bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Function Tests Post-Stroke. Correlation between Lung Function, Severity of Stroke, and Improvement after Respiratory Muscle Training
Authors: Drakopanagiotakis Fotios , Bonelis Konstantinos , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Tsiptsios Dimitrios , Sousanidou Anastasia , Christidi Foteini , Gkantzios Aimilios , Serdari Aspasia , Voutidou Styliani , Takou Chrysoula-Maria , Kokkotis Christos , Aggelousis Nikolaos , Vadikolias Konstantinos
Published: January 2024

Stroke is a significant cause of mortality and chronic morbidity caused by cardiovascular disease. Respiratory muscles can be affected in stroke survivors, leading to stroke complications, such as respiratory infections. Respiratory function can be assessed using pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Data regarding PFTs in stroke survivors are limited. We reviewed the correlation between PFTs and stroke severity or degree of disability. Furthermore, we reviewed the PFT change in stroke patients undergoing a respiratory muscle training program. We searched PubMed until September 2023 using inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to identify studies reporting PFTs post-stroke and their change after a respiratory muscle training program. Outcomes included lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, PEF, MIP and MEP) were measured in acute or chronic stroke survivors. We identified 22 studies of stroke patients, who had undergone PFTs and 24 randomised controlled trials in stroke patients having PFTs after respiratory muscle training. The number of patients included was limited and studies were characterised by great heterogeneity regarding the studied population and the applied intervention. In general, PFTs were significantly reduced compared to healthy controls and predicted normal values and associated with stroke severity. Furthermore, we found that respiratory muscle training was associated with significant improvement in various PFT parameters and functional stroke parameters. PFTs are associated with stroke severity and are improved after respiratory muscle training.
Safety and Efficacy of Selective Internal Radionuclide Therapy with 90Y Glass Microspheres in Patients with Progressive Hepatocellular Carcinoma after the Failure of Repeated Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Bellendorf Alexander , Mader Nicolai , Mueller Stefan P. , Ezziddin Samer , Bockisch Andreas , Grafe Hong , Best Jan , Goebel Juliane , Pöppel Thorsten D. , Sabet Amir
Published: January 2024

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is currently the standard of care in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and selective internal radionuclide therapy (SIRT) with 90Y microspheres is mainly used as an alternative modality in patients considered poor candidates for TACE. Treatment with sorafenib is the recommended option for patients with progressive disease after TACE. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SIRT with glass microspheres in patients with progressive HCC after repeated TACE who are not eligible for treatment with sorafenib. Forty-seven patients with progressive HCC after a median of three TACE sessions (range 2–14) underwent SIRT (3.5 ± 1.5 GBq; liver target dose 110–120 Gy). Toxicity was recorded 4 and 12 weeks after treatment and reported according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0. Treatment response was assessed three months after SIRT using multiphase computed tomography and modified criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST). Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier curves and a Cox proportional hazards model for uni- and multivariate analyses. Significant but reversible hepatotoxicity (≥grade 3) occurred in five patients (11%). No radioembolization-induced liver disease (REILD) was observed. The number of previous TACE sessions and cumulative administered activity did not predict the incidence of post-SIRT significant hepatotoxicity. Treatment responses consisted of partial responses in 26 (55%), stable disease in 12 (26%), and progressive disease in 9 (19%) patients. The median overall survival (OS) was 11 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 9–13), and objective responses to SIRT were associated with a longer OS (p = 0.008). Significant hepatotoxicity (≥grade 3) after SIRT was a contributor to impaired survival (median OS 6 months (95% CI, 4–8) vs. 12 months (95% CI, 10–14), p < 0.001). SIRT with glass microspheres is a safe and effective salvage treatment for patients with progressive HCC refractory to TACE who are considered poor candidates for sorafenib treatment.
Comprehensive Tools of Alkaloid/Volatile Compounds–Metabolomics and DNA Profiles: Bioassay-Role-Guided Differentiation Process of Six Annona sp. Grown in Egypt as Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Mohammed Mona A. , Elzefzafy Nahla , El-Khadragy Manal F. , Alzahrani Abdulhakeem , Yehia Hany Mohamed , Kachlicki Piotr
Published: January 2024

Trees of the Annona species that grow in the tropics and subtropics contain compounds that are highly valuable for pharmacological research and medication development and have anticancer, antioxidant, and migratory properties. Metabolomics was used to functionally characterize natural products and to distinguish differences between varieties. Natural products are therefore bioactive-marked and highly respected in the field of drug innovation. Our study aimed to evaluate the interrelationships among six Annona species. By utilizing six Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and six Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers for DNA fingerprinting, we discovered polymorphism percentages of 45.16 and 35.29%, respectively. The comparison of the profiles of 78 distinct volatile oil compounds in six Annona species was accomplished through the utilization of GC-MS-based plant metabolomics. Additionally, the differentiation process of 74 characterized alkaloid compound metabolomics was conducted through a structural analysis using HPLC-ESI-MSn and UPLC-HESI-MS/MS, and antiproliferative activities were assessed on five in vitro cell lines. High-throughput, low-sensitivity LC/MS-based metabolomics has facilitated comprehensive examinations of alterations in secondary metabolites through the utilization of bioassay-guided differentiation processes. This has been accomplished by employing twenty-four extracts derived from six distinct Annona species, which were subjected to in vitro evaluation. The primary objective of this evaluation was to investigate the IC50 profile as well as the antioxidant and migration activities. It should be noted, however, that these investigations were exclusively conducted utilizing the most potent extracts. These extracts were thoroughly examined on both the HepG2 and Caco cell lines to elucidate their potential anticancer effects. In vitro tests on cell cultures showed a significant concentration cytotoxic effect on all cell lines (HepG2, HCT, Caco, Mcf-7, and T47D) treated with six essential oil samples at the exposure time (48 h). Therefore, they showed remarkable antioxidant activity with simultaneous cytotoxic effects. In total, 50% and 80% of the A. muricata extract, the extract with the highest migratory activity, demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of migration. It was strong on highly metastatic Caco cells 48 h after treatment and scraping the Caco cell sheet, with the best reduction in the migration of HepG2 cells caused by the 50% A. reticulata extract. Also, the samples showing a significant IC50 value showed a significant effect in stopping metastasis and invasion of various cancer cell lines, making them an interesting topic for further research.
Antioxidative, Metabolic and Vascular Medicinal Potentials of Natural Products in the Non-Edible Wastes of Fruits Belonging to the Citrus and Prunus Genera: A Review
Authors: Chukwuma Chika I.
Published: January 2024

Diabetes mellitus and related metabolic and vascular impairments are notable health problems. Fruits and vegetables contain phenolics that are beneficial to metabolic and oxidative health and useful in preventing associated disease. Scientific evidence has shown that some bioactive phenolics are more abundant in the non-edible parts (especially the peels) of many fruits than in their respective edible tissues. Fruits belonging to the Citrus and Prunus genera are commonly consumed worldwide, including in South Africa, and their non-edible wastes (peel and seed) have been shown to have antioxidative, metabolic and vascular pharmacological potentials and medicinal phytochemistry. It is therefore imperative to evaluate the pharmacological actions and phytochemical properties of the non-edible wastes of these fruits and understand how they could potentially be of medicinal relevance in oxidative, metabolic and vascular diseases, including diabetes, oxidative stress, obesity, hypertension and related cardiovascular impairments. In the absence of a previous review that has concomitantly presented the medicinal potentials of fruits wastes from both genera, this review presents a critical analysis of previous and recent perspectives on the medicinal potential of the non-edible wastes from the selected Citrus and Prunus fruits in metabolic, vascular and oxidative health. This review further exposes the medicinal phytochemistry, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms through the fruit wastes potentiates their therapeutic effects. A literature search was carried out on “PubMed” to identify peer-reviewed published (mostly 2015 and beyond) studies reporting the antidiabetic, antioxidative, antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties of the non-edible parts of the selected fruits. The data of the selected studies were analyzed to understand the bioactive mechanisms, bioactive principles and toxicological profiles. The wastes (seed and peel) of the selected fruits had antioxidant, anti-obesogenic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and tissue protective potentials. Some phenolic acids and terpenes, as well as flavonoids and glycosides such as narirutin, nobiletin, hesperidin, naringin, naringenin, quercetin, rutin, diosmin, etc., were the possible bioactive principles. The peel and seed of the selected fruits belonging to the Citrus and Prunus genera are potential sources of bioactive compounds that could be of medicinal relevance for improving oxidative, metabolic and vascular health. However, there is a need for appropriate toxicological studies.
Influence of Orographic Factors on the Distribution of Lichens in the Franz Josef Land Archipelago
Authors: Kholod Sergey , Konoreva Liudmila , Chesnokov Sergey
Published: January 2024

During a geobotanical study of the Franz Josef Land archipelago, 111 lichen species were recorded on 130 sample plots. The significance of orographic factors in the distribution of lichens was assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple regression analysis. It was found that the absolute altitude and distance from the glacier are of the greatest importance for crustose lichens, while for fruticose lichens, the most critical factors were the slope exposure and steepness. Along the altitudinal gradient, the number of species decreased (from 88 to 25). The highest number of species (90) was recorded at distances of 0.1 to 1.0 km from the glacier edge, which is explained by the unstable species composition of areas recently released from under the glacier. The number of species in all groups generally decreased (from 81 to 52) with increasing slope steepness. With an increasing heat supply of slopes (on a gradient from northern to southern), the number of species steadily increased in all groups (from 39 to 75). The low sum of the explained variance values for the first two PCA components (21%) characterizes the specificity of the natural environment of polar deserts, where there is no leading environmental factor.
Fermentation Profile, Aerobic Stability, and Chemical and Mineral Composition of Cactus Pear Silages with Different Inclusion Levels of Gliricidia Hay
Authors: de Sá Moema Kelly Nogueira , de Andrade Alberício Pereira , de Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal , Magalhães André Luiz Rodrigues , Araújo Cleyton de Almeida , Valença Roberta de Lima , Macedo Amélia de , Oliveira Antônia Rafaela da Silva , Zanine Anderson de Moura , Ferreira Daniele de Jesus , Negrão Fagton de Mattos , da Silva Thieres George Freire , Campos Fleming Sena , Gois Glayciane Costa
Published: January 2024

Cactus pear is used in large proportions in diets for small ruminants in semiarid regions. However, its exclusive use is not recommended due to the low fiber and crude protein content and the high water and mineral content, leading to metabolic disorders, low dry matter intake, and weight loss. The use of mixed cactus silage associated with protein and fibrous sources seeks to overcome the deficits in dry matter, fiber and crude protein, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of the diets that will be offered to ruminants. Thus, the use of gliricidia hay in cactus pear silages could represent an important alternative to improve the nutritional and fermentative characteristics of the ensiled material. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the fermentation dynamics, nutritional characteristics, and aerobic stability of mixed silages of cactus pear combined with different levels of gliricidia hay. This was a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and five repetitions. The treatments consisted of different levels of inclusion of gliricidia hay (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% on a dry matter basis) in the composition of mixed cactus pear silages. The inclusion of gliricidia hay in the composition of mixed silages of cactus pear resulted in a quadratic effect for dry matter recovery, pH, NH3-N, buffering capacity, aerobic stability, ether extract, P, K, Na, and Zn (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in density, effluent losses, maximum pH, mineral matter, non-fiber carbohydrates, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.05), and an increase in the time to reach maximum pH as well as an upward trend in pH, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and B (p < 0.05). Under experimental conditions, the inclusion of gliricidia hay between 20 and 30% in cactus pear-based silage provided an improvement to the chemical composition and fermentation parameters of the silages.
Tissue Culture via Protocorm-like Bodies in an Orchids Hybrids Paphiopedilum SCBG Huihuang90
Authors: Guo Beiyi , Chen Hong , Yin Yuying , Wang Wei , Zeng Songjun
Published: January 2024

This study successfully established an efficient in vitro propagation system for Paphiopedilum SCBG Huihuang90 via protocorm-like body (PLB) formation from seed-derived calluses, PLB proliferation and differentiation, root induction and greenhouse acclimatization. Furthermore, 1/2 Murashige and Skoog (MS) + 0.025 mg/L 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was suitable for the proliferation of PLBs, and 1/2MS + 10% coconut water (CW, v/v) + 0.5 g/L activated carbon (AC) was suitable for PLB differentiation. PLBs at different developmental stages required different kinds of sugars. This study provided a reference for research on the propagation techniques of other Paphiopedilum.
Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract’s Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential
Authors: Vlase Ana-Maria , Toiu Anca , Gligor Octavia , Muntean Dana , Casian Tibor , Vlase Laurian , Filip Adriana , Bȃldea Ioana , Clichici Simona , Decea Nicoleta , Moldovan Remus , Toma Vlad-Alexandru , Virag Piroska , Crișan Gianina
Published: January 2024

Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies.
Transcriptome Profiles Reveals ScDREB10 from Syntrichia caninervis Regulated Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis and Starch/Sucrose Metabolism to Enhance Plant Stress Tolerance
Authors: Liang Yuqing , Li Xiaoshuang , Lei Feiya , Yang Ruirui , Bai Wenwan , Yang Qilin , Zhang Daoyuan
Published: January 2024

Desiccation is a kind of extreme form of drought stress and desiccation tolerance (DT) is an ancient trait of plants that allows them to survive tissue water potentials reaching −100 MPa or lower. ScDREB10 is a DREB A-5 transcription factor gene from a DT moss named Syntrichia caninervis, which has strong comprehensive tolerance to osmotic and salt stresses. This study delves further into the molecular mechanism of ScDREB10 stress tolerance based on the transcriptome data of the overexpression of ScDREB10 in Arabidopsis under control, osmotic and salt treatments. The transcriptional analysis of weight gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” and “starch and sucrose metabolism” were key pathways in the network of cyan and yellow modules. Meanwhile, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) also showed that “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” and “starch and sucrose metabolism” pathways demonstrate the highest enrichment in response to osmotic and salt stress, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results confirmed that most genes related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” and “starch and sucrose metabolism” pathways in overexpressing ScDREB10 Arabidopsis were up-regulated in response to osmotic and salt stresses, respectively. In line with the results, the corresponding lignin, sucrose, and trehalose contents and sucrose phosphate synthase activities were also increased in overexpressing ScDREB10 Arabidopsis under osmotic and salt stress treatments. Additionally, cis-acting promoter element analyses and yeast one-hybrid experiments showed that ScDREB10 was not only able to bind with classical cis-elements, such as DRE and TATCCC (MYBST1), but also bind with unknown element CGTCCA. All of these findings suggest that ScDREB10 may regulate plant stress tolerance by effecting phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. This research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning ScDREB10-mediated stress tolerance and contributes to deeply understanding the A-5 DREB regulatory mechanism.
Involvement of Abscisic Acid in Transition of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds from Germination to Post-Germination Stages
Authors: Smolikova Galina , Krylova Ekaterina , Petřík Ivan , Vilis Polina , Vikhorev Aleksander , Strygina Ksenia , Strnad Miroslav , Frolov Andrej , Khlestkina Elena , Medvedev Sergei
Published: January 2024

The transition from seed to seedling represents a critical developmental step in the life cycle of higher plants, dramatically affecting plant ontogenesis and stress tolerance. The release from dormancy to acquiring germination ability is defined by a balance of phytohormones, with the substantial contribution of abscisic acid (ABA), which inhibits germination. We studied the embryonic axis of Pisum sativum L. before and after radicle protrusion. Our previous work compared RNA sequencing-based transcriptomics in the embryonic axis isolated before and after radicle protrusion. The current study aims to analyze ABA-dependent gene regulation during the transition of the embryonic axis from the germination to post-germination stages. First, we determined the levels of abscisates (ABA, phaseic acid, dihydrophaseic acid, and neo-phaseic acid) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Second, we made a detailed annotation of ABA-associated genes using RNA sequencing-based transcriptome profiling. Finally, we analyzed the DNA methylation patterns in the promoters of the PsABI3, PsABI4, and PsABI5 genes. We showed that changes in the abscisate profile are characterized by the accumulation of ABA catabolites, and the ABA-related gene profile is accompanied by the upregulation of genes controlling seedling development and the downregulation of genes controlling water deprivation. The expression of ABI3, ABI4, and ABI5, which encode crucial transcription factors during late maturation, was downregulated by more than 20-fold, and their promoters exhibited high levels of methylation already at the late germination stage. Thus, although ABA remains important, other regulators seems to be involved in the transition from seed to seedling.
Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Tea Growth and Quality and Soil Properties of Tea Orchards’ Top Rhizosphere Soil
Authors: Manzoor  , Ma Lifeng , Ni Kang , Ruan Jianyun
Published: January 2024

Organic-based fertilizers have been ratified to be effective in ameliorating tea growth and the fertility of soil. However, the effect of integrated fertilization on tea growth and quality and the chemical properties of the soil in tea gardens are unclear. To address this, from 2020 to 2021, five different treatments were carried out in the greenhouse of the Tea Research Institute, Hangzhou, CAAS, including CK (control), NPK (chemical fertilizers), RC (rapeseed cake), NPK+B (chemical fertilizer + biochar), and NPK+RC, to investigate the effects of different fertilizations on soil chemistry and tea growth and quality. The results indicated that NPK+B and NPK+RC significantly improved the different amino acid and catechin concentrations in the young shoots, stems, and roots of the tea compared to the CK. The plant growth parameters, e.g., the plant height, no. of leaves, mid-stem girth, and fresh weights of stems and leaves, were significantly increased with integrated fertilization (NPK+B and NPK+RC) compared to the CK and solo organic and inorganic fertilizers. The chlorophyll contents (Chl a, Chl b, and Chl a+b) were generally higher with NPK+RC than with the CK (37%, 35%, and 36%), RC (14%, 26%, and 18%), and NPK (9%, 13%, and 11%) treatments. Integrated fertilization buffered the acidic soil of the tea garden and decreased the soil C:N ratio. NPK+RC also significantly increased the soil’s total C (31% and 16%), N (43% and 31%), P (65% and 40%), available P (31% and 58%), K (70% and 25%), nitrate (504% and 188%), and ammonium (267% and 146%) concentrations compared to the CK and RC. The soil macro- (Mg and Ca) and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu) were significantly improved by the RC (100% and 72%) (49%, 161%, 112%, and 40%) and NPK+RC (88% and 48%) (47%, 75%, 45%, and 14%) compared to the CK. The chlorophyll contents and soil macro- and micronutrients were all significantly positively correlated with tea quality (amino acids and catechin contents) and growth. These results indicated that integrated fertilization improved the soil nutrient status, which is associated with the improvement of tea growth and quality. Thus, integrated nutrient management is a feasible tool for improving tea growth, quality, and low nutrient levels in the soil.
Amino Acids Biostimulants and Protein Hydrolysates in Agricultural Sciences
Authors: Sun Wenli , Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam , Kuang Yue , Wang Na
Published: January 2024

The effects of different types of biostimulants on crops include improving the visual quality of the final products, stimulating the immune systems of plants, inducing the biosynthesis of plant defensive biomolecules, removing heavy metals from contaminated soil, improving crop performance, reducing leaching, improving root development and seed germination, inducing tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors, promoting crop establishment and increasing nutrient-use efficiency. Protein hydrolysates are mixtures of polypeptides and free amino acids resulting from enzymatic and chemical hydrolysis of agro-industrial protein by-products obtained from animal or plant origins, and they are able to alleviate environmental stress effects, improve growth, and promote crop productivity. Amino acids involve various advantages such as increased yield and yield components, increased nutrient assimilation and stress tolerance, and improved yield components and quality characteristics. They are generally achieved through chemical or enzymatic protein hydrolysis, with significant capabilities to influence the synthesis and activity of some enzymes, gene expression, and redox-homeostasis. Increased yield, yield components, and crop quality; improved and regulated oxidation-reduction process, photosynthesis, and physiological activities; decreased negative effects of toxic components; and improved anti-fungal activities of plants are just some of the more important benefits of the application of phenols and phenolic biostimulants. The aim of this manuscript is to survey the impacts of amino acids, different types of protein hydrolysates, phenols, and phenolic biostimulants on different plants by presenting case studies and successful paradigms in several horticultural and agricultural crops.
Effect of Intertidal Vegetation (Suaeda salsa) Restoration on Microbial Diversity in the Offshore Areas of the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Liu Kai
Published: January 2024

The coastal wetlands in the Yellow River Delta play a vital role in the ecological function of the area. However, the impact of primary restoration on microbial communities is not yet fully understood. Hence, this study aimed to analyze the bacterial and archaeal communities in the soil. The results indicated that Marinobacter and Halomonas were predominant in the bacterial community during spring and winter. On the other hand, Muribaculaceae and Helicobacter were prevalent during the core remediation of soil, while Inhella and Halanaerobium were predominant in non-vegetation-covered high-salinity soil. The bacterial Shannon index showed significant differences in vegetation-covered areas. For archaea, Salinigranum, Halorubrum, and Halogranum were dominant in vegetation areas, while Halolamina, Halogranum, and Halorubrum were prevalent in non-vegetation areas. The colonization of Suaeda salsa led to differences in the composition of bacteria (22.6%) and archaea (29.5%), and salt was one of the significant reasons for this difference. The microflora was more diverse, and the elements circulated after vegetation grounding, while the microbial composition in non-vegetation areas was similar, but there was potential competition. Therefore, vegetation restoration can effectively restore soil ecological function, while the microorganisms in the soil before restoration provide germplasm resources for pollutant degradation and antimicrobial development.
Long-Term Effects of Plastic Mulch in a Sandy Loam Soil Used to Cultivate Blueberry in Southern Portugal
Authors: Pedra Filipe , Inácio Maria L. , Fareleira Paula , Oliveira Pedro , Pereira Pablo , Carranca Corina
Published: January 2024

Numerous plastic products are used in agriculture, including containers, packaging, tunnels, drip irrigation tubing, and mulches. Large amounts of plastics are used as mulches on the soil surface for vegetable and fruit production (tomato, cucumber, watermelon, strawberry, and vine) to reduce weed competition, increase water and fertilizer use efficiency, and enhance crop yield. Portugal uses around 4500 t/year of polyethylene to cover approximately 23,000 ha of agricultural land, and only a small amount is recovered for recycling or secondary uses because of issues of contamination with the soil, vegetation, pesticides, and fertilizers. Cleaning and decontaminating polyethylene mulch are costly, and commercial technology is often not accessible or economical. Most plastic mulch is composed of polyethylene that degrades slowly and produces a large quantity of residues in the soil, with a negative impact on the environment. In the present study, the effects of long-term cultivation of blueberry using green 100% high-density polyethylene mulch in the south Portugal were evaluated for soil chemical and biological changes. High-density green plastic mulch did not contaminate the topsoil with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and heavy metals, buttotal nitrogen, organic carbon concentrations, electric conductivity, and microbial activity were significantly reduced in the planting row compared with the bare soil without mulching. Furthermore, the presence of plastic mulch did not negatively affect the presence of nematodes, and the number of Rhabditida (bacterial feeders) increased in the planting and covered row.
Preparation of Bio-Based Polyurethane Coating from Citrullus colocynthis Seed Oil: Characterization and Corrosion Performance
Authors: Alshabebi Ahmed S. , Alrashed Maher M. , El Blidi Lahssen , Haider Sajjad
Published: January 2024

In this study, a new epoxidized oil from Citrullus colocynthis seed oil (CCSO) was obtained for a potential application in the formulation of polyurethane coatings. Initially, the fatty acid composition of CCSO was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Subsequently, the epoxidation of CCSO was performed with in situ generated peracetic acid, which was formed with hydrogen peroxide (30 wt.%) and glacial acetic acid and catalyzed with sulfuric acid. The reaction was continued at a molar ratio of 1.50:1.0 of hydrogen peroxide to double bond (H2O2:DB) for 6 h at a controlled temperature of 60 °C. The resulting epoxidized oil was then used to produce a bio-based polyol by hydroxylation. The molar ratio of epoxy groups to methanol and distilled water was maintained at 1:11:2, and the reaction was carried out for 2 h at a controlled temperature of 65 °C. The major functional groups of the epoxidized oil and its polyol were validated by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies. A polyurethane (PU) coating was produced from the synthesized polyol and 3HDI isocyanurate, keeping the molar ratio of NCO:OH at 1:1. The resulting PU coating was then applied to glass and aluminum panels (Al 1001). After the film was cured, the properties of the PU coating were evaluated using various techniques including pencil hardness, pendulum hardness, adhesion, gloss, chemical resistance, and EIS tests. The results show that the PU coating obtained from CCSO is a promising new raw material for coating applications.
The Rise of Quantum Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: Manzalini Antonio , Artusio Luigi
Published: January 2024

Today, we are already using several-component devices and systems based on the technologies developed during the first quantum revolution. Examples include microchips for servers, laptops and smartphones, medical imaging devices, LED, lasers, etc. Now, a second quantum revolution is progressing fast, exploiting technological advances for the ability to engineer and manipulate other quantum phenomena such as superposition, entanglement and measurement. As a matter of fact, there is an impressive increase in research and development activities, innovation, public and private investments in a new wave of quantum services and applications. In this scenario, quantum information and communication technologies (QICTs) can be defined as a set of technological components, devices, systems and methods for elaborating, storing and transmitting/sharing quantum information. This paper addresses the challenges and opportunities enabling the rise of QICTs. In order to provide a concrete example, the paper describes an overview of the European project EQUO (European Quantum ecOsystems) dealing with ongoing innovation activities in the QICT avenue; in fact, EQUO aims at developing and demonstrating the feasibility of QKD (quantum key distribution) networks and their related integration in current telecommunications infrastructures towards the quantum internet.
Reconstructing the Last 71 ka Paleoclimate in Northeast China by Integrating Typical Loess Sections
Authors: Li Juan , Brye Kristofor R. , Sun Zhong-Xiu , Owens Phillip R. , Jiang Zhuo-Dong , Wang Tian-Hao , Zhang Meng-Ge , Wang Qiu-Bing
Published: January 2024

Long-term continuous deposits and well-preserved thick loess sections are natural archives for the reconstruction of global climate change. However, the loess sections are often discontinuous owing to soil erosions and accumulations. This study aimed at reconstructing long-term continuous paleoclimatic records by integrating the target sections of two typical loess sequences in northeast (NE) China. One section, the Dajiugang (DJG) section, was investigated and sampled, and the Sanbahuo (SBH) section was used as the target for integrating and reconstructing the paleoclimate. Sedimentary, pedogenesis, and luminescence dating analyses were conducted to analyze the potentials for reconstructing the paleoclimate by integrating two typical loess sections. The results indicated that the paleoclimate records derived from the DJG section can be used to reconstruct the continuous paleoclimate of NE China by integrating them with the SBH section. The paleoclimate information inferred from the DJG section could impute paleoclimate data from 71 to 11.7 ka, which were missing in the SBH section. The paleoclimate of NE China generally consisted of three periods from 71 to 11.7 ka: cold and dry from 29 to 11.7 ka, alternately cold and warm from 57 to 29 ka, and warm and wet to cold and dry from 71 to 57 ka. Integrating the target loess sections can contribute to reconstructing regional long-term continuous paleoclimate records where discontinuous loess sequences occurred.
Acute Aortic Stent Graft Thrombosis in Patient with Recent COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Marzano Antonio , Jabbour Jihad , Brizzi Vincenzo , Sbarigia Enrico , Cuozzo Simone
Published: January 2024

Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, it can have various effects on other organs, including the cardiovascular system. COVID-19 can lead to a prothrombotic status, promoting blood clotting, which can potentially affect native vessels and implanted devices. The exact mechanisms through which it leads to increased clotting are not yet fully understood but may involve inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and a hyperactive immune response. In the present report, we describe a case of acute aortic stent graft thrombosis four days after the resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient required emergent explantation of the stent graft after the failure of endovascular bailout procedures.
Evaluating the Potential of Sentinel-2 Time Series Imagery and Machine Learning for Tree Species Classification in a Mountainous Forest
Authors: Liu Pan , Ren Chunying , Wang Zongming , Jia Mingming , Yu Wensen , Ren Huixin , Xia Chenzhen
Published: January 2024

Accurate and reliable information on tree species composition and distribution is crucial in operational and sustainable forest management. Developing a high-precision tree species map based on time series satellite data is an effective and cost-efficient approach. However, we do not quantitatively know how the time scale of data acquisitions contributes to complex tree species mapping. This study aimed to produce a detailed tree species map in a typical forest zone of the Changbai Mountains by incorporating Sentinel-2 images, topography data, and machine learning algorithms. We focused on exploring the effects of the three-year time series of Sentinel-2 within monthly, seasonal, and yearly time scales on the classification of ten dominant tree species. A random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) were compared and employed to map continuous tree species. The results showed that classification with monthly datasets (overall accuracy (OA): 83.38–87.45%) outperformed that with seasonal and yearly datasets (OA:72.38–85.91%), and the RF (OA: 81.70–87.45%) was better than the SVM (OA: 72.38–83.38%) at processing the same datasets. Short-wave infrared, the normalized vegetation index, and elevation were the most important variables for tree species classification. The highest classification accuracy of 87.45% was achieved by combining RF, monthly datasets, and topography information. In terms of single species’ accuracy, the F1 scores of the ten tree species ranged from 62.99% (Manchurian ash) to 97.04% (Mongolian Oak), and eight of them obtained high F1 scores greater than 87%. This study confirmed that monthly Sentinel-2 datasets, topography data, and machine learning algorithms have great potential for accurate tree species mapping in mountainous regions.
Beam-Space Post-Doppler Reduced-Dimension STAP Based on Sparse Bayesian Learning
Authors: Cao Junxiang , Wang Tong , Wang Degen
Published: January 2024

The space–time adaptive processing (STAP) technique can effectively suppress the ground clutter faced by the airborne radar during its downward-looking operation and thus can significantly improve the detection performance of moving targets. However, the optimal STAP requires a large number of independent identically distributed (i.i.d) samples to accurately estimate the clutter plus noise covariance matrix (CNCM), which limits its application in practice. In this paper, we fully consider the heterogeneity of clutter in real-world environments and propose a sparse Bayesian learning-based reduced-dimension STAP method that achieves suboptimal clutter suppression performance using only a single sample. First, the sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) algorithm is used to estimate the CNCM using a single training sample. Second, a novel angular Doppler channel selection algorithm is proposed with the criterion of maximizing the output signal-to-clutter-noise ratio (SCNR). Finally, the reduced-dimension STAP filter is constructed using the selected channels. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve suboptimal clutter suppression performance in extremely heterogeneous clutter environments where only one training sample can be used.
Optimizing Algorithm for Existing Fiber-Optic Displacement Sensor Performance
Authors: Elrawashdeh Zeina , Prelle Christine , Lamarque Frédéric , Revel Philippe , Galland Stéphane
Published: January 2024

This paper describes the optimal design of a miniature fiber-optic linear displacement sensor. It is characterized by its ability to measure displacements along a millimetric range with sub-micrometric resolution. The sensor consists of a triangular reflective grating and two fiber-optic probes. The measurement principle of the sensor is presented. The design of the sensor’s triangular grating has been geometrically optimized by considering the step angle of the grating to enhance the sensor’s resolution. The optimization method revealed a global optimum at which the highest resolution is obtained.
The Application of Liquid Chromatography for the Analysis of Organic UV Filters in Environmental and Marine Biota Matrices
Authors: Nieddu Maria , Pasciu Valeria , Demontis Maria Piera , Baralla Elena
Published: January 2024

Sunscreens are topical preparations containing one or more compounds that protect humans from ultraviolet (UV) light. This review focuses on analytical methods, particularly liquid chromatography, with the aim of identifying and determining UV filters (UVFs) in environmental and marine biota matrices. A literature review was conducted using NIH (PubMed and Medline), FDA and EPA databases, Google Scholar, and federal regulations. This retrospective literature review is focused on the last five years. UVF quantification in environmental and biological matrices showed a wide array of methods where liquid chromatography is predominant. The scientific literature identified a large variety of analytical methodologies that are compared in this review to evaluate the better results in terms of limits of quantification and the possibility to identify as many analytes as possible simultaneously.
A Comparison of Volatile Organic Compounds in Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix Using Gas Chromatography–Ion Migration Spectrometry
Authors: Mao Yingchao , Zhu Lingfeng , Fu Fuhua , Zhu Lijun , Chen Jiajing , Liu Jing , Huang Dan , Lei Chang
Published: January 2024

Puerariae Radix is one of the most widely used ancient traditional Chinese medicines and is also consumed as food, which has rich edible and medicinal value. Puerariae Radix can be divided into Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PL) and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (PT). These two medicinal materials are very similar, and they are often mixed up or misused. In this study, gas chromatography–ion migration spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to analyze the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of PL and PT, and the differences in VOCs were analyzed using fingerprint, principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The results showed that a total of 173 VOCs were obtained from PL and PT, and 149 were qualitatively identified, including 38 aldehydes, 22 alcohols, 22 ketones, 19 esters, 13 esters, 10 acids, 10 pyrazines, 6 terpenes, 4 furans, and 2 pyridines. The characteristic VOCs of PL and PT were clarified by constructing GC-IMS fingerprints. PL and PT can be effectively distinguished, and five characteristic VOCs were screened using PCA and OPLS-DA analysis methods. This study identified and evaluated the types and differences in VOCs in PL and PT. The established method is simple, rapid, accurate, and sensitive, and it provides theoretical guidance for the identification, tracing, and quality evaluation of PL and PT.
Estimating the Past and Future Trajectory of LUCC on Wetland Ecosystem Service Values in the Yellow River Delta Region of China
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Han Liusheng , Feng Zhaohui , Zhou Jian , Wang Shengshuai , Wang Xiangyu , Fan Junfu
Published: January 2024

Land use/cover change (LUCC) can impact the provision of ecosystem service values (ESVs), particularly in wetland regions that are subject to frequent and unsustainable land conversions. Exploring the past and future trajectory of LUCC and its effects on ESV has a great significance for wetland management and habitat stability. This study tried to reveal the patterns and magnitude of LUCC on ESV under varying land development scenarios in the Yellow River Delta region, which is a typical region undergoing serious degradation in China. In this study, a combined approach utilizing equivalent coefficients of ecosystem services was employed to determine the ESV of the wetland in relation to the major land use types (LUTs). The Markov–FLUS model was then used to simulate LUTs across multiple scenarios in 2030 and to clarify the relationship of ESV between wetland and other LUTs. The results indicated that the wetland was severely degraded, with a loss in area of 6679.89 ha between 2000 and 2020. Cropland and water body were the main sources of diversion and turnover for the wetland, respectively. Despite the multiple scenario projections revealed, the wetland area exhibited a similar growth rate and a homogeneity in ESV under the natural development (ND), urban construction and development (UCD), and the ecological development (ED) scenarios. The ED scenario was deemed the optimal development strategy for the wetland ecosystem. Our research will improve the comprehension of land development decisions and promote sustainable development in estuarine wetland areas.
The Role of Affordability on the Adoption of Residential Point-of-Use Drinking Water Filtering Systems in China
Authors: Wu Junya
Published: January 2024

Access to clean drinking water is fundamental to human health, but a significant portion of China’s population lacks this essential resource due to low water quality. Point-of-use (POU) water filtering systems, offering ease of installation and maintenance, have emerged as a viable solution for providing clean drinking water in China. However, despite their advantages, the adoption rate remains below 20%. This study investigates whether and how price affordability affects the adoption of residential POU water filtering systems in China. In doing so, we conduct a quantitative analysis of the national POU water filtering systems sales and household income data from 2007 to 2022 in China. Our results show that the ratio of the initial purchase price to per capita disposable income and the adoption rate of POU systems in China are strongly positively correlated. Our findings shed light on potential pathways to facilitating their wider adoption, not only in China but also in other emerging countries.
Utilization of Waste Brick Powder as a Partial Replacement of Portland Cement in Mortars
Authors: Zou Zhuomin , Provoost Samuel , Gruyaert Elke
Published: January 2024

Partially substituting Portland cement (PC) with waste brick powder (WBP) is an effective method to reduce environmental pollution. In this paper, the effects of a WBP with low pozzolanic activity on the fresh and hardened properties of blended cement with 0–40% WBP or 50% of WBP+GGBFS (by mass) were studied. Sodium sulphate (SS) (1.5 and 2.5%, related to powder mass) was used to activate the blended cement with 40% WBP or 50% WBP+GGBFS at 20 °C. Results show that the performance of blended cement is decreased with the increase in WBP content since the WBP with low pozzolanic activity mainly contributes to the dilution effect. Binary cement with 10% WBP shows a similar carbonation depth and chloride migration coefficient to PC. Ternary cement with 10% WBP and 40% GGBFS exhibits a slightly lower strength at 90 days and a lower chloride migration coefficient than PC. The SS solution increases the compressive strength at 2 days and decreases the compressive strength at 28 and 90 days. Moreover, the SS solution results in a lower carbonation depth and chloride migration coefficient, except for ternary cement with 10% WBP and 40% GGBFS, which shows a higher carbonation depth at 42 and 68 days. This paper provides a reference for the application of WBP to produce green mortars.