bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broccoli Leaves Attenuate Influenza A Virus Infection by Interfering With Hemagglutinin and Inhibiting Viral Attachment
Authors: Cho Won-Kyung , Yim Nam-Hui , Lee Myong-Min , Han Chang-Hoon , Ma Jin Yeul
Published: June 2022

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) leaves are a byproduct of broccoli and could be used as a food source. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of broccoli leaves on influenza A virus (IAV) infection. We investigated the effect of ethanol extract of Broccoli leaves (EBL) on IAV infection using green fluorescent protein (GFP)–tagged Influenza A/PR/8/34 virus (PR8-GFP IAV). When EBL and PR8-GFP IAV were cotreated to RAW 264.7 cells, the fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that EBL significantly reduced the levels of GFP expression by influenza viral infection dose-dependently. Immunofluorescence (IF) analysis confirmed that EBL decreased the expression of IAV proteins. EBL exhibited a strong inhibitory effect of IAV binding on the cells and moderate virucidal impact. Consistently, EBL potently suppressed the hemagglutination by IAV infection. These results indicate that EBL prevents IAV attachment via the inhibition of HA upon viral infection. Finally, EBL as an HA inhibitor of IAV could be used as the natural antiviral source to protect against influenza viral infection.
Extract of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon [Apocynaceae] Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Angiogenesis
Authors: Pan Yating , Liao Xinyi , Yang Lili , Zhang Chunlei , Wang Jue , Zheng Peiyong , Yu Guanzhen , Song Haiyan
Published: June 2022

The extract of Marsdeniatenacissima (Roxb.) Moon [Apocynaceae] (MTE) has shown a significant anti-cancer effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used transcriptomics methods to investigate the underlying mechanism of MTE against HCC. Both MHCC97H and HepG2 cell lines were treated with MTE. The cell viability and migration were measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay and transwell assay. RNA-sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HepG2 cells treated with and without MTE. The expression levels of selected DEGs—vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRB), and von Willebrand factor (VWF)—were verified by RT-PCR and Western blot. The effect of conditioned medium from HCC cells with MTE treatment (CM-MTE) on blood vessels was observed by tube formation assay of HUVECs and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. A mouse model of HCC patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) was established and treated with MTE. The effect of MTE on the growth and angiogenesis of HCC-PDX was analyzed. The results demonstrated that MTE inhibited the viability and migration of HCC cells. RNA-seq showed that MTE treatment downregulated multiple genes associated with metabolism and angiogenesis. The expression levels of VEGFA, VWF, PDGFB, and PDGFRB in HCC cells were significantly suppressed by MTE. Meanwhile, MTE effectively inhibited the tube-forming capability of HUVECs and the angiogenesis of chick CAM. In vivo experiments revealed that the extract reduced tumor volume, inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells, and expanded the necrotic area of the tumor. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression levels of CD31, PDGFB, VEGF, VWF, and PDGFRB in the HCC-PDX tumor tissues were all downregulated by MTE in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, MTE could inhibit angiogenesis by repressing the expression of VEGF, VWF, PDGF, and PDGFRB in HCC cells, a mechanism that may enable MTE to counter HCC development.
Dexamethasone Promotes a Stem-Like Phenotype in Human Melanoma Cells via Tryptophan 2,3 Dioxygenase
Authors: Cecchi Marta , Mannini Antonella , Lapucci Andrea , Silvano Angela , Lulli Matteo , Luceri Cristina , D’Ambrosio Mario , Chiarugi Alberto , Eid Ali H. , Parenti Astrid
Published: June 2022

In addition to its well-established immunosuppressive actions, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) appears to elicit direct effects on tumor cell function. Although TDO has been associated with cancer stemness, its involvement in melanoma stem cell biology remains largely unknown. Since we showed that by upregulating TDO, dexamethasone (dex) promotes proliferation and migration of SK-Mel-28 human melanoma cells, we sought to investigate dex effects on melanoma spherogenesis and stemness, and whether these events are mediated by TDO. We demonstrate here that dex significantly upregulates TDO in A375, a more aggressive melanoma cell line, confirming that dex effects are not limited to SK-Mel-28 cells. Moreover, dex stimulates spherogenesis of both cell lines, which is mediated by TDO, evident by its suppression with 680C91, a TDO inhibitor. The formed melanospheres appear to be enriched with embryonic stem cell marker mRNAs, the expression of which is potentiated by dex. Expression of cancer stem cell markers (CD133, CD44, ganglioside GD2) was significantly increased in A375 spheres, as detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, our results suggest that TDO could represent a promising target in the management of melanoma and that dex, routinely used as a co-medication also in advanced melanoma, may stimulate melanoma cell function/tumor-supporting properties, a rather debilitating and undesired side effect.
Baicalein Prevents Fructose-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Rats: In the Regulation of Fatty Acid De Novo Synthesis, Fatty Acid Elongation and Fatty Acid Oxidation
Authors: Li Pan , Zhang Ruoyu , Wang Meng , Chen Yuwei , Chen Zhiwei , Ke Xiumei , Zuo Ling , Wang Jianwei
Published: June 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatic fibrosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma, is a liver disease worldwide without approved therapeutic drugs. Baicalein (BAL), a flavonoid compound extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Scutellariae Radix (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.), has been used in TCM clinical practice for thousands of years to treat liver diseases due to its “hepatoprotective effect”. However, the underlying liver-protecting mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we found that oral administration of BAL significantly decreased excess serum levels of triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as hepatic TG in fructose-fed rats. Attenuation of the increased vacuolization and Oil Red O staining area was evident on hepatic histological examination in BAL-treated rats. Mechanistically, results of RNA-sequencing, western-blot, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and hepatic metabolomics analyses indicated that BAL decreased fructose-induced excessive nuclear expressions of mature sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (mSREBP1c) and carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP), which led to the decline of lipogenic molecules [including fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), elongation of very long chain fatty acids 6 (ELOVL6), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)], accompanying with the alternation of hepatic fatty acids composition. Meanwhile, BAL enhanced fatty acid oxidation by activating AMPK/PGC1α signaling axis and PPARα signal pathway, which elicited high expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α (CPT1α) and Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACO1) in livers of fructose-fed rats, respectively. BAL ameliorated fructose-induced hepatic steatosis, which is associated with regulating fatty acid synthesis, elongation and oxidation.
Vision Impairment and Associated Factors in a Coastal Province of Southern China: The Fujian Eye Study
Authors: Li Yang , Hu Qinrui , Li Xiaoxin , Hu Yonghua , Qin Xueying , Wang Bin , Ren Tao
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence and correlations of vision impairment (VI) among urban and rural adults in a coastal province of Southern China.

Design: Population-based cross-sectional study.

Methods: The study was designed to recruit residents aged over 50 years in randomly sampled communities of Fujian Province from 2018 to 2019. Participants completed a questionnaire about socioeconomic and biological factors and underwent visual examinations. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured for the participants to assess VI, which was defined as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in better eyes of 20/60 or worse.

Results: A total of 6,823 participants were included in this report. VI prevalence was higher in inland populations, compared with that in coastal populations (5.08 vs. 2.79%, p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between urban populations and rural populations (2.97 vs. 3.73%, p = 0.082). VI was significantly associated with sociodemographic and biological factors, which included age, educational background, income, and refractive error. Sex and urbanization were not statistically significantly associated with VI.

Conclusion: High prevalence of VI in southeast China suggested need for more accessible services and favorable policies for enhancing eye health in rural and inland elderly people.
Proteomic Analysis of S-Nitrosation Sites During Somatic Embryogenesis in Brazilian Pine, Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze
Authors: Borges Araujo Alexandre Junio , Cerruti Giovanni Victorio , Zuccarelli Rafael , Rodriguez Ruiz Marta , Freschi Luciano , Singh Ratna , Moerschbacher Bruno Maria , Floh Eny Iochevet Segal , Wendt dos Santos André Luis
Published: June 2022

Cysteine S-nitrosation is a redox-based post-translational modification that mediates nitric oxide (NO) regulation of various aspects of plant growth, development and stress responses. Despite its importance, studies exploring protein signaling pathways that are regulated by S-nitrosation during somatic embryogenesis have not been performed. In the present study, endogenous cysteine S-nitrosation site and S-nitrosated proteins were identified by iodo-TMT labeling during somatic embryogenesis in Brazilian pine, an endangered native conifer of South America. In addition, endogenous –S-nitrosothiol (SNO) levels and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity were determined in cell lines with contrasting embryogenic potential. Overall, we identified an array of proteins associated with a large variety of biological processes and molecular functions with some of them already described as important for somatic embryogenesis (Class IV chitinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 and dehydroascorbate reductase). In total, our S-nitrosoproteome analyses identified 18 endogenously S-nitrosated proteins and 50 in vitro S-nitrosated proteins (after GSNO treatment) during cell culture proliferation and embryo development. Furthermore, SNO levels and GSNOR activity were increased during embryo formation. These findings expand our understanding of the Brazilian pine proteome and shed novel insights into the potential use of pharmacological manipulation of NO levels by using NO inhibitors and donors during somatic embryogenesis.
Transcriptomic Reprogramming and Genetic Variations Contribute to Western Hemlock Defense and Resistance Against Annosus Root and Butt Rot Disease
Authors: Liu Jun-Jun , Zamany Arezoo , Cartwright Charlie , Xiang Yu , Shamoun Simon F. , Rancourt Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is highly susceptible to Annosus root and butt rot disease, caused by Heterobasidion occidentale across its native range in western North America. Understanding molecular mechanisms of tree defense and dissecting genetic components underlying disease resistance will facilitate forest breeding and disease control management. The aim of this study was to profile host transcriptome reprogramming in response to pathogen infection using RNA-seq analysis. Inoculated seedlings were clearly grouped into three types: quantitative resistant (QR), susceptible (Sus), and un-infected (Uif), based on profiles of H. occidentale genes expressed in host tissues. Following de novo assembly of a western hemlock reference transcriptome with more than 33,000 expressed genes, the defensive transcriptome reprogramming was characterized and a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with gene ontology (GO) annotation. The QR seedlings showed controlled and coordinated molecular defenses against biotic stressors with enhanced biosynthesis of terpenoids, cinnamic acids, and other secondary metabolites. The Sus seedlings showed defense responses to abiotic stimuli with a few biological processes enhanced (such as DNA replication and cell wall organization), while others were suppressed (such as killing of cells of other organism). Furthermore, non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (ns-SNPs) of the defense- and resistance-related genes were characterized with high genetic variability. Both phylogenetic analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed distinct evolutionary distances among the samples. The QR and Sus seedlings were well separated and grouped into different phylogenetic clades. This study provides initial insight into molecular defense and genetic components of western hemlock resistance against the Annosus root and butt rot disease. Identification of a large number of genes and their DNA variations with annotated functions in plant resistance and defense promotes the development of genomics-based breeding strategies for improved western hemlock resistance to H. occidentale.
Imposter Syndrome Among Pre-service Educators and the Importance of Emotion Regulation
Authors: LaPalme Matthew , Luo Peihao , Cipriano Christina , Brackett Marc
Published: June 2022

This study examined the prevalence and impact of imposter syndrome (IS) on a sample of pre-service educators. We report a majority of pre-service educators experience IS; 93% experience moderate levels and 54% had frequent or severe levels of imposter thoughts, and further that IS was negatively associated with educator well-being. We also investigated the effects of minority group membership on experiences of IS, and found that IS was more severe for women and queer minorities, but less severe for racial minorities. Lastly, we investigated the potential for healthy emotion regulation to mitigate the effects of IS on pre-service educator well-being and found that adaptive emotion regulation strategy use mitigates the effects of IS, which may provide a viable means for addressing this pervasive issue among educators, and specifically among those with minoritized identities. We discuss the implications of our findings for educational training and improving the experiences of pre-service educators.
How Does the Social Support Influence Junior College Students’ Occupational Identity in Pre-school Education?
Authors: Huang Jie , Qiao Tianqi , Song Zhanmei , Yan Jingfeng
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the multiple mediating effects of achievement motivation and subjective wellbeing between social support and individual occupational identity.

Methods

Questionnaire method was used in this study. 565 junior college students majoring in pre-school education were tested by social support scale, achievement motivation scale, subjective wellbeing scale, and occupational identity scale.

Results

(1) There isn’t significant relationship between perceptions of social support and individual occupational identity. (2) Achievement motivation and subjective wellbeing individually play a mediating role between social support and individual occupational identity. (3) Achievement motivation and subjective wellbeing play a chain mediating effect between elf-efficacy and individual occupational identity.

Conclusion

Social support can indirectly predict professional identity of pre-school “would-be teachers” through the mediating effect of achievement motivation, subjective wellbeing and the chain mediating effect of achievement motivation and subjective wellbeing.
A Structural Model of Teacher Self-Efficacy, Emotion Regulation, and Psychological Wellbeing Among English Teachers
Authors: Xiyun Shen , Fathi Jalil , Shirbagi Naser , Mohammaddokht Farnoosh
Published: June 2022

Because of the exacting nature of teaching, identifying factors affecting teachers’ mental health and psychological wellbeing are of paramount importance. Parallel with this line of inquiry, the goal of this project was to test a model of psychological wellbeing based on teacher self-efficacy and emotion regulation in an EFL context. To this end, 276 Iranian English teachers participated in this survey. First, the measurement models for the three latent constructs were verified through performing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Then Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized model. SEM outcomes evince that both teacher self-efficacy and emotion regulation were the significant predictors of teachers’ psychological wellbeing, with teacher self-efficacy being a stronger correlate than emotion regulation. The findings offer significant implications for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers.
Who Will Help to Strive Against the “Infodemic”? Reciprocity Norms Enforce the Information Sharing Accuracy of the Individuals
Authors: Li Kehan , Xiao Weiwei
Published: June 2022

In recent years, misinformation sharing has become the focus of public debate and academic research. We aim to explore whether individuals prefer to share accurate information or not, and discover what factors increase people’s preferences for sharing accurate information. Combining behavioral economics experiments and psychology experiments, we construct “an information search—information sharing—information feedback experiment” to examine individuals’ behavior of sharing accurate information and its influencing factors. A total of 210 students are recruited for the laboratory experiment. Our results show that when individuals can control the accuracy of the information they obtain through their efforts, they are more willing to share accurate information with others. We also find that positive feedback from information receivers can promote the accuracy of information shared by individuals, and this effect works through reciprocity norms. Individuals with higher reciprocity are more willing to share accurate information, especially in the treatment with the role of reciprocity norms enhanced by feedback. These findings indicate that individuals who are willing to obtain accurate information prefer to share information, and information feedback can enhance this preference through reciprocity norms. This study captures individuals’ behavior and preference characteristics with regard to the accuracy of the information they share in the era of highly developed network interaction.
Adjustment Method of College Students' Mental Health Based on Data Analysis Under the Background of Positive Psychology
Authors: Yang Sibo , Lin Lin , Zhang Xue
Published: June 2022

Colleges and universities are in an important position to train builders and successors of the socialist cause whilst promoting quality education. Mental health education is an important foundation and condition for comprehensively improving students' overall quality. This research explores adjustment methods for college students' mental health based on virtual reality under the background of positive psychology. It discusses the importance of system requirements analysis in the software development process, analyzes the system's functional requirements, safety requirements, and software and hardware requirements, and uses the Apriori algorithm to explore the influencing factors of college students' mental health. Based on the system engineering method and using the data mining clustering method undertake detailed analysis and research on the mental health of college students, it then designs an anomaly mining algorithm based on clustering to quickly find anomalous data health problems. The interface design of the system is concise and the operation is simple. Users can conveniently input, query, and count information according to the various controls on the interface, which fully embodies human-oriented characteristics. Exploration of the characteristics of students' frequent Internet access ensures the efficiency, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of the evaluation and consultation work, facilitating psychological counseling for teachers and students, and saving paper. By establishing a data mining model, mining the database, and learning about different student groups and their respective characteristics, we discuss our research on student psychology and summarize the mental health status and gender, adaptation and anxiety, introversion, emotionality, and calmness of college students. We also consider the relationship between sex, negative, and courage. Using positive psychology theory, we examine the positive experiences of students and interconnected qualities, to build a mental health practice system. In the experiment, the happiness index evaluation of the virtual reality treatment system group was significant, P = 0.002 < 0.05. Mental health education plays an important role in cultivating the healthy psychology of college students, developing their psychological potential, enhancing their adaptability, and improving their personality. This analysis based on actual data provides a reliable basis for psychological educators to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of school psychological counseling and to facilitate schools in establishing new methods of early prevention and intervention for psychological disorders, enabling institutions to create a healthy atmosphere for college students.
Factors Influencing Consumers’ Purchase Intention Towards Green Home Appliances
Authors: Teoh Chen Wei , Khor Kok Chin , Wider Walton
Published: June 2022

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of after sales service (ASS), brand equity (BE), environmental awareness (EA), and product pricing (PP) towards consumer purchase intention (CPI) of green home appliance. Data were collected from 150 Penang, Malaysia citizen who were age from 18 to 60 via convenient sampling method analysed using partial least square structure equation modelling (SmartPLS). Results indicated that BE, EA, and PP has significant effect on CPI of green home appliance brand. However, ASS do not have significant effect on CPI on green home appliance brand. This research helps home appliance manufacturer to better design marketing promotions, considering the consumers focus on BE, EA, and pricing. In addition, this study provides consumer insight for the government agency to construct better policy in order to increase the green home appliance penetration rate among citizens.
Correlation Analysis of Community Governance and Mental Health Based on Big Data and Intelligent Computing
Authors: Ma Zhenyue
Published: June 2022

With the continuous development of the era of big data, community management plays an important role in people’s mental health. Improve people’s mental health through the use of big data to improve governance of the community. To solve the problem, sequence segmentation is used in feature extraction, histogram absolute difference calculation and K-means intelligent algorithm, to analyze the existing problems one by one. Research shows that it is possible to systematically govern the community through big data and intelligent computing, so that community residents can live a higher quality of life. In order to get rid of psychological problems, it can be solved by establishing special psychological support institutions in the community and strengthening the role of the government in community management. With the continuous development of big data, the application of big data and intelligence in community governance and mental health community is a trend. With the continuous progress of society, it also brings pressure to people, which leads to the decline of people’s mental health quality. We need to do something to improve community governance and people’s mental health.
Caregiver Perception of Weight Status in 5-Year-Old Children From a Community of High Socioeconomic Deprivation in New Zealand
Authors: Butler Éadaoin M. , Derraik José G. B. , Burge Alison , Cutfield Wayne S. , Leversha Alison
Published: June 2022

Background

Early childhood obesity is highly prevalent in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Little is known about caregiver perception of children's weight status among those living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation, particularly Māori and Pacific children.

Aims

To explore caregiver perception of weight status among children starting school in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation and examine potential associations between the child's body mass index (BMI) z-score and their caregiver's perception of their child's body size or health.

Methods

Participants were 5-year-old children living in a community of high socioeconomic deprivation and their caregivers. Children had their weight and height measured. BMI z-scores were calculated according to World Health Organization standards. Caregivers were asked to assess their child's BMI and health status, and choose a silhouette that best represented their child's body size.

Results

One hundred and six children (>75% Māori or Pacific) were included. Over half (58%) had overweight or obesity, with only 16% correctly perceived by their caregiver as overweight. These children tended to have higher BMI z-scores than those not correctly perceived as overweight. Caregivers chose larger silhouettes to represent children's body sizes as children's BMI z-scores increased. There was no discernible association between children's BMI z-scores and caregiver perception of children's health.

Conclusions

Caregivers appeared to judge their child's body size in comparison to other children. The normalization of childhood obesity and infrequent caregiver recognition of this condition in children in communities with a high prevalence may impact the uptake and efficacy of intervention initiatives.
The Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Transported by Ambulance Due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Condition: A Population-Based Descriptive Study in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Kanehara Atsushi , Yamashita Yuya , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Oda Jun
Published: June 2022

Background

Ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are defined as clinical conditions for which the risk of emergency hospital admission can be reduced by timely and effective ambulatory care. However, the actual status of patients with ACSCs who are transported by ambulance and their outcomes have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to reveal characteristics and outcomes of patients with ACSCs who were transported by ambulance using population-based registry data in Osaka, Japan.

Methods

This descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in the 5-year period from January 2016 to December 2020, and included patients who were transported by ambulance due to sudden illness. In this study, ACSC was further classified into acute ACSCs, chronic ACSCs, and preventable ACSCs based on the ICD-10. The number of patients transported by ambulance for ACSCs per 100,000 population in each age group was calculated for each year. In addition, Poisson regression models were used to assess the trend in the number of ACSCs patients transported by ambulance.

Results

A total of 1,572,152 patients were included in this study (acute ACSCs, n = 69,621; chronic ACSCs, n = 12,250; preventable ACSCs, n = 96,036; and non-ACSCs, n = 1,394,245). The overall median age was 71 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 46-92). Patients with acute ACSCs (median age: 76 years [IQR: 60-84]) and chronic ACSCs (median age: 80 years [IQR: 72-87]) were older, while patients with preventable ACSCs were younger (median age: 66 years [95%CI: 3-81]) and included a high proportion of children (33.3%, 32,002/96,036). Regarding the outcome after treatment at the emergency department, 42.6% (670,392/1,572.152) of patients were hospitalized, while 82.3% (10,079/12,250) of patients with chronic ACSCs were hospitalized. No change was observed in adults (P = 0.001) or elderly (age ≥65 years) individuals (P = 0.376) with preventable ACSCs, however, among children, the number increased until 2019 (732.5) and then decreased in 2020 (371.8) (P = 0.392).

Conclusion

In this study, patients with chronic ACSCs were predominantly elderly, while patients with preventable ACSCs were polarized between children and the elderly. Among patients with preventable ACSCs, there was no change over time in adults and children, but there was a marked decrease among the elderly after 2020.
Association of Physical Activity Level, Income and Environmental Factors Among Chinese Adults
Authors: Dong Jingjuan , Liu Wei
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between physical activity level and income and environmental factors among chinese adults. Through the empirical study of the survey data, it is found that: (1) after controlling for the relevant variables, residents' income has a positive impact on residents' participation in physical activities, and the regression coefficient is 0.541 (P < 0.01) (2) In the regression model after adding environmental variables, the regression coefficient of environmental variables increased from 0.401 (P < 0.01) to the highest 1.32 (P < 0.01) (3) Through the comparison of the KHB decomposition method, the intermediary effect of residents' income on environmental factors and participation in physical activities is 0.134 (P < 0.01), and the intermediary effect ratio is 27.01%. Suggestions: first, the government and society should actively provide public goods needed for physical activities to meet the needs of residents for physical activities; second, the government should strengthen the supply of sports facilities in residential areas, speed up the transformation of villages in cities and improve the living conditions in residential areas; third, through legislation to protect residents' income, improving income is not only to give citizens enough sense of security and happiness but also a way to improve residents' participation in physical activities.
To Wrap Or to Not Wrap Cucumbers?
Authors: Shrivastava Chandrima , Crenna Eleonora , Schudel Seraina , Shoji Kanaha , Onwude Daniel , Hischier Roland , Defraeye Thijs
Published: June 2022

In light of increasing public pressure, retailers strive to remove plastic packaging as much as possible from fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce the environmental impacts along their supply chains. Plastic packaging, however, also has an important protective function, similar to the fruit's peel. For cucumbers transported from Spain and sold in Switzerland, our investigations in the form of a life cycle assessment study showed that the plastic wrapping has a rather low environmental impact (only about 1%) in comparison to the total environmental impacts of the fruit from grower to grocer. Hence, each cucumber that has to be thrown away has the equivalent environmental impact of 93 plastic cucumber wraps. We found that plastic wrapping protects the environment more by saving more cucumbers from spoilage than it harms the environment by the additional use of plastic. If, by using the plastic wrap, we reduce cucumber losses at retail only by 1.1%, its use already has a net environmental benefit. Currently, in the cucumber import supply chain from Spain to Switzerland, the use of plastic wrapping lowers the cucumber losses at retail by an estimated 4.8%; therefore, it makes sense to use it from an environmental perspective. The environmental benefit of food waste reduction due to plastic wrapping the cucumbers was found to be 4.9 times higher than the negative environmental impact due to the packaging itself. Alternative strategies to preserve fresh cucumbers without using plastic wrapping will have to compete with this challenging limit.
Mentoring and Supporting Our Next Generation of Women Toxicologists
Authors: Swanson Hollie I.
Published: June 2022

Career success of women toxicologists requires intentional strategies designed to encourage and support their professional and personal growth. Key among these are mentoring approaches which should be initiated early in their academic careers and continue as their careers progress. While undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows, women engaged in all STEM fields benefit from one-on-one mentoring experiences offered by both their peers, near-peers and faculty. Here, they not only receive encouragement and lessons on “how to be a good mentee”, but also gain scientific and life skills. Networking opportunities and career planning advice are also important benefits. As woman scientists progress in their careers, they continue to benefit from one-on-one mentoring and structured career development programs adapted to meet their changing needs ultimately culminating in leadership coaching as they reach the pinnacles of their careers. While mentoring success is best facilitated by structured programs that match mentees with mentors and offer training, support and programming, the availability of these programs to women toxicologists is limited. Opportunities for women to participate in structured mentoring programs should be enhanced by institutions, funding agencies and scientific societies as a component of accelerated diversity and inclusion efforts.
From University Student to Entrepreneur : Factors Influencing the Entrepreneurial Intentions of Business Development MSc Students
Authors: Szabó Krisztofer , Aranyossy Márta , Bárczy Dóra
Published: June 2022

This study examines the entrepreneurial inclinations of young Hungarians, focusing on university students whose education and ambitions point towards entrepreneurial life. The research questions aimed to explore the career aspirations of students, their motivations for starting a business, the factors that hinder them, and how the university creates an encouraging environment. To answer these questions, a questionnaire-based survey ensuring comparability was conducted among MSc students of business development, and the data were evaluated with descriptive statistical tools and statistical tests as well as cluster analysis. It was found that the young people whose entrepreneurial inclination is higher than the Hungarian and international average mainly differ from their peers in their drive for autonomy, courage and risk perception, along with the fact that, in relation to the scarcity of capital, which was found to be a major obstacle, they would also welcome assistance from universities in financing.
What Can Posterity Learn from Irving Fisher?
Authors: Botos Katalin
Published: June 2022

This essay draws attention to some of the important aspects of, and learnings from, Irving Fisher’s work. Fisher was the first economist to subject big volumes of data to analysis. He was one of the founders and first president of the Econometric Society. His name is associated with the quantity theory of money. He researched the purchasing power of money, index numbers, created the so-called Fisher index, wrote about the theory of interest rates, economic cycles, dwelled upon debt deflation and the theory of the Great Depression. He was one of the first advocates of abandoning the gold standard. He also drew attention to the psychological motives of the behaviours of economic actors, so the theories of Thalerian behavioural economics can regard him as their predecessor. His insight was used in managing the financial crisis of 2008. The steps towards reforming bank regulation can specifically be regarded as such measures, while Modern Monetary Theory stretched back as far as his thoughts on the regulation of the creation of money, i.e. the Chicago plan.
Time is Money: A Survey of the Social Cost of Payment Instruments
Authors: Deák Vivien , Kajdi László , Nemecskó István , Végső Tamás
Published: June 2022

The number of payment transactions in Hungary has increased by almost one and a half times over ten years. The use of electronic payment instruments has grown dynamically, while only a moderate increase in cash use was observed. The analysis shows the evolution of the payments market and quantifies the social costs attached to the use of payment instruments. The value of the latter was HUF 832 billion in 2019, representing real growth of 20 per cent over 10 years, mainly due to the costs of developing the acquiring infrastructure and the significant increase in the number of transactions. The real cost per transaction has fallen by 10 per cent for cash, by one half for cards and by one sixth for credit transfers, reflecting the improved efficiency. As electronic payment is now available in most retail payment situations, the cost per transaction is expected to decrease further in the coming years as volume increases.
Stabilization of a Magnetic Repulsive Levitation Flywheel System Using a High-Efficiency Superconducting Magnetic Bearing
Authors: Murakami Iwanori , Zhao Yiming , Tashiro Tatuhiro
Published: June 2022

In this study, we developed a superconducting magnetic bearing using a permanent repulsive magnet. A repulsive magnetic levitation system with a permanent magnet can generate a strong levitation force in the absence of a power supply. However, it is unstable, except in the direction of repulsion. In contrast, superconducting magnetic bearings can generate a restoring force in all directions by utilizing the magnetic flux pinning property of the superconductors. Therefore, we constructed a superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB), which is stable along all axes without control, and has a strong axial levitation force, by combining a repulsive-type magnetic levitation system and a superconducting magnetic levitation system. We also reduced the amount of HTS used for the SMB and proposed an efficient method of using HTS. Furthermore, a driving test of the flywheel incorporating the SMB was conducted to verify the characteristics of the SMB. The experiment confirmed that the flywheel could overcome the resonance and drive the flywheel. In the drive experiment, the flywheel was driven up to 10,000 rpm.
A Method for Prediction of Winter Wheat Maturity Date Based on MODIS Time Series and Accumulated Temperature
Authors: Zhao Fa , Yang Guijun , Yang Hao , Long Huiling , Xu Weimeng , Zhu Yaohui , Meng Yang , Han Shaoyu , Liu Miao
Published: June 2022

Accurate determination of crop phenology is key to field management and decision making. The existing research on phenology based on remote sensing data is mainly phenology monitoring, which cannot realize the prediction of phenology. In this paper, we propose a method to predict the maturity date (MD) of winter wheat based on a combination of phenology monitoring method and accumulated temperature. The method is divided into three steps. First, 2-band Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI2) time series data were generated using the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance data at 8-day intervals; then, the time series were reconstructed using polynomial fitting and the heading date (HD) of winter wheat was extracted using the maximum method. Secondly, the average cumulative temperature required for winter wheat to go from HD to MD was calculated based on historical phenological data and meteorological data. Finally, the timing of winter wheat HD and the current year’s Meteorological Data were combined to predict winter wheat MD. The method was used to predict the MD of winter wheat in Hebei in 2018 and was validated with data from the phenology station and the Modis Land Cover Dynamics (MCD12Q2) product. The results showed that the coefficient of determination (R2) for predicting MD using this method was 0.48 and 0.74, the root mean square error (RMSE) was 7.03 and 4.91 days, and Bias was 4.93 and −3.59 days, respectively. In summary, the method is capable of predicting winter wheat MD at the regional scale.
Quantitative Protein Analysis of ZPB2, ZPB1 and ZPC in the Germinal Disc and a Non-Germinal Disc Region of the Inner Perivitelline Layer in Two Genetic Lines of Turkey Hens That Differ in Fertility
Authors: Benson Andrew , Steed Josh , Malloy Mia , Davis Adam J.
Published: June 2022

The avian inner perivitelline layer (IPVL), containing the zona pellucida (ZP) family of proteins, surrounds the ovulated ovum. In mammalian species, ZP proteins serve as key component(s) in binding sperm and initiating the acrosome reaction. Sperm binding at the germinal disc (GD) region of the IPVL initiates fertilization in avian species, and the amount of sperm binding at the GD reflects female fertility. The current research determined whether reported differences in mRNA expression in two genetic lines of turkey hens (E, high fertility and F, low fertility) translated to the protein level. ZPB2 in the IPVL is greater in the GD region compared with the nongerminal disc (NGD) region, as indicated by both mRNA and protein expression. However, protein expressions of ZPB1 and ZPC in the IPVL of E- and F-line turkey hens was in contrast to previously reported mRNA expression. The results indicate that the mRNA expression of ZP proteins at their site of synthesis in E- and F-line hens often does not directly correlate with the IPVL abundance of these proteins. The greater protein concentration of ZPB2 in the GD region compared with the NGD regions suggests that this protein may be critical for sperm binding at the GD region.
mcr-1-Mediated In Vitro Inhibition of Plasmid Transfer Is Reversed by the Intestinal Environment
Authors: Yang Xiaoman , Shu Rundong , Hou Leqi , Ren Panpan , Lu Xin , Huang Zhi , Zhong Zengtao , Wang Hui
Published: June 2022

Colistin is regarded as an antibiotic of last resort against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Colistin resistance is acquired by microorganisms via chromosome-mediated mutations or plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) gene, in which the transfer of mcr is the predominant factor underlying the spread of colistin resistance. However, the factors that are responsible for the spread of the mcr gene are still unclear. In this study, we observed that mcr-1 inhibited the transfer of the pHNSHP45 backbone in liquid mating. Similar inhibitory effect of mcr-1.6 and chromosomal mutant ΔmgrB suggested that colistin resistance, acquired from either plasmid or chromosomal mutation, hindered the transfer of colistin resistance-related plasmid in vitro. Dual plasmid system further proved that co-existing plasmid transfer was reduced too. However, this inhibitory effect was reversed in vivo. Some factors in the gut, including bile salt and anaerobic conditions, could increase the transfer frequency of the mcr-1-containing plasmid. Our results demonstrated the potential risk for the spread of colistin resistance in the intestine, provide a scientific basis against the transmission of colistin resistance threat.
Multi-Drug Resistance to Salmonella spp. When Isolated from Raw Meat Products
Authors: Pławińska-Czarnak Joanna , Wódz Karolina , Kizerwetter-Świda Magdalena , Bogdan Janusz , Kwieciński Piotr , Nowak Tomasz , Strzałkowska Zuzanna , Anusz Krzysztof
Published: June 2022

Salmonella spp. is the most frequent cause of foodborne diseases, and the increasing occurrence of MDR strains is an additional and increasing problem. We collected Salmonella spp. strains isolated from meat (poultry and pork) and analysed their antibiotic susceptibility profiles and the occurrence of resistance genes. To determine the susceptibility profiles and identify MDR strains, we used two MIC methods (MICRONAUT and VITEC2 Compact) and 25 antibiotics. Phenotypic tests showed that 53.84% strains were MDR. Finally, molecular analysis strains revealed the presence of blaSHV, blaPSE-1, blaTEM, but not blaCTX-M genes. Moreover, several genes were associated with resistance to aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, fluorochinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. This suggests that further research on the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in foodborne strains is needed, especially from a One Health perspective.
Preharvest Methyl Jasmonate Treatment Increased Glucosinolate Biosynthesis, Sulforaphane Accumulation, and Antioxidant Activity of Broccoli
Authors: Wang Junwei , Mao Shuxiang , Liang Mantian , Zhang Wenxia , Chen Fangzhen , Huang Ke , Wu Qiuyun
Published: June 2022

Broccoli is becoming increasingly popular among consumers owing to its nutritional value and rich bioactive compounds, such glucosinolates (GSLs) and hydrolysis products, which are secondary metabolites for plant defense, cancer prevention, and higher antioxidant activity for humans. In this study, 40 μmol/L methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was sprayed onto broccoli from budding until harvest. The harvested broccoli florets, stem, and leaves were used to measure the contents of GSLs, sulforaphane, total phenolics, and flavonoids, as well as myrosinase activity, antioxidant activity, and gene expression involved in GSL biosynthesis. The overall results revealed that GSL biosynthesis and sulforaphane accumulation were most likely induced by exogenous MeJA treatment by upregulating the expression of CYP83A1, SUR1, UGT74B1, and SOT18 genes. Exogenous MeJA treatment more remarkably contributed to the increased GSL biosynthesis in broccoli cultivars with low-level GSL content (Yanxiu) than that with high-level GSLs (Xianglv No.3). Moreover, MeJA treatment had a more remarkable increasing effect in broccoli florets than stem and leaves. Interestingly, total flavonoid content substantially increased in broccoli florets after MeJA treatment, but total phenolics did not. Similarly, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were higher in broccoli floret after MeJA treatment. In conclusion, MeJA mediated bioactive compound metabolism, had positive effects on GSL biosynthesis, sulforaphane, and flavonoids accumulation, and showed positive correlation on inducing higher antioxidant activities in broccoli floret. Hence, preharvest supplementation with 40 μM MeJA could be a good way to improve the nutritional value of broccoli florets.
Oxidative Stress in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Fanò-Illic Giorgio , Fulle Stefania
Published: June 2022

The accumulation of ROS, mainly due to increased mitochondrial production and/or decreased scavenger systems, is often associated with the term oxidative stress, used to define a condition judged to be problematic for muscle cells [...]
Increase of HO-1 Expression in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Outcome
Authors: Detsika Maria G. , Nikitopoulou Ioanna , Veroutis Dimitris , Vassiliou Alice G. , Jahaj Edison , Tsipilis Stamatis , Athanassiou Nikolaos , Gakiopoulou Hariklia , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Kotanidou Anastasia
Published: June 2022

Heme-oxygenase (HO)-1 is a cytoprotective enzyme with strong antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties and previous reports have also emphasized the antiviral properties of HO-1, either directly or via induction of interferons. To investigate the potential role of HO-1 in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the present study assessed changes in HO-1 expression in whole blood and tissue samples. Upregulation of HO-1 protein was observed in lung, liver, and skin tissue independently of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presence. A significant increase of blood HO-1 mRNA levels was observed in critically ill COVID-19 patients compared to those in severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. This increase was accompanied by significantly elevated levels of serum ferritin and bilirubin in critically ill compared to patients with severe disease. Further grouping of patients in survivors and non-survivors revealed a significant increase of blood HO-1 mRNA levels in the later. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for prediction of ICU admission and mortality yielded an AUC of 0.705 (p = 0.016) and 0.789 (p = 0.007) respectively indicating that HO-1 increase is associated with poor COVID-19 progression and outcome. The increase in HO-1 expression observed in critically ill COVID-19 patients could serve as a mechanism to counteract increased heme levels driving coagulation and thrombosis or as an induced protective mechanism.