bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Potential of the Hard Clam (Meretrix meretrix) Shell Which Can Be Used as the Bioindicator for Heavy Metal Accumulation
Authors: Lin Yen-Ting , Chang Fang-Chi , Chung Ming-Tsung , Li Ze-Kai , Chan Chang-Chuan , Huang Ying-Sheng , Huang Kuo-Fang , Han Yu-San
Published: October 2022

Clams, Meretrix meretrix, were one of the favorite aquatic products in Taiwan and the world. It was reported that the water pollutants such as heavy metals and chemicals might accumulate in the clam body and shell through filter-feeding behavior. Thus, the bivalves could be used as bioindicators in the aquatic environment. The present study analyzed 20 trace elements, Mg, Sr, Li, Cd, Ba, Mn, Al, U, Ti, Pb, Nd, B, S, Zn, Fe, P, Na, K, Cu, and Ni, in the shells of the clams collected from the wild coastal area and cultured ponds to evaluate which elements have the potential to be biomarkers. The concentrations of 20 elements were detected by Solution-Based Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SB-ICPMS). Among them, Cd, Al, U, Ti, Nd, S, and K were below the detection limit. The remaining elements were analyzed for accumulation. The levels of Zn, Fe, and Ni possess high variation in an identical environment; so, a PCA was conducted without these three elements to reduce noise. The PCA result proved that the clam could absorb specific trace elements from the habitat. After a period of time, the contents of the absorption in the shells of the clams living in an identical environment became more similar. The analyzed element, Pb, was not found with a special difference in this study. The levels of Na, Sr, Mg, B, Mn, P, Ba, Li, and Cu reflected different sampling sites, which suggested that these elements in the species M. meretrix had the potential to be used as biomarkers for assessing heavy metal accumulation in the environment.
Cheese Whey Milk Adulteration Determination Using Casein Glycomacropeptide as an Indicator by HPLC
Authors: Vera-Bravo Ricardo , Hernández Angela V. , Peña Steven , Alarcón Carolina , Loaiza Alix E. , Celis Crispín A.
Published: October 2022

Raw milk adulteration with cheese whey is a major problem that affects the dairy industry. The objective of this work was to evaluate the adulteration of raw milk with the cheese whey obtained from the coagulation process, with chymosin enzyme using casein glycomacropeptide (cGMP) as an HPLC marker. Milk proteins were precipitated with 24% TCA; with the supernatant obtained, a calibration curve was established by mixing raw milk and whey in different percentages, which were passed through a KW-802.5 Shodex molecular exclusion column. A reference signal, with a retention time of 10.8 min, was obtained for each of the different percentages of cheese whey; the higher the concentration, the higher the peak. Data analysis was adjusted to a linear regression model, with an R2 of 0.9984 and equation to predict dependent variable (cheese whey percentage in milk) values. The chromatography sample was collected and analyzed by three tests: a cGMP standard HPLC analysis, MALDI-TOF spectrometry, and immunochromatography assay. The results of these three tests confirmed the presence of the cGMP monomer in adulterated samples with whey, which was obtained from chymosin enzymatic coagulation. As a contribution to food safety, the molecular exclusion chromatography technique presented is reliable, easy to implement in a laboratory, and inexpensive, compared with other methodologies, such as electrophoresis, immunochromatography, and HPLC-MS, thus allowing for the routine quality control of milk, an important product in human nutrition.
Cutting Techniques in the Fish Industry: A Critical Review
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Lyu Jiaqi , Wu Di , Cao Yupeng , Ma Qingquan , Lu Yuzhen , Zhang Xin
Published: October 2022

Fish and fishery products are among the most important sources of nutritional components for human health, including high-quality proteins, essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fish farming and processing technologies are continuously evolving to improve and enhance the appearance, yield, and quality of fish and fish products from farm to fork throughout the fish supply chain, including growth, postharvest, treatment, storage, transportation, and distribution. Processing of fish involves a period of food withdrawal, collection and transportation, the process of stunning, bleeding, chilling, cutting, packaging, and byproduct recycling. Cutting is a set of crucial operations in fish processing to divide the whole fish into smaller pieces for producing fish products (e.g., fish fillets, steaks, etc.). Various techniques and machinery have been introduced in the field to advance and automate cutting operations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of fish cutting techniques, machine vision and artificial intelligence applications, and future directions in fish industries. This paper is expected to stimulate research on enhancing fish cutting yield, product diversity, safety and quality, as well as providing advanced solutions for engineering problems encountered in the fish industry.
Optimization of the Accelerated Solvent Extraction of Caffeoylquinic Acids from Forced Chicory Roots and Antioxidant Activity of the Resulting Extracts
Authors: Diemer Etienne , Chadni Morad , Grimi Nabil , Ioannou Irina
Published: October 2022

Forced chicory roots (FCR) are the main but also the least valued by-products of Belgian endive culture. However, they contain molecules of interest for industry such as caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs). This study aims to investigate accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) as a green technique to recover chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA), the main CQAs. A D-optimal design was used to determine the influence of temperature and ethanol percentage on their extraction. Optimal extraction conditions were determined using response surface methodology (RSM) and allow the recovery of 4.95 ± 0.48 mg/gDM of 5-CQA at 107 °C, 46% of ethanol and 5.41 ± 0.79 mg/gDM of 3,5-diCQA at 95 °C, 57% of ethanol. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was also optimized by RSM. The highest antioxidant activity was achieved at 115 °C with 40% ethanol (more than 22mgTrolox/gDM). Finally, correlation between the antioxidant activity and the amount of CQAs was determined. FCR can be a great source of bioactive compounds with potential use as biobased antioxidant.
Determination of Saffron Quality through a Multi-Analytical Approach
Authors: Bergomi Andrea , Comite Valeria , Santagostini Laura , Guglielmi Vittoria , Fermo Paola
Published: October 2022

Currently, the specifications for the assessment of saffron quality are contained in the ISO 3632 technical standard. This norm evaluates saffron quality through a UV-Vis spectrophotometric method and grades the spice into three commercial categories. However, numerous studies have highlighted several weaknesses and limitations of the ISO method. For this reason, a new multi-analytical approach for the determination of saffron quality is proposed in this work. Different techniques were employed to assess saffron quality: UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results show that the commercial grading based on the ISO 3632 methodology is not always in line with the observations made with the other techniques. Moreover, the use of two new techniques in the field of saffron quality determination, i.e., SEM-EDX and ICP-OES, proved to be effective for the determination of elemental composition and metal content, which are two important parameters to take into consideration when assessing the quality of the spice.
Food Desires and Hedonic Discrimination in Virtual Reality Varying in Product–Context Appropriateness among Older Consumers
Authors: Song Xiao , Pérez-Cueto Federico J. A. , Bredie Wender L. P.
Published: October 2022

Immersive virtual reality (VR) videos can replicate complex real-life situations in a systematic, repeatable and versatile manner. New product development trajectories should consider the complexities of daily life eating situations. The creation of immersive contexts of a product with varying levels of appropriateness could be a useful tool for product developers in evaluating the extent to which context may influence food acceptance and eating behavior. This study explored virtual reality (VR) as an efficient context-enhancing technology through evaluations of protein-enriched rye breads and compared the effects of a VR-simulated congruent (VR restaurant) and incongruent (VR cinema) contexts on the acceptance in older consumers. A total of 70 participants were immersed in the two VR contexts and a neutral control context in a randomized order. The responses indicating the desire and liking for rye breads were measured, and the extent of immersion during context exposure was assessed by levels of the sense of presence and engagement. Immersive VR induced positive sensations of presence and a heightened level of engagement. The VR restaurant and neutral contexts were perceived as more appropriate for consuming rye breads and induced higher desire and liking for rye breads, which supported the notion of the alignment of congruent contexts with food desire and liking. The study provides new perspectives, practical methodologies, and discoveries in regard to the creation and application of VR-immersed contexts in food product evaluation. Moreover, it focused on a consumer segment (older consumers) that has seldom been investigated in previous relevant studies. The findings suggest that immersive VR technology, as a tool for evaluating contextual factors, is important for new product development. The good user experience among older consumers further indicated the potential value of VR as a context-enhancing tool for product development.
Improved Biogeography-Based Optimization Algorithm Based on Hybrid Migration and Dual-Mode Mutation Strategy
Authors: Wei Lisheng , Zhang Qian , Yang Benben
Published: October 2022

To obtain high-quality Pareto optimal solutions and to enhance the searchability of the biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithm, we present an improved BBO algorithm based on hybrid migration and a dual-mode mutation strategy (HDBBO). We first adopted a more scientific nonlinear hyperbolic tangent mobility model instead of the conventional linear migration model which can obtain a solution closer to the global minimum of the function. We developed an improved hybrid migration operation containing a micro disturbance factor, which has the benefit of strengthening the global search ability of the algorithm. Then, we used the piecewise application of Gaussian mutation and BBO mutation to ensure that the solution set after mutation was also maintained at a high level, which helps strengthen the algorithm’s search accuracy. Finally, we performed a convergence analysis on the improved BBO algorithm and experimental research based on 11 benchmark functions. The simulation results showed that the improved BBO algorithm had superior advantages in terms of optimization accuracy and convergence speed, which showed the feasibility of the improved strategy.
Fractional-Order PD Attitude Control for a Type of Spacecraft with Flexible Appendages
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhou Yukang , Cai Suting
Published: October 2022

As large-sized spacecraft have been developed, they have been equipped with flexible appendages, such as solar cell plates and mechanical flexible arms. The attitude control of spacecraft with flexible appendages has become more complex, with higher requirements. In this paper, a fractional-order PD attitude control method for a type of spacecraft with flexible appendages is presented. Firstly, a lumped parameter model of a spacecraft with flexible appendages is constructed, which provides the transfer function of the attitude angle and external moment. Then, a design method for the fractional-order PD controller for the attitude control of a spacecraft with flexible appendages is provided. Based on the designed steps, a numerical example is provided to compare the control performances between the fractional-order and integer-order PD controllers. Finally, the obtained numerical results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Groundwater Usage and Strategic Complements: Part I (Instrumental Variables)
Authors: Koch Caleb M. , Nax Heinrich H.
Published: October 2022

We test whether the decisions in a common-pool resource game are better modeled game-theoretically as strategic substitutes or complements using an individual-level dataset of groundwater usage that accounts for 3% of US irrigated agriculture. Based on a regression framework with instrumental variables, we find support for strategic complements, suggesting that reciprocity– and/or race-to-depletion–like dynamics are key to understanding groundwater usage.
Designing Deferoxamine-Loaded Flaxseed Gum and Carrageenan-Based Controlled Release Biocomposite Hydrogel Films for Wound Healing
Authors: Sadiq Tayyaba , Khalid Syed Haroon , Khan Ikram Ullah , Mahmood Hira , Asghar Sajid
Published: October 2022

In this study, biocomposite hydrogel films made from flaxseed gum (FSG)/kappa carrageenan (CGN) were fabricated, using potassium chloride as a crosslinker and glycerol as a plasticizer. The composite films were loaded with deferoxamine (DFX), an iron chelator that promotes neovascularization and angiogenesis for the healing of wounds. The properties of the biocomposite hydrogel films, including swelling, solubility, water vapor transmission rate, tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus studies, were tested. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, drug release studies in PBS at pH 7.2 were investigated. In vivo analysis was performed by assessing the wound contraction in a full-thickness excisional wound rat model. Hematoxylin & eosin (H & E) and Masson’s trichome staining were performed to evaluate the effect of the films on wound healing progress. The visual and micro-morphological analysis revealed the homogenous structure of the films; however, the elongation at break property decreased within the crosslinked film but increased for the drug-loaded film. The FTIR analysis confirmed the crosslinking due to potassium chloride. A superior resistance towards thermal degradation was confirmed by TGA for the crosslinked and drug-loaded films. Drug release from the optimum film was sustained for up to 24 h. In vivo testing demonstrated 100% wound contraction for the drug-loaded film group compared to 72% for the pure drug solution group. In light of the obtained results, the higher potential of the optimized biocomposite hydrogel film for wound healing applications was corroborated.
Acceleration of Wound Healing in Rats by Modified Lignocellulose Based Sponge Containing Pentoxifylline Loaded Lecithin/Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Dehghani Pouya , Akbari Aliakbar , Saadatkish Milad , Varshosaz Jaleh , Kouhi Monireh , Bodaghi Mahdi
Published: October 2022

Dressing wounds accelerates the re-epithelialization process and changes the inflammatory environment towards healing. In the current study, a lignocellulose sponge containing pentoxifylline (PTX)-loaded lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles (LCNs) was developed to enhance the wound healing rate. Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles were obtained by the solvent-injection method and characterized in terms of morphology, particle size distribution, and zeta potential. The lignocellulose hydrogels were functionalized through oxidation/amination and freeze-dried to obtain sponges. The prepared sponge was then loaded with LCNs/PTX to control drug release. The nanoparticle containing sponges were characterized using FTIR and SEM analysis. The drug release study from both nanoparticles and sponges was performed in PBS at 37 °C at different time points. The results demonstrated that PTX has sustained release from lignocellulose hydrogels. The wound healing was examined using a standard rat model. The results exhibited that PTX loaded hydrogels could achieve significantly accelerated and enhanced healing compared to the drug free hydrogels and the normal saline treatment. Histological examination of the healed skin confirmed the visual observations. Overall speaking, the in vivo assessment of the developed sponge asserts its suitability as wound dressing for treatment of chronic skin wounds.
Exploiting Comparative Omics to Understand the Pathogenic and Virulence-Associated Protease: Anti-Protease Relationships in the Zoonotic Parasites Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica
Authors: Cwiklinski Krystyna , Dalton John Pius
Published: October 2022

The helminth parasites, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, are the causative agents of fasciolosis, a global and economically important disease of people and their livestock. Proteases are pivotal to an array of biological processes related to parasitism (development, feeding, immune evasion, virulence) and therefore their action requires strict regulation by parasite anti-proteases (protease inhibitors). By interrogating the current publicly available Fasciola spp. large sequencing datasets, including several genome assemblies and life cycle stage-specific transcriptome and proteome datasets, we reveal the complex profile and structure of proteases and anti-proteases families operating at various stages of the parasite’s life cycle. Moreover, we have discovered distinct profiles of peptidases and their cognate inhibitors expressed by the parasite stages in the intermediate snail host, reflecting the different environmental niches in which they move, develop and extract nutrients. Comparative genomics revealed a similar cohort of peptidase inhibitors in F. hepatica and F. gigantica but a surprisingly reduced number of cathepsin peptidases genes in the F. gigantica genome assemblies. Chromosomal location of the F. gigantica genes provides new insights into the evolution of these gene families, and critical data for the future analysis and interrogation of Fasciola spp. hybrids spreading throughout the Asian and African continents.
Posttransplant Complications and Genetic Loci Involved in Telomere Maintenance in Heart Transplant Patients
Authors: Dlouha Dana , Vymetalova Jevgenija , Novakova Sarka , Huckova Pavlina , Lanska Vera , Hubacek Jaroslav Alois
Published: October 2022

Reaching critically short telomeres induces cellular senescence and ultimately cell death. Cellular senescence contributes to the loss of tissue function. We aimed to determine the association between variants within genes involved in telomere length maintenance, posttransplant events, and aortic telomere length in heart transplant patients. DNA was isolated from paired aortic samples of 383 heart recipients (age 50.7 ± 11.9 years) and corresponding donors (age 38.7 ± 12.0 years). Variants within the TERC (rs12696304), TERF2IP (rs3784929 and rs8053257), and OBCF1 (rs4387287) genes were genotyped, and telomere length was measured using qPCR. We identified similar frequencies of genotypes in heart donors and recipients. Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) was more common (p < 0.05) in carriers of at least one G allele within the TERF2IP locus (rs3784929). Chronic graft dysfunction (CGD) was associated with the TERC (rs12696304) GG donor genotype (p = 0.05). The genetic risk score did not determine posttransplant complication risk prediction. No associations between the analyzed polymorphisms and telomere length were detected in either donor or recipient DNA. In conclusion, possible associations between donor TERF2IP (rs3784929) and AMR and between TERC (rs12696304) and CGD were found. SNPs within the examined genes were not associated with telomere length in transplanted patients.
Expression Analysis and the Roles of the Sec1 Gene in Regulating the Composition of Mouse Gut Microbiota
Authors: Ren Zhanshi , Fan Hairui , Gu Shanshen , Liu Haoyu , Wu Zhengchang , Wang Haifei , Bao Wenbin , Wu Shenglong
Published: October 2022

The Sec1 gene encodes galactose 2-L-fucosyltransferase, whereas expression during development of the Sec1 gene mouse and its effect on the composition of the gut microbiota have rarely been reported. In this study, we examined Sec1 gene expression during mouse development, constructed Sec1 knockout mice, and sequenced their gut microbial composition. It was found that Sec1 was expressed at different stages of mouse development. Sec1 knockout mice have significantly higher intraperitoneal fat accumulation and body weight than wild-type mice. Analysis of gut microbial composition in Sec1 knockout mice revealed that at the phylum level, Bacteroidetes accounted for 68.8%and 68.3% of gut microbial composition in the Sec1−/− and Sec1+/+ groups, respectively, and Firmicutes accounted for 27.1% and 19.7%, respectively; while Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes were significantly higher in Sec1−/− mice than in Sec1+/+ mice (39.4% vs. 28.8%). In verucomicrobia, it was significantly higher in Sec1−/− mice than in Sec1+/+ group mice. At the family level, the dominant bacteria Prevotellaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Lacilltobacaceae were found to be significantly reduced in the gut of Sec1−/− mice among Sec1+/+ gut microbes, while Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, Helicobacteraceae, and Tannerellaceae were significantly increased. Indicator prediction also revealed the dominant bacteria Akkermansiaceae and Lactobacillaceae in Sec1+/+ gut microorganisms, while the dominant bacteria Rikenellaceae, Marinifilaceae, ClostridialesvadinBB60aceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Saccharimonadaceae, Clostridiaceae1, and Christensenellaceae in Sec1−/− group. This study revealed that the Sec1 gene was expressed in different tissues at different time periods in mice, and Sec1 knockout mice had significant weight gain, significant abdominal fat accumulation, and significant changes in gut microbial flora abundance and metabolic function, providing a theoretical basis and data support for the study of Sec1 gene function and effects on gut microbiota-related diseases.
Population Genetics of California Gray Foxes Clarify Origins of the Island Fox
Authors: Sacks Benjamin N. , Statham Mark J. , Serieys Laurel E. K. , Riley Seth P. D.
Published: October 2022

We used mitochondrial sequences and nuclear microsatellites to investigate population structure of gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the evolutionary origins of the endemic island fox (Urocyon littoralis), which first appeared in the northern Channel Islands <13,000 years ago and in the southern Channel Islands <6000 years ago. It is unclear whether island foxes evolved directly from mainland gray foxes transported to the islands one or more times or from a now-extinct mainland population, already diverged from the gray fox. Our 345 mitochondrial sequences, combined with previous data, confirmed island foxes to be monophyletic, tracing to a most recent common ancestor approximately 85,000 years ago. Our rooted nuclear DNA tree additionally indicated genome-wide monophyly of island foxes relative to western gray foxes, although we detected admixture in northern island foxes from adjacent mainland gray foxes, consistent with some historical gene flow. Southern California gray foxes also bore a genetic signature of admixture and connectivity to a desert population, consistent with partial replacement by a late-Holocene range expansion. Using our outgroup analysis to root previous nuclear sequence-based trees indicated reciprocal monophyly of northern versus southern island foxes. Results were most consistent with island fox origins through multiple introductions from a now-extirpated mainland population.
Changes Observed in Potential Key Candidate Genes of Peripheral Immunity Induced by Tai Chi among Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Yang Guang , Dong Qun , Yang Huixin , Wang Fan , Chen Linwei , Tang Junze , Huang Guoyuan , Zhao Ying
Published: October 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction. Although the inhibition of inflammation by Tai Chi has been demonstrated to involve a peripheral cytokine response and may play an important role in improving the motor function of PD patients, the related specific molecular mechanisms of the peripheral immune response to Tai Chi are not fully understood. The microarray dataset ‘GSE124676’ for the peripheral immune response to Tai Chi of PD patients was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 136 DEGs were found in the PD patients after Tai Chi, suggesting an effect of Tai Chi on the peripheral immunity of PD patients. The DEGs are mainly involved in neutrophil activation, T-cell activation, and NOD-like receptor and IL-17 signaling pathways. Furthermore, six key candidate genes (FOS, FOSB, JUNB, ZFP36, CAMP and LCN2) that are involved in peripheral inflammation and the inhibition of inflammation induced by Tai Chi were observed. The results in the present study could be conducive to comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the effect of Tai Chi on peripheral inflammation in PD patients and providing novel targets for future advanced research.
Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time in Chinese Healthy Population
Authors: Zhang Fan , Mu Guangyan , Liu Zhiyan , Xie Qiufen , Zhang Hanxu , Zhou Shuang , Wang Zhe , Hu Kun , Wang Zining , Zhao Xia , Cui Yimin , Xiang Qian
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gene polymorphisms on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in a healthy Chinese population. (2) Methods: A total of 403 healthy volunteers from a series of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) bioequivalence trials in China were included. Coagulation tests for PT and APTT were performed in the central lab at Peking University First Hospital. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and genome-wide association analysis were performed. (3) Results: In the correlation analysis of PT, 105 SNPs from 84 genes reached the genome-wide significance threshold (p < 1 × 10−5). Zinc Finger Protein 594 (ZNF594) rs184838268 (p = 4.50 × 10−19) was most significantly related to PT, and Actinin Alpha 1 (ACTN1) was found to interact most with other candidate genes. Significant associations with previously reported candidate genes Aurora Kinase B (AURKB), Complement C5(C5), Clock Circadian Regulator (CLOCK), and Histone Deacetylase 9(HDAC9) were detected in our dataset (p < 1 × 10−5). PiggyBac Transposable Element Derived 2(PGBD2) rs75935520 (p = 4.49 × 10−6), Bromodomain Adjacent To Zinc Finger Domain 2A(BAZ2A) rs199970765 (p = 5.69 × 10−6) and Protogenin (PRTG) rs80064850 (p = 8.69 × 10−6) were significantly correlated with APTT (p < 1 × 10−5). The heritability values of PT and APTT were 0.83 and 0.64, respectively; (4) Conclusion: The PT and APTT of healthy populations are affected by genetic polymorphisms. ZNF594 and ACTN1 variants could be novel genetic markers of PT, while PRTG polymorphisms might be associated with APTT levels. The findings could be attributed to ethnic differences, and need further investigation.
The Emerging Role of MicroRNAs and Autophagy Mechanism in Pancreatic Cancer Progression: Future Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Koustas Evangelos , Trifylli Eleni-Myrto , Sarantis Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Papanikolopoulos Konstantinos , Aloizos Georgios , Damaskos Christos , Garmpis Nikolaos , Garmpi Anna , Karamouzis Michalis V.
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic cancer constitutes the fourth most frequent cause of death due to malignancy in the US. Despite the new therapeutic modalities, the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is considered a difficult task for clinicians due to the fact that is usually diagnosed in already advanced stages and it is relatively resistant to the current chemotherapeutic agents. The molecular background analysis of pancreatic malignant tumors, which includes various epigenetic and genetic alterations, opens new horizons for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The interplay between miRNAs, autophagy pathway, and pancreatic carcinogenesis is in the spotlight of the current research. There is strong evidence that miRNAs take part in carcinogenesis either as tumor inhibitors that combat the oncogene expression or as promoters (oncomiRs) by acting as oncogenes by interfering with various cell functions such as proliferation, programmed cell death, and metabolic and signaling pathways. Deregulation of the expression levels of various miRNAs is closely associated with tumor growth, progression, and dissemination, as well as low sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Similarly, autophagy despite constituting a pivotal homeostatic mechanism for cell survival has a binary role in PDAC, either as an inhibitor or promoter of carcinogenesis. The emerging role of miRNAs in autophagy gets a great deal of attention as it opens new opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the management of this aggressive and chemoresistant malignancy. In this review, we will shed light on the interplay between miRNAs and the autophagy mechanism for pancreatic cancer development and progression.
Molecular Epidemiology in Amerindians of the Brazilian Amazon Reveals New Genetic Variants in DNA Repair Genes
Authors: Cohen-Paes Amanda de Nazaré , de Alcântara Angélica Leite , Moreira Fabiano Cordeiro , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Pantoja Karla Beatriz Cardias Cereja , Carvalho Darlen Cardoso de , Guerreiro João Farias , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea , Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista dos , Assumpção Paulo Pimentel de , Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro dos
Published: October 2022

Native American populations from the Brazilian Amazon have a low genetic diversity and a different genetic profile when compared to people from other continents. Despite this, few studies have been conducted in this group, and there is no description of their genetic data in the various currently existent international databases. The characterization of the genomic profile of a population not only has an impact in studies of population genetics, but also helps to advance diagnostic and therapeutic response studies, leading to the optimization of clinical applicability. Genetic variations in DNA repair genes have been associated with the modulation of susceptibility to various pathologies, as well as in their prognosis and therapy. This is the first study to investigate DNA repair genes in Amerindians from the Brazilian Amazon region. We investigated 13 important DNA repair genes in the exome of 63 Native Americans, comparing our results with those found in 5 continental populations, whose data are available in the Genome Aggregation Database. Our results showed that 57 variants already described in literature were differentially distributed in the Amerindian populations in relation to the continental populations, 7 of which have significant clinical relevance. In addition, 9 new variants were described, suggesting that they are unique to these populations. Our study reinforces the understanding that the Amazonian Native American population presents a unique genetic profile, and our findings may collaborate with the creation of public policies that optimize the quality of life of these groups as well as the Brazilian population, which presents a high degree of interethnic mixing with Amerindian groups.
Expression and Variations in EPAS1 Associated with Oxygen Metabolism in Sheep
Authors: Xi Qiming , Zhao Fangfang , Hu Jiang , Wang Jiqing , Liu Xiu , Dang Pengju , Luo Yuzhu , Li Shaobin
Published: October 2022

Endothelial PAS domain protein 1 gene (EPAS1) is a member of the HIF gene family. This gene encodes a transcription factor subunit that is involved in the induction of oxygen-regulated genes. Several studies have demonstrated that a mutation in EPAS1 could affect oxygen sensing, polycythemia, and hemoglobin level. However, whether EPAS1 mutation affects sheep oxygen metabolism is still unknown. Therefore, we explored the relationship between the variation of EPAS1 and oxygen metabolism in sheep. In this study, variations in ovine EPAS1 exon 15 were investigated in 332 Tibetan sheep and 339 Hu sheep by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. In addition, we studied the effect of these variations on blood gas in 176 Tibetan sheep and 231 Hu sheep. Finally, the mRNA expression of EPAS1 in six tissues of Hu sheep and Tibetan sheep living at different altitudes (2500 m, 3500 m, and 4500 m) was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Four alleles (A, B, C, and D) were detected, and their distributions highly differed between Tibetan sheep and Hu sheep. In Tibetan sheep, B was the dominant allele, and C and D alleles were rare, whereas all four alleles were common in Hu sheep. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified between the four alleles and one of them was non-synonymous (p.F606L). While studying the blood gas levels in Tibetan sheep and Hu sheep, one variant region was found to be associated with an elevated pO2 and sO2, which suggested that variations in EPAS1 are associated with oxygen metabolism in sheep. RT-qPCR results showed that EPAS1 was expressed in the six tissues of Hu sheep and Tibetan sheep at different altitudes. In addition, the expression of EPAS1 in four tissues (heart, liver, spleen, and longissimus dorsi muscle) of Hu sheep was lower than that in Tibetan sheep from three different altitudes, and the expression of EPAS1 was positively correlated with the altitude. These results indicate that the variations and expression of EPAS1 is closely related to oxygen metabolism.
Different Mechanisms Cause Hypomethylation of Both H19 and KCNQ1OT1 Imprinted Differentially Methylated Regions in Two Cases of Silver–Russell Syndrome Spectrum
Authors: Passaretti Francesco , Pignata Laura , Vitiello Giuseppina , Alesi Viola , D’Elia Gemma , Cecere Francesco , Acquaviva Fabio , De Brasi Daniele , Novelli Antonio , Riccio Andrea , Iolascon Achille , Cerrato Flavia
Published: October 2022

Silver–Russell syndrome is an imprinting disorder characterised by pre- and post-natal growth retardation and several heterogeneous molecular defects affecting different human genomic loci. In the majority of cases, the molecular defect is the loss of methylation (LOM) of the H19/IGF2 differentially methylated region (DMR, also known as IC1) at the telomeric domain of the 11p15.5 imprinted genes cluster, which causes the altered expression of the growth controlling genes, IGF2 and H19. Very rarely, the LOM also affects the KCNQ1OT1 DMR (also known as IC2) at the centromeric domain, resulting in an SRS phenotype by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we report on two cases with SRS features and a LOM of either IC1 and IC2. In one case, this rare and complex epimutation was secondary to a de novo mosaic in cis maternal duplication, involving the entire telomeric 11p15.5 domain and part of the centromeric domain but lacking CDKN1C. In the second case, neither the no 11p15.5 copy number variant nor the maternal-effect subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) variant were found to be associated with the epimutation, suggesting that it arose as a primary event. Our findings further add to the complexity of the molecular genetics of SRS and indicate how the LOM in both 11p15.5 DMRs may result from different molecular mechanisms.
Comparative Analysis of Molecular RFLP and SNP Markers in Assessing and Understanding the Genetic Diversity of Various Chicken Breeds
Authors: Dementieva Natalia V. , Shcherbakov Yuri S. , Tyshchenko Valentina I. , Terletsky Valeriy P. , Vakhrameev Anatoly B. , Nikolaeva Olga A. , Ryabova Anna E. , Azovtseva Anastasiia I. , Mitrofanova Olga V. , Peglivanyan Grigoriy K. , Reinbah Natalia R. , Griffin Darren K. , Romanov Michael N.
Published: October 2022

Monitoring the genetic diversity of small populations is important with respect to conserving rare and valuable chicken breeds, as well as discovery and innovation in germplasm research and application. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), the molecular markers that underlie multilocus DNA fingerprinting (MLDF), have historically been employed for this purpose, but over the past two decades, there has been an irreversible shift toward high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of archived MLDF results and new data from whole-genome SNP genotyping (SNPg) among 18 divergently selected breeds representing a large sample of the world gene pool. As a result, we obtained data that fit the general concept of the phylogenetic distribution of the studied breeds and compared them with RFLP and SNP markers. RFLPs were found to be useful markers for retrospective assessment of changes in the genetic architecture and variability underlying the phenotypic variation in chicken populations, especially when samples from previous generations used for MLDF are unavailable for SNPg. These results can facilitate further research necessary to assess the possibility of extrapolating previous MLDF results to study the long-term dynamics of genetic diversity in various small chicken germplasm populations over time. In general, the whole-genome characterization of populations and breeds by multiple SNP loci will further form the basis for the development and implementation of genomic selection with the aim of effective use of the genetic potential of the domestic gene pool in the poultry industry.
Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activities of Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter Leaf and Stem-Bark Extracts
Authors: Adu Oluwatosin Temilade , Naidoo Yougasphree , Lin Johnson , Adu Temitope Samson , Sivaram Venkataramegowda , Dewir Yaser Hassan , El-Banna Antar Nasr
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical components, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial effects of Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter leaves and stem bark. The extracts were obtained using different media (methanol, chloroform, and hexane). The DPPH and FRAP methods were used to assess the antioxidant activity and the Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to determine the total phenolic contents of the crude extracts. The antimicrobial effects of the extracts against five pathogenic bacteria were determined using the MIC, MBC, and agar-well diffusion methods. Flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols were identified in the D. villosa extracts. The mean concentrations of the methanolic leaf and stem-bark extracts against DPPH providing 50% inhibition were 9.53 ± 0.25 μg·mL−1 and 9.52 ± 0.30 μg·mL−1, respectively. In addition, the total phenolic content within the test range of concentrations was found to be 28.45 ± 0.50 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g of sample extract [mg·g−1 (GAE)] (methanolic leaf extract) and 4.88 ± 0.36 mg·g−1 (GAE) (methanolic stem-bark extract). The methanolic leaf extracts further showed promising antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones of 18.0 ± 0.58, 23.5 ± 0.58, 20.0 ± 0.88, and 17.0 ± 2.0 mm, respectively which were comparable to the control (gentamicin and streptomycin). The results suggest that bioactive compounds are abundant in D. villosa leaves and stem bark and could serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants as well as an antibacterial agent for the treatment of pathogenic bacterial infections.
Volatile Compounds and Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Bud and Needle Extracts from Three Populations of Pinus mugo Turra Growing in Romania
Authors: Popescu Diana Ionela (Stegarus) , Lengyel Ecaterina , Apostolescu Florian George , Soare Liliana Cristina , Botoran Oana Romina , Șuțan Nicoleta Anca
Published: October 2022

Pinus mugo Turra is a shrub-like conifer with multiple healing properties. P. mugo extracts are rich in active ingredients such as volatile compounds, tannin, higher alcohols, vitamins, and minerals. In this study, we identified and quantified the secondary metabolites from buds and needles of P. mugo harvested from three different mountain areas in Romania. The main volatile compounds contained in the extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and the most significant were pinene, germacrene, limonene, and caryophyllene. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was in the range of 46.77 ± 0.3 and 77.99 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g and the total flavonoid content (TFC) 24.90 ± 0.1 and 54.78 ± 0.3 mg QE/g. The content of ascorbic acid ranged between 12.21 mg/100 g and 27.34 mg/100 g, concentrations that are recommended for natural sources of ascorbic acid. Moderate antimicrobial activity on yeasts and molds was not dependent on plant origin. By highlighting the rich content of active compounds, and moderate antioxidant and antifungal activity, this study is an argument for the beneficial use of P. mugo bud and needle extracts, regardless of the habitat of origin on the Romanian territory, in the fields of medicine and the food industry or in the implementation of eco-friendly practices.
Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccination in People Living with HIV: A Public Health Fundamental Tool for the Protection of Patients and the Correct Management of Infection
Authors: Facciolà Alessio , D’Amato Smeralda , Calimeri Sebastiano , Giudice Daniela Lo , Micali Cristina , Russotto Ylenia , Venanzi Rullo Emmanuele , Nunnari Giuseppe , Squeri Raffaele , Pellicanò Giovanni Francesco
Published: October 2022

HIV/AIDS is considered a risk factor for increased mortality due to COVID-19. For this reason, it is essential to include this population in vaccination campaigns. Studies found that antibodies are lower in HIV+ patients than in healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the immune response in a cohort of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccination in order to evaluate the role played by the HIV infection in the efficacy of this vaccine. We carried out a cross-sectional study in the period April-September 2021, involving a cohort of PLWH and a cohort of HIV-uninfected people as the control group. The efficacy of vaccination was high in both groups despite a slight and not significant difference between them. However, important differences were found according to the intensity of the immune response. Specifically, while in the HIV+ group almost a quarter of people had a low response, it is important to remark that the control group had only a high or intermediate response after vaccination. Our results suggest the high efficacy of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in PLWH and the importance to vaccinate against COVID-19 in these patients in order to increase their protection.
Interethnic Influencing Factors Regarding Buttocks Body Image in Women from Nigeria, Germany, USA and Japan
Authors: Wallner Christoph , Kruber Svenja , Adebayo Sulaiman Olanrewaju , Ayandele Olusola , Namatame Hikari , Olonisakin Tosin Tunrayo , O. Olapegba Peter , Sawamiya Yoko , Suzuki Tomohiro , Yamamiya Yuko , Wagner Maximilian Johannes , Drysch Marius , Lehnhardt Marcus , Behr Björn
Published: October 2022

Background: Body image research deals a lot with awareness of the body as an entity. Studies that consider individual anatomical aspects and place them in an intercultural context are rarely present. Methods: For this purpose, general data, body perception and judgment of body images from 2163 (48% female and 52% male) participants from Germany, Nigeria, the USA and Japan were evaluated as part of a survey. Results: There were clear differences in the personal body image of the participants’ own buttocks, the buttocks as a beauty ideal and the way in which dissatisfaction was dealt with in different countries. In addition to sexual well-being (importance score: 0.405 a.u.), the country of origin (0.353), media consumption (0.042) and one’s own weight (0.069) were also identified as influencing factors for satisfaction with one’s own buttocks. A clear evolution could be derived regarding a WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) of well below 0.7, which was consistently favored by the participants but also propagated by influencers through images (p < 0.001). In this context, participants who indicated celebrities as role models for the buttocks showed a correspondingly high level of dissatisfaction with their own buttocks (R = −0.207, p < 0.001, ρ = −0.218). Conclusion: Overall, a highly significant correlation was shown between the consumption frequency of Instagram, TikTok and pornography with the negative perception of women’s own buttocks.
Toxic Habits and Well-Being Measures in Spanish Healthcare University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zapata Irene , Maté-Muñoz José Luis , Higueras Alfonso , Hernández-Lougedo Juan , Martín-Fidalgo Natalia , García-Fernández Pablo , Redondo-Vega María Victoria , Ruiz-Tovar Jaime
Published: October 2022

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles are strongly entrenched in healthcare universities and have sometimes been linked to stress or lack of sleep. This study investigated the prevalence of toxic habits (smoking, patterns of harmful alcohol use, and illicit drug use), stress levels, perceived health status, and sleep duration and assessed the connections between toxic habits and said well-being measures, as well as healthcare students’ perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these health-related behaviors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, healthcare students from Alfonso X University (Spain) completed a health survey composed of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), self-perceived health status, and the number of hours of sleep. Results: A total of 997 healthcare students completed the survey, of which 982 were analyzed. Being a smoker (32.2%) was associated with worse health status and insufficient sleep. Risk drinkers (33.2%) were associated with being female, and the consumption of cannabinoids (6.7%), with being male. These three toxic habits were related to each other. High levels of stress (28.2%) were correlated with worse ratings in the perception of health status (29.2%) and with insufficient sleep (45.8%), and all of them were associated with the female sex. Respectively, 49.3% and 44.2% of students recognized a worsening in their perception of stress and their sleep habits during the pandemic. Conclusion: Healthcare universities must carry out health promotion programs for stress management, sleep habits, and unhealthy lifestyles.