bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Combination of the C1473G Mutation in the Tph2 Gene and Lethal Yellow Mutations in the Raly-Agouti Locus on Behavior, Brain 5-HT and Melanocortin Systems in Mice
Authors: Komleva Polyna D. , Alhalabi Ghofran , Izyurov Arseniy E. , Khotskin Nikita V. , Kulikov Alexander V.
Published: June 2023

Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) is the key and rate-limited enzyme of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis in the brain. The C1473G mutation in the Tph2 gene results in a two-fold decrease in enzyme activity in the mouse brain. The lethal yellow (AY) mutation in the Raly-Agouti locus results in the overexpression of the Agouti gene in the brain and causes obesity and depressive-like behavior in mice. Herein, the possible influences of these mutations and their combination on body mass, behavior, brain 5-HT and melanocortin systems in mice of the B6-1473CC/aa. B6-1473CC/AYa, B6-1473GG/aa are investigated. B6-1473GG/AYa genotypes were studied. The 1473G and AY alleles increase the activity of TPH2 and the expression of the Agouti gene, respectively, but they do not alter 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels or the expression of the genes Tph2, Maoa, Slc6a4, Htr1a, Htr2a, Mc3r and Mc4r in the brain. The 1473G allele attenuates weight gain and depressive-like immobility in the forced swim test, while the AY allele increases body weight gain and depressive-like immobility. The combination of these alleles results in hind limb dystonia in the B6-1473GG/AYa mice. This is the first evidence for the interaction between the C1473G and AY mutations.
Improved Dipper-Throated Optimization for Forecasting Metamaterial Design Bandwidth for Engineering Applications
Authors: Alharbi Amal H. , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A. , Ibrahim Abdelhameed , Towfek S. K. , Khodadadi Nima , Abualigah Laith , Khafaga Doaa Sami , Ahmed Ayman EM
Published: June 2023

Metamaterials have unique physical properties. They are made of several elements and are structured in repeating patterns at a smaller wavelength than the phenomena they affect. Metamaterials’ exact structure, geometry, size, orientation, and arrangement allow them to manipulate electromagnetic waves by blocking, absorbing, amplifying, or bending them to achieve benefits not possible with ordinary materials. Microwave invisibility cloaks, invisible submarines, revolutionary electronics, microwave components, filters, and antennas with a negative refractive index utilize metamaterials. This paper proposed an improved dipper throated-based ant colony optimization (DTACO) algorithm for forecasting the bandwidth of the metamaterial antenna. The first scenario in the tests covered the feature selection capabilities of the proposed binary DTACO algorithm for the dataset that was being evaluated, and the second scenario illustrated the algorithm’s regression skills. Both scenarios are part of the studies. The state-of-the-art algorithms of DTO, ACO, particle swarm optimization (PSO), grey wolf optimizer (GWO), and whale optimization (WOA) were explored and compared to the DTACO algorithm. The basic multilayer perceptron (MLP) regressor model, the support vector regression (SVR) model, and the random forest (RF) regressor model were contrasted with the optimal ensemble DTACO-based model that was proposed. In order to assess the consistency of the DTACO-based model that was developed, the statistical research made use of Wilcoxon’s rank-sum and ANOVA tests.
Improved Environmental Stimulus and Biological Competition Tactics Interactive Artificial Ecological Optimization Algorithm for Clustering
Authors: Guo Wenyan , Wu Mingfei , Dai Fang , Qiang Yufan
Published: June 2023

An interactive artificial ecological optimization algorithm (SIAEO) based on environmental stimulus and a competition mechanism was devised to find the solution to a complex calculation, which can often become bogged down in local optimum because of the sequential execution of consumption and decomposition stages in the artificial ecological optimization algorithm. Firstly, the environmental stimulus defined by population diversity makes the population interactively execute the consumption operator and decomposition operator to abate the inhomogeneity of the algorithm. Secondly, the three different types of predation modes in the consumption stage were regarded as three different tasks, and the task execution mode was determined by the maximum cumulative success rate of each individual task execution. Furthermore, the biological competition operator is recommended to modify the regeneration strategy so that the SIAEO algorithm can provide consideration to the exploitation in the exploration stage, break the equal probability execution mode of the AEO, and promote the competition among operators. Finally, the stochastic mean suppression alternation exploitation problem is introduced in the later exploitation process of the algorithm, which can tremendously heighten the SIAEO algorithm to run away the local optimum. A comparison between SIAEO and other improved algorithms is performed on the CEC2017 and CEC2019 test set.
Knockdown of UBQLN1 Functions as a Strategy to Inhibit CRC Progression through the ERK-c-Myc Pathway
Authors: Ni Ruoxuan , Jiang Jianwei , Zhao Mei , Huang Shengkai , Huang Changzhi
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by the absence of obvious symptoms in the early stage. Due to the high rate of late diagnosis of CRC patients, the mortality rate of CRC is higher than that of other malignant tumors. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that UBQLN1 plays an important role in many biological processes. However, the role of UBQLN1 in CRC progression is still elusive. Methods and results: we found that UBQLN1 was significantly highly expressed in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues. Enhanced/reduced UBQLN1 promoted/inhibited CRC cell proliferation, colony formation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro, and knockdown of UBQLN1 inhibited CRC cells’ tumorigenesis and metastasis in nude mice in vivo. Moreover, the knockdown of UBQLN1 reduced the expression of c-Myc by downregulating the ERK-MAPK pathway. Furthermore, the elevation of c-Myc in UBQLN1-deficient cells rescued proliferation caused by UBQLN1 silencing. Conclusions: Knockdown of UBQLN1 inhibits the progression of CRC through the ERK-c-Myc pathway, which provides new insights into the mechanism of CRC progression. UBQLN1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of CRC.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Detection in the Age of Advanced Technology: A Review
Authors: Stafford Haleigh , Buell Jane , Chiang Elizabeth , Ramesh Uma , Migden Michael , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Amit Moran , Yaniv Dan
Published: June 2023

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States, with approximately one in five Americans expected to be diagnosed within their lifetime. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most prevalent type of skin cancer, and as cases rise globally, physicians need reliable tools for early detection. Artificial intelligence has gained substantial interest as a decision support tool in medicine, particularly in image analysis, where deep learning has proven to be an effective tool. Because specialties such as dermatology rely primarily on visual diagnoses, deep learning could have many diagnostic applications, including the diagnosis of skin cancer. Furthermore, with the advancement of mobile smartphones and their increasingly powerful cameras, deep learning technology could also be utilized in remote skin cancer screening applications. Ultimately, the available data for the detection and diagnosis of skin cancer using deep learning technology are promising, revealing sensitivity and specificity that are not inferior to those of trained dermatologists. Work is still needed to increase the clinical use of AI-based tools, but based on the current data and the attitudes of patients and physicians, deep learning technology could be used effectively as a clinical decision-making tool in collaboration with physicians to improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.
The Application of GHRH Antagonist as a Treatment for Resistant APL
Authors: Chale Ravinder S. , Almeida Stephanie M. , Rodriguez Mario , Jozic Ivan , Gaumond Simonetta I. , Schally Andrew V. , Jimenez Joaquin J.
Published: June 2023

GHRH is a hypothalamic peptide shown to stimulate the proliferation of malignant cells in humans. We have previously shown that the use of GHRH antagonist MIA-602 successfully suppressed the growth of many human cancer cell lines, spanning more than 20 types of cancers. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of GHRH-R in the NB4, NB4-RAA, and K-562 model cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrate the inhibited proliferation of all three cell lines in vitro after incubation with MIA-602. The treatment of xenografts of human APL cell lines with MIA-602 led to a significant reduction in tumor growth. Additionally, combination therapy with both doxorubicin (DOX) and MIA-602 showed a marked synergistic effect in reducing the proliferation of the K-562 AML cell line. These findings suggest that MIA-602 could be utilized to address resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) therapies, as well as in augmenting anthracycline-based regimens.
Mild Dealumination of H-ZSM-5 Zeolite for Enhanced Conversion of Glucose into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in a Biphasic Solvent System
Authors: Ojelabi Oluwaseyi , Yousatit Satit , Rashid Umer , Ngamcharussrivichai Chawalit
Published: June 2023

Transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into high-value chemicals is a viable strategy for sustainable development of a bio-based economy. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is one of potential platform bio-chemicals for the manufacture of various renewable products. In this work, a commercial H-ZSM-5 zeolite was used as a starting material for preparing a series of acid catalysts with bifunctionality for direct dehydration of glucose to HMF in a biphasic water/tetrahydrofuran system. The pristine H-ZSM-5 was mildly dealuminated by refluxing with dilute nitric acid solutions to adjust its acid properties. Although the acid treatment slightly altered the elemental composition, textural properties, and morphology of zeolite, the total acidity and distribution of acid sites were significantly modified. Some non-framework aluminum (Al) oxide clusters were removed from the parent H-ZSM-5 simultaneously with a partial hydrolysis of zeolitic framework. An increased fraction of coordinatively unsaturated framework Al species enhanced the number of Lewis acid sites. Using 0.1 M solution in the treatment provided the suitable catalyst (0.1DeAl.H-ZSM-5), giving a glucose conversion and HMF yield of >99% and 64.7%, respectively, and a good reusability under the optimized reaction conditions. These results show the industrial potential of the proposed method for simple but efficient preparation of H-ZSM-5 catalysts for producing HMF via the catalytic dehydration of glucose.
scRNA-Seq of Cultured Human Amniotic Fluid from Fetuses with Spina Bifida Reveals the Origin and Heterogeneity of the Cellular Content
Authors: Dasargyri Athanasia , González Rodríguez Daymé , Rehrauer Hubert , Reichmann Ernst , Biedermann Thomas , Moehrlen Ueli
Published: June 2023

Amniotic fluid has been proposed as an easily available source of cells for numerous applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The use of amniotic fluid cells in biomedical applications necessitates their unequivocal characterization; however, the exact cellular composition of amniotic fluid and the precise tissue origins of these cells remain largely unclear. Using cells cultured from the human amniotic fluid of fetuses with spina bifida aperta and of a healthy fetus, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the tissue origin and marker expression of cultured amniotic fluid cells at the single-cell level. Our analysis revealed nine different cell types of stromal, epithelial and immune cell phenotypes, and from various fetal tissue origins, demonstrating the heterogeneity of the cultured amniotic fluid cell population at a single-cell resolution. It also identified cell types of neural origin in amniotic fluid from fetuses with spina bifida aperta. Our data provide a comprehensive list of markers for the characterization of the various progenitor and terminally differentiated cell types in cultured amniotic fluid. This study highlights the relevance of single-cell analysis approaches for the characterization of amniotic fluid cells in order to harness their full potential in biomedical research and clinical applications.
A Simple Method to Fabricate the Highly Sensitive SERS Substrate by Femtosecond Laser-Based 3D Printer
Authors: Kim Woong , Kim Woochang , Bang Doyeon , Park Jinsung , Lee Wonseok
Published: June 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a potent technique for analyzing and detecting various targets, including toxic ions, pesticides, and biomarkers, at the single-molecule level. The efficiency of SERS techniques relies heavily on the underlying SERS substrate, which is primarily responsible for the strong induction of localized plasmon resonance on nanostructures. Noble metals such as gold and silver were commonly used to fabricate SERS substrates, leveraging the electromagnetic mechanism (EM) to enhance the Raman signal. However, chemically synthesized nanoparticle-based SERS substrates suffer from low uniformity and reproducibility. Furthermore, the high cost associated with noble metals makes most SERS substrates expensive to produce. In this study, we present a straightforward method for fabricating a highly uniform and reproducible SERS substrate using a femtosecond laser-based 3D printer. Notably, our method offers good cost competitiveness since it requires only a minimal amount of gold coating for the SERS signal. Moreover, the proposed method exhibits exceptional versatility in SERS analysis and detection, catering to numerous targets in the field.
Biochemical and Antioxidant Properties as well as Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Allium scorodoprasum subsp. jajlae (Vved.) Stearn
Authors: Canli Kerem , Turu Dilay , Benek Atakan , Bozyel Mustafa Eray , Simsek Özcan , Altuner Ergin Murat
Published: June 2023

In this study, the chemical composition and biological activity of Allium scorodoprasum subsp. jajlae (Vved.) Stearn were investigated for the first time, focusing on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibiofilm properties. A GC-MS analysis was employed to evaluate the composition of its secondary metabolites, identifying linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and octadecanoic acid 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester as the major compounds in ethanol extract. The antimicrobial activity of A. scorodoprasum subsp. jajlae was assessed against 26 strains, including standard, food isolate, clinical isolate, and multidrug-resistant ones, as well as three Candida species using the disc diffusion method and the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The extract showed strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant and multidrug-resistant strains, as well as Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata. Its antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the DPPH method, revealing a high level of antioxidant activity in the plant. Additionally, the antibiofilm activity of A. scorodoprasum subsp. jajlae was determined, demonstrating a reduction in biofilm formation for the Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 strain and an increase in biofilm formation for the other tested strains. The findings suggest potential applications of A. scorodoprasum subsp. jajlae in the development of novel antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibiofilm agents.
How Do Cancer-Related Mutations Affect the Oligomerisation State of the p53 Tetramerisation Domain?
Authors: Nicolini Federica , Todorovski Toni , Puig Eduard , Díaz-Lobo Mireia , Vilaseca Marta , García Jesús , Andreu David , Giralt Ernest
Published: June 2023

Tumour suppressor p53 plays a key role in the development of cancer and has therefore been widely studied in recent decades. While it is well known that p53 is biologically active as a tetramer, the tetramerisation mechanism is still not completely understood. p53 is mutated in nearly 50% of cancers, and mutations can alter the oligomeric state of the protein, having an impact on the biological function of the protein and on cell fate decisions. Here, we describe the effects of a number of representative cancer-related mutations on tetramerisation domain (TD) oligomerisation defining a peptide length that permits having a folded and structured domain, thus avoiding the effect of the flanking regions and the net charges at the N- and C-terminus. These peptides have been studied under different experimental conditions. We have applied a variety of techniques, including circular dichroism (CD), native mass spectrometry (MS) and high-field solution NMR. Native MS allows us to detect the native state of complexes maintaining the peptide complexes intact in the gas phase; the secondary and quaternary structures were analysed in solution by NMR, and the oligomeric forms were assigned by diffusion NMR experiments. A significant destabilising effect and a variable monomer population were observed for all the mutants studied.
Impact of Escalating Heat Waves on Students’ Well-Being and Overall Health: A Survey of Primary School Teachers
Authors: Lala Betty , Hagishima Aya
Published: June 2023

Children in developing countries such as India will experience severe consequences of climate change. Primary school students, in particular, are the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves intensifying due to climate change. This will adversely impair their development, well-being, and learning outcomes. However, significant research gaps exist in understanding and mitigating children’s vulnerabilities. There is an urgent need for a deeper understanding of the impact of heat waves on children’s health and well-being in India. Further, the discussion on the state of heat safety in Indian primary schools is limited. This study addresses these gaps by surveying 335 primary school teachers in seven Indian cities. The data gathered from the field survey offers a better understanding of classroom experiences and challenges encountered by children and teachers during heat waves. It underscores several aspects of students’ vulnerability to heat exposure and its adverse impact on their health, such as absence from school, physical symptoms of heat distress, etc. Furthermore, it highlights the pressing need for classroom heat risk management in light of climate change and makes several policy prescriptions in primary schools.
Climate Risk Analysis Using a High-Resolution Spatial Model in Costa Rica
Authors: Garro-Quesada María del Milagro , Vargas-Leiva Martín , Girot Pascal O. , Quesada-Román Adolfo
Published: June 2023

Increasing extreme weather and climate events have led to recurrent disasters that cause significant harm to human populations. The aim of this present study is to complement Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute 2017 risk assessment methodology for extreme weather and climate events. This methodology uses different socio-spatial indicators related to vulnerability and hazards to extreme hydrometeorological events. However, in the methodology applied and presented in this document, an exposure component was added to the model to obtain a more detailed representation of climate-related risks. The presented methodology was implemented in the municipalities of Cartago and Turrialba, where the frequency and severity of weather events have been a major issue in the last few decades. The results showed in fact, there were considerable differences between both, whereby factoring in the exposure component it is possible to visualize more specific risk zones, which evidences the need to include exposure components in this type of model, as this may allow for more timely responses and disaster risk prevention according to the specific vulnerability conditions in these zones. The outcomes at the minimal geostatistical unit level can aid local decision makers in developing more effective disaster risk management and adaptation strategies to minimize the loss of life and property resulting from extreme weather and climate events in Costa Rica.
An ELISA Test Able to Predict the Development of Oral Cancer: The Significance of the Interplay between Steroid Receptors and the EGF Receptor for Early Diagnosis
Authors: Boccellino Mariarosaria , De Rosa Alfredo , Di Domenico Marina
Published: June 2023

Oral disorders including non-homogeneous leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erosive lichen planus, and many others can potentially progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Currently, the late diagnosis of OSCC contributes to high mortality rates, emphasizing the need for specific markers and early intervention. In this study, we present a novel, quick, sensitive, and non-invasive method for the early detection and screening of oral cancer, enabling the qualitative assessment of neoplastic forms even before the onset of symptoms. Our method directly examines the expression of oral cancer biomarkers, such as the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), and steroid receptors, including the androgen receptor (AR) and the estrogen receptor (ER). The crosstalk between sexual hormones and the EGF receptor plays a crucial role in the progression of different types of cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To implement our method, we developed a kit box comprising nine wells or stations, each containing buffers, lysis systems, and dried/lyophilized antibodies stored at room temperature. The kit includes instruments for sample collection and a PVDF strip (Immobilon) with specific primary antibodies immobilized on it. These antibodies capture the target proteins from cytological samples. Additionally, complementary tools are provided to ensure efficient utilization and optimal test performance. The technique can be performed outside the laboratory, either “patient side” with an instant chemocolorimetric response or with a digital reader utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Advanced Fault-Detection Technique for DC-Link Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Based on a Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Amaral Acácio M. R. , Laadjal Khaled , Cardoso Antonio J. Marques
Published: June 2023

In recent years, significant technological advances have emerged in renewable power generation systems (RPGS), making them more economical and competitive. On the other hand, for the RPGS to achieve the highest level of performance possible, it is important to ensure the healthy operation of their main building blocks. Power electronic converters (PEC), which are one of the main building blocks of RPGS, have some vulnerable components, such as capacitors, which are responsible for more than a quarter of the failures in these converters. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that the design of fault diagnosis techniques (FDT) assess the capacitor’s state of health so that it is possible to implement predictive and preventive maintenance plans in order to reduce unexpected stoppage of these systems. One of the most commonly used capacitors in power converters is the aluminum electrolytic capacitor (AEC) whose aging manifests itself through an increase in its equivalent series resistance (ESR). Several advanced intelligent techniques have been proposed for assessing AEC health status, many of which require the use of a current sensor in the capacitor branch. However, the introduction of a current sensor in the capacitor branch imposes practical restrictions; in addition, it introduces unwanted resistive and inductive effects. This paper presents an FDT based on the random forest classifier (RFC), which triggers an alert mechanism when the DC-link AEC reaches its ESR threshold value. The great advantage of the proposed solution is that it is non-invasive; therefore, it is not necessary to introduce any sensor inside the converter. The validation of the proposed FDT will be carried out using several computer simulations carried out in Matlab/Simulink.
Electromagnetic Fields Radiated by Electrostatic Discharges: A Review of the Available Approaches
Authors: Fotis Georgios
Published: June 2023

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a physical phenomenon that may destroy electronic components due to its high discharge current that may reach a few amperes in just a few ns. However, another major aspect of ESD is the related high-frequency electromagnetic (E/M) fields radiated by the ESD event. The electronic equipment that is affected by the ESD phenomenon is additionally affected by the induced voltages caused by these E/M fields. This is the reason that the current version of the IEC 61000-4-2 on ESD has a special reference to these fields and the measurement setup. Starting with the classical formulation of these fields, this paper reviews the most popular techniques for calculating the ESD electromagnetic fields while also emphasizing the best methods for minimizing computational effort. There is also a separate section for the measurement techniques that have been applied in research works, whose outcomes could be implemented in the next revision of the IEC 61000-4-2. It is extremely important for the next revision to include these measurement setups and the E/M field sensors because the ESD generators should comply with certain values related to the E/M fields they produce.
Phase-Shifted Energy Balance Control for Multilevel Inverters in Grid-Connected PV Systems
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Lidan , Ye Weiqiang , Ma Wei
Published: June 2023

Cascaded multilevel converters are promising candidates for grid-connected PV systems, but low-frequency ripples may exist in a DC link. Such ripples are not just inherent; they can occur due to environmental factors, such as variations in a certain range of irradiance of the PV. To address this issue, this article proposes a clock phase-shifted (CPS) energy balance control method for grid-connected cascaded multilevel inverters for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The proposed control scheme can prevent the low-frequency ripple of the DC link propagating to the power grid. Furthermore, it is feasible in principle and no adjustment of the control parameters is needed. The simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach.
Biophysical, Nutraceutical, and Technofunctional Features of Specialty Cereals: Pigmented Popcorn and Sorghum
Authors: Robles-Plata Valery Tixian , Serna Saldivar Sergio , de Dios Figueroa-Cárdenas Juan , Rooney William L. , Dávila-Vega Juan Pablo , Chuck-Hernández Cristina , Escalante-Aburto Anayansi
Published: June 2023

Different pigmented corn and sorghum types were evaluated to characterize their biophysical, nutraceutical, and technofunctional properties for the first time. Commercially pigmented (blue, purple, red, black, and yellow) popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) of yellow and red colors were analyzed. Biophysical and proximal analyses were performed using official methods. The nutraceutical profile included the total phenolic and anthocyanin content. In addition, rheological, structural, and morphological studies were conducted. The results demonstrated significant differences between the popcorn samples and grain types, especially in terms of their biophysical and proximate features. The nutraceutical profile revealed that these specialty grains contained higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds (up to 3-fold when compared with the other grains). The rheological analysis demonstrated that sorghum grains developed higher peak viscosities than popcorn. According to the structural assessments, the type A pattern displayed peaks at the interplanar spaces corresponding to the crystalline and amorphous regions in all the samples. The data obtained in this study provides a base to further investigate the products obtained using these biomaterials.
Unraveling the Mechanism of StWRKY6 in Potato (Solanum tuberosum)’s Cadmium Tolerance for Ensuring Food Safety
Authors: He Guandi , Saleem Muhammad , Deng Tingfei , Zhong Zhuoyan , He Tengbing , Wu Jiahai
Published: June 2023

The WRKY transcription factor plays a crucial role in plant stress adaptation. Our research has found that WRKY6 in Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) is closely related to cadmium (Cd) tolerance. Therefore, investigating the mechanism of StWRKY6 in plant resistance to Cd toxicity is of great scientific importance for food safety. This research further analyzed the gene structure and functional regions of the nuclear transcription factor WRKY6 in potatoes, discovering that StWRKY6 contains W box, GB/box, ABRE, and other elements that can act as a nuclear transcription regulatory factor to execute multiple functional regulations. The results of the heterologous expression of StWRKY6 in Arabidopsis under Cd stress showed that the overexpression line (StWRKY6-OE) had significantly higher SAPD values and content of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes than the wild type, indicating that StWRKY6 plays a crucial role in protecting the photosynthetic system and promoting carbohydrate synthesis. Transcriptome analysis also revealed that the Cd-induced expression of StWRKY6 up-regulated many potential gene targets, including APR2, DFRA, ABCG1, VSP2, ERF013, SAUR64/67, and BBX20, which are involved in Cd chelation (APR2, DFRA), plant defense (VSP2, PDF1.4), toxic substance efflux (ABCG1), light morphology development (BBX20), and auxin signal (SAUR64/67). These genes coordinate the regulation of Cd tolerance in the StWRKY6 overexpression line. In summary, this study identified a potential gene set of the co-expression module of StWRKY6, providing useful evidence for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil and the genetic breeding of low Cd-accumulating crops, thereby ensuring food safety.
Tailored Informational Interventions for Reducing Surplus and Waste of Fruits and Vegetables in a Food Market: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fredes Carolina , Pérez María Ignacia , Jimenez Macarena , Reutter Beatriz , Fernández-Verdejo Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

This pilot study explored the effectiveness of tailored informational interventions to reduce the surplus and waste of fruits and vegetables at the distribution level in Chile. Stalls from a fresh food market were randomized to intervention (n = 5 selling fruits, n = 5 selling vegetables) or control (n = 4 selling fruits, n = 4 selling vegetables) groups. The causes of surplus and waste were estimated by questionnaires. Surplus, avoidable waste, and unavoidable waste were measured using direct quantification before and after the intervention, and were expressed relative to the initial stock. Before the intervention, the surplus was (median [25th–75th percentile]) 46.2% [33.3–51.2] for fruits and 51.5% [41.3–55.0] for vegetables; avoidable waste was 0.1% [0.0–0.8] for fruits and 1.8% [0.7–5.3] for vegetables; and unavoidable waste was 0.0% [0.0–1.0] for fruits and 0.0% [0.0–1.3] for vegetables. Planning and storage represented the main causes explaining surplus and waste. After the intervention, the intervention group decreased the surplus of fruits compared to the control group (−17.8% [−29.0–−11.0] vs. 5.8% [−0.6–7.8], respectively; p = 0.016), without other differences. In conclusion, tailored informational interventions based on the causes of surplus and waste may reduce the surplus of fruits in a fresh food market. Interventions might also include management strategies for the surplus to improve grocers’ business operations.
Conceptualization and Investigation of Multicomponent Polymer Networks as Prospective Corticosteroid Carriers
Authors: Georgieva Dilyana , Alexandrova Mariela , Ivanova Sijka , Christova Darinka , Kostova Bistra
Published: June 2023

Dexamethasone (DXM) is a highly potent and long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive effects. However, the systemic application of DXM can cause undesirable side effects: sleep disorders, nervousness, heart rhythm disorders, heart attack, and others. In the present study, multicomponent polymer networks were developed as potential new platforms for the dermal application of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP). First, a copolymer network (CPN) comprising hydrophilic segments of different chemical structures was synthesized by applying redox polymerization of dimethyl acrylamide onto poly(ethylene glycol) in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as a crosslinker. On this basis, an interpenetrating polymer network structure (IPN) was obtained by introducing a second network of PEGDA-crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Multicomponent networks obtained were characterized by FTIR, TGA, and swelling kinetics in different solvents. Both CPN and IPN showed a high swelling degree in aqueous media (up to 1800 and 1200%, respectively), reaching the equilibrium swelling within 24 h. Additionally, IPN showed temperature-responsive swelling in an aqueous solution as the equilibrium swelling degree decreased considerably with an increase in the temperature. In order to evaluate the networks’ potential as drug carriers, swelling in DSP aqueous solutions of varied concentration was investigated. It was established that the amount of encapsulated DSP could be easily controlled by the concentration of drug aqueous solution. In vitro DSP release was studied in buffer solution (BS) with pH 7.4 at 37 °C. The results obtained during DSP loading and release experiments proved the feasibility of the developed multicomponent hydrophilic polymer networks as effective platforms for potential dermal application.
Large Earthquakes in Subduction Zones around the Polar Regions as a Possible Reason for Rapid Climate Warming in the Arctic and Glacier Collapse in West Antarctica
Authors: Lobkovsky Leopold I. , Baranov Alexey A. , Garagash Igor A. , Ramazanov Mukamay M. , Vladimirova Irina S. , Gabsatarov Yurii V. , Alekseev Dmitry A. , Semiletov Igor P.
Published: June 2023

A correlation is observed between changes in the level of Earth’s seismic activity and increments of the atmospheric methane concentration over the past 40 years. Trigger mechanisms are proposed for methane emissions and glacier collapse in polar regions. These mechanisms are due to deformation waves caused by large earthquakes in subduction zones located near the polar regions: the Aleutian and Kuril–Kamchatka subduction zones, closest to the Arctic, and the Antarctica–Chilean and Tonga–Kermadec–Macquarie subduction zones. Disturbances of the lithosphere are transmitted over the distances of 3000–4000 km and more at a speed of about 100 km/year. Additional associated stresses come to the Arctic and Antarctica several decades after the occurrence of large earthquakes. In the Arctic zone, additional stresses affect the low-permeability structure of gas bearing sedimentary strata, causing increased methane emission and climate warming. In West Antarctica, deformation waves could trigger the acceleration and intensive collapse of West Antarctic glaciers, which has been observed since the 1970s. These waves are also capable of activating dormant volcanoes located under the sheet glaciers of West Antarctica, leading to an increase in heat flux, to the melting of ice at the glaciers’ base, and to their accelerated sliding towards the ocean, as is happening with the Thwaites Glacier.
Transfigurations of the Commonplace: Hirst’s Tumbler, Joyce’s Tap
Authors: Woolf Judith
Published: June 2023

One reason why the concept of the quotidian has proved elusive to critics of literature and the visual arts is that the commonplace in art and literature so often refuses to remain untransfigured, not least because of its power to confront us with the material detritus with which we surround ourselves and which we will eventually join. It is not surprising, then, that contemporary artists share a preoccupation with finding both mortality and transcendence in what John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester called “the lumber of the world.” In this paper, I shall consider how an early Damien Hirst mini-installation, consisting of a glass tumbler of water and a ping-pong ball, takes its only partly mocking place in a still life tradition going back to Roman xenia and seventeenth-century vanitas paintings, and to a related literary tradition typified by Thomas Hardy’s Under the Waterfall and James Joyce’s great prose aria to water all its forms in the Ithaca section of Ulysses.
The Association between Drought Exposure and Respiratory-Related Mortality in the United States from 2000 to 2018
Authors: Gwon Yeongjin , Ji Yuanyuan , Bell Jesse E. , Abadi Azar M. , Berman Jesse D. , Rau Austin , Leeper Ronald D. , Rennie Jared
Published: June 2023

Climate change has brought increasing attention to the assessment of health risks associated with climate and extreme events. Drought is a complex climate phenomenon that has been increasing in frequency and severity both locally and globally due to climate change. However, the health risks of drought are often overlooked, especially in places such as the United States, as the pathways to health impacts are complex and indirect. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the effects of monthly drought exposure on respiratory mortality for NOAA climate regions in the United States from 2000 to 2018. A two-stage model was applied to estimate the location-specific and overall effects of respiratory risk associated with two different drought indices over two timescales (the US Drought Monitor and the 6-month and 12-month Evaporative Demand Drought Index). During moderate and severe drought exposure, respiratory mortality risk ratio in the general population increased up to 6.0% (95% Cr: 4.8 to 7.2) in the Northeast, 9.0% (95% Cr: 4.9 to 13.3) in the Northern Rockies and Plains, 5.2% (95% Cr: 3.9 to 6.5) in the Ohio Valley, 3.5% (95% Cr: 1.9 to 5.0) in the Southeast, and 15.9% (95% Cr: 10.8 to 20.4) in the Upper Midwest. Our results showed that age, ethnicity, sex (both male and female), and urbanicity (both metro and non-metro) resulted in more affected population subgroups in certain climate regions. The magnitude and direction of respiratory risk ratio differed across NOAA climate regions. These results demonstrate a need for policymakers and communities to develop more effective strategies to mitigate the effects of drought across regions.
Living Well with Dementia: Feeling Empowered through Interaction with Their Social Environment
Authors: Ziebuhr Berit , Zanasi Michele , Bueno Aguado Yolanda , Losada Durán Raquel , Dening Tom , Tournier Isabelle , Niedderer Kristina , Diaz Ana , Druschke Diana , Almeida Rosa , Holthoff-Detto Vjera
Published: June 2023

This study was designed to advance our understanding of how feelings of empowerment in people living with dementia still residing at home can be promoted. We conducted qualitative interviews with 12 participants with mild-to-moderate stages of dementia in Germany and Spain as part of a European study on mindful design for dementia. A qualitative thematic content analysis was performed to elicit the key features of the experience reported by the interviewees. Three overarching categories were identified: the first category ‘experiencing changes in personal life and coping with changes in life’ covered losses and coping strategies; the second category ‘retaining a sense of usefulness‘ included social participation and the need for activities with others; the third category ‘feeling empowered’ covered reflections on lifetime achievements, accomplishments in the present life, being in control and self-worth. Participants placed a strong emphasis on continuity and on the importance of making active decisions and meaningful social contributions. Empowerment within the person living with dementia was achieved through their interactions with their social environment, including the significance of communication about their needs and wishes and enabling shared decision-making and interactions with others in reciprocity.
Bioengineered Bovine Papillomavirus L1 Protein Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccines for Enhanced Induction of CD8 T Cell Responses through Cross-Priming
Authors: Viscidi Raphael P. , Rowley Treva , Bossis Ioannis
Published: June 2023

Safe and effective T cell vaccines are needed for the treatment or prevention of cancers as well as infectious agents where vaccines for neutralizing antibodies have performed poorly. Recent research highlights an important role for tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells) in protective immunity and the role of a subset of dendritic cells that are capable of cross-priming for the induction of TRM cells. However, efficient vaccine technologies that operate through cross-priming and induce robust CD8+ T cell responses are lacking. We developed a platform technology by genetically engineering the bovine papillomavirus L1 major capsid protein to insert a polyglutamic acid/cysteine motif in place of wild-type amino acids in the HI loop. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are formed by self-assembly in insect cells infected with a recombinant baculovirus. Polyarginine/cysteine-tagged antigens are linked to the VLP by a reversible disulfide bond. The VLP possesses self-adjuvanting properties due to the immunostimulatory activity of papillomavirus VLPs. Polyionic VLP vaccines induce robust CD8+ T cell responses in peripheral blood and tumor tissues. A prostate cancer polyionic VLP vaccine was more efficacious than other vaccines and immunotherapies for the treatment of prostate cancer in a physiologically relevant murine model and successfully treated more advanced diseases than the less efficacious technologies. The immunogenicity of polyionic VLP vaccines is dependent on particle size, reversible linkage of the antigen to the VLP, and an interferon type 1 and Toll-like receptor (TLR)3/7-dependent mechanism.
Circular Intronic RNA circTTN Inhibits Host Gene Transcription and Myogenesis by Recruiting PURB Proteins to form Heterotypic Complexes
Authors: Ai Nini , Yu Zonggang , Xu Xueli , Liufu Sui , Wang Kaiming , Huang Shengqiang , Li Xintong , Liu Xiaolin , Chen Bohe , Ma Haiming , Yin Yulong
Published: June 2023

Muscle cell growth plays an important role in skeletal muscle development. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proven to be involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth and development. In this study, we explored the effect of circTTN on myoblast growth and its possible molecular mechanism. Using C2C12 cells as a functional model, the authenticity of circTTN was confirmed by RNase R digestion and Sanger sequencing. Previous functional studies have showed that the overexpression of circTTN inhibits myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Mechanistically, circTTN recruits the PURB protein on the Titin (TTN) promoter to inhibit the expression of the TTN gene. Moreover, PURB inhibits myoblast proliferation and differentiation, which is consistent with circTTN function. In summary, our results indicate that circTTN inhibits the transcription and myogenesis of the host gene TTN by recruiting PURB proteins to form heterotypic complexes. This work may act as a reference for further research on the role of circRNA in skeletal muscle growth and development.
Cortical Spreading Depolarization and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia; Rethinking Secondary Neurological Injury in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Mehra Ashir , Gomez Francisco , Bischof Holly , Diedrich Daniel , Laudanski Krzysztof
Published: June 2023

Poor outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) are in part due to a unique form of secondary neurological injury known as Delayed Cerebral Ischemia (DCI). DCI is characterized by new neurological insults that continue to occur beyond 72 h after the onset of the hemorrhage. Historically, it was thought to be a consequence of hypoperfusion in the setting of vasospasm. However, DCI was found to occur even in the absence of radiographic evidence of vasospasm. More recent evidence indicates that catastrophic ionic disruptions known as Cortical Spreading Depolarizations (CSD) may be the culprits of DCI. CSDs occur in otherwise healthy brain tissue even without demonstrable vasospasm. Furthermore, CSDs often trigger a complex interplay of neuroinflammation, microthrombi formation, and vasoconstriction. CSDs may therefore represent measurable and modifiable prognostic factors in the prevention and treatment of DCI. Although Ketamine and Nimodipine have shown promise in the treatment and prevention of CSDs in SAH, further research is needed to determine the therapeutic potential of these as well as other agents.
The Endless World of Carotenoids—Structural, Chemical and Biological Aspects of Some Rare Carotenoids
Authors: Polyakov Nikolay E. , Focsan A. Ligia , Gao Yunlong , Kispert Lowell D.
Published: June 2023

Carotenoids are a large and diverse group of compounds that have been shown to have a wide range of potential health benefits. While some carotenoids have been extensively studied, many others have not received as much attention. Studying the physicochemical properties of carotenoids using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and density functional theory (DFT) helped us understand their chemical structure and how they interact with other molecules in different environments. Ultimately, this can provide insights into their potential biological activity and how they might be used to promote health. In particular, some rare carotenoids, such as sioxanthin, siphonaxanthin and crocin, that are described here contain more functional groups than the conventional carotenoids, or have similar groups but with some situated outside of the rings, such as sapronaxanthin, myxol, deinoxanthin and sarcinaxanthin. By careful design or self-assembly, these rare carotenoids can form multiple H-bonds and coordination bonds in host molecules. The stability, oxidation potentials and antioxidant activity of the carotenoids can be improved in host molecules, and the photo-oxidation efficiency of the carotenoids can also be controlled. The photostability of the carotenoids can be increased if the carotenoids are embedded in a nonpolar environment when no bonds are formed. In addition, the application of nanosized supramolecular systems for carotenoid delivery can improve the stability and biological activity of rare carotenoids.
Recent Progress in Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Segľa Peter , Pavlik Ján
Published: June 2023

The following Special Issue of Inorganics is based on the discussions initiated at the International Conference on Coordination and Bioinorganic Chemistry (ICCBIC), which has been organized and held biennially since 1964 [...]
High Frequency Ultrasound of Basal Cell Carcinomas: Ultrasonographic Features and Histological Subtypes, a Retrospective Study of 100 Tumors
Authors: Siskou Styliani , Pasquali Paola , Trakatelli Myrto
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: 22 MHz high frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that gives information on depth, length, volume and shape of skin tumors. (2) Methods: We reviewed the clinical, ultrasound, and histological records of 54 patients with 100 histologically confirmed basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors with the use of HFUS. (3) Results: Most infiltrative tumors (n = 16/21, 76.2%) were irregular shaped, followed by five (23.8%) being round shaped; most superficial tumors (n = 25/29, 86.2%) were ribbon shaped, followed by four (13.8%) being round shaped; most nodular tumors (n = 26/33, 78.8%) were round shaped, followed by seven (21.2%) that were irregular shaped; and, lastly, all microdular tumors (n = 2/2, 100%) were round shaped. Strong evidence of association (p = 0.000) was observed between the histological subtype and tumor shape as seen using the HFUS. No evidence of association was found between the histological subtype and tumor margin (p > 0.005). Cohen’s Kappa statistic to assess the agreement between BCC subtypes evaluated by histological examination and U/S appearance was calculated equal to 0.8251 (almost perfect agreement). (4) Conclusions: HFUS appears to be a reliable technique for the pre-operative evaluation of BCCs, assisting physicians to decide on the optimal therapeutic approach.