-long conditions.
Algal Inhibiting Effects of Salicylic Acid Sustained-Release Microspheres on Algae in Different Growth Cycles
Authors: Fan Ziqi , Wang Yingjun , Chen Chao , Li Junrong , He Yan , Xiao Hong
Published: May 2022

Microcystis blooms and microcystins caused by eutrophication are harmful to the environment. At present, algicide based on allelochemicals is widely used in algae control. Environment-friendly sustained-release salicylate chitosan microspheres (SA-CS) were prepared by acylation of chitosan and glutaraldehyde. SA-CS was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis, and laser particle sizer. The inhibitory effects of SA-CS on Microcystis aeruginosa at different stages, and the environmental impact of the inorganic index, were studied. The results showed that the mean size of SA-CS was 53.3 μm, the encapsulation rate was 40.66%, and SA-CS had a good sustained-release effect (stable release within 25 days). On the seventh day, a 90% inhibition rate in the lag phase required 105 mg/L of SA-CS, whereas a 90% inhibition rate in the log phase required 675 mg/L of SA-CS. The sensitivity of Microcystis aeruginosa at the lag phase to salicylic acid was about 1.4 times that of the log phase, thus, it is recommended to control the algae in the lag phase. The long-term inhibition effect of SA-CS on algae was detected after adding sufficient SA-CS. In terms of salicylic acid, pH, and dissolved oxygen, no lousy effect was observed for the addition of SA-CS. SA-CS could effectively reduce the concentration of microcystin-LR by 50%. SA-CS is an environment-friendly sustained-release microsphere with good algal inhibition performance for Microcystis aeruginosa.
A University and Community-Based Partnership: After-School Mentoring Activities to Support Positive Mental Health for Children Who Are Refugees
Authors: Nabors Laura A. , Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Toledano-Toledano Filiberto
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to examine mentors’ perceptions of a pilot service-learning program designed to provide activities to promote the self-esteem and positive development of elementary school-age children who were refugees. Activities were designed to promote self-esteem, self-confidence, social skills development, and problem-solving. College students completed reflection journals to record their perceptions of mentoring and what the children were learning and experiencing. The results indicated that mentors believed the children were learning ideas to improve their self-esteem and social development. Mentors’ impressions were corroborated by reports about the program from staff who worked with the children daily. Involving parents in programming, may have extended the reach of program efforts. Some children may have benefited from evaluations to determine if counseling would benefit them, given the trauma history they and their family members were potentially facing. This was a pilot program implementation study, and a limitation is that data from youth and parents about mental health outcomes were lacking. In the future, assessing perceptions of children, involving their caregivers in programming, and then assessing their caregivers’ perceptions of the impact of the program on children’s self-esteem and social and emotional functioning will provide critical information about program success and information for program development.
Digital Health Profile of South Korea: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Kyehwa , Seo Libga , Yoon Dukyong , Yang Kwangmo , Yi Jae-Eun , Kim Yoomi , Lee Jae-Ho
Published: May 2022

(1) Backgroud: For future national digital healthcare policy development, it is vital to collect baseline data on the infrastructure and services of medical institutions’ information and communication technology (ICT). To assess the state of medical ICT across the nation, we devised and administered a comprehensive digital healthcare survey to medical institutions across the nation. (2) Methods: From 16 November through 11 December 2020, this study targeted 42 tertiary hospitals, 311 general hospitals, and 1431 hospital locations countrywide. (3) Results: Since 2015, most hospitals have implemented electronic medical record (EMR) systems (90.5 percent of hospitals, which is the smallest unit, and 100 percent of tertiary hospitals). The rate of implementation of personal health records (PHRs) varied significantly between 61.9 percent and 2.4 percent, depending on the size of the hospital. Hospitals have implemented around three to seven government-sponsored information/data transmission and receiving systems for statistical or investigative objectives. For secondary usage of medical data, more than half of tertiary hospitals have implemented a clinical data warehouse or shared data model. However, new service establishments utilizing modern medical technologies such as artificial intelligence or lifelogging were scarce and in the planning stages. (4) Conclusion: This study shows that the level of digitalization in Korean medical institutions is significant, despite the fact that the development and spending in ICT infrastructure and services provided by individual institutions imposes a significant cost. This illustrates that, in the face of a pandemic, strong government backing and policymaking are essential to activate ICT-based medical services and efficiently use medical data.
‘Bringing the Covert into the Open’: A Case Study on Technology Appropriation and Continuous Improvement
Authors: Bal Michiel , Benders Jos , Vermeerbergen Lander
Published: May 2022

As end-users, employees appropriate technologies. Technology appropriation is generally conceived as a covert phenomenon. In particular, alternative ways and new purposes for which employees deploy technologies tend to remain hidden. Therefore, the potential of technologies as a source of organizational improvements may remain undisclosed. Continuous improvement (CI) programs, in contrast, are explicitly oriented at disclosing organizational improvements. In essence, CI programs encourage employees to openly discuss how to improve their work practices. Such continuous movements towards novel, often better, ways of working may be perfectly suited to bring the covert nature of technology appropriation into the open. Based on a case study on a personal digital assistant (PDA) in a Belgian nursing home with such a CI program in place, we document and analyze to what extent and why functionalities of the PDA were discussed and further developed. We distinguish between the functionalities that, upon implementation, intended to improve particular work practices, and those that surfaced after the technology had been introduced. To conclude, we point at employees’ perceived usefulness of their work practices and their willingness to improve these, rather than only the technology itself, to further the debate on technology appropriation.
A Feasible Methodological Approach to Estimate the Burden of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results from the EPI-ASD Study in the Province of Lecce (Southern Italy)
Authors: Imbriani Giovanni , Grassi Tiziana , Bagordo Francesco , De Filippis Giovanni , De Giorgi Donato , Peccarisi Luigi , Dileone Federica , Fattizzo Tonia , Antonucci Gianfranco , Margiotta Maria Luciana , De Giorgi Serafino , Grasso Valeria , De Donno Antonella , Piscitelli Prisco
Published: May 2022

Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have rapidly increased globally. However, the lack of comprehensive epidemiological surveys and surveillance systems, able to provide official data at a national or European level is one of the main issues in the monitoring of this condition. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ASD in children and adolescents aged 3–18 years old living in the province of Lecce (Southern Italy) through official data provided by the Local Health Authority of Lecce (ASL/LE) up to 31 October 2020, and compare it with school-based data concerning the number of students needing support for ASD. Based on data provided by the ASL/LE, in 2020 there were 509 cases of ASD among children and adolescents aged 3–18 years old, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.46%. A total of 408 (80.2%) were boys and 101 (19.8%) were girls. In relation to their age, 155 ASD cases (0.90%) were diagnosed in the 3–5 age group, while 222 (0.55%) in the 6–11 age group and 132 (0.25%) in the 12–18 age group. Prevalence of ASD assessed by school-based dataset was underestimated in the 3–5 age group, while the 6–11 and 12–18 age groups were consistent with the official data provided by the ASL/LE.
Effectiveness of Warm-Up Intervention Programs to Prevent Sports Injuries among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ding Liyi , Luo Jianfeng , Smith Daniel M. , Mackey Marcia , Fu Haiqing , Davis Matthew , Hu Yanping
Published: May 2022

Sports participation by children and adolescents often results in injuries. Therefore, injury prevention warm-up programs are imperative for youth sports safety. The purpose of this paper was to assess the effectiveness of Warm-up Intervention Programs (WIP) on upper and lower limb sports injuries through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches for relevant studies were performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane databases. Studies selected met the following criteria: original data; analytic prospective design; investigated a WIP and included outcomes for injury sustained during sports participation. Two authors assessed the quality of evidence using Furlan’s criteria. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.3 software was used to process and analyze the outcome indicators of the literature. Across fifteen studies, the pooled point estimated injury rate ratio (IRR) was 0.64 (95% CI = 0.54–0.75; 36% reduction) while accounting for hours of risk exposure. Publication bias assessment suggested a 6% reduction in the estimate (IRR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.60–0.82), and the prediction interval intimated that any study estimate could still fall between 0.34 and 1.19. Subgroup analyses identified one significant moderator that existed in the subgroup of compliance (p < 0.01) and might be the source of heterogeneity. Compared with the control group, WIPs significantly reduced the injury rate ratio of upper and lower limb sports injuries in children and adolescents.
Citizen Science Mosquito Surveillance by Ad Hoc Observation Using the iNaturalist Platform
Authors: Braz Sousa Larissa , Fricker Stephen , Webb Cameron E. , Baldock Katherine L. , Williams Craig R.
Published: May 2022

Citizen science mosquito surveillance has been growing in recent years due to both increasing concern about mosquito-borne disease and the increasing popularity of citizen science projects globally. Health authorities are recognising the potential importance of citizen science to expanding or enhancing traditional surveillance programs. Different programs have shown success in engaging communities to monitor species of medical importance through low-cost methods. The Mozzie Monitors project was established on iNaturalist—an open citizen science platform that allows participants to upload photos (i.e., observers) and assist identification (i.e., identifiers). This article describes the likelihood of citizen scientists submitting photos of mosquitoes, assesses user submission behaviour, and evaluates public health utility from these citizen science-derived data. From October 2018 to July 2021, the Mozzie Monitors project on iNaturalist received 2118 observations of 57 different species of mosquitoes across Australia. The number of observers in the system increased over time with more than 500 observers and 180 identifiers being active in the project since its establishment. Data showed species bias with large-bodied and colourful mosquitoes being over-represented. Analyses also indicate regional differentiation of mosquito fauna per state, seasonality of activity, and ecological information about mosquitoes. The iNaturalist citizen science platform also allows connectedness, facilitated communication and collaboration between overall users and expert entomologists, of value to medical entomology and mosquito management.
The Association between Ultra-Processed Foods, Quality of Life and Insomnia among Adolescent Girls in Northeastern Iran
Authors: Lane Katie Elizabeth , Davies Ian Glynn , Darabi Zahra , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid , Mazidi Mohsen
Published: May 2022

Ultra-processed foods have been associated with increased risk of chronic disease, poor overall health and psychological outcomes. This study explored the association of ultra-processed foods with quality of life in adolescent girls from northeastern Iran. In an interdisciplinary cross-sectional study, n = 733 adolescent girls were recruited by random cluster sampling. Assessments were completed for demographics, physical activity, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, psychological health and dietary intake. The participants were categorized into quartiles of ultra-processed food intake, and multivariable logistic regression was used in several models to investigate the association between ultra-processed food intake and psychological health. The mean age of the participants was 14 years. There were no significant differences in participant demographics for the quartiles of ultra-processed food intake including weight, waist–hip ratio, waist circumference, depression, insomnia and cardiometabolic markers related to cardiovascular disease risk. Adjusted logistic regression showed participants in the highest category of ultra-processed food consumption had an increased likelihood of reduced quality of life (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.13–3.11), with a greater chance for insomnia (OR: 4.04, 95% CI: 1.83–8.94) across all models. However, no significant associations were observed between consumption of ultra-processed foods and daytime sleepiness. We highlight the association between ultra-processed food consumption and poor quality of life and insomnia amongst adolescent girls. Large longitudinal integrated public health studies in different ethnicities are needed to confirm these associations and evaluate their possible impact for optimizing health promotion programs.
Neuroendocrine Response and State Anxiety Due to Psychosocial Stress Decrease after a Training with Subject’s Own (but Not Another) Virtual Body: An RCT Study
Authors: Burin Dalila , Cavanna Gabriele , Rabellino Daniela , Kotozaki Yuka , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: May 2022

Previous research involving healthy participants has reported that seeing a moving virtual body from the first person perspective induces the illusion of ownership and agency over that virtual body. When a person is sitting and the virtual body runs, it is possible to measure physiological, behavioral and cognitive reactions that are comparable to those that occur during actual movement. Capitalizing on this evidence, we hypothesized that virtual training could also induce neuroendocrine effects that prompt a decreased psychosocial stress response, as occurs after physical training. While sitting, 26 healthy young adults watched a virtual avatar running for 30 min from the first person perspective (experimental group), while another 26 participants watched the virtual body from the third person perspective (control group). We found a decreased salivary alpha-amylase concentration (a biomarker for the stress response) after the virtual training among the experimental group only, as well as a decreased subjective feeling of state anxiety (but no difference in heart rate). We argue that the virtual illusion of a moving body from the first person perspective can initiate a cascade of events, from the perception of the visual illusion to physiological activation that triggers other biological effects, such as the neuroendocrine stress response.
Brain Tumor and Augmented Reality: New Technologies for the Future
Authors: Montemurro Nicola , Condino Sara , Carbone Marina , Cattari Nadia , D’Amato Renzo , Cutolo Fabrizio , Ferrari Vincenzo
Published: May 2022

In recent years, huge progress has been made in the management of brain tumors, due to the availability of imaging devices, which provide fundamental anatomical and pathological information not only for diagnostic purposes [...]
Interplay of Environmental Regulation and Local Protectionism in China
Authors: Tian Guanghui , Miao Jianming , Miao Changhong , Wei Yehua Dennis , Yang Dongyang
Published: May 2022

Environmental regulation (ER) and local protectionism (LP) are important policy tools for Chinese local governments to improve the environment and promote growth, respectively, but we know little about their interplay in dealing with pollution-intensive industries and enterprises. Using spatial correlation analysis and spatial panel simultaneous equations models, we investigated the spatial characteristics and interactions of the ER and LP in China’s 285 prefectural cities. We found that the high-ER-intensity areas were spreading from the eastern to the central and western regions, and the patterns of LP transited from high in the north and low in the south to high in the west and low in the east. There was a negative correlation spatially between ER and LP. LP could inhibit the increase in ER intensity, while the continuously increasing ER intensity could restrict LP through the competitive behavior from the “race to the bottom” to the “race to the top” among local governments. The effect of ER restricting LP was significant from 2008 to 2013 and prominent in the east, which was dominated by “race to the top” competition, while LP had a greater inhibitory effect on ER in the central and western regions, which preferred to obtain tax revenues from pollution-intensive industries. The results imply that removing the roots of local protectionism, improving the environmental governance system, and formulating differentiated regional environmental regulatory measures will help local governments balance economic growth and environmental protection.
Relative Body Fat Distribution in Preadolescent Indian Children Exposed to a Natural Disaster during Early Development
Authors: Gomula Aleksandra , Nowak-Szczepanska Natalia , Chakraborty Raja , Koziel Slawomir
Published: May 2022

Fetal life and infancy are critical periods when adverse environmental conditions, such as natural disasters, may alter a developing organism, leading to life-lasting unfavorable health outcomes, such as central body fat distribution. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of the exposure to cyclone Aila in utero or during infancy on the relative subcutaneous adiposity distribution in preadolescent Indian children. The study included children prenatally (N = 336) or postnatally (during infancy, N = 212) exposed to Aila and a non-affected group (N = 284). Anthropometric indices involved, i.e., subscapular, suprailiac, triceps, and biceps skinfolds. The relative adiposity distribution (PC1) and socioeconomic status (SES) were assessed using principal component analysis. An analysis of covariance and Tukey’s post hoc test for unequal samples were performed to assess the effect of exposure to a natural disaster on the PC1, controlling for age, sex, Z-BMI, and SES. Prenatally and postnatally Aila-exposed children revealed a significantly more central-oriented pattern of relative subcutaneous fat distribution compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Early-life exposure to a natural disaster was related to an adverse pattern of relative adipose tissue distribution in preadolescent children.
Neutrophils Mediate Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis In Situ
Authors: Porembskaya Olga , Zinserling Vsevolod , Tomson Vladimir , Toropova Yana , Starikova Eleonora , Maslei Vitaliy , Bulavinova Nika , Kirik Olga , Syrtsova Marina , Laberko Leonid , Galchenko Maxim , Kravchuk Vyacheslav , Saiganov Sergey , Brill Alexander
Published: May 2022

Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition, which can result in respiratory insufficiency and death. Blood clots occluding branches of the pulmonary artery (PA) are traditionally considered to originate from thrombi in deep veins (usually in legs). However, growing evidence suggests that occlusion of the vessels in the lungs can develop without preceding deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this work, we used an inferior vena cava (IVC) complete ligation model of DVT in Wistar rats to explore the possibility and mechanisms of PA thrombosis under the conditions where all routes of thrombotic mass migration from peripheral veins are blocked. We demonstrate that rats both with normal and reduced neutrophil counts developed thrombi in the IVC, although, neutropenia caused a substantial decrease in thrombus size and a shift from fresh fibrin toward mature fibrin and connective tissue inside the thrombus. Massive fibrin deposition was found in the PA branches in the majority of DVT rats with normal neutrophil counts, but in none of the neutropenic animals. Neutrophil ablation also abolished macroscopic signs of lung damage. Altogether, the results demonstrate that thrombi in the lung vasculature can form in situ by mechanisms that require local neutrophil recruitment taking place in the DVT setting.
Viability of Glioblastoma Cells and Fibroblasts in the Presence of Imidazole-Containing Compounds
Authors: Seidel Elisabeth Christiane , Birkemeyer Claudia , Baran-Schmidt Rainer , Meixensberger Jürgen , Oppermann Henry , Gaunitz Frank
Published: May 2022

The naturally occurring dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) specifically attenuates tumor growth. Here, we ask whether other small imidazole-containing compounds also affect the viability of tumor cells without affecting non-malignant cells and whether the formation of histamine is involved. Patient-derived fibroblasts and glioblastoma cells were treated with carnosine, L-alanyl-L-histidine (LA-LH), β-alanyl-L-alanine, L-histidine, histamine, imidazole, β-alanine, and L-alanine. Cell viability was assessed by cell-based assays and microscopy. The intracellular release of L-histidine and formation of histamine was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Carnosine and LA-LH inhibited tumor cell growth with minor effects on fibroblasts, and L-histidine, histamine, and imidazole affected viability in both cell types. Compounds without the imidazole moiety did not diminish viability. In the presence of LA-LH but not in the presence of carnosine, a significant rise in intracellular amounts of histidine was detected in all cells. The formation of histamine was not detectable in the presence of carnosine, LA-LH, or histidine. In conclusion, the imidazole moiety of carnosine contributes to its anti-neoplastic effect, which is also seen in the presence of histidine and LA-LH. Despite the fact that histamine has a strong effect on cell viability, the formation of histamine is not responsible for the effects on the cell viability of carnosine, LA-LH, and histidine.
The Effect of Activated FXIII, a Transglutaminase, on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Bogáti Réka , Katona Éva , Shemirani Amir H. , Balogh Enikő , Bárdos Helga , Jeney Viktória , Muszbek László
Published: May 2022

Plasma factor XIII (pFXIII) is a heterotetramer of FXIII-A and FXIII-B subunits. The cellular form (cFXIII), a dimer of FXIII-A, is present in a number of cell types. Activated FXIII (FXIIIa), a transglutaminase, plays an important role in clot stabilization, wound healing, angiogenesis and maintenance of pregnancy. It has a direct effect on vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts, which have been implicated in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Our aim was to explore the effect of FXIIIa on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs), another major cell type in the atherosclerotic plaque. Osteoblastic transformation induced by Pi and Ca2+ failed to elicit the expression of cFXIII in HAoSMCs. EZ4U, CCK-8 and CytoSelect Wound Healing assays were used to investigate cell proliferation and migration. The Sircol Collagen Assay Kit was used to monitor collagen secretion. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) levels were measured by ELISA. Cell-associated TSP-1 was detected by the immunofluorescence technique. The TSP-1 mRNA level was estimated by RT-qPCR. Activated recombinant cFXIII (rFXIIIa) increased cell proliferation and collagen secretion. In parallel, a 67% decrease in TSP-1 concentration in the medium and a 2.5-fold increase in cells were observed. TSP-1 mRNA did not change significantly. These effects of FXIIIa might contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques.
The Profile of MicroRNA Expression and Potential Role in the Regulation of Drug-Resistant Genes in Doxorubicin and Topotecan Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Stasiak Piotr , Kaźmierczak Dominika , Jopek Karol , Nowicki Michał , Rucinski Marcin , Januchowski Radosław
Published: May 2022

Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality among all gynecological malignancies. The main reasons for high mortality are late diagnosis and development of resistance to chemotherapy. Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs can result from altered expression of drug-resistance genes regulated by miRNA. The main goal of our study was to detect differences in miRNA expression levels in two doxorubicin (DOX)- and two topotecan (TOP)-resistant variants of the A2780 drug-sensitive ovarian cancer cell line by miRNA microarray. The next aim was to recognize miRNAs as factors responsible for the regulation of drug-resistance genes. We observed altered expression of 28 miRNA that may be related to drug resistance. The upregulation of miR-125b-5p and miR-935 and downregulation of miR-218-5p was observed in both DOX-resistant cell lines. In both TOP-resistant cell lines, we noted the overexpression of miR-99a-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-125b-2-3p and decreased expression of miR-551b-3p, miR-551b-5p, and miR-383-5p. Analysis of the targets suggested that expression of important drug-resistant genes such as the collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2), protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type K (PTPRK), receptor tyrosine kinase—EPHA7, Roundabout Guidance Receptor 2 (ROBO2), myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCK), and the ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) can be regulated by miRNA.
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) 2021
Authors: Manfioletti Guidalberto , Fedele Monica
Published: May 2022

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a transdifferentiation process wherein epithelial cells acquire characteristics typical of mesenchymal cells [...]
Hematopoietic Disorders, Renal Impairment and Growth in Mucopolysaccharidosis-Plus Syndrome
Authors: Sofronova Viktoriia , Iwata Rina , Moriya Takuya , Loskutova Kiunniai , Gurinova Elizaveta , Chernova Mairanush , Timofeeva Anastasia , Shvedova Anna , Vasilev Filipp , Novgorodova Saina , Terawaki Seigo , Moriwaki Takahito , Sukhomyasova Aitalina , Maksimova Nadezhda , Otomo Takanobu
Published: May 2022

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) characterized by the excessive accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Conventional MPS, caused by inborn deficiencies of lysosomal enzymes involved in GAG degradation, display various multisystemic symptoms—including progressive neurological complications, ophthalmological disorders, hearing loss, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary issues, cardiorespiratory problems, bone and joint abnormalities, dwarfism, and coarse facial features. Mucopolysaccharidosis-Plus Syndrome (MPSPS), an autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the endo-lysosomal tethering protein VPS33A, shows additional renal and hematopoietic abnormalities (“Plus symptoms”) uncommon in conventional MPS. Here, we analyze data from biochemical, histological, and physical examinations—particularly of blood counts and kidney function—to further characterize the clinical phenotype of MPSPS. A series of blood tests indicate hematopoietic symptoms including progressive anemia and thrombocytopenia, which correlate with histological observations of hypoplastic bone marrow. High urinary excretion of protein (caused by impairments in renal filtration), hypoalbuminemia, and elevated levels of creatinine, cholesterol, and uric acid indicate renal dysfunction. Histological analyses of MPSPS kidneys similarly suggest the extensive destruction of glomerular structures by foamy podocytes. Height and weight did not significantly deviate from the average, but in some cases, growth began to decline at around six months or one year of age.
Theragnostic Efficacy of K18 Response in Alcohol Use Disorder with Clinically Significant Fibrosis Using Gut-Liver Axis
Authors: Sagaram Manasa , Parthasarathy Ranganathan , Condon Sally L. , Closson Charles F. , Kong Maiying , Schwandt Melanie L. , Jophlin Loretta L. , Feng Wenke , Barve Ashutosh J. , Vatsalya Vatsalya
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Fibrosis in early-stage alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is commonly under-diagnosed in routine clinical practice. This study characterized the liver-injury and cell death response in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients with ALD who also exhibited fibrosis and assessed the efficacy of standard of care (SOC) treatment in the improvement in liver injury. (2) Methods: Forty-eight heavy-drinking AUD patients aged 21–65 yrs. without clinical manifestations of liver injury were grouped by Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, as negative (Gr.1 < 1.45, n = 21) or positive (Gr.2 ≥ 1.45, n = 27). Patients received 2-weeks (2 w) inpatient SOC. Data on demographics, drinking patterns, liver-injury, immune markers, and liver cell death (K18s) markers were analyzed at baseline (BL) and after 2 w SOC. (3) Results: Lifetime drinking (LTDH, yrs.) and acute heavy drinking (Heavy Drinking Days Past 90 Days [HDD90]) markers were significantly higher in Gr.2 vs. Gr.1. BL ALT, AST, AST:ALT and K18M65 were considerably higher in Gr.2. Dysregulated gut dysfunction and elevated immune activity were evident in Gr.2 characterized by TNF-α, IL-8 and LPS levels. After SOC, Gr.2 showed improvement in AST, ALT, AST/ALT ratio; and in the K18M65, K18M30 and K18M65/M30 ratio vs. Gr.1. The true positivity of BL IL-8 response to predict the improvement in K18M65 to normal levels among Gr.2 patients against those who did not have improvement after 2 w SOC was very high (AUROC = 0.830, p = 0.042). (4) Conclusions: Gut dysfunction, elevated cytokine response and necrotic liver cell death were elevated in AUD patients with early-stage ALD. K18 showed promise as a predictive theragnostic factor to differentiate among the AUD patients with early-stage ALD and baseline fibrosis who had improvement in liver injury against those who did not, by the levels of baseline IL-8.
Physoxia Influences Global and Gene-Specific Methylation in Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Dogan Fatma , Aljumaily Rakad M. Kh , Kitchen Mark , Forsyth Nicholas R.
Published: May 2022

Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) possess unlimited proliferation, self-renewal, and a differentiation capacity spanning all germ layers. Appropriate culture conditions are important for the maintenance of self-renewal, pluripotency, proliferation, differentiation, and epigenetic states. Oxygen concentrations vary across different human tissues depending on precise cell location and proximity to vascularisation. The bulk of PSC culture-based research is performed in a physiologically hyperoxic, air oxygen (21% O2) environment, with numerous reports now detailing the impact of a physiologic normoxia (physoxia), low oxygen culture in the maintenance of stemness, survival, morphology, proliferation, differentiation potential, and epigenetic profiles. Epigenetic mechanisms affect multiple cellular characteristics including gene expression during development and cell-fate determination in differentiated cells. We hypothesized that epigenetic marks are responsive to a reduced oxygen microenvironment in PSCs and their differentiation progeny. Here, we evaluated the role of physoxia in PSC culture, the regulation of DNA methylation (5mC (5-methylcytosine) and 5hmC (5-hydroxymethylcytosine)), and the expression of regulatory enzyme DNMTs and TETs. Physoxia enhanced the functional profile of PSC including proliferation, metabolic activity, and stemness attributes. PSCs cultured in physoxia revealed the significant downregulation of DNMT3B, DNMT3L, TET1, and TET3 vs. air oxygen, accompanied by significantly reduced 5mC and 5hmC levels. The downregulation of DNMT3B was associated with an increase in its promoter methylation. Coupled with the above, we also noted decreased HIF1A but increased HIF2A expression in physoxia-cultured PSCs versus air oxygen. In conclusion, PSCs display oxygen-sensitive methylation patterns that correlate with the transcriptional and translational regulation of the de novo methylase DNMT3B.
Challenges in Analyzing Functional Epigenetic Data in Perspective of Adolescent Psychiatric Health
Authors: Manu Diana M. , Mwinyi Jessica , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: May 2022

The formative period of adolescence plays a crucial role in the development of skills and abilities for adulthood. Adolescents who are affected by mental health conditions are at risk of suicide and social and academic impairments. Gene–environment complementary contributions to the molecular mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders have emphasized the need to analyze epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation (DNAm) and non-coding RNAs. However, the large and diverse bioinformatic and statistical methods, referring to the confounders of the statistical models, application of multiple-testing adjustment methods, questions regarding the correlation of DNAm across tissues, and sex-dependent differences in results, have raised challenges regarding the interpretation of the results. Based on the example of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive disorder (MDD), we shed light on the current knowledge and usage of methodological tools in analyzing epigenetics. Statistical robustness is an essential prerequisite for a better understanding and interpretation of epigenetic modifications and helps to find novel targets for personalized therapeutics in psychiatric diseases.
Optimized Heterologous Expression and Efficient Purification of a New TRAIL-Based Antitumor Fusion Protein SRH–DR5-B with Dual VEGFR2 and DR5 Receptor Specificity
Authors: Yagolovich Anne V. , Artykov Artem A. , Isakova Alina A. , Vorontsova Yekaterina V. , Dolgikh Dmitry A. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Gasparian Marine E.
Published: May 2022

In the last two decades, bifunctional proteins have been created by genetic and protein engineering methods to increase therapeutic effects in various diseases, including cancer. Unlike conventional small molecule or monotargeted drugs, bifunctional proteins have increased biological activity while maintaining low systemic toxicity. The recombinant anti-cancer cytokine TRAIL has shown a limited therapeutic effect in clinical trials. To enhance the efficacy of TRAIL, we designed the HRH–DR5-B fusion protein based on the DR5-selective mutant variant of TRAIL fused to the anti-angiogenic synthetic peptide HRHTKQRHTALH. Initially low expression of HRH–DR5-B was enhanced by the substitution of E. coli-optimized codons with AT-rich codons in the DNA sequence encoding the first 7 amino acid residues of the HRH peptide. However, the HRH–DR5-B degraded during purification to form two adjacent protein bands on the SDS-PAGE gel. The replacement of His by Ser at position P2 immediately after the initiator Met dramatically minimized degradation, allowing more than 20 mg of protein to be obtained from 200 mL of cell culture. The resulting SRH–DR5-B fusion bound the VEGFR2 and DR5 receptors with high affinity and showed increased cytotoxic activity in 3D multicellular tumor spheroids. SRH–DR5-B can be considered as a promising candidate for therapeutic applications.
Isolation and Characterization of Germline Stem Cells in Protogynous Hermaphroditic Monopterus albus
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Tao Binbin , Wang Yongxin , Hu Wei , Sun Yuhua
Published: May 2022

Germline stem cells (GSCs) are a group of unique adult stem cells in gonads that act as important transmitters for genetic information. Donor GSCs have been used to produce offspring by transplantation in fisheries. In this study, we successfully isolated and enriched GSCs from the ovary, ovotestis, and testis of Monopterus albus, one of the most important breeding freshwater fishes in China. Transcriptome comparison assay suggests that a distinct molecular signature exists in each type of GSC, and that different signaling activities are required for the maintenance of distinct GSCs. Functional analysis shows that fGSCs can successfully colonize and contribute to the germline cell lineage of a host zebrafish gonad after transplantation. Finally, we describe a simple feeder-free method for the isolation and enrichment of GSCs that can contribute to the germline cell lineage of zebrafish embryos and generate the germline chimeras after transplantation.
A Blockchain-Based Decentralized Public Key Infrastructure for Information-Centric Networks
Authors: Shi Jia , Zeng Xuewen , Han Rui
Published: May 2022

How to achieve secure content distribution and accountability in information-centric networking (ICN) is a crucial problem. Subscribers need to verify whether the data came from a reliable source, rather than from a spoofing adversary. Public key cryptography was introduced to achieve a method of authentication that binds the data packet to its owner. In existing prototypes, PKIs, identity-based signatures (IBSs) and recommendation networks are the common schemes used to ensure the authenticity and availability of public keys. However, CA-based PKIs and KGC-based IBSs have been proven to be weak when it comes to resisting security attacks, with recommendation networks being too complex to deploy. In this respect, we designed a novel distributed authentication model as a secure scheme to support public key cryptography. Our model establishes a decentralized public key infrastructure by combining the smart contracts of blockchain and optimized zero-knowledge proof-verifiable presentations by utilizing the DID project, which realizes the management of public key certificates through blockchain and ensures the authenticity and availability of public keys in decentralized infrastructure. Our scheme fundamentally solves the issues of security and feasibility in existing schemes and provides a more scalable solution with respect to authenticating data sources. An experiment demonstrated that our proposal is 20% faster than the original zero knowledge proof scheme in registration.
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Samoa: Review of a Century-Old Invasion and Prospects for Control in a Changing Future
Authors: Paudel Sulav , Marshall Sean D. G. , Richards Nicola K. , Hazelman George , Tanielu Pueata , Jackson Trevor A.
Published: May 2022

It is now more than 100 years since the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB: Oryctes rhinoceros L.) was first detected in the Pacific Island state of Samoa. The exotic pest from Asia became the principal pest of coconut palms in Samoa and, from this first point of invasion, spread to several surrounding countries in the South-West Pacific Ocean. An intensive control operation was initiated, but the beetle could not be eliminated. Various pest management strategies were attempted but had limited success until the introduction of a biological control agent (BCA), Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV), during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The biocontrol release was very successful and became the prime example of “classical biological control” of an insect pest by a virus. Changing economic and social conditions in Samoa and other islands of the Pacific require a re-evaluation of the threat of CRB to coconut production to suggest how the IPM system may be modified to meet future needs. Therefore, it is timely to review the history of CRB in Samoa and summarize experiences in development of an integrated pest management (IPM) system limiting the impact of the pest. We also present results from a recent study conducted in 2020 on the island of Upolu to define the current status of the CRB population and its BCA, OrNV. The lessons from Samoa, with its long history of containment and management of CRB, are applicable to more recent invasion sites. Recommendations are provided to modify the IPM programme to enhance the sustainable control of CRB and support the ongoing coconut replantation program promoted by the Samoan government.