bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Treating Moderate to Deep Periodontal Pockets in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rodrigues João Victor Soares , Deroide Mariella Boaretti , Takeshita Wilton Mitsunari , Garcia Valdir Gouveia , de Molon Rafael Scaf , Theodoro Leticia Helena
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis share a significant, bidirectional relationship. Diabetes raises the risk of periodontitis and influences its severity, impacting tissue repair and bone metabolism. Conversely, periodontal inflammation can disrupt glycemic control, further complicating this interlinked relationship. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation (SI) in the treatment of periodontal pockets with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 5 mm in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and periodontitis. Methods: Using the PICOS framework, this review addressed the following question: “How does aPDT as an adjunct to SI compare to SI alone in treating periodontal pockets with PPD ≥ 5 mm in individuals with DM2 and periodontitis?” Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2024. Randomized clinical trials evaluating periodontal status and HbA1c levels in patients with DM2 undergoing periodontal therapy and experiencing SI were included. Patients who received adjunctive aPDT were compared to a control group that received SI alone. A meta-analysis was conducted illustrating treatment effects across groups. Results: After screening 117 studies based on titles and abstracts, three and four studies met the eligibility criteria for quantitative and qualitative analyses, respectively. The principal periodontal parameters assessed included PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Forest plots for PD, BOP, PI, and CAL at baseline, three months, and six months revealed no statistically significant differences between the SI+aPDT group and the SI-only group. Glycated hemoglobin across treatment groups was not different. Conclusions: The combination of aPDT with SI provides limited clinical benefits in treating periodontal pockets with a PPD ≥ 5 mm in diabetic patients with periodontitis.
Image Matching: A Comprehensive Overview of Conventional and Learning-Based Methods
Authors: Verykokou Styliani , Ioannidis Charalabos
Published: January 2025

This entry provides a comprehensive overview of methods used in image matching. It starts by introducing area-based matching, outlining well-established techniques for determining correspondences. Then, it presents the concept of feature-based image matching, covering feature point detection and description issues, including both handcrafted and learning-based operators. Brief presentations of frequently used detectors and descriptors are included, followed by a presentation of descriptor matching and outlier rejection techniques. Finally, the entry provides a brief overview of relational matching.
Effects of Planting Density on Branch Development and Spatial Distribution in Two Elite Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) Clones
Authors: Peng Jun , Jiang Yuhui , Shi Lang , Xie Shengfang , Zhang Xinyu , Wu Pengfei , Ma Xiangqing , Li Ming
Published: January 2025

The development of branches on the lower part of the trunk plays a decisive role in the early growth of trees and influences the wood quality of their most valuable sections. This study investigated the effects of planting density on the horizontal and vertical spatial distribution, branch morphology, and branch quantity characteristics of two elite clones of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.), Yang 061 and Yang 020. The results revealed the following distinct responses between the two clones: Yang 061 exhibited significant reductions in branch base diameter and length under a higher planting density, alongside an increased frequency of small branches (<15 mm), but there was no significant effect on branch angles. In contrast, Yang 020 was primarily influenced by genetic factors, with planting density exerting minimal impact. This clone optimized resource allocation by promoting the mortality of lower branches through angle adjustments, resulting in negligible changes to branch development across different planting densities. Pronounced differences in vertical and horizontal branch distributions were observed in areas with significant light disparities, such as the middle crown and northeast direction, for both clones, with increased planting density exacerbating these differences. In conclusion, increasing the planting density of Yang 061 from 2500 to 3333 trees·ha−1 can effectively reduce its branch size; whereas, increasing the planting density of Yang 020 from 3000 to 5100 trees·ha−1 can slightly decrease its branch size without affecting its early rapid growth, thereby achieving a synergistic improvement in both timber yield and quality. These findings highlight the importance of interactions between genetic traits and planting density in shaping branch development and spatial distribution patterns, providing insights to optimize planting density for improving the productivity and wood quality of Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations.
Effects of Different Ratios of Mixed Silage of Licorice Stems and Leaves and Whole Corn on Fermentation Quality, Microbial Diversity, and Aerobic Stability
Authors: Gao Qifeng , Sun Yuliang , Tang Limin , Liu Haonan , Yang Chenchen , Ren Yulan , Liu Fangpeng , Jia Chunying , Yu Houjun , Jiang Tao
Published: January 2025

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of varying proportions of mixed silage on fermentation quality, microbial diversity, and aerobic stability. The mixed silage samples (G10Y0, G9Y1, G8Y2, G7Y3, G6Y4, G5Y5, G4Y6, G3Y7, G2Y8, G1Y9, and G0Y10) were prepared with a 10% mass ratio of licorice stems and leaves (G) to whole-plant corn (Y) mixed silage. After sealing for 60 days, the cans were opened, and their nutrient content and fermentation quality were assessed. Based on the nutrient content, fermentation quality parameters, and the optimal utilization of licorice stems and leaves, three groups were selected for microbial flora measurement and aerobic stability assessment. The test results indicated that as the proportion of whole-plant corn increased, the crude protein (CP) content in each mixed silage proportion significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the pH values across the various proportions exhibited an overall downward trend. Starting from the G5Y5 group, the pH values for each group were consistent, remaining below 4.2. At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phylum in each group was Firmicutes, followed by Proteobacteria, while the abundance of Bacteroidetes in the G5Y5 group was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Lentilactobacillus, Citrobacter, and Weissella were identified as the dominant genera. The abundance of Lentilactobacillus in the G4Y6 group was significantly greater than that in the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the abundance of the Citrobacter genus in the G6Y4 group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the Shannon index of alpha diversity in the G5Y5 group was significantly higher than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). With the extension of aerobic exposure days, the pH value and the number of yeasts and molds in each group gradually increased, while the number of lactic acid bacteria gradually decreased. On the 15th day of aerobic exposure, the pH value of the G5Y5 group was significantly lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.05), and the number of lactic acid bacteria was significantly higher than that of the G6Y4 group (p < 0.05). In summary, the mixed silage from the G5Y5 group exhibits the highest nutritional value, attributed to its superior fermentation quality. Additionally, the microbial diversity and uniformity in the G5Y5 group are enhanced, resulting in a more stable fermentation environment and optimal aerobic stability.
Development of Starter Cultures for Precision Fermentation of Kombucha with Enriched Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Content
Authors: Kim Geun-Hyung , Baek Kwang-Rim , Lee Ga-Eun , Lee Ji-Hyun , Moon Ji-Hyun , Seo Seung-Oh
Published: January 2025

Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, is produced through the symbiotic interaction of several microbial strains, including acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast, collectively known as symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). As its health benefits and distinctive flavor gain wider recognition, consumer demand and research on kombucha fermentation have increased. This study focused on developing starter cultures to produce functional kombucha through precision fermentation technology using selected microbial strains newly isolated from food sources. The isolated bacterial and yeast strains were evaluated and selected based on their fermentation characteristics. Notably, a lactic acid bacterial strain was chosen for its ability to overproduce the γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), a functional food component known to enhance cognitive function and reduce mental stress. To produce the GABA-fortified kombucha, selected single strains of Acetobacter pasteurianus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were mixed and used as starter cultures. By optimizing the inoculation ratios and initial sugar concentration, a functional kombucha enriched with acetic acid, lactic acid, and GABA was successfully produced. The resulting kombucha demonstrated 2.2 mg/L of GABA production and 1.15 times higher antioxidant activity after the fermentation, highlighting its enhanced health-promoting properties.
Assessing the Potential of Brewer’s Spent Grain to Enhance Cookie Physicochemical and Nutritional Profiles
Authors: Nicolai Marisa , Palma Maria Lídia , Reis Ricardo , Amaro Rúben , Fernandes Jaime , Gonçalves Elsa M. , Silva Mafalda , Lageiro Manuela , Charmier Adília , Maurício Elisabete , Branco Patrícia , Palma Carla , Silva Joaquim , Nunes Maria Cristiana , Fernandes Pedro C. B. , Pereira Paula
Published: January 2025

Brewers’ spent grain (BSG), the major by-product of the brewery industry, has high nutritional value, making it suitable for upcycling into products such as healthy, and sustainable cookies. Nonetheless, the incorporation of BSG in cookies can impact their quality, given the increased fiber and protein content. This work explored the effect of replacing wheat flour with BSG at 50% and 75% in cookie formulations, focusing on physical, chemical, and sensory properties. The dietary fiber, lipid, and protein content of cookies improved considerably with the highest incorporation of BSG, increasing from 6.37% to 15.54%, 9.95% to 13.06%, and 9.59% to 12.29%, respectively. Conversely, moisture and water activity decreased from 11.03% to 3.37% and 0.742 to 0.506, respectively, forecasting a lower risk of microbial contamination and increased shelf-life. The incorporation of BSG in cookies resulted in decreased brightness and increased hardness, from 40 N to 97 N. Moreover, colorimetric shifts among the control cookies and the two BSG-rich formulations could be easily identified by an untrained observer. Sensory evaluation showed that cookies with 50% BSG retained acceptable sensory characteristics, suggesting potential for further development. Overall, BSG enhances the nutritional profile of cookies with no excessive detrimental impact on sensory features.
New Perspectives on Canned Fish Quality and Safety on the Road to Sustainability
Authors: Pais-Costa Antónia Juliana , Marques António , Oliveira Helena , Gonçalves Amparo , Camacho Carolina , Augusto Helga Coelho , Nunes Maria Leonor
Published: January 2025

Canning extends the shelf life of seafood products while preserving their quality. It is increasingly considered a more sustainable food processing method due to the primary fishing methods used for key species and the lower energy costs compared to the production of fresh and frozen fish. However, canning can change key components, allow some contaminants to persist, and generate undesirable compounds. This review revisits the effects of canning on product quality and highlights the potential hazards that may compromise safety. It also examines emerging trends in product development, particularly novel formulations aimed at optimizing nutritional value while maintaining safety standards without compromising sustainability. Overall, the quality of most canned seafood meets industry requirements, for example, with improvements in processing strategies and strict safety protocols, leading to reduced histamine levels. However, data on marine biotoxins and microplastics in canned seafood remain limited, calling for more research and monitoring. Environmental contaminants, along with those generated during processing, are generally found to be within acceptable limits. Product recalls related to these contaminants in Europe are scarce, but continuous monitoring and regulatory enforcement remain essential. While new formulations of canned fish show promise, they require thorough evaluation to ensure both nutritional value and safety.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation from Methionine-Restricted Diet Mouse Donors Improves Alzheimer’s Learning and Memory Abilities Through Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Yu Run , Zhang Haimeng , Chen Rui , Lin Yangzhuo , Xu Jingxuan , Fang Ziyang , Ru Yuehang , Fan Chenhan , Wu Guoqing
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by impaired cognitive functions, particularly in learning and memory, owing to complex and diverse mechanisms. Methionine restriction (MR) has been found to exert a mitigating effect on brain oxidative stress to improve AD. However, the bidirectional crosstalk between the gut and brain through which MR enhances learning and memory in AD, as well as the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from MR mice on AD mice, remains underexplored. In this study, APP/PS1 double transgenic AD mice were used and an FMT experiment was conducted. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, targeted metabolomics, and microbial metabolite short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of feces samples were analyzed. The results showed that MR reversed the reduction in SCFAs induced by AD, and further activated the free fatty acid receptors, FFAR2 and FFAR3, as well as the transport protein MCT1, thereby signaling to the brain to mitigate inflammation and enhance the learning and memory capabilities. Furthermore, the FMT experiment from methionine-restricted diet mouse donors showed that mice receiving FMT ameliorated Alzheimer’s learning and memory ability through SCFAs. This study offers novel non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies for AD prevention.
Dried Apricot Polyphenols Suppress the Growth of A549 Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Inducing Apoptosis via a Mitochondrial-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Zhao Caiyun , Wang Jingteng , Guo Jintian , Gao Wenjing , Li Bin , Shang Xin , Zheng Li , Wu Bin , Fu Yinghua
Published: January 2025

Dried apricots are rich in a variety of polyphenols, which have anti-cancer activity. In this study, 949 phenolic substances were found by means of UPLC-MS/MS, mainly including 2’,7-dihydroxy-3’,4’-dimethoxyisoflavan, scopoletin, rutin, quercetin-3-O-robinobioside, and elaidolinolenic acid. The results indicated that dried apricot polyphenols (DAPs) could cause cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases by decreasing the cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin B1, CDK1, and CDK6 levels in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, the ROS and Bax levels were increased, and the Bcl-2 and mitochondrial membrane potential were decreased in A549 cells treated with DAP, increasing caspase-9, caspase-3, and cleaved-PARP1 activities and leading to apoptosis of the A549 cells. Meanwhile, tumor growth was also inhibited by DAPs in an A549 tumor-bearing mouse model, Bax and caspase-3 were upregulated, and Bcl-2 was downregulated, inducing apoptosis of lung cancer cells. In conclusion, DAPs could inhibit lung cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis due to cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-dependent pathways.
Smoking and Risk of Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Lee Moonhyung , Myung Seung-Kwon , Lee Sang Hee , Chang Yoosoo
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: It remains inconclusive whether or not smoking is associated with an increased risk of fatty liver disease (FLD). We investigated the association between smoking and the risk of FLD by using a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were searched using keywords from their inception to September 2023 to identify relevant studies. Results: Out of 806 articles searched from the databases, a total of 20 cohort studies were included in the final analysis. In the meta-analysis, smoking was significantly associated with an increased risk of FLD (odds ratio/relative risk/hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.24; n = 20). Subgroup analyses showed a significant positive association between them in prospective cohort studies (odds ratio/relative risk/hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.18; n = 5) but not in retrospective cohort studies and cross-sectional studies based on cohort studies. In the subgroup meta-analysis by gender in Asians, smoking significantly increased the risk of FLD in men, while there was no significant association between FLD and smoking in women. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that smoking increases the risk of FLD. In addition to well-known risk factors of FLD, clinicians should recommend smoking cessation for the management of FLD.
N-Oxalylglycine-Conjugated Hyaluronic Acid as a Macromolecular Prodrug for Therapeutic Angiogenesis
Authors: DeMaria Andrew H. , Lee Jeoung Soo , Webb Ken
Published: January 2025

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) initiates the cellular response to low oxygen levels, making it an attractive target for stimulating therapeutic angiogenesis. Several small molecules have been identified that stabilize HIF-1α and activate the angiogenic signaling pathway. However, achieving therapeutic doses of bioactive small molecules in target tissues remains challenging. In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new macromolecular prodrug composed of the pro-angiogenic small molecule N-oxalylglycine conjugated to hyaluronic acid (HA-NOG). NOG was conjugated to HA by esterification, and release was significantly increased in the presence of degradative enzymes, esterase and hyaluronidase, compared to physiological buffer, confirming that the release of NOG is primarily enzymatically driven. Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) cultured with HA-NOG exhibited HIF-1α accumulation in the cell nucleus and dose-dependent increases in mRNA expression levels of three direct HIF transcriptional targets. Conditioned medium from these cells stimulated endothelial cell tubulogenesis. As an initial evaluation of safety and possible side effects, HA-NOG was found not to significantly affect NHDF metabolic activity, proliferation, or collagen deposition. These studies demonstrate that HA-NOG releases NOG in response to cellular enzymatic activity, activating the HIF signaling pathway and culminating in the secretion of soluble factors that activate endothelial cells without adversely affecting other cellular metabolic pathways.
Toward Customizable Smart Gels: A Comprehensive Review of Innovative Printing Techniques and Applications
Authors: Hassan Rizwan Ul , Abbas Naseem , Ko Jongkuk
Published: January 2025

New production technologies have transformed modern engineering fields, including electronics, mechanics, robotics, and biomedicine. These advancements have led to the creation of smart materials such as alloys, polymers, and gels that respond to various stimuli. This review focuses on smart materials (SMs), including their variety and fabrication techniques, that can be used to construct three- or four-dimensional structures. The mechanisms and designs of smart materials, limitations of current printing technologies, and perspectives for their future uses are also discussed in this review. The printed smart materials are expected to have a major impact on the design of real-world applications.
Sickle Cell Disease in the Islands of Zanzibar: Patients’ Characteristics, Management, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Amour Ahlam , Hashim Fadya , Said Fat-hiya , Joshua Daniel , Kandonga Daniel , Msangawale Michael , Jonathan Agnes , Kidenya Benson , Ruggajo Paschal , Msafiri Marijani , Balandya Emmanuel , Mahmoud Muhiddin
Published: January 2025

Background: This study aimed to describe Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) phenotypes, sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare, and clinical outcomes of patients with SCD attending Mnazi Mmoja Hospital (MMH) in Zanzibar. Methods: Individuals who visited MMH between September 2021 and December 2022 and were known or suspected to have SCD were enrolled in the clinic. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features were documented, and laboratory tests were performed. A two-sample test of proportions was used to ascertain the significance of differences in the distribution of clinical outcomes between the follow-up visits. Results: A total of 724 patients with SCD were enrolled: 367 (50.7%) were male, and 357 (49.3%) were female. Most patients—713 (98.5%) in total—were homozygous (Hb SS), 9 (1.2%) had the Hb SC phenotype, and 2 (0.3%) had HbS β+ thalassemia. The majority of patients were aged 13 years and below—520 (71.8%) in total—and most did not have health insurance—582 (80.4%) in total. While all patients received folic acid, only a quarter received pneumococcal prophylaxis and hydroxyurea. Attendance at the third visit was associated with a reduced frequency of self-reported episodes of pain (24 patients [4.3%] vs. 11 patients [1.9%]). Conclusion: The population of patients with SCD in Zanzibar mostly comprised children who were Hb SS. Basic care services are still suboptimal, although they are associated with better outcomes when present. Thorough evaluation of SCD prevalence in Zanzibar through newborn screening programs is warranted.
A Complex Intervention to Minimize Medication Error by Nurses in Intensive Care: A Case Study
Authors: Coelho Fábio , Furtado Luís , Tavares Márcio , Sousa Joana Pereira
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Medication errors are the most frequent and critical issues in healthcare settings, often leading to worsened clinical outcomes, increased treatment costs, extended hospital stays, and heightened mortality and morbidity rates. These errors are particularly prevalent in intensive care units (ICUs), where the complexity and critical nature of the care elevate the risks. Nurses play a pivotal role in preventing medication errors and require strategies and methods to enhance patient safety. This study aims to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based intervention to minimize medication errors by nurses in ICUs. Methods: This qualitative case study forms a part of a broader research project that commenced with a scoping review. Building on the review findings, a complex intervention was designed to address nurses’ medication errors. A focus group of experts was conducted to validate the intervention designed, evaluating its contextual feasibility and relevance. Results: This study led to the development of a complex intervention whose relevance lies in its potential implementation within the studied context. The resulting intervention was structured around four main components—educational interventions, verification and safety methods, organizational and functional modifications, and an error reporting system—meticulously designed to leverage the ICU’s existing resources. Conclusions: In conclusion, the proposed intervention has the potential to positively impact healthcare quality by reducing errors and promoting a culture of safety. Furthermore, this study’s findings provide a relevant foundation for future research and practical applications, driving advancements in healthcare service excellence.
Changes in Subjective Cognitive and Social Functioning in Parkinson’s Disease from Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mukadam Nishaat , Kinger Shraddha B. , Neargarder Sandy , Salazar Robert D. , McDowell Celina Pluim , Wall Juliana , Kaplan Rini I. , Cronin-Golomb Alice
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Social isolation and health-related consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may have significantly impacted quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic specifically on subjective cognition and social functioning in PwPD is poorly understood. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of changes in subjective cognitive and social functioning in PwPD before (T1, 2017–2019) and during (T2, 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: At T1, 347 PwPD completed online surveys. At T2, 123 of them (54 males, 69 females) responded to follow-up questionnaires including Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) subscales, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Parkinson’s Anxiety Scale, motor and non-motor experiences of daily living from the MDS-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, and the Coronavirus Impact Scale. Results: T1–T2 declines in subjective cognition and social functioning both were correlated with more anxiety, fatigue, and motor symptoms. Additionally, declines in subjective cognition correlated with depression, and with decline in social functioning. Women reported greater COVID-19 impact than men, unrelated to cognition and social functioning; in men, personal experience with COVID-19 was associated with decline in subjective cognition. Conclusions: Our finding that subjective cognition and social functioning are associated with different motor and non-motor symptoms of PD suggests that the impacts of PD on subjective cognition and social functioning are complex, which has important implications for treatment.
Why Olive Produces Many More Flowers than Fruit—A Critical Analysis
Authors: Cuevas Julián
Published: January 2025

Olive (Olea europaea L.) trees produce many more flowers than fruit. In an “on” year, an adult olive tree may produce as many as 500,000 flowers, but 98% of them will drop soon after bloom as unfertilized flowers or juvenile fruit. This waste of resources that could be better invested in fruit reaching maturation requires an explanation. Several, not mutually exclusive, hypotheses explaining the possible significance of heavy flowering followed by massive and premature flower and fruit abscission are analyzed and compared based on previously published works and recent observations on olive reproductive biology. The results suggest that olive trees selectively abort fruits to enhance the quality of the seeds in the surviving fruits. Additionally, a considerable proportion of flowers appears to contribute to the male fitness of the plant by increasing pollen export. Conversely, the hypotheses attributing to resource limitation, pollination deficits, pollinator attraction, or extra flowers functioning as an ovary reserve, must be rejected for explaining the ultimate functions of massive flower production. Implications for olive orchard management are discussed.
Cytokinin Oxidase (CKX) Family Members in ‘duli’ (Pyrus betulifolia Bunge): Genome-Wide Identification and Tissue Expression Profile Under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Wang Weimin , Xie Ting , He Jiaojiao , Nie Kuozhen , He Zijuan , Zhang Yuxing , Li Yingli
Published: January 2025

Cytokinin oxidases/dehydrogenases (CKXs) play a crucial role in modulating plant stress resistance by degrading cytokinins. The ‘duli’ pear (Pyrus betulifolia Bunge), a highly stress-resistant cultivar, is widely used as a rootstock in pear cultivation. This study aims to comprehensively identify and characterize the PbCKX gene family in ‘duli’. A total of 10 PbCKX genes were identified, which are unevenly distributed across five chromosomes and classified into four groups based on sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationships. The PbCKX genes exhibit a high degree of conservation in motifs and structural features, although exon structure variations are observed. Comparative analysis revealed 10 homologous gene pairs between ‘duli’ and Arabidopsis and 14 pairs between ‘duli’ and apple. Additionally, cis-acting elements related to abiotic stress, hormone responses, and light responsiveness were identified in the promoter regions of the PbCKX genes. RNA-seq analysis showed that PbCKX1 and PbCKX2 were predominantly expressed in roots, while PbCKX3 to PbCKX10 had higher expression in leaves. The PbCKX genes responded to both exogenous hormones and salt stress, with salt stress inducing a more pronounced response. Most abiotic stress treatments led to the downregulation of PbCKX4 and PbCKX9, while PbCKX6 and PbCKX8 were upregulated. Notably, treatments with Abscisic acid and NaCl significantly enhanced CKX enzyme activity in ‘duli’ over 20 days, reducing levels of zeatin and isopentenyladenine. Conversely, treatments with gibberellin, cytokinin, and auxin significantly reduced CKX enzyme activity and increased concentrations of zeatin and isopentenyladenine over the same period. These findings provide valuable insights for future studies on the functional role of PbCKX genes in abiotic stress responses in ‘duli’.
An Evidence-Based Narrative Review of Scleral Hypoxia Theory in Myopia: From Mechanisms to Treatments
Authors: Xiao Qin , Zhang Xiang , Chen Zhang-Lin , Zou Yun-Yi , Tang Chang-Fa
Published: January 2025

Myopia is one of the dominant causes of visual impairment in the world. Pathological myopia could even lead to other serious eye diseases. Researchers have reached a consensus that myopia could be caused by both environmental and genetic risk factors. Exploring the pathological mechanism of myopia can provide a scientific basis for developing measures to delay the progression of myopia or even treat it. Recent advances highlight that scleral hypoxia could be an important factor in promoting myopia. In this review, we summarized the role of scleral hypoxia in the pathology of myopia and also provided interventions for myopia that target scleral hypoxia directly or indirectly. We hope this review will aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drugs for myopia.
GAPDH Gene Family in Populus deltoides: Genome-Wide Identification, Structural Analysis, and Expression Analysis Under Drought Stress
Authors: Lim Hyemin , Denison Michael Immanuel Jesse , Natarajan Sathishkumar , Lee Kyungmi , Oh Changyoung , Park Danbe
Published: January 2025

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is an enzyme widely involved in glycolysis in animal cells and in non-metabolic processes, including apoptosis and the regulation of gene expression. GAPDH is a ubiquitous protein that plays a pivotal role in plant metabolism and handling of stress responses. However, its function in plant stress resistance remains unknown. Identification and systematic analysis of the GAPDH family in Populus deltoides (P. deltoides) have not been performed. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the physicochemical characteristics, structural characteristics, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, motif analysis, and expression of GAPDH gene family members in P. deltoides. We identified 12 GAPDH members in P. deltoides. Five types of PdGAPDH were identified: GAPA, GAPB, GAPC1, GAPC2, and GAPCp. PdGAPDH genes were differentially expressed in leaves, stems, and roots of 1-year-old poplar seedlings. PdGAPDH gene transcripts showed that PdGAPDH2 and PdGAPDH4 were highly expressed in the leaves. In the roots, seven genes—PdGAPDH01, PdGAPDH05, PdGAPDH06, PdGAPDH07, PdGAPDH08, PdGAPDH09, and PdGAPDH12—showed significantly high expression levels. PdGAPDH02, PdGAPDH03, PdGAPDH04, and PdGAPDH11 showed decreased expression under drought conditions and recovered after re-watering. These results lay the foundation for further studies on the drought stress mechanisms of P. deltoides.
How the Ectopic Expression of the Barley F-Box Gene HvFBX158 Enhances Drought Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wen Shuting , Chen Yicheng , Yang Xingzhe , Zhang Guo , Jin Lulu , Zhang Xiaoqin , Fang Yunxia , Xue Dawei
Published: January 2025

In this study, the drought-responsive gene HvFBX158 from barley was transferred to Arabidopsis thaliana, and overexpression lines were obtained. The phenotypic characteristics of the transgenic plants, along with physiological indicators and transcription level changes of stress-related genes, were determined under drought treatment. Under drought stress, transgenic plants overexpressing HvFBX158 exhibited enhanced drought tolerance and longer root lengths compared to wild-type plants. Additionally, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents were significantly lower in transgenic lines, while superoxide dismutase activity was elevated. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that the expression levels of drought and stress response genes, including AtP5CS, AtDREB2A, AtGSH1, AtHSP17.8, and AtSOD, were significantly upregulated. Transcriptome analysis further confirmed that HvFBX158 regulated multiple stress tolerance pathways. In summary, the overexpression of the HvFBX158 gene enhanced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana by regulating multiple stress response pathways. This study provides a practical basis for improving drought-resistant barley varieties and lays a foundation for subsequent research on F-box family genes for stress resistance in barley.
The Effects of Laxogenin and 5-Alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin on Myotube Formation and Maturation During Cultured Meat Production
Authors: Lim Jeong Ho , Ahmad Syed Sayeed , Hwang Ye Chan , Baral Ananda , Hur Sun Jin , Lee Eun Ju , Choi Inho
Published: January 2025

Cultured meat (CM) is derived from the in vitro myogenesis of muscle satellite (stem) cells (MSCs) and offers a promising alternative protein source. However, the development of a cost-effective media formulation that promotes cell growth has yet to be achieved. In this study, laxogenin (LAX) and 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin (5HLAX) were computationally screened against myostatin (MSTN), a negative regulator of muscle mass, because of their antioxidant properties and dual roles as MSTN inhibitors and enhancers of myogenesis regulatory factors. In silico analysis showed LXG and 5HLXG bound to MSTN with binding free energies of −7.90 and −8.50 kcal/mol, respectively. At a concentration of 10 nM, LAX and 5HLAX effectively inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of MSTN, promoted myogenesis, and enhanced myotube formation and maturation. In addition, by acting as agonists of ROS downregulating factors, they exhibited antioxidative effects. This study shows that supplementation with LAX or 5HLAX at 10 nM in CM production improves texture, quality, and nutritional value. We believe this study fills a research gap on media development for myotube formation and maturation, which are important factors for large-scale in vitro CM production that improve product quality, nutritional value, and efficacy.
The Effects of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Inoculation and Superphosphate Fertilizer on the Growth and Development of Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.)
Authors: Mthimunye Latoya Miranda , Managa Gudani Millicent , Nemadodzi Lufuno Ethel
Published: January 2025

Nutrient-poor savanna soils severely limit agricultural productivity in Africa, hindering crops and livestock intensification and threatening food security. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial to meeting the world’s growing food demands and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse laid in a randomized complete block design with eight treatments, namely: (T1) control, (T2) 45 kg/ha superphosphate, (T3) 60 kg/ha superphosphate, (T4) 75 kg/ha superphosphate, (T5) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant, (T6) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant +45 kg/ha superphosphate, (T7) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant +60 kg/ha superphosphate, and (T8) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant +75 kg/ha superphosphate. The findings showed that the highest plant height was noted when lablab was supplemented with T4 treatment at day 21, while T2 of superphosphate had the highest leaf area. Conversely, soil supplemented with superphosphate at different levels and/or lablab seeds treated with Bradyrhizobium inoculant did not have a significant effect on the number of leaves. Overall, the application of superphosphate to the soil at different levels and treating lablab seeds with Bradyrhizobium inoculant did not have any significant effect on the plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area. On day 37, the highest leaf chlorophyll was recorded on T1 and became constant amongst all the treatments as the growth progressed. From the current study, it is concluded that growing lablab in a controlled environment would benefit subsistence farmers and rural communities for its leaves consumed as vegetables and ultimately ensure food security.
Brief Warm and Aldo-Keto Reductase Family AspiAKR1B1 Contribute to Cold Adaptation of Aleurocanthus spiniferus
Authors: Jia Zhi-Fei , Cui Yan-Ge , Liu Meng-Yuan , Kabissa Jeremiah Joe , Xu Yong-Yu , Kang Zhi-Wei , Chen Zhen-Zhen
Published: January 2025

Aleurocanthus spiniferus not only damages plant leaves directly but also causes a sooty blotch due to the honeydew secreted by the nymphs and adults. This pest is widespread and seems to be spreading from low latitude to higher latitude areas where winters are typically colder, indicating an increase in its cold tolerance. Changes in temperature help insects to anticipate the arrival of winter, allowing them to take defensive measures in advance. This study examines the impacts of brief warm pulses on the low-temperature tolerance of A. spiniferus, and analyzes the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying its cold adaptation, utilizing seasonal differences in cold tolerance. Intermittent training at 25 °C significantly improved the survival rate of overwintering nymphs (third and fourth instar) at −7 °C. Analysis of seasonal differences in the supercooling point (SCP) and freezing point (FP) revealed that overwintering nymph had the highest cold tolerance in November. Seasonal variation in levels of cold-resistant substances were also observed, with moisture decreasing during overwintering, while fat and glycerol levels increased. Conversely, glucose, sorbitol, and trehalose levels rose significantly at the end of the overwintering period. The expression profile of cold-resistant genes indicated that the aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 in Aleurocanthus spiniferus (AspiAKR1B1) shows a significant decrease at the end of the overwintering period. Knocking down AspiAKR1B1 led to a marked reduction in the cold tolerance of A. spiniferus. Therefore, brief warm pulses and AspiAKR1B1 are key factors contributing to the enhanced cold tolerance of A. spiniferus. This research provides theoretical support for preventing the further spread of A. spiniferus to higher latitudes, and offers technical guidance for developing effective pest control measures.
Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Augmented Partial Repair with Acellular Dermal Allograft and Superior Capsular Reconstruction in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Yoo Seung-Jin , Kim Byung-Suk , Kim Ho-Hyup , Choi Sungwook
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of arthroscopic augmented partial repair (APR) with acellular dermal matrix versus arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) in massive rotator cuff tears. Methods: The study included a total of 49 patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic APR (26 patients) and SCR (23 patients) between March 2018 and June 2021. Clinical scores, visual analog scores, and range of motion were collected preoperatively and postoperatively until the last follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative simple radiographs were evaluated for arthropathic changes and acromiohumeral distances (AHDs). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess the integrity of repaired structures at 12 months postoperatively. Results: The average age of patients was 63.9 years (range 53–74 years), and the mean clinical follow-up period was 2.6 years (range 2.1–2.9). The average UCLA scores improved from 18.0 to 33.2 and from 16.3 to 32.1 in APR and SCR groups at the last follow-up, respectively. For the ranges of motion, the APR group consistently showed better external rotation ranges from the postoperative 6th month until the last follow-up (p < 0.05), and the APR group revealed better ranges of motion in forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation compared to the SCR group (p < 0.05). Postoperative AHD showed better improvement in the APR group than the SCR group (p < 0.05). Re-tears were found in two patients in each group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both APR and SCR groups showed comparable improvement in clinical outcomes in massive rotator cuff tears, while the APR group showed statistically significant improvement in the range of motion compared to the SCR group, especially for external rotations.
Polymer Composites with Nanomaterials for Strain Gauging: A Review
Authors: Shchegolkov Aleksei V. , Shchegolkov Alexandr V. , Kaminskii Vladimir V. , Chumak Maxim A.
Published: January 2025

Strain gauges and strain gauge transducers are important tools in the field of material resistance research to measure the stresses and strains in solids. These methods and devices have a wide range of applications, from construction to mechanical engineering, where the mechanical properties of materials need to be monitored and optimized. The use of nanomaterials in strain gauges allows for more sensitive and compact sensors. Nanotechnology makes it possible to create strain gauges with improved mechanical and electrical properties. At the same time, nanomaterials have unique properties that make them ideal for use in strain gauges. This paper considers different types of composites based on polymer matrices with additives of dispersed nanomaterials, which are designed for strain gauge tasks. Thermoplastics and elastomers can be used as polymer matrices. Dispersed fillers can be based on MXene and nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metals, etc. Despite the obvious advantages of strain gauges based on conducting polymers modified with dispersed structures, there are problems in creating effective strain gauges with the ability to operate under large deformations with an improved sensitivity and accuracy of measurements in a wide range. This article also provides brief information on the technical evolution of strain gauges, from wire and foil to polymer nanocomposites. A modern classification of strain gauges is provided. The disadvantages and advantages of existing strain gauges are shown. The review contains information on commercial strain gauges. The mechanisms of electrical conductivity formation in polymer composites for strain gauges are described in detail. The areas of application of polymer nanocomposite strain gauges are also specified in detail. The purpose of this review study is to determine the prospects for the use of various nanomaterials as additives in polymers to create strain gauges. The review is aimed at a wide range of readers.
Development of Short-Titanium-Fiber-Reinforced Porous Titanium as Biometal for Implants
Authors: Shimizu So , Fujii Tomoyuki , Shimamura Yoshinobu
Published: January 2025

Biometals used for the replacement of damaged bones are required to have a Young’s modulus comparable with that of the surrounding bones, in addition to having no toxicity, high corrosion resistance, and high strength. The Young’s modulus of natural bones is much lower than those of common biometals. Porous biometals have been widely studied to achieve a lower Young’s modulus. However, these materials commonly exhibit low strength because the pores tend to behave as microscopic defects. In this study, porous titanium, a promising biometal, was reinforced with short titanium fibers. The porous structure and fiber reinforcement provided a low Young’s modulus and relatively high strength, respectively. The short-titanium-fiber-reinforced porous titanium was fabricated using the space holder method with spark plasma sintering. The porosity of the matrix (uniform porous titanium), volume fraction of the fibers, and aspect ratio were set to 60%, 30%, and 8 to 64, respectively. A bending test revealed that the Young’s modulus was low and almost constant, irrespective of the aspect ratio, and that the strength increased with an increased aspect ratio. A high strength, which is difficult to obtain with uniform porous titanium, and a low Young’s modulus were achieved by applying fiber reinforcement. The results demonstrate that short-titanium-fiber-reinforced porous titanium is a candidate biometal for the replacement of damaged bones.
Scientific Mapping of the Knowledge Base on Biosphere Reserves
Authors: Pérez-Romero Miriam E. , Jiménez-Islas Donaji , Álvarez-García José , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz
Published: January 2025

Biosphere Reserves (BRs), designated by UNESCO, are spaces that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on BRs through a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus between 1977 and 2024. The main objective was to analyse the evolution of research in this field, identifying trends in scientific output, types of papers, most influential countries and universities, highest impact journals, prominent authors and established collaborative networks. In addition, the predominant research topics were identified, highlighting emerging areas of study and challenges yet to be addressed. The results provide a global perspective on the scientific development of BRs and serve as a reference for future work aimed at the sustainable management of these areas. Integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge enhances adaptive management, ensuring that strategies remain relevant and effective over time.
Task Effects on Sentence Comprehension in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from Sentence–Picture-Matching Tests
Authors: Andreou Maria , Antoniou Konstantina Sonia , Peristeri Eleni
Published: January 2025

The present study compared two sentence–picture-matching tests in Greek, namely the Syntactic Proficiency Test and the sentence comprehension subtest of the Diagnostic Verbal Intelligence Quotient (DVIQ) battery, to assess complex sentence comprehension in 29 Greek-speaking children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Crucially, the DVIQ test included more foils and visual details than the Syntactic Proficiency Test. The study had three aims: (1) to examine sentence comprehension performance across various syntactically complex structures (passives, clitic pronouns, subject, and object relative clauses) and identify comprehension asymmetries among these types; (2) to investigate task effects on syntactic comprehension accuracy by comparing performance across the two tests; and (3) to examine differences in error types across tasks. Results showed that autistic children were significantly less accurate in their comprehension performance of passives and clitics in the DVIQ compared to the Syntactic Proficiency Test, with no difference in accuracy observed for subject or object relative clauses, which were consistently high and low, respectively, across both tests. Error patterns also differed across the two tests. More specifically, thematic role reversals in passives were more frequent in the DVIQ than the Syntactic Proficiency Test. The overall findings suggest that the DVIQ’s enhanced perceptual complexity may have affected children’s accuracy in their comprehension of passives and clitics, while object relatives were less affected by task effects because of their high structural complexity. The study highlights how visual complexity and foil count can impact syntactic comprehension in autistic children and underscores the importance of task design in assessing syntactic skills in ASD.