bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Thermal Hydrogen Production in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Joubi Abdulrahman , Akimoto Yutaro , Okajima Keiichi
Published: October 2022

Solar thermal technology can provide the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East region with abundant clean electricity to mitigate the rising levels of carbon dioxide and satisfy future demand. Hydrogen can play a key role in the large-scale application of solar thermal technologies, such as concentrated solar plants, in the region by storing the surplus electricity and exporting it to needed countries for profit, placing the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates as major future green hydrogen suppliers. However, a hydrogen supply chain comparison between hydrogen from CSP and other renewable under the UAE’s technical and economic conditions for hydrogen export is yet to be fully considered. Therefore, in this study we provide a techno-economic analysis for well-to-ship solar hydrogen supply chain that compares CSP and PV technologies with a solid oxide water electrolyzer for hydrogen production, assuming four different hydrogen delivery pathways based on the location of electrolyzer and source of electricity, assuming the SOEC can be coupled to the CSP plant when placed at the same site or provided with electric heaters when placed at PV plant site or port sites. The results show that the PV plant achieves a lower levelized cost of electricity than that of the CSP plant with 5.08 ¢/kWh and 8.6 ¢/kWh, respectively. Hydrogen production results show that the scenario where SOEC is coupled to the CSP plant is the most competitive scenario as it achieves the payback period in the shortest period compared to the other scenarios, and also provides higher revenues and a cheaper LCOH of 7.85 $/kgH2.
Effects of Agricultural Management of Spent Mushroom Waste on Phytotoxicity and Microbiological Transformations of C, P, and S in Soil and Their Consequences for the Greenhouse Effect
Authors: Kwiatkowska Edyta , Joniec Jolanta
Published: October 2022

The huge volumes of currently generated agricultural waste pose a challenge to the economy of the 21st century. One of the directions for their reuse may be as fertilizer. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) could become an alternative to manure (M). A three-year field experiment was carried out, in which the purpose was to test and compare the effect of SMS alone, as well as in multiple variants with mineral fertilization, and in manure with a variety of soil quality indices—such as enzymatic activity, soil phytotoxicity, and greenhouse gas emissions, i.e., CO2. The use of SMS resulted in significant stimulation of respiratory and dehydrogenase activity. Inhibition of acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase activity via SMS was recorded. SMS showed varying effects on soil phytotoxicity, dependent on time. A positive effect was noted for the growth index (GI), while inhibition of root growth was observed in the first two years of the experiment. The effect of M on soil respiratory and dehydrogenase activity was significantly weaker compared to SMS. Therefore, M is a safer fertilizer as it does not cause a significant persistent increase in CO2 emissions. Changes in the phytotoxicity parameters of the soil fertilized with manure, however, showed a similar trend as in the soil fertilized with SMS.
Functional Diversity and CO2 Emission Characteristics of Soil Bacteria during the Succession of Halophyte Vegetation in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Xin Yu , Ji Linhui , Wang Zihao , Li Kun , Xu Xiaoya , Guo Dufa
Published: October 2022

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, which is mainly derived from microbial respiration in soil. Soil bacteria are an important part of the soil ecosystem and play an important role in the process of plant growth, mineralization, and decomposition of organic matter. In this paper, we discuss a laboratory incubation experiment that we conducted to investigate the CO2 emissions and the underlying bacterial communities under the natural succession of halophyte vegetation in the Yellow River Delta by using high-throughput sequencing technology and PICRUSt functional prediction. The results showed that the bacterial abundance and diversity increased significantly along with the succession of halophyte vegetation. Metabolic function is the dominant function of soil bacteria in the study area. With the succession of halophyte vegetation, the rate of CO2 emissions gradually increased, and were significantly higher in soil covered with vegetation than that of the bare land without vegetation coverage. These results helped to better understand the relationships of soil bacterial communities under the background of halophyte vegetation succession, which can help to make efficient strategies to mitigate CO2 emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
Inhibition of LPS-Induced Microglial Activation by the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Pueraria mirifica
Authors: Jantaratnotai Nattinee , Thampithak Anusorn , Utaisincharoen Pongsak , Pinthong Darawan , Sanvarinda Pimtip
Published: October 2022

Microglial activation has been found to play a crucial role in various neurological disorders. Proinflammatory substances overproduced by activated microglia, such as cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide (NO), can result in neuroinflammation that further exacerbates the course of the diseases. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethyl acetate extract of Pueraria mirifica on microglial activation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation was used as a model to investigate the effects of P. mirifica on HAPI (highly aggressive proliferating immortalized), a rat microglial cell line. Administration of ethyl acetate extract from the tuberous roots of P. mirifica to HAPI cells dose-dependently reduced NO production and iNOS expression induced by LPS. Attenuation of IRF-1 (interferon regulatory factor-1) induction, one of the transcription factors governing iNOS expression, suggested that the inhibitory effect on NO production by the plant extract was at least partially mediated through this transcription factor. In addition, LPS-stimulated mRNA expression of MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), IL-6 (interleukin-6), and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) was also suppressed with P. mirifica extract pretreatment. This study indicates that the ethyl acetate extract of P. mirifica could potentially serve as an anti-inflammatory mediator and may be useful in relieving the severity of neurological diseases where microglia play a role.
Prevalence, Etiology, and Types of Dental Trauma in Self-Assessment of 18-Year-Olds in Poland
Authors: Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota , Turska-Szybka Anna , Studnicki Marcin , Tomczyk Jacek
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study is to determine the occurrence and etiology of traumatic dental injuries of permanent teeth and to evaluate the relationship between diagnosed injuries and selected socio-economic indicators. In total, 1741 students aged 18 years, representing all the regions of Poland, took part in the survey. Questionnaires for monitoring studies were prepared in accordance with the criteria of the World Health Organization. Among the respondents, tooth trauma was reported by 18% of adolescents. The most common trauma occurred during other activities (e.g., playing) (64%). The most common direct cause of injury was a fall (43%) or a collision with an object or another person (36%). Risk of injury was increased by a low level of parents’ education and poor financial situation of the family. Playing sports is important in the etiology of injuries. The incidence of injuries was highest in school, demonstrating the need for school education in injury prevention and first aid. Occurrence of injuries, their causes, therapy, and post-traumatic complications were similar in respondents of both genders, which can be explained by secularization trends. Risk of injury was increased by parents’ low level of education and poor economic status. The research demonstrates the need for universal education on treatment of dental injuries.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aveiro-Róbalo Telmo Raul , Garlisi-Torales Luciana Daniela , Chumán-Sánchez Marisella , Pereira-Victorio César J. , Huaman-Garcia Mariana , Failoc-Rojas Virgilio E. , Valladares-Garrido Mario J.
Published: October 2022

We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 students from four universities in Paraguay in 2021. The DASS-21 mental health scale was used to measure the outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) and evaluate their association with socio-educational variables. A total of 77.1% of the participants were women and 136 (46.4%) were between 21 and 25 years old. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 74.7%, 87.4%, and 57%, respectively. We found that being a woman and studying at a public university was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Receiving COVID-19 training increases the prevalence of mental health problems. In conclusion, high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress were found in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a woman, studying at a public university, and receiving training on COVID-19 were factors associated with a higher prevalence of presenting all the mental health problems evaluated. Furthermore, students aged 31 and over had a higher prevalence of depression and stress.
Geographic Variation in Top-10 Prescribed Medicines and Potentially Inappropriate Medication in Portugal: An Ecological Study of 2.2 Million Older Adults
Authors: Rocha Vânia , Plácido Ana Isabel , Rodrigues Daniela A. , Tavares Ana Barbara , Figueiras Adolfo , Roque Fátima , Herdeiro Maria Teresa
Published: October 2022

Multiple medication intake by older adults is considered a serious public health concern since it is associated with increased risk of adverse drug reactions and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). This study described the top-10 prescribed active substances considering geographical distribution and PIM prescription in older adults. A cross-sectional ecological study using data on the active substances prescribed to people aged 65 years or older during 2020 was conducted. Information on active substances and the respective defined daily doses (DDD) stratified by age group, sex and region were collected from a Portuguese health administrative database. The average number of prescribed packages and DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day of top-10 active substances were assessed. This study included a total of 2,228,090 older adults (58% females). The furosemide and atorvastatin were the active substances with higher prescription rates (mean DDD/1000 inhabitants/day) in all ARS in both males and females, in comparison with the other top-10 active substances. Our results showed geographic differences in prescription, illustrated by more prescriptions in ARS North and Centre and fewer prescriptions in ARS Algarve. In females, two out of the 10 most prescribed active substances were PIM (benzodiazepines and opioids). Geographic disparities in PIM prescription across Portuguese regions were also observed. This study shows that drugs for the cardiovascular system were the active substances most prescribed to older adults. The prescription of benzodiazepines and opioids, classified as PIM, among females, alerts officials to the need of health policies to decrease inappropriate medication. The observed geographic differences in the 10 most prescribed active substances and in PIM prescription emphasized the importance of investing in medication optimization across the Portuguese regions.
Gene Networks Involved in Plant Heat Stress Response and Tolerance
Authors: Huang Ling-Zhi , Zhou Mei , Ding Yan-Fei , Zhu Cheng
Published: October 2022

Global warming is an environmental problem that cannot be ignored. High temperatures seriously affect the normal growth and development of plants, and threaten the development of agriculture and the distribution and survival of species at risk. Plants have evolved complex but efficient mechanisms for sensing and responding to high temperatures, which involve the activation of numerous functional proteins, regulatory proteins, and non-coding RNAs. These mechanisms consist of large regulatory networks that regulate protein and RNA structure and stability, induce Ca2+ and hormone signal transduction, mediate sucrose and water transport, activate antioxidant defense, and maintain other normal metabolic pathways. This article reviews recent research results on the molecular mechanisms of plant response to high temperatures, highlighting future directions or strategies for promoting plant heat tolerance, thereby helping to identify the regulatory mechanisms of heat stress responses in plants.
Multi-Omics Analysis Revealed a Significant Alteration of Critical Metabolic Pathways Due to Sorafenib-Resistance in Hep3B Cell Lines
Authors: Abushawish Kholoud Y. I. , Soliman Sameh S. M. , Giddey Alexander D. , Al-Hroub Hamza M. , Mousa Muath , Alzoubi Karem H. , El-Huneidi Waseem , Abu-Gharbieh Eman , Omar Hany A. , Elgendy Sara M. , Bustanji Yasser , Soares Nelson C. , Semreen Mohammad H.
Published: October 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second prominent cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Usually, HCC is diagnosed in advanced stages, wherein sorafenib, a multiple target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is used as the first line of treatment. Unfortunately, resistance to sorafenib is usually encountered within six months of treatment. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify the underlying reasons for drug resistance. In the present study, we investigated the proteomic and metabolomics alterations accompanying sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells by employing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). The Bruker Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) library was used to identify the differentially abundant metabolites through MetaboScape 4.0 software (Bruker). For protein annotation and identification, the Uniprot proteome for Homo sapiens (Human) database was utilized through MaxQuant. The results revealed that 27 metabolites and 18 proteins were significantly dysregulated due to sorafenib resistance in Hep3B cells compared to the parental phenotype. D-alanine, L-proline, o-tyrosine, succinic acid and phosphatidylcholine (PC, 16:0/16:0) were among the significantly altered metabolites. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, UDP-glucose-6-dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and calpain small subunit 1 were among the significantly altered proteins. The findings revealed that resistant Hep3B cells demonstrated significant alterations in amino acid and nucleotide metabolic pathways, energy production pathways and other pathways related to cancer aggressiveness, such as migration, proliferation and drug-resistance. Joint pathway enrichment analysis unveiled unique pathways, including the antifolate resistance pathway and other important pathways that maintain cancer cells’ survival, growth, and proliferation. Collectively, the results identified potential biomarkers for sorafenib-resistant HCC and gave insights into their role in chemotherapeutic drug resistance, cancer initiation, progression and aggressiveness, which may contribute to better prognosis and chemotherapeutic outcomes.
The miR156-Targeted SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN (PmSBP) Transcription Factor Regulates the Flowering Time by Binding to the Promoter of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO1 (PmSOC1) in Prunus mume
Authors: Yong Xue , Zheng Tangchun , Han Yu , Cong Tianci , Li Ping , Liu Weichao , Ding Aiqing , Cheng Tangren , Wang Jia , Zhang Qixiang
Published: October 2022

Prunus mume, a famous perennial ornamental plant and fruit tree in Asia, blooms in winter or early spring in the Yangtze River area. The flowering time directly determines its ornamental and economic value, so it is of great significance to study the molecular mechanism of flowering time. SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN (SBP), often regulated by miR156, is an important flowering regulator, although its function is unknown in P. mume. Here, 11 miR156 precursors were analyzed and located in five chromosomes of the P. mume genome. The expression pattern showed that PmSBP1/6 was negatively correlated with miR156. The promoters of PmSBP1/6 were specifically expressed in the apical meristem. Overexpression of PmSBP1/6 in tobacco promoted flowering and changed the length ratio of pistil and stamen. Moreover, PmSBP1 also affected the number and vitality of pollen and reduced the fertility of transgenic tobacco. Furthermore, ectopic expression of PmSBP1/6 caused up-regulated expression of endogenous SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO1 (NtSOC1). The yeast-one hybrid assay showed that PmSBP1 was bonded to the promoters of PmSOC1s. In conclusion, a miR156-PmSBP1-PmSOC1s pathway was formed to participate in the regulation of flowering time in P. mume, which provided references for the molecular mechanism of flowering time regulation and molecular breeding of P. mume.
Contraction Band Necrosis with Dephosphorylated Connexin 43 in Rat Myocardium after Daily Cocaine Administration
Authors: Wen Shuheng , Unuma Kana , Funakoshi Takeshi , Aki Toshihiko , Uemura Koichi
Published: October 2022

Contraction band necrosis (CBN) is a common abnormality found in the myocardium of cocaine abusers, but is rarely reported in experimental models of cocaine abuse. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is essential for cardiac intercellular communication and the propagation of CBN. Under stress or injury, cardiac Cx43 is dephosphorylated, which is related to cardiomyocyte dysfunction and pathogenesis, whereas adiponectin exerts beneficial effects in the myocardium. In this study, we explore the effects of cocaine on cardiac Cx43 in vivo. Rats were administered cocaine via the tail vein at 20 mg/kg/day for 14 days, and showed widespread CBN, microfocal myocarditis and myocardial fibrosis, corresponding to a dysfunction of cardiac mitochondria under increased oxidative stress. The increase in dephosphorylated cardiac Cx43 and its negative correlation with the myocardial distribution of CBN after cocaine administration were determined. In addition, apoptosis and necroptosis, as well as increased adiponectin levels, were observed in the myocardium after cocaine exposure. Accordingly, we found altered profiles of cardiac Cx43, CBN and its negative correlation with dephosphorylated cardiac Cx43, and the possible involvement of adiponectin in the myocardium after 14 days of cocaine administration. The latter might play a protective role in the cardiotoxicity of cocaine. The current findings would be beneficial for establishing novel therapeutic strategies in cocaine-induced cardiac consequences.
Portable Plasmonic Paper-Based Biosensor for Simple and Rapid Indirect Detection of CEACAM5 Biomarker via Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence
Authors: Susu Laurentiu , Vulpoi Adriana , Astilean Simion , Focsan Monica
Published: October 2022

Rapid, simple, and sensitive analysis of relevant proteins is crucial in many research areas, such as clinical diagnosis and biomarker detection. In particular, clinical data on cancer biomarkers show great promise in forming reliable predictions for early cancer diagnostics, although the current analytical systems are difficult to implement in regions of limited recourses. Paper-based biosensors, in particular, have recently received great interest because they meet the criteria for point-of-care (PoC) devices; the main drawbacks with these devices are the low sensitivity and efficiency in performing quantitative measurements. In this work, we design a low-cost paper-based nanosensor through plasmonic calligraphy by directly drawing individual plasmonic lines on filter paper using a ballpoint pen filled with gold nanorods (AuNR) as the colloidal ink. The plasmonic arrays were further successively coated with negatively and positively charged polyelectrolyte layers employed as dielectric spacers to promote the enhancement of the emission of carboxyl-functionalized quantum dots (QD)—previously conjugated with specific antibodies—for indirect detection of the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5). The efficiency, sensitivity, as well as the specificity of our portable nanosensor were validated by recording the luminescence of the QD@Ab complex when different concentrations of CEACAM5 were added dropwise onto the calligraphed plasmonic arrays.
A Novel Detection Method of Breast Cancer through a Simple Panel of Biomarkers
Authors: Silva Alinne T. F. , Rodrigues Cláudia M. , Ferreira Izabella C. C. , Santos Letícia L. D. , Santos Donizeti W. , Araújo Thaise G. , Canto Paula P. L. , Paiva Carlos E. , Goulart Luiz R. , Maia Yara C. P.
Published: October 2022

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been identified as responsible for the spread of tumors to other organs of the body. In this sense, the development of sensitive and specific assays for their detection is important to reduce the number of deaths due to metastases. Here, we assessed whether the detection of CTCs in peripheral blood can serve in the construction of a panel of diagnosis and monitoring treatments of breast cancer (BC), focusing on the expression of markers of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Through analyzing the blood from women without breast alterations (control), women with benign alterations, women with breast cancer without chemotherapy, and women with breast cancer with chemotherapy, we identified the best markers by transcriptional levels and determined three profiles of CTCs (mesenchymal, intermediate, and epithelial) by flow cytometry which, combined, can be used for diagnosis and therapy monitoring with sensitivity and specificity between 80% and 100%. Therefore, we have developed a method for detecting breast cancer based on the analysis of CTC profiles by epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers which, combined, can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy.
Cytokines and Immune Cells Profile in Different Tissues of Rodents Induced by Environmental Enrichment: Systematic Review
Authors: de Sousa Fernandes Matheus Santos , Santos Gabriela Carvalho Jurema , Filgueira Tayrine Ordonio , Gomes Dayane Aparecida , Barbosa Elias Almeida Silva , dos Santos Tony Meireles , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Castoldi Angela , Souto Fabricio Oliveira
Published: October 2022

Environmental Enrichment (EE) is based on the promotion of socio-environmental stimuli, which mimic favorable environmental conditions for the practice of physical activity and health. The objective of the present systematic review was to evaluate the influence of EE on pro-and anti-inflammatory immune parameters, but also in cell activation related to the innate and acquired immune responses in the brain and peripheral tissues in rodents. Three databases [PubMed (2209 articles), Scopus (1154 articles), and Science Direct (1040 articles)] were researched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for peer review, independently, as they were identified by September 2021. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO. Of the 4417 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. In the brain, EE promoted a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In the blood, EE promoted a higher percentage of leukocytes, an increase in CD19+ B lymphocytes, and the proliferation of Natura Killer (NK cells). In the bone marrow, there was an increase in the number of CD27− and CD11b+ mature NK cells and a reduction in CD27− and CD11b+ immature Natural Killer cells. In conclusion, EE can be an immune modulation approach and plays a key role in the prevention of numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, that have a pro-inflammatory response and immunosuppressive condition as part of their pathophysiology.
MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Mohtashami Zahra , Singh Mithalesh K. , Salimiaghdam Nasim , Ozgul Mustafa , Kenney M. Cristina
Published: October 2022

MOTS-c, a 16 amino acid mitochondrial derived peptide, is encoded from the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome. Under stress conditions, MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus where it regulates a wide range of genes in response to metabolic dysfunction. It is colocalized to mitochondria in various tissues and is found in plasma, but the levels decline with age. Since MOTS-c has important cellular functions as well as a possible hormonal role, it has been shown to have beneficial effects on age-related diseases including Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, Osteoporosis, postmenopausal obesity and Alzheimer. Aging is characterized by gradual loss of (mitochondrial) metabolic balance, decreased muscle homeostasis and eventual diminished physical capability, which potentially can be reversed with MOTS-c treatment. This review examines the latest findings on biological effects of MOTS-c as a nuclear regulatory peptide and focuses on the role of MOTS-c in aging and age-related disorders, including mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential.
Bioinformatics and Experimental Analyses Reveal Immune-Related LncRNA–mRNA Pair AC011483.1-CCR7 as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jin Qiao , Gong Qian , Le Xuan , He Jin , Zhuang Lenan
Published: October 2022

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), which increases along with aging, is the leading cause of heart failure. Currently, immune response is believed to be critical in ICM whereas the roles of immune-related lncRNAs remain vague. In this study, we aimed to systematically analyze immune-related lncRNAs in the aging-related disease ICM. Here, we downloaded publicly available RNA-seq data from ischemic cardiomyopathy patients and non-failing controls (GSE116250). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify key ICM-related modules. The immune-related lncRNAs of key modules were screened by co-expression analysis of immune-related mRNAs. Then, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, including 5 lncRNAs and 13 mRNAs, was constructed using lncRNA–mRNA pairs which share regulatory miRNAs and have significant correlation. Among the lncRNA–mRNA pairs, one pair (AC011483.1-CCR7) was verified in another publicly available ICM dataset (GSE46224) and ischemic cell model. Further, the immune cell infiltration analysis of the GSE116250 dataset revealed that the proportions of monocytes and CD8+ T cells were negatively correlated with the expression of AC011483.1-CCR7, while plasma cells were positively correlated, indicating that AC011483.1-CCR7 may participate in the occurrence and development of ICM through immune cell infiltration. Together, our findings revealed that lncRNA–mRNA pair AC011483.1-CCR7 may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for ICM.
Bioinformatic Assessment of Factors Affecting the Correlation between Protein Abundance and Elongation Efficiency in Prokaryotes
Authors: Korenskaia Aleksandra E. , Matushkin Yury G. , Lashin Sergey A. , Klimenko Alexandra I.
Published: October 2022

Protein abundance is crucial for the majority of genetically regulated cell functions to act properly in prokaryotic organisms. Therefore, developing bioinformatic methods for assessing the efficiency of different stages of gene expression is of great importance for predicting the actual protein abundance. One of these steps is the evaluation of translation elongation efficiency based on mRNA sequence features, such as codon usage bias and mRNA secondary structure properties. In this study, we have evaluated correlation coefficients between experimentally measured protein abundance and predicted elongation efficiency characteristics for 26 prokaryotes, including non-model organisms, belonging to diverse taxonomic groups The algorithm for assessing elongation efficiency takes into account not only codon bias, but also number and energy of secondary structures in mRNA if those demonstrate an impact on predicted elongation efficiency of the ribosomal protein genes. The results show that, for a number of organisms, secondary structures are a better predictor of protein abundance than codon usage bias. The bioinformatic analysis has revealed several factors associated with the value of the correlation coefficient. The first factor is the elongation efficiency optimization type—the organisms whose genomes are optimized for codon usage only have significantly higher correlation coefficients. The second factor is taxonomical identity—bacteria that belong to the class Bacilli tend to have higher correlation coefficients among the analyzed set. The third is growth rate, which is shown to be higher for the organisms with higher correlation coefficients between protein abundance and predicted translation elongation efficiency. The obtained results can be useful for further improvement of methods for protein abundance prediction.
Advances in Fungal Elicitor-Triggered Plant Immunity
Authors: Guo Jia , Cheng Yulin
Published: October 2022

There is an array of pathogenic fungi in the natural environment of plants, which produce some molecules including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and effectors during infection. These molecules, which can be recognized by plant specific receptors to activate plant immunity, including PTI (PAMP-triggered immunity) and ETI (effector-triggered immunity), are called elicitors. Undoubtedly, identification of novel fungal elicitors and their plant receptors and comprehensive understanding about fungal elicitor-triggered plant immunity will be of great significance to effectively control plant diseases. Great progress has occurred in fungal elicitor-triggered plant immunity, especially in the signaling pathways of PTI and ETI, in recent years. Here, recent advances in fungal elicitor-triggered plant immunity are summarized and their important contribution to the enlightenment of plant disease control is also discussed.
Virus-Associated Nephropathies: A Narrative Review
Authors: Masset Christophe , Le Turnier Paul , Bressollette-Bodin Céline , Renaudin Karine , Raffi François , Dantal Jacques
Published: October 2022

While most viral infections cause mild symptoms and a spontaneous favorable resolution, some can lead to severe or protracted manifestations, specifically in immunocompromised hosts. Kidney injuries related to viral infections may have multiple causes related to the infection severity, drug toxicity or direct or indirect viral-associated nephropathy. We review here the described virus-associated nephropathies in order to guide diagnosis strategies and treatments in cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring concomitantly with a viral infection. The occurrence of virus-associated nephropathy depends on multiple factors: the local epidemiology of the virus, its ability to infect renal cells and the patient’s underlying immune response, which varies with the state of immunosuppression. Clear comprehension of pathophysiological mechanisms associated with a summary of described direct and indirect injuries should help physicians to diagnose and treat viral associated nephropathies.
Non-Covalent Interactions in the Crystal Structures of Perbrominated Sulfonium Derivatives of the closo-Decaborate Anion
Authors: Golubev Aleksei V. , Kubasov Alexey S. , Bykov Alexander Yu. , Zhdanov Andrey P. , Buzanov Grigorii A. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Zhizhin Konstantin Yu. , Kuznetsov Nikolay T.
Published: October 2022

A new series of compounds based on perbrominated disubstituted sulfonium derivatives of the closo-decaborate anion (n-Bu4N)[2-B10Br9SR2] (R = n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, n-C8H17, n-C12H25, n-C18H37) was obtained, characterised by modern physicochemical methods of analysis. According to the results of an X-ray diffraction study, some of the anions and solvate molecules were disordered. The cations (n-Bu4N)+ and anions [2-B10Br9SR2]− were associated via C-H…Br and H…H contacts. In addition, Br…Br interactions between anions were revealed. The role of these contacts was analysed in terms of Hirshfeld surface analysis, QTAIM theory and the NCI method using quantum chemical calculations. An increase in the size of the alkyl R moiety led to significant strengthening of the total energy of H…H interactions. In the case of R = -n-C18H37, a parallel mutual orientation of alkyl moieties was established that was similar to the packing of salts of fatty acids. The nature of C-H…Br and Br…Br interionic interactions was found to be attractive, in contrast to the repulsive nature of intermolecular Br…Br interactions.
Clinical Determinants and Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment of Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Single-Center Study in Portugal
Authors: Alexandre André , Schmidt Cristine , Campinas Andreia , Gomes Catarina , Magalhães Sandra , Preza-Fernandes José , Torres Severo , Santos Mário
Published: October 2022

Despite cardiac rehabilitation (CR) being a recommended treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), it is still underused. This study investigated the clinical determinants and barriers to enrollment in a CR program for HFrEF patients. We conducted a cohort study using the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS) to assess the reason for non-enrollment. Of 214 HFrEF patients, 65% had not been enrolled in CR. Patients not enrolled in CR programs were older (63 vs. 58 years; p < 0.01) and were more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (20% vs. 5%; p < 0.01). Patients enrolled in CR were more likely to be treated with sacubitril/valsartan (34% vs. 19%; p = 0.01), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (84% vs. 72%; p = 0.04), an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) (41% vs. 20%; p < 0.01), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (21% vs. 10%; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (adjusted OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07), higher education level (adjusted OR 3.31; 95% CI 1.63–6.70), stroke (adjusted OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.06–10.27), COPD (adjusted OR 4.82; 95% CI 1.53–15.16), and no ICD status (adjusted OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.36–5.26) were independently associated with CR non-enrollment. The main reasons for not being enrolled in CR were no medical referral (31%), concomitant medical problems (28%), patient refusal (11%), and geographical distance to the hospital (9%). Despite the relatively high proportion (35%) of HFrEF patients who underwent CR, the enrollment rate can be further improved. Innovative multi-level strategies addressing physicians’ awareness, patients’ comorbidities, and geographical issues should be pursued.
Platelet Membrane–Encapsulated MSNs Loaded with SS31 Peptide Alleviate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Zaiyuan , Chen Zhong , Yang Ling , Zhang Jian , Li Yubo , Li Chengming , Wang Rui , Wang Xue , Huang Shuo , Hu Yonghe , Shi Jianyou , Xiao Wenjing
Published: October 2022

Clinically, antioxidant therapy is a potential strategy for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI), a common complication of acute myocardial ischemia. The H-D-Arg-Dmt-Ly-Phe-NH2 (SS31) peptide is shown to have amazing antioxidant properties, but its utilization is limited by the peptide characteristics, such as the destruction by proteases and rapid metabolism. Silica nanoparticles (MSNs) comprise an excellent material for peptide delivery, owing to the protection effect relating to peptides. Moreover, platelet membrane (PLTM) is shown to be advantageous as a coat for nanosystems because of its specific protein composition, such that a PLTM-coated nanosystem has a stealth effect in vivo, able to target injury in the cardiovascular system. Based on this feature, we designed and prepared a novel nanocarrier to target SS31 delivery. This carrier is encapsulated by a platelet membrane and loaded with SS31 peptide into MSNs. The results reveal that this delivery system can target SS31 to the injured cardiovascular site, exert antioxidant function, and alleviate MI/RI.
Environmental Inefficiencies of Short Sea Shipping Vessels by Optimization Processes Based on Resistance Prediction Methods
Authors: Matínez-López Alba , Díaz Ojeda Héctor Rubén , Míguez González Marcos , Marrero África
Published: October 2022

Fulfilment of the progressive environmental normative involves a singular challenge for Short Sea Shipping (SSS), since it must maintain its competitiveness versus other transport alternatives. For this reason, over the last decade SSS vessels have been the subject of numerous analyses, in terms of operative research, and optimizations, from the marine engineering standpoint. Despite widespread awareness about the impact of a vessel’s resistance on environmental performance, many of the previous analyses were based on resistance prediction methods with low accuracy levels. This fact necessarily involves deviations regarding the expected sustainability of vessels. This paper attempts to quantify (in monetary terms) the environmental consequences due to this low level of accuracy. To meet this aim, it analyzes the environmental performance of an SSS feeder vessel, which was obtained from an optimization process based on standard resistance prediction techniques, when its propulsion power requirements for sailing at optimized speed were assessed through the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes method in Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations. The findings show that standard resistance prediction methods without consideration of hull shape must be avoided, not only in the optimization process, but also for operative research, especially in free sailing analysis.
Study on the Wind and Wave Environmental Conditions of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea
Authors: Sun Ze , Bian Mengchun , Ding Jun , Liu Jiarui , Zhang Haicheng , Xu Daolin
Published: October 2022

Wind and waves are the main factors of environmental loading on ships and offshore structures. Thus, detailed understanding of wind and wave conditions can improve the design and maintenance of these structures. This paper developed a validated long-term wind and wave hindcast database covering the recent 32 years from 1988 to 2019. The spatial distribution of wind and wave characteristics for the whole Xisha Islands’ domain were analyzed. Frequency and directional distributions of wind speeds and significant wave heights were investigated at several locations around typical islands. Extreme value models were used to estimate the wind speed for 100-year return levels, whereas environmental contour approaches were utilized to establish the extreme sea-state parameters for 50- and 100-year return periods. It was found that the Weibull distribution was better fitted to the significant wave heights of the Xuande Atoll’s sites in the open sea, while the exponential Weibull distribution provided a better fit at the Yongle Atoll’s sites where waves are sheltered.
Inland Waterway Ship Path Planning Based on Improved RRT Algorithm
Authors: Cao Shengshi , Fan Pingyi , Yan Tao , Xie Cheng , Deng Jian , Xu Feng , Shu Yaqing
Published: October 2022

Ship path planning is crucial for the shipping industry, especially for the development of autonomous ships. Many algorithms have been developed over the last few decades to solve the ship path planning problem. However, it is still challenging for ship path planning in an inland waterway. In this paper, an improved RRT algorithm for ship path planning in complex inland waterways is proposed. The improved algorithm has a path shearing and smoothing module, and the function of keeping a safe distance between a moving ship and obstacles. In addition, the algorithm has been tested in two inland waterway scenarios, and the results have confirmed its feasibility and reliability. The path planning algorithm proposed in this research seeks to reduce the risks faced by ship navigation in inland water. It has theoretical and practical significance in improving navigation safety in complex inland waters.
Japonamides A and B, Two New Cyclohexadepsipeptides from the Marine-Sponge-Derived Fungus Aspergillus japonicus and Their Synergistic Antifungal Activities
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Zhang Rui , Ma Ben , Wang Wenzhao , Yu Chong , Han Junjie , Zhu Lingjuan , Zhang Xue , Dai Huanqin , Liu Hongwei , Chen Baosong
Published: October 2022

Two new cyclohexadepsipeptides japonamides A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of a marine-sponge-derived fungus Aspergillus japonicus based on molecular networking. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectral analysis and their absolute configurations were confirmed by Marfey’s method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed no antifungal activities against Candida albicans SC5314 measured by the broth microdilution method but exhibited prominent synergistic antifungal activities in combination with fluconazole, ketoconazole, or rapamycin. The Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of rapamycin, fluconazole, and ketoconazole were significantly decreased from 0.5 to 0.002 μM, from 0.25 to 0.063 μM, and from 0.016 to 0.002 μM, in the presence of compounds 1 or 2 at 3.125 μM, 12.5 μM, and 6.25 μM, respectively. Surprisingly, the combination of compounds 1 or 2 with rapamycin showed a strong synergistic effect, with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values of 0.03.
Interplay between Finance and Institutions in the Development Process of the Industrial Sector: Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Hassan Adewale Samuel , Meyer Daniel Francois
Published: October 2022

Despite the importance of the financial system and quality of institutions to the attainment of economic development goals, the mediating role of institutions in how finance influences the development of the industrial sector across countries has not been given adequate attention in the literature. Therefore, this study assessed the moderating role of institutions in the relationship between finance and industrial development of South Africa for the period 1984–2021. To evaluate the long-run relationship among the variables, the combined cointegration test of Bayer and Hanck was used, while fully modified least squares, dynamic least squares and canonical cointegrating regression were employed to estimate elasticity relationships. The findings of the study revealed that finance impacts industrial development positively in South Africa, but this positive impact is diminished by the quality of institutions in the country. Therefore, the financial system in South Africa needs to be rooted in a high-quality institutional structure for its beneficial impact on the industrial sector to be reinforced for sustainable development. Moreover, there is a need for more reforms in the financial system to promote efficiency that would translate growth in finance into more inclusive growth gains in the industrial sector.
Analysis of the Disparity between Recurring and Temporary Collaborative Performance: A Literature Review between 1994 and 2021
Authors: Rye Sara
Published: October 2022

Background: Performance frameworks are common ways to guarantee the success of a collaboration by assessment/improvement of the organisations. However, collaborative performance in recurring collaborations (RC) and temporary ones (TC) are being measured differently due to their inherent characteristics; Methods: A systematic review of 282 existing studies, from 2000 onwards, into collaborative networks divided between RC and TC based on the duration of collaboration and the application of the studies was performed. The result gave rise to the thematic analysis of the textual narratives, as well as a quantitative meta-summary of the synthesis; Results: The review shows two different approaches to guarantee the performance of the collaboration. The first group provide a recipe for success by recognizing the causal relationship between nine collaborative measures, including information and risk sharing, trust, commitment, agility, power balance, leadership, prior-experience, and alignment. The second group ensures the success of collaboration by selecting suitable partners based on their previous performance emerging through synergy, readiness, agility and internal–external factors; Conclusions: The reasoning behind these differences are discussed and the current gaps in research are outlined.
N-(4-Methyl-3-((4-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)phenyl)-4-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)benzamide
Authors: Korlyukov Alexander A. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Vologzhanina Anna V.
Published: October 2022

Imatinib is one of the most used therapeutic agents to treat leukemia, which specifically inhibits the activity of tyrosine kinases. This polytopic molecule has been structurally characterized only in the form of its piperazin-1-ium salt (mesylate, picrate, citrate, fumarate or malonate). Herein we present the crystal structure of the freebase Imatinib which precipitated from a 1:10 mixture with arginine. The molecule realizes an extended conformation and forms infinite H-bonded chains through its amide, amine and pyrimidine groups.
Large-Scale Defect Clusters with Hexagonal Honeycomb-like Arrangement in Ammonothermal GaN Crystals
Authors: Kirste Lutz , Tran Thi Caliste Thu Nhi , Weyher Jan L. , Smalc-Koziorowska Julita , Zajac Magdalena A. , Kucharski Robert , Sochacki Tomasz , Grabianska Karolina , Iwinska Malgorzata , Detlefs Carsten , Danilewsky Andreas N. , Bockowski Michal , Baruchel José
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we investigate, using X-ray Bragg diffraction imaging and defect selective etching, a new type of extended defect that occurs in ammonothermally grown gallium nitride (GaN) single crystals. This hexagonal “honeycomb” shaped defect is composed of bundles of parallel threading edge dislocations located in the corners of the hexagon. The observed size of the honeycomb ranges from 0.05 mm to 2 mm and is clearly correlated with the number of dislocations located in each of the hexagon’s corners: typically ~5 to 200, respectively. These dislocations are either grouped in areas that exhibit “diameters” of 100–250 µm, or they show up as straight long chain alignments of the same size that behave like limited subgrain boundaries. The lattice distortions associated with these hexagonally arranged dislocation bundles are extensively measured on one of these honeycombs using rocking curve imaging, and the ensemble of the results is discussed with the aim of providing clues about the origin of these “honeycombs”.