bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Pomace by Conventional and Pressurized Liquid Extraction and Assessment Their Bioactivity in Human Cell Cultures
Authors: Pukalskienė Milda , Pukalskas Audrius , Dienaitė Lijana , Revinytė Simona , Pereira Carolina V. , Matias Ana A. , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas
Published: August 2021

Pressing strawberries for juice generates large amounts of pomace, containing valuable nutrients and therefore requiring more systematic studies for their valorization. This study compared conventional solid-liquid (SLE) and pressurized liquid (PLE) extractions with ethanol (EtOH) and H2O for the recovery of bioactive compounds from strawberry pomace. The composition and bioactivities of the products obtained were evaluated. Among 15 identified compounds, quercetin-3-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-glucuronide, tiliroside, ellagic, malic, succinic, citric and p-coumaric acids were the most abundant constituents in strawberry pomace extracts. SLE-EtOH and PLE-H2O extracts possessed strong antioxidant capacity in DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Cytotoxicity, antiproliferative and cellular antioxidant activities in human cells of PLE-EtOH and PLE-H2O extracts were also evaluated. PLE-EtOH and PLE-H2O extracts possessed strong antioxidant activity, protecting Caco-2 cells upon stress stimuli, while PLE-EtOH extract showed higher antiproliferative activity with no cytotoxicity associated. In general, the results obtained revealed that properly selected biorefining schemes enable obtaining from strawberry pomace high nutritional value functional ingredients for foods and nutraceuticals.
Use of Oleogels to Replace Margarine in Steamed and Baked Buns
Authors: Bascuas Santiago , Morell Pere , Quiles Amparo , Salvador Ana , Hernando Isabel
Published: August 2021

Bakery products are usually formulated with solid fats, like margarines and shortenings, which contain high levels of saturated and trans-fatty acids and have negative effects on human health. In this study, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and xanthan gum (XG) were used as oleogelators to prepare oleogels, using sunflower and olive oil, as substitutes for margarine in baked or steamed buns. The effect of oleogels on the physical properties of the buns was evaluated by analyzing the crumb structure, specific volume, height, and texture. In addition, a triangular discriminatory sensory test was conducted, and lipid digestibility was assessed through in vitro digestion studies. Replacement of margarine with oleogels produced steamed buns with no differences in the crumb structure, volume, height, and texture; however, in baked buns, a less porous and harder structure was produced. No differences in texture were observed between the margarine buns and buns made with oleogels when the triangular test was conducted. The extent of lipolysis was not affected when margarine was replaced by oleogels in the baked and steamed buns. The results suggest that using oleogels instead of margarine in buns could represent an interesting strategy to prepare healthier bakery products.
Preparation of Liposomes from Soy Lecithin Using Liquefied Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Kanda Hideki , Katsube Tsubasa , Wahyudiono  , Goto Motonobu
Published: August 2021

We investigated a method to prepare liposomes; soy lecithin was dissolved in liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) at 0.56 MPa, which was then injected into warm water. Liposomes can be successfully prepared at warm water temperatures above 45 °C. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the obtained liposomes, size distribution, ζ-potential measurements by dynamic light scattering and the amount of residual medium were compared by gas chromatography using the conventional medium, diethyl ether. The size of the obtained liposomes was approximately 60–300 nm and the ζ-potential was approximately −57 mV, which was almost the same as that of the conventional medium. Additionally, for the conventional media, a large amount remained in the liposome dispersion even after removal by depressurization and dialysis membrane treatment; however, liquefied DME, owing to its considerably low boiling point, was completely removed by depressurization. Liquefied DME is a very attractive medium for the preparation of liposomes because it does not have the toxicity and residue problems of conventional solvents or the hazards of ethanol addition and high pressure of supercritical carbon dioxide; it is also environmentally friendly.
Genetic Variation in the ASTN2 Locus in Cardiovascular, Metabolic and Psychiatric Traits: Evidence for Pleiotropy Rather Than Shared Biology
Authors: Burt Olivia , Johnston Keira J. A. , Graham Nicholas , Cullen Breda , Lyall Donald M. , Lyall Laura M. , Pell Jill P. , Ward Joey , Smith Daniel J. , Strawbridge Rona J.
Published: August 2021

Background: The link between cardiometabolic and psychiatric illness has long been attributed to human behaviour, however recent research highlights shared biological mechanisms. The ASTN2 locus has been previously implicated in psychiatric and cardiometabolic traits, therefore this study aimed to systematically investigate the genetic architecture of ASTN2 in relation to a wide range of relevant traits. Methods: Baseline questionnaire, assessment and genetic data of 402111 unrelated white British ancestry individuals from the UK Biobank was analysed. Genetic association analyses were conducted using PLINK 1.07, assuming an additive genetic model and adjusting for age, sex, genotyping chip, and population structure. Conditional analyses and linkage disequilibrium assessment were used to determine whether cardiometabolic and psychiatric signals were independent. Results: Associations between genetic variants in the ASTN2 locus and blood pressure, total and central obesity, neuroticism, anhedonia and mood instability were identified. All analyses support the independence of the cardiometabolic traits from the psychiatric traits. In silico analyses provide support for the central obesity signal acting through ASTN2, however most of the other signals are likely acting through other genes in the locus. Conclusions: Our systematic analysis demonstrates that ASTN2 has pleiotropic effects on cardiometabolic and psychiatric traits, rather than contributing to shared pathology.
The March 2021 Damasi Earthquake Sequence, Central Greece: Reactivation Evidence across the Westward Propagating Tyrnavos Graben
Authors: Koukouvelas Ioannis K. , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos G. , Kyriou Aggeliki , Caputo Riccardo , Belesis Alexandros , Zygouri Vasiliki , Verroios Sotirios , Apostolopoulos Dionysios , Tsentzos Ioannis
Published: August 2021

On 3 March 2021, a strong shallow earthquake affected northern Thessaly, Greece, with an epicenter close to Damasi village causing significant destruction of many stone houses. In this contribution, we provide fieldwork observations, satellite radar interferometry, mapping of the active faults exposed in the epicentral area, liquefactions and coseismic surface ruptures, and preliminary geomorphological analyses of the epicentral area. The geomorphological analysis is based on air photographs, digital surface models analysis, Real-Time Kinematik (RTK) measurements with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, and data from UAV flight campaigns. Although the seismotectonic setting of the area is complex and there is an apparent mismatch between field and interferometric data, the results of our investigations suggest that at least three fault segments were reactivated by the major shocks of the March seismic sequence. These tectonic structureslikely represent the westward propagation of the Tyrnavos Graben, where newly formed and inherited low-angle faults interplay in a complex manner.
Gender-Related Differences in Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Vascular Calcification Risk and Potential Risk Mediators: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wu Patrick Yihong , Lee Szu-Ying , Chang Ke-Vin , Chao Chia-Ter , Huang Jenq-Wen
Published: August 2021

Vascular calcification (VC) involves the deposition of calcium apatite in vascular intima or media. Individuals of advanced age, having diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly at risk. The pathogenesis of CKD-associated VC evolves considerably. The core driver is the phenotypic change involving vascular wall constituent cells toward manifestations similar to that undergone by osteoblasts. Gender-related differences are observed regarding the expressions of osteogenesis-regulating effectors, and presumably the prevalence/risk of CKD-associated VC exhibits gender-related differences as well. Despite the wealth of data focusing on gender-related differences in the risk of atherosclerosis, few report whether gender modifies the risk of VC, especially CKD-associated cases. We systematically identified studies of CKD-associated VC or its regulators/modifiers reporting data about gender distributions, and extracted results from 167 articles. A significantly higher risk of CKD-associated VC was observed in males among the majority of original investigations. However, substantial heterogeneity exists, since multiple large-scale studies yielded neutral findings. Differences in gender-related VC risk may result from variations in VC assessment methods, the anatomical segments of interest, study sample size, and even the ethnic origins of participants. From a biological perspective, plausible mediators of gender-related VC differences include body composition discrepancies, alterations involving lipid profiles, inflammatory severity, diversities in matrix Gla protein (MGP), soluble Klotho, vitamin D, sclerostin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and osteoprotegerin levels. Based on our findings, it may be inappropriate to monotonously assume that male patients with CKD are at risk of VC compared to females, and we should consider more background in context before result interpretation.
The Role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Cardiovascular and Diabetes Healthcare: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rashidi Amineh , Whitehead Lisa , Newson Lisa , Astin Felicity , Gill Paramjit , Lane Deirdre A. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Neubeck Lis , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R. , Walthall Helen , Jones Ian D.
Published: August 2021

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an adapted form of cognitive behavioural therapy. ACT focuses on how thinking affects behaviour and promotes psychological flexibility. The prevalence of psychological distress among people living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is high, and ACT may offer an alternative treatment approach. This scoping review explored the use of ACT as an intervention to support adults living with CVD and/or T2DM. A systematic search of the literature resulted in the inclusion of 15 studies. Studies were reviewed using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach to conducting scoping reviews. Most studies (n = 13) related to people living with T2DM, and most (n = 10) used a pre-post design, four studies were randomised controlled trials, and one was a qualitative study. Eight studies reported an improvement in the outcome(s) assessed post-intervention, suggesting that ACT was an acceptable and valid intervention to support people living with CVD or T2DM. However, studies were underpowered and only limited studies involved people living with CVD. ACT was assessed as a valuable approach to improve a range of patient-reported outcomes for those living with CVD or T2DM, and further research involving robust study designs and larger cohorts are warranted.
Effect of Outdoor Sports Participants on Leisure Facilitation, Recreation Specialization, and Leisure Satisfaction: Yacht and Golf Participants
Authors: Kwon Young-Hoon , Cheung Young-Kyu , Ahn Byoung-Wook
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate leisure satisfaction among outdoor sports participants in golf and yachting. Influence was also measured of recreation specialization on leisure satisfaction, and the effect of the relationship between leisure facilitation and leisure satisfaction on golf and yacht participation was investigated as well. Frequency, reliability, confirmatory, and correlation analysis, as well as structural equation modeling results, indicate that leisure facilitation had no influence on outdoor sports participants’ recreation specialization. Leisure facilitation had a positive influence on leisure satisfaction among the golf and yachting participants, and their recreation specialization had a positive influence on their leisure satisfaction. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are addressed, specifically the constraints that the disease has imposed on outdoor sports and leisure, and strategies are presented for addressing these constraints and promoting outdoor sports participation.
Determinant Factors in Personal Decision-Making to Adopt COVID-19 Prevention Measures in Chile
Authors: Gonzalez Karina Fernanda , Bull Maria Teresa , Muñoz-Herrera Sebastian , Robledo Luis Felipe
Published: August 2021

The pandemic has challenged countries to develop stringent measures to reduce infections and keep the population healthy. However, the greatest challenge is understanding the process of adopting self-care measures by individuals in different countries. In this research, we sought to understand the behavior of individuals who take self-protective action. We selected the risk homeostasis approach to identify relevant variables associated with the risk of contagion and the Protective Action Decision Model to understand protective decision-making in the pandemic. Subsequently, we conducted an exploratory survey to identify whether the same factors, as indicated in the literature, impact Chile’s adoption of prevention measures. The variables gender, age, and trust in authority behave similarly to those found in the literature. However, socioeconomic level, education, and media do not impact the protection behaviors adopted to avoid contagion. Furthermore, the application of the Protective Action Decision Model is adequate to understand the protective measures in the case of a pandemic. Finally, women have a higher risk perception and adopt more protective measures, and in contrast, young people between 18 and 30 years of age are the least concerned about COVID-19 infection.
Drooling, Swallowing Difficulties and Health Related Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Arboleda-Montealegre Gladis Yohana , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Sanchez-Camarero Carlos , Ortega-Santiago Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor and nonmotor symptoms. Drooling, one of the nonmotor symptoms, can be present in 70–80% of patients with PD. The aim of this paper is to study the characteristics of PD patients with drooling compared to those without in terms of age, gender, disease duration, stage of the disease, swallowing difficulties, and health-related quality of life; methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample was divided into two groups: PD with drooling (n = 32) and PD without drooling (n = 30). Age, gender, disease duration and Hoehn & Yahr (H & Y) stage, Sialorrhea Clinical Scale for Parkinson’s Disease (SCS-PD), the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), and the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) were compared between groups; Results: 62 individuals with PD, 40 men and 22 women (mean age 73 ± 8 years), were included. Overall, 32 patients reported drooling, and 30 did not exhibit it. The ANCOVA found significant differences between groups for the EAT-10 score (0.83, 95% CI = 5.62–9.03; p = 0.016) and SCS-PD score (1.48, 95% CI = 0.86–6.81; p < 0.001). Analysis of the PDQ-39 scores revealed no significant differences between groups for the PDQ-39 total score (p > 0.057) and in all subscales. The inclusion of gender, age, disease duration, and H & Y as covariates did not influence the results (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: drooling is related to swallowing difficulties assessed with EAT-10 but not with health-related quality of life assessed with PDQ-39 in PD patients with drooling compared to PD patients without it. Age, gender, duration of the disease, and the H & Y state of PD patients with and without drooling seem to be similar.
Anxiety Levels Predict Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women Undergoing Oral Bisphosphonates: A Two-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Martino Gabriella , Bellone Federica , Vicario Carmelo M. , Gaudio Agostino , Caputo Andrea , Corica Francesco , Squadrito Giovanni , Schwarz Peter , Morabito Nunziata , Catalano Antonino
Published: August 2021

Clinical psychological factors may predict medical diseases. Anxiety level has been associated with osteoporosis, but its role on bone mineral density (BMD) change is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between anxiety levels and both adherence and treatment response to oral bisphosphonates (BPs) in postmenopausal osteoporosis. BMD and anxiety levels were evaluated trough dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), respectively. Participants received weekly medication with alendronate or risedronate and were grouped according to the HAM-A scores into tertiles (HAM-A 3 > HAM-A 2 > HAM-A 1). After 24 months, BMD changes were different among the HAM-A tertiles. The median lumbar BMD change was significantly greater in both the HAM-A 2 and HAM-A 3 in comparison with the HAM-A 1. The same trend was observed for femoral BMD change. Adherence to BPs was >75% in 68% of patients in the HAM-A 1, 79% of patients in the HAM-A 2, and 89% of patients in the HAM-A 3 (p = 0.0014). After correcting for age, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and the 10-yr. probability of osteoporotic fractures, anxiety levels independently predicted lumbar BMD change (β = 0.3417, SE 0.145, p = 0.02). In conclusion, women with higher anxiety levels reported greater BMD improvement, highlighting that anxiety was associated with adherence and response to osteoporosis medical treatment, although further research on this topic is needed.
Does Informal Education Training Increase Awareness of Anaphylaxis among Students of Medicine? Before-After Survey Study
Authors: Leszkowicz Julia , Pieńkowska Agata , Nazar Wojciech , Bogdan Eliza , Kwaka Natalia , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna
Published: August 2021

Allergies are among the most common chronic diseases in Europe. The most serious complication is anaphylactic shock. Most cases occur outside the hospital; thus, knowledge of symptoms and first aid is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of anaphylaxis and the ability to use adrenaline auto-injectors among medical students, and to determine an improvement after training based on non-formal education. The research was conducted among 364 medicine students (years 1–5) from the Medical University of Gdańsk, with year-specific curriculum-based general medical knowledge. Training consisted of pre-test, practical training and post-test. Descriptive statistics were used to reveal the characteristics of students from different grades. A Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. The tested students did not have sufficient knowledge to provide first aid in cases of anaphylaxis before training. There was an increase in knowledge (on average, 28.6%, p = 0.005) after training. Almost all (99.4%) of the respondents believed that they would be able to use an adrenaline auto-injector in case of emergency after the training. The training based on non-formal education was effective. The use of the subject-performed task method helped students to remember the stages of action in stressful situations.
Returning to Sport: Female Athletes Living with and beyond Cancer
Authors: Schwartz Anna L. , Terry Christopher M.
Published: August 2021

Many athletes living with and beyond cancer can continue to train and, in some cases, compete during treatment. Following cancer treatment, athletes can return to competitive sport but need to learn to adapt their physical strength and training to the lingering effects of cancer. It is critical for oncology healthcare providers to use the principles of assess, refer and advise to exercise oncology programs that are appropriate for the individual. Managing side effects of treatment is key to being able to train during and immediately following cancer treatment. Keen attention to fatigue is important at any point in the cancer spectrum to avoid overtraining and optimize the effects of training. Resources are introduced for providers to reference and direct patients to information for psychosocial support and instruction. The purpose of this paper is to present exercise considerations during and after cancer treatment for athletic cancer survivors.
In Their Own Words: Parents and Key Informants’ Views on Nutrition Education and Family Health Behaviors
Authors: McManus Katherine E. , Bertrand Adrian , Snelling Anastasia M. , Cotter Elizabeth W.
Published: August 2021

Parents, health professionals, and communities are integral in the development of nutrition behaviors that reduce children’s risk for high body mass index (BMI) and chronic disease. The aim of this study was to conduct formative evaluations with key health informants and parents to understand the specific strategies that families use at mealtimes to promote their family’s health, along with the barriers they face in attending current nutrition education programming. Focus groups (in English and Spanish) were conducted with parents (n = 22; 63.64% Black/African American, 13.64% Black but not African American, 18.18% Hispanic/Latinx) whose household was located in a community where 50% of residents’ gross income was ≤185% of the federal poverty level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six key informants with expertise in family health and nutrition. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes across interviews. Six general themes emerged from the interviews including perceptions of health, relationships, health behaviors, facilitators, barriers, and desired changes. Across the six themes, participants responded with suggestions for community-based health promotion programs such as incorporating a broader definition of health to better address the individual and systemic barriers that perpetuate health inequities and make healthy eating difficult. Participants identified stress reduction, health literacy, and cooking knowledge as areas of interest for future programming.
Hospital Inpatient Falls across Clinical Departments
Authors: Mikos Marcin , Banas Tomasz , Czerw Aleksandra , Banas Bartłomiej , Strzępek Łukasz , Curyło Mateusz
Published: August 2021

Background: Inpatient falls are common hospital adverse events. We aimed to determine inpatient fall rates in an urban public hospital and analyzed their characteristics across clinical departments. Methods: The study was conducted in a 350-bed urban, multi-specialty public hospital in the 2013–2019 period. Patient data were retrieved from the hospital’s standardized falls reporting system. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests: chi2 and ANOVA tests with multiple comparison tests (post-hoc analysis) were used. For fall incidence estimation a joint-point regression was applied. p-value of 0.05 was considered as statistically significant for all the calculations. Results: The highest prevalence of falls was reported in the rehabilitation and internal medicine wards (1.915% and 1.181%, respectively), the lowest in the orthopedic (0.145%) and rheumatology wards (0.213%) (p < 0.001). The vast majority of falls took place in the late evening and during the night (56.711%) and were classified as bed falls (55.858%). The crude incidence rate (cIR) of falls was 6.484 per one thousand hospitalizations. In the 2013–2017 period, an increase in total cIR was observed, reaching the peak value in 2016; it was followed by a slight decline from 2017 to 2019, however, differences in changes were observed between the wards. Conclusion: Fall rates and trends as well as circumstances of inpatient falls varied significantly among clinical departments, probably due to differences in patient characteristics.
Affective and Enjoyment Responses to Sprint Interval Exercise at Different Hypoxia Levels
Authors: Kong Zhaowei , Hu Mingzhu , Sun Shengyan , Zou Liye , Shi Qingde , Jiao Yubo , Nie Jinlei
Published: August 2021

Benefits of performing sprint interval training (SIT) under hypoxic conditions on improving cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition have been well-documented, yet data is still lacking regarding affective responses to SIT under hypoxia. This study aimed to compare affective responses to SIT exercise under different oxygen conditions. Nineteen active males participated in three sessions of acute SIT exercise (20 repetitions of 6 s of all-out cycling bouts interspersed with 15 s of passive recovery) under conditions of normobaric normoxia (SL: PIO2 150 mmHg, FIO2 0.209), moderate hypoxia (MH: PIO2 117 mmHg, FIO2 0.154, simulating an altitude corresponding to 2500 m), and severe hypoxia (SH: PIO2 87 mmHg, FIO2 0.112, simulating an altitude of 5000 m) in a randomized order. Perceived exertions (RPE), affect, activation, and enjoyment responses were recorded before and immediately after each SIT session. There were no significant differences across the three conditions in RPE or the measurements of affective responses, despite a statistically lower SpO2 (%) in severe hypoxia. Participants maintained a positive affect valence and reported increased activation in all the three SIT conditions. Additionally, participants experienced a medium level of enjoyment after exercise as indicated by the exercise enjoyment scale (EES) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES). These results indicated that performing short duration SIT exercise under severe hypoxia could be perceived as pleasurable and enjoyable as performing it under normoxia in active male population.
Direct Measurement of the Affinity between tBid and Bax in a Mitochondria-Like Membrane
Authors: Rose Markus , Kurylowicz Martin , Mahmood Mohammad , Winkel Sheldon , Moran-Mirabal Jose M. , Fradin Cécile
Published: August 2021

The execution step in apoptosis is the permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, controlled by Bcl-2 family proteins. The physical interactions between the different proteins in this family and their relative abundance literally determine the fate of the cells. These interactions, however, are difficult to quantify, as they occur in a lipid membrane and involve proteins with multiple conformations and stoichiometries which can exist both in soluble and membrane. Here we focus on the interaction between two core Bcl-2 family members, the executor pore-forming protein Bax and the truncated form of the activator protein Bid (tBid), which we imaged at the single particle level in a mitochondria-like planar supported lipid bilayer. We inferred the conformation of the proteins from their mobility, and detected their transient interactions using a novel single particle cross-correlation analysis. We show that both tBid and Bax have at least two different conformations at the membrane, and that their affinity for one another increases by one order of magnitude (with a 2D-KD decreasing from ≃1.6μm−2 to ≃0.1μm−2) when they pass from their loosely membrane-associated to their transmembrane form. We conclude by proposing an updated molecular model for the activation of Bax by tBid.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction by Cobalt Protoporphyrin Ameliorates Cholestatic Liver Disease in a Xenobiotic-Induced Murine Model
Authors: Kim Jung-Yeon , Choi Yongmin , Leem Jaechan , Song Jeong Eun
Published: August 2021

Cholestatic liver diseases can progress to end-stage liver disease and reduce patients’ quality of life. Although their underlying mechanisms are still incompletely elucidated, oxidative stress is considered to be a key contributor to these diseases. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme that displays antioxidant action. It has been found that this enzyme plays a protective role against various inflammatory diseases. However, the role of HO-1 in cholestatic liver diseases has not yet been investigated. Here, we examined whether pharmacological induction of HO-1 by cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) ameliorates cholestatic liver injury. To this end, a murine model of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet feeding was used. Administration of CoPP ameliorated liver damage and cholestasis with HO-1 upregulation in DDC diet-fed mice. Induction of HO-1 by CoPP suppressed the DDC diet-induced oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis. In addition, CoPP attenuated cytokine production and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, deposition of the extracellular matrix and expression of fibrosis-related genes after DDC feeding were also decreased by CoPP. HO-1 induction decreased the number of myofibroblasts and inhibited the transforming growth factor-β pathway. Altogether, these data suggest that the pharmacological induction of HO-1 ameliorates cholestatic liver disease by suppressing oxidative stress, hepatocyte apoptosis, and inflammation.
Sources of Variability in the Response of Labeled Microspheres and B Cells during the Analysis by a Flow Cytometer
Authors: Gaigalas Adolfas K. , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Tian Linhua , Wang Lili
Published: August 2021

A stochastic model of the flow cytometer measurement process was developed to assess the nature of the observed coefficient of variation (CV%) of the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) from a population of labeled microspheres (beads). Several sources of variability were considered: the total number of labels on a bead, the path through the laser beam, the optical absorption cross-section, the quantum yield, the numerical aperture of the collection optics, and the photoelectron conversion efficiency of the photomultiplier (PMT) cathode. The variation in the number of labels on a bead had the largest effect on the CV% of the MFI of the bead population. The variation in the path of the bead through the laser beam was minimized using flat-top lasers. The variability in the average optical properties of the labels was of minor importance for beads with sufficiently large number of labels. The application of the bead results to the measured CV% of labeled B cells indicated that the measured CV% was a reliable measure of the variability of antibodies bound per cell. With some modifications, the model can be extended to multicolor flow cytometers and to the study of CV% from cells with low fluorescence signal.
Hinokitiol Exhibits Antitumor Properties through Induction of ROS-Mediated Apoptosis and p53-Driven Cell-Cycle Arrest in Endometrial Cancer Cell Lines (Ishikawa, HEC-1A, KLE)
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yuan , Cheng Wen-Pin , Chiang Yi-Fen , Hong Yong-Han , Ali Mohamed , Huang Tsui-Chin , Wang Kai-Lee , Shieh Tzong-Ming , Chang Hsin-Yi , Hsia Shih-Min
Published: August 2021

Hinokitiol is a natural tropolone derivative that is present in the heartwood of cupressaceous plants, and has been extensively investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties in the context of various diseases. To date, the effects of hinokitiol on endometrial cancer (EC) has not been explored. The purpose of our study was to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of hinokitiol on EC cells. Cell viability was determined with an MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, and the quantification of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROSs) was performed by using flow cytometry, while protein expression was measured with the Western blotting technique. Hinokitiol significantly suppressed cell proliferation through the inhibition of the expression of cell-cycle mediators, such as cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), as well as the induction of the tumor suppressor protein p53. In addition, hinokitiol increased the number of apoptotic cells and increased the protein expression of cleaved-poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and active cleaved-caspase-3, as well as the ratio of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) to B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Interestingly, except for KLE cells, hinokitiol induced autophagy by promoting the accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) and reducing the sequestosome-1 (p62/SQSTM1) protein level. Furthermore, hinokitiol triggered ROS production and upregulated the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2) in EC cells. These results demonstrate that hinokitiol has potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic benefits in the treatment of endometrial cancer cell lines (Ishikawa, HEC-1A, and KLE).
Metabolic Swifts Govern Normal and Malignant B Cell Lymphopoiesis
Authors: Poulaki Aikaterini , Giannouli Stavroula
Published: August 2021

B lymphocytes are an indispensable part of the human immune system. They are the effective mediators of adaptive immunity and memory. To accomplish specificity against an antigen, and to establish the related immunologic memory, B cells differentiate through a complicated and strenuous training program that is characterized by multiple drastic genomic modifications. In order to avoid malignant transformation, these events are tightly regulated by multiple checkpoints, the vast majority of them involving bioenergetic alterations. Despite this stringent control program, B cell malignancies are amongst the top ten most common worldwide. In an effort to better understand malignant pathobiology, in this review, we summarize the metabolic swifts that govern normal B cell lymphopoiesis. We also review the existent knowledge regarding malignant metabolism as a means to unravel new research goals and/or therapeutic targets.
The Pharmacological Profile of Second Generation Pyrovalerone Cathinones and Related Cathinone Derivative
Authors: Kolaczynska Karolina E. , Thomann Jan , Hoener Marius C. , Liechti Matthias E.
Published: August 2021

Pyrovalerone cathinones are potent psychoactive substances that possess a pyrrolidine moiety. Pyrovalerone-type novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are continuously detected but their pharmacology and toxicology are largely unknown. We assessed several pyrovalerone and related cathinone derivatives at the human norepinephrine (NET), dopamine (DAT), and serotonin (SERT) uptake transporters using HEK293 cells overexpressing each respective transporter. We examined the transporter-mediated monoamine efflux in preloaded cells. The receptor binding and activation potency was also assessed at the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors. All pyrovalerone cathinones were potent DAT (IC50 = 0.02–8.7 μM) and NET inhibitors (IC50 = 0.03–4.6 μM), and exhibited no SERT activity at concentrations < 10 μM. None of the compounds induced monoamine efflux. NEH was a potent DAT/NET inhibitor (IC50 = 0.17–0.18 μM). 4F-PBP and NEH exhibited a high selectivity for the DAT (DAT/SERT ratio = 264–356). Extension of the alkyl chain enhanced NET and DAT inhibition potency, while presence of a 3,4-methylenedioxy moiety increased SERT inhibition potency. Most compounds did not exhibit any relevant activity at other monoamine receptors. In conclusion, 4F-PBP and NEH were selective DAT/NET inhibitors indicating that these substances likely produce strong psychostimulant effects and have a high abuse liability.
Biofilms in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Impact, Risk Factors and Control Strategies
Authors: Afonso Ana C. , Oliveira Diana , Saavedra Maria José , Borges Anabela , Simões Manuel
Published: August 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication from diabetes mellitus, with a huge economic, social and psychological impact on the patients’ life. One of the main reasons why DFUs are so difficult to heal is related to the presence of biofilms. Biofilms promote wound inflammation and a remarkable lack of response to host defences/treatment options, which can lead to disease progression and chronicity. In fact, appropriate treatment for the elimination of these microbial communities can prevent the disease evolution and, in some cases, even avoid more serious outcomes, such as amputation or death. However, the detection of biofilm-associated DFUs is difficult due to the lack of methods for diagnostics in clinical settings. In this review, the current knowledge on the involvement of biofilms in DFUs is discussed, as well as how the surrounding environment influences biofilm formation and regulation, along with its clinical implications. A special focus is also given to biofilm-associated DFU diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. An overview on promising alternative therapeutics is provided and an algorithm considering biofilm detection and treatment is proposed.
Evidence for Altered Phosphoinositide Signaling-Associated Molecules in the Postmortem Prefrontal Cortex of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Kunii Yasuto , Matsumoto Junya , Izumi Ryuta , Nagaoka Atsuko , Hino Mizuki , Shishido Risa , Sainouchi Makoto , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Hashizume Yoshio , Kakita Akiyoshi , Yabe Hirooki
Published: August 2021

Phosphoinositides (PIs) play important roles in the structure and function of the brain. Associations between PIs and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia have been studied. However, the significance of the PI metabolic pathway in the pathology of schizophrenia is unknown. We examined the expression of PI signaling-associated proteins in the postmortem brain of schizophrenia patients. Protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase type-1 gamma (PIP5K1C), phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase alpha (PIK4CA, also known as PIK4A), phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN), protein kinase B (Akt), and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and multiplex fluorescent bead-based immunoassays of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of postmortem samples from 23 schizophrenia patients and 47 normal controls. We also examined the association between PIK4CA expression and its genetic variants in the same brain samples. PIK4CA expression was lower, whereas Akt expression was higher, in the PFC of schizophrenia patients than in that of controls; PIP5K1C, PTEN, and GSK3β expression was not different. No single-nucleotide polymorphism significantly affected protein expression. We identified molecules involved in the pathology of schizophrenia via this lipid metabolic pathway. These results suggest that PIK4CA is involved in the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and is a potential novel therapeutic target.
Polyphenol Containing Sorghum Brans Exhibit an Anti-Cancer Effect in Apc Min/+ Mice Treated with Dextran Sodium Sulfate
Authors: Lee Seong-Ho , Lee Hee-Seop , Lee Jihye , Amarakoon Darshika , Lou Zhiyuan , Noronha Leela E. , Herald Thomas J. , Perumal Ramasamy , Smolensky Dmitriy
Published: August 2021

Colon cancer (CC) is considered a high-risk cancer in developed countries. Its etiology is correlated with a high consumption of red meat and low consumption of plant-based foods, including whole grains. Sorghum bran is rich in polyphenols. This study aimed to determine whether different high-phenolic sorghum brans suppress tumor formation in a genetic CC rodent model and elucidate mechanisms. Tissue culture experiments used colorectal cancer cell lines SW480, HCT-116 and Caco-2 and measured protein expression, and protein activity. The animal model used in this study was APC Min+/mouse model combined with dextram sodium sulfate. High phenolic sorghum bran extract treatment resulted in the inhibition of proliferation and induced apoptosis in CC cell lines. Treatment with high phenolic sorghum bran extracts repressed TNF-α-stimulated NF-κB transactivation and IGF-1-stimulated PI3K/AKT pathway via the downregulation of β-catenin transactivation. Furthermore, high-phenolic sorghum bran extracts activated AMPK and autophagy. Feeding with high-phenolic sorghum bran for 6 weeks significantly suppressed tumor formation in an APC Min/+ dextran sodium sulfate promoted CC mouse model. Our data demonstrates the potential application of high-phenolic sorghum bran as a functional food for the prevention of CC.
PPARs as Metabolic Sensors and Therapeutic Targets in Liver Diseases
Authors: Monroy-Ramirez Hugo Christian , Galicia-Moreno Marina , Sandoval-Rodriguez Ana , Meza-Rios Alejandra , Santos Arturo , Armendariz-Borunda Juan
Published: August 2021

Carbohydrates and lipids are two components of the diet that provide the necessary energy to carry out various physiological processes to help maintain homeostasis in the body. However, when the metabolism of both biomolecules is altered, development of various liver diseases takes place; such as metabolic-associated fatty liver diseases (MAFLD), hepatitis B and C virus infections, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and in more severe cases, hepatocelular carcinoma (HCC). On the other hand, PPARs are a family of ligand-dependent transcription factors with an important role in the regulation of metabolic processes to hepatic level as well as in other organs. After interaction with specific ligands, PPARs are translocated to the nucleus, undergoing structural changes to regulate gene transcription involved in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. This review aims to provide updated data about PPARs’ critical role in liver metabolic regulation, and their involvement triggering the genesis of several liver diseases. Information is provided about their molecular characteristics, cell signal pathways, and the main pharmacological therapies that modulate their function, currently engaged in the clinic scenario, or in pharmacological development.
Belminus santosmalletae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae): New Species from Panama, with an Updated Key for Belminus Stål, 1859 Species
Authors: Dale Carolina , Justi Silvia , Galvão Cleber
Published: August 2021

Belminus santosmalletae, a new triatomine species, is described based on a specimen from Panama, deposited in the collection of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA. Attempts failed to identify this specimen using the keys by Lent and Wygodzinsky (1979) and Sandoval et al. (2007). A comparison was made with specimens of Belminus Stål, 1859 specimens deposited at the Triatominae collection at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CTIOC), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and with previous descriptions of Belminus species. These comparisons showed the specimen represents a new species, described in the present paper. It differs from other species of the genus mainly by the grainy tegument, scarce pilosity along the body, and the number of tubercles observed on the pronotum.
Timing Is Everything. Temporal and Spatial Niche Segregation in Curculio spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Associated with Oak Trees
Authors: Reut Michał , Chrabąszcz Mariusz , Moniuszko Hanna
Published: August 2021

Oak seed predatory weevils occurring in Poland are prone to increased interspecific competition due to the limited number of Quercus species, compared to southern Europe, in which they can develop. Therefore, analyses on the preferences of three weevil species for acorn sizes chosen for reproduction, as well as on reproductive period duration, were performed. Cafeteria-type experiments were set for females of three species associated with one oak species. Females were allowed to choose and oviposit in acorns of different sizes and growth stages. Research revealed statistically significant differences between the masses of acorns chosen for oviposition by females of Curculio glandium (the biggest), C. pellitus (medium), and C. venosus (the smallest). Studied weevils also differed in terms of the beginning of the reproductive period, which corresponded with the increasing mass of growing acorns. Moreover, C. glandium was observed to be the only species to perform radial egg galleries and lay a considerably higher and varied number of eggs. The results support the hypothesis of a strategy aimed at reducing interspecific competition between Curculio spp. in terms of limited host plant species number.
Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds—Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroids as a Proof of Concept
Authors: Berger Andreas , Petschenka Georg , Degenkolb Thomas , Geisthardt Michael , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: August 2021

Natural history collections provide an invaluable basis for systematics, ecology, and conservation. Besides being an important source of DNA, museum specimens may also contain a plethora of natural products. Especially, dried insect collections represent a global repository with billions of inventoried vouchers. Due to their vast diversity, insects possess a great variety of defensive compounds, which they either produce autogenously or derive from the environment. Here, we present a case study on fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which produce bufadienolides as a defense against predators. These toxins belong to the cardiotonic steroids, which are used for the treatment of cardiac diseases and specifically inhibit the animal enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase. Bufadienolides have been reported from only seven out of approximately 2000 described firefly species. Using a non-destructive approach, we screened 72 dry coleopteran specimens for bufadienolides using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS. We found bufadienolides including five novel compounds in 21 species of the subfamily Lampyrinae. The absence of bufadienolides in the phylogenetically related net-winged beetles (Lycidae) and the lampyrid subfamilies Luciolinae and Lamprohizinae indicates a phylogenetic pattern of bufadienolide synthesis. Our results emphasize the value of natural history collections as an archive of chemical information for ecological and evolutionary basic research and as an untapped source for novel bioactive compounds.
Entomological Survey Confirms Changes in Mosquito Composition and Abundance in Senegal and Reveals Discrepancies among Results by Different Host-Seeking Female Traps
Authors: Ngom El Hadji Malick , Virgillito Chiara , Manica Mattia , Rosà Roberto , Pichler Verena , Sarleti Noemi , Kassé Isseu , Diallo Mawlouth , della Torre Alessandra , Dia Ibrahima , Caputo Beniamino
Published: August 2021

Mosquitoes-borne diseases are major public health issues particularly in Africa. Vector control interventions and human-made environmental/climatic changes significantly affect the distribution and abundance of vector species. We carried out an entomological survey targeting host-seeking mosquitos in two different ecological contexts—coastal and inland—in Senegal, by CDC-light and BG-sentinel traps. Results show high predominance of Culex quinquefasciatus (90%) and of Anopheles arabiensis within malaria vectors (46%), with mean numbers of females/trap/nights =8 and <1, respectively, reinforcing previous evidence of changes in species composition and abundance, highlighting thus increasing risk of transmission of filariasis and emerging arboviruses in the Senegambia region. From the methodological perspective, results show a higher specificity of BG traps for Cx. quinquefasciatus and of CDC traps for An. gambiae s.l. and highlight that, despite both traps target the host-seeking fraction of the population, they provide different patterns of species abundance, temporal dynamics and host-seeking activity, leading to possible misinterpretation of the species bionomics. This draws attention to the need of taking into account trapping performance, in order to provide realistic quantification of the number of mosquitoes per units of space and time, the crucial parameter for evaluating vector–human contact, and estimating risk of pathogen transmission.