bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of optimal NH4+/K + concentration and corresponding ratio critical for growth of tobacco seedlings in a hydroponic system
Authors: Li Chuanzong , Aluko Oluwaseun Olayemi , Shi Sujuan , Mo Zhijie , Nong Tongjia , Shi Chuhan , Li Zhihao , Wang Qian , Liu Haobao
Published: July 2023

Inherently, ammonium (NH4+) is critical for plant growth; however, its toxicity suppresses potassium (K+) uptake and vice-versa. Hence, attaining a nutritional balance between these two ions (NH4+ and K+) becomes imperative for the growth of tobacco seedlings. Therefore, we conducted a 15-day experimental study on tobacco seedlings exposed to different concentrations (47 treatments) of NH4+/K+ at different corresponding 12 ratios simultaneously in a hydroponic system. Our study aimed at establishing the optimal NH4+-K+ concentration and the corresponding ratio required for optimal growth of different tobacco plant organs during the seedling stage. The controls were the baseline for comparison in this study. Plants with low or excessive NH4+-K+ concentration had leaf chlorosis or dark greenish colouration, stunted whole plant part biomass, and thin roots. We found that adequate K+ supply is a pragmatic way to mitigate NH4+-induced toxicity in tobacco plants. The optimal growth for tobacco leaf and root was attained at NH4+-K+ concentrations 2-2 mM (ratio 1:1), whereas stem growth was optimal at NH4+-K+ 1-2 mM (1:2). The study provided an insight into the right combination of NH4+/K+ that could mitigate or prevent NH4+ or K+ stress in the tobacco seedlings.
Response of Carex breviculmis to phosphorus deficiency and drought stress
Authors: Jiang Songlin , Tang Yiqing , Fan Rong , Bai Shidong , Wang Xiaoqi , Huang Yulin , Li Weizhong , Ji Wenli
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The drought and phosphorus deficiency have inevitably become environmental issues globally in the future. The analysis of plants functional trait variation and response strategies under the stress of phosphorus deficiency and drought is important to explore their ability to respond to potential ecological stress.

Methods

In this study, Carex breviculmis was selected as the research object, and a 14-week pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, with two phosphorus treatment (add 0.5mmol/L or 0.05μmol/L phosphorus) and four drought treatment (add 0-5%PEG6000), totaling eight treatments. Biomass allocation characteristics, leaf anatomical characteristics, biochemical parameters, root morphology, chemical element content, and photosynthetic parameters were measured.

Results

The results showed that the anatomical characteristics, chemical elements, and photosynthetic parameters of Carex breviculmis responded more significantly to main effect of phosphorus deficiency. Stomatal width, leaf phosphorus content and maximum net photosynthetic rate decreased by 11.38%, 59.39%, 38.18% significantly (p<0.05), while the change in biomass was not significant (p>0.05). Biomass allocation characteristics and root morphology responded more significantly to main effect of drought. Severe drought significantly decreased leaf fresh weight by 61% and increased root shoot ratio by 223.3% compared to the control group (p<0.05). The combined effect of severe drought and phosphorus deficiency produced the highest leaf N/P ratio (291.1% of the control) and MDA concentration (243.6% of the control). Correlation analysis and redundancy analysis showed that the contributions of phosphorus and drought to functional trait variation were similar. Lower epidermal cell thickness was positively correlated with maximum net photosynthetic rate, leaf phosphorus, chlorophyll ab, and leaf fresh weight (p<0.05).

Discussion

In terms of response strategy, Carex breviculmis was affected at the microscopic level under phosphorus deficiency stress, but could maintain the aboveground and underground biomass well through a series of mechanisms. When affected by drought, it adopted the strategy of reducing leaf yield and improving root efficiency to maintain life activities. Carex breviculmis could maintain its traits well under low phosphorus and moderate drought, or better conditions. So it may have good ecological service potential in corresponding areas if promoted. This study also provided a reference for plant response to combined drought and phosphorus deficiency stresses.
Heat responsive gene StGATA2 functions in plant growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant defense under heat stress conditions
Authors: Zhu Xi , Duan Huimin , Jin Hui , Chen Shu , Chen Zhuo , Shao Shunwei , Tang Jinghua , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2023

Backgrounds

Potato is sensitive to heat stress particularly during plant seedling growth. However, limited studies have characterized the expression pattern of the StGATA family genes under heat stress and lacked validation of its function in potato plants.

Methods

Potato plants were cultivated at 30°C and 35°C to induce heat stress responses. qRT-PCR was carried out to characterize the expression pattern of StGATA family genes in potato plants subjected to heat stress. StGATA2 loss-of-function and gain-of-function plants were established. Morphological phenotypes and growth were indicated by plant height and mass. Photosynthesis and transpiration were suggested by stomatal aperture, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. Biochemical and genetic responses were indicated by enzyme activity and mRNA expression of genes encoding CAT, SOD, and POD, and contents of H2O2, MDA, and proline.

Results

The expression patterns of StGATA family genes were altered in response to heat stress. StGATA2 protein located in the nucleus. StGATA2 is implicated in regulating plant height and weight of potato plants in response to heat stresses, especially acute heat stress. StGATA2 over-expression promoted photosynthesis while inhibited transpiration under heat stress. StGATA2 overexpression induced biochemical responses of potato plant against heat stress by regulating the contents of H2O2, MDA and proline and the activity of CAT, SOD and POD. StGATA2 overexpression caused genetic responses (CAT, SOD and POD) of potato plant against heat stress.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that StGATA2 could enhance the ability of potato plants to resist heat stress-induced damages, which may provide an effective strategy to engineer potato plants for better adaptability to adverse heat stress conditions.
Use of antibiotics in poultry and poultry farmers- a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan
Authors: Habiba Um e , Khan Amjad , Mmbaga Elia John , Green Ivan Robert , Asaduzzaman Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which has been ascribed to be due to community carriage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is highly prevalent in the WHO South-East Asia region. One of the major reasons for this is the misuse of antibiotics in animal farming practices and at the community level, which threatens both human and animal health. However, this problem of antibiotic misuse in poultry farms and in respective farmers is not well studied in countries like Pakistan.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in rural Punjab to explore the current practices of antibiotic use in poultry and poultry farmers, associated factors, their healthcare-seeking behavior and biosecurity practices.

Results

In the context of antibiotic use for poultry, 60% comprised of Colistin sulfate and Amoxicillin trihydrate whereas Colistin is considered as the last resort antibiotic. In addition, the significant consumption of antibiotics in poultry farms (60%) and poultry farmers (50%) was without prescription by either human health physicians or veterinarians. Most of the farms (85%) had no wastewater drainage system, which resulted in the direct shedding of poultry waste and antibiotic residue into the surrounding environment. The lack of farmers’ education, professional farm training and farming experience were the most significant factors associated with antibiotic use and knowledge of AMR.

Conclusion

Our study findings show that it is necessary for an integrated AMR policy with the inclusion of all poultry farmers to be educated, a mass awareness program to be undertaken and that strict antibiotic usage guidelines be available to them. Such initiatives are also important to ensure food safety and farm biosecurity practices.
Association Between Pandemic Fatigue and Subjective Well-Being: The Indirect Role of Emotional Distress and Moderating Role of Self-Compassion
Authors: Wu Qinglu , Chi Peilian , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2023

Objectives: As a stressor in the context of COVID-19 pandemic fatigue is associated with well-being. However, how pandemic fatigue is associated with well-being and what protective factors buffer this negative effect are under investigated. Based on the stress process model and emotion regulation theory, the study examined the indirect effect of pandemic fatigue on subjective well-being through emotional distress and the buffering effect of self-compassion.

Methods: Data were collected from 1,162 university students (Mage = 21.61 ± 2.81, female 35.71%) through an online survey. Indirect effect analysis and conditional process analysis were conducted by the SPSS macro PROCESS.

Results: Indirect effect of pandemic fatigue on subjective well-being through emotional distress was identified and self-compassion moderated the association between pandemic fatigue and emotional distress. The indirect effect of pandemic fatigue was weaker among participants with high levels of self-compassion than among those with low levels of self-compassion.

Conclusion: Pandemic fatigue was negatively associated with subjective well-being through emotional distress at all levels of self-compassion. The findings deepen our understanding of the link between pandemic fatigue and well-being while considering the indirect role of emotional distress and protective function of self-compassion.
Psycho-Religious Experiences in Deep Space History: Astronaut’s Latent Countermeasures for Human Risk Management
Authors: Kim David W.
Published: July 2023

Current scientific developments have reached the stage where human aspirations of space exploration are not science fiction but a reality involving travelling to the Earth’s orbit, the Moon and Mars. In the second half of the twentieth century, international space agencies (like NASA, European Space Agency, and Russia) witnessed the professional experiments of official and commercial space projects, gradually unveiling the universe’s secrets. Astronautical research has predominantly been developed within the context of advanced materialism. The astronauts’ physical health has been protected by the technology of space medicine, while the socio-cultural aspect of psychological well-being was less regarded. As space-travel time is getting longer and more solitary, the evaluation of the mental environment of the astronauts during space travel or in technical crisis is necessary. Also, can the private sphere of astronauts help the public sphere of space safety or security? When and how can religious behaviour (or psycho-religious potentiality) be effective in the space community of long-term missions? This paper explores the sacred experiences of past astronauts in the non-scientific aspects of fearlessness, courage, stability, and confidence. It argues a new hypothesis that while the space team can theoretically depend on the visual and systematic data of the latest information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI), the success of deep space missions (including Mars exploration), in terms of human risk management, is not always irrelevant to the strength of individual spirituality as an internal countermeasure of self-positivity in absolute hope. Furthermore, this aspect can be proved in the case studies of the American Christians’ willpower, Papal support, spontaneous Jewish astronauts, the institutional cooperation of the Russian Orthodox Church and its government, and the commitments of Asian and Islamic astronauts.
Effects of Different Trace Elements and Levels on Nutrients and Energy Utilization, Antioxidant Capacity, and Mineral Deposition of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Lv Guoxiao , Yang Chongwu , Wang Xin , Yang Zaibin , Yang Weiren , Zhou Jianqun , Mo Weiyu , Liu Faxiao , Liu Mei , Jiang Shuzhen
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the effects of inorganic trace elements (IEs) and sucrose chelated trace elements (SEs) on the growth performance, nutrients and energy utilization, antioxidant capacity, and mineral deposition in broiler chickens, and the efficiency of IEs replaced by SEs at different levels was also evaluated. A total of 448,21-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens with similar body weights were randomly assigned into 6 dietary treatments (8 cages/treatments) in a complete randomized design. Treatments were a basal diet including 2.0 g/kg of IE (IE-2.0) premix, and SE-2.0, SE-1.5, SE-1.0, SE-0.5, and SE-0 were basal diets in which IEs were replaced by SE premix at 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0 g/kg, respectively. In general, there was a linear and quadratic decrease in growth performance including average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG), apparent and true availability of nutrients (DM, OM, and CP), GE, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, I, and Se), essential AA (Lys, Met, Arg, His, Phe, Thr, and Val), non-essential AA (Asp, Ser, Glu, Gly, and Cys), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in the liver, and an increase in feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) and liver malondialdehyde (MDA), with decreasing SE levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, using half of the sucrose chelated trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) instead of inorganic trace elements did not affect the growth performance, nutrients and energy utilization, antioxidant capacity, and liver trace element deposition in broiler chickens.
Morpho-Biochemical Responses of Brassica Coenospecies to Glyphosate Exposure at Pre- and Post-Emergence Stages
Authors: Kashyap Anamika , Kumari Sujata , Garg Pooja , Kushwaha Ranjeet , Tripathi Shikha , Sharma Jyoti , Gupta Navin C. , Kumar Rajeev Ranjan , Vishwakarma Harinder , Bhattacharya Ramcharan , Yadav Rashmi , Rana Jai Chand , Rao Mahesh
Published: July 2023

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) belonging to the Brassicaceae family possess extensive genetic diversity and have frequently been utilized in the enhancement of cultivated Brassica species. However, their tolerance to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has remained unknown. Our study examined the glyphosate response of 20 genotypes from the Brassicaceae family, which included genotypes within the U triangle and their wild relatives. We evaluated their behaviour based on morpho-biochemical responses, specifically focusing on the traits of germination percentage, root length, and survival percentage. By calculating the mean membership function value (MFV) for each genotype’s response to these traits, we classified them into three distinct groups: susceptible, moderately tolerant, and tolerant. Among these genotypes, Brassica rapa (NRCPB rapa 8) demonstrated tolerance to glyphosate, as indicated by their mean MFV value of 0.68. Moderate tolerance to glyphosate was observed in Brassica juncea (Pusa Jaikisan) with a mean MFV of 0.52. Conversely, Diplotaxis catholica, Diplotaxis muralis, and Enarthrocarpus lyratus were susceptible, with mean MFV values of 0.37, 0.35, and 0.34, respectively. These findings revealed varying levels of response to glyphosate among these genotypes, with some displaying significant tolerance. The study provides valuable insights into the herbicide tolerance of Brassica CWRs and emphasizes the potential use of phenotypic and biochemical markers in evaluating herbicide tolerance.
Variations in the Reproductive Strategies of Different Charadrius alexandrinus Populations in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Ding Peng , Song Zitan , Liu Yang , Székely Tamás , Shi Lei , Turghan Mardan Aghabey
Published: July 2023

Due to the influence of bio-geographical and environmental factors, as well as anthropogenic landscape features, organisms show different reproductive strategies among different populations. There is a lack of detailed information on the reproductive biology of Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus in arid lands in Central Asia. In this study, we summarized the characteristics of the reproductive biology of three geographically distinct plover populations in Aibi Lake in northwestern Xinjiang, Taitema Lake in southern Xinjiang and artificial reservoirs around Urumqi City in northern Xinjiang, based on 440 eggs from 158 nests observed and analyzed from April to July of 2019 and 2020. We found that there was no significant difference in clutch size among the three populations. However, the egg size of the Taitema Lake population was significantly larger than those of the other two populations, whilst the egg volume and clutch volume of the artificial reservoirs’ populations were significantly larger than that of Aibi Lake. With the postponement of laying dates, the northern and northwestern populations showed the characteristics of a small clutch size and a relatively small egg size, respectively, and a decrease in reproductive output. The heavier female plovers in Taitema Lake laid eggs earlier, and there was a significantly positive correlation between female body mass and clutch size and egg size. The tarsometatarsus length of the female plovers was significantly positively correlated with the reproductive output in all three populations. The model selection results show that female body size and ambient temperature restrict the egg size and reproductive output of Kentish plovers, which is consistent with the upper limit hypothesis of the maternal condition and maternal constraint. Our data support the hypothesis that Kentish plovers show distinct flexibility in their breeding strategies to cope with the harsh natural environment in the arid lands of Xinjiang, China. The results of a relatively high average clutch size and average egg size imply that the saline wetlands of Western China are important breeding habitats for Kentish plovers.
Management of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug–Drug Interactions in Patients with Mycobacterial Infection: A 1-Year Experience of a Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Cattaneo Dario , Torre Alessandro , Schiuma Marco , Civati Aurora , Lazzarin Samuel , Rizzardini Giuliano , Gori Andrea , Antinori Spinello , Gervasoni Cristina
Published: July 2023

In 2022, we opened an outpatient clinic for the management of polypharmacy and potential drug–drug interactions (pDDIs) in patients with mycobacterial infection (called GAP-MyTB). All patients who underwent a GAP-MyTB visit from March 2022 to March 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis. Fifty-two patients were included in the GAP-MyTB database. They were given 10.4 ± 3.7 drugs (2.8 ± 1.0 and 7.8 ± 3.9 were, respectively, antimycobacterial agents and co-medications). Overall, 262 pDDIs were identified and classified as red-flag (2%), orange-flag (72%), or yellow-flag (26%) types. The most frequent actions suggested after the GAP-MyTB assessment were to perform ECG (52%), therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM, 40%), and electrolyte monitoring (33%) among the diagnostic interventions and to reduce/stop proton pump inhibitors (37%), reduce/change statins (14%), and reduce anticholinergic burden (8%) among the pharmacologic interventions. The TDM of rifampicin revealed suboptimal exposure in 39% of patients that resulted in a TDM-guided dose increment (from 645 ± 101 to 793 ± 189 mg/day, p < 0.001). The high prevalence of polypharmacy and risk of pDDIs in patients with mycobacterial infection highlights the need for ongoing education on prescribing principles and the optimal management of individual patients. A multidisciplinary approach involving physicians and clinical pharmacologists could help achieve this goal.
Influence of the Hanjiang River’s Inlet Sediment Decrease on Modern Sedimentation in the Underwater Delta
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Yufei , Wan Xiaoming , Huang Chen , Wang Rui , Liu Xiujuan , Yi Jiaji , Zhang Yunzhong
Published: July 2023

The Hanjiang River is the second-largest river in Guangdong Province, China. The modern sedimentation pattern of the Hanjiang subaqueous delta has been significantly affected by changes in the sediment delivered by the Hanjiang River. Based on multiperiod charts and columnar samples from the Hanjiang subaqueous delta, the influence of a sharp decrease in the sediment flux from the Hanjiang River on the deposition of the Hanjiang subaqueous delta in the past 60 years was studied through a combination of chart-based analysis of the evolution of erosion and deposition and the analysis of sediment samples. The results showed that the significant reductions in sediment fluxes from the Hanjiang River and Rongjiang River had obviously spatially differentiated effects on the deposition pattern of the Hanjiang subaqueous delta. The significant decreases in sediment fluxes from the Hanjiang River and the Rongjiang River caused the sediment grain size of the columnar samples in the near-estuary area of the Hanjiang River subaqueous delta to coarsen upward, the deposition rate to decrease, and the depositional state to change to an erosional state. Since the sediments discharged into the ocean after reservoir impoundment are mainly fine-grained suspended sediments, the supply of coarse-grained sediments in the Hanjiang subaqueous delta decreased, resulting in the upward fining of the columnar samples. The spatial response pattern of the Hanjiang subaqueous delta to the sharp decrease in sediment flux into the sea differed significantly from those of the Yangtze and Yellow subaqueous deltas.
Historical Eco-Environmental Quality Mapping in China with Multi-Source Data Fusion
Authors: Wu Shaoteng , Cao Lei , Xu Dong , Zhao Caiyu
Published: July 2023

Since the initiation of economic reforms and opening up, China has witnessed an unprecedented rate of development across all sectors. However, the country has also experienced severe ecological damage, surpassing that of many other nations. The rapid economic growth has come at the expense of the environment, revealing a significant lack of coordination between urbanization and eco-environmental protection in China. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and continuous historical dataset of China’s eco-environmental quality (EEQ) based on remote sensing, allowing for the analysis of spatial and temporal changes. Such data would provide objective, scientific, and reliable support for China’s eco-environmental protection and pollution prevention policies, while addressing potential ecological risks resulting from urbanization. To achieve this, the entropy value method is employed to integrate multi-source remote sensing data and construct an evaluation system for China’s EEQ. Historical data from 2000 to 2017 is plotted to illustrate China’s EEQ over time. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) The entropy method effectively facilitates the construction of China’s eco-environmental quality assessment system. (2) From 2000 to 2017, approximately 39.7% of China’s regions witnessed a decrease in EEQ, while 60.3% exhibited improvement, indicating an overall enhancement in EEQ over the past eighteen years. (3) The Yangtze and Yellow River basins experienced improved EEQ due to China’s ecological restoration projects. (4) The future EEQ in China demonstrates a subtle positive trend across diverse contexts. This study departs from conventional approaches to EEQ evaluation by leveraging the advantages of multivariate remote sensing big data, including objectivity, timeliness, and accessibility. It provides a novel perspective for future eco-environmental quality evaluation.
Fabrication of Polysaccharide-Based Coaxial Fibers Using Wet Spinning Processes and Their Protein Loading Properties
Authors: Sagawa Takuya , Morizumi Hiroki , Iijima Kazutoshi , Yataka Yusuke , Hashizume Mineo
Published: July 2023

Fibers composed of polysaccharides are a promising candidate to be applied for biomaterials such as absorbable surgical sutures, textile fabrics, and hierarchical three-dimensional scaffolds. In this work, in order to fabricate biocompatible fibers with controlled-release abilities, the fabrication of coaxial fibers of calcium alginate (ALG-Ca) and polyion complexes (PICs) consisting of chitosan (CHI) and chondroitin sulfate C (CS), denoted as ALG-PIC fibers, by using a wet spinning process, and the evaluation of their molecular loading and release behavior were performed. The diameter and mechanical strength of the obtained ALG-PIC fibers increased with increasing concentrations of the CHI solution for PIC coatings. This indicated that higher concentrations of the CHI solution afforded a thicker PIC coating layer. Further, fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled-bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA)-loaded ALG-PIC fibers were successfully prepared. The release behavior of FITC-BSA in the fibers exhibited a slower rate at the initial state than that in ALG-Ca, indicating that PIC coatings suppressed an initial burst release of the loading molecules. Accordingly, the fabricated coaxial fibers can be utilized as sustained-release drug carriers.
Improving Grain Size Analysis to Characterize Sedimentary Processes in a Low-Energy River: A Case Study of the Charente River (Southwest France)
Authors: Duquesne Amélie , Carozza Jean-Michel
Published: July 2023

The recognition and quantification of fluvial transport and depositional processes has widely been studied. However, few works have focused on the interpretation and quantification of sedimentary processes in low-energy fluvial environments. This paper features and compares the results of five methods of grain size data processing (statistic moments, textural analysis, multivariate statistics combining Principal Component Analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, and CM image and end-member modeling analysis) and discusses their efficiencies in characterizing low-energy alluvial plain deposits. These environments are characterized by fine grain size, high-homogeneity deposits at the macroscopic scale, and low grain size variability, hence presenting a difficulty in identifying and splitting an apparently homogeneous sedimentary record into sedimentary sequences. These statistical methods are applied on a ~9 m long core extracted from the fluvial island of la Baine located in the downstream section of the Charente River (Chaniers, Charente-Maritime, France). In the light of these results, elementary statistical parameters (statistical moments, modes, and sorting index) have limited interest in the sedimentary description and interpretation of fine fluvial deposits. Textural analyses are more informative but highly dependent on the classification scheme. Only the multivariate statistics approach and end-member modeling analysis present interesting results and allow the robust identification of sub-units. However, multivariate statistics results are dependent on the choice of input variables and do not support non-zero values, while the second method, the most recent and complex one, needs further developments to clearly connect end-member classes to sedimentary processes.
Electromagnetic Monitoring of Modern Geodynamic Processes: An Approach for Micro-Inhomogeneous Rock through Effective Parameters
Authors: Nepeina Kseniia , Bataleva Elena , Alexandrov Pavel
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on microscale anisotropy in rock structure and texture, exploring its influence on the macro anisotropic electromagnetic parameters of the geological media, specifically electric conductivity (σ), relative permittivity (ε), and magnetic permeability (μ). The novelty of this research lies in the advancement of geophysical monitoring methods for calculating cross properties through the estimation of effective parameters—a kind of integral macroscopic characteristic of media mostly used for composite materials with inclusions. To achieve this, we approximate real geological media with layered bianisotropic media, employing the effective media approximation (EMA) averaging technique to simplify the retrieval of the effective electromagnetic parameters (e.g., apparent resistivity–inversely proportional to electrical conductivity). Additionally, we investigate the correlation between effective electromagnetic parameters and geodynamic processes, which is supported by the experimental data obtained during monitoring studies in the Tien Shan region. The observed decrease and increase in apparent electrical resistivity values of ρk over time in orthogonal azimuths leads to further ρk deviations of up to 80%. We demonstrate that transitioning to another coordinate system is equivalent to considering gradient anisotropic media. Building upon the developed method, we derive the effective electric conductivity tensor for gradient anisotropic media by modeling the process of fracturing in a rock mass. Research findings validate the concept that continuous electromagnetic monitoring can aid in identifying natural geodynamic disasters based on variations in integral macroscopic parameters such as electrical conductivity. The geodynamic processes are closely related to seismicity and stress regimes with provided constraints. Therefore, disasters such as earthquakes are damaging and seismically hazardous.
Study on the Impact of the Coastline Changes on Hydrodynamics in Xiangshan Bay
Authors: Xu Yikai , Wang Yiting , Hu Song , Zhu Yuanli , Zuo Juncheng , Zeng Jiangning
Published: July 2023

Coastline changes have significant impacts on coastal hydrodynamics. Xiangshan Bay is a semi-closed and long-narrow bay located in Zhejiang Province, China. Its coastline has changed dramatically in recent decades; however, the variations in the small-scale hydrodynamics in the changed coastline areas have not been carefully studied. This study uses the Finite-Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) to design a set of control experiments and five sets of compared experiments targeting the areas with significant coastline changes in Xiangshan Bay over the past 21 years. It was found that the coastline changes at the mouth of the bay, such as areas near Meishan Island and Dasong, have a significant impact on both residual currents and tidal currents, changing the amplitudes and phase distributions of the tides. Coastline changes in the inner bay have lesser impacts on hydrodynamics, mainly affecting the small-scale areas in the vicinity.
Piezoelectric-Based Energy Conversion and Storage Materials
Authors: Wang Sihui , Wen Lei , Gong Xiaopeng , Liang Ji , Hou Xinggang , Hou Feng
Published: July 2023

The world’s energy crisis and environmental pollution are mainly caused by the increase in the use of fossil fuels for energy, which has led scientists to investigate specific cutting-edge devices that can capture the energy present in the immediate environment for subsequent conversion. The predominant form of energy is mechanical energy; it is the most prevalent energy in the environment and can be harvested for conversion into useful, electrical energy. Compared with electromagnetic, electrostatic, magneto strictive, dielectric elastomer and frictional electric transducers, piezoelectric transducers have higher high electrical and mechanical constants, large electromechanical coupling coefficients, high dielectric numbers and low losses and are currently the most dominant method of mechanical energy acquisition. Therefore, the research of piezoelectric transducers has received great attention from the scientific community. This paper reviews the research progress of piezoelectric energy acquisition technology. The main objective of this paper is to compile, discuss and summarize the recent literature on piezoelectric energy harvesting materials and applications. Piezoelectric catalytic materials, piezoelectric supercapacitors (SCs), piezoelectric self-charging devices and piezoelectric electrochemical energy storage are mainly introduced. This review briefly introduces the recent advances in piezoelectric-based catalysts and electrochemical energy storage, concentrating on the attributes of various piezoelectric materials and their uses.
Cell Design for Improving Low-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhan Jincheng , Deng Yifei , Ren Jiaoyi , Gao Yaohui , Liu Yuang , Rao Shun , Li Weifeng , Gao Zhenhai
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of new-energy vehicles worldwide, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are becoming increasingly popular because of their high energy density, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate. They are widely used in different kinds of new-energy vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. However, low-temperature (−20–−80 °C) environments hinder the use of LIBs by severely deteriorating their normal performance. From the perspective of material design, this review summarized and analyzed common methods of improving LIBs’ performance via structure optimization and material optimization, and the future development of methods in this regard is discussed. This review is expected to provide cell design ideas for enhancing the low-temperature performance of LIBs.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Cold-Brew Method for Developing Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)-Based Tisane with High Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Larasati Intan Dewi , Oktaviani Nurul Mutmainah Diah , Lioe Hanifah Nuryani , Estiasih Teti , Palma Miguel , Setyaningsih Widiastuti
Published: July 2023

Edible flowers, including roselle, contain a varied composition of phenolic compounds that may inhibit the oxidative stress mechanism. Roselle-based tisane with appealing sensory properties is commonly consumed worldwide. However, the conventional hot-brew method may ruin the stability of thermolabile phenolic compounds during the tisane preparation. Hence, this study aimed to develop a new alternative brewing method linked with the new cold-brew method, which involves a lower temperature and applying ultrasound to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds and to avoid degradation during the tisane preparation. The brewing factors, including particle size (10, 20, 30 mesh), temperature (4, 15, 26 °C), time (10, 20, 30 min), and ultrasound amplitude (20, 60, 100% of the maximum amplitude) have been optimized simultaneously using Box–Behnken design in conjunction with response surface methodology. Seven major phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD and classified into hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCA) and flavonoids. The optimum extraction condition to reach the highest level of the studied phenolic compounds was set to brew roselle with particle size of 30 ± 3.25 mesh at 26 ± 1.32 °C for 18 ± 2.00 min applying 78 ± 5.64% ultrasound amplitude. This method successfully extracted almost all HCA and flavonoid during the first cycle with less than 10% CV and provided higher antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH (IC50 9.77 ± 0.01 µg mL−1), ABTS (IC50 8.05 ± 0.02 µg mL−1), and FRAP (IC50 10.34 ± 0.03 µg mL−1) than the roselle tisane prepared using the conventional method. Additionally, the resulting cold-brew product was stable for up to five days of storage.
Exploring the Relationship between Periodontitis, Anti-Periodontitis Therapy, and Extra-Oral Cancer Risk: Findings from a Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Chen Sung-Hsiung , Chen Jui-Feng , Hung Yu-Tung , Hsu Tzu-Ju , Chiu Ching-Chih , Kuo Shu-Jui
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the systemic impact of periodontitis, previously considered a local disease, on cancer occurrence. We enrolled 683,854 participants, comparing cancer incidence among those with and without periodontitis and assessing the impact of periodontal treatment on cancer risk. Regardless of gender, age, Charlson comorbidity index, or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, periodontitis patients had a lower overall cancer risk than controls. However, men with periodontitis had a higher risk of prostate cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.35), and both men and women had a higher risk of thyroid cancer (women: aHR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.04–1.38; men: aHR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.15–1.99). Patients with periodontitis who received treatment showed a reduced cancer risk (aHR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.38–0.44) compared to untreated patients. Proper treatment for periodontitis may lower an individual’s cancer risk more than if they did not have the disease at all, suggesting that periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for cancer.
The Fabrication of a La2Sn2O7/f-HNT Composite for Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Detection of 3-Nitro-l-tyrosine in Biological Samples
Authors: Sriram Balasubramanian , Kogularasu Sakthivel , Wang Sea-Fue , Chang-Chien Guo-Ping
Published: July 2023

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), including 3-nitro-l-tyrosine, play a dual role in human health, inducing oxidative damage and regulating cellular functions. Early and accurate detection of such molecules, such as L-tyrosine in urine, can serve as critical biomarkers for various cancers. In this study, we aimed to enhance the electrochemical detection of these molecules through the synthesis of La2Sn2O7/f-HNT nanocomposites via a simple hydrothermal method. Detailed structural and morphological characterizations confirmed successful synthesis, consistent with our expected outcomes. The synthesized nanocomposites were utilized as nanocatalysts in electrochemical sensors, showing a notable limit of the detection of 0.012 µM for the real-time detection of 3-nitro-l-tyrosine. These findings underscore the potential of nanomaterial-based sensors in advancing early disease detection with high sensitivity, furthering our understanding of cellular oxidative processes.
Individual Differences in Emotion Attenuation Brought by Indirect Replies Is Related to Resting-State Brain Activity
Authors: Zhang Xiuping , Xu Maoyao , Yang Xiaohong , Yang Yufang
Published: July 2023

During daily conversations, people prefer indirect replies in face-threatening situations. Existent studies have indicated that recipients tend to perceive the information conveyed by indirect replies as negative and emotion regions are engaged in indirect replies processing in face-threatening situations. In this study, we examined whether indirect replies can reduce recipients’ experience of negative emotion and what are the underlying cerebral structures that may give rise to individual differences in the effectiveness of such replies in attenuating negative emotion. Behavior ratings and resting-stating functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) techniques were combined to explore these questions. We created dialogues expressing refusal or negative opinion with direct/indirect replies. Participants were asked to rate their emotional valence and arousal when they received such replies. The rating scores were used to correlate with spontaneous brain activity. Results showed that indirect replies indeed attenuated recipients’ negative emotion experience. Moreover, the left caudate, the right anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), and the connectivity of rACC and left medial prefrontal cortex (lmPFC) were found to be positively correlated to individual differences in such emotion attenuation. Our findings provide direct empirical evidence for the face-saving function of indirect replies and reveal that the intrinsic brain activities of emotion network and theory of mind (ToM) network are related to individual differences in such emotion attenuation.
The Development of p53-Targeted Therapies for Human Cancers
Authors: Lu Yier , Wu Meng , Xu Yang , Yu Lili
Published: July 2023

p53 plays a critical role in tumor suppression and is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers. Most p53 mutants (mutp53) are missense mutations and are thus expressed in human cancers. In human cancers that retain wtp53, the wtp53 activities are downregulated through multiple mechanisms. For example, the overexpression of the negative regulators of p53, MDM2/MDMX, can also efficiently destabilize and inactivate wtp53. Therefore, both wtp53 and mutp53 have become promising and intensively explored therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Current efforts include the development of small molecule compounds to disrupt the interaction between wtp53 and MDM2/MDMX in human cancers expressing wtp53 and to restore wtp53-like activity to p53 mutants in human cancers expressing mutp53. In addition, a synthetic lethality approach has been applied to identify signaling pathways affected by p53 dysfunction, which, when targeted, can lead to cell death. While an intensive search for p53-targeted cancer therapy has produced potential candidates with encouraging preclinical efficacy data, it remains challenging to develop such drugs with good efficacy and safety profiles. A more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of action of these p53-targeting drugs will help to overcome these challenges.
Improving the Efficiency of Precise Genome Editing with CRISPR/Cas9 to Generate Goats Overexpressing Human Butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Wang Jia-Hao , Wu Su-Jun , Li Yan , Zhao Yue , Liu Zhi-Mei , Deng Shou-Long , Lian Zheng-Xing
Published: July 2023

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is widely used for genome editing in livestock production, although off-target effects can occur. It is the main method to produce genome-edited goats by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome-edited primary goat fetal fibroblast cells (GFFs). Improving the double-strand break (DSB) efficiency of Cas9 in primary cells would improve the homologous repair (HR) efficiency. The low efficiency of HR remains a major hurdle in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated precise genome editing, increasing the work required to screen the genome-edited primary cell clones. In this study, we modified several essential parameters that affect the efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in GFF cloning system, including establishing a high-efficiency transfection system for primary cells via nucleofection and optimizing homology arm (HA) length during HR. Here, we specifically inserted a recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase gene (rhBChE) into the goat fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-5 locus through the CRISPR/Cas9 system, thereby achieving simultaneous rhBChE insertion and FGF5 knock-out. First, this study introduced the Cas9, FGF5 knock-out small guide RNA, and rhBChE knock-in donors into GFFs by electroporation and obtained positive cell clones without off-target effects. Then, we demonstrated the expression of rhBChE in GFF clones and verified its function. Finally, we obtained a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated rhBChE-overexpression goat.
Epigenetic Modifications of MiRNAs in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review on Their Methylation Levels and Effects on Chondrocytes, Extracellular Matrix and Joint Inflammation
Authors: Veronesi Francesca , Costa Viviana , Bellavia Daniele , Basoli Valentina , Giavaresi Gianluca
Published: July 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), chondrocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis and inflammation. The current treatments mainly concern pain control and reduction of inflammation, but no therapeutic strategy has been identified as a disease-modifying treatment. Therefore, identifying specific biomarkers useful to prevent, treat or distinguish the stages of OA disease has become an immediate need of clinical practice. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in OA has been investigated in the last decade, and increasing evidence has emerged that the influence of the environment on gene expression through epigenetic processes contributes to the development, progression and aggressiveness of OA, in particular acting on the microenvironment modulations. The effects of epigenetic regulation, particularly different miRNA methylation during OA disease, were highlighted in the present systematic review. The evidence arising from this study of the literature conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) suggested that miRNA methylation state already strongly impacts OA progression, driving chondrocytes and synoviocyte proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation and ECM deposition. However, the possibility of understanding the mechanism by which different epigenetic modifications of miRNA or pre-miRNA sequences drive the aggressiveness of OA could be the new focus of future investigations.
Why Do Iranian Preschool-Aged Children Spend too Much Time in Front of Screens? A Preliminary Qualitative Study
Authors: Shalani Bita , Azadfallah Parviz , Farahani Hojjatollah , Brand Serge
Published: July 2023

There is evidence that Iranian preschool children are increasingly spending their time in front of screens (screen time: ST; time spent with any screen such as TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones, game consoles, or video games), but few studies have explored the possible causes of such an increase. Given this, the present study aimed to qualitatively explore determinants of excessive ST in Iranian children. To this end, parents of preschool children were interviewed, and their answers were qualitatively clustered to identify additional important factors. Key informant interviews were conducted with parents of preschool children in Tehran (Iran). A semi-structured interview was developed to assess child and family life, daily routine, family rules, family interactions, and home climate as possible contributing factors to ST. Parents’ audiotaped statements were transcripted verbatim, coded, and clustered into main themes using thematic analysis with the MaxQda® software. A total of 20 parents of children aged 2 to 7 were interviewed, and a total of 6 key themes and 28 subthemes were extracted from their interviews. The results of the analysis identified a broad range of both independent and interrelated factors leading to the development and maintenance of ST behaviors among preschool children. Our findings indicate that the central concept is the family. Considering screen-related behaviors, family life encompasses parental health literacy (e.g., parenting pattern, monitoring standards, thoughtful parenting), family psychological atmosphere (e.g., presence of parents, family norms, parent–parent and parent–child interaction, congruency/incongruency of parents with each other) and the digital structure of the home. The child’s and parents’ actions and characteristics can influence family interactions. A child’s and parent’s behavior is also influenced by social/cultural factors. Parents’ behaviors and attitudes, family communications, and interactions contribute to healthy ST habits in children. It is not possible to examine the child’s behavior without considering the family and the dominant environment, since the behavior of family members as a whole affects each family member. Given this, interventions should make parents aware of their role and responsibilities in reducing children’s ST and consider the family system as a whole, and interventions also can benefit from considering the parental perceptions of children’s behaviors.