bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Terminos Lagoon, Campeche, Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Rucobo y Huerdo César , Allende-Arandía Ma. Eugenia , Figueroa-Espinoza Bernardo , García-Caballero Estefanía , Esparza Adolfo Contreras-Ruiz , Appendini Christian M.
Published: May 2023

The implementation of renewable energies represents a crucial step in meeting the sustainable development goal of the United Nations for affordable and clean energy. The Terminos Lagoon region in Campeche, the largest coastal lagoon in Mexico, offers potential for renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaic, and current energy. This study presents a renewable energy potential assessment for the main city at Terminos Lagoon, Ciudad del Carmen, which has the largest oil activity in Mexico and high electricity consumption. The outputs of high-resolution numerical models were analyzed to evaluate wind and photovoltaic resources and currents. A hybrid system consisting of 24 wind turbines, 5516 photovoltaic panels, and 32 hydrokinetic turbines could generate 521.33 GWh, which is 39.63% of the state’s energy demand and exceeds the energy consumption of Ciudad del Carmen by 10.24%. Wind and photovoltaic energy are the most significant contributors (517.15 GWh and 3.77 GWh, respectively), while hydrokinetic energy contribution is marginal (0.407 GWh) and requires further research and development. The results suggest that the region has the potential for clean and renewable energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the energy transition.
A Methodology to Estimate High-Resolution Gridded Datasets on Energy Consumption Drivers in Ecuador’s Residential Sector during the 2010–2020 Period
Authors: Moya Diego , Arroba César , Castro Christian , Pérez Cristian , Giarola Sara , Kaparaju Prasad , Pérez-Navarro Ángel , Hawkes Adam
Published: May 2023

There are no methodologies in the literature for estimating the temporal and spatial distribution of consumption drivers for the residential sector of a region or country. Factors such as energy requirement, population density, outdoor temperature, and socioeconomic aspects are considered the major drivers of consumption and have been found to directly influence residential energy consumption. In this study, a methodology is proposed to evaluate the impact of the above drivers in domestic energy consumption in Ecuador between 2010 and 2020 using publicly available data. This methodology aims to provide a spatiotemporal approach to estimate high-resolution gridded datasets for a 10-year period, 2010–2020, assessing seven energy drivers: (1) gridded population density, (2) gridded space heating requirements, (3) gridded space cooling requirements, (4) gridded water heating requirements, (5) gridded Gross Domestic Product (GDP), (6) gridded per capita GDP, and (7) the Human Development Index (HDI). Drivers 1 to 6 were analyzed at one square kilometer (1 km2), whereas HDI was analyzed at the city level. These results can be used to evaluate energy-planning strategies in a range of sustainable scenarios. This methodology can be used to evaluate a range of consumption drivers to evaluate long-term energy policies to reach the net-zero target by midcentury. The proposed methodology can be reproduced in other countries and regions. Future research could explore the spatiotemporal correlation of the consumption drivers provided in this study.
Influence of Infrastructure and Operating Conditions on Energy Performance of DC Transit Systems
Authors: Bhagat Sahil , Bongiorno Jacopo , Mariscotti Andrea
Published: May 2023

Energy efficiency is more and more important for modern electrified transportation systems, requiring an understanding of the various indexes of performance (regenerability, receptivity, and energy losses, thus including braking recovered energy and energy loss in catenary) and of the influence of the main system parameters (headway, line voltage, substation separation, etc.). By means of electromechanical simulation, the most relevant parameters and system conditions are identified as influencing the efficiency performance and optimization capability. Besides the assessment of such efficiency performance indexes, identifying their typical ranges of variation, one further outcome is the identification of characteristic system parameter combinations that lead to extreme variations in the system energy efficiency itself. Such peculiar variations are caused by occasionally synchronized patterns of trains along the line and result in a significant local increase or decrease in efficiency. Efficiency drop scenarios in particular should be taken into consideration for worst-case analysis and to devise effective mitigations. To this aim, the effect of differently distributed passenger stations is considered.
Assessing the Attractive Effects of Floating Artificial Reefs and Combination Reefs on Six Local Marine Species
Authors: Han Chenglong , Liu Kefeng , Kinoshita Toshihisa , Guo Biao , Zhao Yifan , Ye Yuhang , Liu Yufei , Yamashita Osamu , Zheng Debin , Wang Wenhui , Lu Xueqiang
Published: May 2023

Artificial reefs (ARs) have been advocated for and implemented as management tools for recreational fisheries, species conservation, and habitat replacement; however, the research that includes attracting marine species of floating ARs remains in its early stages. Here, two types of floating ARs were designed to evaluate the attractive effects using the occurrence rate and attracting index for six commercially important species (Lateolabrax maculatus, Liza haematocheila, Sebastes schlegelii, Acanthopagrus schlegelii, Litopenaeus vannamei, and Amphioctopus fangsiao) in the Bohai Bay of China; their combined ARs were meanwhile compared with two variants of artificial seagrass beds (SA and SB) and the traditional double-frame artificial reef (TD). All of the designed ARs were effective in attracting experimental species. The ARs with higher shelter areas (SB and TD) showed a better attracting effect. The efficiency of the ARs in attracting different species depended on their life histories. The bottom-mounted ARs were more efficient in attracting demersal species, while the floating ARs attracted epipelagic fish. In addition, the combined reefs had a better attractive effect than single ARs did. Overall, floating ARs and their combined ARs show the potential to deploy especially for attracting epipelagic fishes, although further study is needed.
Effect of Olive Pomace Extract Application and Packaging Material on the Preservation of Fresh-Cut Royal Gala Apples
Authors: Madureira Joana , Melgar Bruno , Alves Vítor D. , Moldão-Martins Margarida , Margaça Fernanda M. A. , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Barros Lillian , Cabo Verde Sandra
Published: May 2023

The efficiency of natural olive pomace extracts for enhancing the quality of fresh-cut apples was compared with commercial ascorbic acid and two different packaging films (biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and oriented polypropylene (OPP)) were tested. The composition of atmosphere inside the packages, the physicochemical parameters (firmness, weight loss and color), the microbial load, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of fresh-cut apples were evaluated throughout 12 days of storage at 4 °C. After 12 days of refrigerated storage, a significant decrease in O2 was promoted in PLA films, and the weight loss of the whole packaging was higher in PLA films (5.4%) than in OPP films (0.2%). Natural olive pomace extracts reduced the load of mesophilic bacteria (3.4 ± 0.1 log CFU/g and 2.4 ± 0.1 log CFU/g for OPP and PLA films, respectively) and filamentous fungi (3.3 ± 0.1 log CFU/g and 2.44 ± 0.05 log CFU/g for OPP and PLA films, respectively) growth in fresh-cut apples after five days of storage at 4 °C, and no detection of coliforms was verified throughout the 12 days of storage. In general, the olive pomace extract preserved or improved the total phenolic index and antioxidant potential of the fruit, without significant changes in their firmness. Moreover, this extract seemed to be more effective when combined with the biodegradable PLA film packaging. This work can contribute to the availability of effective natural food additives, the sustainability of the olive oil industries and the reduction of environmental impact. It can also be useful in meeting the food industries requirements to develop new functional food products.
Evaluation of the Methods for Nonlinear Analysis of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Gospodinova Evgeniya , Lebamovski Penio , Georgieva-Tsaneva Galya , Negreva Mariya
Published: May 2023

The dynamics of cardiac signals can be studied using methods for nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The methods that are used in the article to investigate the fractal, multifractal and informational characteristics of the intervals between heartbeats (RR time intervals) are: Rescaled Range, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, Poincaré plot, Approximate Entropy and Sample Entropy. Two groups of people were studied: 25 healthy subjects (15 men, 10 women, mean age: 56.3 years) and 25 patients with arrhythmia (13 men, 12 women, mean age: 58.7 years). The results of the application of the methods for nonlinear analysis of HRV in the two groups of people studied are shown as mean ± std. The effectiveness of the methods was evaluated by t-test and the parameter Area Under the Curve (AUC) from the Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) characteristics. The studied 11 parameters have statistical significance (p < 0.05); therefore, they can be used to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy subjects. It was established by applying the ROC analysis that the parameters Hq=2(MFDFA), F(α)(MFDFA) and SD2(Poincaré plot) have a good diagnostic value; H(R/S), α1(DFA), SD1/SD2(Poincaré plot), ApEn and SampEn have a very good score; α2(DFA), αall(DFA) and SD1(Poincaré plot) have an excellent diagnostic score. In conclusion, the methods used for nonlinear analysis of HRV have been evaluated as effective, and with their help, new perspectives are opened in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
Circulating miRNA-192 and miR-29a as Disease Progression Biomarkers in Hepatitis C Patients with a Prevalence of HCV Genotype 3
Authors: Ullah Amin , Rehman Irshad Ur , Ommer Katharina , Ahmed Nadeem , Odenthal Margarete , Yu Xiaojie , Ahmad Jamshaid , Nadeem Tariq , Ali Qurban , Ahmad Bashir
Published: May 2023

MicroRNAs miR-29a and miR-192 are involved in inflammatory and fibrotic processes of chronic liver disease, and circulating miR-29a is suggested to diagnose fibrosis progression due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study aimed to evaluate the expression profile of circulating miR-192 and 29a in a patient cohort with a high frequency of HCV genotype-3. A total of 222 HCV blood samples were collected and serum were separated. Patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe liver injury based on their Child–Turcotte–Pugh CTP score. RNA was isolated from the serum and used for quantitative real-time PCR. The HCV genotype-3 (62%) was the predominant HCV genotype. In HCV patients, the serum miR-192 and miR-29a levels were significantly upregulated in comparison to healthy controls (p = 0.0017 and p = 0.0001, respectively). The progression rate of miR-192 and 29a in the patient group with mild was highly upregulated compared to patients with moderate and severe hepatitis infection. The ROC curve of miR-192 and miR-29a of moderate liver disease had a significant diagnostic performance compared to the other HCV-infected groups. The increase in miR-29a and miR-192 serum levels was even slightly higher in patients with HCV genotype-3 than in non-genotype-3 patients. In conclusion, serum miR-192 and miR-29a levels significantly increased during the progression of chronic HCV infection. The marked upregulation in patients with HCV genotype-3 suggests them as potential biomarkers for hepatic disease, independently of the HCV genotype.
Conserving Africa’s Eden? Green Colonialism, Neoliberal Capitalism, and Sustainable Development in Congo Basin Literature
Authors: Nsah Kenneth Toah
Published: May 2023

Starting with European colonization, African natural resources in particular and nature in general have been coveted and exploited mainly in the interest of Euro-American industrialized countries, with China as a recent major player from Asia. Interestingly, the incessant quest by some Western NGOs, institutions, and governments to protect and conserve African nature not only are inspired by ecological and climatic concerns but also often tend to propagate a false image of Africa as the last Eden of the earth in order to control Africa’s resources. Using literary texts, this article argues that some Euro-American transnational NGOs and some of their governments sometimes conspire with some African governments to spread global capitalism and green colonialism under the pretext of oxymoronic sustainable development as they attempt to conserve a mythical African Eden. Utilizing three novels and one play from the Congo Basin, namely In Koli Jean Bofane’s Congo Inc.: Le Testament de Bismarck (2014), Assitou Ndinga’s Les Marchands du développement durable (2006), Étienne Goyémidé’s Le Silence de la forêt ([1984] 2015), and Ekpe Inyang’s The Last Hope (2011), I contend that such Euro-American environmental NGOs and their governments sometimes impose and sustain fortress conservation (creation of protected areas) in the Congo Basin as a hidden means of coopting Africa’s nature and Africans into neoliberal capitalism. For the most part, instead of protecting the Congo Basin, green colonialists and developmentalists sell sustainable development, undermine alternative ways of achieving human happiness, and perpetuate epistemicide, thus leading to poverty and generating resentment among local and indigenous populations. As these literary texts suggest, nature conservation and sustainable development in the Congo Basin should not be imposed upon from the outside; they should emanate from Africans, tapping into local expertise, and indigenous and other knowledge systems.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Correia de Carvalho Marta , Nunes de Azevedo José , Azevedo Pedro , Pires Carlos , Machado Jorge Pereira , Laranjeira Manuel
Published: May 2023

Patients with kidney failure (KF) receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) experience numerous symptoms that impair their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and contribute to high mortality rates. Acupuncture is often used for symptom enhancement and HRQOL. This blinded, randomized, controlled patient-assessor trial evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture on patients’ HRQOL receiving maintenance HD as a secondary analysis. Seventy-two participants were randomly assigned to verum acupuncture (VA), sham acupuncture (SA), or waiting-list (WL) groups. The outcome was an improvement in HRQOL, assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life—Short Form, version 1.3 (KDQOL-SF™ v1.3) at baseline, after treatment, and at 12-week follow-up. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Of the 72 randomized patients, 67 were included in the complete analysis set. As for the changes between baseline and after treatment, the VA group showed significantly increased scores on most of the KDQOL-SF™ v1.3 scales compared to SA or WL groups (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences between groups were observed in the changes from baseline to follow-up (p > 0.05). Compared to the sham treatment, acupuncture improved the HRQOL in patients receiving maintenance HD after treatment but not at follow-up.
Development of Smart Clothing to Prevent Pressure Injuries in Bedridden Persons and/or with Severely Impaired Mobility: 4NoPressure Research Protocol
Authors: Rêgo Anderson da Silva , Furtado Guilherme Eustáquio , Bernardes Rafael A. , Santos-Costa Paulo , Dias Rosana A. , Alves Filipe S. , Ainla Alar , Arruda Luisa M. , Moreira Inês P. , Bessa João , Fangueiro Raul , Gomes Fernanda , Henriques Mariana , Sousa-Silva Maria , Pinto Alexandra C. , Bouçanova Maria , Sousa Vânia Isabel Fernande , Tavares Carlos José , Barboza Rochelne , Carvalho Miguel , Filipe Luísa , Sousa Liliana B. , Apóstolo João A. , Parreira Pedro , Salgueiro-Oliveira Anabela
Published: May 2023

Pressure injuries (PIs) are a major public health problem and can be used as quality-of-care indicators. An incipient development in the field of medical devices takes the form of Smart Health Textiles, which can possess innovative properties such as thermoregulation, sensing, and antibacterial control. This protocol aims to describe the process for the development of a new type of smart clothing for individuals with reduced mobility and/or who are bedridden in order to prevent PIs. This paper’s main purpose is to present the eight phases of the project, each consisting of tasks in specific phases: (i) product and process requirements and specifications; (ii and iii) study of the fibrous structure technology, textiles, and design; (iv and v) investigation of the sensor technology with respect to pressure, temperature, humidity, and bioactive properties; (vi and vii) production layout and adaptations in the manufacturing process; (viii) clinical trial. This project will introduce a new structural system and design for smart clothing to prevent PIs. New materials and architectures will be studied that provide better pressure relief, thermo-physiological control of the cutaneous microclimate, and personalisation of care.
Process Assessment of Integrated Hydrogen Production from By-Products of Cottonseed Oil-Based Biodiesel as a Circular Economy Approach
Authors: Trirahayu Dhyna Analyes , Abidin Akhmad Zainal , Putra Ridwan P. , Putri Firda Dwita , Hidayat Achmad Syarif , Perdana Muhammad Iqbal
Published: May 2023

Cottonseed oil (CSO) is well known as one of the commercial cooking oils. However, CSO still needs to compete with other edible oils available in the market due to its small production scale and high processing cost, which makes it a potential candidate as a feedstock for biodiesel production. To date, transesterification is the most widely applied technique in the conversion of vegetable oil to biodiesel, with glycerol produced as a by-product. Large-scale biodiesel production also implies that more glycerol will be produced, which can be further utilized to synthesize hydrogen via the steam reforming route. Therefore here, an integrated biodiesel and hydrogen production from CSO was simulated using Aspen Hysys v11. Simulation results showed that the produced biodiesel has good characteristics compared to standard biodiesel. An optimum steam-to-glycerol ratio for hydrogen production was found to be 4.5, with higher reaction temperatures up to 750 °C resulting in higher hydrogen yield and selectivity. In addition, a simple economic analysis of this study showed that the integrated process is economically viable.
Added Breathing Resistance during Exercise Impairs Pulmonary Ventilation and Exaggerates Exercise-Induced Hypoxemia Leading to Impaired Aerobic Exercise Performance
Authors: Han Jean-Hee , Jang Min-Hyeok , Kim Dae-Hwan , Kim Jung-Hyun
Published: May 2023

Protective masks impose variable breathing resistance (BR) on the wearer and may adversely affect exercise performance, yet existing literature shows inconsistent results under different types of masks and metabolic demands. The present study was undertaken to determine whether added BR impairs cardiopulmonary function and aerobic performance during exercise. Sixteen young healthy men completed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer under the four conditions of BR using a customized breathing resistor at no breathing resistance (CON), 18.9 (BR1), 22.2 (BR2), and 29.9 Pa (BR3). The results showed that BR significantly elevates respiratory pressure (p < 0.001) and impairs ventilatory response to graded exercise (reduced VE; p < 0.001) at a greater degree with an increased level of BR which caused mild to moderate exercise-induced hypoxemia (final mean SpO2: CON = 95.6%, BR1 = 94.4%, BR2 = 91.6%, and BR3 = 90.6%; p < 0.001). Especially, such a marked reduction in SpO2 was significantly correlated with maximal oxygen consumption at the volitional fatigue (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) together with exaggerated exertion and breathing discomfort (p < 0.001). In conclusion, added BR commonly experienced when wearing tight-fitting facemasks and/or respirators could significantly impair cardiopulmonary function and aerobic performance at a greater degree with an increasing level of BR.
Selective Delivery of Tofacitinib Citrate to Hair Follicles Using Lipid-Coated Calcium Carbonate Nanocarrier Controls Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia Areata
Authors: Guan Yeneng , Yan Aqin , Qiang Wei , Ruan Rui , Yang Chaobo , Ma Kai , Sun Hongmei , Liu Mingxing , Zhu Hongda
Published: May 2023

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the common side effects in cancer treatment. The psychological distress caused by hair loss may cause patients to discontinue chemotherapy, affecting the efficacy of the treatment. The JAK inhibitor, Tofacitinib citrate (TFC), showed huge potential in therapeutic applications for treating baldness, but the systemic adverse effects of oral administration and low absorption rate at the target site limited its widespread application in alopecia. To overcome these problems, we designed phospholipid-calcium carbonate hybrid nanoparticles (PL/ACC NPs) for a topical application to target deliver TFC. The results proved that PL/ACC-TFC NPs showed excellent pH sensitivity and transdermal penetration in vitro. PL/ACC NPs offered an efficient follicular targeting approach to deliver TFC in a Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced alopecia areata mouse model. Compared to the topical application of TFC solution, PL/ACC-TFC NPs significantly inhibited apoptosis of mouse hair follicles and accelerated hair growth. These findings support that PL/ACC-TFC NPs has the potential for topical application in preventing and mitigating CYP-induced Alopecia areata.
New Insight into the Molecular Pathomechanism and Immunomodulatory Treatments of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Molinelli Elisa , Gioacchini Helena , Sapigni Claudia , Diotallevi Federico , Brisigotti Valerio , Rizzetto Giulio , Offidani Annamaria , Simonetti Oriana
Published: May 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized by deep-seated nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts and scars localized in the intertriginous areas. It is accompanied by pain, malodourous secretion and a dramatically decreased quality of life. Although the pathogenesis has not been entirely elucidated, the primary event is follicular hyperkeratosis of the pilosebaceous apocrine unit. Since the registration of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor Adalimumab in 2015, several cytokines have been implicated in the pathomechanism of HS and the research of novel therapeutic targets has been intensified. We provide an update on the inflammatory cytokines with a central role in HS pathogenesis and the most promising target molecules of future HS management.
The Functional Characterization of DzCYP72A12-4 Related to Diosgenin Biosynthesis and Drought Adaptability in Dioscorea zingiberensis
Authors: Wang Weipeng , Hou Lixiu , Li Song , Li Jiaru
Published: May 2023

Dioscorea zingiberensis is a perennial herb famous for the production of diosgenin, which is a valuable initial material for the industrial synthesis of steroid drugs. Sterol C26-hydroxylases, such as TfCYP72A616 and PpCYP72A613, play an important role in the diosgenin biosynthesis pathway. In the present study, a novel gene, DzCYP72A12-4, was identified as C26-hydroxylase and was found to be involved in diosgenin biosynthesis, for the first time in D. zingiberensis, using comprehensive methods. Then, the diosgenin heterogenous biosynthesis pathway starting from cholesterol was created in stable transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) harboring DzCYP90B71(QPZ88854), DzCYP90G6(QPZ88855) and DzCYP72A12-4. Meanwhile, diosgenin was detected in the transgenic tobacco using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography system (Vanquish UPLC 689, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany) tandem MS (Q Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany). Further RT-qPCR analysis showed that DzCYP72A12-4 was highly expressed in both rhizomes and leaves and was upregulated under 15% polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment, indicating that DzCYP72A12-4 may be related to drought resistance. In addition, the germination rate of the diosgenin-producing tobacco seeds was higher than that of the negative controls under 15% PEG pressure. In addition, the concentration of malonaldehyde (MDA) was lower in the diosgenin-producing tobacco seedlings than those of the control, indicating higher drought adaptability. The results of this study provide valuable information for further research on diosgenin biosynthesis in D. zingiberensis and its functions related to drought adaptability.
Editorial for the IJMS Special Issue on “Infection and the Kidney”
Authors: Oda Takashi
Published: May 2023

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the close relationship between infection and kidney injury [...]
Clinico-Pathogenic Similarities and Differences between Infection-Related Glomerulonephritis and C3 Glomerulopathy
Authors: Wada Yukihiro , Kamata Mariko , Miyasaka Ryoma , Abe Tetsuya , Kawamura Sayumi , Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Aoyama Togo , Oda Takashi , Takeuchi Yasuo
Published: May 2023

Recently, the comprehensive concept of “infection-related glomerulonephritis (IRGN)” has replaced that of postinfectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) because of the diverse infection patterns, epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis. In addition to evidence of infection, hypocomplementemia particularly depresses serum complement 3 (C3), with endocapillary proliferative and exudative GN developing into membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN); also, C3-dominant or co-dominant glomerular immunofluorescence staining is central for diagnosing IRGN. Moreover, nephritis-associated plasmin receptor (NAPlr), originally isolated from the cytoplasmic fraction of group A Streptococci, is vital as an essential inducer of C3-dominant glomerular injury and is a key diagnostic biomarker for IRGN. Meanwhile, “C3 glomerulopathy (C3G)”, also showing a histological pattern of MPGN due to acquired or genetic dysregulation of the complement alternative pathway (AP), mimics C3-dominant IRGN. Initially, C3G was characterized by intensive “isolated C3” deposition on glomeruli. However, updated definitions allow for glomerular deposition of other complement factors or immunoglobulins if C3 positivity is dominant and at least two orders of magnitude greater than any other immunoreactant, which makes it challenging to quickly distinguish pathomorphological findings between IRGN and C3G. As for NAPlr, it was demonstrated to induce complement AP activation directly in vitro, and it aggravates glomerular injury in the development of IRGN. A recent report identified anti-factor B autoantibodies as a contributing factor for complement AP activation in pediatric patients with PIGN. Moreover, C3G with glomerular NAPlr deposition without evidence of infection was reported. Taken together, the clinico-pathogenic features of IRGN overlap considerably with those of C3G. In this review, similarities and differences between the two diseases are highlighted.
Functions of Astrocytes under Normal Conditions and after a Brain Disease
Authors: Valles Soraya L. , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Campos-Campos Juan , Colmena Carlos , Campo-Palacio Ignacio , Alvarez-Gamez Kenia , Caballero Oscar , Jorda Adrian
Published: May 2023

In the central nervous system (CNS) there are a greater number of glial cells than neurons (between five and ten times more). Furthermore, they have a greater number of functions (more than eight functions). Glia comprises different types of cells, those of neural origin (astrocytes, radial glia, and oligodendroglia) and differentiated blood monocytes (microglia). During ontogeny, neurons develop earlier (at fetal day 15 in the rat) and astrocytes develop later (at fetal day 21 in the rat), which could indicate their important and crucial role in the CNS. Analysis of the phylogeny reveals that reptiles have a lower number of astrocytes compared to neurons and in humans this is reversed, as there have a greater number of astrocytes compared to neurons. These data perhaps imply that astrocytes are important and special cells, involved in many vital functions, including memory, and learning processes. In addition, astrocytes are involved in different mechanisms that protect the CNS through the production of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proteins and they clean the extracellular environment and help neurons to communicate correctly with each other. The production of inflammatory mediators is important to prevent changes in brain homeostasis. On the contrary, excessive, or continued production appears as a characteristic element in many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and in neurodevelopmental diseases, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. Furthermore, different drugs and techniques have been developed to reverse oxidative stress and/or excess of inflammation that occurs in many CNS diseases, but much remains to be investigated. This review attempts to highlight the functional relevance of astrocytes in normal and neuropathological conditions by showing the molecular and cellular mechanisms of their role in the CNS.
Comprehensive Analysis of Rice Seedling Transcriptome during Dehydration and Rehydration
Authors: Park So Young , Jeong Dong-Hoon
Published: May 2023

Drought is a harmful abiotic stress that threatens the growth, development, and yield of rice plants. To cope with drought stress, plants have evolved their diverse and sophisticated stress-tolerance mechanisms by regulating gene expression. Previous genome-wide studies have revealed many rice drought stress-responsive genes that are involved in various forms of metabolism, hormone biosynthesis, and signaling pathways, and transcriptional regulation. However, little is known about the regulation of drought-responsive genes during rehydration after dehydration. In this study, we examined the dynamic gene expression patterns in rice seedling shoots during dehydration and rehydration using RNA-seq analysis. To investigate the transcriptome-wide rice gene expression patterns during dehydration and rehydration, RNA-seq libraries were sequenced and analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs were classified into five clusters based on their gene expression patterns. The clusters included drought-responsive DEGs that were either rapidly or slowly recovered to control levels by rehydration treatment. Representative DEGs were selected and validated using qRT-PCR. In addition, we performed a detailed analysis of DEGs involved in nitrogen metabolism, phytohormone signaling, and transcriptional regulation. In this study, we revealed that drought-responsive genes were dynamically regulated during rehydration. Moreover, our data showed the potential role of nitrogen metabolism and jasmonic acid signaling during the drought stress response. The transcriptome data in this study could be a useful resource for understanding drought stress responses in rice and provide a valuable gene list for developing drought-resistant crop plants.
The Enzyme Lysine Malonylation of Calvin Cycle and Gluconeogenesis Regulated Glycometabolism in Nostoc flagelliforme to Adapt to Drought Stress
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhu Qiang , Yao Ning , Liang Wangli , Ma Xiaoxia , Li Jingjing , Li Xiaoxu , Wang Lingxia , Liang Wenyu
Published: May 2023

Lysine malonylation (Kmal) is an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification (PTM) that has been demonstrated to be involved in cellular and organismal metabolism. However, the role that Kmal plays in response to drought stress of the terrestrial cyanobacteria N. flagelliforme is still unknown. In this study, we performed the first proteomic analysis of Kmal in N. flagelliforme under different drought stresses using LC-MS/MS. In total, 421 malonylated lysine residues were found in 236 different proteins. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that these malonylated proteins were highly enriched in several metabolic pathways, including carbon metabolism and photosynthesis. Decreased malonylation levels were found to hinder the reception and transmission of light energy and CO2 fixation, which led to a decrease in photosynthetic activity. Kmal was also shown to inhibit the flux of the TCA cycle and activate the gluconeogenesis pathway in response to drought stress. Furthermore, malonylated antioxidant enzymes and antioxidants were synergistically involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Malonylation was involved in lipid degradation and amino acid biosynthesis as part of drought stress adaptation. This work represents the first comprehensive investigation of the role of malonylation in dehydrated N. flagelliforme, providing an important resource for understanding the drought tolerance mechanism of this organism.
Bacterial Community Survey of Wolbachia-Infected Parthenogenetic Parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) Treated with Antibiotics and High Temperature
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhang Meijiao , Lin Liangguan , Zeng Chenxu , Zhang Yuping , He Xiaofang
Published: May 2023

Wolbachia has been shown to induce thelytokous parthenogenesis in Trichogramma species, which have been widely used as biological control agents around the world. Little is known about the changes of bacterial community after restoring arrhenotokous or bisexual reproduction in the T. pretiosum. Here, we investigate the emergence of males of T. pretiosum through curing experiments (antibiotics and high temperature), crossing experiments, and high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing (rRNA-seq). The results of curing experiments showed that both antibiotics and high temperatures could cause the thelytokous T. pretiosum to produce male offspring. Wolbachia was dominant in the thelytokous T. pretiosum bacterial community with 99.01% relative abundance. With the relative abundance of Wolbachia being depleted by antibiotics, the diversity and relative content of other endosymbiotic bacteria increased, and the reproductive mode reverted from thelytoky to arrhenotoky in T. pretiosum. Although antibiotics did not eliminate Wolbachia in T. pretiosum, sulfadiazine showed an advantage in restoring entirely arrhenotokous and successive bisexual reproduction. This study was the first to demonstrate the bacterial communities in parthenogenetic Trichogramma before and after antibiotics or high-temperature treatment. Our findings supported the hypothesis that Wolbachia titer-dependence drives a reproduction switch in T. pretiosum between thelytoky and arrhenotoky.
Comprehensive Transcriptomic and Metabolic Profiling of Agrobacterium-tumefaciens-Infected Immature Wheat Embryos
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Guo Jinliang , Ma Jiayang , Wang Zhulin , Zhang Lining , Wang Zixu , Meng Min , Zhang Chao , Sun Fengli , Xi Yajun
Published: May 2023

The transformation efficiency (TE) was improved by a series of special chemical and physical methods using immature embryos from the cultivar Fielder, with the PureWheat technique. To analyze the reaction of immature embryos infected, which seemed to provide the necessary by Agrobacterium tumefaciens in PureWheat, a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), complete transcriptome analysis, and metabolome analysis was conducted to understand the progress. The results of the SEM analysis revealed that Agrobacterium tumefaciens were deposited under the damaged cortex of immature embryos as a result of pretreatment and contacted the receptor cells to improve the TE. Transcriptome analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, plant–pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, and the MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway. By analyzing the correlation between differentially expressed genes and metabolites, the expression of many genes and the accumulation of metabolites were changed in glucose metabolism and the TCA cycle (Citrate cycle), as well as the amino acid metabolism; this suggests that the infection of wheat embryos with Agrobacterium is an energy-demanding process. The shikimate pathway may act as a hub between glucose metabolism and phenylpropanoid metabolism during Agrobacterium infection. The downregulation of the F5H gene and upregulation of the CCR gene led to the accumulation of lignin precursors through phenylpropanoid metabolism. In addition, several metabolic pathways and oxidases were found to be involved in the infection treatment, including melatonin biosynthesis, benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, betaine biosynthesis, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, suggesting that wheat embryos may be under the stress of Agrobacterium and, thus, undergo an oxidative stress response. These findings explore the physiological and molecular changes of immature embryos during the co-culture stage of the PureWheat technique and provide insights for Agrobacterium-mediated transgenic wheat experiments.
Computational and Enzymatic Studies of Sartans in SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 Binding: The Role of Tetrazole and Perspectives as Antihypertensive and COVID-19 Therapeutics
Authors: Kelaidonis Konstantinos , Ligielli Irene , Letsios Spiros , Vidali Veroniki P. , Mavromoustakos Thomas , Vassilaki Niki , Moore Graham J. , Hoffmann Weronika , Węgrzyn Katarzyna , Ridgway Harry , Chasapis Christos T. , Matsoukas John M.
Published: May 2023

This study is an extension of current research into a novel class of synthetic antihypertensive drugs referred to as “bisartans”, which are bis-alkylated imidazole derivatives bearing two symmetric anionic biphenyltetrazoles. Research to date indicates that bisartans are superior to commercially available hypertension drugs, since the former undergo stronger docking to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is the key receptor involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry, thus initiating COVID-19 infection and in regulating levels of vasoactive peptides such as angiotensin II and beneficial heptapeptides A(1-7) and Alamandine in the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). In previous studies using in vivo rabbit-iliac arterial models, we showed that Na+ or K+ salts of selected Bisartans initiate a potent dose–response inhibition of vasoconstriction. Furthermore, computational studies revealed that bisartans undergo stable binding to the vital interfacial region between ACE2 and the SARS-CoV-2 “receptor binding domain” (i.e., the viral RBD). Thus, bisartan homologs are expected to interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or suppress disease expression in humans. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the role of tetrazole in binding and the network of amino acids of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 complex involved in interactions with sartans. This study would, furthermore, allow the expansion of the synthetic space to create a diverse suite of new bisartans in conjunction with detailed computational and in vitro antiviral studies. A critical role for tetrazole was uncovered in this study, shedding light on the vital importance of this group in the binding of sartans and bisartans to the ACE2/Spike complex. The in silico data predicting an interaction of tetrazole-containing sartans with ACE2 were experimentally validated by the results of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses performed with a recombinant human ACE2 protein.
Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression of the Hsf Gene Family in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and the Potential Thermotolerance of SmHsf1 and SmHsf7 in Yeast
Authors: Qu Renjun , Wang Shiwei , Wang Xinxin , Peng Jiaming , Guo Juan , Cui Guanghong , Chen Meilan , Mu Jing , Lai Changjiangsheng , Huang Luqi , Wang Sheng , Shen Ye
Published: May 2023

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) is a traditional Chinese herb with significant medicinal value. The yield and quality of Danshen are greatly affected by climatic conditions, in particular high temperatures. Heat shock factors (Hsfs) play important regulatory roles in plant response to heat and other environmental stresses. However, little is currently known about the role played by the Hsf gene family in S. miltiorrhiza. Here, we identified 35 SmHsf genes and classified them into three major groups: SmHsfA (n = 22), SmHsfB (n = 11), and SmHsfC (n = 2) using phylogenetic analysis. The gene structure and protein motifs were relatively conserved within subgroups but diverged among the different groups. The expansion of the SmHsf gene family was mainly driven by whole-genome/segmental and dispersed gene duplications. The expression profile of SmHsfs in four distinct organs revealed its members (23/35) are predominantly expressed in the root. The expression of a large number of SmHsfs was regulated by drought, ultraviolet, heat and exogenous hormones. Notably, the SmHsf1 and SmHsf7 genes in SmHsfB2 were the most responsive to heat and are conserved between dicots and monocots. Finally, heterologous expression analysis showed that SmHsf1 and SmHsf7 enhance thermotolerance in yeast. Our results provide a solid foundation for further functional investigation of SmHsfs in Danshen plants as a response to abiotic stresses.
Toxicity and Biodistribution of Fragmented Polypropylene Microplastics in ICR Mice
Authors: Lee Sijoon , Kim Dongseon , Kang Kyung-Ku , Sung Soo-Eun , Choi Joo-Hee , Sung Minkyoung , Shin Chang-Hoon , Jeon Eunyoung , Kim Dongkyu , Kim Dongmin , Lee Sunjong , Kim Hee-Kyung , Kim Kilsoo
Published: May 2023

Currently, polypropylene (PP) is used in various products, thus leading to high daily exposure in humans. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the toxicological effects, biodistribution, and accumulation of PP microplastics in the human body. In this study, administration of two particle sizes of PP microplastics (approximately 5 and 10–50 µm) did not lead to any significant changes in several toxicological evaluation parameters, including body weight and pathological examination, compared with the control group in ICR mice. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose and no-observed-adverse-effect level of PP microplastics in ICR mice were established as ≥2000 mg/kg. Furthermore, we manufactured cyanine 5.5 carboxylic acid (Cy5.5-COOH)-labeled fragmented PP microplastics to monitor real-time in vivo biodistribution. After oral administration of the Cy5.5-COOH-labeled microplastics to the mice, most of the PP microplastics were detected in the gastrointestinal tract and observed to be out of the body after 24 h in IVIS Spectrum CT. Therefore, this study provides a new insight into the short-term toxicity, distribution, and accumulation of PP microplastics in mammals.
Absence of Depressive and Anxious Behavior with Genetic Dysregulation in Adult C57Bl/6J Mice after Prenatal Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Lalonde Christine , Sreetharan Shayenthiran , Murray Alyssa , Stoa Lisa , Cybulski Mary Ellen , Kennedy Allison , Landry Nicholas , Stillar Amy , Khurana Sandhya , Tharmalingam Sujeenthar , Wilson Joanna , Khaper Neelam , Lees Simon J. , Boreham Douglas , Tai T. C.
Published: May 2023

The exposure of ionizing radiation during early gestation often leads to deleterious and even lethal effects; however, few extensive studies have been conducted on late gestational exposures. This research examined the behavior al effects of C57Bl/6J mouse offspring exposed to low dose ionizing gamma irradiation during the equivalent third trimester. Pregnant dams were randomly assigned to sham or exposed groups to either low dose or sublethal dose radiation (50, 300, or 1000 mGy) at gestational day 15. Adult offspring underwent a behavioral and genetic analysis after being raised under normal murine housing conditions. Our results indicate very little change in the behavioral tasks measuring general anxiety, social anxiety, and stress-management in animals exposed prenatally across the low dose radiation conditions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions were conducted on the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of each animal; results indicate some dysregulation in markers of DNA damage, synaptic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, and methylation pathways in the offspring. Together, our results provide evidence in the C57Bl/6J strain, that exposure to sublethal dose radiation (<1000 mGy) during the last period of gestation leads to no observable changes in behaviour when assessed as adults, although some changes in gene expression were observed for specific brain regions. These results indicate that the level of oxidative stress occurring during late gestation for this mouse strain is not sufficient for a change in the assessed behavioral phenotype, but results in some modest dysregulation of the genetic profile of the brain.
Biological Insight and Recent Advancement in the Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Authors: Rivera Zoriamin , Escutia Carlos , Madonna Mary Beth , Gupta Kajal H.
Published: May 2023

One of the most frequent solid tumors in children is neuroblastoma, which has a variety of clinical behaviors that are mostly influenced by the biology of the tumor. Unique characteristics of neuroblastoma includes its early age of onset, its propensity for spontaneous tumor regression in newborns, and its high prevalence of metastatic disease at diagnosis in individuals older than 1 year of age. Immunotherapeutic techniques have been added to the previously enlisted chemotherapeutic treatments as therapeutic choices. A groundbreaking new treatment for hematological malignancies is adoptive cell therapy, specifically chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. However, due to the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of neuroblastoma tumor, this treatment approach faces difficulties. Numerous tumor-associated genes and antigens, including the MYCN proto-oncogene (MYCN) and disialoganglioside (GD2) surface antigen, have been found by the molecular analysis of neuroblastoma cells. The MYCN gene and GD2 are two of the most useful immunotherapy findings for neuroblastoma. The tumor cells devise numerous methods to evade immune identification or modify the activity of immune cells. In addition to addressing the difficulties and potential advancements of immunotherapies for neuroblastoma, this review attempts to identify important immunological actors and biological pathways involved in the dynamic interaction between the TME and immune system.