bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A gene regulation model reveals an ancestral adaptation response to particulate exposure triggered by nanomaterials
Authors: Giudice Giusy del , Serra Angela , Saarimäki Laura , Kotsis Konstantinos , Rouse Ian , Colibaba Anais , Jagiello Karolina , Mikolajczyk Alicja , Papadiamantis Anastasios , Sanabria Natasha , Kinaret Pia , Voyiatzis Evangelos , Melagraki Georgia , Afantitis Antreas , Tamm Kaido , Puzyn Tomasz , Gulumian Mary , Lobaskin Vladimir , Lynch Iseult , Federico Antonio , Greco Dario 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Toxicogenomics aims at characterising the mechanism of action (MOA) of environmental exposures, and often relies on transcriptomics to investigate the responses of exposed biological systems. However, the identification of shared toxicogenomics-derived signatures across exposed biological systems is hampered by the complexity and heterogeneity of transcriptomics data.
Given the lack of a clear transcriptomic signature of exposure, we hypothesise that common patterns of gene regulation could explain the response to engineered nanomaterials (ENM) across biological systems, disentangling the complexity of their MOA. We performed meta-analysis of a large collection of transcriptomics data from various ENM exposure studies and identified deregulation of immune functions as a prominent response across different ENM exposures. This pattern of transcriptional deregulation differed significantly from exposure to drugs. By investigating the promoter regions of genes frequently altered both in vitro and in vivo following exposure to ENM, we identified a set of binding sites for zinc finger transcription factors C2H2 involved in chromatin remodelling and immunomodulation. We further demonstrate that this gene regulatory model also underlies the transcriptomic MOA in non-mammal species of ecotoxicological interest exposed to ENMs, suggesting that it may be part of the innate immune system conserved by natural selection.
The Human Well-being and Environmental Degradation Nexus in Africa
Authors: Aladejare Samson Adeniyi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Environmental degradation continues to attract interest from academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders. However, few studies have exclusively researched its nexus with human well-being. Therefore, this study extends the literature by examining the relationship between human well-being and environmental degradation using 29 African countries from 1970 to 2019. Preliminary tests adaptable to effects of cross-sectional dependency and heterogeneity in panel dataset were adopted, alongside the cross-sectional auto-regressive distributed lag model and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality approach. Findings from the study showed that the adopted human well-being indicators such as globalisation, life expectancy and human capital development were environmentally enhancing both in the short and long term. In contrast, growth in income was found to be environmentally degrading in the short and long term. At the same time, urbanisation was only environmentally detrimental in the long term with no significant short-term effect. Natural resource rent which served as a control variable was environmentally degrading both in the short and long term. Also, a bidirectional association between human well-being and environmental degradation was confirmed. Consequently, this study implies a win-win symbiotic nexus between the environment and human well-being in African countries.
Granulosa cell mevalonate pathway abnormalities contribute to oocyte meiotic defects
Authors: Liu Chuanming , Ding Lijun , Sun Haixiang , Bian Qian , Li Chaojun , Zuo Wu , Yan Guijun , Wang Shanshan , Sun Simin , Li Shiyuan , Tang Xinyi , Li Yifan , Cai Changjun , Wang Haiquan , Liu Wenwen , Fang Junshun , Zhang Yang , Zhou Jidong , Zhen Xin , Feng Tianxiang , Hu Yali , Wang Zhenbo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The mechanisms of aging-related oocyte meiotic defects and low competence remain elusive. Hi-C and SMART-seq revealed aging-related decreases in chromosome condensation, particularly for genomic regions proximal to the centromeres in metaphase I aged oocytes. Further transcriptomic analysis of oocyte-surrounding granulosa cells (GCs) showed that oocyte meiotic maturation was accompanied by robust increases in mevalonate (MVA) pathway gene expression in GCs, which was largely downregulated in aged GCs. Suppression of MVA metabolism in GCs with statins resulted in marked meiotic defects in young cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Conversely, supplementation with the MVA metabolite geranylgeraniol ameliorated meiotic defects in aged COCs. Meanwhile, geranylgeraniol also activated LHR/EGF signaling in aged GCs and then enhanced the meiosis-associated gene expression in oocytes. Generally, the MVA pathway in GCs is a critical regulator of meiotic maturation in oocytes.
Barriers and Enablers to the Implementation of a Perinatal Care Bundle: The Perinatal Excellence to Reduce Injury in Premature Birth (PERIPrem) Project
Authors: McBain Hayley , Tuvey Sam , Williams Alessandra Glover , Hedge Sally , Menzies Noshin , Bates Sarah , Luyt Karen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Preterm birth is the biggest cause of child mortality and morbidity in the UK and although we have seen an overall reduction in stillbirth and neonatal mortality in recent years there is still significant variation across the UK. PERIPrem, is a care bundle that brings together 11 best-practice interventions for mothers and preterm babies. A structured and supportive implementation approach using primarily Quality Improvement methodology has been found to significantly increase adherence to the whole bundle and its individual interventions. Methods: This was a qualitative exploration of the barriers and enablers to implementation and the behaviour change techniques used to encourage adherence to the bundle, using semi-structured interviews. The COM-B model for behaviour change was used as a framework for the interviews and the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy to guide the analysis. Results: Across two timepoints, 47 interviews were conducted with 29 staff from Maternity, Obstetrics and Neonatology. The data revealed that capability, opportunity, and motivation acted as both barriers and enablers to the implementation of the bundle. The qualitative interviews revealed that this was achieved through improvements in perinatal team culture, increasing knowledge and skills, having strong leadership and access to the right resources. But above all else implementation depended upon having a care bundle that was evidence-based and a supportive and credible team. Implementation did not come without its challenges; notwithstanding the global pandemic and the effects this had on staff, challenges included the complexity and size of the bundle, limited dedicated time and resource, and the impact of hierarchical perinatal structures. These findings have provided insights that will advance our understanding about the processes that underpin successful implementation of a complex perinatal care bundle.Conclusions: Several factors interacted to enhance as well as hinder the implementation of this complex perinatal care bundle. Over time, adherence to the PERIPrem bundle was enabled by the application of theoretically informed behaviour change techniques. To improve future delivery of complex care bundles, like PERIPrem, the processes and support provided to aid implementation should reflect on how these barriers can be overcome and the enablers enhanced.
High levels of air pollution reduce team innovation
Authors: Lohmann Paul , Probst Benedict , Gsottbauer Elisabeth , Kontoleon Andreas 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Various studies document that poor air quality can lead to adverse effects on individual worker productivity in routine jobs. Yet, the effect of pollution on team performance in contexts that require individuals to work collaboratively on non-routine problem-solving tasks is not well explored. These settings are particularly conducive to situations that require innovative solutions, including tackling global challenges such as pandemics, poverty, or climate change. Here, we document a sizable adverse effect of air pollution on team performance using data from 7,500 live escape games in London. On high-pollution days, teams take on average 8% more time to solve a sequence of non-routine analytical tasks, which require collaborative skills analogous to those needed in the modern workplace. Negative effects increase exponentially and are heterogeneous depending on the type of air pollutant. As team efforts predominantly drive innovation, high levels of air pollution may significantly hamper economic development.
Decarboxylative oxidation enabled consecutive C-C bond cleavage
Authors: Li Ruining , Dong Ya , Khan Shah , Zaman Muhammad Kashif , Zhou Junliang , Miao Pannan , Hu Lifu , Sun Zhankui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The selective cleavage of C-C bonds is of fundamental interest because it provides an alternative approach to traditional chemical synthesis, which is focused primarily on building up molecular complexity. However, current C-C cleavage methods provide only limited opportunities. For example, selective C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond cleavage generally relies on the use of transition-metal to open strained ring systems or iminyl and alkoxy radicals to induce β-fragmentation. Here we show that by merging photoredox catalysis with copper catalysis, we are able to employ α-trisubstituted carboxylic acids as substrates and achieve consecutive C-C bond cleavage, resulting in the scission of the inert β-CH2 group. The key transformation relies on the decarboxylative oxidation process, which could selectively generate in-situ formed peroxide radicals and trigger consecutive C-C bond cleavage. This complicated yet interesting reaction might help the development of other methods for inert C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond cleavage.
Demarcation of Landslide Potential Zones of Kasaragod Using Gis and Remote Sensing
Authors: KUMAR ANIL 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The sudden mass movements of earth, rock or debris down a sloped land can be defined as landslides. There are various factors that makes the slope unstable. When a trigger such as rainfall etc. occurs on the existing unstable slope, the movement of land mass occurs which can also be stated as landslides. The present study is based on the various landslides occurred in, Kasaragod, a District of Kerala during year 2020. The study was carried out by integrating remote sensing and GIS applications. Various causative factors are identified for the purpose which includes slope, land use, relative relief, geology, geomorphology, roads, drainage density, soil and lineaments. The maps were digitized in ArcGIS software for the preparation of thematic layers. These maps were integrated for the analysis. The landslide susceptibility map divides the area into five different zones based on the severity of landslides. The critical zone covers an area of 33.94km2, the highly unstable zone has an area of 37.224km2, the moderately unstable zone with an area of 100.567km2, the moderately stable zone having an area of 151.299km2 and finally the stable zone which has an area of 1665.01km2. Based on the map precautions can be taken on the susceptible areas to save the lives and property.
Willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination among people living with HIV in a high HIV prevalence community
Authors: Govere-Hwenje Sabina , Jarolimova Jana , Yan Joyce , Khumalo Anele , Zondi Gugulami , Ngcobo Marcia , Wara Nafisa J , Zionts Dani , Bogart Laura M , Parker Robert A , Bassett Ingrid V 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background People living with HIV (PLWH) may have a poorer prognosis with COVID-19 infection and are an important population for COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed the willingness and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or hesitancy among PLWH in South Africa.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of telephone interviews with a randomly selected subset of participants enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study evaluating a decentralized antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery program in South Africa. Questions assessed willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine, concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and overall vaccine confidence. Interviews were conducted between September 2020 and January 2021. We evaluated participant demographics, sources of COVID-19 information, stigma and medical mistrust, uptake of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as potential covariates of willingness to accept vaccination. Results We completed interviews with 213 participants; 153 (72%) were female, median age 35y, and 100 (47%) had completed secondary school. Among the participants, 121 (57%) were willing to accept future vaccination, 46 (22%) were unsure, and 45 (21%) stated they did not intend to be vaccinated. Fear of side effects, reported by 42 (20%), was the most common concern about COVID-19 vaccination. Older age was associated with willingness to accept vaccination (aOR 1.75 for every 10-year increase in age, 95% CI 1.10-2.78, p=0.02), while higher medical mistrust related to COVID-19 (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.093-0.45, p<0.001) and use of social media for COVID-19 information (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.84, p=0.02) were associated with lower willingness to accept vaccination. Conclusions In this cohort of PLWH in South Africa, over half were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination, although a substantial proportion remained unsure or were not willing to be vaccinated. Public health messaging should emphasize the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination and address misinformation and medical mistrust among PLWH. Ongoing efforts to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations are crucial.
Phytochemical Compounds Loaded to Nanocarriers as Potential Therapeutic
Substances for Alzheimer’s Disease-Could They be Effective?
Authors: Polat Derya Çiçek , Karadağ Ayşe Esra , Köprülü Rabia Edibe Parlar , Karantas Ioannis D. , Mutlu Gökçe , Çağlar Emre Şefik , Okur Mehmet Evren , Okur Neslihan Üstündağ , Siafaka Panoraia I. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for a high percentage of dementia cases in elderly individuals. This
type of brain disease is caused by damage to the brain cells affecting the ability of the patients to communicate,
as well as their thinking, behavior, and feelings. Although numerous research laboratories focus on advancements
in treating Alzheimer’s disease, the currently approved pharmacological approaches seem to only alleviate
the symptoms. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative pharmacological options that can prevent
the progressive impairment of neurons. Natural substances were used in ancient times to treat various disorders
given their biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Besides,
their cost-effectiveness and accessibility to anyone who needs them are their most significant characteristics.
Therefore, the possible use of phytochemical compounds for the possible management or even prevention
of Alzheimer’s disease is currently under investigation. This review article summarizes the present status of
Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and underlying mechanisms, the potential phytochemicals and their carriers,
along with future perspectives. In the future, natural substances can play a role as an adjunct therapy for neurodegenerative
forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The Potential of Probiotics for Treating Skin Disorders: A Concise Review
Authors: Khameneh Bahman , Kianmehr Shadi , Jahani Maryam , Moazzen Nasrin , Ahanchian Hamid 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:
Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host
when administered adequately.” In recent years, the cosmetic industry has tried to develop many
products classified as probiotics. They can exert their benefits at the skin level because of their favorite
properties, and they could prevent and treat skin diseases and represent an emerging area for
skin health. The antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties make them promising candidates to
target skin disorders including acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis and aid wound healing. The
scientific reports show that specific probiotic strains can modulate cutaneous microflora, skin immune
system, lipid barrier, and skin health preservation. This review summarizes the most relevant
evidence from scientific literature concerning potential topical applications of probiotics in dermatology.
Altogether, the evidence reported here affords the possibility of designing new strategies
based on a topical approach to prevent and treat cutaneous disorders.
Antifungal Biofilm Strategies: A Less Explored Area in Wound Management
Authors: Mirza Mohd Aamir , Aggarwal Geeta , Bharti Shilpa , Zakir Foziyah 
Published: April 2022

Background:
The treatment of wound-associated infections has always remained a challenge
for clinicians, with the major deterring factor being microbial biofilms, majorly bacterial or
fungal. Biofilm infections are becoming a global concern owing to resistance to antimicrobials.
Various fungal pathogens form fungal biofilms, namely Candida sp., Aspergillus fumigates,
Trichosporon sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cryptococcus neoformans, among others. The rising
cases of fungal biofilm resistance add to the burden of wound care. Additionally, with an increase in
the number of surgical procedures, transplantation, and the exponential use of medical devices, the
fungal bioburden is rising.

Objectives:
The review discusses the methods of biofilm formation and the resistance mechanisms
against conventional treatments. The potential of novel delivery strategies and the mechanisms involved
therein are also highlighted. Further, the prospects of nanotechnology-based medical devices
to combat fungal biofilm resistance have been explored. Some clinical trials and up-to-date patent
technologies to eradicate biofilms are also mentioned.

Conclusion:
Due to the many challenges faced in preventing/eradicating biofilms, only a handful of
approaches have made it to the market. Eradication of fungal biofilms are a fragmentary area that
needs further exploration.
Hyperthermia-sensitive Liposomes Containing Brucea Javanica Oil for Synergistic Photothermal-/Chemo-Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhang Qianying , Feng Peipei , Li Weihuan , Li Xiuru , Li Yongjie , Zhang Di 
Published: April 2022

Introduction:High mortality and limited therapeutic efficacy of clinical treatment make breast cancer a stubborn disease in women. The hypovascular issue is the main challenge needed to be overcome in breast cancer treatment.Method:For this purpose, hyperthermia-sensitive liposomes containing indocyanine green (ICG) and brucea javanica oil (BJO) (LP(BJO/ICG)) were constructed for near-infrared (NIR) laser-induced photothermal- /chemo-antitumor therapy. ICG, an FDA-approved photothermal agent, was employed in this study to perform photothermal therapy (PTT) effect as well as relieve hypovascular conditions in breast cancer tissue.Result:BJO triggered release from the hyperthermia-sensitive LP (BJO/ICG) due to disassembly of liposomes under the PTT effect caused by ICG under NIR laser irradiation. It was found that mice in LP (BJO/ICG) group showed the slowest tumor growth under NIR laser irradiation, illustrating the strongest antitumor effect among all groups.Conclusion:This responsive-release drug delivery platform can be a promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.
Potential Clinical Role of Prokineticin 2 (PK2) in Neurodegenerative
Diseases
Authors: Severini Cinzia , Maftei Daniela , Schirinzi Tommaso , Mercuri Nicola B. , Lattanzi Roberta 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:
The role of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease
(AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) has become clear in recent decades, as evidenced by the
presence of activated microglia and astrocytes and numerous soluble mediators in the brain and peripheral
tissues of affected patients. Among inflammatory mediators, chemokines play a central role
in neuroinflammation due to their dual function as chemoattractants for immune cells and molecular
messengers in crosstalk among CNS-resident cells. The chemokine Bv8/Prokineticin 2 (PK2) has
recently emerged as an important player in many age-related and chronic diseases that are either
neurodegenerative or systemic. In this perspective paper, we briefly discuss the role that PK2 and its
cognate receptors play in AD and PD animal models and in patients. Given the apparent changes in
PK2 blood levels in both AD and PD patients, the potential clinical value of PK2 either as a disease
biomarker or as a therapeutic target for these disorders is discussed.
Sulfonamide a Valid Scaffold for Antioxidant Drug Development
Authors: Egbujor Melford Chuka , Garrido Jorge , Borges Fernanda , Saso Luciano 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:Like the well-known sulfa drugs, Sulfonamides are ascribed to a myriad of biological activities, including antioxidant activity. In fact, several tertiary sulfonamides, particularly N, Ndisubstituted analogues, are recognized as antioxidants that can prevent or minimize oxidative damage associated with several oxidative-stress-related diseases. The structural diversity of this class of compounds paved the way for drug discovery programs aimed at finding therapeutic agents. Attributes such as low-cost synthetic procedures, easy accessibility of reagents, and a broad spectrum of biological activities made sulfonamides and derivatives excellent candidates for synthesizing chemical libraries with structural diversity. Sulfonamide-based drugs are most of the sulfur-containing drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although sulfonamide derivatives have been extensively exploited as antibacterial agents, their therapeutic potential as antioxidants is relatively underexplored despite the prevalence of oxidative stress-mediated diseases and the urgent need for new and more effective antioxidant drugs. Some sulfonamide derivatives were shown to activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the main regulator of the endogenous antioxidant response, a critical process used by cells in response to oxidative stress. The antioxidant role of sulfonamides and derivatives as Nrf2 activators is also reviewed. The antioxidant mechanism of action of sulfonamides has not been fully clarified, but as they have antioxidant properties, it is a subject worthy of in-depth study. The present review is focused on sulfonamides and derivatives as potential antioxidants along the period 2013-2021 and intends to stimulate research in the area.