bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining the changes in procrastination in an ACT-based course – psychological flexibility and time and effort management as mediators
Authors: Asikainen Henna , Hailikari Telle , Katajavuori Nina
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between procrastination, time management skills and psychological flexibility and the changes in them during an Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT)-based course that included time management training. We also explored the effects of time management skills and psychological flexibility on procrastination. The study used an experimental design in an ACT-based well-being course that included time management training.

Methods

The participants were 109 students taking the course and 27 waiting list students. Analyses were conducted with Pearson correlation, mixed ANOVA and causal mediation analysis.

Results and discussion

Our results show that time management skills, psychological flexibility and procrastination were related to each other, and all changed during the course. In addition, change in both time management and psychological flexibility had an impact on the change in procrastination during the course. The results show that both time management and psychological flexibility influence the change in procrastination during an ACT-based course.
No evidence for a reciprocal relationship between daily self-control failures and addictive behavior in a longitudinal study
Authors: Kräplin Anja , Joshanloo Mohsen , Wolff Max , Fröhner Juliane Hilde , Baeuchl Christian , Krönke Klaus-Martin , Bühringer Gerhard , Smolka Michael N. , Goschke Thomas
Published: May 2024

Introduction

We all experience occasional self-control failures (SCFs) in our daily lives, where we enact behaviors that stand in conflict with our superordinate or long-term goals. Based on the assumption that SCFs share common underlying mechanisms with addictive disorders, we tested the hypothesis that a generally higher susceptibility to daily SCFs predicts more addictive behavior, or vice versa.

Methods

At baseline, 338 individuals (19–27 years, 59% female) from a community sample participated in multi-component assessments. These included among others (1) a clinical interview on addictive behaviors (quantity of use, frequency of use, DSM-5 criteria; n = 338) and (2) ecological momentary assessment of SCFs (n = 329, 97%). At the 3-year and 6 year follow-up, participation rates for both assessment parts were 71% (n = 240) and 50% (n = 170), respectively.

Results

Controlling for age, gender, IQ, and baseline addiction level, random-intercept cross-lagged panel models revealed that participants who reported more SCFs also showed pronounced addictive behavior at the between-person level, but we found no evidence of a predictive relationship at the within-person level over time.

Discussion

A higher rate of SCFs is associated with more addictive behavior, while there is no evidence of an intraindividual predictive relationship. Novel hypotheses suggested by additional exploratory results are that (1) only addiction-related SCFs in daily life are early markers of an escalation of use and thus for addictive disorders and that (2) an explicit monitoring of SCFs increases self-reflection and thereby promotes the mobilization of cognitive control in response to goal-desire conflicts.
Comparison of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 and SAVE-6 scales among healthcare workers in Peru
Authors: Gamonal Bryan , Quispe-Lizano Rogelio , Javier-Murillo Nair , Lapeyre-Rivera André , Perea-Flórez Francisco , Velásquez-Rimachi Víctor , Alva-Diaz Carlos , Velazco-Gonzales Gilberth , Ahmed Oli , Chung Seockhoon
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Peru is a country that has a high incidence of viral outbreaks and epidemics, which is why it is necessary to validate a scale that measures anxiety and stress in professionals who are on the front lines of these events. Therefore, our objective was to validate the Peruvian-Spanish version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 items (SAVE-9) scale and to concurrently compare its validity and internal consistency with the SAVE-6 scale among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study based on data collected from a self-reported survey in paper-and-pencil format between April and July 2023. A total of 203 HCWs participated in the research. We developed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item response theory (IRT). We calculated Cronbach’s α coefficient and McDonald’s ω to assess the internal consistency of the scales.

Results

The results show that SAVE-9 (a two-factor model) and SAVE-6 (a one-factor model) provided an excellent fit in the confirmatory factor analysis. Both scales demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.85 and 0.86, respectively). Significant correlations were found between the SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 scales and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items scale (r = 0.44 and r = 0.38, respectively, p < 0.001) as well as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (r = 0.39 and r = 0.35, respectively, p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff points for SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 were identified for assessing anxiety, aligned with a GAD-7 score ≥5 points.

Conclusion

The Peruvian-Spanish SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 scales are reliable and valid rating scales to assess the anxiety response of HCWs in response to viral epidemics. Though COVID-19 is diminished, these scales will be useful for other viral epidemics in the future.
Conceptual framework for preterm birth review in San Francisco
Authors: Stookey Jodi D. , Guendelman Sylvia , McCallister Brady , Whittemore Paige , Abu-Amara Deena , Elsasser Maria A. , Dahir Fardowsa , Armstrong Aline , Jackson Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Preterm birth persists as a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity despite decades of intervention effort. Intervention null effects may reflect failure to account for social determinants of health (SDH) or jointly acting risk factors. In some communities, persistent preterm birth trends and disparities have been consistently associated with SDH such as race/ethnicity, zip code, and housing conditions. Health authorities recommend conceptual frameworks for targeted action on SDH and precision public health approaches for preterm birth prevention. We document San Francisco, California’s experience identifying the need, rationale, methods, and pilot work for developing a conceptual framework for preterm birth review (PTBR) in San Francisco. The PTBR conceptual framework is intended to enable essential public health services in San Francisco that prevent a range of preterm birth phenotypes by guiding plans for data collection, hypothesis testing, analytical methods, reports, and intervention strategy. Key elements of the PTBR conceptual framework are described including, 10 domains of SDH, 9 domains at the whole person level, such as lived experience and health behaviors, 8 domains at the within-person level, such as biomarkers and clinical measures, 18 preterm birth phenotypes, and the interconnections between domains. Assumptions for the PTBR conceptual framework were supported by a scoping review of literature on SDH effects on preterm birth, health authority consensus reports, and PTBR pilot data. Researcher and health authority interest in each of the domains warrants the framework to prompt systematic consideration of variables in each proposed domain. PTBR pilot data, illustrated in heatmaps, confirm the feasibility of data collection based on the framework, prevalence of co-occurring risk factors, potential for joint effects on specific preterm birth phenotypes, and opportunity for intervention to block SDH effects on preterm birth. The proposed PTBR conceptual framework has practical implications for specifying (1) population groups at risk, (2) grids or heatmap visualization of risk factors, (3) multi-level analyses, and (4) multi-component intervention design in terms of patterns of co-occurring risk factors. Lessons learned about PTBR data collection logistics, variable choice, and data management will be incorporated into future work to build PTBR infrastructure based on the PTBR conceptual framework.
How to decrease teenage pregnancy: rural perspectives in Ecuador
Authors: Tituaña Allpa , Herrán Keren , Galárraga Omar , Palacios Iván
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to understand the sociocultural context of teenage pregnancy in an Ecuadorian city with a large indigenous population, to gauge the acceptability of a multifaceted pregnancy prevention program for adolescents, and to elicit perspectives on the optimal program design from adolescents and adult key informants.

Methods

We ascertained qualitative data via an online, electronic survey administered from August to September 2020. Open- and closed-ended questions elicited perspectives relating to burden of adolescent pregnancies, acceptability of pregnancy prevention programs, and optimal design of future programs. Twenty-four adolescents (13–19 years of age) and 15 adult key informants working in the healthcare, business, and education sectors in Cotacachi completed the survey. Survey responses were analyzed using a structural and in vivo coding, and an inductive approach to consensus-building around key themes.

Results

Most adolescent survey respondents (75%) believed that teen pregnancy is “fairly common” in Cotacachi, and 41.7% believed differences in teen pregnancy rates are not associated with ethnicity. In comparison, 66.7% of adult survey respondents said teen pregnancy disproportionately occurs among indigenous teenagers. Additionally, 45.8% of adolescent and 80% of adult survey respondents believed that a comprehensive sexual education program would help reduce teenage pregnancy rates by imparting reliable sexual health knowledge. Adult respondents noted that the past programs were unsuccessful in preventing teenage pregnancy because of these programs’ inability to fully engage teenagers’ attention, very short time duration, or inappropriate consideration of cultural context.

Discussion

In Cotacachi, Ecuador, a sexual health education program is both desired and feasible according to adult and teenager key informants. A successful program must adapt to the cultural context and engage youth participation and attention.
Investigation of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the second pandemic of COVID-19 in Chengdu, China
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhou Tao , Zhang Peilin , He Junning , Liu Yongfang
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients during the second pandemic of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) in Chengdu, China. Furthermore, the differences between first infection and re-infection cases were also compared and analyzed to provide evidence for better prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted using an online platform (wjx.cn) between May 20, 2023 to September 12, 2023.

Results

This investigation included 62.94% females and 32.97% of them were 18–30 years old. Furthermore, 7.19–17.18% of the participants either did not receive vaccination at all or only received full vaccination, respectively. Moreover, 577 (57.64%) participants were exposed to cluster infection. The clinical manifestations of these patients were mainly mild to moderate; 78.18% of participants had a fever for 1–3 days, while 37.84% indicated a full course of disease for 4–6 days. In addition, 40.66% of the participants had re-infection and 72.97% indicated their first infection approximately five months before. The clinical symptoms of the first SARS-CoV-2 infection were moderate to severe, while re-infection indicated mild to moderate symptoms (the severity of symptoms other than diarrhea and conjunctival congestion had statistically significant differences) (p < 0.05). Moreover, 70.53 and 59.21% of first and re-infection cases had fever durations of 3–5 and 0–2 days, respectively. Whereas 47.91 and 46.40% of first and re-infection cases had a disease course of 7–9 and 4–6 days.

Conclusion

The SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals in Chengdu, China, during the second pandemic of COVID-19 had mild clinical symptoms and a short course of disease. Furthermore, compared with the first infection, re-infection cases had mild symptoms, low incidences of complications, short fever duration, and course of disease.
Factors predicting the adhesion and prolonged lost days of work in patients with extensor tendon adhesion of the hand
Authors: Xiao Gong , Wang Jinzhong , Zhang Ningjie , Hao Juanjuan
Published: May 2024

Objective

Extensor tendon adhesion receive less attention recently. This study aims to analyze influencing factors of adhesion and prolonged lost days of work in patients with extensor tendon adhesion of the hand.

Method

We performed a retrospective study in patients with extensor tendon injuries who underwent primary surgical repair and early rehabilitation. We observed the differences between non-tendon adhesion and adhesion patients after surgical repair, and used the receiver operating characteristic curve to distinguish them. Then we explored the influencing factors of adhesion. In addition, we studied the lost days of work and the influencing factors.

Results

A total of 305 patients were included. 24.6% patients appeared tendon adhesion and the mean lost days of work was 12 weeks. MHISS scores, VAS scores, occupation and blood triglyceride level were the influencing factors of adhesion. The adhesion patients have increased MHISS scores (p < 0.001), VAS scores (p < 0.001), blood triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) and lost days of work (p < 0.001) than non-tendon adhesion. The optimal cut-off value of blood triglyceride level to distinguish non-tendon adhesion from adhesion was 1.625 mml/L, and MHISS scores was 20.5. Smoking, MHISS scores, blood triglyceride levels were the influencing factors of lost days of work in adhesion patients. There was positive correlation between lost days of work and triglyceride level (r = 0.307, p = 0.007), and MHISS scores (r = 0.276, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

To minimize the occurrence of adhesion, doctors should pay attention to patients with higher MHISS and VAS scores, blood triglyceride levels, especial for the blue-collar and unemployed one. High triglyceride level may be a new influencing factor.
Nanoscale dihydroartemisinin@zeolitic imidazolate frameworks for enhanced antigiardial activity and mechanism analysis
Authors: Jiang Xiaoming , Li Yawei , Liu Shuainan , Sun Hongyu , Zheng Meiyu , Wan Xi , Zhu Wenhe , Feng Xianmin
Published: May 2024

An artificial semisynthetic material can be derived from artemisinin (ART) called dihydroartemisinin (DHA). Although DHA has enhanced antigiardial potential, its clinical application is limited because of its poor selectivity and low solubility. The drug’s absorption has a direct impact on the cell, and mechanism research is limited to its destruction of the cytoskeleton. In this study, we used the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 and loaded it with DHA (DHA@Zif-8) to improve its antigiardial potential. DHA@Zif-8 can enhance cellular uptake, increase antigiardial proliferation and encystation, and expand the endoplasmic reticulum compared with the DHA-treated group. We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate the antigiardial mechanism. We found that 126 genes were downregulated and 123 genes were upregulated. According to the KEGG and GO pathway analysis, the metabolic functions in G. lamblia are affected by DHA@Zif-8 NPs. We used real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to verify our results using the RNA-seq data. DHA@Zif-8 NPs significantly enhanced the eradication of the parasite from the stool in vivo. In addition, the intestinal mucosal injury caused by G. lamblia trophozoites markedly improved in the intestine. This research provided the potential of utilizing DHA@Zif-8 to develop an antiprotozoan drug for clinical applications.
Automatic Gait Classification Model Empowered by Machine Learning for People with and without Osteoporosis Using Smart Walker
Authors: Ejaz Nazia , Khan Saad Jawaid , Azim Fahad , Asif Muhammad , Teuțan Emil , Pleșa Alin , Păcurar Răzvan , Stan Sergiu-Dan
Published: May 2024

Osteoporosis constitutes a significant public health concern necessitating proactive prevention, treatment, and monitoring efforts. Timely identification holds paramount importance in averting fractures and alleviating the overall disease burden. The realm of osteoporosis diagnosis has witnessed a surge in interest in machine learning applications. This burgeoning technology excels at recognizing patterns and forecasting the onset of osteoporosis, paving the way for more efficacious preventive and therapeutic interventions. Smart walkers emerge as valuable tools in this context, serving as data acquisition platforms for datasets tailored to machine learning techniques. These datasets, trained to discern patterns indicative of osteoporosis, play a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. In this study, encompassing 40 participants—20 exhibiting robust health and 20 diagnosed with osteoporosis—data from force sensors embedded in the handlebars of conventional walkers were gathered. A windowing action was used to increase the size of the dataset. The data were normalized, and k-fold cross-validation was applied to assess how well our model performs on untrained data. We used multiple machine learning algorithms to create an accurate model for automatic monitoring of users’ gait, with the Random Forest classifier performing the best with 95.40% accuracy. To achieve the best classification accuracy on the validation dataset, the hyperparameters of the Random Forest classifier were further adjusted on the training data. The results suggest that machine learning-based automatic monitoring of gait parameters could lead to accurate, non-laborious, cost-effective, and efficient diagnostic tools for osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
Study on the Short-Term Preservation of Gametes, Cross-Stimulation of Oocytes by Distant Sperm, and the Impact of Cold-Stimulated Fertilized Eggs on Eyes in the Celestial Goldfish
Authors: Li Rongni , Sun Yansheng , Zhang Xin , Li Wentong
Published: May 2024

This study layed the groundwork for the creation of haploid and triploid celestial goldfish, presenting essential data derived from preliminary investigations. The research delved into three main areas: the short-term preservation of celestial goldfish gametes, the interaction between oocytes and foreign sperm, and the effects of temperature on fertilized eggs concerning hatching rates and late-stage ocular development. Initially, the study explored the optimal semen dilution ratio for celestial goldfish under microscopic examination. And the hybridization of the largemouth bass and celestial goldfish was investigated: largemouth bass sperm was crossbred with celestial goldfish eggs, and it was found that their sperm could not stimulate the development of celestial eye eggs. At last, celestial goldfish fertilized eggs were stimulated at 4 °C and −20 °C, respectively, to observe their impact on the hatching rate and later celestial eye rate. The results revealed no significant differences in hatching rate and celestial eye rate between the cold stimulus groups and the control group, but numerically, the 4 °C cold stimulation reduced the celestial eye rate of celestial goldfish fertilized eggs. The research provided fundamental data for artificial breeding and hybridization experiments in celestial goldfish.
Research Progress on Key Mechanical Components of the Pneumatic Centralized Fertilizer Discharge System
Authors: Zhang Longmei , Yuan Wensheng , Jin Chengqian , Feng Yugang , Liu Gangwei , Hu Yu
Published: May 2024

The pneumatic centralized fertilizer discharge system is an important part of pneumatic fertilization machinery and mainly includes a fertilizer discharge device, an air–fertilizer mixing device and a pneumatic distribution device. In this paper, the mechanical structure, key parameters and research methods of pneumatic centralized discharge devices, air–fertilizer mixing devices and pneumatic distribution devices at home and abroad are briefly analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of these existing devices are summarized, the existing problems are discussed and improvement methods are put forward. In this paper, the structural adaptability, uniformity and stability of the fertilizer discharge of different types of fertilizer discharge devices, such as external groove wheel types, spiral types and centrifugal types, are comprehensively analyzed. The working principle of air–fertilizer mixing devices using the Venturi effect to achieve the uniform mixing of fertilizer and airflow is expounded. The effects of air–fertilizer mixing devices with different structural forms and parameters on mixing performance and the motion characteristics of air–solid two-phase flows are analyzed. The influence of the internal structure, key parameters and distribution mode of pneumatic distribution devices on the uniformity and accuracy of fertilizer distribution are analyzed. This paper focuses on how to improve the uniformity, stability and consistency of discharge across rows provided by the pneumatic centralized fertilizer discharge system. The research status and progress made regarding the core components of the pneumatic centralized fertilizer discharge system at home and abroad are summarized. Based on different research results, the key factors and methods for improving the uniformity of fertilizer discharge are discussed.
Air Quality Class Prediction Using Machine Learning Methods Based on Monitoring Data and Secondary Modeling
Authors: Liu Qian , Cui Bingyan , Liu Zhen
Published: May 2024

Addressing the constraints inherent in traditional primary Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasting models and the shortcomings in the exploitation of meteorological data, this research introduces a novel air quality prediction methodology leveraging machine learning and the enhanced modeling of secondary data. The dataset employed encompasses forecast data on primary pollutant concentrations and primary meteorological conditions, alongside actual meteorological observations and pollutant concentration measurements, spanning from 23 July 2020 to 13 July 2021, sourced from long-term air quality projections at various monitoring stations within Jinan, China. Initially, through a rigorous correlation analysis, ten meteorological factors were selected, comprising both measured and forecasted data across five categories each. Subsequently, the significance of these ten factors was assessed and ranked based on their impact on different pollutant concentrations, utilizing a combination of univariate and multivariate significance analyses alongside a random forest approach. Seasonal characteristic analysis highlighted the distinct seasonal impacts of temperature, humidity, air pressure, and general atmospheric conditions on the concentrations of six key air pollutants. The performance evaluation of various machine learning-based classification prediction models revealed the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) classifier as the most effective, achieving an accuracy rate of 97.5% and an F1 score of 93.3%. Furthermore, experimental results for AQI prediction indicated the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model as superior, demonstrating a goodness-of-fit of 91.37% for AQI predictions, 90.46% for O3 predictions, and a perfect fit for the primary pollutant test set. Collectively, these findings affirm the reliability and efficacy of the employed machine learning models in air quality forecasting.
Analysis of Ozone Pollution Characteristics, Meteorological Effects, and Transport Sources in Zhuzhou, China
Authors: Yan Bei , Luo Jia , Zhang Min , Zhang Yi , Xiao Tongjue , Wang Lu , Liu Bo , Han Yunjuan , He Gongxiu , Yang Lili , Huang Zhihong
Published: May 2024

Based on the hourly surface ozone (O3) observations and meteorological data from Zhuzhou in 2021, the pollution characteristics and influencing factors of O3 in Zhuzhou were investigated in the study. In addition, the Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) and Concentration Weighted Trajectory (CWT) analysis methods were employed to analyze the transmission paths and potential pollution sources of O3 pollution in Zhuzhou. The results showed that the total number of days with O3 exceeding the standard at all monitoring stations in Zhuzhou was 142 days in 2021. The overall air quality was less affected by SO2, NO2, and CO, and the trend of O3 pollution was still increasing. The concentrations of O3, CO, and NO2 varied significantly in different months, and the variation of O3 exhibited a “double-peak” pattern, with the peak value occurring in September. The O3 concentration in urban areas was significantly higher than that in suburban areas. Meteorological conditions had a significant impact on the degree of O3 pollution in Zhuzhou. The average wind speed in Zhuzhou throughout the year was 1.7 m/s, and the prevailing wind direction in summer was southeast, with a frequency of 16%. O3 pollution was mainly transported by short-distance airflow during the over-standard periods in 2021, accounting for 37.64%. The main source of O3 pollutant was from Jiangxi Province in the east, with the shortest distance of regional transport and the highest O3 concentration. In addition, transportation from central Guangdong Province, western Jiangxi Province, and central Hubei Province also had a significant impact.
Synthesis of the Antimicrobial Peptide Murepavadin Using Novel Coupling Agents
Authors: García-Gros Júlia , Cajal Yolanda , Marqués Ana Maria , Rabanal Francesc
Published: May 2024

The problem of antimicrobial resistance is becoming a daunting challenge for human society and healthcare systems around the world. Hence, there is a constant need to develop new antibiotics to fight resistant bacteria, among other important social and economic measures. In this regard, murepavadin is a cyclic antibacterial peptide in development. The synthesis of murepavadin was undertaken in order to optimize the preparative protocol and scale-up, in particular, the use of new activation reagents. In our hands, classical approaches using carbodiimide/hydroxybenzotriazole rendered low yields. The use of novel carbodiimide and reagents based on OxymaPure® and Oxy-B is discussed together with the proper use of chromatographic conditions for the adequate characterization of peptide crudes. Higher yields and purities were obtained. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of different synthetic batches was tested in three Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, including highly resistant ones. All murepavadin batches yielded the same highly active MIC values and proved that the chiral integrity of the molecule was preserved throughout the whole synthetic procedure.
The Influence of Stress and Binge-Patterned Alcohol Drinking on Mouse Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Degradation Pathways
Authors: Reed Carter H , Tystahl Anna C. , Eo Hyeyoon , Buhr Trevor J. , Bauer Ella E. , Lee Ji Heun , Clark Peter J. , Valentine Rudy J.
Published: May 2024

Adverse experiences (e.g., acute stress) and alcohol misuse can both impair skeletal muscle homeostasis, resulting in reduced protein synthesis and greater protein breakdown. Exposure to acute stress is a significant risk factor for engaging in alcohol misuse. However, little is known about how these factors together might further affect skeletal muscle health. To that end, this study investigated the effects of acute stress exposure followed by a period of binge-patterned alcohol drinking on signaling factors along mouse skeletal muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and degradation (MPD) pathways. Young adult male C57BL/6J mice participated in the Drinking in the Dark paradigm, where they received 2–4 h of access to 20% ethanol (alcohol group) or water (control group) for four days to establish baseline drinking levels. Three days later, half of the mice in each group were either exposed to a single episode of uncontrollable tail shocks (acute stress) or remained undisturbed in their home cages (no stress). Three days after stress exposure, mice received 4 h of access to 20% ethanol (alcohol) to model binge-patterned alcohol drinking or water for ten consecutive days. Immediately following the final episode of alcohol access, mouse gastrocnemius muscle was extracted to measure changes in relative protein levels along the Akt-mTOR MPS, as well as the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and autophagy MPD pathways via Western blotting. A single exposure to acute stress impaired Akt singling and reduced rates of MPS, independent of alcohol access. This observation was concurrent with a potent increase in heat shock protein seventy expression in the muscle of stressed mice. Alcohol drinking did not exacerbate stress-induced alterations in the MPS and MPD signaling pathways. Instead, changes in the MPS and MPD signaling factors due to alcohol access were primarily observed in non-stressed mice. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to a stressor of sufficient intensity may cause prolonged disruptions to signaling factors that impact skeletal muscle health and function beyond what could be further induced by periods of alcohol misuse.
Diruthenium Paddlewheel Complexes Attacking Proteins: Axial versus Equatorial Coordination
Authors: Tolbatov Iogann , Umari Paolo , Marrone Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Metallodrugs are an important group of medicinal agents used for the treatment of various diseases ranging from cancers to viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. Their distinctive features include the availability of a metal centre, redox activity, as well as the ability to multitarget. Diruthenium paddlewheel complexes are an intensely developing group of metal scaffolds, which can securely coordinate bidentate xenobiotics and transport them to target tissues, releasing them by means of substitution reactions with biomolecular nucleophiles. It is of the utmost importance to gain a complete comprehension of which chemical reactions happen with them in physiological milieu to design novel drugs based on these bimetallic scaffolds. This review presents the data obtained in experiments and calculations, which clarify the chemistry these complexes undergo once administered in the proteic environment. This study demonstrates how diruthenium paddlewheel complexes may indeed embody a new paradigm in the design of metal-based drugs of dual-action by presenting and discussing the protein metalation by these complexes.
Cloning, Expression, Characterization and Immobilization of a Recombinant Carboxylesterase from the Halophilic Archaeon, Halobacterium salinarum NCR-1
Authors: Ortega-de la Rosa Nestor David , Romero-Borbón Evelyn , Rodríguez Jorge Alberto , Camacho-Ruiz Angeles , Córdova Jesús
Published: May 2024

Only a few halophilic archaea producing carboxylesterases have been reported. The limited research on biocatalytic characteristics of archaeal esterases is primarily due to their very low production in native organisms. A gene encoding carboxylesterase from Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 was cloned and successfully expressed in Haloferax volcanii. The recombinant carboxylesterase (rHsEst) was purified by affinity chromatography with a yield of 81%, and its molecular weight was estimated by SDS-PAGE (33 kDa). The best kinetic parameters of rHsEst were achieved using p-nitrophenyl valerate as substrate (KM = 78 µM, kcat = 0.67 s−1). rHsEst exhibited great stability to most metal ions tested and some solvents (diethyl ether, n-hexane, n-heptane). Purified rHsEst was effectively immobilized using Celite 545. Esterase activities of rHsEst were confirmed by substrate specificity studies. The presence of a serine residue in rHsEst active site was revealed through inhibition with PMSF. The pH for optimal activity of free rHsEst was 8, while for immobilized rHsEst, maximal activity was at a pH range between 8 to 10. Immobilization of rHsEst increased its thermostability, halophilicity and protection against inhibitors such as EDTA, BME and PMSF. Remarkably, immobilized rHsEst was stable and active in NaCl concentrations as high as 5M. These biochemical characteristics of immobilized rHsEst reveal its potential as a biocatalyst for industrial applications.
Over 30 Years of DiI Use for Human Neuroanatomical Tract Tracing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mavrovounis Georgios , Skouroliakou Aikaterini , Kalatzis Ioannis , Stranjalis George , Kalamatianos Theodosis
Published: May 2024

In the present study, we conducted a scoping review to provide an overview of the existing literature on the carbocyanine dye DiI, in human neuroanatomical tract tracing. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. We identified 61 studies published during the last three decades. While studies incorporated specimens across human life from the embryonic stage onwards, the majority of studies focused on adult human tissue. Studies that utilized peripheral nervous system (PNS) tissue were a minority, with the majority of studies focusing on the central nervous system (CNS). The most common topic of interest in previous tract tracing investigations was the connectivity of the visual pathway. DiI crystals were more commonly applied. Nevertheless, several studies utilized DiI in a paste or dissolved form. The maximum tracing distance and tracing speed achieved was, respectively, 70 mm and 1 mm/h. We identified studies that focused on optimizing tracing efficacy by varying parameters such as fixation, incubation temperature, dye re-application, or the application of electric fields. Additional studies aimed at broadening the scope of DiI use by assessing the utility of archival tissue and compatibility of tissue clearing in DiI applications. A combination of DiI tracing and immunohistochemistry in double-labeling studies have been shown to provide the means for assessing connectivity of phenotypically defined human CNS and PNS neuronal populations.
Glycosylation Modulation Dictates Trafficking and Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 S1 Subunit and ACE2 in Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells
Authors: El Khoury Marianne , Wanes Dalanda , Lynch-Miller Maura , Hoter Abdullah , Naim Hassan Y.
Published: May 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly targets the upper respiratory tract. It gains entry by interacting with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) via its heavily glycosylated spike glycoprotein. SARS-CoV-2 can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. Given the significant role of glycosylation in the life cycle of proteins and the multisystem target of SARS-CoV-2, the role of glycosylation in the interaction of S1 with ACE2 in Caco-2 cells was investigated after modulation of their glycosylation patterns using N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) and 1-deoxymannojirimycin (dMM), in addition to mutant CHO cells harboring mutations at different stages of glycosylation. The data show a substantial reduction in the interactions between the altered glycosylation forms of S1 and ACE2 in the presence of NB-DNJ, while varied outcomes resulted from dMM treatment. These results highlight the promising effects of NB-DNJ and its potential use as an off-label drug to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Synthesis of a Side Chain Alkyne Analogue of Sitosterol as a Chemical Probe for Imaging in Plant Cells
Authors: Hollweck Miriam , Jordan David , Bracher Franz
Published: May 2024

Clickable chemical tools are essential for studying the localization and role of biomolecules in living cells. For this purpose, alkyne-based close analogs of the respective biomolecules are of outstanding interest. Here, in the field of phytosterols, we present the first alkyne derivative of sitosterol, which fulfills the crucial requirements for such a chemical tool as follows: very similar in size and lipophilicity to the plant phytosterols, and correct absolute configuration at C-24. The alkyne sitosterol FB-DJ-1 was synthesized, starting from stigmasterol, which comprised nine steps, utilizing a novel alkyne activation method, a Johnson–Claisen rearrangement for the stereoselective construction of a branched sterol side chain, and a Bestmann–Ohira reaction for the generation of the alkyne moiety.
snRNAs from Radical Prostatectomy Specimens Have the Potential to Serve as Prognostic Factors for Clinical Recurrence after Biochemical Recurrence in Patients with High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mikami Hikaru , Noguchi Syunya , Akatsuka Jun , Hasegawa Hiroya , Obayashi Kotaro , Takeda Hayato , Endo Yuki , Toyama Yuka , Takei Hiroyuki , Kimura Go , Kondo Yukihiro , Takizawa Toshihiro
Published: May 2024

In patients with high-risk prostate cancer (HRPC) after radical prostatectomy (RP), biochemical recurrence (BCR) increases the risk of distant metastasis. Accordingly, additional prognostic biomarkers are required to identify the subpopulation of patients with HRPC who develop clinical recurrence (CR) after BCR. The objective of this study was to identify biomarkers in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) RP samples that are prognostic for CR in patients with HRPC who experience BCR after RP (post-RP BCR). First, we performed a preliminary RNA sequencing analysis to comprehensively profile RNA expression in FFPE RP samples obtained from patients with HRPC who developed CR after post-RP BCR and found that many snRNAs were very abundant in preserved FFPE samples. Subsequently, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to compare the expression levels of highly abundant snRNAs in FFPE RP samples from patients with HRPC with and without CR after post-RP BCR (21 CR patients and 46 non-CR patients who had more than 5 years of follow-up after BCR). The qPCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of snRNA RNU1-1/1-2 and RNU4-1 were significantly higher in patients with CR than in patients without CR. These snRNAs were significantly correlated with clinical recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with HRPC who experienced post-RP BCR. Furthermore, snRNA RNU1-1/1-2 could serve as an independent prognostic factor for clinical RFS in post-RP BCR of HRPC cases where known prognostic factors (e.g., Gleason score) cannot distinguish between CR and non-CR patients. Our findings provide new insights into the involvement of snRNAs in prostate cancer progression.
Building a Bridge to Community: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial Examining a Combined Physical Therapy and Resistance Exercise Intervention for People after Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: McNeely Margaret L. , Chan K. Ming , Spychka Ryan A. , Nedeljak Joni , Debenham Brock , Jha Naresh , Seikaly Hadi
Published: May 2024

Background: Established barriers to general exercise and physical activity among individuals with head and neck cancer include dry mouth, difficulty eating, weight loss, fear of injury, comorbidities, and treatment-related symptoms of pain and fatigue. Methods/Design: A 12-week pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted followed by an optional supported exercise transition phase. Eligible participants were individuals with head and neck cancers who had undergone surgery and/or radiation therapy to lymph node regions in the neck. Participants were randomized to a comparison group involving a shoulder and neck physiotherapeutic exercise protocol, or to a combined experimental group comprising the shoulder and neck physiotherapeutic exercise protocol and lower-body resistance exercise training. The primary outcome of this study was fatigue-related quality of life. Results: Sixty-one participants enrolled, 59 (97%) completed the randomized trial phase, 55 (90%) completed the 24-week follow-up, and 52 (85%) completed the one-year follow-up. Statistically significant between-group differences were found in favor of the combined experimental group for the fatigue-related quality of life, fitness outcomes, and overall physical activity. Paired comparisons confirmed significant within-group improvements for both groups from baseline to one-year follow-up across most outcomes. Discussion: A group-based combined physiotherapeutic and lower-body resistance exercise program was feasible and effective. Findings are limited to individuals who had undergone a surgical neck dissection procedure. Given the complexity of head and neck cancer, further pragmatic interdisciplinary research is warranted.
Kinetics of IFNγ-Induced Cytokines and Development of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Receiving PD-(L)1 Inhibitors
Authors: Alserawan Leticia , Mulet Maria , Anguera Geòrgia , Riudavets Mariona , Zamora Carlos , Osuna-Gómez Rubén , Serra-López Jorgina , Barba Joaquín Andrés , Sullivan Ivana , Majem Margarita , Vidal Silvia
Published: May 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have the potential to trigger unpredictable immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can be severe. The underlying mechanisms of these events are not fully understood. As PD-L1 is upregulated by IFN, the heightened immune activation resulting from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition may enhance the IFN response, triggering the expression of IFN-inducible genes and contributing to irAE development and its severity. In this study, we investigated the interplay between irAEs and the expression of IFN-inducible chemokines and cytokines in 134 consecutive patients with solid tumours treated with PD-(L)1 inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or other immunotherapy agents. We compared the plasma levels of IFN-associated cytokines (CXCL9/10/11, IL-18, IL-10, IL-6 and TGFβ) at various time points (at baseline, at the onset of irAE and previous to irAE onset) in three patient groups categorized by irAE development and severity: patients with serious irAEs, mild irAEs and without irAEs after PD-(L)1 inhibitors. No differences were observed between groups at baseline. However, patients with serious irAEs exhibited significant increases in CXCL9/10/11, IL-18 and IL-10 levels at the onset of the irAE compared to baseline. A network analysis and correlation patterns highlighted a robust relationship among these chemokines and cytokines at serious-irAE onset. Combining all of the analysed proteins in a cluster analysis, we identified a subgroup of patients with a higher incidence of serious irAEs affecting different organs or systems. Finally, an ROC analysis and a decision tree model proposed IL-18 levels ≥ 807 pg/mL and TGFβ levels ≤ 114 pg/mL as predictors for serious irAEs in 90% of cases. In conclusion, our study elucidates the dynamic changes in cytokine profiles associated with serious irAE development during treatment with PD-(L)1 inhibitors. The study’s findings offer valuable insights into the intricate IFN-induced immune responses associated with irAEs and propose potential predictive markers for their severity.
Effects of Pd Alloying and Coating on the Galvanic Corrosion between Cu Wire and Bond Pads for a Semiconductor Packaging
Authors: Yoo Young-Ran , Kim Young-Sik
Published: May 2024

Semiconductor chips are packaged in a process that involves creating a path to allow for signals to be exchanged with the outside world and ultimately achieving a form to protect against various external environmental conditions such as heat and moisture. The wire bonding type of packaging is a method in which thin metal wires are bonded to pads to create an electrical connection between the chip and the lead frame. An Epoxy Molding Compound (EMC) can be applied to protect semiconductor chips from external environmental conditions such as heat, shock, and moisture. However, EMC contains halogen elements and sulfides and has hydrophilic properties, which can lead to a corrosive environment. The present study aims to evaluate the influence of chloride, which is a contaminant formed during the PCB manufacturing process. To this end, the galvanic corrosion of bonding wire materials Cu wire, Cu wire alloyed with 1% Pd, and Cu wire coated with Pd was investigated. The first ball bond was bonded to the Al pad and the second stitch bond was bonded to the Au pad of the manufacturing process, after which the galvanic corrosion behavior in the semiconductor packaging module specimen was analyzed. A model of galvanic corrosion behavior was also proposed.
Optimized Field Emission from Graphene Sheets with Rare Earth Oxides
Authors: Dong ZhiJianMuCuo , Liu Jianlong , Wang Dayang , Zhong Guoling , Xiang Xingyue , Zeng Baoqing
Published: May 2024

This paper demonstrates a simple method to improve the field emission of graphene sheets (GSs) by coating them with thin films of rare earth oxides. The rare earth oxide films are coated on GS using drop coating, without changing the surface morphology, resulting in a remarkable improvement in the field emission properties of GSs. The field emission property of GSs is tunable and can be optimized by applying various rare earth oxide films at the appropriate level. It is found that the turn-on field of GSs is reduced from 4.2 V/mm to 1.7 V/mm by Gd2O3 and to 2.2 V/mm by La2O3. The threshold field of GS is also reduced from 7.8 V/mm to 3.4 V/mm and 4.8 V/mm, respectively. Field emission results indicate that the improvement is due to the low work function surface and more effective emission sites generated around the GS surface after coating. The field emission test and the emission pattern suggest that the field emission performance of GS can be significantly enhanced through the application of La2O3 and Gd2O3 coating, as well as by optimizing the concentration of rare earth oxides in the coating. Hence, the rare earth-coated GS can serve as a potential field emitter.
Investigation of the Structure and Properties of MoS2 Coatings Obtained by Electrospark Alloying
Authors: Haponova Oksana , Tarelnyk Viacheslav , Mościcki Tomasz , Tarelnyk Nataliia , Półrolniczak Joanna , Myslyvchenko Oleksandr , Adamczyk-Cieślak Bogusława , Sulej-Chojnacka Joanna
Published: May 2024

Electrospark coatings alloyed with MoS2 have been studied. The coatings were obtained by the following two strategies: the first consisted of pre-applying molybdenum disulfide to the treated surface and alloying with a molybdenum electrode (Mo + MoS2 coating); the second consisted of applying a paste with a sulfur content of 33.3% to the treated surface and alloying with a molybdenum electrode (Mo + S coating). The structure, phase composition, and tribological properties of the coatings were investigated. The coatings have a complex structure consisting of an upper soft layer, a hardened white layer, a diffusion zone, and a substrate. Element analysis and cross-sectional hardness changes indicated that element diffusion occurred at the coating/substrate interface. The phase composition of the coatings is represented by BCC and FCC solid solutions on Fe, and MoS2 is also detected. In Mo + S coatings, the molybdenum disulfide on the surface is about 8%; in Mo + MoS2 coatings, it is 27%–46%. The obtained coatings show very good tribological properties compared to molybdenum ESA coatings. The frictional forces and coefficients are reduced by a factor of 10 and 40, depending on the test conditions.