bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective PPARδ Agonist GW501516 Protects Against LPS-Induced Macrophage Inflammation and Acute Liver Failure in Mice via Suppressing Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Lim Hyun-Joung , Kwak Hyun Jeong
Published: November 2024

Inflammation is critical in the development of acute liver failure (ALF). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) regulates anti-inflammatory responses and is protective in several diseases such as obesity and cancer. However, the beneficial effects and underlying mechanisms of PPARδ agonist GW501516 in ALF remain unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of GW501516 in macrophages and assessed its protective potential against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/galactosamine (GalN)-induced ALF. In vivo administration of GW501516 significantly reduced LPS/GalN-induced hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by lower mortality, decreased liver damage, and attenuated secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. GW501516 treatment also decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells, an effect reversed by PPARδ siRNA. Additionally, GW501516 inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), suggesting that inactivation of these MAPKs contributes to its effects. The secretion of IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB DNA-binding activity were also suppressed by GW501516, while the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit was unaffected. In conclusion, our findings suggest that GW501516 exerts protective effects in ALF by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, GW501516 may act as a potential agent for developing anti-inflammatory therapies for ALF.
A d10-Cd Cluster Containing Sandwich-Type Arsenotungstate Exhibiting Fluorescent Recognition of Carcinogenic Dye in Methanol
Authors: Wang Feng , Ma Xiang , Li Haodong , Zhao Ziqi , Zhang Lele , Zhao Yutong , Su Haipeng , Wang Zeqi , Li Changchun , Hua Jiai
Published: November 2024

A d10-Cd cluster containing sandwich-type arsenotungstate [C3H12N2]6[Cd4Cl2(B-α-AsW9O34)2] was synthesized and its structure characterized through elemental analyses, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray analysis revealed that the molecular unit of the compound consists of a captivating tetra-Cd-substituted sandwich-type polyoxoanion, accompanied by six elegantly protonated 1,2-diaminopropane as counter ions. The further novelty of the tetranuclear cadmium cluster lies in its occupied chlorine atom sites. This makes it highly susceptible to coordinate reactions with nitrogen on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, thereby exhibiting different fluorescent signals that facilitate the identification and detection of these carcinogenic substances in methanol.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Materials Functionalized with Phosphinic Acid Ligand and Their Capability to Remove Cd(II)
Authors: Mersellem Khayra , Bouazza Djamila , Malpartida Irene , Maireles-Torres Pedro , Boos Anne , Demey Hary , Miloudi Hafida
Published: November 2024

This article presents a study of cadmium removal from nitrate medium using adsorption in calcined mesoporous silica (MCM-C), mesoporous silica doped (MCM_DIOPA), and calcined and impregnated mesoporous silica (MCM@DIOPA), with diisooctylphosphinic acid (DIOPA). The sorbents were synthesized via a sol–gel method. Several characterization techniques, such as XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, N2 sorption and elemental analysis, have been used to determine the main structural, textural, and chemical properties of prepared sorbents. Batch adsorption and kinetics tests were carried out, where the influence of pH and contact time of the sorbents and their role in cation removal were studied. Experimental results show poor sorption efficiencies with MCM-C and MCM_DIOPA at pH 5.85. At the same pH, better cadmium extraction was attained by MCM@DIOPA and was achieved within 30 min. The pseudo-second-order model is the most appropriate model to describe the elimination mechanism of Cd(II) ions. The Langmuir equation was used to model the sorption isotherm and the maximum sorption capacity of Cd(II) is 22.16 mg/g (200 mmol/kg). The complex type of the probable extracted species isCdL2-HL.
Influence of Heat Treatment of Nitinol Wire on the Properties of Nitinol/Hybrid Layer for Ibuprofen Release
Authors: Mroczka Robert , Słodkowska Agnieszka , Kubacki Jerzy
Published: November 2024

The efficiency of drug delivery from coatings of metallic implants is one of the key factors. The influence of chemical and thermal treatments of nitinol wire on the corrosion properties, deposition of hydroxyapatite(HA)/poly ε-caprolactone-polyethylene glycol (PEG-b-PCL), and the amount of ibuprofen released from that bilayer were studied. The hydroxyapatite layer was electrodeposited by pulse current, while the PEG-b-PCL layer was by drop-coating. It was shown that nitinol wire, chemically treated and thermally heated at 470 °C under optimized conditions, is the most optimal substrate for the deposition of uniform and compact hybrid HA/(PEG-b-PCL) bilayer. Ibuprofen incorporated into this hybrid bilayer exhibits the maximum release into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. About 80% of ibuprofen is released within 5 h.
Simultaneous Quantification of 66 Compounds in Two Tibetan Codonopsis Species Reveals Four Chemical Features by Database-Enabled UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Xu Zhouli , Cai Rongxin , Chai Hanxiao , Chen Shaoman , Liang Yongbai , Li Xican , Jiang Guihua
Published: November 2024

Codonopsis canescens Nannf. (CoC) and Codonopsis nervosa Nannf. (CoN) are two traditional Tibetan medicinal herbs (Zangdangshen), which have been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. In this study, their aerial and underground parts were systematically analyzed using database-enabled UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS technology. This technology introduced three adduct ions, [M − H]−, [M + H]+, and [M + NH4]+, to putatively identify a total of 66 compounds. During the putative identification, at least 16 isomers were successfully differentiated, such as isochlorogenic acid A vs. isochlorogenic acid B vs. isochlorogenic acid C. Thereafter, all these identified compounds were further quantified for their contents based on a linear regression method. Their contents were observed to vary from 0.00 to 39,127.03 µg/g. Through multiple comparisons of these quantification results, the study found the following four chemical features: (1) Four sesquiterpenes (especially atractylenolide III) enriched mainly in CoC and rarely in CoN; (2) four quinic acid derivatives were abundant in the aerial part of two species; (3) sixteen flavonoids (particularly diosmetin and chrysoeriol) showed higher content in CoC than in CoN; and (4) lobetyolin was ubiquitously distributed in four parts of both CoC and CoN. Based on these features and the relevant principles, four compounds (lobetyolin, atractylenolide III, diosmetin, and chrysoeriol) are recommended as the quality markers of two Tibetan Codonopsis species. All these findings can facilitate the sustainable development and quality control of the two traditional Tibetan medicinal herbs.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a ZnO-Chitosan Adduct for Safe and Sustainable Enhanced Ultra-Violet (UV) Sunscreens Protection
Authors: Battistin Mattia , Bonetto Alessandro , Nicoli Francesco , Torreggiani Elena , Brunetta Andrea , Cesa Elena , Manfredini Stefano , Baldisserotto Anna , Vertuani Silvia
Published: November 2024

Chitosan (Ch), a natural polysaccharide, is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and various beneficial properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The objective of this study is to investigate the functionalization of zinc oxide (ZnO) with chitosan to develop a novel ZnO@Ch adduct for use in cosmetic formulations, specifically as a sun protection agent. The functionalization was achieved through ionotropic gelation, which enhanced the stability and reduced the photocatalytic activity of ZnO, thereby improving its safety profile for skin applications. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful functionalization, while TGA and DSC characterized the thermal properties and stability. The Zeta potential and particle size analyses demonstrated improved stability of ZnO@Ch across various pH levels compared to uncoated ZnO. The structure of the obtained adduct was also confirmed by SEM analysis. The ZnO@Ch adduct exhibited enhanced stability at neutral and slightly alkaline pH values, reduced photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO, and had lower cytotoxicity in 3T3 cells compared to pure ZnO, particularly at higher concentrations. The ZnO@Ch adduct provided a higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) than pure ZnO, indicating enhanced UV protection. The adduct’s ability to provide higher SPF at lower ZnO concentrations offers economic and environmental benefits, aligning with sustainable product design principles. Future studies will focus on optimizing the formulation and testing the efficacy and safety at higher concentrations to fully realize its potential as a natural, eco-friendly sunscreen ingredient.
Selectivity Control in Nitroaldol (Henry) Reaction by Changing the Basic Anion in a Chiral Copper(II) Complex Based on (S)-2-Aminomethylpyrrolidine and 3,5-Di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde
Authors: Khromova Olga V. , Yashkina Lidiya V. , Stoletova Nadezhda V. , Maleev Victor I. , Belokon Yuri N. , Larionov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2024

This article is a continuation of our previous research on the catalytic capability of a chiral copper complex based on commercially available (S)-2-aminomethylpyrrolidine and 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde with various counter-anions in the asymmetric Henry reaction. Our findings indicate that depending on the type of base used, chiral nitroalcohols with yields up to 98% and ee values up to 77%, as well as β-nitrostyrenes with yields up to 88%, can be produced. Additionally, it has been found that the outcome of the reaction and the catalytic properties of copper (II) complexes (S)-Cu1 and (S)-Cu2 are influenced by the structure of the aldehyde used.
Two-Dimensional ABS4 (A and B = Zr, Hf, and Ti) as Promising Anode for Li and Na-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ahmed Shehzad , Muhammad Imran , Ghani Awais , Muhammad Iltaf , Ullah Naeem , Raza Nadeem , Wang Yong , Tian Xiaoqing , Wu Honglei , Khan Danish
Published: November 2024

Metal ion intercalation into van der Waals gaps of layered materials is vital for large-scale electrochemical energy storage. Transition-metal sulfides, ABS4 (where A and B represent Zr, Hf, and Ti as monolayers as anodes), are examined as lithium and sodium ion storage. Our study reveals that these monolayers offer exceptional performance for ion storage. The low diffusion barriers enable efficient lithium bonding and rapid separation while all ABS4 phases remain semiconducting before lithiation and transition to metallic states, ensuring excellent electrical conductivity. Notably, the monolayers demonstrate impressive ion capacities: 1639, 1202, and 1119 mAh/g for Li-ions, and 1093, 801, and 671 mAh/g for Na-ions in ZrTiS4, HfTiS4, and HfZrS4, respectively. Average voltages are 1.16 V, 0.9 V, and 0.94 V for Li-ions and 1.17 V, 1.02 V, and 0.94 V for Na-ions across these materials. Additionally, low migration energy barriers of 0.231 eV, 0.233 eV, and 0.238 eV for Li and 0.135 eV, 0.136 eV, and 0.147 eV for Na make ABS4 monolayers highly attractive for battery applications. These findings underscore the potential of monolayer ABS4 as a superior electrode material, combining high adsorption energy, low diffusion barriers, low voltage, high specific capacity, and outstanding electrical conductivity.
Ion Mobility QTOF-MS Untargeted Lipidomics of Human Serum Reveals a Metabolic Fingerprint for GNE Myopathy
Authors: Manis Cristina , Casula Mattia , Roos Andreas , Hentschel Andreas , Vorgerd Matthias , Pogoryelova Oksana , Derksen Alexa , Spendiff Sally , Lochmüller Hanns , Caboni Pierluigi
Published: November 2024

GNE myopathy, also known as hereditary inclusion body myopathy (HIBM), is a rare genetic muscle disorder marked by a gradual onset of muscle weakness in young adults. GNE myopathy (GNEM) is caused by bi-allelic variants in the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase (UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase)/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (ManNAc kinase) gene (GNE), clinically resulting in the loss of ambulation within 10–20 years from the onset of the initial symptoms. The disease’s mechanism is poorly understood and non-invasive biomarkers are lacking, hindering effective therapy development. Based on the available evidence, we employed a lipidomic approach to study the serum lipid profile of GNE patients. The multivariate statistical analysis revealed a downregulation of carnitines, as well as of lysophosphatidylcholines, in sera samples derived from GNEM patients. Furthermore, we identified lower levels of sphingomyelins and, concomitantly, high levels of ceramides in serum samples from GNEM patients when compared to control samples derived from healthy donors. Moreover, the GNEM serum samples showed the upregulation of Krebs cycle intermediates, in addition to a decrease in oxaloacetic acid. The correlated data gathered in this study can offer a promising diagnostic panel of complex lipids and polar metabolites that can be used in clinic for GNEM in terms of a metabolic fingerprint measurable in a minimally invasive manner.
Enhanced Degradation of Norfloxacin Under Visible Light by S-Scheme Fe2O3/g–C3N4 Heterojunctions
Authors: Lu Guang , Li Wei , Li Zheng , Gu Guizhou , Han Qiuju , Liang Jiling , Chen Zhen
Published: November 2024

S-scheme Fe2O3/g–C3N4 heterojunctions were successfully fabricated by the ultrasonic assistance method to remove norfloxacin (NOR) under visible light irradiation. The synthesized catalysts were well studied through various techniques. The obtained Fe2O3/g–C3N4 heterojunctions exhibited an optimal photocatalytic degradation of 94.7% for NOR, which was 1.67 and 1.28 times higher than using Fe2O3 and g–C3N4 alone, respectively. In addition, the kinetic constant of NOR removal with Fe2O3/g–C3N4 composites was about 0.6631 h−1, and NOR photo-deegradation was still 86.7% after four cycles. The enhanced photocatalytic activity may be mainly attributed to the formation of S-scheme Fe2O3/g–C3N4 heterojunctions with built-in electric fields, which were beneficial to the separation and transfer of photostimulated charge carriers. Furthermore, a possible photo-degradation mechanism of NOR for S-scheme Fe2O3/g–C3N4 heterojunctions is described.
Optimization of Magnetic Biochar Preparation Process, Based on Methylene Blue Adsorption
Authors: Liu Bin , Wu Yixuan , Xing Zebing , Zhang Ji , Xue Yuxin
Published: November 2024

The search for low-cost and effective adsorbents for the removal of organic dyes from contaminated water is urgently needed. The substantial amount of waste mushroom cultivation substrates generated in practical production can serve as an ideal material for the preparation of adsorbents. In this study, we investigated the main control parameters affecting the performance of magnetic mushroom substrate biochar and optimized the process of preparing biochar by using the Plackett–Burman and central composite design methods. Various analytical techniques including SEM, EDX, BET, and VSM were used to characterize the biochar. The results indicate that the carbonization temperature had the most significant impact on the yield and adsorption performance of biochar. Under the conditions of a carbonization temperature of 600 °C, a carbonization retention time of 1 h, and an impregnation ratio of 0.1, the yield and methylene blue adsorption value of magnetic biochar were 42.54% and 2297.04 μg/g, respectively, with a specific surface area of 37.17 m2/g. This biochar effectively removed methylene blue from the solution, demonstrating a high economic efficiency for wastewater treatment and pollution control. Furthermore, the adsorption–desorption cycle studies revealed its excellent stability and reusability. Additionally, based on the response surface methodology, a three-dimensional surface model of the adsorption performance of magnetic biochar under different carbonization conditions was established, providing a theoretical basis for the preparation of magnetic biochar from agricultural wastes.
The Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of the Histidine-Rich Peptide rAj-HRP from Apostichopus japonicus on Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuebin , Gao Shan , Mao Jiaming , Song Yuyao , Wang Xueting , Jiang Jingwei , Lv Li , Zhou Zunchun , Wang Jihong
Published: November 2024

Colon cancer is a common and lethal malignancy, ranking second in global cancer-related mortality, highlighting the urgent need for novel targeted therapies. The sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) is a marine organism known for its medicinal properties. After conducting a bioinformatics analysis of the cDNA library of Apostichopus japonicus, we found and cloned a cDNA sequence encoding histidine-rich peptides, and the recombinant peptide was named rAj-HRP. Human histidine-rich peptides are known for their anti-cancer properties, raising questions as to whether rAj-HRP might exhibit similar effects. To investigate whether rAj-HRP can inhibit colon cancer, we used human colon cancer HCT116 cells as a model and studied the tumor suppressive activity in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that rAj-HRP inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in vitro. It also disrupted the cytoskeleton and induced apoptosis in these cells. In vivo, rAj-HRP significantly inhibited the growth of HCT116 tumors in BALB/c mice, reducing tumor volume and weight without affecting the body weight of the tumor-bearing mice. Western blot analysis showed that rAj-HRP inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by upregulating BAX and promoting PARP zymogen degradation. Additionally, rAj-HRP inhibited HCT116 cell adhesion and migration by reducing MMP2 levels. Further research showed that rAj-HRP downregulated EGFR expression in HCT116 cells and inhibited key downstream molecules, including AKT, P-AKT, PLCγ, P38 MAPK, and c-Jun. In conclusion, rAj-HRP exhibits significant inhibitory effects on HCT116 cells in both in vitro and in vivo, primarily through the EGFR and apoptosis pathways. These findings suggest that rAj-HRP has the potential as a novel targeted therapy for colon cancer.
An MIP-Based PFAS Sensor Exploiting Nanolayers on Plastic Optical Fibers for Ultra-Wide and Ultra-Low Detection Ranges—A Case Study of PFAS Detection in River Water
Authors: Pitruzzella Rosalba , Chiodi Alessandro , Rovida Riccardo , Arcadio Francesco , Porto Giovanni , Moretti Simone , Brambilla Gianfranco , Zeni Luigi , Cennamo Nunzio
Published: November 2024

In this work, a novel optical–chemical sensor for the detection of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs) in a real scenario is presented. The proposed sensing approach exploits the multimode characteristics of plastic optical fibers (POFs) to achieve unconventional sensors via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomena. The sensor is realized by the coupling of an SPR-POF platform with a novel chemical chip based on different polymeric nanolayers over the core of a D-shaped POF, one made up of an optical adhesive and one of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for PFAS. The chemical chip is used to launch the light into the SPR D-shaped POF platform, so the interaction between the analyte and the MIP’s sites can be used to modulate the propagated light in the POFs and the SPR phenomena. Selectivity tests and dose–response curves by standard PFOA water solutions were carried out to characterize the detection range sensor response, obtaining a wide PFAS response range, from 1 ppt to 1000 ppt. Then, tests performed on river water samples collected from the Bormida river paved the way for the applicability of the proposed approach to a real scenario.
Ni Nanoparticles Supported on Graphene-Based Materials as Highly Stable Catalysts for the Cathode of Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Martínez Sthephanie J. , Cos-Hugas Raquel , Bellini Marco , Miller Hamish A. , Lavacchi Alessandro , Rodríguez José Luis , Pastor Elena
Published: November 2024

Ni nanoparticles supported on graphene-based materials were tested as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to be used in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). The introduction of N into the graphene structure produced an enhancement of electrocatalytic activity by improving electron transfer and creating additional active sites for the ORR. Materials containing both N and S demonstrated the highest stability, showing only a 3% performance loss after a 10 h stability test and therefore achieving the best overall performance. This long-term durability is attributed to the synergetic effect of Ni nanoparticles and bi-doped (S/N)-reduced graphene oxide. The findings suggest that the strategic incorporation of both nitrogen and sulphur into the graphene structure plays a crucial role in optimising the electrocatalytic properties of Ni-based catalysts.
An Electrochemical Biosensor Analysis of the Interaction of a Two-Vector Phospholipid Composition of Doxorubicin with dsDNA and Breast Cancer Cell Models In Vitro
Authors: Kostryukova Lyubov V. , Serdyukova Anastasia S. , Pronina Veronica V. , Shumyantseva Victoria V. , Tereshkina Yulia A.
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The main aim of our experiments was to demonstrate the suitability of cell-based biosensors for searching for new anticancer medicinal preparations. Methods: The effect of the substance doxorubicin, doxorubicin embedded in phospholipid nanoparticles, and doxorubicin with phospholipid nanoparticles modified by targeting vectors (cRGD and folic acid) on dsDNA and breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) was studied. Results: In the obtained doxorubicin nanoforms, the particle size was less than 60 nm. Our study of the percentage of doxorubicin inclusion showed the almost complete embeddability of the substance into nanoparticles for all samples, with an average of 95.4 ± 4.6%. The calculation of the toxicity index of the studied doxorubicin samples showed that all substances were moderately toxic drugs in terms of adenine and guanine. The biosensor analysis using electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes showed an intercalation interaction between doxorubicin and its derivatives and dsDNA, except for the composition of doxorubicin with folic acid with a linker length of 2000 (NPh-Dox-Fol(2.0)). The results of the electroanalysis were normalized to the total cell protein (mg) and cell concentration. The highest intensity of the electrochemical signals was observed in intact control cells of the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Conclusions: The proposed electrochemical approach is useful for the analysis of cell line responses to the medicinal preparations.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Malaria
Authors: Alghamdi Jawaher M. , Al-Qahtani Arwa A. , Alhamlan Fatimah S. , Al-Qahtani Ahmed A.
Published: November 2024

Malaria is still one of the major global health challenges affecting millions annually, particularly in non-Mediterranean Africa and Southeast Asia. Over the past two decades, substantial progress has been made in reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality, primarily due to advancements in antimalarial therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in malaria treatment, focusing on the evolution of drug therapies, mechanisms of action, and emerging resistance patterns. The cornerstone of current treatment strategies is artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which have proven highly effective against P. falciparum and P. vivax, the most prevalent malaria-causing parasites. However, the onset of artemisinin resistance, particularly in Southeast Asian countries, poses a significant threat to these gains. Additionally, other antimalarial classes, including quinine derivatives, 8-aminoquinolines, and antifolate drugs, are examined for their efficacy, resistance mechanisms, and future potential. This review also discusses the challenges associated with drug resistance, the genetic underpinnings of resistance in malaria parasites, and the implications for future treatment protocols. Furthermore, the review examines combinational therapies, such as triple artemisinin combination therapies (TACTs), and vaccines that are approved or in development to circumvent resistance issues. The need for continuous surveillance, innovative therapeutic strategies, and advances in novel antimalarial therapeutic agents is emphasized to sustain and further progress in the control of malaria and its eventual eradication.
Transcriptome Profiling of Two Camellia japonica Cultivars with Different Heat Tolerance Reveals Heat Stress Response Mechanisms
Authors: Tan Yue , Cao Yinzhu , Mou Fenglian , Liu Bin , Wu Huafeng , Zou Shihui , Ai Lijiao , Sui Shunzhao
Published: November 2024

Camellia (Camellia japonica) is a semi-shaded plant that is highly vulnerable to heat stress. To investigate the mechanisms underlying heat stress in C. japonica, two C. japonica cultivars, “Xiaotaohong” and “Zhuapolian”, which exhibit significant differences in heat tolerance, were selected from four common cultivars. The selection methods included phenotypic observations and physiological index detection, including relative electric conductivity (REC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, relative water content (RWC), and chlorophyll content. RNA-seq analysis yielded 980 million reads and identified 68,455 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two C. japonica cultivars during heat stress compared to the control samples. Totals of 12,565 and 16,046 DEGs were differentially expressed at 16 h and 32 h, respectively, in “Xiaotaohong” during heat stress. In “Zhuapolian”, 40,280 and 37,539 DEGs were found at 16 h and 32 h, respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that both cultivars were enriched in the “plant hormone signal transduction” and “circadian rhythm” pathways at two stages, indicating the critical role these pathways play in the heat stress response. The differences in the tolerance between the two cultivars are likely linked to pathways such as “plant hormone signal transduction”, “photosynthesis”, and “circadian rhythm”. Some members of heat shock proteins (HSPs) are associated with the heat stress response. It is speculated that transcription factor families contributing to the tolerance differences include AP2/ERF, C3H, bHLH, bZIP, and MYB-related with a small number of heat shock factors (HSFs) also induced by the stress. In conclusion, these results reveal the changes in the physiological indices and molecular networks of two C. japonica cultivars under heat stress. This study lays the foundation for the breeding of superior heat-resistant C. japonica cultivars and for further molecular research.
Identification and Expression Analysis of TCP Transcription Factors Under Abiotic Stress in Phoebe bournei
Authors: Lv Wenzhuo , Yang Hao , Zheng Qiumian , Liao Wenhai , Chen Li , Lian Yiran , Lin Qinmin , Huo Shuhao , Rehman Obaid Ur , Liu Wei , Zheng Kehui , Zhang Yanzi , Cao Shijiang
Published: November 2024

The TCP gene family encodes plant transcription factors crucial for regulating growth and development. While TCP genes have been identified in various species, they have not been studied in Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.). This study identified 29 TCP genes in the P. bournei genome, categorizing them into Class I (PCF) and Class II (CYC/TB1 and CIN). We conducted analyses on the PbTCP gene at both the protein level (physicochemical properties) and the gene sequence level (subcellular localization, chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, and gene structure). Most P. bournei TCP genes are localized in the nucleus, except PbTCP9 in the mitochondria and PbTCP8 in both the chloroplast and nucleus. Chromosomal mapping showed 29 TCP genes unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes, except chromosome 8 and 9. We also analyzed the promoter cis-regulatory elements, which are mainly involved in plant growth and development and hormone responses. Notably, most PbTCP transcription factors respond highly to light. Further analysis revealed three subfamily genes expressed in five P. bournei tissues: leaves, root bark, root xylem, stem xylem, and stem bark, with predominant PCF genes. Using qRT-PCR, we examined six representative genes—PbTCP16, PbTCP23, PbTCP7, PbTCP29, PbTCP14, and PbTCP15—under stress conditions such as high temperature, drought, light exposure, and dark. PbTCP14 and PbTCP15 showed significantly higher expression under heat, drought, light and dark stress. We hypothesize that TCP transcription factors play a key role in growth under varying light conditions, possibly mediated by auxin hormones. This work provides insights into the TCP gene family’s functional characteristics and stress resistance regulation in P. bournei.
Coassembly of a Hybrid Synthetic–Biological Chitosan-g-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Copolymer with DNAs of Different Lengths
Authors: Karayianni Maria , Lotos Elena-Daniela , Mihai Marcela , Pispas Stergios
Published: November 2024

Natural polysaccharides can serve as carriers of genes owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Additionally, they can be easily chemically modified, e.g., through grafting, leading to hybrid synthetic–biological copolymers with additional functionalities. In this work we report on the electrostatic interaction between a chitosan-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (Chit-g-PNIPAM) copolymer and DNA macromolecules of different lengths (i.e., 50 and 2000 bp), towards the construction of polyplexes that can serve as potential gene delivery systems. At the basic science level, the work aims to elucidate the effects of DNA length on the structural and physicochemical properties of the thermoresponsive hybrid macromolecular assemblies. The protonated amino groups on the chitosan backbone enable electrostatic binding with the anionic phosphate groups of the DNA molecules, while the PNIPAM side chains are expected to impart thermoresponsive properties to the formed polyplexes. Different amino to phosphate group (N/P) mixing ratios were examined, aiming to produce stable dispersions. The physicochemical properties of the resulting polyplexes were investigated by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS), while their morphology was studied by scanning-transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Moreover, their response to changes in temperature and ionic strength, as well as their stability against biological media, was also examined. Finally, the binding affinity of the copolymer towards DNA was evaluated through fluorescence spectroscopy, using ethidium bromide quenching assays, while infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the structure of the incorporated DNA chains.
Research on the Blocking Mechanism of Stagnant Water and the Prediction of Scaling Trend in Fractured Reservoirs in Keshen Gas Field
Authors: Mao Qi , Lu Licheng , Gong Yejing , Zhao Libin , Yang Zihao , Song Hongzhi , Han Rui
Published: November 2024

In this paper, well Keshen 221 was taken as the research object. The stagnant water–rock static experiment showed that, after 8 weeks of the residual water–rock static reaction, the pore size of the inner profile of the rock slice increased from 5 μm to 90 μm, and calcium carbonate crystals were deposited in the hole. Combined with the microscopic visualization model, it is observed that the reservoir blockage mostly occurs at the pore throat diameter, and the small fracture (30 μm) is blocked first, then the large fracture (50 μm). So, it is inferred that the blockage of the reservoir flow channel is caused by the migration of the crystals precipitated by the interaction between the stagnant water and the reservoir rock. On this basis, the TOUGHREACT reservoir model was further constructed to simulate the scaling of the stagnant water in the reservoir matrix and used to compare the scaling of the fractures with 7% and 30% porosity and the retained water at 0.658 m and 768 m. The pre-results of reservoir scaling show that the scaling is more serious when the fractures occur in the far well zone than when the fractures occur in the well entry zone. At the same location, the deposition of large fractures is six times that of small fractures, and the scaling is more severe in large fractures.
Analogical Dialectics in Religious Language: Beyond Literal/Metaphorical Reductionism
Authors: Taheri Javad
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the developmental trajectory of the debate concerning the nature of religious language, particularly the contrast between its literal and metaphorical dimensions, situating it within the broader context of linguistic, philosophical, and theological scholarship. Drawing on contemporary research, it offers a critical evaluation of three major approaches, with a detailed analysis of one in particular. The first two approaches, literalism and metaphoricism, are critiqued for their reductionist frameworks, which fundamentally erode the multifaceted nature of this discourse. The third approach, while avoiding these reductionist pitfalls, still calls for further clarification of the mechanisms underlying the interplay between these elements. Through conceptual analysis and grammatical examination, it demonstrates that this proposal, which posits a dynamic interaction—where neither dimension is subordinate to the other, but rather, they paradoxically coexist—yields a more accurate account. The findings suggest that this dialectical approach surpasses the conventional treatment of the literal–metaphorical nexus, proposing that religious language is not only communicative and comprehensible but also an evolving process in which grammatical perplexity fosters semantic depth and intellectual insight.
Transhumanism, Human Moral Enhancement, and Virtues
Authors: Strahovnik Vojko , Centa Strahovnik Mateja
Published: November 2024

Moral transhumanism is a project that aims to enhance human beings by using modern technology in a morally beneficial way. This article discusses the problems and ethical dilemmas raised by transhumanism, notably whether (moral) virtues may be enhanced in the proposed manner. To achieve this end, moral transhumanism primarily proposes the use of genetic technology and pharmacology. Regarding moral virtues, the article suggests that sensitivity to reasons is a fundamental feature of human moral cognition. Enhancing moral virtues would diminish this sensitivity or assign it a superfluous role while jeopardizing the person’s autonomy and self-determination.
Improving Innovative Work Behavior in Small and Medium Enterprises: Integrating Transformational Leadership, Knowledge Sharing, and Psychological Empowerment
Authors: Aristana I Nengah , Puspitawati Ni Made Dwi , Salain Putu Pradiva Putra , Koval Viktor , Konarivska Oksana , Paniuk Tetiana
Published: November 2024

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to society’s growth and welfare. Nevertheless, SMEs often experience challenges, i.e., high levels of competition and market demands. To maintain SMEs’ existence, a competitive advantage is demanded by increasing innovative work behavior. This study explores and evaluates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior and examines the mediating role of knowledge sharing and psychological empowerment on the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior. This study uses a quantitative approach, where data were gathered from a questionnaire distributed to 190 employees of export SMEs and were further examined using Smart PLS 3.2.9. The findings demonstrate that transformational leadership does not influence innovative work behavior but significantly and positively influences psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing. Psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing significantly and positively influence innovative work behavior. Subsequently, psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing partially mediate the linkage between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Research Productivity: Disruptions to the Pipeline for Early Career Researchers
Authors: Moschella-Smith Elizabeth A. , Potter Sharyn J.
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in productivity losses, particularly for early career researchers (ECRs) who do not have the same track record as their non-ECR colleagues. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine differences in time allocation and research productivity outcomes between ECRs and non-ECRs at a Carnegie Classification R1 University in the United States. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined differences in time allocation (i.e., research, teaching) and research productivity outcomes (e.g., peer-reviewed publications), as well as pandemic-related challenges, between ECRs and non-ECRs over three time periods: pre-pandemic, year one of the pandemic, and the first eight months of year two of the pandemic. Compared to non-ECRs, ECRs reported significantly more time spent on research, less time on teaching, fewer peer-reviewed publications, and fewer funding proposal submissions during the pandemic. Qualitative data revealed three broad categories of pandemic-related challenges: tangible (e.g., research delays), intangible (e.g., mental health), and long-term impacts on career trajectory (e.g., delayed promotion). The implications for future research and for universities looking to mitigate adverse impacts of the pandemic for ECRs are discussed.
Enhancing Visual Perception in Immersive VR and AR Environments: AI-Driven Color and Clarity Adjustments Under Dynamic Lighting Conditions
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Váz Paulo , Silva José , Martins Pedro
Published: November 2024

The visual fidelity of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) environments is essential for user immersion and comfort. Dynamic lighting often leads to chromatic distortions and reduced clarity, causing discomfort and disrupting user experience. This paper introduces an AI-driven chromatic adjustment system based on a modified U-Net architecture, optimized for real-time applications in VR/AR. This system adapts to dynamic lighting conditions, addressing the shortcomings of traditional methods like histogram equalization and gamma correction, which struggle with rapid lighting changes and real-time user interactions. We compared our approach with state-of-the-art color constancy algorithms, including Barron’s Convolutional Color Constancy and STAR, demonstrating superior performance. Experimental results from 60 participants show significant improvements, with up to 41% better color accuracy and 39% enhanced clarity under dynamic lighting conditions. The study also included eye-tracking data, which confirmed increased user engagement with AI-enhanced images. Our system provides a practical solution for developers aiming to improve image quality, reduce visual discomfort, and enhance overall user satisfaction in immersive environments. Future work will focus on extending the model’s capability to handle more complex lighting scenarios.
Benchmarking Big Data Systems: Performance and Decision-Making Implications in Emerging Technologies
Authors: Theodorakopoulos Leonidas , Karras Aristeidis , Theodoropoulou Alexandra , Kampiotis Georgios
Published: November 2024

Systems for graph processing are a key enabler for insights from large-scale graphs that are critical to many new advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and blockchain. In this study, we benchmark another two widely utilized graph processing systems, Apache Spark GraphX and Apache Fink, concerning the key performance criterion by means of response time, scalability, and computational complexity. We demonstrate our results which show the capability of each system for real-world graph applications, and hence, providing a quantitative understanding to select the system for our purpose. GraphX’s strength was in processing batch in-memory workloads typical of blockchain and machine learning model optimization, while Flink excelled in processing stream data, which is timely and important to the IoT world. These performance characteristics emphasize how the capabilities of graph processing systems can match the requirements for the performance of different emerging technology applications. Our findings ultimately inform practitioners about system efficiencies and limitations, but also the recent advances in hardware accelerators and algorithmic improvements aimed at shaping the new graph processing frontier in diverse technology domains.
Machine Learning Framework for Conotoxin Class and Molecular Target Prediction
Authors: Truong Duc P. , Monroe Lyman K. , Williams Robert F. , Nguyen Hau B.
Published: November 2024

Conotoxins are small and highly potent neurotoxic peptides derived from the venom of marine cone snails which have captured the interest of the scientific community due to their pharmacological potential. These toxins display significant sequence and structure diversity, which results in a wide range of specificities for several different ion channels and receptors. Despite the recognized importance of these compounds, our ability to determine their binding targets and toxicities remains a significant challenge. Predicting the target receptors of conotoxins, based solely on their amino acid sequence, remains a challenge due to the intricate relationships between structure, function, target specificity, and the significant conformational heterogeneity observed in conotoxins with the same primary sequence. We have previously demonstrated that the inclusion of post-translational modifications, collisional cross sections values, and other structural features, when added to the standard primary sequence features, improves the prediction accuracy of conotoxins against non-toxic and other toxic peptides across varied datasets and several different commonly used machine learning classifiers. Here, we present the effects of these features on conotoxin class and molecular target predictions, in particular, predicting conotoxins that bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We also demonstrate the use of the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE)-Tomek in balancing the datasets while simultaneously making the different classes more distinct by reducing the number of ambiguous samples which nearly overlap between the classes. In predicting the alpha, mu, and omega conotoxin classes, the SMOTE-Tomek PCA PLR model, using the combination of the SS and P feature sets establishes the best performance with an overall accuracy (OA) of 95.95%, with an average accuracy (AA) of 93.04%, and an f1 score of 0.959. Using this model, we obtained sensitivities of 98.98%, 89.66%, and 90.48% when predicting alpha, mu, and omega conotoxin classes, respectively. Similarly, in predicting conotoxins that bind to nAChRs, the SMOTE-Tomek PCA SVM model, which used the collisional cross sections (CCSs) and the P feature sets, demonstrated the highest performance with 91.3% OA, 91.32% AA, and an f1 score of 0.9131. The sensitivity when predicting conotoxins that bind to nAChRs is 91.46% with a 91.18% sensitivity when predicting conotoxins that do not bind to nAChRs.
Design of a Duplex-to-Complex Structure-Switching Approach for the Homogeneous Determination of Marine Biotoxins in Water
Authors: Al-Tabban Awatef , Rhouati Amina , Fataftah Amjad , Cialla-May Dana , Popp Jürgen , Zourob Mohammed
Published: November 2024

In this report, we describe a fluorescent assay for the detection of six marine toxins in water. The mechanism of detection is based on a duplex-to-complex structure-switching approach. The six aptamers specific to the targeted cyanotoxins were conjugated to a fluorescent dye, carboxyfluorescein (FAM). In parallel, complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences specific to each aptamer were conjugated to a fluorescence quencher BHQ1. In the absence of the target, an aptamer–cDNA duplex structure is formed, and the fluorescence is quenched. By adding the toxin, the aptamer tends to bind to its target and releases the cDNA. The fluorescence intensity is consequently restored after the formation of the complex aptamer–toxin, where the fluorescence recovery is directly correlated with the analyte concentration. Based on this principle, a highly sensitive detection of the six marine toxins was achieved, with the limits of detection of 0.15, 0.06, 0.075, 0.027, 0.041, and 0.026 nM for microcystin-LR, anatoxin-α, saxitoxin, cylindrospermopsin, okadaic acid, and brevetoxin, respectively. Moreover, each aptameric assay showed a very good selectivity towards the other five marine toxins. Finally, the developed technique was applied for the detection of the six toxins in spiked water samples with excellent recoveries.
Multi-Decadal Impact of Mine Waters in Przemsza River Basin, Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Southern Poland
Authors: Janson Ewa
Published: November 2024

Anthropogenic increases in the salinity of surface waters are referred to as secondary salinization. In surface waters, salinity levels can vary significantly due to various natural and anthropogenic influences. This article presents multi-decadal observations of changes in surface water salinity in the highly industrialized region in southern Poland. The case study of the Przemsza River is an example of the significant impacts of industrial, mainly coal mining, activities that have changed the chemical and biological characteristics of water bodies. The presented research revealed that impacts on salinity and water body status due to mining discharges will be difficult or even impossible to restore, considering the process of transition of the coal sector. In the Przemsza river basin, almost 42% less mine water was discharged in 2023 than in 1991. Parallelly, the salinity of mine waters discharged from deeper levels of active coal mines has increased due to the geochemical gradient (the total load of chlorides and sulfates was 534.8 MgCl−+SO42− per day in 1991, while in 2023 the total salinity load was 480.1 MgCl−+SO42− per day). Moreover, of the 19 active mine water discharges in 1991, only 11 remain in 2023, while the observed salinity of surface water in the Przemsza watershed increased rapidly from an average of 2000 µS·cm−1 to 6700 µS·cm−1 due to the significant drought and adverse hydrological conditions, which represent low flows never observed before (three times lower flows in the mouth of the Przemsza River in the period 2021–2023 compared to the previous decades 1991–2020). Impacts on water bodies will continue to occur regardless of mining activities in the area—it should be noted that at the end of exploitation, mine water rebound and flooding do not automatically reduce long-lasting impacts on surface waters. Therefore, salinization is a growing threat that might be amplified by climate change. While industrial and urban impacts on surface water change its characteristics, the future challenge of proper water management with a holistic approach is necessary with proper monitoring data collection and river flow-dependent and surface water salinity-dependent discharge of wastewater in the river basin.