bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Economy and Environmental Quality: Insights from the Spatial Durbin Model
Authors: Wang Xueyang , Sun Xiumei , Zhang Haotian , Ahmad Mahmood
Published: December 2022

Recent developments in attaining carbon peaks and achieving carbon neutrality have had enormous effects on the world economy. Digitalization has been considered a viable way to curtail carbon emissions (CE) and promote sustainable economic development, but scant empirical studies investigate the link between digitalization and CE. In this context, this study constructs the digitalization index using the entropy value method and spatial Markov chain, and the spatial Durbin model is employed to analyze its impact mechanism and influence on urban CE in 265 prefecture-level cities and municipalities in China from 2011 to 2017. The results indicate that: (1) The overall development level of the digital economy (DE) posed a significant spatial effect on urban environmental pollution. However, the effect varies according to the different neighborhood backgrounds. (2) The DE impedes urban environmental deterioration directly and indirectly through the channels of industrial structure, inclusive finance, and urbanization. (3) The development of the DE significantly reduces pollution in cities belonging to urban agglomerations, while the development of the DE escalates emissions in nonurban agglomeration cities. Finally, based on the results, important policy implications are put forward to improve the environmental quality of cities.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Health-Related Behaviours, Mental Well-Being, and Academic Engagement of a Cohort of Undergraduate Students in an Irish University Setting
Authors: Sheedy O’Sullivan Elaine , McCarthy Karrie-Marie , O’Neill Cian , Walton Janette , Bolger Lisa , Bickerdike Andrea
Published: December 2022

Given the well-established impact of COVID-19 on university students’ health and lifestyle parameters, the current study sought to investigate these impacts within an Irish university setting. A cross-sectional design was employed, with a 68-item questionnaire instrument disseminated to all Year 2 undergraduate students in the host institution (N = 2752), yielding a 9.7% response rate (n = 266). This questionnaire elicited students’ self-reported changes to health-related behaviours, mental well-being and academic engagement across 4 defined time-points: (T0: prior to COVID-19, T1: initial onset of COVID-19, T2: during COVID-19, and T3: time of data collection). Many items were adapted from previous Irish research and additional validated scales included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) and the World Health Organisation’s Well-being scale (WHO-5). Key findings revealed that at T1, substantially more males reported ‘good/very good’ general health than females (76.3% vs. 70.8%), while physical activity patterns followed a similar trend at both T0 (80% vs. 66.1%) and T1 (66.7% vs. 61%). A total of 78.4% of participants reported a body mass gain from T0 to T3, thus reflecting the reduced physical activity levels and compromised nutritional patterns across this period. Worryingly, AUDIT-C scale data revealed hazardous drinking habits were evident in both males and females, while fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity levels, and mental well-being among this cohort remained notably sub-optimal. Ratings of positive academic engagement also decreased substantially between T0 (90.3%) and T3 (30.4%). These findings substantiate the rationale for tailored health promotion interventions in university settings to support students’ transition back to traditional programme delivery and, of equal importance, to improve general health and well-being post-COVID-19 within this cohort.
Awareness and Attitude of Physicians on the Role of Dentists in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Alrejaye Najla S. , Alfayez Khalid M. , Al Ali Hafsah H. , Bushnaq Yara M. , Bin Zaid Reem S. , Alobaid Fahad K. , Abolfotouh Mostafa A.
Published: December 2022

Background: Efforts to evaluate physicians’ awareness and attitude toward dentists’ comprehensive role in OSA management are relatively negligible. Therefore, this study aimed to assess physicians’ awareness and attitude toward the role of dentists in OSA management in Saudi Arabia. Methods: In a multi-center cross-sectional study, a total of 358 physicians in Saudi Arabia were subjected to an e-questionnaire composed of three sections: (1) physicians’ demographic data, (2) physicians’ general and specific knowledge of OSA and its management [using 29 factual statements to be responded by “True, False, or I don’t know” responses], and (3) physicians’ attitude towards dentists’ role in OSA management [using 12 attitude statements to be responded by a Likert scale of “Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Usually, Always” responses]. A scoring system was applied for both knowledge and attitude, total and percentage mean scores (PMS) were calculated, and knowledge and attitude levels were categorized accordingly. Predictors of correct knowledge and favorable attitude were identified using multiple regression analyses. Results: Physicians had an overall average knowledge level (PMS = 56% ± 19.4%), with 35.5% and 5.9% reporting good general and specific knowledge levels, respectively (χ2 = 143.0, p < 0.001). Physicians had an overall neutral attitude level (PMS = 64.4% ± 17.5%), with about one-half reporting a neutral attitude level (48.9%) and only one-fourth reporting a positive attitude level (27.7%). Higher levels of knowledge were a significant predictor of favorable attitudes (t = 5.71, p < 0.001). Higher training levels were a significant predictor of correct knowledge (t = 3.60, p < 0.001) and favorable attitude (t = 3.15, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Physicians showed insufficient knowledge about OSA and a less than favorable attitude towards dentists’ role in its management. Enhancing medical curricula and clinical protocols and guidelines on the dentists’ role in OSA management is recommended.
Association between Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution during Early Childhood and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwan
Authors: Fan Hueng-Chuen , Chen Chuan-Mu , Tsai Jeng-Dau , Chiang Kuo-Liang , Tsai Stella Chin-Shaw , Huang Ching-Ying , Lin Cheng-Li , Hsu Chung Y. , Chang Kuang-Hsi
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Recently, a growing number of studies have provided evidence to suggest a strong correlation between air pollution exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we assessed the relationship between early-life exposure to particulate matter (PM)10, PM2.5, and ADHD; (2) Methods: The National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) contains the medical records, drug information, inspection data, etc., of the people of Taiwan, and, thus, could serve as an important research resource. Air pollution data were based on daily data from the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan, R.O.C. (Taiwan). These included particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The two databases were merged according to the living area of the insured and the location of the air quality monitoring station; (3) Results: The highest levels of air pollutants, including PM2.5 (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.58–2.02) and PM10 (aHR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.37–1.70), had a significantly higher risk of ADHD; (4) Conclusions: As such, measures for air quality control that meet the WHO air quality guidelines should be strictly and uniformly implemented by Taiwanese government authorities.
The Role of Aldose Reductase in Beta-Amyloid-Induced Microglia Activation
Authors: Huang Yu-Kai , Liu Chia-Chun , Wang Shining , Cheng Hui-Chun , Meadows Chandler , Chang Kun-Che
Published: December 2022

The occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease has been associated with the accumulation of beta-amyloid (β-amyloid) plaques. These plaques activate microglia to secrete inflammatory molecules, which damage neurons in the brain. Thus, understanding the underlying mechanism of microglia activation can provide a therapeutic strategy for alleviating microglia-induced neuroinflammation. The aldose reductase (AR) enzyme catalyzes the reduction of glucose to sorbitol in the polyol pathway. In addition to mediating diabetic complications in hyperglycemic environments, AR also helps regulate inflammation in microglia. However, little is known about the role of AR in β-amyloid-induced inflammation in microglia and subsequent neuronal death. In this study, we confirmed that AR inhibition attenuates increased β-amyloid-induced reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor α secretion by suppressing ERK signaling in BV2 cells. In addition, we are the first to report that AR inhibition reduced the phagocytotic capability and cell migration of BV2 cells in response to β-amyloid. To further investigate the protective role of the AR inhibitor sorbinil in neurons, we co-cultured β-amyloid-induced microglia with stem cell-induced neurons. sorbinil ameliorated neuronal damage in both cells in the co-culture system. In summary, our findings reveal AR regulation of microglia activation as a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease.
Pathophysiology and Current Drug Treatments for Post-Stroke Depression: A Review
Authors: Frank Dmitry , Gruenbaum Benjamin F. , Zlotnik Alexander , Semyonov Michael , Frenkel Amit , Boyko Matthew
Published: December 2022

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a biopsychosocial disorder that affects individuals who have suffered a stroke at any point. PSD has a 20 to 60 percent reported prevalence among stroke survivors. Its effects are usually adverse, can lead to disability, and may increase mortality if not managed or treated early. PSD is linked to several other medical conditions, including anxiety, hyper-locomotor activity, and poor functional recovery. Despite significant awareness of its adverse impacts, understanding the pathogenesis of PSD has proved challenging. The exact pathophysiology of PSD is unknown, yet its complexity has been definitively shown, involving mechanisms such as dysfunction of monoamine, the glutamatergic systems, the gut-brain axis, and neuroinflammation. The current effectiveness of PSD treatment is about 30–40 percent of all cases. In this review, we examined different pathophysiological mechanisms and current pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for the treatment of PSD.
Genome-Wide Analysis of AP2/ERF Gene Superfamily in Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) Revealed Their Synergistic Roles in Regulating Abiotic Stress Resistance and Ramet Development
Authors: Qiu Xiaojun , Zhao Haohan , Abubakar Aminu Shehu , Shao Deyi , Chen Jikang , Chen Ping , Yu Chunming , Wang Xiaofei , Chen Kunmei , Zhu Aiguo
Published: December 2022

AP2/ERF transcription factors (TFs) are one of the largest superfamilies in plants, and play vital roles in growth and response to biotic/abiotic stresses. Although the AP2/ERF family has been extensively characterized in many species, very little is known about this family in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.). In this study, 138 AP2/ERF TFs were identified from the ramie genome and were grouped into five subfamilies, including the AP2 (19), RAV (5), Soloist (1), ERF (77), and DREB (36). Unique motifs were found in the DREB/ERF subfamily members, implying significance to the AP2/ERF TF functions in these evolutionary branches. Segmental duplication events were found to play predominant roles in the BnAP2/ERF TF family expansion. Light-, stress-, and phytohormone-responsive elements were identified in the promoter region of BnAP2/ERF genes, with abscisic acid response elements (ABRE), methyl jasmonate response elements, and the dehydration response element (DRE) being dominant. The integrated transcriptome and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) revealed 12 key BnAP2/ERF genes positively responding to waterlogging. Five of the genes are also involved in ramet development, with two (BnERF-30 and BnERF-32) further showing multifunctional roles. The protein interaction prediction analysis further verified their crosstalk mechanism in coordinating waterlogging resistance and ramet development. Our study provides new insights into the presence of AP2/ERF TFs in ramie, and provides candidate AP2/ERF TFs for further studies on breeding varieties with coupling between water stress tolerance and high yield.
Non-Metal-Doped Porous Carbon Nitride Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Green Hydrogen Production
Authors: Lu Qingqing , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Li Jiaojiao , Eid Kamel
Published: December 2022

Photocatalytic green hydrogen (H2) production through water electrolysis is deemed as green, efficient, and renewable fuel or energy carrier due to its great energy density and zero greenhouse emissions. However, developing efficient and low-cost noble-metal-free photocatalysts remains one of the daunting challenges in low-cost H2 production. Porous graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanostructures have drawn broad multidisciplinary attention as metal-free photocatalysts in the arena of H2 production and other environmental remediation. This is due to their impressive catalytic/photocatalytic properties (i.e., high surface area, narrow bandgap, and visible light absorption), unique physicochemical durability, tunable electronic properties, and feasibility to synthesize in high yield from inexpensive and earth-abundant resources. The physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of porous gCNs can be easily optimized via the integration of earth-abundant heteroatoms. Although there are various reviews on porous gCN-based photocatalysts for various applications, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reviews on heteroatom-doped porous gCN nanostructures for the photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction (HER). It is essential to provide timely updates in this research area to highlight the research related to fabrication of novel gCNs for large-scale applications and address the current barriers in this field. This review emphasizes a panorama of recent advances in the rational design of heteroatom (i.e., P, O, S, N, and B)-doped porous gCN nanostructures including mono, binary, and ternary dopants for photocatalytic HERs and their optimized parameters. This is in addition to H2 energy storage, non-metal configuration, HER fundamental, mechanism, and calculations. This review is expected to inspire a new research entryway to the fabrication of porous gCN-based photocatalysts with ameliorated activity and durability for practical H2 production.
Breast Cancer Vaccine Containing a Novel Toll-like Receptor 7 Agonist and an Aluminum Adjuvant Exerts Antitumor Effects
Authors: Zhang Shuquan , Liu Yu , Zhou Ji , Wang Jiaxin , Jin Guangyi , Wang Xiaodong
Published: December 2022

Mucin 1 (MUC1) has received increasing attention due to its high expression in breast cancer, in which MUC1 acts as a cancer antigen. Our group has been committed to the development of small-molecule TLR7 (Toll-like receptor 7) agonists, which have been widely investigated in the field of tumor immunotherapy. In the present study, we constructed a novel tumor vaccine (SZU251 + MUC1 + Al) containing MUC1 and two types of adjuvants: a TLR7 agonist (SZU251) and an aluminum adjuvant (Al). Immunostimulatory responses were first verified in vitro, where the vaccine promoted the release of cytokines and the expression of costimulatory molecules in mouse BMDCs (bone marrow dendritic cells) and spleen lymphocytes. Then, we demonstrated that SZU251 + MUC1 + Al was effective and safe against a tumor expressing the MUC1 antigen in both prophylactic and therapeutic schedules in vivo. The immune responses in vivo were attributed to the increase in specific humoral and cellular immunity, including antibody titers, CD4+, CD8+ and activated CD8+ T cells. Therefore, our vaccine candidate may have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer patients.
Natural Astaxanthin Is a Green Antioxidant Able to Counteract Lipid Peroxidation and Ferroptotic Cell Death
Authors: Rizzardi Nicola , Pezzolesi Laura , Samorì Chiara , Senese Federica , Zalambani Chiara , Pitacco Walter , Calonghi Natalia , Bergamini Christian , Prata Cecilia , Fato Romana
Published: December 2022

Astaxanthin is a red orange xanthophyll carotenoid produced mainly by microalgae but which can also be chemically synthesized. As demonstrated by several studies, this lipophilic molecule is endowed with potent antioxidant properties and is able to modulate biological functions. Unlike synthetic astaxanthin, natural astaxanthin (NAst) is considered safe for human nutrition, and its production is considered eco-friendly. The antioxidant activity of astaxanthin depends on its bioavailability, which, in turn, is related to its hydrophobicity. In this study, we analyzed the water-solubility of NAst and assessed its protective effect against oxidative stress by means of different approaches using a neuroblastoma cell model. Moreover, due to its highly lipophilic nature, astaxanthin is particularly protective against lipid peroxidation; therefore, the role of NAst in counteracting ferroptosis was investigated. This recently discovered process of programmed cell death is indeed characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and seems to be linked to the onset and development of oxidative-stress-related diseases. The promising results of this study, together with the “green sources” from which astaxanthin could derive, suggest a potential role for NAst in the prevention and co-treatment of chronic degenerative diseases by means of a sustainable approach.
4-O-Methylascochlorin-Mediated BNIP-3 Expression Controls the Balance of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Cervical Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Cho Yuna , Jeong Yun-Jeong , Song Kwon-Ho , Chung Il-Kyung , Magae Junji , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Choi Yung-Hyun , Kwak Jong-Young , Chang Young-Chae
Published: December 2022

4-O-methylascochlorin (MAC) is a 4-fourth carbon-substituted derivative of ascochlorin, a compound extracted from a phytopathogenic fungus Ascochyta viciae. MAC induces apoptosis and autophagy in various cancer cells, but the effects of MAC on apoptosis and autophagy in cervical cancer cells, as well as how the interaction between apoptosis and autophagy mediates the cellular anticancer effects are not known. Here, we investigated that MAC induced apoptotic cell death of cervical cancer cells without regulating the cell cycle and promoted autophagy by inhibiting the phosphorylation of serine-threonine kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K). Additional investigations suggested that Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP-3), but not Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), is a key regulator of MAC-induced apoptosis and autophagy. BNIP-3 siRNA suppressed MAC-induced increases in cleaved- poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and LC3II expression. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK suppressed MAC-induced cell death and enhanced MAC-induced autophagy. The autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) enhanced MAC-mediated cell death by increasing BNIP-3 expression. These results indicate that MAC induces apoptosis to promote cell death and stimulates autophagy to promote cell survival by increasing BNIP-3 expression. This study also showed that co-treatment of cells with MAC and CQ further enhanced the death of cervical cancer cells.
The Effect of the Stress-Signalling Mediator Triacontanol on Biochemical and Physiological Modifications in Dracocephalum forrestii Culture
Authors: Weremczuk-Jeżyna Izabela , Hnatuszko-Konka Katarzyna , Lebelt Liwia , Piotrowska Dorota G. , Grzegorczyk-Karolak Izabela
Published: December 2022

Triacontanol (TRIA) has been reported to influence signal transduction in the crosstalk triggered by various stress factors. As a signal player, it is also known to affect many physiological processes, including enhancing the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Such knowledge can be used to direct or boost the production of bioactive secondary compounds without stress induction. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the use of TRIA as a factor stimulating the growth and production of bioactive compounds in the shoot culture of Dracocephalum forrestii. TRIA was applied at three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 µM), alone or in combination with phytohormones (6-benzylaminopurine and indole-3-acetic acid). After five weeks, growth and physiochemical parameters (chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and phenolic acid level) were determined. The results indicate that TRIA application significantly increased shoot dry weight, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), and total polyphenol level; it also influenced the multiplication ratio in combination with growth regulators. The greatest antioxidant enzyme activity was observed for 5 µM TRIA in hormone-free medium, while the most significant secondary metabolite production was obtained for phytohormone-containing medium supplemented with 10 µM TRIA: total phenolic acid content (19.4 mg/g dry weight) was twice that of the control. Hence, the TRIA application appears to be a valuable biotechnology technique for modifying plant metabolite production.
Neuroprotective Epigenetic Changes Induced by Maternal Treatment with an Inhibitor of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Prevents Early Alzheimer′s Disease Neurodegeneration
Authors: Bartra Clara , Irisarri Alba , Villoslada Ainhoa , Corpas Rubén , Aguirre Samuel , García-Lara Elisa , Suñol Cristina , Pallàs Mercè , Griñán-Ferré Christian , Sanfeliu Coral
Published: December 2022

Modulation of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) risk begins early in life. During embryo development and postnatal maturation, the brain receives maternal physiological influences and establishes epigenetic patterns that build its level of resilience to late-life diseases. The soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor N-[1-(1-oxopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-N′-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl] urea (TPPU), reported as ant-inflammatory and neuroprotective against AD pathology in the adult 5XFAD mouse model of AD, was administered to wild-type (WT) female mice mated to heterozygous 5XFAD males during gestation and lactation. Two-month-old 5XFAD male and female offspring of vehicle-treated dams showed memory loss as expected. Remarkably, maternal treatment with TPPU fully prevented memory loss in 5XFAD. TPPU-induced brain epigenetic changes in both WT and 5XFAD mice, modulating global DNA methylation (5-mC) and hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) and reducing the gene expression of some histone deacetylase enzymes (Hdac1 and Hdac2), might be on the basis of the long-term neuroprotection against cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. In the neuropathological analysis, both WT and 5XFAD offspring of TPPU-treated dams showed lower levels of AD biomarkers of tau hyperphosphorylation and microglia activation (Trem2) than the offspring of vehicle-treated dams. Regarding sex differences, males and females were similarly protected by maternal TPPU, but females showed higher levels of AD risk markers of gliosis and neurodegeneration. Taken together, our results reveal that maternal treatment with TPPU impacts in preventing or delaying memory loss and AD pathology by inducing long-term modifications in the epigenetic machinery and its marks.
An Assessment of Metallothionein–Cadmium Binding in Rat Uterus after Subchronic Exposure Using a Long–Term Observation Model
Authors: Nasiadek Marzenna , Stragierowicz Joanna , Kilanowicz Anna
Published: December 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant known to pose a public health issue. The mechanism of Cd toxicity on the uterus, including the protective role of metallothionein (MT), is still not fully understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the degree of MT-Cd binding in the uterus of rats exposed per os to Cd at daily doses of 0.09, 0.9, 1.8 and 4.5 mg Cd/kg b.w. for 90 days. To assess the permanence of the bond, the rats were observed over long observation periods: 90 and 180 days after termination of exposure. Additionally, uterine concentration of Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg was determined. Cd leads immediately after exposure to a max. 30-fold increase in the concentration of Cd in the uterus, with only small amounts being bound to MT. After 90 days following termination of exposure, and especially after 180 days, an increase in MT-Cd concentration was noted for the three highest doses; even so, the degree of Cd binding by MT was still small. Additionally, the accumulation of Cd in the uterus disturbs the homeostasis of determined essential elements, manifested by a significant increase in Cu concentration and a decrease in Zn, Mg and Ca, especially 180 days after termination of exposure. The obtained results indicate that MT has only a slight protective role in the uterus and that Cd ions may have harmful effects not related to MT: directly on the uterine tissue, and indirectly by disturbing the homeostasis of its essential elements.
Ex Vivo and In Vitro Antiaging and Antioxidant Extract Activity of the Amelanchier ovalis from Siberia
Authors: Asyakina Lyudmila , Atuchin Victor , Drozdova Margarita , Kozlova Oksana , Prosekov Alexander
Published: December 2022

Phenolic acids are biologically active substances that prevent aging and age-related diseases, e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Cellular senescence is related to oxidative stress. The Siberian Federal District is rich in medicinal plants whose extracts contain phenolic acids. These plants can serve as raw materials for antiaging, antioxidant food supplements, and Amelanchier ovalis is one of them. In the present research, we tested the phytochemical profile of its extract for phenolic acids. Its geroprotective and antioxidant properties were studied both ex vivo and in vitro using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y-564 as a model organism. The chromotographic analysis revealed gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and protocatechuic acids, as well as derivatives of chlorogenic and gallic acids. The research involved 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL extracts of Amelanchier ovalis, all of which increased the growth and lifespan of yeast cells. In addition, the extracts increased the survival rate of yeast under oxidative stress. An in vitro experiment also demonstrated the antioxidant potential of Amelanchier ovalis against ABTS radicals. Therefore, the Amelanchier ovalis berry extract proved to be an excellent source of phenolic acids and may be recommended as a raw material for use in antioxidant and geroprotective food supplements.
A Dual Role for FADD in Human Precursor T-Cell Neoplasms
Authors: Marín-Rubio José Luis , Vela-Martín Laura , Gudgeon Jack , Pérez-Gómez Eduardo , Sidgwick Frances R. , Trost Matthias , Cunningham Debbie L. , Santos Javier , Fernández-Piqueras José , Villa-Morales María
Published: December 2022

A reduction in FADD levels has been reported in precursor T-cell neoplasms and other tumor types. Such reduction would impact on the ability of tumor cells to undergo apoptosis and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, FADD is also known to participate in non-apoptotic functions, but these mechanisms are not well-understood. Linking FADD expression to the severity of precursor T-cell neoplasms could indicate its use as a prognostic marker and may open new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. Using transcriptomic and clinical data from patients with precursor T-cell neoplasms, complemented by in vitro analysis of cellular functions and by high-throughput interactomics, our results allow us to propose a dual role for FADD in precursor T-cell neoplasms, whereby resisting cell death and chemotherapy would be a canonical consequence of FADD deficiency in these tumors, whereas deregulation of the cellular metabolism would be a relevant non-canonical function in patients expressing FADD. These results reveal that evaluation of FADD expression in precursor T-cell neoplasms may aid in the understanding of the biological processes that are affected in the tumor cells. The altered biological processes can be of different natures depending on the availability of FADD influencing its ability to exert its canonical or non-canonical functions. Accordingly, specific therapeutic interventions would be needed in each case.
Evaluation of the Astragalus exscapus L. subsp. transsilvanicus Roots’ Chemical Profile, Phenolic Composition and Biological Activities
Authors: Szabo Katalin , Ranga Floricuta , Elemer Simon , Varvara Rodica Anita , Diaconeasa Zorita , Dulf Francisc Vasile , Vodnar Dan Cristian
Published: December 2022

Novel and natural molecules for pharmaceutical applications are a contemporary preoccupation in science which prompts research in underexplored environments. Astragalus exscapus ssp. transsilvanicus (Schur) Nyár. (ASTRA) is a plant species endemic to Transylvania, having a very similar root system with that of A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, known for its health promoting properties. The present study endeavored to perform basic characterization of the ASTRA roots by proximate analysis, to investigate the fatty acid profile of the lipids extracted from the ASTRA roots, to examine the phenolic composition of the root extracts by liquid chromatography, and to evaluate the biological activities through determination of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic capacities of the extracts. The primary compounds found in the ASTRA roots were carbohydrates and lipids, and the fatty acid composition determined by GC-MS showed linoleic acid as preponderant compound with 31.10%, followed by palmitic, oleic and α-linolenic acids with 17.30%, 15.61% and 14.21%, respectively. The methanol extract of the ASTRA roots presented highest phenolic content, Astragaloside IV being the predominant compound with 425.32 ± 0.06 µg/g DW. The antimicrobial assay showed remarkable antimicrobial potential of the extract at a concentration of 0.356 and 0.703 mg ASTRA root powder (DW)/mL, highlighting its efficacy to inhibit S. aureus and S. epidermidis bacterial strains. Furthermore, the cell proliferation assessment showed the noteworthy proficiency of the treatment in inhibiting the proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cells.
A YSK-Type Dehydrin from Nicotiana tabacum Enhanced Copper Tolerance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Dai Jinran , Shen Lirou , Zhou Jin , Liu Xinyu , Chen Suiyun
Published: December 2022

Copper is an essential micronutrient for the maintenance of normal cell function but is toxic in excess. Dehydrins are group two late embryogenesis abundant proteins, which facilitate plant survival in harsh environmental conditions. Here, a YSK-type dehydrin, NtDhn17, was cloned from Nicotiana tabacum under copper toxicity and characterized using a heterologous expression system and in vitro or in vivo experiments and exhibited characteristics of intrinsic disorder during in vitro analyses. Heterologous expression of NtDHN17 enhanced the tolerance of E. coli to various metals, osmotic, and oxidative stress. NtDHN17 showed no Cu2+-binding properties in vivo or in vitro, indicating that metal ion binding is not universal among dehydrins. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that NtDHN17 behaved as a potent anti-aggregation agent providing strong protection to aggregated proteins induced by excess copper ions, an effect dependent on the K-segment but not on the Y- or S-segments. In summary, the protective role of NtDHN17 towards E. coli under conditions of copper toxicity may be related to anti-aggregation ability rather than its acting as an ion scavenger, which might be a valuable target for the genetic improvement of resistance to heavy metal stresses in plants.
Use of CGF in Oral and Implant Surgery: From Laboratory Evidence to Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Palermo Andrea , Giannotti Laura , Di Chiara Stanca Benedetta , Ferrante Franco , Gnoni Antonio , Nitti Paola , Calabriso Nadia , Demitri Christian , Damiano Fabrizio , Batani Tiziano , Lungherini Massimo , Carluccio Maria Annunziata , Rapone Biagio , Qorri Erda , Scarano Antonio , Siculella Luisa , Stanca Eleonora , Rochira Alessio
Published: December 2022

Edentulism is the condition of having lost natural teeth, and has serious social, psychological, and emotional consequences. The need for implant services in edentulous patients has dramatically increased during the last decades. In this study, the effects of concentrated growth factor (CGF), an autologous blood-derived biomaterial, in improving the process of osseointegration of dental implants have been evaluated. Here, permeation of dental implants with CGF has been obtained by using a Round up device. These CGF-coated dental implants retained a complex internal structure capable of releasing growth factors (VEGF, TGF-β1, and BMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) over time. The CGF-permeated implants induced the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSC) as confirmed by matrix mineralization and the expression of osteogenic differentiation markers. Moreover, CGF provided dental implants with a biocompatible and biologically active surface that significantly improved adhesion of endothelial cells on CGF-coated implants compared to control implants (without CGF). Finally, data obtained from surgical interventions with CGF-permeated dental implants presented better results in terms of optimal osseointegration and reduced post-surgical complications. These data, taken together, highlight new and interesting perspectives in the use of CGF in the dental implantology field to improve osseointegration and promote the healing process.
Improved General Correlation for Condensation in Channels
Authors: Shah Mirza M.
Published: December 2022

The present author’s general correlation for condensation in mini and macro channels which has been verified with an extreme range of data was further evaluated at quality x close to 1. Large deviations were found at quality x ≥ 0.99. The correlation was modified to improve the accuracy in this range of quality. The improved correlation has a MAD (mean absolute deviation) of 22.1% in this range of quality compared to 95% in the published correlation. This improvement is important for the calculation of heat transfer in the condensation of superheated vapor as it requires the value of the heat transfer coefficient at quality x = 1. The new correlation is presented together with a comparison of data. Various aspects of the correlation are discussed. Results of the comparison of all data with the new correlation as well as other correlations are given.
Development of Prediction Models for Acute Myocardial Infarction at Prehospital Stage with Machine Learning Based on a Nationwide Database
Authors: Choi Arom , Kim Min Joung , Sung Ji Min , Kim Sunhee , Lee Jayoung , Hyun Heejung , Kim Hyeon Chang , Kim Ji Hoon , Chang Hyuk-Jae
Published: December 2022

Models for predicting acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at the prehospital stage were developed and their efficacy compared, based on variables identified from a nationwide systematic emergency medical service (EMS) registry using conventional statistical methods and machine learning algorithms. Patients in the EMS cardiovascular registry aged >15 years who were transferred from the public EMS to emergency departments in Korea from January 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled. Two datasets were constructed according to the hierarchical structure of the registry. A total of 184,577 patients (Dataset 1) were included in the final analysis. Among them, 72,439 patients (Dataset 2) were suspected to have AMI at prehospital stage. Between the models derived using the conventional logistic regression method, the B-type model incorporated AMI-specific variables from the A-type model and exhibited a superior discriminative ability (p = 0.02). The models that used extreme gradient boosting and a multilayer perceptron yielded a higher predictive performance than the conventional logistic regression-based models for analyses that used both datasets. Each machine learning algorithm yielded different classification lists of the 10 most important features. Therefore, prediction models that use nationwide prehospital data and are developed with appropriate structures can improve the identification of patients who require timely AMI management.
Circulating Galectin-3 in Patients with Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Mild Hypothermia: A Biomarker Sub-Study of the SHOCK-COOL Trial
Authors: Cheng Wenke , Fuernau Georg , Desch Steffen , Freund Anne , Feistritzer Hans-Josef , Pöss Janine , Besler Christian , Lurz Philipp , Büttner Petra , Thiele Holger
Published: December 2022

Background: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is considered a potential cardiovascular inflammatory marker that may provide additional risk stratification for patients with acute heart failure. It is unknown whether mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) impacts Gal-3 levels. Therefore, this biomarker study aimed to investigate the effect of MTH on Gal-3. Methods: In the randomized SHOCK-COOL trial, 40 patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infraction (AMI) were randomly assigned to the MTH (33 °C) or control group in a 1:1 ratio. Blood samples were collected on the day of admission/day 1, day 2, and day 3. Gal-3 level kinetics throughout these time points were compared between the MTH and control groups. Additionally, potential correlations between Gal-3 and clinical patient characteristics were assessed. Multiple imputations were performed to account for missing data. Results: In the control group, Gal-3 levels were significantly lower on day 3 than on day 1 (day 1 vs. day 3: 3.84 [IQR 2.04–13.3] vs. 1.79 [IQR 1.23–3.50] ng/mL; p = 0.049). Gal-3 levels were not significantly different on any day between the MTH and control groups (p for interaction = 0.242). Spearman’s rank correlation test showed no significant correlation between Gal-3 levels and sex, age, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and levels of creatine kinase-MB, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, creatinine, and white blood cell counts (all p > 0.05). Patients with lower Gal-3 levels on the first day after admission demonstrated a higher risk of all-cause mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.11–6.42; p = 0.029). In addition, Gal-3 levels on day 1 had a good predictive value for 30-day all-cause mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.696 (95% CI: 0.513–0.879), with an optimal cut-off point of less than 3651 pg/mL. Conclusions: MTH has no effect on Gal-3 levels in patients with CS complicating AMI compared to the control group. In addition, Gal-3 is a relatively stable biomarker, independent of age, sex, and BMI, and Gal-3 levels at admission might predict the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality.
Research on PID Parameter Tuning and Optimization Based on SAC-Auto for USV Path Following
Authors: Song Lifei , Xu Chuanyi , Hao Le , Yao Jianxi , Guo Rong
Published: December 2022

Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are required to follow a path during a task. This is essential for the USV, especially when following a curvilinear path or considering the interference of waves, and this work has been proven to be complicated. In this paper, a PID parameter tuning and optimizing method based on deep reinforcement learning were proposed to control the USV heading. Firstly, the Abkowite dynamics model with three degrees of freedom (DOF) is established. Secondly, the guidance law on the line-of-sight (LOS) method and the USV heading control system of the PID controller are designed. To satisfy the time-varying demand of PID parameters for guiding control, especially when the USV moves in waves, the soft actor–critic auto (SAC-auto) method is presented to adjust the PID parameters automatically. Thirdly, the state, action, and reward functions of the agent are designed for training and learning. Finally, numerical simulations are performed, and the results validated the feasibility and validity of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
New Insights about Upwelling Trends off the Portuguese Coast: An ERA5 Dataset Analysis
Authors: Ferreira Spallou , Sousa Magda , Picado Ana , Vaz Nuno , Dias João Miguel
Published: December 2022

In recent decades, several studies have highlighted the importance of the temporal and spatial structure of upwelling in defining the high levels of productivity of coastal upwelling systems. This work intends to assess the temporal and spatial trends of upwelling along the west and south Portuguese coasts from 1979 to 2020, comparing the patterns between these regions. Two different methodologies to calculate the upwelling indexes (UI), based on wind and sea surface temperature (SST) data, were applied to relate the wind-induced upwelling-favourable conditions (UIET) with the expected response on superficial waters, as indicated by the SST patterns (UISST). The upwelling-favourable conditions are quite consistent and more frequent and intense on the west coast than on the south coast. Spatially, it was verified from the UIET that upwelling-favourable conditions are more intense in association with the main west coast capes and that there is an intensification of favourable winds towards Cape São Vicente, both on the west and south coasts. Seasonally, upwelling-favourable UIET was found to be more consistent in the summer on both coasts. However, it also exists in the winter months. In terms of interannual variations, it should be highlighted that between 1992 and 2005 more intense favourable conditions and an apparent change in the seasonality after 2015 were found. Although some of the results derived from the UIET are corroborated by the UISST (namely, the main spatial trends and interannual variations in the upwelling intensity), several uncertainties are associated with the last index that interfere with its interpretation. For future works, it is advisable to develop a more robust SST-based index that can circumvent the uncertainties pointed out in the present study.
The Impact of Marine Engine Component Failures upon an Explosion in the Starting Air Manifold
Authors: Chybowski Leszek , Wiaterek Daniel , Jakubowski Andrzej
Published: December 2022

Based on available sources, the frequency of explosions in the marine engine’s starting air manifolds is determined under real conditions. A cause-and-effect analysis of these explosions and their root causes are identified. A probabilistic model of an explosion in the starting air manifold of a marine engine is built using a fault tree analysis (FTA). Using a stochastic simulation (Monte Carlo) and an exact reliability availability calculation (ERAC) algorithm applied to the developed FTA model, selected reliability measures are calculated to describe an incident of the top event, which involves an explosion in the starting air manifold. For such an event, several factors are calculated, including the availability, the unavailability, the failure frequency, and the mean time to failure. Based on the simulations, the relative frequency of the top event is determined in relation to the number of events that can simultaneously occur and lead to an explosion. The significance of each basic event is assessed to determine their individual impact on the explosion incident. The following measures are used: the Vesely–Fussell measure of importance, the criticality measure of importance, the Birnbaum measure of reliability importance, and the Birnbaum measure of structural importance. The results of the analysis show that defective starting air valves are most responsible for the explosion incident in the starting air manifold. During the first year of the ship’s operation, the reliability does not fall below the value of 0.65, while the mean time to failure and the top event frequency are statistically at the level of one explosion per approximately 2.28 years of continuous engine operation.
Research on The Chloride Diffusion Modified Model for Marine Concretes with Nanoparticles under The Action of Multiple Environmental Factors
Authors: Lv Zhengyi , Zhang Maohua , Sun Yanyu
Published: December 2022

Marine concrete structures are subject to the action of multiple environments during their service time. This leads to increased deterioration in the durability of marine concretes under the combined action of bending load and dry–wet cycles, salt freeze–thaw cycles, and salt spray erosion. The main reason for the damage of concrete under the action of the above three environments is Cl- attack. The free Cl- content (Cl-f) and the free Cl- diffusion coefficient (Df) of concrete can explain the diffusion of Cl- in concrete. This paper considers the actual environment of marine concrete structures and develops the Cl- diffusion modified model for nano-marine concretes under the action of dry–wet cycles, salt freeze–thaw cycles, and bending load and salt spray erosion. The nano-SiO2, nano-Fe2O3, and nano-Fe3O4 were firstly incorporated into ordinary marine concrete, then the Cl- content of each group of marine concrete was measured at different depths, and the Cl- diffusion coefficients were calculated; finally, the Cl- diffusion modified model was established under different environmental factors. The test results show that the total and free Cl- diffusion coefficients of nano-marine concretes were lower than those of ordinary marine concrete, and the nano-SiO2, nano-Fe2O3, and nano-Fe3O4 of the optimum dosage were 2%, 1%, and 2%, respectively. The fitting results of Cl- content have a good correlation, and the correlation coefficient (R) is basically above 0.98.
A Review of Ship-to-Ship Interactions in Calm Waters
Authors: DeMarco Muscat-Fenech Claire , Sant Tonio , Zheku Vito Vasilis , Villa Diego , Martelli Michele
Published: December 2022

The hydrodynamic interaction between two or more ships in harbours or inland waterways is a classical maritime engineering research area. In ship manoeuvring practice, ship masters try to determine the speed and gap limit when a ship is passing or encountering others, particularly in confined water ways. This requires an accurate prediction of the interaction force acting on both ships. The pioneer experimental studies showed that the interaction could lead to a very large yaw moment and this moment is strongly time-dependent, which could make the ships veer from their original courses, leading to collisions. Based on the findings on experimental measurements, some empirical formulas are proposed in the literature to predict such interaction forces. However, these formulas could provide a satisfactory estimation only when the ship speed is quite high, and the water depth is shallow and constant. Numerical simulation overcomes this issue by simulating the ship-to-ship problem by considering the effect of the 3D ship hull, variable water depth and ship speed. Numerical simulation has now become the most widely adopted method to investigate the ship-to-ship problem. In the present study, the development of the methodologies of ship-to-ship problems will be reviewed, and the research gap and challenges will be summarized.
Secondary Metabolites from Fungi—In Honor of Prof. Dr. Ji-Kai Liu’s 60th Birthday
Authors: Feng Tao , Surup Frank
Published: December 2022

It is our pleasure and privilege to serve as Guest Editors for this Special Issue of the Journal of Fungi in honor of Professor Ji-Kai Liu’s 60th birthday [...]