bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Intermittent Fasting, Probiotic-Fermented Camel Milk, and Probiotic-Fermented Camel Milk Incorporating Sukkari Date on Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats
Authors: Aljutaily Thamer , Rehan Medhat , Moustafa Mahmoud M. A. , Barakat Hassan
Published: November 2022

Obesity causes metabolic syndrome disorders that are detrimental to health. The current study examined the effects of intermittent fasting (IF), fermented camel milk (FCM), and fermented camel milk incorporating 10% Sukkari date (FCM-D) on weight loss, blood profile, and antioxidant status in obese rats for 6 weeks. Subsequently, leptin and adiponectin levels and histopathological examination of adipose tissue were carried out. Results showed that IF with FCM or FCM-D decreased body weight by 0.92 and −5.45%, respectively. IF alone lowered non-fasting blood glucose (NFBG) and fasting blood glucose FBG after 6 weeks, whereas adding FCM or FCM-D reduced NFBG after 4 weeks. Intermittently fasting obese rats given FCM or FCM-D had the lowest blood glucose levels (BGL). The hypolipidemic effects of IF, FCM, and FCM-D on obese rats reduced triglycerides (TG), cholesterols (CHO), and their derivatives. FCM-D with IF presented a superior effect on lipid profile. A reduction rate of 40, 37, 66, and 40% for TG, CHO, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-c), respectively, and an increase in HDL-C by 34% were noticed. Reductions of 40, 37, 66, and 40% for TG, CHO, LDL-c, and VLDL-c, respectively, and a 34% rise in high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) were noted. Combining IF with FCM or FCM-D lowered the atherogenic index (AI) by 42% and 59%, respectively. Remarkably, treating rats with FCM+IF or FCM-D+IF effectively attenuated leptin and adiponectin levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased in a type-dependent manner. Implementing FCM-D or FCM with IF significantly attenuated reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), MDA, and catalase (CAT) levels. The most efficient treatment was giving FCM-D with IF. Histopathologically, adipocyte lipolysis increases free fatty acids (FFAs) and promotes inflammation. Only IF+FCM-D indicated no histopathological alteration except for a few focal areas of a few inflammatory cell infiltrations in the parenchyma. In conclusion, combining IF and Probiotic-FCM or Probiotic-FCM-D effectively accelerated weight loss, attenuated metabolic markers, and reversed histopathological alterations. Thus, IF combined with Probiotic-FCM or Probiotic-FCM-D is highly recommended for weight loss, strengthening antioxidative status, and preventing health disorders.
Effect of Homo-Fermentative Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculants on Fermentation Characteristics and Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Alfalfa Silage
Authors: Li Yanbing , da Silva E. B. , Li Jingchun , Kung L.
Published: November 2022

We evaluated the effects of a homo-fermentative lactic acid bacteria (homo-LAB) inoculant on the fermentation and microbial communities of alfalfa ensiled at two dry matter (DM) contents of 38 and 46% DM. At both DMs, alfalfa was treated or not with an inoculant containing Pediococcus acidilactici, Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus plantarum at a targeted application rate of 165,000 cfu/g of fresh weight and stored for 3, 30 and 60 days. Treatment with the inoculant resulted in a lower drop in pH and, in general, higher lactic acid and lower acetic acid when applied to medium DM silage. For the four most abundant microbial genera, increased abundances of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus (p < 0.05), as well as decreased abundances of Muribaculaceae were observed in high DM and inoculated silages. The abundance of Prevotellaceae-UCG-001 was lower in medium DM control silages than in high DM control silages. Inoculation and DM affected abundances of Vishniacozyma (p < 0.05). Increased abundances of Vishniacozyma, as well as decreased abundances of Leucosporidium were observed in medium DM-inoculated silages. Changes in the relative abundance (RA) of the main populations of bacteria and yeasts did explain the fermentation and nutrition differences among treatments.
Investigation of Novel Piecewise Fractional Mathematical Model for COVID-19
Authors: Alazman Ibtehal , Alkahtani Badr Saad T.
Published: November 2022

The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) began in Wuhan, China, and spread all around the globe. For analysis of the said outbreak, mathematical formulations are important techniques that are used for the stability and predictions of infectious diseases. In the given article, a novel mathematical system of differential equations is considered under the piecewise fractional operator of Caputo and Atangana–Baleanu. The system is composed of six ordinary differential equations (ODEs) for different agents. The given model investigated the transferring chain by taking non-constant rates of transmission to satisfy the feasibility assumption of the biological environment. There are many mathematical models proposed by many scientists. The existence of a solution along with the uniqueness of a solution in the format of a piecewise Caputo operator is also developed. The numerical technique of the Newton interpolation method is developed for the piecewise subinterval approximate solution for each quantity in the sense of Caputo and Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo (ABC) fractional derivatives. The numerical simulation is drawn against the available data of Pakistan on three different time intervals, and fractional orders converge to the classical integer orders, which again converge to their equilibrium points. The piecewise fractional format in the form of a mathematical model is investigated for the novel COVID-19 model, showing the crossover dynamics. Stability and convergence are achieved on small fractional orders in less time as compared to classical orders.
Polyvinylidene Fluoride Aerogels with Tailorable Crystalline Phase Composition
Authors: Torres-Rodriguez Jorge , E. Bedolla Diana , D’Amico Francesco , Koopmann Ann-Kathrin , Vaccari Lisa , Saccomano Giulia , Kohns Richard , Huesing Nicola
Published: November 2022

In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) aerogels with a tailorable phase composition were prepared by following the crystallization-induced gelation principle. A series of PVDF wet gels (5 to 12 wt.%) were prepared from either PVDF–DMF solutions or a mixture of DMF and ethanol as non-solvent. The effects of the non-solvent concentration on the crystalline composition of the PVDF aerogels were thoroughly investigated. It was found that the nucleating role of ethanol can be adjusted to produce low-density PVDF aerogels, whereas the changes in composition by the addition of small amounts of water to the solution promote the stabilization of the valuable β and γ phases. These phases of the aerogels were monitored by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. Furthermore, the crystallization process was followed by in-time and in situ ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. The obtained aerogels displayed specific surface areas > 150 m2 g−1, with variable particle morphologies that are dependent on the non-solvent composition, as observed by using SEM and Synchrotron Radiation Computed micro-Tomography (SR-μCT).
Reading Performances of Illness Scripts, Clinical Authority, and Narrative Self-Care in Samuel Beckett’s Malone Dies and Jérôme Lambert’s Chambre Simple
Authors: Joshi Swati , Jeantils Claire
Published: November 2022

Malone Dies (1956) by Samuel Beckett and Chambre simple (2018) by Jérôme Lambert present the narratives of precarity in the clinical setting, wherein the clinical caregivers view the suffering of the patients as a spectacle and chart out pre(script)ions and pro(script)ions for them. Both novels open on a note of uncertainty. This paper examines the narratives of fear and anxiety of the institutionalized patients (probably) in the mental asylum in Malone Dies and the public hospital in Chambre simple. The caregivers in both novels represent the voice of medical authority who focus on cure rather than care, providing their patients food and medications or conducting tests. Hence, Malone and le Patient are compelled to develop artistic coping mechanisms of self-care, reclaiming the ownership of the self. In Malone Dies, the abatement of in-person care and the fear of spending time in isolation before death motivates Malone to devise the narratives. Malone is the sole performer and spectator of his performance of patienthood. Similarly, le Patient chooses the position of the spectator, thus turning upside down the “spectacle” of the epilepsy script, where the patient is viewed as the performer of catharsis by the clinical audience. Here, the lens of performance studies helps us understand clinical caregivers’ emphasis on preparing an illness script that governs Malone and le Patient’s script of narrative self-care. We argue that caregivers’ expectations pressurize patients with chronic conditions to implement forms of artistic self-care in clinical settings.
Polyphenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) and Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) Fruit Extracts from Serbia
Authors: Katanić Stanković Jelena S. , Mićanović Nenad , Grozdanić Nadja , Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Gašić Uroš , Stanojković Tatjana , Popović-Djordjević Jelena B.
Published: November 2022

Plant-based food represents an excellent source of different nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, vitamins, etc., with proven health benefits for humans. The content of selected phytochemicals, polyphenolic profile, and biological activity (antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity) of fruit extracts of medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.), and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), the neglected Rosaceae species originated from Serbia were studied. Targeted UHPLC/(−)HESI–MS/MS quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds revealed pinocembrin only in medlar fruit extract, and it is the first report of this flavanone in medlar fruits. Total phenolic content did not differ between extracts, whereas significant differences were observed for the contents of total flavonoids, total phenolic acids, and total gallotannins. Monomeric anthocyanins and total anthocyanins were significantly higher in blackthorn compared to medlar and hawthorn fruit extracts (p < 0.05). DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging activities for examined fruits were modest compared to other natural antioxidants and BHT. The most potent inhibitory activity toward α-glucosidase expressed medlar and blackthorn extracts with IC50 values of 129.46 and 199.84 μg/mL, respectively, which was higher compared to the standard drug acarbose.
Prevalence and Correlates of Weight Stigma among Postpartum Women in China
Authors: Sun Mei , Peng Jiayuan , Lommel Lisa
Published: November 2022

Weight stigma is linked to a variety of psychological and health problems. In the postpartum period, women may be more likely to experience weight-based discrimination because of their changing social roles, weight, and the new functions their bodies fulfill. However, few studies have explored the issue of postpartum women’s weight stigma. Thus, to investigate the prevalence and correlates of weight stigma for postpartum women in China, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 507 postpartum women. Results showed that almost one quarter (21.1%) of postpartum women claimed to have experienced perceived weight stigma (PWS). Two thirds (66.1%) scored at the mean and 14.8% at the highest levels of weight bias internalization (WBI). During the postnatal period, the conditions of those most likely to report experiences of weight-based discrimination included low income [b = −0.203, p = 0.004], occupation as a worker [b = 0.921, p = 0.017] or farmer [b = 0.826, p = 0.033], stress [b = 0.044, p = 0.035], depression [b = 0.057, p = 0.021], and higher WBIS [b = 0.018, p = 0.002]. In addition, postpartum women who lived alone [b = 7.511, p = 0.048], were overweight or obese [b = 5.443, p = 0.000], and had higher PWS [b = 0.897, p = 0.004] and anxiety symptoms [b = 0.219, p = 0.011] had higher levels of internalized weight stigma. Findings from this study provide a foundation to better understand characteristics of postpartum women in China who are at risk for weight stigma.
Effectiveness of Smart Applications of Oral Hygiene Instructions on Periodontal Health Compared to Oral Information: A Prospective Study
Authors: Alasmari Dhafer , Alkhalaf Mazen Sulaiman , Alqahtani Saeed Maeed , Alqhtani Nasser Raqe , Alqahtani Abdullah Saad , Gufran Khalid , Alotaibi Yasser Khaled
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, smartphone applications are widely used in different areas of life, including medical science. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a smartphone application of oral hygiene instructions (OHI) on periodontal health compared to the traditional chairside OHI. All the participants (n = 39) were divided into two groups: control group and test group. Participants of the control group were given verbal OHI and participants of the test group were asked to use a smartphone application to upkeep their oral habits. The gingival index (GI) and Quigley–Hein Turesky modification index (QHTMI) were used for scoring the plaque accumulation at baseline and after one month of the periodontal treatment. A paired t-test and an independent t-test were performed to compare the mean of GI and QHTMI between intra-group and inter-group, respectively. The paired t-test showed significant differences in GI and QHTMI improvement after one month in both groups. Moreover, the independent t-test showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, the test group showed a lower mean score in GI and QHTMI assessments compared to the control group. Smartphone applications in oral health applications did not exhibit any superiority in periodontal health over the traditional OHI method in the current study.
Study of the Deep Processes of COVID-19 in Russia: Finding Ways to Identify Preventive Measures
Authors: Anyutin Alexander P. , Khodykina Tatiana M. , Akimova Ekaterina I. , Belova Elena V. , Shashina Ekaterina A. , Shcherbakov Denis V. , Makarova Valentina V. , Zabroda Nadezhda N. , Klimova Anna A. , Ermakova Nina A. , Isiutina-Fedotkova Tatiana S. , Zhernov Yury V. , Polibin Roman V. , Mitrokhin Oleg V.
Published: November 2022

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge impact on all areas of human life. Since the risk of biological threats will persist in the future, it is very important to ensure mobilization readiness for a prompt response to the possible emergence of epidemics of infectious diseases. Therefore, from both a theoretical and practical standpoint, it is currently necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the COVID-19 epidemic. The goal of this research is to investigate the underlying processes that led to the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia and to identify ways to improve preventive measures and ensure mobilization readiness for a quick response to potential COVID-19-like pandemics. This research will analyze the daily dynamics of the number of infection cases and the number of new lethal cases of COVID-19. We analyzed the daily number of new cases of COVID-19 infection N(d), the daily number of new lethal cases L(d), their percentage ratio L(d)/N(d) 100% in Russia for 2 years of the pandemic (from the beginning of the pandemic to 23 March 2022), the rate of increase and decrease of these indicators (dN(d)/dd and dL(d)/dd), as well as their spectra created on the basis of wavelet analysis. Wavelet analysis of the deep structure of the N(d) and L(d) wavelet spectra made it possible to identify the presence of internal cycles, the study of which makes it possible to predict the presence of days with the maximum number of infections and new deaths in a pandemic similar to COVID-19 and outline ways and methods for improving preventive measures and measures to ensure mobilization readiness for a rapid response to the potential emergence of pandemics similar to COVID-19.
Cervical Microbiome in Women Infected with HPV16 and High-Risk HPVs
Authors: Sasivimolrattana Thanayod , Chantratita Wasun , Sensorn Insee , Chaiwongkot Arkom , Oranratanaphan Shina , Bhattarakosol Pattarasinee , Bhattarakosol Parvapan
Published: November 2022

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) and/or high-risk (Hr-) HPV are the main causes of cervical cancer. Another element that may contribute to the development of cervical cancer is the microbiota. To date, no study has investigated the entire cervical microbiome, which consists of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In this study, cervical samples with different histopathology (CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3), with or without HPV16 and Hr-HPVs infection, were enrolled. From bacterial community analysis, 115 bacterial species were found and separated into 2 distinct categories based on Lactobacillus abundance: Lactobacilli-dominated (LD) and non-Lactobacilli-dominated (NLD) groups. The LD group had significantly less bacterial diversity than the NLD group. In addition, the variety of bacteria was contingent on the prevalence of HPV infection. Among distinct histological groups, an abundance of L. iners (>60% of total Lactobacillus spp.) was discovered in both groups. A few fungi, e.g., C. albicans, were identified in the fungal community. The viral community analysis revealed that the presence of HPV considerably reduced the diversity of human viruses. Taken together, when we analyzed all our results collectively, we discovered that HPV infection was a significant determinant in the diversity of bacteria and human viruses in the cervix.
Validity of the Baiobit Inertial Measurements Unit for the Assessment of Vertical Double- and Single-Leg Countermovement Jumps in Athletes
Authors: Camuncoli Federica , Barni Luca , Nutarelli Sebastiano , Rocchi Jacopo Emanuele , Barcillesi Matteo , Di Dio Irene , Sambruni Andrea , Galli Manuela
Published: November 2022

Jump tests are simple, quick to execute, and considered the most reliable tool to measure lower extremities power and explosiveness in athletes. Wearable inertial sensors allow the assessment of jumping performance on any surface. The validity of inertial sensors measurements is a pivotal prerequisite to reliably implement their utilization in the clinical practice. Twenty-seven athletes (20 M/7 F, age: 27 ± 7 years old) performed five double-leg countermovement jumps (CMJs) and three single-leg CMJs per side with their hands on their hips. Jump height was measured/computed simultaneously with the optoelectronic system, force platforms, and the Baiobit inertial sensor system. The athletes completed the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). When comparing the methods (Baiobit vs. force platforms), a non-statistically significant bias of 1.8 cm was found for two-leg CMJs and −0.6 cm for single-leg CMJs. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) was “excellent” for double-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.89–0.94) and “good” for single-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85–0.91). When comparing the methods (Baiobit vs. force platforms + optoelectronic system), a non-statistically significant bias of −0.9 cm was found for two-leg CMJs and −1.2 cm for single-leg CMJs. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was “good” for both double-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.73–0.85) and for single-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.80–0.89). Baiobit tends to overestimate double- and single-leg CMJ height measurements; however, it can be recommended in the world of rehabilitation and sport analysis.
The Accuracy of a Screening Tool in Epidemiological Studies—An Example of Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Paediatric Asthma
Authors: Barański Kamil , Schlünssen Vivi
Published: November 2022

Diagnostic tests are widely used in medicine, especially in the clinical setting. The doctor’s decision regarding the treatment process is mostly based on the result of the diagnostic test. The value of the test is expressed by its accuracy. It is easier to verify the accuracy of a diagnostic test in a clinical setting in comparison to an epidemiological setting. Moreover, a very good test may not work in epidemiological settings in the same effective way as in a clinical setting, especially because the accuracy is affected by the prevalence of the disease. The aim of the study is to assess the accuracy of FeNO measurement in different respiratory disorders or symptoms, including their prevalence, in a childhood population. The secondary aim is to suggest the optimal FeNO cut-off for epidemiological screening for respiratory diseases and symptoms. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 447 children (50.8% boys and 49.2% girls) aged 6–9 years. An adapted version of the ISAAC questionnaire was used for the assessment of the respiratory status. FeNO was measured with an electrochemical device (Niox Mino) according to ERS/ATS recommendations. For interpretation, the FeNO cut-off values of 20 parts per billion (ppb), 25 ppb and 35 ppb were applied taking the real-life prevalence of the disease or symptoms into consideration and also for simulated prevalences of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% for the interpretation of the accuracy of the test. The accuracy was calculated according to the following formula: Accuracy = (Prevalence) (Sensitivity) + (1- Prevalence) (Specificity). The area under the curve was calculated based on logistic regression. Results: For all respiratory outcomes, FeNO accuracy decreased with increasing prevalence, and in general the area under the curve (AUC) was low. The highest FeNO accuracy was found for any asthma diagnosis (with possible coexisting diseases/symptoms), i.e., 78.6%, 92.8% and 88.5% for FeNO cut-offs >19 ppb, >24 ppb and >34 ppb, respectively. The AUC was 0.628. For the same FeNO cut-offs, the accuracy of an asthma diagnosis without any coexisting diseases and symptoms was 81.2%, 87.5%, 92.9%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.757. Conclusion: FeNO accuracy decreases with increasing prevalence of the respiratory disease and symptoms. The best accuracy for the FeNO cut-off in the screening of asthma for epidemiological purposes is 35 ppb. For isolated asthma, the best accuracy for FeNO was 92.9%.
Evaluation of the Effect of Cariprazine on Memory and Cognition in Experimental Rodent Models
Authors: Zlatanova Hristina Ivanova , Georgieva-Kotetarova Maria Todorova , Vilmosh Natalia Borisova , Kandilarov Ilin Kostadinov
Published: November 2022

The main symptoms of schizophrenia are categorized as positive, negative, and cognitive. Cognitive impairments do not generally respond to antipsychotics. Cariprazine is a novel antipsychotic conceived with the idea that high affinity for D3 receptors may elicit a favorable response in the management of cognitive deficits. We evaluated the pro-cognitive properties of 14-day long pre-treatment with cariprazine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally) in experimental rodent models with scopolamine-induced memory impairment employing novel object recognition test (NORT), T-maze, Y-maze, and passive avoidance tasks (step-through and step-down). Statistical analysis was performed with One Way ANOVA. In NORT cariprazine increased the recognition index. In T-maze and Y-maze cariprazine increased the working memory index as well as the percentage of spontaneous alternation. Cariprazine improved learning and memory in both short-term and long-term memory retention tests in step-down and step-through tasks. Cariprazine improves learning, recognition, and spatial memory in rats with scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Cariprazine’s beneficial effect on cognition is likely due to its affinity for D3 receptors, as well as agonism at 5-HT1A receptors. Most probably, the cognitive-enhancing properties of cariprazine are the result of integrated modulation in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
Can Sports Practice in Childhood and Adolescence Be Associated with Higher Intensities of Physical Activity in Adult Life? A Retrospective Study in Community-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Silva Gabriela C. , Tebar William R. , Lemes Italo R. , Sasaki Jeffer E. , Mota Jorge , Ritti-Dias Raphael M. , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos M. , Christofaro Diego G. D.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Investigating the determinants of physical activity (PA) is an important strategy for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, mainly with PA of a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, which provides several health benefits in adulthood. In this sense, it is not clear whether early sports practice (ESP) during childhood and adolescence could be associated with the habitual practice of PA of higher intensities in adulthood. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association of ESP in childhood and adolescence with different intensities of habitual PA in adulthood. Methods: A sample of 264 community-dwelling adults were randomly selected (42.2 ± 17.0 years, 57.5% of women). ESP during childhood and adolescence was evaluated using retrospective questions. Weekly minutes of PA were assessed using accelerometry and classified according to intensity as light, moderate, moderate-to-vigorous, vigorous and very vigorous. The association of ESP with a high level of PA (above median) in each intensity was analyzed using binary regression models. Results: The prevalence of ESP was 42.8% in childhood and 49.2% in adolescence. ESP in childhood was associated with a high level of very vigorous (OR: 2.48, p < 0.001) and vigorous PA (OR: 2.91, p < 0.001) in adulthood, but lost significance after adjustments by sex and age. ESP in adolescence was associated with a high level of very vigorous PA (OR: 1.99, p = 0.013) in the crude model and vigorous PA (OR: 2.21, p = 0.006), even after adjustments by age, sex and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Engagement in sports practice during adolescence was associated with high levels of vigorous PA in adulthood and is an important period for healthy lifestyle promotion.
Aquatic Exercise on Brain Activity in Type 2 Diabetic: Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gonçalves Guilherme Cândido Viana , Santos Adriana Teresa Silva , Calixto Júnior Ruanito , Dias Miqueline Pivoto Faria , Iunes Denise Hollanda , Chaves Erika de Cássia Lopes , Marino Ligia de Sousa , Borges Juliana Bassalobre Carvalho , Silva Vilela Terra Andréia Maria
Published: November 2022

Background: A water-based physical exercise program is extremely important for the rehabilitation of type 2 diabetes. Little is known about its action on cerebral electrical activity. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a water-based physical exercise protocol on electroencephalographic activity, blood glucose levels, and functional capacity, as well as their correlation, in type 2 diabetics. Methods: Study design: Randomized Clinical Trial. Forty volunteers were randomized into two groups: control (n = 20) and study (n = 20). A water-based physical exercise program comprising 50 min sessions was conducted three times a week for five weeks. Assessments were performed at the pre- and post-intervention and follow-up phases. The qualitative data were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Chi-Square. Quantitative data were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis, Independent t, and ANOVA mixed tests. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to correlate the data. Results: The data were similar when comparing the groups. Six-minute walk test data increased in the comparison between times (p = 0.01—PrexPos). EEG data decreased in comparison between times (prexfollow-up—p < 0.05), except AF3. EEG data decreased in the timexgroup comparison (prexfollow-up and postxfollow-up—p < 0.05). Conclusions: The water-based exercise protocol maintained electroencephalographic activity, glucose levels, and functional capacity in people with type 2 diabetes, and there was no relationship between brain electrical activity and capillary blood glucose.
Acceptance of Online Mapping Technology among Older Adults: Technology Acceptance Model with Facilitating Condition, Compatibility, and Self-Satisfaction
Authors: Man Siu Shing , Guo Yingqian , Chan Alan Hoi Shou , Zhuang Huiping
Published: November 2022

The benefits of traveling for older adults are extensively supported in the literature. Online mapping technology (OMT) is one of the most widely used applications by people during traveling. This study aimed to obtain insight into the acceptance of OMT among older adults. Additionally, an OMT acceptance model for older adults was developed in this study by integrating facilitating condition (FC), compatibility (COM), and self-satisfaction (SS) into the technology acceptance model (TAM). In this study, structural equation modeling was applied to the test of the OMT acceptance model. This study adopted a cross-sectional structured questionnaire survey for collecting quantitative data from older adults in China. Four hundred and sixteen Chinese older adults were involved in this survey. This study found that TAM was useful to explain the OMT acceptance among older adults. Additionally, FC was confirmed to be a positive factor in determining the perceived ease of use, while COM and SS were found to positively influence perceived usefulness. The results of this study are helpful for OMT developers to design OMT and adopt measures to enhance the use of OMT among older adults, thereby increasing their travel frequency.
Nanomaterials in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Brero Francesca , Gallo Salvatore
Published: November 2022

Currently, the most commonly used treatments for cancer are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy [...]
A Novel Mechanism of Immunoproteasome Regulation via miR-369-3p in Intestinal Inflammatory Response
Authors: Scalavino Viviana , Piccinno Emanuele , Valentini Anna , Mastronardi Mauro , Armentano Raffaele , Giannelli Gianluigi , Serino Grazia
Published: November 2022

The immunoproteasome is a multi-catalytic protein complex expressed in hematopoietic cells. Increased expression of immuno-subunits followed by increased proteasome activities is associated with the pathogenesis of IBD. Therefore, the identification of molecules that could inhibit the activities of this complex has been widely studied. microRNAs are small molecules of non-coding RNA that regulate the expression of target genes. Our purpose was to demonstrate that miR-369-3p is able to reduce the expression of the PSMB9 subunit and consequently modulate the catalytic activities of immunoproteasome. After bioinformatics prediction of the gene target of miR-369-3p, we validated its modulation on PSMB9 expression in the RAW264.7 cell line in vitro. We also found that miR-369-3p indirectly reduced the expression of other immunoproteasome subunits and that this regulation reduced the catalytic functions of the immunoproteasome. Increased levels of PSMB9 were observed in colon samples of acute IBD patients compared to the remission IBD group and control group. Our data suggest that miR-369-3p may be a future alternative therapeutic approach to several compounds currently used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders including IBD.
Potential of Heterogeneous Compounds as Antidepressants: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hu Gonghui , Zhang Meng , Wang Yuyang , Yu Ming , Zhou Yu
Published: November 2022

Depression is a globally widespread disorder caused by a complicated interplay of social, psychological, and biological factors. Approximately 280 million people are suffering from depression worldwide. Traditional frontline antidepressants targeting monoamine neurotransmitters show unsatisfactory effects. The development and application of novel antidepressants for dissimilar targets are on the agenda. This review characterizes the antidepressant effects of multiple endogenous compounds and/or their targets to provide new insight into the working mechanism of antidepressants. We also discuss perspectives and challenges for the generation of novel antidepressants.
Influence of Sex and Strain on Hepatic and Adipose Tissue Trace Element Concentrations and Gene Expression in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J High Fat Diet Models
Authors: Hagarty-Waite Kristen A. , Totten Melissa S. , Pierce Matthew , Armah Seth M. , Erikson Keith M.
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of sex and strain on the dysregulation of trace element concentration and associative gene expression due to diet induced obesity in adipose tissue and the liver. Male and female C57BL/6J (B6J) and DBA/2J (D2J) were randomly assigned to a normal-fat diet (NFD) containing 10% kcal fat/g or a mineral-matched high-fat diet (HFD) containing 60% kcal fat/g for 16 weeks. Liver and adipose tissue were assessed for copper, iron, manganese, and zinc concentrations and related changes in gene expression. Notable findings include three-way interactions of diet, sex, and strain amongst adipose tissue iron concentrations (p = 0.005), adipose hepcidin expression (p = 0.007), and hepatic iron regulatory protein (IRP) expression (p = 0.012). Cd11c to Cd163 ratio was increased in adipose tissue due to HFD amongst all biological groups except B6J females, for which tissue iron concentrations were reduced due to HFD (p = 0.002). Liver divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT-1) expression was increased due to HFD amongst B6J males (p < 0.005) and females (p < 0.004), which coincides with the reduction in hepatic iron concentrations found in these biological groups (p < 0.001). Sex, strain, and diet affected trace element concentration, the expression of genes that regulate trace element homeostasis, and the expression of macrophages that contribute to tissue iron-handling in adipose tissue. These findings suggest that sex and strain may be key factors that influence the adaptive capacity of iron mismanagement in adipose tissue and its subsequent consequences, such as insulin resistance.
TFG-β Nuclear Staining as a Potential Relapse Risk Factor in Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cárdenas-Quesada Nuria , Díaz-Beltrán Leticia , Rosa-Garrido Carmen , Márquez-Lobo Bélgica , Sabio-González Adela , Luque-Barona Rafael J. , Núñez María Isabel , Sánchez-Rovira Pedro
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, the impact of the tumor-immune microenvironment (TME) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis and treatment response remains unclear. Thus, we evaluated the expression of PD-L1, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in NSCLC to identify differences in TME, detect possible new prognostic factors, and assess their relationship. We retrospectively analyzed 55 samples from patients who underwent NSCLC surgery and had over a 5-year follow-up. PD-L1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry following standard techniques. The presence of TILs was evaluated at low magnification and classified into two categories, “intense” and “non-intense”. Cytoplasmic TGF-β staining visualization was divided into four categories, and unequivocal nuclear staining in >1% of viable tumor cells was defined as “present” or “absent”. Our aim was to identify differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Tumor stage was the only objective prognostic factor for OS. PD-L1 expression and the presence of TILs had no prognostic impact, neither their combination. There seems to be a lower expression of PD-L1 and a higher expression of TILs in early stages of the disease. Our TGF-β nuclear staining analysis was promising, since it was associated with worse DFS, revealing this protein as a possible prognostic biomarker of recurrence for resectable NSCLC.
Revealing Differential Expression of Phytohormones in Sorghum in Response to Aphid Attack Using the Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Huang Jian , Shrestha Kumar , Huang Yinghua
Published: November 2022

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an important multipurpose crop grown worldwide, but like many other crops, it is often threatened by insect pests. Sugarcane aphid (SCA, Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner), for example, is one of the most severe pests in sorghum, which causes plant damage and yield loss. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of phytohormones on host plant resistance to aphid attack. Two sorghum genotypes, BTx623 (susceptible) and Tx2783 (resistant), were selected for a comparative analysis of differential expression of a group of phytohormones in response to aphid infestation. The quantification of phytohormones through LC-MS demonstrated higher levels of jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and auxins in the resistant genotype infested with SCA. The PCA plot supports the strong differential responses between resistant and susceptible genotypes, indicating a positive correlation between JA and ABA and a negative correlation between SA and auxins. Similarly, RT-PCR results of the phytohormones-related marker genes showed higher expression in the resistant genotype compared to the susceptible one. Furthermore, to corroborate the role of phytohormones in plant defense, the susceptible genotype was treated with SA, JA, and ABA. The exogenous application of SA and JA + ABA significantly reduced plant mortality, aphid number, and damage in the susceptible genotype, suggesting a strong correlation between phytohormones and plant survival. Our findings indicate that phytohormones play positive roles in plant defense against aphids and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms operating in plants for self-protection. These findings could also stimulate further research into the mystery about the regulation of phytohormone production during plant interaction with aphids.
The Role of the Exonic lncRNA PRKDC-210 in Transcription Regulation
Authors: Mo Junling , Fan Guangyao , Tsukahara Toshifumi , Sakari Matomo
Published: November 2022

In recent years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received increasing attention and have been reported to be associated with various genetic abnormalities. However, the functions of many lncRNAs, including those of long exonic noncoding RNAs (lencRNAs), have not yet been elucidated. Here, we used a novel tethering luciferase assay to analyze the transcriptional regulatory functions of five lencRNAs that are upregulated in cancer. We found that the lencRNA PRKDC-210 interacts with MED12, a component of the CDK8 complex, to regulate the transcription of several genes. The transcriptional activation ability of PRKDC-210 was abolished in siRNA-treated CDK8-depleted cells. We also confirmed the enrichment of PRKDC-210 on RNA polymerase II. RNA-seq analysis of cells in which PRKDC-210 or PRKDC mRNA was knocked down using antisense oligonucleotides revealed that PRKDC-210 can affect the expression levels of genes related to fatty acid metabolism. Finally, we used a ChIRP assay to examine PRKDC-210-enriched sites in the genome. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the lencRNA PRKDC-210 promotes transcription through the CDK8 complex pathway at the transcription initiation site. We propose that PRKDC-210 can affect the transcription of adjacent genes after its transcription and splicing.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Recurrent and Unresectable Bone Sarcomas
Authors: Albarrán Víctor , Villamayor María Luisa , Chamorro Jesús , Rosero Diana Isabel , Pozas Javier , San Román María , Calvo Juan Carlos , Pérez de Aguado Patricia , Moreno Jaime , Guerrero Patricia , González Carlos , García de Quevedo Coral , Álvarez-Ballesteros Pablo , Vaz María Ángeles
Published: November 2022

Bone sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors with a predominance in the young population. Few options of systemic treatment are available once they become unresectable and resistant to conventional chemotherapy. A better knowledge of the key role that tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR, RET, MET, AXL, PDGFR, KIT, FGFR, IGF-1R) may play in the pathogenesis of these tumors has led to the development of multi-target inhibitors (TKIs) that are progressively being incorporated into our therapeutic arsenal. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone tumor and several TKIs have demonstrated clinical benefit in phase II clinical trials (cabozantinib, regorafenib, apatinib, sorafenib, and lenvatinib). Although the development of TKIs for other primary bone tumors is less advanced, preclinical data and early trials have begun to show their potential benefit in advanced Ewing sarcoma (ES) and rarer bone tumors (chondrosarcoma, chordoma, giant cell tumor of bone, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma). Previous reviews have mainly provided information on TKIs for OS and ES. We aim to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the use of TKIs in all bone sarcomas including the most recent studies as well as the potential synergistic effects of their combination with other systemic therapies.
Electrochemical Biosensor Designed to Distinguish Tetracyclines Derivatives by ssDNA Aptamer Labelled with Ferrocene
Authors: Malecka-Baturo Kamila , Zaganiaris Apostolos , Grabowska Iwona , Kurzątkowska-Adaszyńska Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

Controlling food safety and preventing the growing spread of antibiotics into food products have been challenging problems for the protection of human health. Hence, the development of easy-to-use, fast, and sensitive analytical methods for the detection of antibiotics in food products has become one of the priorities in the food industry. In this paper, an electrochemical platform based on the ssDNA aptamer for the selective detection of tetracycline has been proposed. The aptasensor is based on a thiolated aptamer, labelled with ferrocene, which has been covalently co-immobilized onto a gold electrode surface with 6-mercaptohexan-1-ol. The changes in the redox activity of ferrocene observed on the aptamer–antibiotics interactions have been the basis of analytical signal generation registered by square-wave voltammetry. Furthermore, the detection of tetracycline-spiked cow milk samples has been successfully demonstrated. The limits of detection (LODs) have been obtained of 0.16 nM and 0.20 nM in the buffer and spiked cow milk, respectively, which exceed the maximum residue level (225 nM) more than 1000 times. The proposed aptasensor offers high selectivity for tetracycline against other structurally related tetracycline derivatives. The developed biosensor characterized by simplicity, a low detection limit, and high reliability shows practical potential for the detection of tetracycline in animal-origin milk.
Functional Characterization of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Soluble FcγR Homolog in Response to Bacterial Infection
Authors: Wu Jing , Ma Yanping , Nie Yifan , Wang Jingya , Feng Guoqing , Hao Le , Huang Wen , Li Yugu , Liu Zhenxing
Published: November 2022

Fc receptors (FcRs) are key players in antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) with their specific recognition of the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin. Despite reports of FcγR-mediated phagocytosis in mammals, little is known about the effects of soluble FcγRs on the immune response. In this study, FcγRIα was cloned from the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (MsFcγRIα). Without a transmembrane segment or a cytoplasmic tail, MsFcγRIα was identified as a soluble form protein and widely distributed in the spleen, head kidney, and intestine. The native MsFcγRIα was detected in the serum of Nocardia seriolae-infected largemouth bass and the supernatants of transfected HEK293 cells. Additionally, it was verified that the transfected cells’ surface secreted MsFcRIα could bind to largemouth bass IgM. Moreover, the expression changes of MsFcγRIα, Syk, and Lyn indicated that MsFcγRIα was engaged in the acute phase response to bacteria, and the FcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway was activated by Nocardia seriolae stimulation. Furthermore, recombinant MsFcγRIα could enhance both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phagocytosis to Nocardia seriolae of leukocytes, presumably through the interaction of MsFcγRIα with a complement receptor. In conclusion, these findings provided a better understanding of the function of soluble FcγRs in the immune response and further shed light on the mechanism of phagocytosis in teleosts.
Synthesis of Radioiodinated Compounds. Classical Approaches and Achievements of Recent Years
Authors: Petrov Stanislav A. , Yusubov Mekhman S. , Beloglazkina Elena K. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: November 2022

This review demonstrates the progress in the synthesis of radioiodinated compounds over the past decade. The possibilities and limitations of radiopharmaceuticals with different iodine isotopes, as well as the synthesis of low and high molecular weight compounds containing radioiodine, are discussed. An analysis of synthesis strategies, substrate frameworks, isolation methods, and metabolic stability, and the possibility of industrial production of radioiodinated organic derivatives which can find applications in the synthesis of drugs and diagnostics are presented.
Transcriptome Alterations Caused by Social Defeat Stress of Various Durations in Mice and Its Relevance to Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Humans: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Reshetnikov Vasiliy V. , Kisaretova Polina E. , Bondar Natalia P.
Published: November 2022

The research on molecular causes of stress-associated psychopathologies is becoming highly important because the number of people with depression, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) is steadily increasing every year. Investigation of molecular mechanisms in animal models opens up broad prospects for researchers, but relevant molecular signatures can differ significantly between patients and animal models. In our work, we for the first time carried out a meta-analysis of transcriptome changes in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6 mice after 10 and 30 days of social defeat stress (SDS). We then examined possible correlations of these alterations with transcriptome changes found in post-mortem samples from patients with depression or PTSD. Although transcriptional signatures of human psychiatric disorders and SDS did not overlap substantially, our results allowed us to identify the most reproducible changes seen after SDS of various durations. In addition, we were able to identify the genes involved in susceptibility to SDS after 10 days of stress. Taken together, these data help us to elucidate the molecular changes induced by SDS depending on its duration as well as their relevance to the alterations found in depression or PTSD in humans.
Serum Immunoglobulin G Is a Marker of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease Severity
Authors: Mintoff Dillon , Borg Isabella , Pace Nikolai P.
Published: November 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that is brought about by autoinflammation and hyperkeratosis at the pilosebaceous unit. The clinical severity of HS can be measured using static (Hurley Severity Scoring (HSS)) and/or dynamic (International HS Severity Scoring System (IHS4)) severity scoring instruments. However, few clinically available serological parameters have been found to correlate with disease severity. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, M and A levels as biomarkers of disease severity and to compare them with other, more conventional inflammatory indices, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, the platelet–lymphocyte ratio and the systemic immune-inflammation index. In this cross-sectional study, patients were recruited from the only dermatology referral centre in Malta, Europe, and subjected to clinical examination and the assessment of inflammatory and immunologic parameters. Serum IgG, M and A levels were assessed using the Atellica® NEPH 630 System (SIEMENS-Healthineers AF, Erlangen, Germany) nephelometric analyser. Serum IgG, M and A levels correlate with both dynamic and static HS severity scoring systems. Serum IgG behaves as a marker of severe HS disease as categorised by HSS and the IHS4. Our findings suggest that the serum IgG level can be used in the clinical setting as a biomarker of disease severity and, therefore, as an adjunct to clinical severity scoring.