bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Analysis of Thiram-Treated Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos Reveals Disruption of Reproduction Signaling Pathways
Authors: Vasamsetti Bala Murali Krishna , Chon Kyongmi , Choi Ji-Yeong , Kim Juyeong , Yoon Chang-Young
Published: January 2023

Thiram, a dithiocarbamate fungicide, is used for the treatment of various fungal infections affecting crops and ornamentals. However, thiram-associated toxicity has been reported in animals, including fish, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Herein, we employed zebrafish (ZF) to gain further insights into thiram toxicity-associated molecular mechanisms. We studied developmental abnormalities and performed whole-transcriptome analysis of ZF embryos exposed to thiram for 96 h. Embryos exposed to 4.0 μg/L thiram exhibited several phenotypic abnormalities, including bradycardia, spinal curvature, hatching arrest, and growth retardation. Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed 1754 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 512 upregulated and 1242 downregulated DEGs. The majority of biological processes affected by thiram were metabolic. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis yielded terms related to reproduction, such as steroid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction validation results were in line with sequencing data for ten DEGs. The study results improve our current understanding of the effects of thiram exposure in ZF.
Chronic Exposure to Low-Molecular-Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Promotes Lipid Accumulation and Metabolic Inflammation
Authors: Bright Asia , Li Fenfen , Movahed Miranda , Shi Hang , Xue Bingzhong
Published: January 2023

2-naphthol is a low-molecular-weight (LMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and air pollutant associated with childhood obesity. There has been a recent emergence of studies on the consequences of PAHs on human health. Current epidemiological reports suggest LMW-PAHs may contribute to obesity incidences in children, yet most studies focus on high-molecular-weight PAHs. This study explores 2-naphthol’s impact on obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders. To investigate 2-naphthol’s effect on lipid metabolism and inflammation, we employed 3T3-L1 and BAT1 cell lines to model white and brown adipocytes, respectively, alongside a murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7). We found that 2-naphthol increased the expression of key adipogenic and lipogenic genes while decreasing lipolytic gene expression in chronically treated 3T3-L1 and BAT1 adipocytes. In addition, chronic 2-naphthol treatment also suppressed adrenergic-stimulated thermogenic gene expression in BAT1 brown adipocytes. In consistence, an increase in lipid accumulation was demonstrated in BODIPY and Oil Red O-stained adipocytes. Additionally, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages chronically exposed to 2-naphthol showed upregulated mRNA expression of major inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfα), interleukin-1β (Il-1β), and Il-6). In summary, chronic exposure to 2-naphthol stimulates lipid accumulation in adipocytes and inflammation in adipocytes and macrophages. These findings support previous research that demonstrates 2-naphthol has obesogenic potential.
Molecular Breeding for Incorporation of Submergence Tolerance and Durable Bacterial Blight Resistance into the Popular Rice Variety ‘Ranidhan’
Authors: Mohapatra Shibani , Barik Saumya Ranjan , Dash Prasanta K. , Lenka Devidutta , Pradhan Kartika Chandra , Raj K. R Reshmi , Mohanty Shakti Prakash , Mohanty Mihir Ranjan , Sahoo Ambika , Jena Binod Kumar , Panda Alok Kumar , Panigrahi Debabrata , Dash Sushanta Kumar , Meher Jitendriya , Sahoo Chitta Ranjan , Mukherjee Arup Kumar , Das Lipi , Behera Lambodar , Pradhan Sharat Kumar
Published: January 2023

Ranidhan is a popular late-maturing rice variety of Odisha state, India. The farmers of the state suffer heavy loss in years with flash floods as the variety is sensitive to submergence. Bacterial blight (BB) disease is a major yield-limiting factor, and the variety is susceptible to the disease. BB resistance genes Xa21, xa13, and xa5, along with the Sub1 QTL, for submergence stress tolerance were transferred into the variety using marker-assisted backcross breeding approach. Foreground selection using direct and closely linked markers detected the progenies carrying all four target genes in the BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC3F1 generations, and the positive progenies carrying these genes with maximum similarity to the recipient parent, Ranidhan, were backcrossed into each segregating generation. Foreground selection in the BC1F1 generation progenies detected all target genes in 11 progenies. The progeny carrying all target genes and similar to the recipient parent in terms of phenotype was backcrossed, and a total of 321 BC2F1 seeds were produced. Ten progenies carried all target genes/QTL in the BC2F1 generation. Screening of the BC3F1 progenies using markers detected 12 plants carrying the target genes. A total of 1270 BC3F2 seeds were obtained from the best BC3F1 progeny. Foreground selection in the BC3F2 progenies detected four plants carrying the target genes in the homozygous condition. The bioassay of the pyramided lines conferred very high levels of resistance to the predominant isolates of bacterial blight pathogen. These BB pyramided lines were submergence-tolerant and similar to Ranidhan in 13 agro-morphologic and grain quality traits; hence, they are likely to be adopted by farmers.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Biomolecules in 2022
Authors:   Biomolecules Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Autoantibody Correlation Signatures in Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Association with Symptom Severity
Authors: Ryabkova Varvara A. , Gavrilova Natalia Y. , Poletaeva Alina A. , Pukhalenko Alexander I. , Koshkina Irina A. , Churilov Leonid P. , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: January 2023

Recent studies provide some evidence for the contribution of antibody-mediated autoimmune mechanisms to the nature of fibromyalgia (FM) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Much attention was paid to the autoantibodies (AAb) targeting G protein-coupled receptors as natural components of the immune system. However, the natural AAb network is much more extensive, and has not been previously investigated in these disorders. The enzyme immunoassays ELI-Viscero-Test and ELI-Neuro-Test were used to determine changes in serum content of 33 natural AAb to neural, organ-specific and non-tissue-specific autoantigens (a) in 11 ME/CFS patients with comorbid FM; (b) in 11 ME/CFS patients without FM; (c) in 11 healthy controls. Individual AAb profiles and their correlation with some clinical symptoms were analyzed. Both patients with ME/CFS(−)FM and ME/CFS(+)FM were characterized by more frequent and pronounced deviations in the immunoreactivity to GABA-receptors than healthy controls. Although the level of other natural AAb did not differ between study groups, AAb correlation signatures were altered in patients compared to healthy controls. Both in patients and healthy controls the level of natural AAb to various neural and tissue-specific antigens correlated with the severity of fatigue, bodily pain, depression, anxiety, physical and mental health-related quality of life. Notably, widely different correlation patterns were observed between study groups. Findings from this pilot study provide some evidence that the homeostasis of autoimmune relationships, which are possibly a physiological part of our immune system, may be altered in FM and ME/CFS. The correlation of disease-induced perturbations in individual AAb profiles with some clinical symptoms may arise from the immune system’s ability to reflect qualitative and quantitative changes in antigenic composition of the body.
Early and Long-Term Ototoxicity Noted in Children Due to Platinum Compounds: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Romano Alberto , Rivetti Serena , Brigato Francesca , Mastrangelo Stefano , Attinà Giorgio , Maurizi Palma , Galli Jacopo , Fetoni Anna Rita , Ruggiero Antonio
Published: January 2023

Background: Platinum compounds are a group of fundamental chemotherapeutics used in the treatment of solid tumors, but they are burdened by side effects, such as ototoxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of ototoxicity caused by platinum compounds and the risk factors affecting its appearance/progression. Methods: Data from 53 patients who received platinum compounds and who had been off therapy for at least 5 years were analyzed. We collected data relating to audiometry conducted annually from the end of treatment and for at least 5 subsequent years, as well as information concerning the oncological history and comorbidities. Results: At the end of the treatment, 17 patients (32.08%) presented ototoxicity, according to the Boston SIOP Ototoxicity Scale; the risk factors included a higher serum creatinine value at diagnosis, having undergone cranial radiotherapy, and needing magnesium supplementation. After 5 years from the end of the treatment, the number of patients with exhibiting ototoxicity was 31 (58.5%); the factors that influenced the onset/progression of the damage were having undergone radiotherapy (HR 1.23; p < 0.01) and having received therapy with aminoglycosides (HR 1.27; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Ototoxicity caused by platinum compounds can occur even after the conclusion of the treatments, and the factors affecting its progression are radiotherapy and the aminoglycosides therapy.
Temporal Appearance of Enhanced Innate Anxiety in Alzheimer Model Mice
Authors: Szabó Adrienn , Farkas Szidónia , Fazekas Csilla , Correia Pedro , Chaves Tiago , Sipos Eszter , Makkai Bernadett , Török Bibiána , Zelena Dóra
Published: January 2023

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disorder (AD) is increasing worldwide, and the co-morbid anxiety is an important, albeit often neglected problem, which might appear early during disease development. Animal models can be used to study this question. Mice, as prey animals, show an innate defensive response against a predator odor, providing a valuable tool for anxiety research. Our aim was to test whether the triple-transgenic mice model of AD shows signs of innate anxiety, with specific focus on the temporal appearance of the symptoms. We compared 3xTg-AD mice bearing human mutations of amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1, and tau with age-matched controls. First, separate age-groups (between 2 and 18 months) were tested for the avoidance of 2-methyl-2-thiazoline, a fox odor component. To test whether hypolocomotion is a general sign of innate anxiety, open-field behavior was subsequently followed monthly in both sexes. The 3xTg-AD mice showed more immobility, approached the fox odor container less often, and spent more time in the avoidance zone. This effect was detectable already in two-month-old animals irrespective of sex, not visible around six months of age, and was more pronounced in aged females than males. The 3xTg-AD animals moved generally less. They also spent less time in the center of the open-field, which was detectable mainly in females older than five months. In contrast to controls, the aged 3xTg-AD was not able to habituate to the arena during a 30-min observation period irrespective of their sex. Amyloid beta and phospho-Tau accumulated gradually in the hippocampus, amygdala, olfactory bulb, and piriform cortex. In conclusion, the early appearance of predator odor- and open space-induced innate anxiety detected already in two-month-old 3xTg-AD mice make this genetically predisposed strain a good model for testing anxiety both before the onset of AD-related symptoms as well as during the later phase. Synaptic dysfunction by protein deposits might contribute to these disturbances.
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Genetic Experiment Reveal Changes in Cell Signaling Pathways Induced by α-Synuclein Overexpression
Authors: Huang Yusong , Wen Dongjing , Yuan Yao , Chen Wenfeng
Published: January 2023

Abnormal accumulation of alpha synuclein (α-Syn) in sporadic and familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) may be a key step in its pathogenesis. In this study, the expression matrix of the GSE95427 dataset after α-Syn overexpression in human glioma cell line H4 was obtained from the GEO database. We used the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method to reanalyze this dataset to evaluate the possible functions of α-Syn. The results showed that the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) signal was significantly activated in α-Syn-overexpressing cells, and oxidative phosphorylation signal, extracellular matrix signal, cell cycle related signal and fatty acid metabolism signal were significantly inhibited. Moreover, we employed the α-Syn-expressing transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease and knocked-down eiger, a TNF superfamily ligand homologue, indicating that the TNF-α pathway plays a role in the common pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. Our analysis based on GSEA data provides more clues for a better understanding of α-Syn function.
Microplastics: A Matter of the Heart (and Vascular System)
Authors: Persiani Elisa , Cecchettini Antonella , Ceccherini Elisa , Gisone Ilaria , Morales Maria Aurora , Vozzi Federico
Published: January 2023

Plastic use dramatically increased over the past few years. Besides obvious benefits, the consequent plastic waste and mismanagement in disposal have caused ecological problems. Plastic abandoned in the environment is prone to segregation, leading to the generation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), which can reach aquatic and terrestrial organisms. MPs/NPs in water can access fish’s bodies through the gills, triggering an inflammatory response in loco. Furthermore, from the gills, plastic fragments can be transported within the circulatory system altering blood biochemical parameters and hormone levels and leading to compromised immunocompetence and angiogenesis. In addition, it was also possible to observe an unbalanced ROS production, damage in vascular structure, and enhanced thrombosis. MPs/NPs led to cardiotoxicity, pericardial oedema, and impaired heart rate in fish cardiac tissue. MPs/NPs effects on aquatic organisms pose serious health hazards and ecological consequences because they constitute the food chain for humans. Once present in the mammalian body, plastic particles can interact with circulating cells, eliciting an inflammatory response, with genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of immune cells, enhanced haemolysis, and endothelium adhesion. The interaction of MPs/NPs with plasma proteins allows their transport to distant organs, including the heart. As a consequence of plastic fragment internalisation into cardiomyocytes, oxidative stress was increased, and metabolic parameters were altered. In this scenario, myocardial damage, fibrosis and impaired electrophysiological values were observed. In summary, MPs/NPs are an environmental stressor for cardiac function in living organisms, and a risk assessment of their influence on the cardiovascular system certainly merits further analysis.
Targeting Periostin Expression Makes Pancreatic Cancer Spheroids More Vulnerable to Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Karakas Didem , Erkisa Merve , Akar Remzi Okan , Akman Gizem , Senol Ezgi Yudum , Ulukaya Engin
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) characteristically has a dense tumor microenvironment, which results in poor patient prognosis. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the most abundant cells in the PaCa microenvironment and the principal source of collagen. Periostin, a matricellular protein, is produced specifically by PSCs and promotes the aggressiveness of PaCa cells by facilitating extracellular collagen assembly. Here, we aimed to decrease extracellular collagen assembly by suppressing periostin, thereby increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Periostin expression was suppressed in PSCs (called PSC-P) using CRISPR-Cas9. PaCa cells (BxPC-3) were co-cultured with PSC and PSC-P cells in a 3D environment to form tumor spheroids mimicking the tumor microenvironment. The extracellular collagen production of spheroids was evaluated by Masson’s trichrome staining. The cytotoxic activity of NK-92 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy via CD107a staining. Cell death in BxPC-3 cells was evaluated by measuring Annexin-V and PI positivity using flow cytometry. As a result, periostin suppression decreased extracellular collagen and increased the infiltration of NK-92 cells into spheroids, and induced cell death in PaCa cells. In conclusion, we suggest that periostin might be a therapeutic target for PaCa and further analysis is warranted using in vivo models for proof-of-concept.
Chemical Gradients in Polymer-Modified Paper Sheets—Towards Single-Layer Biomimetic Soft Robots
Authors: Schäfer Jan-Lukas , Meckel Tobias , Poppinga Simon , Biesalski Markus
Published: January 2023

Biomimetic actuators are typically constructed as functional bi- or multilayers, where actuating and resistance layers together dictate bending responses upon triggering by environmental stimuli. Inspired by motile plant structures, like the stems of the false rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla), we introduce polymer-modified paper sheets that can act as soft robotic single-layer actuators capable of hygro-responsive bending reactions. A tailored gradient modification of the paper sheet along its thickness entails increased dry and wet tensile strength and allows at the same time for hygro-responsiveness. For the fabrication of such single-layer paper devices, the adsorption behavior of a cross-linkable polymer to cellulose fiber networks was first evaluated. By using different concentrations and drying procedures fine-tuned polymer gradients throughout the thickness can be achieved. Due to the covalent cross-linking of polymer with fibers, these paper samples possess significantly increased dry and wet tensile strength properties. We furthermore investigated these gradient papers with respect to a mechanical deflection during humidity cycling. The highest humidity sensitivity is achieved using eucalyptus paper with a grammage of 150 g m−2 modified with the polymer dissolved in IPA (~13 wt%) possessing a polymer gradient. Our study presents a straightforward approach for the design of novel hygroscopic, paper-based single-layer actuators, which have a high potential for diverse soft robotic and sensor applications.
Clinical Use of Non-Suture Silk-Containing Products: A Systematic Review
Authors: Foppiani Jose A. , Weidman Allan , Alvarez Angelica Hernandez , Valentine Lauren , Devi Karthika , Kaplan David L. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: January 2023

Aims: The purpose of this systematic review is to determine how various innovative non-suture silk and silk-containing products are being used in clinical practice, and compare patient outcomes following their use. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane was completed. A qualitative synthesis of all included studies was then performed. Results: Our electronic search identified 868 silk-related publications, which yielded 32 studies for full-text review. After exclusion, nine studies from 2011 to 2018 were included for qualitative analysis. A total of 346 patients were included which consisted of 37 males and 309 females. The mean age range was between 18–79 years old. The follow-up among studies ranged between one to twenty-nine months. Three studies addressed the application of silk in wound dressings, one on the topical application of silk-derived products, one on silk-derived scaffold in breast reconstruction, and three on silk underwear as adjunct for the treatment of gynecological conditions. All studies showed good outcomes alone or in comparison to controls. Conclusion: This systematic review concludes that silk products’ structural, immune, and wound-healing modulating properties are advantageous clinical assets. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to strengthen and establish the benefit of those products.
Study of the Heat Transfer Performance of Laminated Paper Honeycomb Panels
Authors: Li Yinsheng , Yang Jing , Chen Jinxiang , Yin Jian
Published: January 2023

To apply functional honeycomb panels (FHPs) in actual engineering projects, the heat transfer performance and intrinsic heat transfer mechanism of laminated honeycomb panels (LHPs, total thickness of 60 mm) with different structural parameters were investigated in this study by a heat flow meter. The results showed that (1) the equivalent thermal conductivity λequ of the LHP was almost independent of the cell size, when it consisted of a small single-layer thickness. Thus, LHP panels with a single-layer thickness of 15–20 mm are recommended. (2) A heat transfer model of LHPs was developed, and it was concluded that the heat transfer performance of LHPs depends greatly on the performance of their honeycomb core. Then, an equation was derived for the steady state temperature distribution of the honeycomb core. (3) The contribution of each heat transfer method to the total heat flux of the LHP was calculated using the theoretical equation. According to the theoretical results, the intrinsic heat transfer mechanism affecting the heat transfer performance of LHPs was revealed. The results of this study laid the foundation for the application of LHPs in building envelopes.
Fluorescent Probe Combined with Photoelectric Analysis Technology for Detection of Escherichia coli
Authors: Cui Qian , Zhong Yongjie , Shang Wenkai , Deng Fuming , Wang Buhua , Wu Jiajia , Wang Peng , Wan Liudang , Wang Keling , Fang Lingchen , Dai Rui , Zhang Han , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo , Zhang Yunuo , Huang Jiaomei
Published: January 2023

Food safety is facing great challenges in preventing foodborne diseases caused by pathogenic pollution, especially in resource-limited areas. The rapid detection technique of microorganisms, such as immunological methods and molecular biological methods, plays a crucial key in timely bioanalysis and disease treatment strategies. However, it is difficult for these methods to simultaneously meet the criteria of simple operation, high specificity, and sensitivity, as well as low cost. Coconut water is known as the “water of life” in Hainan. It is a refreshing and nutritious beverage which is widely consumed due to its beneficial properties to health. Coconut water processing is an important pillar industry in Hainan. The detection of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, in coconut water has become an important factor which has restricted the upgrading and development of this industry. Based on the needs of industrial development, we developed a microbial photoelectric detection system which was composed of a fluorescent probe detection reagent and a photoelectric sensor detection device. This system combined microbial enzyme targets, selective fluorescent substrate metabolism characteristics, and a photoelectric sensor signal transduction mechanism, which produce a strong signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The microbial detection system developed here has a simple structure, simple and convenient operation, short detecting time (≥2 h), and high sensitivity (1 CFU/mL). This system may also enable early warning and monitoring programs for other pathogenic microorganisms in order to promote the overall competitiveness of the Hainan coconut water industry.
Measurement of Volatile Fatty Acids in Silage through Odors with Nanomechanical Sensors
Authors: Minami Kosuke , Kobayashi Hisami , Matoba Masaaki , Kamiya Yuko , Maji Subrata , Nemoto Takahiro , Tohno Masanori , Nakakubo Ryoh , Yoshikawa Genki
Published: January 2023

The measurement of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) is of great importance in the fields of food and agriculture. There are various methods to measure VFAs, but most methods require specific equipment, making on-site measurements difficult. In this work, we demonstrate the measurements of VFAs in a model sample, silage, through its vapor using an array of nanomechanical sensors—Membrane-type Surface stress Sensors (MSS). Focusing on relatively slow desorption behaviors of VFAs predicted with the sorption kinetics of nanomechanical sensing and the dissociation nature of VFAs, the VFAs can be efficiently measured by using features extracted from the decay curves of the sensing response, resulting in sufficient discrimination of the silage samples. Since the present sensing system does not require expensive, bulky setup and pre-treatment of samples, it has a great potential for practical applications including on-site measurements.
The Psychological Reality of Chinese Deliberate Metaphors from the Reception Side: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Du Jiajun , Zheng Ting , Sun Yi
Published: January 2023

While the psychological reality of deliberate metaphors remains in ongoing doubt, this study attests to their psychological reality in the Chinese language. Based upon the definition and main tenets of deliberate metaphor, we propose three hypotheses: Compared with non-deliberate metaphors, addressees pay more attention to deliberate metaphors’ source domains, display a greater tendency to adopt the source domain’s perspective, and spend more time on processing deliberate metaphors. Using Chinese deliberate metaphors as testing materials, we conducted an experiment with 70 Chinese university students whose native language was Chinese. The results confirmed our hypotheses. Compared with non-deliberate metaphors, Chinese deliberate metaphors drew more attention and brought about more perspective changes. Additionally, processing deliberate novel metaphors consumed more time than processing non-deliberate metaphors, thus providing supportive evidence for the psychological reality of Chinese deliberate metaphors. However, less time taken on deliberate conventional metaphors than non-deliberate metaphors might have been caused by our experiment’s task design. In a nutshell, our study statistically proves the psychological reality of Chinese deliberate metaphors from the reception side. Future studies may check our findings with a similar experimental paradigm in other languages.
Pharmaco-Toxicological Effects of Atypical Synthetic Cathinone Mephtetramine (MTTA) in Mice: Possible Reasons for Its Brief Appearance over NPSs Scene
Authors: Corli Giorgia , Tirri Micaela , Arfè Raffaella , Marchetti Beatrice , Bernardi Tatiana , Borsari Martina , Odoardi Sara , Mestria Serena , Strano-Rossi Sabina , Neri Margherita , Gaudio Rosa Maria , Bilel Sabrine , Marti Matteo
Published: January 2023

Over the last year, NPSs have been steadily on the rise in the illicit drug market. Among these, synthetic cathinones seem to become increasingly popular among young adults, mainly because of their ability to replicate the effects of traditional psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine, MDMA and amphetamines. However, scarce data are available about the in vivo pharmaco-toxicology of these new substances. To this end, this study focused on evaluation of effects induced by repeated administration of mephtetramine (MTTA 0.1–30 mg/kg i.p.) in mice. This atypical cathinone highlighted a sensorial (inhibition of visual and acoustic reflexes) and transient physiological parameter (decrease in breath rate and temperature) change in mice. Regarding motor activity, both a dose-dependent increase (accelerod test) and biphasic effect (drag and mobility time test) have been shown. In addition, blood and urine samples have been analysed to enrich the experimental featuring of the present study with reference to evaluation of potential toxicity related to consumption of MTTA. The latter analysis has particularly revealed important changes in blood cells count and blood and urine physicochemical profile after repeated treatment with this atypical cathinone. Moreover, MTTA induced histological changes in heart, kidney and liver samples, emphasizing its potential toxicity.
The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsy, Depression, Schizophrenia, Anorexia Nervosa and Alzheimer’s Disease as Highly Drug-Resistant Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gliwińska Aleksandra , Czubilińska-Łada Justyna , Więckiewicz Gniewko , Świętochowska Elżbieta , Badeński Andrzej , Dworak Marta , Szczepańska Maria
Published: January 2023

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the family of neurotrophins, which are growth factors with trophic effects on neurons. BDNF is the most widely distributed neurotrophin in the central nervous system (CNS) and is highly expressed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Its distribution outside the CNS has also been demonstrated, but most studies have focused on its effects in neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite the advances in medicine in recent decades, neurological and psychiatric diseases are still characterized by high drug resistance. This review focuses on the use of BDNF in the developmental assessment, treatment monitoring, and pharmacotherapy of selected diseases, with a particular emphasis on epilepsy, depression, anorexia, obesity, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The limitations of using a molecule with such a wide distribution range and inconsistent method of determination are also highlighted.
Targeting the Tumor Immune Microenvironment Could Become a Potential Therapeutic Modality for Aggressive Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Yang Zuocheng , Tian Xuemei , Yao Kun , Yang Yakun , Zhang Linpeng , Liu Ning , Yan Changxiang , Qi Xueling , Han Song
Published: January 2023

Object: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the aggressiveness and immune cell infiltration in pituitary adenoma (PA) and to provide the basis for immuno-targeting therapies. Methods: One hundred and three patients with PA who underwent surgery at a single institution were retrospectively identified. The infiltration of macrophages and T-lymphocytes was quantitatively assessed. Results: The number of CD68+ macrophages was positively correlated with Knosp (p = 0.003) and MMP-9 expression grades (p = 0.00). The infiltration of CD163+ macrophages differed among Knosp (p = 0.022) and MMP-9 grades (p = 0.04). CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were also positively associated with Knosp (p = 0.002) and MMP-9 grades (p = 0.01). Interestingly, MGMT expression was positively correlated with MMP-9 staining extent (p = 0.000). The quantities of CD8+ TILs (p = 0.016), CD68+ macrophages (p = 0.000), and CD163+ macrophages (p = 0.043) were negatively associated with MGMT expression levels. The number of CD68+ macrophages in the PD-L1 negative group was significantly more than that in the PD-L1 positive group (p = 0.01). The rate of PD-L1 positivity was positively correlated with the Ki-67 index (p = 0.046) and p53 expression (p = 0.029). Conclusion: Targeted therapy for macrophages and CD8+ TILs could be a helpful treatment in the future for aggressive PA. Anti-PD-L1 therapy may better respond to PAs with higher Ki-67 and p53 expression and more infiltrating CD68+ macrophages. Multiple treatment modalities, especially combined with immunotherapy could become a novel therapeutic strategy for aggressive PA.
Normative Structure of Resting-State EEG in Bipolar Derivations for Daily Clinical Practice: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pastor Jesús , Vega-Zelaya Lorena
Published: January 2023

We used numerical methods to define the normative structure of resting-state EEG (rsEEG) in a pilot study of 37 healthy subjects (10–74 years old), using a double-banana bipolar montage. Artifact-free 120–200 s epoch lengths were visually identified and divided into 1 s windows with a 10% overlap. Differential channels were grouped by frontal, parieto-occipital, and temporal lobes. For every channel, the power spectrum was calculated and used to compute the area for delta (0–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) bands and was log-transformed. Furthermore, Shannon’s spectral entropy (SSE) and coherence by bands were computed. Finally, we also calculated the main frequency and amplitude of the posterior dominant rhythm. According to the age-dependent distribution of the bands, we divided the patients in the following three groups: younger than 20; between 21 and 50; and older than 51 years old. The distribution of bands and coherence was different for the three groups depending on the brain lobes. We described the normative equations for the three age groups and for every brain lobe. We showed the feasibility of a normative structure of rsEEG picked up with a double-banana montage.
Frequency and Correlates of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Iacono Salvatore , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Costa Vanessa , Schirò Giuseppe , Lupica Antonino , Maggio Bruna , Norata Davide , Pignolo Antonia , Brighina Filippo , Monastero Roberto
Published: January 2023

Background: Antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) can also target nicotinic AChRs that are present throughout the central nervous system, thus leading to cognitive dysfunctions in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the presence of cognitive impairment in MG is controversial, and the factors that may influence this risk are almost completely unknown. In this study, the frequency of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in MG, as well as the clinical, immunological, and behavioral correlates of MCI in MG were evaluated. Methods: A total of 52 patients with MG underwent a comprehensive assessment including motor and functional scales, serological testing, and neuropsychological and behavioral evaluation. Results: The frequency of MCI was 53.8%, and the most impaired cognitive domains were, in order, visuoconstructive/visuospatial skills, memory, and attention. After multivariate analysis, only pyridostigmine use was inversely associated with the presence of MCI, while a trend toward a positive association between MCI and disease severity and arms/legs hyposthenia was found. Correlation analyses showed that daily doses of prednisone and azathioprine significantly correlated with depressive symptomatology, while disease severity significantly correlated with depressive symptomatology and sleep disturbance. Conclusions: The presence of MCI is rather frequent in MG and is characterized by multidomain amnestic impairment. Such preliminary data need further confirmation on larger case series.
Grateful Workers, Satisfied Workers? A Portuguese Study about Organizational Happiness during COVID-19 Quarantine
Authors: Ataíde Inês , Araújo Patrícia , Araújo Alexandra M. , Fernandes Rosina , Martins Emília , Mendes Francisco
Published: January 2023

Although work satisfaction has been largely studied, gratitude is an emerging field within multiple sciences, including positive psychology, organizational behavior, and human resources marketing. This ex post facto study aims to characterize gratitude and understand its relations to job satisfaction in a non-probabilistic sample of 521 Portuguese workers (62.2% women), 30.90% and 69.10% in the public and private sector, respectively, mean ages of M = 43, SD = 12.6. Data were collected using anonymous questionnaires during the COVID-19 lockdown. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS 26, and include Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations, and a hierarchical linear regression model. Results confirm that Portuguese workers are grateful and satisfied at work. There were statistically significant differences between groups in sociodemographic (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), professional (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), and perceived living conditions variables (p < 0.05) regarding gratitude. Gratitude, alone, explains 8% of job satisfaction. According to the regression model (32.4%), perceptions of satisfaction initiatives and greater job security are also associated with higher levels of job satisfaction (23.6%). Implementation of gratitude-promoting strategies may increase job satisfaction, especially in the post-pandemic period. The investment in workers’ organizational happiness, after the impacts of COVID-19 on work dynamics, is a differentiating organizations success dimension.
Depression and Anxiety Mediate the Association between Sleep Quality and Self-Rated Health in Healthcare Students
Authors: Zhu Yihong , Jiang Chen , Yang You , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Spruyt Karen , Zhang Bingren , Huang Mengyi , Ge Hanjie , Rong Yangyang , Ola Bolanle Adeyemi , Liu Tingjie , Ma Haiyan , Meng Runtang
Published: January 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with sleep quality in healthcare students and to determine whether depressive and anxiety symptoms may explain some of the associations between sleep quality and self-rated health. Study design: This is a cross-sectional study at wave one. Methods: A total of 637 healthcare students were recruited via a stratified random sampling method in Hangzhou, China. The Sleep Quality Questionnaire (SQQ) and the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) were used to assess sleep quality and depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Self-rated health was assessed via a self-developed questionnaire of both physical and psychological health. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct and indirect effects of sleep quality on self-rated health through depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: Students engaged in part-time employment (p = 0.022), with poor perceived employment prospects (p = 0.009), and who did not participate in recreational sports (p = 0.008) had worse sleep quality. Structural equation modeling revealed a significant total effect of sleep quality on self-rated health (b = 0.592, p < 0.001), a significant direct effect of both sleep quality and depressive and anxiety symptoms on self-rated health (b = 0.277, 95% CI: 0.032–0.522), and a significant indirect effect of sleep quality on self-rated health through depressive and anxiety symptoms (b = 0.315, 95% CI: 0.174–0.457). Conclusions: Depressive and anxiety symptoms partially explain the association between sleep quality and self-rated health. Intervening upon sleep quality, depressive, and anxiety symptoms may bolster the self-rated health of healthcare students.
Building Work Engagement in Organizations: A Longitudinal Study Combining Social Exchange and Social Identity Theories
Authors: Simbula Silvia , Margheritti Simona , Avanzi Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Starting from the insights of social identity theory and social exchange theory, the present study aimed to understand how social support and organizational identification relate to work engagement. Moreover, it sought to verify if social support and organizational identification interact with each other to explain work engagement three months later. A longitudinal study was conducted on a sample of 150 employees, in which organizational identification, social support, and work engagement were measured through a questionnaire. The results show that when employees can count on their supervisors’ and colleagues’ support, they will be more engaged in their work. In addition, when an employee strongly identifies with their organization, the employee’s evaluation of the social support received from colleagues and supervisors becomes less critical in determining their work engagement. These results confirm our hypotheses and extend the findings of previous research on withdrawal behaviors. From a practical point of view, it seems important for organizations to invest in increasing identification, as well as in building a high-quality social exchange relationship, especially when levels of organizational identification are low or decreasing.
Assessment of Energy, Environmental and Economic Costs of Buildings’ Thermal Insulation–Influence of Type of Use and Climate
Authors: Raimundo António M. , Sousa Afonso M. , Oliveira A. Virgílio M.
Published: January 2023

Among the aspects with major impacts on the energy and environmental performance of a building, the thermal insulation of the opaque elements of its envelope stands out. This work assesses the influence of the application of thermal insulation to the opaque elements of the building’s envelope on the thermal comfort conditions indoors; moreover, the influence of the thermal insulation on the energy, environmental, and economic costs over the building’s complete life cycle is evaluated. For this purpose, the three most commonly used thermal insulating materials (expanded polystyrene—EPS, extruded polystyrene—XPS, and mineral wool—MW), thicknesses between 0 (without insulation) and 40 cm, five climates (hot, warm, moderate, cold, and very cold), and six types of use (apartment, housing, clinic, school, bank branch, and supermarket) were considered. EPS reveals itself to be the most promising thermal insulation material, both in economic and environmental terms, so it was selected for this study. The EPS’ optimal thickness depends on the building’s type of use, the climate, and the perspective from which the assessment is carried out (energy, environmental, or economic). The results show that the economically optimal thicknesses of thermal insulation are significantly lower than the corresponding ones in environmental terms. Furthermore, the application of thermal insulation to the opaque building’s envelope is more beneficial in energy and environmental terms than from an economic perspective.
Multiple Defects Inspection of Dam Spillway Surface Using Deep Learning and 3D Reconstruction Techniques
Authors: Hong Kunlong , Wang Hongguang , Yuan Bingbing , Wang Tianfu
Published: January 2023

After a lengthy period of scouring, the reinforced concrete surface of the dam spillway (i.e., drift spillways and flood discharge spillways) will suffer from deterioration and damage. Regular manual inspection is time-consuming and dangerous. This paper presents a robotic solution to detect automatically, count defect instance numbers, and reconstruct the surface of dam spillways by incorporating the deep learning method with a visual 3D reconstruction method. The lack of a real dam defect dataset and incomplete registration of minor defects on the 3D mesh model in fusion step are two challenges addressed in the paper. We created a multi-class semantic segmentation dataset of 1711 images (with resolutions of 848 × 480 and 1280 × 720 pixels) acquired by a wall-climbing robot, including cracks, erosion, spots, patched areas, and power safety cable. Then, the architecture of the U-net is modified with pixel-adaptive convolution (PAC) and conditional random field (CRF) to segment different scales of defects, trained, validated, and tested using this dataset. The reconstruction and recovery of minor defect instances in the flow surface and sidewall are facilitated using a keyframe back-projection method. By generating an instance adjacency matrix within the class, the intersection over union (IoU) of 3D voxels is calculated to fuse multiple instances. Our segmentation model achieves an average IoU of 60% for five defect class. For the surface model’s semantic recovery and instance statistics, our method achieves accurate statistics of patched area and erosion instances in an environment of 200 m2, and the average absolute error of the number of spots and cracks has reduced from the original 13.5 to 3.5.
Hysteresis Performance and Restoring-Force Model of Precast Concrete Ring-Lap Beam-Column Joints
Authors: Zhang Min , Xue Zhengrong , Chen Yihu , Lu Dan , Qin Wen , Yu Wei
Published: January 2023

In order to study the restoring-force characteristics of precast concrete ring-lap beam-column joints, three precast concrete ring-lap beam-column joint specimens and one cast-in-place concrete beam-column joint specimen were designed and fabricated, and low-circumferential repeated loading tests were conducted. The results show that the bearing capacity of the ring-lap beam-column joint is higher than that of the cast-in-place beam-column joint, and with the increase in the lap length, the bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity of the ring-lap beam-column joint increase significantly, and the local damage is also mitigated. Based on the test results and the existing restoring-force model theory, a trifold restoring-force model is proposed for precast concrete ring-lap beam-column joints considering the effect of lap length. The proposed restoring-force model is consistent with the hysteresis curve of the assembled column, which indicates that the proposed restoring-force model can better reflect the influence of the lap length on the hysteresis characteristics, and can provide a reference for the structural elastic–plastic analysis and engineering application of the precast concrete ring-lap beam-column joint. The proposed restoring-force model can better reflect the influence of lap length on the hysteretic properties, which can provide a reference for the structural elastoplastic analysis and engineering application of this precast concrete ring-lap beam-column joint.
Analysis of Unsteady Heat Transfer during Ice-Making Process for Ice Rink Buildings
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Wu Yumeng , Zhang Paiwei , Yang Meiyuan , Zhang Zhenying , Wang Hongli
Published: January 2023

The ice-making process is an important factor that affects the ice quality and the energy consumption of ice rinks. An unsteady heat transfer model is established and validated for the ice-making process. The transient temperature variation and ice thickness growing characteristics during the ice-making process are analyzed. The freezing time of a water layer and the final temperature of the stabilized ice layer are quantified. The effects of ice rink structural parameters on the ice-making process are studied. The results show that the water temperature variations during the process go through three stages. The ice-growing process mainly occurs in the second stage. The ice-making process takes about 305 min–420 min for a water layer of 5 mm thickness. The reduction in the ice-making time and the decrease in the final temperature of the stabilized ice layer can be attained by reducing the water layer thickness, the surface heat flux, the cooling pipe spacing, the fluid temperature in the cooling pipe, or the top concrete thickness. Among them, the influences of the thickness of the water layer, the surface heat flux, and the fluid temperature in the cooling pipe are more significant. As the thickness of the water layer decreases from 7 mm to 3 mm, the total ice-making time decreases by about 37.6%. The ice-making time is reduced by 17.1% with the surface heat flux decreasing from 330 W/m2 to 250 W/m2. The ice-making time is reduced by 21.4% with the cooling pipe temperature decreasing from −15.5 °C to −19.5 °C.
Wine Tourism, Designations of Origin and Business Performance: An Analysis Applied to the Valencian Community Wine Industry
Authors: Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Martínez-Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Millan-Tudela Luis A.
Published: January 2023

The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of wine routes and Designations of Origin (DOs) on the competitiveness of wineries belonging to the Valencian Community, given that, to the best of our knowledge, such relationships have not been analyzed in this wine region. To this end, information was obtained on the operating income, results for the year, equity, level of indebtedness and number of employees of the 90 wineries belonging to this wine-growing territory. Subsequently, a comparison of means was made, calculating Student’s t-test for independent samples with the SPSS software, based on whether the wineries belonged to the wine routes and DOs existing in the Valencian Community. The results show the wineries that are members of a wine route and/or a DO have, on average, a higher operating income, higher equity and a higher number of employees, and these differences are statistically significant. This research may be useful for general managers who are considering the development of wine tourism activities, as well as for those who are thinking of joining DOs, since, as was empirically demonstrated, these actions can improve the economic performance of their wineries and, as a consequence, their competitiveness.