bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering Bupi Yishen Formula Pharmacological Mechanisms Against Chronic Kidney Disease by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Zhang Difei , Liu Bingran , Jie Xina , Deng Jiankun , Lu Zhaoyu , Lu Fuhua , Liu Xusheng
Published: November 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading public health problem with high morbidity and mortality, but the therapies remain limited. Bupi Yishen Formula (BYF) - a patent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula - has been proved to be effective for CKD treatment in a high-quality clinical trial. However, BYF’s underlying mechanism is unclear. Thus, we aimed to reveal BYF pharmacological mechanism against CKD by network pharmacology and experimental studies. Network pharmacology-based analysis of the drug-compound-target interaction was used to predict the potential pharmacological mechanism and biological basis of BYF. We performed a comprehensive study by detecting the expression levels of fibrotic and inflammatory markers and main molecules of candidate signal pathway in adenine-induced CKD rats and TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells with the treatment of BYF by western blotting and RT-qPCR analyses. Using small interfering RNA, we assessed the effect of BYF on the TLR4-mediated NF-κB mechanism for CKD renal fibrosis and inflammation. Network pharmacology analysis results identified 369 common targets from BYF and CKD. Based on these common targets, the BYF intervention pathway was analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. We found that Toll-like receptor (TLR) and NF-κB signaling pathways were enriched. Then, we demonstrated that BYF significantly improved the adenine-induced CKD rat model condition by kidney dysfunction improvement and reversing renal fibrosis and inflammation. Subsequently, we investigated BYF’s effect on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. We found that TLR4 and phospho-NF-κB (p-p65 and p-IKβα) expression was significantly upregulated in adenine-induced CKD rats, then partially downregulated by BYF. Furthermore, BYF inhibited fibrotic and inflammatory responses, as well as TLR4, p-p65, and p-IKβα in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. Additionally, the BYF inhibitory effect on fibrosis and inflammation, and NF-κB pathway activation were significantly reduced in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells transfected with TLR4 siRNA. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that the suppression of TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling was an important anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory mechanism for BYF against CKD. It also provided a molecular basis for new CKD treatment drug candidates.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Their Signaling Pathways as Therapeutic Targets of Curcumin in Cancer
Authors: Sudhesh Dev Sareshma , Zainal Abidin Syafiq Asnawi , Farghadani Reyhaneh , Othman Iekhsan , Naidu Rakesh
Published: November 2021

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane cell-surface proteins that act as signal transducers. They regulate essential cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and metabolism. RTK alteration occurs in a broad spectrum of cancers, emphasising its crucial role in cancer progression and as a suitable therapeutic target. The use of small molecule RTK inhibitors however, has been crippled by the emergence of resistance, highlighting the need for a pleiotropic anti-cancer agent that can replace or be used in combination with existing pharmacological agents to enhance treatment efficacy. Curcumin is an attractive therapeutic agent mainly due to its potent anti-cancer effects, extensive range of targets and minimal toxicity. Out of the numerous documented targets of curcumin, RTKs appear to be one of the main nodes of curcumin-mediated inhibition. Many studies have found that curcumin influences RTK activation and their downstream signaling pathways resulting in increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation and decreased migration in cancer bothin vitroandin vivo. This review focused on how curcumin exhibits anti-cancer effects through inhibition of RTKs and downstream signaling pathways like the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB pathways. Combination studies of curcumin and RTK inhibitors were also analysed with emphasis on their common molecular targets.
Effects of Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2-I) in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) Treated by Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting via MiECC: Inflammatory Burden, and Clinical Outcomes at 5 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Sardu Celestino , Massetti Massimo , Testa Nicola , Martino Luigi Di , Castellano Gaetano , Turriziani Fabrizio , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo , Torella Michele , De Feo Marisa , Santulli Gaetano , Paolisso Giuseppe , Marfella Raffaele
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) reduced inflammatory burden, leading to best clinical outcomes in patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Despite this, the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vs those without T2DM (non-T2DM) have a worse prognosis, caused by over-inflammation and modulated by sodium-glucose transporter 2 receptors. However, we evaluated the inflammatory burden and clinical outcomes in non-T2DM vs T2DM patients under sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I users) vs non-SGLT2-I users at 5 years of follow-up post-CABG via MiECC.

Materials and methods: In a multicenter study, we screened consecutive patients with indications to receive CABG. The study endpoints were the inflammatory burden (circulating serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leucocytes count) and the clinical outcomes at follow-up of 5 years in non-T2DM vs SGLT2-I users, in non-T2DM vs non-SGLT2-I users, and SGLT2-I users vs non-SGLT2-I users.

Results: At baseline, and at one year and 5 years of follow-up, the non-T2DM vs SGLT2-I users, non-T2DM vs non-SGLT2-I users, and SGLT2-I users vs non-SGLT2-I users had the lowest values of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α (p < 0.05). At one year of follow-up, SGLT2-I users vs non-T2DM and non-SGLT2-I users vs non-T2DM users had a higher rate of all deaths, cardiac deaths, re-myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke, and of the composite endpoint (p < 0.05). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the composite endpoint was predicted by IL-1 [2.068 (1.367–3.129)], TNF-α [1.989 (1.081–2.998)], and SGLT2-I [0.504 (0.078–0.861)].

Conclusion: In T2DM patients, the SGLT2-I significantly reduced the inflammatory burden and ameliorated clinical outcomes at 5 years of follow-up post-CABG via MiECC.
Punicalin Attenuates Breast Cancer-Associated Osteolysis by Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway of Osteoclasts
Authors: Li Tao , Jiang Guangyao , Hu Xuantao , Yang Daishui , Tan Tingting , Gao Zhi , Chen Zhuoyuan , Xiang Cheng , Li Shizhen , Ouyang Zhengxiao , Guo Xiaoning
Published: November 2021

Background: Breast cancer bone metastasis and osteoporosis are both severe diseases that seriously threaten human health. These diseases are closely associated with osteolytic lesions. And osteoclasts are the key targets of this pathological process. Given the lack of effective preventive or treatment options against these diseases, the exploitation of new pharmacological agents is critically required.

Method: We assessed the efficacy of punicalin on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast formation, F-actin ring formation, gene expression, bone resorption, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) as well as on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and molecular docking in vitro. The impact of punicalin on breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis, breast cancer cell proliferation, and apoptosis were examined. Transwell assays were also performed. Moreover, we evaluated in vivo effects of punicalin in postmenopausal osteoporosis models and breast cancer bone metastasis model by micro-CT scanning and histomorphometry.

Results: Punicalin inhibited osteoclast formation, F-actin ring formation, bone resorption, as well as osteoclast-related gene expression by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. In vitro, punicalin also suppressed the breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis, and proliferation, migration as well as invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and dose-dependently promoted their apoptosis. In vivo, punicalin significantly suppressed breast cancer-induced osteolysis, breast cancer-associated bone metastasis, and ovariectomized (OVX)-mediated osteoporosis by repressing osteoclast and breast cancer cell.

Conclusion: Punicalin is expected to offer a novel treatment for the prevention of osteolysis diseases, including osteoporosis and breast cancer-associated osteolysis.
Transcriptomic, Proteomic, and Metabolic Profiles of Catalpa bungei Tension Wood Reveal New Insight Into Lignin Biosynthesis Involving Transcription Factor Regulation
Authors: Xiao Yao , Ling Juanjuan , Yi Fei , Ma Wenjun , Lu Nan , Zhu Tianqing , Wang Junhui , Zhao Kun , Yun Huiling
Published: November 2021

Lignin is a complex polymer in plant cell walls whose proportion is second only to that of cellulose and plays an important role in the mechanical properties of wood and stress resistance of plants. Here, we induced tension wood (TW) formation in Catalpa bungei by artificial bending and analyzed the lignin metabolism of the TW. LC-MS analysis showed that a significantly higher content of coniferyl aldehyde was observed in the TW cell wall than in the opposite wood (OW) and normal wood (NW) cell walls. TW had significantly lower contents of coniferyl alcohol than OW and NW. Raman spectroscopy results indicated that TW had lower total lignin than OW and NW. The transcription and translation levels of most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in lignin monomer biosynthesis indicated upregulation in TW/OW and TW/NW. We found no significant difference in the transcription levels of three collision gases (CADs) between TW and OW or between NW, but their translation levels were significantly downregulated in TW, suggesting post-transcriptional control for CAD. We predicted and analyzed transcription factors that could target DEGs involved in lignin monomer biosynthesis in TW. Based on the analysis of the relationships of targeting and coexpression, we found that NAC (evm.model.group1.695) could potentially target 4CLs and CCoAOMT, that HD-Zip (evm.model.group7.1157) had potential targeting relationships with CCoAOMT, F5H, and CCR, and that their expression levels were significantly positive. It is speculated that the upregulation of NAC and HD-ZIP transcription factors activates the expression of downstream target genes, which leads to a significant increase in coniferyl aldehyde in TW. However, the decrease in total lignin in TW may be caused by the significant downregulation of CAD translation and the significant decrease in precursors (coniferyl alcohol). Whether the expression of CAD genes is regulated by post-transcriptional control and affects TW lignin metabolism needs further study.
The Response of Plants and Mycorrhizal Fungi to Nutritionally-Heterogeneous Environments Are Regulated by Nutrient Types and Plant Functional Groups
Authors: Liu Bitao , Han Fei , Xing Kaixiong , Zhang Aiping , Rengel Zed
Published: November 2021

Nutrient type and plant functional group are both important in influencing proliferation of roots or hyphae and their benefit to plant growth in nutritionally heterogeneous environments. However, the studies quantifying relative importance of roots vs. hyphae affecting the plant response to nutrient heterogeneity are lacking. Here, we used meta-analysis based on 879 observations from 66 published studies to evaluate response patterns of seven variables related to growth and morphological traits of plants and mycorrhizal fungi in nutritionally heterogeneous environments. We found that phosphorus [P] and organic fertilizer [OF] supply significantly increased shoot (+18.1 and +25.9%, respectively) and root biomass (+31.1 and +23.0%, respectively) and root foraging precision (+11.8 and +20.4%, respectively). However, there was no significant difference among functional groups of herbs (grasses, forbs, and legumes), between herbs and woody species, and between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tree species in the shoot, root and mycorrhizal fungi responses to nutrient heterogeneity, except for root biomass and root foraging precision among grasses, forbs, and legumes, and mycorrhizal hyphal foraging precision between AM and ECM tree species. Root diameter was uncorrelated with neither root foraging precision nor mycorrhizal hyphal foraging precision, regardless of mycorrhizal type or nutrient type. These results suggest that plant growth and foraging strategies are mainly influenced by nutrient type, among other factors including plant functional type and mycorrhizal type.
Identification and Analysis of Zinc Efficiency-Associated Loci in Maize
Authors: Xu Jianqin , Wang Xuejie , Zhu Huaqing , Yu Futong
Published: November 2021

Zinc (Zn) deficiency, a globally predominant micronutrient disorder in crops and humans, reduces crop yields and adversely impacts human health. Despite numerous studies on the physiological mechanisms underlying Zn deficiency tolerance, its genetic basis of molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. Thus, the Zn efficiency of 20 maize inbred lines was evaluated, and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed in the recombination inbred line population derived from the most Zn-efficient (Ye478) and Zn-inefficient inbred line (Wu312) to identify the candidate genes associated with Zn deficiency tolerance. On this basis, we analyzed the expression of ZmZIP1-ZmZIP8. Thirteen QTLs for the traits associated with Zn deficiency tolerance were detected, explaining 7.6–63.5% of the phenotypic variation. The genes responsible for Zn uptake and transport across membranes (ZmZIP3, ZmHMA3, ZmHMA4) were identified, which probably form a sophisticated network to regulate the uptake, translocation, and redistribution of Zn. Additionally, we identified the genes involved in the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis (ZmIGPS) and auxin-dependent gene regulation (ZmIAA). Notably, a high upregulation of ZmZIP3 was found in the Zn-deficient root of Ye478, but not in that of Wu312. Additionally, ZmZIP4, ZmZIP5, and ZmZIP7 were up-regulated in the Zn-deficient roots of Ye478 and Wu312. Our findings provide a new insight into the genetic basis of Zn deficiency tolerance.
City Brand Image Building and Its Impact on the Psychological Capital of New Entrepreneurs Following Cultural Construction
Authors: Li Yingji , Hsü Penghang , Hao Guanghui , Sun Kaiyang , Wang Yahong
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the study is to provide effective direction and ideas for urban modernization and promote the development of the city innovation economy and the stability of the employment rate. First, the main contents and influencing factors of urban culture construction are introduced. Second, the construction of city cultural images and the social capital of new entrepreneurs are discussed, and the relationship between the two is analyzed. Then, Interpretative Structural Modeling Method (ISM) is put forward, and five influencing factors of city entrepreneurial environments are expounded. A questionnaire survey is designed based on the ISM model, and a nationwide survey of new entrepreneurs is carried out. The survey results show that entrepreneurs of different genders, ages, and educational levels have different degrees of concern for the city image. Among them, the entrepreneurs with different educational levels have the most obvious difference in their attention to the cultural image of the city (p < 0.05). In addition, public transportation, educational conditions, tourism resources, air quality, and image orientation are the most obvious factors affecting the construction of city brand images (p < 0.05). The influence of the educational level of residents and investment environment on new entrepreneurs is more prominent. This shows that in the process of shaping the city brand image, the improvement of city culture is helpful for new enterprises. The more perfect the city culture is, the more attractive it will be for highly educated entrepreneurs. The study can help relevant decision-makers to plan the future development direction of the city more accurately and realize the stable development of city brand images.
Associations Between Self, Peer, and Teacher Reports of Victimization and Social Skills in School in Children With Language Disorders
Authors: Sureda-Garcia Inmaculada , Valera-Pozo Mario , Sanchez-Azanza Victor , Adrover-Roig Daniel , Aguilar-Mediavilla Eva
Published: November 2021

Previous studies have shown that teachers and parents of children with language disorders report them to have higher victimization scores, a heightened risk of low-quality friendships and social difficulties, and may be more vulnerable to peer rejection than control peers. However, there are few studies of bullying in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and reading difficulties (RD), and none has considered the mutual relationships between teacher reports, the perceptions of classmates, and children’s self-reports. We analyzed the experiences of bullying and peer relationships in primary school students with DLD and RD as compared to their age-matched peers using teacher reports, peer reports, and self-reports on victimization. Additionally, we explored how these three perspectives are associated. Results indicated lower levels of peer-rated prosocial skills in DLD and RD students compared to their peers, as well as higher levels of victimization as assessed by peers for students with DLD. In the same line, the teachers’ ratings showed that students with DLD presented poorer social skills, less adaptability, and more withdrawal in social interaction. Contrastingly, self-reports informed of similar rates of interpersonal relationships, social stress, and peer victimization between the three groups. Consequently, we found significant correlations between measures of peer reports and teacher reports that contrasted with the lack of correlations between self and other agents’ reports. These findings stress the importance of using self-reports, peer reports, and teacher reports at the same time to detect bullying situations that might go unnoticed.
Effect of the Target and Conflicting Frequency and Time Ranges on Consonant Enhancement in Normal-Hearing Listeners
Authors: Yoon Yang-Soo
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the effects of intensifying useful frequency and time regions (target frequency and time ranges) and the removal of detrimental frequency and time regions (conflicting frequency and time ranges) for consonant enhancement were determined. Thirteen normal-hearing (NH) listeners participated in two experiments. In the first experiment, the target and conflicting frequency and time ranges for each consonant were identified under a quiet, dichotic listening condition by analyzing consonant confusion matrices. The target frequency range was defined as the frequency range that provided the highest performance and was decreased 40% from the peak performance from both high-pass filtering (HPF) and low-pass filtering (LPF) schemes. The conflicting frequency range was defined as the frequency range that yielded the peak errors of the most confused consonants and was 20% less than the peak error from both filtering schemes. The target time range was defined as a consonant segment that provided the highest performance and was decreased 40% from that peak performance when the duration of the consonant was systematically truncated from the onset. The conflicting time ranges were defined on the coincided target time range because, if they temporarily coincide, the conflicting frequency ranges would be the most detrimental factor affecting the target frequency ranges. In the second experiment, consonant recognition was binaurally measured in noise under three signal processing conditions: unprocessed, intensified target ranges by a 6-dB gain (target), and combined intensified target and removed conflicting ranges (target-conflicting). The results showed that consonant recognition improved significantly with the target condition but greatly deteriorated with a target-conflicting condition. The target condition helped transmit voicing and manner cues while the target-conflicting condition limited the transmission of these cues. Confusion analyses showed that the effect of the signal processing on consonant improvement was consonant-specific: the unprocessed condition was the best for /da, pa, ma, sa/; the target condition was the best for /ga, fa, va, za, ʒa/; and the target-conflicting condition was the best for /na, ʃa/. Perception of /ba, ta, ka/ was independent of the signal processing. The results suggest that enhancing the target ranges is an efficient way to improve consonant recognition while the removal of conflicting ranges negatively impacts consonant recognition.
Looming Effects on Attentional Modulation of Prepulse Inhibition Paradigm
Authors: Wu Zhemeng , Bao Xiaohan , Liu Lei , Li Liang
Published: November 2021

In a hazardous environment, it is fundamentally important to successfully evaluate the motion of sounds. Previous studies demonstrated “auditory looming bias” in both macaques and humans, as looming sounds that increased in intensity were processed preferentially by the brain. In this study on rats, we used a prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response paradigm to investigate whether auditory looming sound with intrinsic warning value could draw attention of the animals and dampen the startle reflex caused by the startling noise. We showed looming sound with a duration of 120 ms enhanced PPI compared with receding sound with the same duration; however, when both sound types were at shorter duration/higher change rate (i.e., 30 ms) or longer duration/lower rate (i.e., more than 160 ms), there was no PPI difference. This indicates that looming sound–induced PPI enhancement was duration dependent. We further showed that isolation rearing impaired the abilities of animals to differentiate looming and receding prepulse stimuli, although it did not abolish their discrimination between looming and stationary prepulse stimuli. This suggests that isolation rearing compromised their assessment of potential threats from approaching objects and receding objects.
Interpersonal Relatedness and Non-suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors in Female Adolescents With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Guénolé Fabian , Spiers Solène , Gicquel Ludovic , Delvenne Veronique , Robin Marion , Corcos Maurice , Pham-Scottez Alexandra , Speranza Mario
Published: November 2021

Background:Psychopathological models of adolescent borderline personality disorder (BPD) suggest that non-suicidal self-injuring (NSSI)—a particularly frequent symptom in girls—may constitute a way of coping with distress resulting from interpersonal concerns they typically experience as a developmental psychopathological feature.

Objectives:Our objective was to investigate the relationship in BPD female adolescents between NSSI and the Sidney Blatt two-polarities model of personality development, which focuses on the psychological processes of interpersonal relatedness and self-definition.

Methods:The study was conducted within the European Research Network on Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescence, using the Depressive Experience Questionnaire (DEQ).

Results:BPD patients (n= 59; mean age = 16.6 ± 1.3) scored significantly higher than healthy controls on the two DEQ sub-factors assessing the more immature forms of Interpersonal Relatedness (Neediness) and Self-definition (Self-criticism) and significantly lower on the more mature form of Self-definition (Efficacy). BPD adolescents with NSSI showed significantly higher scores on both mature and immature forms of Interpersonal Relatedness (NeedinessandConnectedness) compared to BPD adolescents without NSSI. A logistic regression analysis showed that the subfactorNeedinessof the DEQ was the only significant predictor of the presence of NSSI among BPD adolescents.

Conclusions:The preliminary results of this study suggests that NSSI in adolescents with BPD is developmentally linked to high developmental concerns in the domain of interpersonal relatedness, which may be taken into consideration in clinical practice. More studies are necessary to better understand the relationships between NSSI and developmental psychopathology in borderline adolescents.
Surveying 80 Years of Psychodrama Research: A Scientometric Review
Authors: Lim Mengyu , Carollo Alessandro , Chen S. H. Annabel , Esposito Gianluca
Published: November 2021

Almost a century after Jacob Levy Moreno pioneered the group practice of psychodrama, research in this area has flourished to include different sub-fields of study and psychodramatic intervention for various psychological conditions. By making use of scientometric analysis, particularly document citation analysis and keyword analysis, this study maps out dominant research domains in psychodrama since its inception. From these findings, projections of future research trends and an evaluation of psychodrama research are discussed. Generally, there has been an increased adoption of technology to facilitate psychodrama practice, along with an increasing integration of psychodramatic principles with other psychotherapies. To improve research in this area, this paper recommends greater transparency in the reporting of materials, processes and data used in publications. Finally, we encourage embracing new technological methods such as neuroimaging to provide greater insight into mechanisms of change in psychodrama. The field of psychodrama remains full of potential and innovations to be developed.
The Family Talk Programme in Ireland: A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of Families With Parental Mental Illness
Authors: Mulligan Christine , Furlong Mairead , McGarr Sharon , O'Connor Siobhan , McGilloway Sinead
Published: November 2021

Background: Parental mental illness is common, costly, can lead to children developing mental disorders and impaired lifetime outcomes, and places a substantial burden on caregiving partners. Family Talk (FT) is a widely implemented, 7-session, whole-family programme, with promising evidence of effectiveness in targeting the intergenerational transmission of mental illness. However, to date, very little qualitative research of family experiences of FT has been undertaken. The objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate the experiences of families attending FT; and (2) explore the key facilitators and barriers to engagement in mainstream mental health settings.

Methods: This study was nested within a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Family Talk [N = 86 families (139 parents, 221 children)] implemented in 15 adult, child and primary care mental health sites in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 45 participants, including 23 parents with mental illness (PMI), 7 partners and 15 children/young people aged 9 to 18 years. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using constructivist grounded theory.

Results: Over two thirds of families across sites reported substantial benefits from participation in FT, including reduced stigma, giving children and partners a voice, increased service-user confidence, and improved family communication/relationships. Key facilitators identified by families included: programme delivery by a competent, non-judgmental clinician; the whole-family approach; and family readiness to engage. Barriers to engagement included stigma, family crises/relapse, service constraints, impact of COVID-19, and a need for further child, family and follow-up sessions/supports.

Conclusion: This study is the first qualitative analysis of family experiences of FT to be conducted within the context of an RCT and national programme to introduce family-focused practise for families with PMI. The findings illustrate that FT is beneficial across cultural/policy contexts, different mental disorders and can be implemented across adult and child mental health settings, including children with existing mental health challenges. Key barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified by families, all of which should help to inform the future implementation of FT, and other similar interventions, both in Ireland and elsewhere.
Why Do Animals Get Old and Die?
Authors: Martins André C. R. , Mitteldorf Josh
Published: November 2021

As we get old, we become weaker and more vulnerable to diseases. Sooner or later, our health fails, and we die. That happens to most, but not all, animal species. If we want to live longer, understanding why we get weaker is important. Many people work on the question of how aging happens. That is, they try to understand how the cells and living tissues behave as they get older. But there is a deeper question: why do humans and other animals get old at all? Do our bodies just wear out, like old machines? Or is there an important evolutionary reason for getting old? In this article, we will explore those questions. We suggest that getting old and dying serves an important purpose: when the old die, the young can adapt faster to a changing world.
Women and Pensions in Italy: Gender Imbalances and the Equalization of Retirement Age
Authors: De Luigi Nicola , Rizza Roberto , Santangelo Federica
Published: November 2021

This paper examines the age at retirement for men and women in Italy. Despite the expansion of women’s educational attainments, they still display lower employment rates, are frequently engaged in involuntary part-time jobs and have more fragmented careers. As a consequence, the mean age at which women receive a pension is higher than that of men. Using Labour Force Survey (2006 and 2012), the authors test the hypothesis that women’s higher age at retirement is determined by a selection bias towards more educated and work oriented women. A Heckman selection model has been developed. Results show that the main disadvantage is suffered by women with medium and low levels of education who show the highest estimated age at retirement, whereas higher educated women retire on average before men with the same level of education. The authors argue that pension policies, without interventions in the field of work-life balance policies, end up penalizing women with lower levels of education.
Metabolic Changes After a 24-Week Soccer-Based Adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program in Hispanic Males: A One-Arm Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Frediani Jennifer K. , Li Jianheng , Bienvenida Alan , Higgins Melinda K. , Lobelo Felipe
Published: November 2021

Aims: One third of the U.S. adult population is estimated to have obesity-associated prediabetes. Hispanics have a 50% higher type 2 diabetes death rate compared to non-Hispanic whites, yet low participation in lifestyle change programs, making this subgroup an important target for prevention. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and the effects of an intervention implementing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) plus recreational soccer (RS) in Hispanic men.

Methods: Overweight and obese Hispanic men, aged 30–57 years with prediabetes at screening were recruited (n = 41). Trained soccer coaches led 30-min facilitated discussion of the NDPP modules after each RS session, with two sessions per week for 12 weeks and once per week for the following 12 weeks. The 1-h RS sessions followed the Football Fitness curriculum. Assessments included body mass index, waist circumference, bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 270), blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and validated physical fitness tests. Multilevel mixed models assessed the outcomes as a function of time and cohort and incorporated an unstructured covariance structure to examine the changes from baseline to 24 weeks. All analyses were conducted as intent-to-treat using SAS v 9.4.

Results: Hispanic males (n = 41; mean age 41.7 [0.1] years) were obese at baseline (mean BMI 32.7, standard error of mean [0.7], mean weight 93.9 [2.2] kg). Attendance rate was 65% overall at 12 weeks but differed between cohorts. Five mild injuries occurred over the trial. After 24 weeks of the NDPP+RS intervention, there were significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (%change −4.7[SE 2.4]; 95% CI [−11.5, −1.7] and −6.1 [1.7] mmHg; [−9.6, −2.6], respectively), HbA1c (−0.2 [0.1]; [−0.3, −0.1]), Despite significant reductions in weight (−3.8 [0.7]; [−5.2, −2.5]), waist circumference (−6.6 [0.7] cm; [−8.0, −5.1]), body fat % (−1.9 [0.5]; [−2.8, −1.0]), lean body mass was preserved (−0.9 [0.3]; [−1.6, −0.2]).

Conclusion: A 24-week soccer-based adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program is safe and feasible among middle-aged Latino men.
Urban Agriculture Education and Youth Civic Engagement in the U.S.: A Scoping Review
Authors: Russ Alex , Gaus Madeline B.
Published: November 2021

Urban agriculture education is increasingly used to foster civic engagement among youth. To better understand empirical research on this topic, we analyzed peer-reviewed journal articles that focus on civic engagement among high-school-age students in urban agriculture education programs in the U.S. Using a scoping review approach, we identified 10 relevant research articles published between 2004 and 2018. These articles show that urban agriculture education programs prepare youth for future civic engagement, including by enhancing their understanding of social justice and community assets, and by building their leadership skills. In addition to promoting skills for future civic engagement, these programs engage youth in current civic actions in their neighborhoods, such as creating community gardens and donating food. Although the long-term effect of these programs on youth is still unclear, analyzed articles offer convincing evidence that urban agriculture education programs can be instrumental in helping youth become involved in addressing social and environmental issues in their communities.
Advanced Controller Development Based on eFMI with Applications to Automotive Vertical Dynamics Control
Authors: Ultsch Johannes , Ruggaber Julian , Pfeiffer Andreas , Schreppel Christina , Tobolář Jakub , Brembeck Jonathan , Baumgartner Daniel
Published: November 2021

High-level modeling languages facilitate system modeling and the development of control systems. This is mainly achieved by the automated handling of differential algebraic equations which describe the dynamics of the modeled systems across different physical domains. A wide selection of model libraries provides additional support to the modeling process. Nevertheless, deployment on embedded targets poses a challenge and usually requires manual modification and reimplementation of the control system. The novel proposed eFMI Standard (Functional Mock-up Interface for embedded systems) introduces a workflow and an automated toolchain to simplify the deployment of model-based control systems on embedded targets. This contribution describes the application and verification of the eFMI workflow using a vertical dynamics control problem with an automotive application as an example. The workflow is exemplified by a control system design process which is supported by the a-causal, multi-physical, high-level modeling language Modelica. In this process, the eFMI toolchain is applied to a model-based controller for semi-active dampers and demonstrated using an eFMI-based nonlinear prediction model within a nonlinear Kalman filter. The generated code was successfully tested in different validation steps on the dedicated embedded system. Additionally, tests with a low-volume production electronic control unit (ECU) in a series-produced car demonstrated the correct execution of the controller code under real-world conditions. The novelty of our approach is that it automatically derives an embedded software solution from a high-level multi-physical model with standardized eFMI methodology and tooling. We present one of the first full application scenarios (covering all aspects ranging from multi-physical modeling up to embedded target deployment) of the new eFMI tooling.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Oil-Guiding Splash Lubrication in Light Helicopter’s Reducers
Authors: Yin Mei , Chen Xi , Dai Yu , Yang Duan , Xu Lanjin , Zhu Xiang
Published: November 2021

Limited by the space and weight of the reducer, it is difficult to use traditional oil-jet lubrication and splash lubrication for a light helicopter, so an oil-guiding splash lubrication method is adopted as a research object in this paper. Firstly, the lubrication performance of the oil-guiding cylinder in the main reducer under different rotating speeds, oil levels, and flight attitudes is investigated based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Then, a specific test rig is developed, and lubrication tests are carried out to verify the feasibility and correctness of the simulation. These results show that oil level, rotating speed, and flight attitude have a great influence on splash lubrication performance.
Does the Female Presence in Corporate Governance Influence the Level of Indebtedness in Agri-Food Family Firms?
Authors: Fenoy-Castaño Cristina , Martínez-Romero María J. , Martínez-Alonso Rubén
Published: November 2021

Family firms form the backbone of most of the world’s economies. While the issues surrounding family firms are diverse, gender diversity and its impact on the strategic and financial decisions of such firms is a topic that has generated significant debate in recent years. In particular, one of the most crucial unresolved questions is whether or not increasing the female presence in the family firms’ corporate governance bodies would be beneficial for improving their internal functioning. To shed new light on these issues, our study aims to examine the influence of gender diversity on the level of indebtedness of Spanish agri-food family firms. Specifically, and applying a risk-aversion perspective, the research goal is to analyse whether the female presence in corporate governance structures (board of directors, top management team and general shareholders’ meeting) influences the level of firm indebtedness. To test the suggested relationships, ordinary least square regression models were applied to a sample of 137 firms. The final sample was obtained by combining quantitative data from the SABI database and qualitative data from a survey conducted by the Spanish Institute of Family Firms and the Spanish Network of Family Business Chairs. This study reveals an inverse relationship of female presence in the board of directors, in the top management team, and in the general shareholders’ meeting on the level of indebtedness of Spanish agri-food family firms. In other words, the findings show that female presence in corporate governance structures contributes to enhanced business management behaviour and, thus, to a better utilisation of firms’ financing strategies. The obtained results have very important practical and social implications, insofar as they contribute to the building of a more inclusive and sustainable business world, aimed at reducing gender inequality at top positions in firms.
Antioxidant Properties of Bee Products Derived from Medicinal Plants as Beekeeping Sources
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Plutino Manuela , Pignatti Giuseppe , Karabagias Ioannis K. , Martinelli Erika , Souto Eliana B. , Santini Antonello , Lucini Luigi
Published: November 2021

Plant species are fundamental source of nectar in beekeeping since bees access nectar and pollen from flowers. Consequently, bee products are strongly linked to the bee foraging flora source, and, depending on this, they acquire defined features, including their health and medicinal properties. Medicinal plants contribute greatly to increase the beneficial properties of bee products, such as honey, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis. Bee products represent a potential source of natural antioxidants that can counteract the effects of oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of many diseases. The antioxidant properties of bee products have been widely studied and there is an abundance of information available in the literature. Notwithstanding, the uniqueness of the presented perspective is to provide an updated overview of the antioxidant properties of bee products derived from medicinal plants as beekeeping sources. This topic is divided and discussed in the text in different sections as follows: (i) beekeeping and the impacts of environmental factors; (ii) an overview of the role of medicinal plants for bee products; (iii) definition and categorization of the main medicinal bee plants and related bee products; (iv) the study approach of the antioxidant properties; (v) the conventional and innovative assays used for the measurement of the antioxidant activity; and (vi) the antioxidant properties of bee products from medicinal plants.
Simulating the Long-Term Effects of Fertilizer and Water Management on Grain Yield and Methane Emissions of Paddy Rice in Thailand
Authors: Cha-un Nittaya , Chidthaisong Amnat , Yagi Kazuyuki , Towprayoon Sirintornthep
Published: November 2021

Rice is an important economic crop in Thailand. However, paddy rice fields are one of the largest anthropogenic sources of methane (CH4) emissions. Therefore, suitable crop management practice is necessary to reduce CH4 emissions while rice grain yield is maintained. This study aimed to evaluate appropriate options of fertilizer and water management practices for Thai rice cultivation with regards to improving rice grain yield and reducing CH4 emissions. The Denitrification–Decomposition (DNDC) model was used to simulate grain yield and the emission of CH4 under the three fertilizer options (chemical fertilizer (F), manure (M) and chemical fertilizer + manure (F + M)) with three water management options (continuous flooding (CF), mid-season drainage (MD) and alternate wet and dry (AWD)) during the years 2011–2050. Rain-fed and irrigated rice cropping systems were used. A total of 24 sites distributed in 22 provinces were studied. The data sets of daily climate, soil properties, and rice management practices were required as inputs in the model. Model validation with observation data in a field experiment indicated that simulated grain yields (R2 = 0.83, slope = 0.98, NRMES = 0.30) and cumulative seasonal CH4 emissions (R2 = 0.83, slope = 0.74, NRMES = 0.43) were significantly and positively correlated with the observation. At the end of the simulation period (2046–2050), fertilizer management options of F and F + M gave more grain yield than the M management option by 1–44% in rain-fed rice cropping and 104–190% in irrigated rice cropping system, respectively. Among options, the lower CH4 emissions were found in AWD water management options. The appropriate options with regard to maintaining grain yield and reducing CH4 emissions in the long term were suggested to be F + M with AWD for the rain-fed rice, and F with AWD for the irrigated rice cropping systems.
Mining Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers for Accurate Genotype Identification and Diversity Analysis of Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Germplasm
Authors: Song Lihua , Cao Bing , Zhang Yue , Meinhardt Lyndel W. , Zhang Dapeng
Published: November 2021

Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is an economically important fruit tree with outstanding adaptability to marginal lands and a broad range of climate conditions. There are over 800 cultivars, mostly landraces from China. However, a high rate of mislabeling in Chinese jujube germplasm restricts the sharing of information and materials among jujube researchers and hampers the use of jujube germplasm in breeding. In the present study, we developed a large panel of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and validated 288 SNPs by genotyping 114 accessions of Chinese jujube germplasm. The validation resulted in the designation of a set of 192 polymorphic SNP markers that revealed a high rate of synonymous mislabeling in the jujube germplasm collection in Ningxia, China. A total of 17 groups of duplicates were detected, encompassing 49 of the 114 Chinese jujube cultivars. Model-based population stratification revealed two germplasm groups, and the core members of the two groups showed a significant genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.16). The results supported the hypothesis that the cultivated Chinese jujube had multiple origins and multiple regions of domestication. The Neighbor-Joining dendrogram further revealed that this collection is comprised of multiple sub-groups, each including 1-13 closely related cultivars. Parentage analysis of cultivars with known pedigree information proved the efficacy of using these SNP markers for parentage verification. A subset of 96 SNPs with high information index was selected for future downstream application including gene bank management, verification of pedigrees in breeding programs, quality control for propagation of planting materials and support of the traceability and authentication of jujube products.
Wild Mustard (Sinapis arvensis) Competition and Control in Rain-Fed Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zargar Meisam , Kavhiza Nyasha John , Bayat Maryam , Pakina Elena
Published: November 2021

Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) is a weed that frequently infests spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields in Moscow province, Russia. It is an annual broad leaf weed, which is indigenous throughout most parts of the globe and one of the most competitive weeds of spring cereal crops. In southern Russia it is emerging as an important crop competitor. Field trials focusing on herbicide timing and efficacy on wild mustard control and spring wheat yield in the Moscow region, Kashira and Baribino districts. A PRE glyphosate application to wheat regardless of fall or spring application timing favorably suppressed wild mustard in 2018. Weeds were not controlled in 2019 with the earliest application timings of glyphosate because weeds emerged late. In comparing fall and spring application timings, the formulated combination of (iodosulfuron/mesosulfuron/antidote mefenpyr-diethyl) at both field rates provided 80% weed control for all application timings and locations, and also resulting in the greatest spring wheat grain yield. Overall, herbicide treatments performed greater when they were in the fall than during the spring. Based on POST herbicide application, tribenuron-methyl provided the greatest wild mustard suppression (75%) and also caused the highest reduction in wild mustard biomass (3.3 g), stem number (6), seed number (880) and germination percentage (33%). When wild mustard was approximately 32 weeds/m2 causedtotal wheat yield loss.