bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FTO upregulation induced by MYC suppresses tumour progression in Epstein‒Barr virus-associated gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Yun-Yun , Li Ting , Shen Ao , Bao Xiao-Qiong , Lin Jin-Fei , Guo Li-Zhen , Meng Qi , Ruan Dan-Yun , Zhang Qi-Hua , Zuo Zhi-Xiang , Zeng Zhao-lei
Published: February 2023

Background: Epstein‒Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is regarded as a distinct molecular subtype of GC, accounting for approximately 9% of all GC cases, and it often exhibits unique molecular features and clinicopathological characteristics. Clinically, EBVaGC patients are found to have a significantly lower frequency of lymph node metastasis and better prognosis than uninfected individuals. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has an indispensable role in modulating tumour progression in various cancer types. However, its impact on EBVaGC remains unclear.
Methods: Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequence (MeRIP-seq) and m6A dot blot were conducted to compare the m6A modification levels between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC) cells. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were applied to explore the underlying mechanism of the reduced m6A modification in EBVaGC. The biological function of FTO was determined in vivo and in vitro. The target genes of FTO were screened by MeRIP-seq, RT-qPCR and Western blot. The m6A binding proteins of target genes were verified by RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and Luciferase report assay were performed to investigate the mechanism how EBV upregulated FTO expression.
Results: Here, we found that m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity associated protein (FTO) was notably increased in EBVaGC, leading to a reduction in m6A modification, and higher FTO expression was associated with better clinical outcomes. Our findings revealed that FTO depressed EBVaGC cell metastasis and aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo by controlling the expression of its downstream target gene AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOS). Methylated FOS mRNA was specifically recognized by the m6A “reader” insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1/2 (IGF2BP1/2), which enhanced its transcript stability. Moreover, we demonstrated that MYC activated by EBV in EBVaGC elevated FTO expression by binding to a specific region of the FTO promoter.
Conclusions: Mechanistically, our work uncovered a crucial suppressive role of FTO in EBVaGC metastasis and invasiveness via an m6A-FOS-IGF2BP1/2-dependent manner, suggesting a promising biomarker panel for GC metastatic prediction and therapy.
Stressed target cancer cells drive nongenetic reprogramming of CAR T cells and tumor microenvironment, overcoming multiple obstacles of CAR T therapy for solid tumors
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Drum David L. , Sun Ruochuan , Zhang Yida , Yu Ling , Jia Lin , Isakoff Steven J , Kehlmann Allison M , Dal Ali Emre , Dotti Gianpietro , Zheng Hui , Ferrone Cristina R , Taghian Alphonse G , DeLeo Albert B , Zhang Hanyu , Jounaidi Youssef , Fan Song , Huang Peigen , Wang Cheng , Yang Jibing , Boland Genevieve M , Sadreyev Ruslan I , Wong LaiPing , Ferrone Soldano , Wang Xinhui
Published: February 2023

The poor efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T) for solid tumor is due to insufficient CAR T cell tumor infiltration, in vivo expansion, persistence, and effector function, as well as exhaustion, intrinsic target antigen heterogeneity or antigen loss of target cancer cells, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we describe a broadly applicable nongenetic approach that simultaneously addresses the multiple challenges of CAR T as a therapy for solid tumors. The approach massively reprograms CAR T cells by exposing them to stressed target cancer cells which have been exposed to the cell stress inducer disulfiram (DSF) and copper (Cu)(DSF/Cu) plus ionizing irradiation (IR). The reprogrammed CAR T cells acquired early memory-like characteristics, potent cytotoxicity, enhanced in vivo expansion, persistence, and decreased exhaustion. Tumors stressed by DSF/Cu and IR also reprogrammed and reversed immunosuppressive TME in humanized mice. The reprogrammed CAR T cells, derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy or metastatic breast cancer patients, induced robust, sustained memory and curative anti-solid tumor responses in multiple xenograft mouse models, establishing proof of concept for empowering CAR T by stressing tumor as a novel therapy for solid tumor.
Astragaloside IV improves cognitive impairment caused by CCH via improve ROS and NLRP3 pathway by up-regulating the PGC1α/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Meng Nan , Li Meixi , Xu Jing , Guan Tianyuan , Jin Man , Teng Zhenjie , Zhao Lei , Fan Mingyue , Hao Hongyu , Lv Peiyuan
Published: February 2023

This study was conducted to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms of neuroprotective effect of Astragaloside IV (As-IV) on animal models of Vascular Dementia . Oxidative damage and neuroinflammation play a key role in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) and lead to a decline in cognitive function in animals. In the present study, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, As-IV20 group, and As-IV50 group, with 10 rats in each group. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate the cognitive function of rats. The nitrogen-blue tetrazolium photoreduction method was employed to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampal tissue homogenate. The bituric acid method was utilised to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the levels of stimulator of interferon genes (Sting), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)，Caspase-1 and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α (PGC-1α)，and transcription factors such as nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor-2 (Nrf2) in hippocampus tissues. The results indicate that As-IV supplementation significantly regulates the above changes. In addition, As-IV treatment effectively up-regulates the PGC-1α and Nrf2. Overall, our findings suggest that As-IV can effectively improve the cognitive impairment caused by CCH and oxidative damage. Furthermore, mitochondrial damage and inflammation against CCH may be attributed to the activation of the PGC-1α/Nrf2 signalling pathway to reduce ROS. This activation can reduce neuroinflammation caused by Sting/NLRP3/caspase1 pathway.
Accumulation of prion triggers the enhanced glycolysis via activation of AMKP pathway in prion infected rodent and cell models
Authors: Fan Qin , Xiao Kang , Ruhan A , Gao Li-Ping , Wu Yue-Zhang , Chen Dong-Dong , Hu Chao , Jia Xiao-Xi , Liu Chu-Mou , Liu Xin , Cao Chen , Shi Qi , Dong Xiao-ping
Published: February 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of hallmarks in pathophysiology of prion disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Various metabolic dysfunctions are identified and considered to contribute to the progression of some types of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we evaluated the status of glycolysis pathway in prion infected rodent and cell models. The levels of the key enzymes, hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were significantly increased, accompanying with markedly downregulated mitochondrial complexes. Double stained IFAs revealed that the increased HK2 and PFK distributed widely in GFAP-, Iba1- and NeuN-positive cells. We also identified increased levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the downstream signaling. Changes of AMPK activity in prion infected cells by the AMPK-specific inhibitor or activator induced the corresponding alterations not only in the downstream signaling, but also the expressions of three key kinases in glycolysis pathway and the mitochondrial complexes. Transient removal or complete clearance of prion propagation in the prion infected cells partially but significantly reversed the increases of the key enzymes in glycolysis, the upregulation of AMPK signaling pathway, and the decreases of the mitochondrial complexes. Measurements of the cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) showed lower OCR and higher ECAR in prion infected cell line, which were sufficiently reversed by clearance of prion propagation. Those data indicate a metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in the brains during the progression of prion disease. Accumulation of PrPSc is critical for the switch to glycolysis, largely via activating AMPK pathway.
Behavioral and Emotional Difficulties and HIV Treatment Outcomes among HIV-Infected Children in Rural Southwest China
Authors: Zhou Yesheng , Tang Kailing , Lu Hongyan , Chen Hongli , Xie Haomin , Li Zeyu , Huang Jinghua , Fang Ningye , Chen Siya , Wang Hong , He Qin , Chen Huanhuan , Liu Xiu , Lan Guanghua , Zhu Qiuying , Chen Yi , Zhang Xiangjun , Ruan Yuhua , Liang Shujia
Published: February 2023

Background
Previous studies have not clearly demonstrated the impact of behavioral and emotional problems (BEDs) on treatment outcomes among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to describe the prevalence of BEDs among this population and identify the factors associated with HIV treatment outcomes.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangxi, China, between July and August 2021. HIV-infected children answered questionnaires about BEDs, physical health, social support, and whether they have missed doses in the past month. BEDs were assessed using the Chinese version of the self-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-C). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors that were associated with missed doses in the past month and virological failure.
Results
The study sample was 325 HIV-infected children. HIV-infected children had a higher proportion of abnormal scores on SDQ-C total difficulties compared to their peers in the general population (16.9 vs 10.0%; P = 0.002). An abnormal SDQ-C total difficulties score (AOR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.10–3.88) and infrequency of receiving assistance and support from parents over the past 3 months (AOR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.12–3.06) were significantly associated with missed doses in the past month. Between the ages of 14–17 years (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.37–5.16), female (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.20–4.08), and suboptimal adherence (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.32–4.57) were significantly associated with virological failure.
Conclusions
Children’s mental health plays a role in HIV treatment outcomes. Psychological interventions should be promoted in pediatric HIV care clinics to improve children’s mental health status and HIV treatment outcomes.
New Hybrid Clustering and Routing Algorithm for Energy-Harvesting Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Angeeta Angeeta Hirwe , Nitin Nitin Kumar Jain , Ravi Ravi Sindal
Published: February 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are made up of a large number of randomly distributed sensor nodes that are monitor and store the physical information from their surroundings and send the collected datato base station through wireless medium. However, replacement of battery in sensor node is almost impossible once it drain out completely in hostile environment. Thereby, maintain the network survivability or network lifetime and reliable communication between nodes in such a harsh environment is the difficult task for the researchers. The goal of this research is to enhance the network survivability and Network Throughput (NTh) of the WSN. This study uses the simplified energy harvesting model to improve the network survivability. This paper proposes a new hybrid Cluster Head (CH) selection and routing scheme for energy harvesting WSN called Modified Leach Ant Colony Optimization (MLACO). The proposed scheme not only improves NTh but also improve the network survivability. Furthermore, when compared to MLEACH and FEEDC clustering schemes, the proposed MLACO strategy performs better than both the existing schemes. MLACO’s average network throughput is 31.5% and 26.6% higher than the existing MLEACH and FEEDC CH selection strategies, respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed scheme’s network survivability approaches that of existing schemes and even outperforms them between 900 and 1300 rounds.
Benign and Malignant Findings on Chest CT Among Adult Survivors of Childhood and Young Adult Cancer with a History of Chest Radiotherapy
Authors: Barnea Dana , Tonorezos Emily S. , Khan Amber , Chou Joanne F. , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Kaplan Rana , Oeffinger Kevin C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Childhood and young adult cancer survivors exposed to chest radiotherapy are at increased risk of lung cancer. In other high-risk populations, lung cancer screening has been recommended. Data is lacking on prevalence of benign and malignant imaging abnormalities in this population.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of imaging abnormalities in chest CTs performed more than 5 years post-cancer diagnosis in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer. We included survivors exposed to radiotherapy involving the lung field and followed at a high-risk survivorship clinic between November 2005 and May 2016. Treatment exposures and clinical outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Risk factors for chest CT-detected pulmonary nodule were assessed.
Results: Five hundred and ninety survivors were included in this analysis; median age at diagnosis, 17.1 years (range, 0.4-39.8) and median time since diagnosis, 21.1 years (range, 0.4-58.6). At least one chest CT more than 5 years post-diagnosis was performed in 338 survivors (57%). Among these, 193 (57.1%) survivors had at least one pulmonary nodule detected on a total of 1057 chest CTs, resulting in 305 CTs with 448 unique nodules. Follow-up was available for 435 of these nodules; 19 (4.3%) were malignant. Risk factors for first pulmonary nodule were older age at time of CT, CT performed more recently and splenectomy.
Conclusions: Benign pulmonary nodules are very common among long-term survivors of childhood and young adult cancer.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: High prevalence of benign pulmonary nodules in cancer survivors exposed to radiotherapy could inform future guidelines on lung cancer screening in this population.
Association between jejunal remodeling in fasting rats and hypersensitivity of intestinal afferent nerves to mechanical stimulation
Authors: Bao Lingxia , Zhao Jingbo , Gregersen Hans
Published: February 2023

Remodeling of Intestinal properties and hypersensitivity of intestinal afferents to mechanical stimulation were previously demonstrated in a fasting rat model. Other studies investigated the association between mechanical and histological remodeling during fasting. This study aimed to further explore the relationship between the jejunal remodeling and intestinal afferent hypersensitivity by combining afferent nerve recordings with histological and mechanical data. Eight male Sprague Dawley rats had no access to food for 7 days (Fasting group). Seven male rats served as controls (Control group). Jejunal segments were studied in vitro in an organ bath for analysis of afferent signaling and for analysis of mechanical and histomorphological parameters. Correlation analyses were done to analyze association between nerve activity (spike rate increase ratio, SRIR) at distension levels of 20, 40 and 80 cmH2O and mechanical stress and histomorphological changes of the jejunal segments. Compared with the Control group, the main findings in jejunal segments in the Fasting group were 1) Most histomorphometry parameters were reduced (P<0.05-P<0.001), 2) SRIR values were higher (P<0.001), 3) The relative numbers of intermuscular and submucosal neurons were increased (P<0.05- P<0.01), and 4) SRIR was negatively correlated with intestinal wall thickness, circumferential muscle layer thickness and positively correlated with the inner residual strain, the number of neurons, and the mechanical stress. In conclusion, the fasting-induced histomorphological remodeling (reduced wall thickness and increased relative number of neurons) and biomechanical remodeling (residual strain changes and high stress level) of the intestine in fasting rats were associated with hypersensitivity of intestinal afferents. Afferent hypersensitivity appears to be dependent on stress rather than on strain.
Microwave-Assisted Soda Pulping of the Banana Pseudo Stem (Musa Cavendish) for Pulp and Paper Production: Production, Characterization, and Optimization
Authors: Bedru Tesfaye kassaw , Majamo Samuel Latebo , Woday Yasin Ahmed , Garuma Workisa Bacha
Published: February 2023

This work investigates microwave soda pulping of the banana pseudo stem (Musa Cavendish), and process parameter optimization, morphological, chemical, and FTIR analysis. Response surface methodology, Box–Behnken designs were applied to investigate and find optimal microwave-assisted Soda pulping of the banana pseudo stem was carried out under different conditions. The influence of soda concentration (10, 12.5, and 15%), cooking temperature, (130,140, and 150 °C), and cooking time (15, 25, and 35 minutes) on the pulp yield and kappa number are studied. The optimal pulping (Active alkali 12.5%, at 140 °C for 25 minutes) of pulp yields about 37.2%, and a kappa number of 20.3% is obtained. The pulp was then made into 60 g/m 2 laboratory scale papers and their mechanical and surface properties were assessed. The results revealed that tensile index, tearing index, smoothness, and porosity was 79 Nm/g,19.1 mN.m 2 /g, 500-530µm, and 50 sec/100ml air respectively. The morphological analysis showed that the banana pseudo stem has a long fiber length (1750μm), tinny cell wall thickness (9.7μm), large lumen diameter (22.15μm), and thick fiber width (35.361μm) compared to hardwoods, agricultural residues, and bagasse. The chemical analysis revealed that the banana pseudo stem chemical composition includes cellulose (44.93%), hemicellulose (23.37 %), lignin (11.1%), ash (8.1%), and extractives (10.8%) were determined. This study indicates that high mechanical strength and good surface properties paper can be produced from banana pseudo stem pulp.
Immune-related basement membrane genes predict the immunotherapy and prognosis of ccRCC patients
Authors: Hou Junhui , Zhu Chunming , Wang Yuan , Wang Xia , Chen Xiaonan , Wang Kefeng
Published: February 2023

Background
Basement membrane (BM) genes are an important factor in the process of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Thus, identifying BM genes with prognostic values in ccRCC is critical.
Methods
The samples from TCGA were separated randomly into 2 cohorts, the training cohort, and the validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to identify prognostic BM genes. Then, nomogram was applied to predict prognosis at different clinicopathological stages and risk scores. GO and KEGG analyses were applied to identify the differentially expressed genes. Moreover, CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE scores were calculated between the high- and low-risk cohort.
Results
A prognostic risk model of four BM genes, including ADAMTS14, COL7A1, HSPG2, and TIMP3, was constructed. There were also significant differences in survival time between the high- and low-risk cohort for the validation cohort and the entire cohort. The risk model was validated as a new independent prognostic factor for ccRCC by univariate and multivariate Cox regression together with clinicopathological characteristics. The model can also analyze the possibility of immune escape and response to immunotherapy in ccRCC patients. In addition, the results of a pan-cancer analysis showed that these four model genes were associated with immune-related genes in a variety of cancers.
Conclusion
The signature of four BM genes had a significant prognostic value for ccRCC. They may be promising targets for therapy, especially immune therapy.
Bacterial community structure in the alcyoniid Lobophytum pauciflorum
Authors: Whalen Casey , Moya Aurelie , Cooke Ira , Bourne David G. , Miller David J.
Published: February 2023

Corals are associated with diverse and abundant bacterial communities, some members of which may promote host health through the exclusion of pathogens, increased environmental resilience, and by extending metabolic pathways in the holobiont. Much of our understanding of the microbiomes associated with anthozoans is derived from studying Scleractinia, though the Alcyonacea also harbour diverse microbial communities. This study examined the bacterial community associated with the alcyoniid Lobophytum pauciflorum, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to document patterns between colonies and within the inner tissue, outer tissue and the mucus layer microhabitats. Tissue layers hosted similar bacterial communities, dominated by sequences affiliated with Endozoicomonadaceae, particularly the genus Parendozoicomonas. Sequences affiliated with Spirochaetaceae were also abundant in some colonies but were less evenly distributed among colonies. The bacterial community associated with the mucus layer was distinct from the tissue layers and its phylogenetic diversity was two-fold higher. The results from this study demonstrate that L. pauciflorum hosts a diverse bacterial community that is relatively stable at the colony level. Importantly, this study identifies the microhabitat specific communities that may have important roles in Alcyonacea health.
The Association of Serum Heat Shock Protein 72 and Intestinal Permeability with Intestinal Microbiota and Clinical Severity in Patients with Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Ding Jiao , Dai Yijie , Hu Shuqi , Yang Bingjie , Fan Xuemei , Tang Bo , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the comparison and relationship between serum heat shock protein 72 (sHSP72) and intestinal permeability in patients with cerebral infarction (CI) and healthy individuals to elucidate the link to gut microbiota alterations and clinical severity of CI.
Methods
Stool samples of 50 CI patients and 46 healthy volunteers were applied to characterize intestinal flora profile through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Composition difference and taxon evaluation were observed. sHSP72 and zonulin were assayed using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Medical comorbidities and dietary habits were acquired using questionnaires and partial biochemical index were recorded. The obtained data were then subjected to comparative and correlative analysis.
Results
We found that the levels of zonulin and sHSP72 were significantly higher in CI group compared to the healthy group. Strikingly, sHSP72 and zonulin levels were positively correlated in CI group. After adjustment for age, gender, medical comorbidities and biochemical index, sHSP72 and zonulin levels correlated positively with clinical severity of CI. In the CI patient group, the abundance of bacteria Eubacterium_fissicatena_group, Eubacterium_eligens_group and Romboutsia manifested remarkably positive correlation with sHSP72. The abundance of bacteria Eubacterium_fissicatena_group and Acetivibrio were significantly positive correlation with zonulin levels. The CI group had a decreased abundance of Eubacterium_fissicatena_group, Eubacterium_eligens_group and Romboutsia, and an increased abundance of Acetivibrio.
Conclusion
Our findings represented that an increase in sHSP72 and zonulin levels were manifested in patients with CI and related to specific gut microbiota alterations and the clinical severity of CI.
Additions to the cryptogamic lichen biota from the Republic of India from Tamil Nadu
Authors: N Rajaprabu , P Ponmurugan
Published: February 2023

The population diversity of lichen species was studied by the family multiplicity in different sites from various lichen growth forms from the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and the Coastal regions of Sedhu Samuthra, Coramantal and Madras Marina in Tamil Nadu state of the Indian Republic. There are 3,005 lichen taxa and subspecies known from the Indian subcontinent. So far, 938 species have been discovered within the geographical boundaries of Tamil Nadu, making it the state with the second-highest diversity of cryptogamic lichens. This collection was found to contain 150 species from 65 genera, among which 41 species were introduced for the state, regional, and national lichen biota. From the ten substrata, Corticolous was the most adhesive and adorable habitat for lichen(s) growth, with 149 taxa, followed by Lignicolous (143), and the fewest lichen species were grown on Lichenicolous (10) and Foliicolous (09). About the study, we include 3 species that were new records for Indian country, 11 species that are new to the Tamil Nadu State lichen biota, 15 species for the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, 12 species for Southern India, and Marine lichens. 16 species were new to the Megamalai Tiger Reserve Forest from Cumbum valley. Among the collected species, the common (vernacular) name of the lichen(s) was included. Due to the richness and abundance of natural diversity, the population ecosystem must be explored using artificial intelligence and technology-based customised studies for the benefit of future generations' learning and research.
Calcium promotes persistent soil organic matter by altering microbial transformation of plant litter
Authors: Shabtai Itamar , Wilhelm Roland , Schweizer Steffen , Hoeschen Carmen , Buckley Daniel , Lehmann Johannes
Published: February 2023

Calcium (Ca) can increase soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence by mediating physico-chemical interactions between organic compounds and minerals. Yet, Ca is also crucial for microbial adhesion, potentially affecting colonization of plant and mineral surfaces. The relative importance of Ca as a mediator of microbe-mineral-organic matter interactions and resulting SOC transformation has hereto been overlooked. We incubated 44Ca labeled soils with 13C15N labeled leaf litter to study the effects of Ca on microbial transformation of plant litter and formation of mineral associated organic matter. Ca additions promoted hyphae-forming bacteria, which often specialize in colonizing surfaces, increased incorporation of plant litter into microbial biomass by 20% and carbon use efficiency by 40%, and reduced cumulative CO2 emission by 5%, while promoting associations between minerals and microbial byproducts of plant litter. These findings expand the role of Ca in SOC persistence from solely a driver of physico-chemical reactions to a mediator of coupled abiotic-biotic cycling of SOC.
Enhancement of shelf life of Citrus Limon L. (Lemon) using plasma activated water
Authors: Rathore Vikas , Nema Sudhir Kumar
Published: February 2023

The present study investigates the impact of plasma-activated water (PAW) on the shelf life of Lemon (Citrus Limon L.). PAW is generated through atmospheric pressure air dielectric barrier discharge using a pencil plasma jet. The plasma interacted with water for different time intervals to produce PAW of varying reactivity. The voltage-current waveform of the plasma is characterized, and the species/radicals formed in the plasma are detected using optical emission spectroscopy.
The results of the study indicate that a 30-minute exposure of lemons to PAW results in a significantly higher reduction of microbial load on the lemon surface compared to the control (ultrapure milli-Q water). In addition, the PAW exposure of lemons resulted in lower weight loss and spoilage compared to the control over a long duration. The sensory evaluation (smell, appearance, taste) and color evaluation (L*, a*, b*) showed that PAW exposed lemons have shown improved acceptability compared to lemons exposed to the control. The surface firmness test also revealed that PAW exposure did not damage the lemon surface. The analysis of lemon juice nutrients (titratable acidity, sugar, carbohydrate, protein, and vitamin C) and antioxidant activity (total phenols, flavonoids, DPPH and ABTS assay) indicated that the interaction of PAW with lemons did not result in significant changes in these aspects compared to the control. Lastly, the 2-month long-term storage of lemons after PAW and control exposure showed that lemons exposed to PAW had acceptable quality, wherein lemons exposed to control were completely spoiled and covered with mold. The study reveals that PAW has the potential to be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical food preservatives.
RANKING AND PRIORITIZATION OF RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN THE SPHERE OF NATURAL PROTECTION AIMED TO ACHIEVE SDG13
Authors: Vorontsova A. , Makarenko I. , Yelnikova Yu. , Fominov R. , Pugovkina Yu.
Published: February 2023

Within the complex military-political situation in Ukraine and international and national initiatives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 13 (International Strategy for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, Sendai Framework Program and Strategy for Environmental Security and Adaptation to Climate Change), the importance of selecting projects for responsible investment in environmental protection is increasing significantly. The work emphasizes the importance of incorporating impact investment criteria, in particular, maximizing social and environmental impact while simultaneously achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals 13. The work is aimed at developing a methodology for ranking and prioritizing projects of responsible investment in the field of environmental protection to promote progress in Sustainable Development Goals 13 and its approval on the example of the projects of the "Environmental safety" direction under the Post-war Recovery Plan of Ukraine. The basis of the development of the methodology is the elements of decision-making theory (Laplace, Wald, Hurwitz and Savage criteria for choosing the best alternative solutions, Borda and Condorcet rules for optimal collective decisions) and a five-dimensional approach to assessing the impact of the studied projects.
A special emphasis should be placed on the five-dimensional approach to assessing the impact of the researched projects, which makes it possible to evaluate their quality characteristics based on the dimensions of the essence of the project, its target audience, duration, environmental impact and risk management system. Among such criteria, it is worth mentioning the importance and effectiveness of the project's impact, progress in the sustainability targets, the characteristics of the stakeholders under the project impact, the duration of the results obtained from the implementation of the project, the environmental contribution of the enterprise in the form of a contractual result, the peculiarities of its risk management.
The use of the developed methodology made it possible to identify the most priority nature protection projects, which included projects aimed at reclamation, conservation and protection of lands in the pilot territories, including those affected by the military aggression of the Russian Federation, restoration of forests, implementation of the national system of trading quotas for greenhouse gas emissions and eco-modernization of industrial and infrastructure enterprises
COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS IN UKRAINE: CURRENT STATUS
Authors: Shevchenko K. , Saher L. , Shymoshenko A.
Published: February 2023

Commercialization of innovations is a fundamental condition for the development of both micro- and macroeconomic aspects in the context of their impact on the creation of competitive advantages and economic development. Moreover, the commercialization of innovation is perhaps the most important challenge that all companies face. innovation goes beyond science or technology; it is something that is able to create value through the commercialization process. Commercialization acts as an important "intermediary" between scientific and technical development and the object of purchase and sale and is an effective lever thanks to which the newly created innovative development brings profit. The topic of commercialization of innovations has obviously received increased attention recently, but this subject of research is quite fragmented and distributed among different fields of research and disciplines. As a result, a variety of theoretical and empirical findings need to be explored, organized, and aggregated.
The purpose of the article is to study the level of commercialization of innovations in Ukraine compared to world trends and to identify the problems of reducing the number of innovators-enterprises.
Commercialization is a basic condition for the successful implementation of the results of innovative activities of high-tech enterprises in any country, therefore the article examines the rating of Ukraine according to the Global Innovation Index and identifies world leaders. The dynamics of the introduction of innovations at industrial enterprises of Ukraine in 2014-2020 were formed. The rating of the Top 5 most innovative companies of Ukraine in 2021 was analyzed. The result of the study was the identification of problems that significantly weaken the place of innovators-companies of Ukraine among world leaders.
The article will be useful for specialists and scientists in the field of innovative marketing, management, logistics, teachers and students of higher educational institutions. For those who are interested in deepening their knowledge in the field of innovative development of Ukrainian enterprises in the context of product commercialization.
Contribution of root system architecture and function in the performance of tropical maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes under different moisture regimes
Authors: Zaidi P.H. , Seetharam K. , Vinayan M.T. , Rashid Zerka , Krishnamurthy L. , Vivek B.S.
Published: February 2023

Understanding how roots respond to increasing rate of evapotranspiration in warmer days and exposure to dry spells is crucial for saving productivity of rainfed crops, including maize, grown in Asian tropics. In a semi-automatic root phenotyping facility (lysimetric system) a set of 100 elite and diverse tropical maize inbred lines were phenotyped under managed drought stress (DT) and well-watered (WW) conditions. Plants were grown in PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) cylinder of 30.0 cm diameter and 150.0 cm length. In drought experiment, last irrigation was applied based accumulated growing degree days (∑GDD) criteria to achieved reproductive stress DT, whereas optimal moisture was maintained in WW trials. Data recorded on various root structural and function traits in both DT and WW trials. Significant phenotypic variability was observed for various root traits, including both structural and functional traits, under both the moisture regimes. Correlation studies showed that grain yield of early maturity group of genotypes was positively and significantly associated with all the root structural traits under drought, whereas, in case of medium and late maturity group of entries root structural traits showed either weak positive or significant negative correlation with grain yield under drought. Though, root functional traits of all the maturity group of genotypes showed positive and significant correlations with both grain yield and total biomass under both well-watered drought stress. Regression analysis showed that water uptake had significant positive relationship with total biomass in all the three-maturity group of genotypes. However, grain yield seems to be less dependent directly on the total amount of water uptake. We conclude that contribution of various traits in root system architecture under drought or well-watered conditions vary with maturity of genotypes. However, root functional traits, such as water uptake and transpiration efficiency are equally important across maturity groups and water availability regimes.
Effects of temporary agroforestry systems and weeding techniques on the control of invasive species in Atlantic Forest restoration
Authors: Rezende Altemar de , Loiola Priscilla de Paula , Penha Alessandra dos Santos , Oliveira Maysa Mariano Aguiar de , Monquero Patrícia Andrea
Published: February 2023

The restoration of tropical forests is greatly in demand but is limited by the lack of feasible technologies. Forest restoration can be associated with a temporary, productive herbaceous layer. Here, we compared the use of temporary agroforestry systems (tAFS) with conventional forest restoration through seedling planting. We quantified the growth estimators of native forest tree species and the effectiveness of the two methods for controlling invasive grasses. Seedlings of 20 native tree species were planted in 72 rows of 60 m each, totaling 1148 individuals. The restoration methods of planting tree seedlings only or trees coupled with herbaceous species (annual crops), along with weed control methods (mechanical and chemical), were systematically established in 12 plots (7920 m2 for conventional techniques and 7920 m2 for tAFS) per treatment (3960 m2 each) and analyzed in a nested design using generalized mixed models. The chemical control of weeds was conducted using herbicides, and the mechanical control consisted of semimechanized mowing. The tAFS showed greater relative growth in both the height and diameter of native trees in comparison with the conventional method. Within the conventional restoration technique, chemical management led to an increased height of native trees and a decreased invasive biomass, but tAFS showed no differences between the invasive control methods. tAFS was efficient in ensuring the success of the tree seedlings and diminishing the invasive biomass, concomitant with the production of annual crops in tropical forest restoration.
Doğrusal Olmayan Adsorpsiyon İzoterm Modellerinin Hata Analizi ile Optimizasyonu
Authors: ALADAĞ Erdinç
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışmada, sulu çözeltilerden kristal menekşe boyasının montmorillonit üzerine adsorpsiyonu araştırılmış ve denge izotermleri belirlenmiştir. İki parametreli denklemler Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin izotermleri ve üç parametreli denklemler Sips, Toth, Khan izotermleri denge adsorpsiyon verilerini modelleme becerileri açısından incelenmiştir. En uygun izotermi belirlemek için hataların karelerinin toplamı, melez bir hata fonksiyonu, ortalama bağıl hata, Marquardt'ın standart sapma yüzdesi ve mutlak hataların toplamı olmak üzere beş hata analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Sips izotermi, deneysel verilerle en iyi uyumu elde etmiştir ve maksimum adsorpsiyon kapasitesi 152.229 mg/g olarak bulunmuştur. Normalleştirilmiş hataların toplamı, melez kesirli hata fonksiyonunun en iyi sonuçları sağladığını göstermiştir.
Effect of Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and LiQuid Vermicompost Applications on Yield and Yield Coponents in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Culture
Authors: ÇELİK Yusuf
Published: February 2023

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a type of vegetable that can be produced in almost every region of Turkey and is consumed throughout the year. Product yield and quality decrease in soils with poor organic matter content. Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Liquid vermicompost, which support plant growth, were used in the study carried out to increase crop yield and improve soil. In the study; plant head length, head diameter, root collar diameter, leaf fresh and dry weight, root length, leaf number, head weight, water-soluble dry matter content and plant nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu) was measured. As a result of different PGPR strains and vermicompost applications, when single PGPR applications and PGPR and vermicompost combination applications are compared; It has been observed that PGPR+VC applications are more effective in increasing the yield, development and nutrient content of lettuce plant. Among the applications in the study, the combination of YÖ41+VC (bacteria+vermicompost) came to the fore. As a result; the PGPR+VC combination used in the study made a significant contribution to the yield components with its effect on the head weight, number of leaves, stem length and diameter, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Fe contents of the lettuce plant.
Enhancement of Strawberry Marmalade with Crab Apple (Malus floribunda) Anthocyanins
Authors: GÜLHAN Ayca , ÇOKLAR Hacer , AKBULUT Mehmet
Published: February 2023

The usability of crab apple (Malus floribunda) as a natural colorant and anthocyanin source to stabilize the color of strawberry marmalades was investigated. Crab apple juice concentrate was added to strawberry marmalades at a rate of 2% during the production phase. The pH values of the samples changed in the range of 3.36-3.46 during the 6-month storage periods at 9, 22, and 35 ºC. With the increase in storage temperature and time, the titration acidity (TA) decreased compared to the initial values. Soluble solid content (SSC) tended to decrease with increasing storage temperature and time. As the storage temperature and time increased, the L*, a*, b* and C* values of the samples decreased, while the h values increased. The increase in temperature and time in the 6-month storage period caused a significant decrease in total phenolic content (TPC), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) and antioxidant activity values. The losses in the amount of TMA were measured as 36.53%, 70.74% and 91.46% in the samples stored at 9, 22, and 35 ºC, respectively. According to the kinetic data, the degradation of crab apple anthocyanins occurred according to first-order reaction kinetics during storage. The rate constants of the samples stored at 9, 22, and 35 ºC were determined as 2.6×10-3 day-1, 6.5×10-3 day-1 and 12.9×10-3 day-1, respectively. The addition of crab apple juice concentrate to strawberry marmalades increased the color intensity and anthocyanin stability that decreased during production and storage, and made the product functional.
Nar Posasından Üretilen Manyetik Hidrokömür Kompozitin Sulu Çözeltiden Pb(II) İyonlarını Uzaklaştırma Potansiyeli
Authors: SAYĞILI Hasan , AKKAYA SAYĞILI Gülbahar
Published: February 2023

Bu çalışmada, nar posası (NP) atıkları kullanılarak eş zamanlı hidrotermal karbonizasyon (HTK) ve manyetizasyon yöntemi ile yeni bir kompozit malzeme (MNPHK) geliştirilmiştir. Karbonizasyon sıcaklığının ve süresinin atomik karbon içeriği, enerji yoğunluğu ve üst ısıl değer gibi hidrokömürün fizikokimyasal özellikleri üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Optimum üretim koşulları belirlenerek bu koşullar altında NP'nin eş zamanlı HTK ve manyetizasyonu gerçekleştirilmiştir. Optimum koşullarda üretilen MNPHK XRF, XPS, SEM/EDX, FTIR ve VSM gibi çeşitli spektral yöntemlerle karakterize edilmiştir. Üretilen MNPHK’nın atık sulardan kirlilik giderme performansını belirlemek amacıyla kesikli sistemde kurşun (Pb(II)) iyonlarının uzaklaştırılmasında adsorban malzeme olarak kullanılmıştır. Adsorpsiyon sürecini etkileyen pH, denge-temas süresi (kinetik) ve sıcaklık (izoterm) faktörleri incelenerek elde edilen deneysel veriler yaygın kullanılan kinetik (yalancı birinci ve ikinci dereceden kinetik model) ve izoterm (Langmuir ve Freundlich izoterm model) modellerde değerlendirilmiştir. Adsorpsiyon kinetiğinin, yalancı ikinci dereceden kinetik modelini (YİD) (R2: 0.9840) takip ettiği ve deneysel verilerin Langmuir izoterm modeli (R2: 0.9992) ile iyi bir uyum gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. MNPHK'nın maksimum adsorpsiyon kapasitesi (qmaks) Langmuir izoterm modeline göre 98.45 mg g-1 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Termodinamik çalışmalar, Pb(II) iyonlarının MNPHK üzerine endotermik ve kendiliğinden adsorpsiyonunu göstermiştir. Yapılan çalışma sonucunda elde edilen bulgularla MNPHK'nın atık sulardan Pb(II) iyonlarının uzaklaştırılmasında düşük maliyetli, etkili ve doğal bir malzeme olarak kullanılabileceği ortaya konulmuştur.
Gut Bacterial Microbiota of The Honeybee, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) with a New Host Record
Authors: RUSTEMOGLU Mustafa
Published: February 2023

Gut microbial communities of the honeybee, Apis mellifera L. have vital functions in food digestion, providing essential nutrients, improving immune system against pathogens, and detoxifying harmful molecules. The objective of this study was to characterize the core gut bacterial community of newly emerged A. mellifera queens and workers from southeastern Turkey. A total of newly emerged 15 queens and 30 workers were collected from the same apiary. The alimentary tract of collected samples was dissected under sterile conditions. Culture based isolation was performed from the digestive tract of the collected samples to obtain a pure microbe culture. The chemical, morphological and molecular description of each bacteria were accurately done via employment of pure culture. Five bacterial isolates were successfully isolated from the A. mellifera alimentary tract and purified. Molecular and biochemical identification showed that the isolates were Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus (Firmicutes: Bacillaceae) (MZ540443, MZ540444, MZ540445), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (Firmicutes: Staphylococcaceae) (MZ540447), and Paenibacillus glucanolyticus (Firmicutes: Paenibacillaceae) (MZ540446). This study is the first to report the presence of P. glucanolyticus in gut bacterial community of A. mellifera.
Relevance of context of brand mentions in fiction to the contemporary brand values and target audience (the case of Nestlé in K. Chukovsky’s memoirs about A. Akhmatova)
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Andreyuk Denis S. , Ochkovskaya Marina S. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: February 2023

In the theory of brand management, the influence of brand mentions in fiction on the perception of a brand by the target audience remains unexplored. One position is based on the fact that any brand mentions are valuable, and the bigger the audience coverage of a literary source, the greater its value. Another approach is based on evaluation of the quality of audience of a literary work. The analysis of the contemporary readership of works created in the past centuries is a difficult task. This paper proposes an approach to analyze the value of brand mentions in literature from the perspective of quantitative semantics. The methodology includes the transformation of an array of words from a literary fragment and a text reflecting brand values, translated from the official website into vectors of frequencies of semantic groups of Roget’s Thesaurus. As a standard for comparison, the verbalization of the values of the target group was used. All three vectors were compared with each other in pairs according to the cosine proximity formula. The analysis was carried out on the example of the mention of one of Nestlé’s products in memoirs about Anna Akhmatova by K. Chukovsky. The standard target group was the contemporary Russian youth in the age of 14–23 years old. The study demonstrated that the values of the group are relatively distant from the context of mention. The semantic context of the literary fragment is different from Nestlé’s values and is further away from the values of the young people as compared to the postulated official brand values. This methodology can be useful for automatic or semi-automatic analysis of brand mentions in works of literature. The proposed approach can be developed and adapted for a deep context-dependent analysis of brand mentions in the media, social networks and transcripts of oral speech.