bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Harvest UVB Irradiation Enhances the Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Green- and Red-Leaf Lettuce Cultivars
Authors: Zhang Han , He Huaming , Song Weitang , Zheng Liang
Published: June 2023

As a promising environmental protection technology, the application of ultraviolet B irradiation in vegetable production has been widely considered. However, the effect of UVB irradiation varies with different plant varieties. In this study, we investigated the effects of two UVB intensities (0.7, 1.4 W m−2) on the accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of green-leaf and red-leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) 7 days prior to harvest. The results indicated that short-term (within 2 days) UVB treatment could promote the increase in total chlorophyll content of red-leaf lettuce and green-leaf lettuce, which increased by 49.8% and 20.6% compared with day zero, respectively, and was beneficial to the synthesis of carotenoids of red-leaf lettuce. Extending UVB exposure time significantly decreased chlorophyll a/b value of green-leaf lettuce from 0.92 to 0.63, and simultaneously increased the accumulation of antioxidant substances such as flavonoids, which were increased by 90.0% and 183.4% compared with day zero for UVB-0.7 and UVB-1.4 treatments of red-leaf lettuce, 84.1% and 110.9% of green-leaf lettuce. In contrast, red-leaf lettuce had a higher accumulation level of secondary metabolites, faster scavenging rate of free radicals, and stronger ability to resist UVB stress. Our results suggest that supplementation of low-dose UVB radiance prior to harvest can improve the secondary metabolite content and antioxidant activity of the two kinds of lettuce. This research provided a theoretical basis for improving lettuce quality by pre-harvest UVB treatment in controlled environmental agriculture.
Apoptosis Related Human Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Stem Cells Differentiation into Osteoblasts, Chondrocytes, Adipocytes and Neural-like Cells—Complete Transcriptomic Assays
Authors: Stefańska Katarzyna , Nemcova Lucie , Blatkiewicz Małgorzata , Pieńkowski Wojciech , Ruciński Marcin , Zabel Maciej , Mozdziak Paul , Podhorska-Okołów Marzenna , Dzięgiel Piotr , Kempisty Bartosz
Published: June 2023

Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) exhibit multilineage differentiation potential, adhere to plastic, and express a specific set of surface markers—CD105, CD73, CD90. Although there are relatively well-established differentiation protocols for WJ-MSCs, the exact molecular mechanisms involved in their in vitro long-term culture and differentiation remain to be elucidated. In this study, the cells were isolated from Wharton’s jelly of umbilical cords obtained from healthy full-term deliveries, cultivated in vitro, and differentiated towards osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic lineages. RNA samples were isolated after the differentiation regimen and analyzed using an RNA sequencing (RNAseq) assay, which led to the identification of differentially expressed genes belonging to apoptosis-related ontological groups. ZBTB16 and FOXO1 were upregulated in all differentiated groups as compared to controls, while TGFA was downregulated in all groups. In addition, several possible novel marker genes associated with the differentiation of WJ-MSCs were identified (e.g., SEPTIN4, ITPR1, CNR1, BEX2, CD14, EDNRB). The results of this study provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the long-term culture in vitro and four-lineage differentiation of WJ-MSCs, which is crucial to utilize WJ-MSCs in regenerative medicine.
Combination of Secondary Plant Metabolites and Micronutrients Improves Mitochondrial Function in a Cell Model of Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Babylon Lukas , Meißner Julia , Eckert Gunter P.
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by excessive formation of beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ), mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and altered glycolysis. Since the disease is currently not curable, preventive and supportive approaches are in the focus of science. Based on studies of promising single substances, the present study used a mixture (cocktail, SC) of compounds consisting of hesperetin (HstP), magnesium-orotate (MgOr), and folic acid (Fol), as well as the combination (KCC) of caffeine (Cof), kahweol (KW) and cafestol (CF). For all compounds, we showed positive results in SH-SY5Y-APP695 cells—a model of early AD. Thus, SH-SY5Y-APP695 cells were incubated with SC and the activity of the mitochondrial respiration chain complexes were measured, as well as levels of ATP, Aβ, ROS, lactate and pyruvate. Incubation of SH-SY5Y-APP695 cells with SC significantly increased the endogenous respiration of mitochondria and ATP levels, while Aβ1–40 levels were significantly decreased. Incubation with SC showed no significant effects on oxidative stress and glycolysis. In summary, this combination of compounds with proven effects on mitochondrial parameters has the potential to improve mitochondrial dysfunction in a cellular model of AD.
The Effect of Prohibitins on Mitochondrial Function during Octopus tankahkeei Spermiogenesis
Authors: Wang Jingqian , Gao Xinming , Du Chen , Tang Daojun , Hou Congcong , Zhu Junquan
Published: June 2023

Mitochondria are essential for spermiogenesis. Prohibitins (PHBs; prohibitin 1, PHB1 or PHB, and prohibitin 2, PHB2) are evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial proteins that act as scaffolds in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In this study, we analyzed the molecular structure and dynamic expression characteristics of Ot-PHBs, observed the colocalization of Ot-PHB1 with mitochondria and polyubiquitin, and studied the effect of phb1 knockdown on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis-related gene expression in spermatids. Our aim was to explore the effect of Ot-PHBs on mitochondrial function during the spermiogenesis of Octopus tankahkeei (O. tankahkeei), an economically important species in China. The predicted Ot-PHB1/PHB2 proteins contained an N-terminal transmembrane, a stomatin/prohibitin/flotillin/HflK/C (SPFH) domain (also known as the prohibitin domain), and a C-terminal coiled-coil domain. Ot-phb1/phb2 mRNA were widely expressed in the different tissues, with elevated expression in the testis. Further, Ot-PHB1 and Ot-PHB2 were highly colocalized, suggesting that they may function primarily as an Ot-PHB compiex in O. tankahkeei. Ot-PHB1 proteins were mainly expressed and localized in mitochondria during spermiogenesis, implying that their function may be localized to the mitochondria. In addition, Ot-PHB1 was colocalized with polyubiquitin during spermiogenesis, suggesting that it may be a polyubiquitin substrate that regulates mitochondrial ubiquitination during spermiogenesis to ensure mitochondrial quality. To further investigate the effect of Ot-PHBs on mitochondrial function, we knocked down Ot-phb1 and observed a decrease in mtDNA content, along with increases in ROS levels and the expressions of mitochondria-induced apoptosis-related genes bax, bcl2, and caspase-3 mRNA. These findings indicate that PHBs might influence mitochondrial function by maintaining mtDNA content and stabilizing ROS levels; in addition, PHBs might affect spermatocyte survival by regulating mitochondria-induced apoptosis during spermiogenesis in O. tankahkeei.
Ubiquitination of GRK2 Is Required for the β-Arrestin-Biased Signaling Pathway of Dopamine D2 Receptors to Activate ERK Kinases
Authors: Liu Haiping , Ma Haixiang , Zeng Xingyue , Wu Chengyan , Acharya Srijan , Sudan Sarabjeet Kour , Zhang Xiaohan
Published: June 2023

A class-A GPCR dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) plays a critical role in the proper functioning of neuronal circuits through the downstream activation of both G-protein- and β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways. Understanding the signaling pathways downstream of D2R is critical for developing effective therapies with which to treat dopamine (DA)-related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. Extensive studies have focused on the regulation of D2R-mediated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling; however, the manner in which ERKs are activated upon the stimulation of a specific signaling pathway of D2R remains unclear. The present study conducted a variety of experimental techniques, including loss-of-function experiments, site-directed mutagenesis, and the determination of protein interactions, in order to investigate the mechanisms underlying β-arrestin-biased signaling-pathway-mediated ERK activation. We found that the stimulation of the D2R β-arrestin signaling pathway caused Mdm2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, to move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and interact with tyrosine phosphorylated G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), which was facilitated by Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase. This interaction led to the ubiquitination of GRK2, which then moved to the plasma membrane and interacted with activated D2R, followed by the phosphorylation of D2R as well as the mediation of ERK activation. In conclusion, Mdm2-mediated GRK2 ubiquitination, which is selectively triggered by the stimulation of the D2R β-arrestin signaling pathway, is necessary for GRK2 membrane translocation and its interaction with D2R, which in turn mediates downstream ERK signaling. This study is primarily novel and provides essential information with which to better understand the detailed mechanisms of D2R-dependent signaling.
Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Chloroplast Genomes of Medicinal Herb Scrophularia ningpoensis and Its Common Adulterants (Scrophulariaceae)
Authors: Guo Lei , Wang Xia , Wang Ruihong , Li Pan
Published: June 2023

Scrophularia ningpoensis, a perennial medicinal plant from the Scrophulariaceae family, is the original species of Scrophulariae Radix (SR) in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This medicine is usually deliberately substituted or accidentally contaminated with other closely related species including S. kakudensis, S. buergeriana, and S. yoshimurae. Given the ambiguous identification of germplasm and complex evolutionary relationships within the genus, the complete chloroplast genomes of the four mentioned Scrophularia species were sequenced and characterized. Comparative genomic studies revealed a high degree of conservation in genomic structure, gene arrangement, and content within the species, with the entire chloroplast genome spanning 153,016–153,631 bp in full length, encoding 132 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNA genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 18 duplicated genes. We identified 8 highly variable plastid regions and 39–44 SSRs as potential molecular markers for further species identification in the genus. The consistent and robust phylogenetic relationships of S. ningpoensis and its common adulterants were firstly established using a total of 28 plastid genomes from the Scrophulariaceae family. In the monophyletic group, S. kakudensis was determined to be the earliest diverging species, succeeded by S. ningpoensis. Meanwhile, S. yoshimurae and S. buergeriana were clustered together as sister clades. Our research manifestly illustrates the efficacy of plastid genomes in identifying S. ningpoensis and its counterfeits and will also contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes within Scrophularia.
Role of Histone Deacetylases in the Pathogenesis of Salivary Gland Tumors and Therapeutic Targeting Options
Authors: Manou Maria , Kanakoglou Dimitrios S. , Loupis Theodoros , Vrachnos Dimitrios M. , Theocharis Stamatios , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. , Piperi Christina
Published: June 2023

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) comprise a rare and heterogenous category of benign/malignant neoplasms with progressively increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underpinning their pathogenesis, poor prognosis, and therapeutic treatment efficacy. Emerging data are pointing toward an interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to their heterogeneity and diverse clinical phenotypes. Post-translational histone modifications such as histone acetylation/deacetylation have been shown to actively participate in the pathobiology of SGTs, further suggesting that histone deacetylating factors (HDACs), selective or pan-HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), might present effective treatment options for these neoplasms. Herein, we describe the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the pathology of the different types of SGTs, focusing on histone acetylation/deacetylation effects on gene expression as well as the progress of HDACis in SGT therapy and the current status of relevant clinical trials.
GATA3 as a Blood-Based RNA Biomarker for Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Acharya Shubhra , Lumley Andrew I. , Zhang Lu , Vausort Mélanie , Devaux Yvan ,   on behalf of the NCER-PD Consortium
Published: June 2023

Finding novel biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is crucial for early disease diagnosis, severity assessment and identifying novel disease-modifying drug targets. Our study aimed at investigating the GATA3 mRNA levels in whole blood samples of idiopathic PD (iPD) patients with different disease severities as a biomarker for iPD. The present study is a cross-sectional, case-control study, with samples obtained from the Luxembourg Parkinson’s cohort (LuxPARK). iPD (N = 319) patients, along with age-matched controls without PD (non-PD; N = 319) were included in this study. Blood GATA3 mRNA expression was measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assays. The capacity of GATA3 expression levels to establish the diagnosis of iPD (primary end-point) and assess disease severity (secondary end-point) was determined. The blood levels of GATA3 were significantly lower in iPD patients, compared to non-PD controls (p ≤ 0.001). Logistic regression models showed a significant association of GATA3 expression with iPD diagnosis after adjustment for the confounders (p = 0.005). Moreover, the addition of GATA3 expression to a baseline clinical model improved its iPD diagnosis capacity (p = 0.005). There was a significant association of GATA3 expression levels with the overall disease severity (p = 0.002), non-motor experiences of daily living (nm-EDL; p = 0.003) and sleep disturbances (p = 0.01). Our results suggest that GATA3 expression measured in blood may serve as a novel biomarker and may help in the diagnosis of iPD and assessment of disease severity.
Biofilm Formation and Genetic Diversity of Microbial Communities in Anaerobic Batch Reactor with Polylactide (PLA) Addition
Authors: Pilarska Agnieszka A. , Marzec-Grządziel Anna , Paluch Emil , Pilarski Krzysztof , Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Kubiak Adrianna , Kałuża Tomasz , Kulupa Tomasz
Published: June 2023

In this paper, an anaerobic digestion (AD) study was conducted on confectionery waste with granular polylactide (PLA) as a cell carrier. Digested sewage sludge (SS) served as the inoculum and buffering agent of systems. This article shows the results of the analyses of the key experimental properties of PLA, i.e., morphological characteristics of the microstructure, chemical composition and thermal stability of the biopolymer. The evaluation of quantitative and qualitative changes in the genetic diversity of bacterial communities, performed using the state-of-the-art next generation sequencing (NGS) technique, revealed that the material significantly enhanced bacterial proliferation; however, it does not change microbiome biodiversity, as also confirmed via statistical analysis. More intense microbial proliferation (compared to the control sample, without PLA and not digested, CW–control, CW–confectionery waste) may be indicative of the dual role of the biopolymer—support and medium. Actinobacteria (34.87%) were the most abundant cluster in the CW–control, while the most dominant cluster in digested samples was firmicutes: in the sample without the addition of the carrier (CW–dig.) it was 68.27%, and in the sample with the addition of the carrier (CW + PLA) it was only 26.45%, comparable to the control sample (CW–control)—19.45%. Interestingly, the number of proteobacteria decreased in the CW–dig. sample (17.47%), but increased in the CW + PLA sample (39.82%) compared to the CW–control sample (32.70%). The analysis of biofilm formation dynamics using the BioFlux microfluidic system shows a significantly faster growth of the biofilm surface area for the CW + PLA sample. This information was complemented by observations of the morphological characteristics of the microorganisms using fluorescence microscopy. The images of the CW + PLA sample showed carrier sections covered with microbial consortia.
A Study of a Protein-Folding Machine: Transient Rotation of the Polypeptide Backbone Facilitates Rapid Folding of Protein Domains in All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Sahakyan Harutyun , Nazaryan Karen , Mushegian Arcady , Sorokina Irina
Published: June 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations of protein folding typically consider the polypeptide chain at equilibrium and in isolation from the cellular components. We argue that in order to understand protein folding as it occurs in vivo, it should be modeled as an active, energy-dependent process, in which the cellular protein-folding machine directly manipulates the polypeptide. We conducted all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of four protein domains, whose folding from the extended state was augmented by the application of rotational force to the C-terminal amino acid, while the movement of the N-terminal amino acid was restrained. We have shown earlier that such a simple manipulation of peptide backbone facilitated the formation of native structures in diverse α-helical peptides. In this study, the simulation protocol was modified, to apply the backbone rotation and movement restriction only for a short time at the start of simulation. This transient application of a mechanical force to the peptide is sufficient to accelerate, by at least an order of magnitude, the folding of four protein domains from different structural classes to their native or native-like conformations. Our in silico experiments show that a compact stable fold may be attained more readily when the motions of the polypeptide are biased by external forces and constraints.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals That Ascorbic Acid Treatment Enhances the Cold Tolerance of Tea Plants through Cell Wall Remodeling
Authors: Fu Qianyuan , Cao Hongli , Wang Lu , Lei Lei , Di Taimei , Ye Yufan , Ding Changqing , Li Nana , Hao Xinyuan , Zeng Jianming , Yang Yajun , Wang Xinchao , Ye Meng , Huang Jianyan
Published: June 2023

Cold stress is a major environmental factor that adversely affects the growth and productivity of tea plants. Upon cold stress, tea plants accumulate multiple metabolites, including ascorbic acid. However, the role of ascorbic acid in the cold stress response of tea plants is not well understood. Here, we report that exogenous ascorbic acid treatment improves the cold tolerance of tea plants. We show that ascorbic acid treatment reduces lipid peroxidation and increases the Fv/Fm of tea plants under cold stress. Transcriptome analysis indicates that ascorbic acid treatment down-regulates the expression of ascorbic acid biosynthesis genes and ROS-scavenging-related genes, while modulating the expression of cell wall remodeling-related genes. Our findings suggest that ascorbic acid treatment negatively regulates the ROS-scavenging system to maintain ROS homeostasis in the cold stress response of tea plants and that ascorbic acid’s protective role in minimizing the harmful effects of cold stress on tea plants may occur through cell wall remodeling. Ascorbic acid can be used as a potential agent to increase the cold tolerance of tea plants with no pesticide residual concerns in tea.
Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy with/without Islet Cell Autotransplantation: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Reid Trista D. , Madduri Supradeep S. , Agala Chris B. , Weng Chengyu , McEwan Sasha , Desai Chirag S.
Published: June 2023

Total pancreatectomy (TP) and islet cell autotransplantation (IAT) are complex operations that require intensive postoperative monitoring with standardized protocols. There are few studies detailing immediate perioperative management. The purpose of this study was to describe the perioperative management of post-pancreatectomy patients in the first week following surgery to guide clinicians in addressing salient points from different organ systems. This is a retrospective cohort review of prospectively collected data from September 2017 to September 2022 at a single institution, including patients 16 years and older who underwent TP or TPIAT for chronic pancreatitis. Patients were maintained on a heparin drip (TPIAT), insulin drip, and ketamine infusion. Primary outcomes were complications in the first 5 days following surgery and ICU length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included overall LOS and mortality. Of 31 patients, 26 underwent TPIAT, and 5 underwent TP. Median ICU LOS was five days (IQR 4–6). The most common immediate postoperative complications were reintubation [n = 5 (16%)] and bleeding [n = 2 (6%)]. Median insulin drip use was 70 h (IQR 20–124). There was no mortality. Patients were extubated quickly and progressed well on the protocol. Immediate postoperative complications were generally minor and without long-term effects.
Is the Standard Artificial Urinary Sphincter AMS 800 Still a Treatment Option for the Irradiated Male Patient Presenting with a Devastated Bladder Outlet?
Authors: Queissert Fabian , Huesch Tanja , Kretschmer Alexander , Kirschner-Hermanns Ruth , Pottek Tobias , Olianas Roberto , Friedl Alexander , Homberg Roland , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Naumann Carsten M. , Nyarangi-Dix Joanne , Hofmann Torben , Rose Achim , Weidemann Christian , Wotzka Carola , Hübner Wilhelm , Loertzer Hagen , Abdunnur Rudi , Grabbert Markus , Anding Ralf , Bauer Ricarda M. , Haferkamp Axel , Schrader Andres J.
Published: June 2023

Background: Circular urethral compression with an artificial sphincter allows control of voiding, even in patients with severe stress urinary incontinence, but it heightens the risk of urethral atrophy and erosion. This study of one of the largest populations of patients treated with radiotherapy investigates the additive effect of the post-radiogenic stricture of the membranous urethra/bladder neck on AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter outcomes. Methods: In a retrospective multicenter cohort study, we analyzed patients fitted with an AMS 800, comparing those who had received radiotherapy with patients presenting a devastated bladder outlet (stricture of the membranous urethra/bladder neck). We determined the correlation between these groups of patients using both univariate and stepwise adjusted multivariate regression. The revision-free interval was estimated by a Kaplan–Meier plot and compared by applying the log-rank test. A p value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 123 irradiated patients we identified, 62 (50.4%) had undergone at least one prior desobstruction for bladder-neck/urethra stenosis. After a mean follow-up of 21 months, the latter tended to achieve social continence less frequently (25.7% vs. 35%; p = 0.08). Revision was required significantly more often for this group (43.1% vs. 26.3%; p = 0.05) due to urethral erosion in 18 of 25 cases. A stenosis recurred in five cases; desobstruction was performed in two cases, leading to erosion in both. Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of revision when recurrent stenosis necessitated at least two prior desobstructions (HR 2.8; p = 0.003). Conclusions: A devastated bladder outlet is associated with a lower proportion of men with social continence and a significantly higher need for revision compared with irradiated patients without a history of urethral stenosis. Alternative surgical procedures should be discussed beforehand, especially in cases of recurrent urethral stenosis.
External Validation and Retraining of DeepBleed: The First Open-Source 3D Deep Learning Network for the Segmentation of Spontaneous Intracerebral and Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Cao Haoyin , Morotti Andrea , Mazzacane Federico , Desser Dmitriy , Schlunk Frieder , Güttler Christopher , Kniep Helge , Penzkofer Tobias , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta , Dell’Orco Andrea , Nawabi Jawed
Published: June 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the performance of the first publicly available automated 3D segmentation for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) based on a 3D neural network before and after retraining. Methods: We performed an independent validation of this model using a multicenter retrospective cohort. Performance metrics were evaluated using the dice score (DSC), sensitivity, and positive predictive values (PPV). We retrained the original model (OM) and assessed the performance via an external validation design. A multivariate linear regression model was used to identify independent variables associated with the model’s performance. Agreements in volumetric measurements and segmentation were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), respectively. With 1040 patients, the OM had a median DSC, sensitivity, and PPV of 0.84, 0.79, and 0.93, compared to thoseo f 0.83, 0.80, and 0.91 in the retrained model (RM). However, the median DSC for infratentorial ICH was relatively low and improved significantly after retraining, at p < 0.001. ICH volume and location were significantly associated with the DSC, at p < 0.05. The agreement between volumetric measurements (r > 0.90, p > 0.05) and segmentations (ICC ≥ 0.9, p < 0.001) was excellent. Conclusion: The model demonstrated good generalization in an external validation cohort. Location-specific variances improved significantly after retraining. External validation and retraining are important steps to consider before applying deep learning models in new clinical settings.
Under the Hood: Understanding the Features of Mucin in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Villarejo-Campos Pedro , García-Arranz Mariano , Qian Siyuan , Jiménez de los Galanes Santos , Domínguez-Prieto Víctor , Vélez-Pinto Juan Felipe , Guijo Castellano Ismael , Jiménez-Fuertes Montiel , Guadalajara Héctor , García-Olmo Damián
Published: June 2023

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignant growth characterized by the production of mucin and the potential for peritoneal relapse. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical and biological characteristics of mucin in patients with cellular and acellular PMP. We prospectively analyzed mucin specimens obtained from our patient cohort and described the composition and type of mucin present in each sample. A metagenomic analysis of the samples was performed to investigate the bacterial composition of the PMP microbiome. Secreted mucins 2 and 5AC and membrane-associated mucin-1 were the primary components of mucin in both cellular and acellular tumor specimens. The metagenomic study revealed a predominance of the phylum Proteobacteria and the genus Pseudomonas. Notably, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, a species not previously reported in the human microbiome, was found to be the most abundant organism in the mucin of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Our findings suggest that the presence of MUC-2 and mucin colonization by Pseudomonas are characteristic features of both cellular and acellular disease. These results may have significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of this rare entity.
Comparisons of Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Epiretinal Membrane Foveoschisis to Typical Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Sasaki Taku , Matsui Yoshitsugu , Kato Kumiko , Chujo Shinichiro , Maeda Satoshi , Ozaki Atsuta , Ikesugi Kengo , Sugimoto Masahiko , Matsubara Hisashi , Kondo Mineo
Published: June 2023

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) foveoschisis is a recently proposed clinical entity. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of eyes with ERM foveoschisis to those of typical ERM. The medical records of all patients with ERM-related disorders examined between 2011 and 2020 were reviewed. ERM foveoschisis was defined by the clinical criteria proposed by an international panel of experts on ERMs. The background factors, clinical characteristics, and surgical outcomes of ERM foveoschisis were compared to those of typical ERM. Forty eyes with ERM foveoschisis were compared to 333 eyes with typical ERM. The percentage of women was significantly higher in the ERM foveoschisis group (92.5%) than in the typical ERM group (48.9%, p < 0.001). The central macular thickness (CMT) was significantly thinner in the ERM foveoschisis group (340 ± 110 μm) than in the typical ERM groups (476 ± 111 μm, p < 0.01). The degree of improvement in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) three months after the surgery did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.59). These results suggest that the ERM foveoschisis is more likely to occur in women and that the prognosis after surgery is comparable to typical ERM.
Gluteal Propeller Perforator Flaps: A Paradigm Shift in Abdominoperineal Amputation Reconstruction
Authors: Chrelias Theodoros , Berkane Yanis , Rousson Etienne , Uygun Korkut , Meunier Bernard , Kartheuser Alex , Watier Eric , Duisit Jérôme , Bertheuil Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Abdominoperineal amputation (AAP) is a gold standard procedure treating advanced abdominal and pelvic cancers. The defect resulting from this extensive surgery must be reconstructed to avoid complications, such as infection, dehiscence, delayed healing, or even death. Several approaches can be chosen depending on the patient. Muscle-based reconstructions are a reliable solution but are responsible for additional morbidity for these fragile patients. We present and discuss our experience in AAP reconstruction using gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps (G-PPF) in a case series. Between January 2017 and March 2021, 20 patients received G-PPF reconstruction in two centers. Either superior gluteal artery (SGAP)- or inferior artery (IGAP)-based perforator flaps were performed depending on the best configuration. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. A total of 23 G-PPF were performed—12 SGAP and 11 IGAP flaps. Final defect coverage was achieved in 100% of cases. Eleven patients experienced at least one complication (55%), amongst whom six patients (30%) had delayed healing, and three patients (15%) had at least one flap complication. One patient underwent a new surgery at 4 months for a perineal abscess under the flap, and three patients died from disease recurrence. Gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps are an effective and modern surgical procedure for AAP reconstruction. Their mechanic properties, in addition to their low morbidity, make them an optimal technique for this purpose; however, technical skills are needed, and closer surveillance with patient compliance is critical to ensure success. G-PPF should be widely used in specialized centers and considered a modern alternative to muscle-based reconstructions.
Associations between Diet and Changes in Pain Levels among Young Women with Premenstrual Syndrome—A Preliminary Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mizgier Małgorzata , Jarząbek-Bielecka Grażyna , Drejza Michalina , Luwański Dawid , Wójcik Małgorzata , Plagens-Rotman Katarzyna , Gozdziewicz Tomasz , Pisarska-Krawczyk Magdalena , Kędzia Witold
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PMS (premenstrual syndrome)-related pain among young women following a particular type of diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was compared to the period before the pandemic. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether the increase in the intensification of pain was correlated to their age, body weight, height and BMI, and whether there are differences in PMS-related pain between women who differ in their diet. A total of 181 young female Caucasian patients who met the criteria for PMS were involved in the study. Patients were divided according to the kind of diet they had followed during the last 12 months before the first medical evaluation. The rise in pain score was evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale before and during the pandemic. Women following a non-vegetarian (“basic”) diet had a significantly higher body weight in comparison to those on a vegetarian diet. Furthermore, a significant difference was noted between the level of intensification of pain before and during the pandemic in women applying a basic diet, a vegetarian and an elimination diet. Before the pandemic, women from all groups felt weaker pain than during the pandemic. No significant difference in the intensification of pain during the pandemic was shown between women with various diets, nor was there a correlation between intensification of pain and the girl’s age, BMI, their body weight and also height for any of the diets applied.
CT-Based Preplanning Allows Abstaining from Intraprocedural TEE during Interventional Closure of the LAA in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Offhaus Alexandra , Linss Luisa , Roehl Peter , Sakriss Charlotte , Pertschy Uta , Schwenzky Andreas , Ebelt Henning
Published: June 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the application of a CT-based preplanning algorithm might allow abstaining from TEE during LAAC. Background: LAAC is an established treatment alternative for patients with atrial fibrillation. Today, most LAAC procedures are guided by TEE, which, however, leads to the need for patient sedation and might even cause direct harm to the patient. CT-based preplanning of the LAAC procedure, in combination with technical improvements in device design and interventional experience, might allow abstaining from TEE. Methods: Fluoro-FLX is a prospective single-center study to evaluate how often TEE leads to a procedural change during interventional LAAC if a dedicated CT planning algorithm is applied. The study hypothesis is that under these circumstances, a sole fluoroscopy-guided LAAC is an alternative to a TEE-guided approach. All procedures are preplanned by cardiac CT and, finally, guided by fluoroscopy only, while TEE is carried out in the background during the intervention for safety reasons. Results: In none of the 31 consecutive patients did TEE lead to a change in the preplanned fluoroscopy-guided LAAC (success ratio: 1.00; CI: 0.94–1.00), thereby meeting the primary endpoint (performance goal: 0.90). There were no procedure-related adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (no pericardial effusion, TIA, stroke, systemic embolism, device embolism, death). Conclusions: Our data suggest that it is feasible to perform LAAC under sole fluoroscopic guidance if preplanning is performed using cardiac CT. This might be worth considering, especially in patients who are at high risk for TEE-related adverse events.
Composite Alginate–Ginger Oil Edible Coating for Fresh-Cut Pears
Authors: Lamani Neelakanth A. , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: June 2023

Fresh-cut fruit is highly perishable due to damage to its external protective skin leading to the acceleration of chemical and biochemical activities, respiration rate, ethylene production, texture softening and moisture loss. Edible films and coatings can provide effective barrier properties to control respiration and transpiration of produce. Sodium alginate and ginger oil have been successfully employed as coating materials in several studies. This study focused on evaluating the effect of composite alginate and ginger-essential-oil-based edible coatings for controlling physiological and microbiological activity in fresh-cut pear during refrigerated storage. A 2% sodium alginate solution with 0.5% ginger oil as a herbal antimicrobial agent was used as coating material and a 2% calcium chloride dip was used for cross linking and firming. Coated cut fruit and control cut fruit were sealed in plastic containers and stored at 4 °C for two weeks. Respiration rate, color, texture, moisture loss and other quality parameters were evaluated during the storage. The coated fruit (both with and without ginger oil) had significantly better retention of product quality with no microbial spoilage up to 15 days as compared to the control fruit which spoiled within a week. The sodium alginate–ginger oil–calcium alginate formulation was recommended as a good composite coating for extending the refrigerated shelf-life of cut pears.
Failure Modes Behavior of Different Strengthening Types of RC Slabs Subjected to Low-Velocity Impact Loading: A Review
Authors: Al-Dala’ien Rayeh Nasr , Syamsir Agusril , Abu Bakar Mohd Supian , Usman Fathoni , Abdullah Mohammed Jalal
Published: June 2023

Concrete is brittle; hence, it is incredibly likely that concrete buildings may fail in both local and global ways under dynamic and impulsive stresses. An extensive review investigation was carried out to examine reinforced concrete (RC) slab behavior under low-velocity impact loading. Significant past research studies that dealt with experimental and numerical simulations and analytical modeling of the RC slabs under impact loading have been presented in this work. As a result, numerous attempts to define failure behavior and to assess concrete structures’ vulnerability to lateral impact loads have been made in the literature. Based on analytical, numerical, and experimental studies carried out in previous research, this article thoroughly reviewed the current state of the art regarding the responses and failure behaviors of various types of concrete structures and members subjected to low-velocity impact loading. The effects of different structural and load-related factors were examined regarding the impact strength and failure behavior of reinforced concrete slabs reinforced with various types of strengthening procedures and exposed to low-velocity impact loads. The reviews suggested that advanced composite materials, shear reinforcement, and hybrid techniques are promising for effectively strengthening concrete structures.
Biomedical Applications of Electrets: Recent Advance and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Zhao Jiulong , Xie Pei , Wang Shige
Published: June 2023

Recently, electrical stimulation, as a non-pharmacological physical stimulus, has been widely exploited in biomedical and clinical applications due to its ability to significantly enhance cell proliferation and differentiation. As a kind of dielectric material with permanent polarization characteristics, electrets have demonstrated tremendous potential in this field owing to their merits of low cost, stable performance, and excellent biocompatibility. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in electrets and their biomedical applications. We first provide a brief introduction to the development of electrets, as well as typical materials and fabrication methods. Subsequently, we systematically describe the recent advances of electrets in biomedical applications, including bone regeneration, wound healing, nerve regeneration, drug delivery, and wearable electronics. Finally, the present challenges and opportunities have also been discussed in this emerging field. This review is anticipated to provide state-of-the-art insights on the electrical stimulation-related applications of electrets.
Accumulated Workload Differences in Collegiate Women’s Soccer: Starters versus Substitutes
Authors: Furtado Mesa Maxine , Stout Jeffrey R. , Redd Michael J. , Fukuda David H.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to estimate the workloads accumulated by collegiate female soccer players during a competitive season and to compare the workloads of starters and substitutes. Data from 19 college soccer players (height: 1.58 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 61.57 ± 6.88 kg) were extracted from global positioning system (GPS)/heart rate (HR) monitoring sensors to quantify workload throughout the 2019 competitive season. Total distance, distance covered in four speed zones, accelerations, and time spent in five HR zones were examined as accumulated values for training sessions, matches, and the entire season. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Student’s t tests were used to determine the level of differences between starter and substitute workloads. Seasonal accumulated total distance (p < 0.001), sprints (≥19.00 km/h; p < 0.001), and high-speed distance (≥15.00 km/h; p = 0.005) were significantly greater for starters than substitutes. Accumulated training load (p = 0.08) and training load per minute played in matches (p = 0.08) did not differ between starters and substitutes. Substitutes had similar accumulated workload profiles during training sessions but differed in matches from starters. Coaches and practitioners should pursue strategies to monitor the differences in workload between starters and substitutes.
A Study on the Ultimate Strength and Failure Mode of Stiffened Panels
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yang Hongqi , Wu Shuang , Cheng Wenbo , Liang Yuanhua , Huang Yi
Published: June 2023

Different buckling failure modes of stiffened panels will result in differences in ultimate strengths. In this study, the benchmark model of the bottom of bulk carrier with appropriate initial imperfections, boundary conditions and mesh size are selected for a series of non-linear FE analyses. A failure mode discrimination method considering the change rule of ultimate strength and the stress and strain distribution of stiffened plates in ultimate limit state is proposed, and then the boundary function of the failure modes composed of four key parameters, λ, β, hw/tw, λe, is established. Based on this boundary function, the rapid identification of failure modes and the classification of ultimate strength under different failure modes can be realized. Furthermore, the ultimate strength formulas of stiffened panels for different failure modes are obtained by data analysis from many nonlinear finite element analyses.
Improving the Overall Efficiency of Marine Power Systems through Co-Optimization of Top-Bottom Combined Cycle by Means of Exhaust-Gas Bypass: A Semi Empirical Function Analysis Method
Authors: Liu Junting , Qu Jinbo , Feng Yongming , Zhu Yuanqing , Wu Yunjin
Published: June 2023

The mandatory implementation of the standards laid out in the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requires ships to improve their efficiency and thereby reduce their carbon emissions. To date, the steam Rankine cycle (RC) has been widely used to recover wasted heat from marine main engines to improve the energy-conversion efficiency of ships. However, current marine low-speed diesel engines are usually highly efficient, leading to the low exhaust gas temperature. Additionally, the temperature of waste heat from exhaust gas is too low to be recovered economically by RC. Consequently, a solution has been proposed to improve the overall efficiency by means of waste heat recovery. The exhaust gas is bypassed before the turbocharger, which can decrease the air excess ratio of main engine to increase the exhaust gas temperature, and to achieve high overall efficiency of combined cycle. For quantitative assessments, a semi-empirical formula related to the bypass ratio, the excess air ratio, and the turbocharging efficiency was developed. Furthermore, the semi-empirical formula was verified by testing and engine model. The results showed that the semi-empirical formula accurately represented the relationships of these parameters. Assessment results showed that at the turbocharging efficiency of 68.8%, the exhaust temperature could increase by at least 75 °C, with a bypass ratio of 15%. Moreover, at the optimal bypass ratio of 11.1%, the maximum overall efficiency rose to 54.84% from 50.34%. Finally, EEXI (CII) decreased from 6.1 (4.56) to 5.64 (4.12), with the NOx emissions up to Tier II standard.
Filamentous Fungi Are Potential Bioremediation Agents of Semi-Synthetic Textile Waste
Authors: Harper Rachel , Moody Suzy Clare
Published: June 2023

Textile waste contributes to the pollution of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. While natural textile fibres are known to be biodegraded by microbes, the vast majority of textiles now contain a mixture of processed plant-derived polymers and synthetic materials generated from petroleum and are commonly dyed with azo dyes. This presents a complex recycling problem as the separation of threads and removal of dye are challenging and costly. As a result, the majority of textile waste is sent to landfill or incinerated. This project sought to assess the potential of fungal bioremediation of textile-based dye as a step towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly means of disposal of textile waste. Successful development of an agar-independent microcosm enabled the assessment of the ability of two fungal species to grow on a range of textiles containing an increasing percentage of elastane. The white rot fungus Hypholoma fasciculare was shown to grow well on semi-synthetic textiles, and for the first time, bioremediation of dye from textiles was demonstrated. Volatile analysis enabled preliminary assessment of the safety profile of this process and showed that industrial scale-up may require consideration of volatile capture in the design process. This study is the first to address the potential of fungi as bioremediation agents for solid textile waste, and the results suggest this is an avenue worthy of further exploration.
Combined Modification of Urbanization and Monsoon in Meiyu Precipitation Changes in the Megacity Shanghai, China
Authors: Liang Ping , Zhang Zhiqi , Huang Wenjuan , Zheng Qingfeng , Ma Yue
Published: June 2023

The Meiyu season is a typical rainy season in East Asia that is controlled by summer monsoon. Despite extensive research on its impact, it is unclear how urbanization modifies precipitation during the Meiyu season in the background of the monsoon influence. To address this gap, this study investigated the effects of urbanization and monsoon on the modification of precipitation during the Meiyu season (PDM) in the megacity of Shanghai, China. Through homogenization analysis of the original observational data, we assessed the temporal and spatial variation in PDM in Shanghai during two stages of urbanization. Our findings revealed that both total precipitation and extreme daily precipitation during the Meiyu season in Shanghai have significantly increased since 1961. The spatial heterogeneity of PDM has also enhanced during the rapid urban process that has occurred since 1986. The long-term trend of increasing precipitation in Shanghai showed a synchronous variation with the East Asian subtropical summer monsoon (EASM) in 1961–2021. Over the interannual time scale, the significant positive correlation between PDM and EASM during the slow urbanization period (Stage 1: 1961–1985) changed to a non-significant correlation during the rapid urbanization period (Stage 2: 1986–2021), which was associated with the enhanced convective precipitation in Shanghai during the Meiyu season. Urbanization induced more convective precipitation and further weakened the association between PDM and EASM over the central city and nearby areas during Stage 2. The rapid urbanization process also resulted in increased differences in near-surface wind between urban and non-urban areas, which facilitated more PDM over the central city due to the urban friction effect and wind shear in Stage 2. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that the increase in precipitation may be associated with the enhanced coupling of cold air intrusion with the warmer climate background due to the urban heat effect occurring in Stage 2. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how urbanization and monsoons affect PDM in East Asian megacities and serve as a unique reference for climate prediction in this region.