bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Phytohormones on the Efficiency of Callus Formation, Its Morphologically Properties and Content of Bioactive Compounds in In Vitro Cultures of Daucus carota L.
Authors: Keutgen Anna Jadwiga , Tomaszewska-Sowa Magdalena , Bomberski Aleksander , Keutgen Norbert
Published: January 2022

The significance of cultivar colour (orange and yellow), the application of MgO during field cultivation and chosen phytohormones in the callus cultivation medium are investigated in the present study, with respect to the antioxidative properties of the obtained callus. Callus cultivation are examined as an alternative method for the production of plant antioxidant compounds. Cultivar choice was most significant for callus production and the synthesis of health-promoting metabolites. The best combination, with respect to the induction efficacy and antioxidant properties measured as a synthetic value by Multidimensional Comparative Analysis (MCA), was found in the callus of cultivar ‘Flacoro’, cultivated without MgO fertilization and on a medium with kinetin (KIN) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (MCA-value 0.465). The worst performance was found for cultivar ‘Yello Mello’, independent of the applied phythormones (averaged MCA-value 0.839) and for the cultivar ‘Flacoro’ fertilized with MgO and independent of growth hormones (averaged MCA-value 0.810).
The Role of the Ecotoxicology Applied to Seafood as a Tool for Human Health Risk Assessments Concerning Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: de Pinho Julia Vianna , Rodrigues Paloma de Almeida , Guimarães Ivelise Dimbarre Lao , Monteiro Francielli Casanova , Ferrari Rafaela Gomes , Hauser-Davis Rachel Ann , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam
Published: January 2022

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent pollutants routinely detected in aquatic ecosystems. It is, therefore, necessary to assess the link between deleterious marine biota PAH effects, especially in commercialized and consumed animals, environmental health status, and potential human health risks originating from the consumption of contaminated seafood products. Thus, this review seeks to verify the relationships of ecotoxicological studies in determining effect and safety concentrations on animals routinely consumed by humans. Methods: A total of 52 published studies between 2011 and 2021, indexed in three databases, were selected following the PICO methodology, and information on test animals, evaluated PAH, and endpoints were extracted. Results: Benzo(a)pyrene and phenanthrene were the most investigated PAHs in terms of biomarkers and test organisms, and mussels were the most evaluated bioindicator species, with an emphasis on reproductive responses. Furthermore, despite the apparent correlation between environmental PAH dynamics and effects on aquatic biota and human health, few assessments have been performed in a multidisciplinary manner to evaluate these three variables together. Conclusions: The links between human and environmental sciences must be strengthened to enable complete and realistic toxicity assessments as despite the application of seafood assessments, especially to mussels, in bioassays, the connection between toxicological animal responses and risks associated with their consumption is still understudied.
Modeling the Development of Local Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policies from Empirical Data and Policy Science Theories
Authors: Noël Racine Antoine , Garbarino Jean-Marie , Massiera Bernard , Vuillemin Anne
Published: January 2022

Physical inactivity is considered a pandemic, requiring strong policy responses to address this major health issue. However, research on the development of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity policies (HEPA) remains scarce, particularly at the local level. There is a need to produce evidence to better understand the process to develop local HEPA policies. This study aims to model the development of HEPA policy promotion in French municipalities from empirical data and policy science theories. This research was undertaken in three steps: (1) assess the level of development of HEPA policies from 10 French municipalities using a local HEPA analysis tool, (2) provide a brief overview of core political science theories applied in health promotion, and (3) from these empirical and theoretical perspectives, model a conceptual framework to better understand the development of HEPA policy promotion in French municipalities. Based on empirical data and the Multiple Streams, policy cycles and Institutional Rational Choice theories, a conceptual framework of the development of municipal HEPA policy promotion was modeled. This conceptual framework is comprised of five stages describing the development of municipal HEPA policies. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the development of municipal HEPA policies.
The Impact of Background-Level Carboxylated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs−COOH) on Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans and Human Cells
Authors: Lu Jian-He , Hou Wen-Che , Tsai Ming-Hsien , Chang Yu-Ting , Chao How-Ran
Published: January 2022

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are widely utilized for industrial, biomedical, and environmental purposes. The toxicity of Carboxylated SWCNTs (SWCNTs−COOH) in in vivo models, particularly Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), and in vitro human cells is still unclear. In this study, C. elegans was used to study the effects of SWCNTs−COOH on lethality, lifespan, growth, reproduction, locomotion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and the antioxidant system. Our data show that exposure to ≥1 μg·L−1 SWCNTs−COOH could induce toxicity in nematodes that affects lifespan, growth, reproduction, and locomotion behavior. Moreover, the exposure of nematodes to SWCNTs−COOH induced ROS generation and the alteration of antioxidant gene expression. SWCNTs−COOH induced nanotoxic effects at low dose of 0.100 or 1.00 μg·L−1, particularly for the expression of antioxidants (SOD-3, CTL-2 and CYP-35A2). Similar nanotoxic effects were found in human cells. A low dose of SWCNTs−COOH induced ROS generation and increased the expression of catalase, MnSOD, CuZnSOD, and SOD-2 mRNA but decreased the expression of GPX-2 and GPX-3 mRNA in human monocytes. These findings reveal that background-level SWCNTs−COOH exerts obvious adverse effects, and C. elegans is a sensitive in vivo model that can be used for the biological evaluation of the toxicity of nanomaterials.
Orientation Experiences and Navigation Aid Use: A Self-Report Lifespan Study on the Role of Age and Visuospatial Factors
Authors: Muffato Veronica , Borella Erika , Pazzaglia Francesca , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: January 2022

Spatial orientation is essential for daily life, but it deteriorates with aging. The present study was aimed at investigating age changes across the adult lifespan in the self-reported use of navigation aids and everyday orientation experiences, as well as investigating to what extent these are related to visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and self-reported wayfinding inclinations. A sample of 456 people aged 25–84 years rated how much they use navigation aids (maps, GPS, verbal directions), how much they went out, and how much they reached or lost their way to unfamiliar destinations (in 2016). Then, they performed the jigsaw puzzle test (VSWM) and questionnaires on sense of direction, pleasure in exploring, and spatial anxiety. The results showed that increasing age is related to a lower tendency to go out, fewer experiences of finding one’s way and getting lost, a lower level of GPS use, and increased verbal directions use. After age changes were accounted for, VSWM was related to aid use and orientation experiences (except for losing one’s way), wayfinding inclinations (especially spatial anxiety) to using a map, and orientation experiences. Overall, other than age, VSWM and one’s wayfinding attitudes can play a role–albeit it a modest one–in spatial behaviors.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Personality, and Crime: Distinct Associations among a High-Risk Sample of Institutionalized Youth
Authors: Barra Steffen , Aebi Marcel , d’Huart Delfine , Schmeck Klaus , Schmid Marc , Boonmann Cyril
Published: January 2022

Despite high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and personality-related disturbances among delinquent juveniles, associations among ACEs, youth personality, and juvenile crime involvement are still unclear. High-risk samples of institutionalized youth are in specific need of a comprehensive assessment of ACEs and personality features in order to broaden the current knowledge on the occurrence and persistence of juvenile crime and to derive implications for prevention and intervention. We examined a heterogeneous high-risk sample of 342 adolescents (35.1% females, 64.9% males) aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.74, SD = 1.61 years) living in child-welfare or juvenile justice institutions regarding cumulative ACEs, psychopathic traits, temperament, and clinical personality disorder ratings, and criminal involvement before and up to 10 years after assessment. We found considerable rates of ACEs, although cumulative ACEs did not predict future crime. Latent Profile Analysis based on dimensional measures of psychopathy, temperament, and personality disorders derived six distinct personality profiles, which were differently related to ACEs, personality disturbances, clinical psychopathology, and future delinquency. A socially difficult personality profile was associated with increased risk of future crime, whereas avoidant personality traits appeared protective. Findings indicate that the role of ACEs in the prediction of juvenile delinquency is still not sufficiently clear and that relying on single personality traits alone is insufficient in the explanation of juvenile crime.
Financial Fraud against Older People in Hong Kong: Assessing and Predicting the Fear and Perceived Risk of Victimization
Authors: Li Jessica C. M. , Wong Gabriel T. W. , Manning Matthew , Yeung Dannii Y.
Published: January 2022

While the majority of studies on the fear of crime focus on the impact of violent and property crimes at the population level, financial fraud against senior citizens is often under-investigated. This study uses data collected from 1061 older citizens in the community through a cross-sectional survey in Hong Kong to examine the levels of fear and perceived risk among Chinese senior citizens toward financial fraud and the factors behind them. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the explanatory power of four theoretical perspectives (vulnerability, victimization, social integration, and satisfaction with police) on fear and perceived risk of fraud victimization. The results indicate significant predictive effects of victimization experience and satisfaction with police fairness and integrity on both the fear and the perceived risk of fraud among respondents. The findings not only confirm the differential impact of theoretical explanations on these constructs but can also contribute to crime prevention policy and practice in an aging society.
Predicting Continuity of Asthma Care Using a Machine Learning Model: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tong Yao , Lin Beilei , Chen Gang , Zhang Zhenxiang
Published: January 2022

Continuity of care (COC) has been shown to possess numerous health benefits for chronic diseases. Specifically, the establishment of its level can facilitate clinical decision-making and enhanced allocation of healthcare resources. However, the use of a generalizable predictive methodology to determine the COC in patients has been underinvestigated. To fill this research gap, this study aimed to develop a machine learning model to predict the future COC of asthma patients and explore the associated factors. We included 31,724 adult outpatients with asthma who received care from the University of Washington Medicine between 2011 and 2018, and examined 138 features to build the machine learning model. Following the 10-fold cross-validations, the proposed model yielded an accuracy of 88.20%, an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96, and an average F1 score of 0.86. Further analysis revealed that the severity of asthma, comorbidities, insurance, and age were highly correlated with the COC of patients with asthma. This study used predictive methods to obtain the COC of patients, and our excellent modeling strategy achieved high performance. After further optimization, the model could facilitate future clinical decisions, hospital management, and improve outcomes.
From the First to the Second Wave of COVID-19: Anxiety, De-Pressive, and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in the Italian Population
Authors: Benfante Agata , Tesio Valentina , Di Tella Marialaura , Romeo Annunziata , Castelli Lorys
Published: January 2022

In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, high rates of clinically relevant anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) have been reported in the Italian population. The persistence of the pandemic and related restrictive measures highlight the need for a reassessment of psychopathological symptoms. The present longitudinal study consisted of two evaluations conducted during the two waves of infection. Participants were asked to complete the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y1 (STAI Y1), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms and PTSS scores reported by participants between T0 and T1, with single-case analysis revealing that in 71% and 69% of the participants, depressive symptoms and PTSS symptoms, respectively, remained stable during this period. On the contrary, mean scores comparison showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels, with 19% of participants in whom anxiety symptoms improved at single-case analysis. Taken together, these results suggest that depressive symptoms and PTSS not only occurred in a high percentage of participants but also tended to remain stable over time, thus warranting the importance of large-scale psychological screening and interventions to prevent the chronicization of these symptoms and their evolution to psychopathological disorders.
Efficacy of Breast Milk Olfactory and Gustatory Interventions on Neonates’ Biobehavioral Responses to Pain during Heel Prick Procedures
Authors: Lin Chiao-Hsuan , Liaw Jen-Jiuan , Chen Yu-Ting , Yin Ti , Yang Luke , Lan Hsiang-Yun
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of breast milk odor either alone or in combination with breast milk taste (via syringe-feeding) to alleviate neonates’ biobehavioral responses to pain during heel-prick procedures. This prospective randomized controlled trial recruited 114 neonates by convenience sampling from a newborn unit of a medical center in Taiwan. Neonates were randomly assigned to three groups: control (gentle touch + human voice), control + breast milk odor, and control + breast milk odor + breast milk taste. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and voice recordings of crying were measured across heel-prick procedures: baseline, no stimuli (stage 0); during heel prick (Stages 1–4); and recovery (Stages 5–10). Generalized estimating equations and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis compared differences in changes between groups for heart rate, oxygen saturation, and time to crying cessation. Changes in mean heart rate and oxygen saturation in neonates receiving breast milk odor or breast milk odor + breast milk taste were significantly less than those at the corresponding stage for the control group. Among neonates receiving breast milk odor or breast milk odor + breast milk taste, hazard rate ratios for crying cessation were 3.016 and 6.466, respectively. Mother’s breast milk olfactory and gustatory interventions could stabilize the biobehavioral responses to pain during heel prick procedures in neonates.
Systematic Review for the Medical Applications of Meditation in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kim Do-Young , Hong Soo-Hwa , Jang Seung-Hyeon , Park So-Hyeon , Noh Jung-Hee , Seok Jung-Mi , Jo Hyun-Jeong , Son Chang-Gue , Lee Eun-Jung
Published: January 2022

Background: Meditation has been increasingly adapted for healthy populations and participants with diseases. Its beneficial effects are still challenging to determine due to the heterogeneity and methodological obstacles regarding medical applications. This study aimed to integrate the features of therapeutic meditation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of RCTs with meditation for populations with diseases using the PubMed database through June 2021. We analyzed the characteristics of the diseases/disorders, participants, measurements, and their overall benefits. Results: Among a total of 4855 references, 104 RCTs were determined and mainly applied mindfulness-based (51 RCTs), yoga-based (32 RCTs), and transcendental meditation (14 RCTs) to 10,139 patient-participants. These RCTs were conducted for participants with a total of 45 kinds of disorders; the most frequent being cancer, followed by musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and affective mood disorder. Seven symptoms or signs were frequently assessed: depressive mood, feeling anxious, quality of life, stress, sleep, pain, and fatigue. The RCTs showed a higher ratio of positive outcomes for sleep (73.9%) and fatigue (68.4%). Conclusions: This systematic review produced the comprehensive features of RCTs for therapeutic meditation. These results will help physicians and researchers further study clinical adaptations in the future as reference data.
The Biological Role of Vitamins in Athletes’ Muscle, Heart and Microbiota
Authors: Brancaccio Mariarita , Mennitti Cristina , Cesaro Arturo , Fimiani Fabio , Vano Martina , Gargiulo Biagio , Caiazza Martina , Amodio Federica , Coto Iolanda , D’Alicandro Giovanni , Mazzaccara Cristina , Lombardo Barbara , Pero Raffaela , Terracciano Daniela , Limongelli Giuseppe , Calabrò Paolo , D’Argenio Valeria , Frisso Giulia , Scudiero Olga
Published: January 2022

Physical activity, combined with adequate nutrition, is considered a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and intestinal dysbiosis. Achieving optimal performance requires a significantly high energy expenditure, which must be correctly supplied to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as muscle injuries, oxidative stress, and heart pathologies, and a decrease in physical performance during competition. Moreover, in sports activities, the replenishment of water, vitamins, and minerals consumed during training is essential for safeguarding athletes’ health. In this scenario, vitamins play a pivotal role in numerous metabolic reactions and some muscle biochemical adaptation processes induced by sports activity. Vitamins are introduced to the diet because the human body is unable to produce these micronutrients. The aim of this review is to highlight the fundamental role of vitamin supplementation in physical activity. Above all, we focus on the roles of vitamins A, B6, D, E, and K in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders, muscle injuries, and regulation of the microbiome.
Characteristics of Official Wheelchair Basketball Games in Hot and Temperate Conditions
Authors: Grossmann Fabian , Flueck Joelle Leonie , Roelands Bart , Meeusen Romain , Mason Barry , Perret Claudio
Published: January 2022

This study compared performance parameters of two wheelchair basketball games under hot (30.3 °C, 52% relative humidity) and temperate (21.6 °C, 30% relative humidity) environmental conditions and described the characteristics of wheelchair basketball. Eight wheelchair basketball players from two teams were monitored during two games using an indoor position tracking system. Total distance, mean- and peak-speed, playing-time, number of sprints, sprints per minute, heart rate and rate of perceived exertion were recorded. Additionally, athletes with a lesion level above and below T6 were compared. No measured parameter differed between the games. Across quarters (Q) mean velocity (m/s) (Q1: 1.01; Q2: 1.10; Q3: 1.18; Q4: 1.06; p < 0.001) and sprints per minute (Q1: 16; Q2: 14; Q3: 23; Q4: 14; p = 0.033) differed significantly, independent of the conditions. Descriptive statistics did not reveal differences between the groups with a lesion level below or above T6. In the present study, hot environmental conditions seemed not to have an impact on activity parameters of wheelchair basketball players. It was speculated that the game intensity and therefore metabolic heat production was too low; consequently, the athletes had a sufficient heat loss to prevent a decrease in performance during the play in hot conditions.
The Cost of Loneliness: Assessing the Social Relationships of the Elderly via an Abbreviated Sociotype Questionnaire for inside and outside the Clinic
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Cañete Miguel , Olivera Francisco J. , Gil-Lacruz Marta , Gil-Lacruz Ana , Marijuán Pedro C.
Published: January 2022

Gauging the social relationships of the elderly is a significant sociometric research subject and a deep biomedical concern—particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative for facultatives in primary care, for geriatric clinics, and for social care services. In this respect, this article explores the validity of an abbreviated version of the Sociotype Questionnaire (SOCQ), a tool previously developed by the authors for assessing the social relationships of the general population, now specifically addressed to the elderly population. The aim is to construct a 4-item dichotomous scale (SOCG-4) out of the 12 items of the original scale of the SOCQ, so that it can serve to discriminate among the patients in primary care and the geriatric clinic, helping the facultative to find those in need of social care or of psychosocial intervention. The population data have been obtained from a series of previous studies on social relationships in different segments of the elderly population (Ntotal = 915). The resulting abbreviated version of SOCG-4 was extracted by means of confirmatory factor analysis, with the congruence, validity, and relationship with the determinants as close to optimal. The significant correlations with SOCQ (0.82), UCLA (−0.55), Barthel (0.40), and other relevant tests are obtained. The test was also put to trial in a pilot study, being applied to 150 subjects via phone surveys, home visiting, and geriatric clinic—it becomes particularly useful for assessing the social relationships in geriatric clinic use. The 4-item Geriatric Sociotype scale (SOCG-4) appears as a valid measurement instrument for use in the clinic and in other social care instances.
The Protective Effect of Caring for Grandchildren on the Mental Health of the Elderly: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Yang Xue , Yin Doudou
Published: January 2022

Population aging has become a common problem all over the world, and the process of China’s population aging is developing rapidly. China has made active aging a national development strategy, giving full attention to the physical and mental health of the elderly. Bloodline and family continuity make the Chinese elderly attach great importance to the responsibility of caring for grandchildren. This study takes the elderly as the research center, and aims to investigate the relationship between caring for grandchildren and the mental health of the elderly in China, and whether participation in social activities mediates such an association. Adopting the data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a Chi-squared test and multiple regression results showed that caring for grandchildren significantly improved the mental health level of the elderly in China, and the results were still valid after the use of the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to solve the endogenous problems. Analysis of the mediating effects using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) showed that caring for grandchildren indirectly contributed to the reduction of depression by increasing the diversity and frequency of participation in social activities. The constant adjustment of China’s fertility policy increases the possibility of the elderly caring for multiple grandchildren, and prolongs their time of caring for grandchildren. The elderly caring for grandchildren is a proactive choice, which continuously relieves the child-rearing stress, and highlights the family value and social value of the elderly. At the same time, raising and accompanying grandchildren makes the elderly’s lives more fulfilling and positive, which in turn promotes participation in social activities, and the mental health of the elderly.
Uncovering Evidence: Associations between Environmental Contaminants and Disparities in Women’s Health
Authors: Rumph Jelonia T. , Stephens Victoria R. , Martin Joanie L. , Brown LaKendria K. , Thomas Portia L. , Cooley Ayorinde , Osteen Kevin G. , Bruner-Tran Kaylon L.
Published: January 2022

Over the years, industrial accidents and military actions have led to unintentional, large-scale, high-dose human exposure to environmental contaminants with endocrine-disrupting action. These historical events, in addition to laboratory studies, suggest that exposure to toxicants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls negatively impact the reproductive system and likely influence the development of gynecologic diseases. Although high-level exposure to a single toxicant is rare, humans living in industrialized countries are continuously exposed to a complex mixture of manmade and naturally produced endocrine disruptors, including persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. Since minorities are more likely to live in areas with known environmental contamination; herein, we conducted a literature review to identify potential associations between toxicant exposure and racial disparities in women’s health. Evidence within the literature suggests that the body burden of environmental contaminants, especially in combination with inherent genetic variations, likely contributes to previously observed racial disparities in women’s health conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, and premature birth.
In the Labyrinth of Dietary Patterns and Well-Being—When Eating Healthy Is Not Enough to Be Well
Authors: Nestorowicz Renata , Jerzyk Ewa , Rogala Anna
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to identify the relation between food consumption and well-being, and the level of well-being depending on a diet followed. Moreover, we analyze whether people driven by single motives, such as the health, pleasure or social dimension of food declare the lower or higher level of well-being than those motivated by a larger number of factors. The survey was conducted online (CAWI, n = 1067). The following scales were used: Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale (SWFL), Health Taste Attitude Scales (HTAS) and Social Dimension of Food Meaning. The data analysis was carried out with the application of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), partial eta squared, a t-Student’s test, the Hochberg test, the Games-Howell test, and Pearson’s correlation. Levels of Subjective Well-Being (SWB) and Food Well-Being (FWB) are strongly correlated with consumers’ dietary pattern. The frequency of consumption of organic food and following vegan, low salt, and low sugar diets leads to higher levels of SWB, while FWB is additionally affected by the regular consumption of low-fat products and foods that improve one’s mood. The level of well-being is linked with the motivation to follow specific diets and attentiveness related to dietary patterns. People paying attention to the health aspects, pleasure and social dimension of food meaning show higher level of FWB than people focusing exclusively on health aspects.
Adsorption Performance of Cd(II) by Chitosan-Fe3O4-Modified Fish Bone Char
Authors: Yang Wenhao , Luo Wenwen , Sun Tong , Xu Yingming , Sun Yuebing
Published: January 2022

In order to develop a low-cost, fast, and efficient adsorbent, the fish bone charcoal B600 prepared at 600 °C was modified by chitosan (Cs) and Fe3O4 to produce the material Cs-Fe3O4-B600. Results showed that Cs-Fe3O4-B600 had magnetic responsiveness and can achieve solid–liquid separation, macropores disappeared, pore volume and specific surface area are increased, and amino functional groups appear on the surface. The adsorption process of Cd(II) by Cs-Fe3O4-B600 conformed best to the pseudo-second order kinetics model and the Langmuir model, respectively. The behavior over a whole range of adsorption was consistent with chemical adsorption being the rate-controlling step, which is a very fast adsorption process, and the isothermal adsorption is mainly monolayer adsorption, which belongs to favorable adsorption. In addition, the saturated adsorption capacity obtained for the Cs-Fe3O4-B600 to Cd(II) was 64.31 mg·g−1, which was 1.7 times than B600. The structure and morphology of Cs-Fe3O4-B600 were characterized through SEM-EDS, TEM, FTIR, and XRD, indicating that the main mechanism of Cs-Fe3O4-B600 and Cd(II) is mainly the complexation of amino groups, and it also includes part of the ion exchange between Cd(II) and Fe3O4. Therefore, Cs-Fe3O4-B600 can be employed as an effective agent for remediation of Cd contaminated water.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Inhibits Spontaneous Diabetes and Autoimmune Recurrence in Non-Obese Diabetic Mice by Enhancing Differentiation of Regulatory T Cells and Showed Potential for Use in Cell Therapies for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Huang Shing-Hwa , Kuo Shun-Li , Chen Shyi-Jou , Lin Jeng-Rong , Chen Yuan-Wu , Hong Zhi-Jie , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Lin Gu-Jiun
Published: January 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by the destruction of β cells in pancreatic islets by autoimmune T cells. Islet transplantation has been established as an effective treatment for T1D. However, the survival of islet grafts is often disrupted by recurrent autoimmunity. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been reported to have immunomodulatory effects and, therefore, may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of T1D. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of ALA in autoimmunity inhibition. We treated non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice with spontaneous diabetes and islet-transplantation mice with ALA. The onset of diabetes was decreased and survival of the islet grafts was extended. The populations of Th1 cells decreased, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) increased in ALA-treated mice. The in vitro Treg differentiation was significantly increased by treatment with ALA. The adoptive transfer of ALA-differentiated Tregs into NOD recipients improved the outcome of the islet grafts. Our results showed that in vivo ALA treatment suppressed spontaneous diabetes and autoimmune recurrence in NOD mice by inhibiting the Th1 immune response and inducing the differentiation of Tregs. Our study also demonstrated the therapeutic potential of ALA in Treg-based cell therapies and islet transplantation used in the treatment of T1D.
Meta-Analysis of APP Expression Modulated by SARS-CoV-2 Infection via the ACE2 Receptor
Authors: Caradonna Alyssa , Patel Tanvi , Toleska Matea , Alabed Sedra , Chang Sulie L.
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques from improper amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) cleavage. Following studies of inflammation caused by coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) infection, this study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on APP expression. A meta-analysis was conducted utilizing QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to examine the link between severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the modulation of APP expression upon virus binding the Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor. A Core Analysis was run on the infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus node, which included molecules affected by SARS-CoV-2, revealing its upstream regulators. Intermediary molecules were found between the upstream regulators and ACE2 and between ACE2 and APP. Activation of the upstream regulators downregulated the expression of ACE2 with a Z-score of −1.719 (p-value = 0.086) and upregulated APP with a Z-score of 1.898 (p-value = 0.058), showing a less than 10% chance of the results occurring by chance and pointing to an inverse relationship between ACE2 and APP expression. The neuroinflammation signaling pathway was the fifth top canonical pathway involved in APP upregulation. The study results suggest that ACE2 could be downregulated by SARS-CoV-2, resulting in APP upregulation, and potentially exacerbating the onset and progression of AD.
Fentanyl but Not Morphine or Buprenorphine Improves the Severity of Necrotizing Acute Pancreatitis in Rats
Authors: Bálint Emese Réka , Fűr Gabriella , Kui Balázs , Balla Zsolt , Kormányos Eszter Sára , Orján Erik Márk , Tóth Brigitta , Horváth Gyöngyi , Szűcs Edina , Benyhe Sándor , Ducza Eszter , Pallagi Petra , Maléth József , Venglovecz Viktória , Hegyi Péter , Kiss Lóránd , Rakonczay Zoltán
Published: January 2022

Opioids are widely used for the pain management of acute pancreatitis (AP), but their impact on disease progression is unclear. Therefore, our aim was to study the effects of clinically relevant opioids on the severity of experimental AP. Various doses of fentanyl, morphine, or buprenorphine were administered as pre- and/or post-treatments in rats. Necrotizing AP was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of L-ornithine-HCl or intra-ductal injection of Na-taurocholate, while intraperitoneal caerulein administration caused edematous AP. Disease severity was determined by laboratory and histological measurements. Mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression and function was assessed in control and AP animals. MOR was expressed in both the pancreas and brain. The pancreatic expression and function of MOR were reduced in AP. Fentanyl post-treatment reduced necrotizing AP severity, whereas pre-treatment exacerbated it. Fentanyl did not affect the outcome of edematous AP. Morphine decreased vacuolization in edematous AP, while buprenorphine pre-treatment increased pancreatic edema during AP. The overall effects of morphine on disease severity were negligible. In conclusion, the type, dosing, administration route, and timing of opioid treatment can influence the effects of opioids on AP severity. Fentanyl post-treatment proved to be beneficial in AP. Clinical studies are needed to determine which opioids are best in AP.
Bee Venom Activates the Nrf2/HO-1 and TrkB/CREB/BDNF Pathways in Neuronal Cell Responses against Oxidative Stress Induced by Aβ1–42
Authors: Nguyen Cong Duc , Yoo Jaehee , Hwang Sun-Young , Cho Sung-Young , Kim Myeonghun , Jang Hyemin , No Kyoung Ok , Shin Jeong Cheol , Kim Jae-Hong , Lee Gihyun
Published: January 2022

Honeybee venom has recently been considered an anti-neurodegenerative agent, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory effects. The natural accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the brain is reported to be the natural cause of aging neural ability downfall, and oxidative stress is the main route by which Aβ ignites its neural toxicity. Anti-neural oxidative stress is considered an effective approach for neurodegenerative therapy. To date, it is unclear how bee venom ameliorates neuronal cells in oxidative stress induced by Aβ. Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of bee venom on Aβ-induced neural oxidative stress in both HT22 cells and an animal model. Our results indicate that bee venom protected HT22 cells against apoptosis induced by Aβ1–42. This protective effect was explained by the increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2), consequently upregulating the production of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a critical cellular instinct antioxidant enzyme that neutralizes excessive oxidative stress. Furthermore, bee venom treatment activated the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB)/cAMP response element-binding (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is closely related to the promotion of cellular antioxidant defense and neuronal functions. A mouse model with cognitive deficits induced by Aβ1–42 intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections was also used. Bee venom enhanced animal cognitive ability and enhanced neural cell genesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus region in a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis of animal brain tissue and serum confirmed that bee venom reduced oxidative stress, cholinergic system activity, and intercellular neurotrophic factor regulation, which were all adversely affected by Aβ1–42. Our study demonstrates that bee venom exerts antioxidant and neuroprotective actions against neural oxidative stress caused by Aβ1–42, thereby promoting its use as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders.
Identification of a Pm4 Allele as a Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene in Wheat Line Xiaomaomai
Authors: Yao Danyu , Ijaz Waqas , Liu Yi , Hu Jinghuang , Peng Wentao , Zhang Bowen , Wen Xiaolan , Wang Juan , Qiu Dan , Li Hongjie , Xiao Shihe , Sun Guozhong
Published: January 2022

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of wheat. In this study, we combined the bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-seq) and comparative genomics analysis to localize the powdery mildew resistance gene in Chinese landrace Xiaomaomai. Genetic analysis of F1 plants from a crossing of Xiaomaomai × Lumai23 and the derived F2 population suggests that a single recessive gene, designated as pmXMM, confers the resistance in this germplasm. A genetic linkage map was constructed using the newly developed SNP markers and pmXMM was mapped to the distal end of chromosome 2AL. The two flanking markers 2AL15 and 2AL34 were closely linked to pmXMM at the genetic distance of 3.9 cM and 1.4 cM, respectively. Using the diagnostic primers of Pm4, we confirmed that Xiaomaomai carries a Pm4 allele and the gene function was further validated by the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). In addition, we systematically analyzed pmXMM in comparison with the other Pm4 alleles. The results suggest that pmXMM is identical to Pm4d and Pm4e at sequence level. Pm4b is also not different from Pm4c according to their genome/amino acid sequences. Only a few nucleotide variances were detected between pmXMM and Pm4a/b, which indicate the haplotype variation of the Pm4 gene.
In Vivo Biocompatibility Investigation of an Injectable Calcium Carbonate (Vaterite) as a Bone Substitute including Compositional Analysis via SEM-EDX Technology
Authors: Unger Ronald E. , Stojanovic Sanja , Besch Laura , Alkildani Said , Schröder Romina , Jung Ole , Bogram Caroline , Görke Oliver , Najman Stevo , Tremel Wolfgang , Barbeck Mike
Published: January 2022

Injectable bone substitutes (IBS) are increasingly being used in the fields of orthopedics and maxillofacial/oral surgery. The rheological properties of IBS allow for proper and less invasive filling of bony defects. Vaterite is the most unstable crystalline polymorph of calcium carbonate and is known to be able to transform into hydroxyapatite upon contact with an organic fluid (e.g., interstitial body fluid). Two different concentrations of hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol)-acetal-dimethacrylat (PEG-a-DMA), i.e., 8% (w/v) (VH-A) or 10% (w/v) (VH-B), were combined with vaterite nanoparticles and implanted in subcutaneous pockets of BALB/c mice for 15 and 30 days. Explants were prepared for histochemical staining and immunohistochemical detection methods to determine macrophage polarization, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to analyze elemental composition was used for the analysis. The histopathological analysis revealed a comparable moderate tissue reaction to the hydrogels mainly involving macrophages. Moreover, the hydrogels underwent a slow cellular infiltration, revealing a different degradation behavior compared to other IBS. The immunohistochemical detection showed that M1 macrophages were mainly found at the material surfaces being involved in the cell-mediated degradation and tissue integration, while M2 macrophages were predominantly found within the reactive connective tissue. Furthermore, the histomorphometrical analysis revealed balanced numbers of pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages, demonstrating that both hydrogels are favorable materials for bone tissue regeneration. Finally, the EDX analysis showed a stepwise transformation of the vaterite particle into hydroxyapatite. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that hydrogels including nano-vaterite particles are biocompatible and suitable for bone tissue regeneration applications.
Tracking of Melanoma Cell Plasticity by Transcriptional Reporters
Authors: Vidal Anna , Redmer Torben
Published: January 2022

Clonal evolution and cellular plasticity are the genetic and non-genetic driving forces of tumor heterogeneity, which in turn determine tumor cell responses towards therapeutic drugs. Several lines of evidence suggest that therapeutic interventions foster the selection of drug-resistant neural crest stem-like cells (NCSCs) that establish minimal residual disease (MRD) in melanoma. Here, we establish a dual-reporter system, enabling the tracking of NGFR expression and mRNA stability and providing insights into the maintenance of NCSC states. We observed that a transcriptional reporter that contained a 1-kilobase fragment of the human NGFR promoter was activated only in a minor subset (0.72 ± 0.49%, range 0.3–1.5), and ~2–4% of A375 melanoma cells revealed stable NGFR mRNA. The combination of both reporters provides insights into phenotype switching and reveals that both cellular subsets gave rise to cellular heterogeneity. Moreover, whole transcriptome profiling and gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the minor cellular subset revealed hypoxia-associated programs that might serve as potential drivers of an in vitro switching of NGFR-associated phenotypes and relapse of post-BRAF inhibitor-treated tumors. Concordantly, we observed that the minor cellular subset increased in response to dabrafenib over time. In summary, our reporter-based approach provides insights into plasticity and identified a cellular subset that might be responsible for the establishment of MRD in melanoma.
p27, The Cell Cycle and Alzheimer´s Disease
Authors: García-Osta Ana , Dong Jinya , Moreno-Aliaga María Jesús , Ramirez Maria Javier
Published: January 2022

The cell cycle consists of successive events that lead to the generation of new cells. The cell cycle is regulated by different cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their inhibitors, such as p27Kip1. At the nuclear level, p27Kip1 has the ability to control the evolution of different phases of the cell cycle and oppose cell cycle progression by binding to CDKs. In the cytoplasm, diverse functions have been described for p27Kip1, including microtubule remodeling, axonal transport and phagocytosis. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), alterations to cycle events and a purported increase in neurogenesis have been described in the early disease process before significant pathological changes could be detected. However, most neurons cannot progress to complete their cell division and undergo apoptotic cell death. Increased levels of both the p27Kip1 levels and phosphorylation status have been described in AD. Increased levels of Aβ42, tau hyperphosphorylation or even altered insulin signals could lead to alterations in p27Kip1 post-transcriptional modifications, causing a disbalance between the levels and functions of p27Kip1 in the cytoplasm and nucleus, thus inducing an aberrant cell cycle re-entry and alteration of extra cell cycle functions. Further studies are needed to completely understand the role of p27Kip1 in AD and the therapeutic opportunities associated with the modulation of this target.
Selected Natural Products in Neuroprotective Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease—A Non-Systematic Review
Authors: Wojtunik-Kulesza Karolina , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Mołdoch Jarosław , Kowalska Iwona , Szponar Jarosław , Oniszczuk Anna
Published: January 2022

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are distinguished by the irreversible degeneration of central nervous system function and structure. AD is characterized by several different neuropathologies—among others, it interferes with neuropsychiatrical controls and cognitive functions. This disease is the number one neurodegenerative disorder; however, its treatment options are few and, unfortunately, ineffective. In the new strategies devised for AD prevention and treatment, the application of plant-based natural products is especially popular due to lesser side effects associated with their taking. Moreover, their neuroprotective activities target different pathological mechanisms. The current review presents the anti-AD properties of several natural plant substances. The paper throws light on products under in vitro and in vivo trials and compiles information on their mechanism of actions. Knowledge of the properties of such plant compounds and their combinations will surely lead to discovering new potent medicines for the treatment of AD with lesser side effects than the currently available pharmacological proceedings.
Resveratrol Treatment Prevents Increase of Mast Cells in Both Murine OVA Enteritis and IL-10−/− Colitis
Authors: Bilotta Sabrina , Arbogast Julian , Schart Nadine , Frei Maurice , Lorentz Axel
Published: January 2022

Mast cells are involved in allergic and other inflammatory diseases. The polyphenol resveratrol is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may be used as nutraceutical in mast cell associated diseases. We analyzed the effect of resveratrol on mast cells in vivo in ovalbumin-induced allergic enteritis as well as experimental colitis in IL-10−/− mice which received resveratrol via drinking water. Treatment with resveratrol prevented the increase in mast cells in both allergic enteritis and chronic colitis in duodenum as well as in colon. Further, it delayed the onset of diseases symptoms and ameliorated diseases associated parameters such as tissue damage as well as inflammatory cell infiltration in affected colon sections. In addition to the findings in vivo, resveratrol inhibited IgE-dependent degranulation and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α in IgE/DNP-activated as well as in LPS-activated bone marrow-derived mast cells. These results indicate that resveratrol may be considered as an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory plant-derived component for the prevention or treatment of mast cell-associated disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Endocrine Disruptors and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Corti Margherita , Lorenzetti Stefano , Ubaldi Alessandro , Zilli Romano , Marcoccia Daniele
Published: January 2022

The role of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in the human prostate gland is an overlooked issue even though the prostate is essential for male fertility. From experimental models, it is known that EDs can influence several molecular mechanisms involved in prostate homeostasis and diseases, including prostate cancer (PCa), one of the most common cancers in the male, whose onset and progression is characterized by the deregulation of several cellular pathways including androgen receptor (AR) signaling. The prostate gland essentiality relies on its function to produce and secrete the prostatic fluid, a component of the seminal fluid, needed to keep alive and functional sperms upon ejaculation. In physiological condition, in the prostate epithelium the more-active androgen, the 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), formed from testosterone (T) by the 5α-reductase enzyme (SRD5A), binds to AR and, upon homodimerization and nuclear translocation, recognizes the promoter of target genes modulating them. In pathological conditions, AR mutations and/or less specific AR binding by ligands modulate differently targeted genes leading to an altered regulation of cell proliferation and triggering PCa onset and development. EDs acting on the AR-dependent signaling within the prostate gland can contribute to the PCa onset and to exacerbating its development.