bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing Solar Power: A Review of Photovoltaic Innovations, Solar Thermal Systems, and the Dawn of Energy Storage Solutions
Authors: Hasan M. M. , Hossain Shakhawat , Mofijur M. , Kabir Zobaidul , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Yunus Khan T. M. , Jassim Esam
Published: September 2023

The goal of this review is to offer an all-encompassing evaluation of an integrated solar energy system within the framework of solar energy utilization. This holistic assessment encompasses photovoltaic technologies, solar thermal systems, and energy storage solutions, providing a comprehensive understanding of their interplay and significance. It emphasizes the importance of solar energy as a renewable resource and its role in addressing global energy demand and mitigating climate change. The review highlights the significance of advancements in various solar energy technologies, focusing on their environmental benefits, including greenhouse gas emissions reduction and air and water pollution mitigation. It explores the evolution of photovoltaic technologies, categorizing them into first-, second-, and third-generation photovoltaic cells, and discusses the applications of solar thermal systems such as water heaters, air heaters, and concentrators. The paper examines key advancements in energy storage solutions for solar energy, including battery-based systems, pumped hydro storage, thermal storage, and emerging technologies. It references recent published literature to present findings on energy payback time, carbon footprint, and performance metrics. Challenges to widespread adoption are discussed, including cost and economic viability, intermittency, environmental impacts, and grid integration. Strategies to overcome these challenges, such as cost reduction, policy support, energy storage integration, and sustainable practices, are presented based on published literature. By bridging gaps in existing literature, this comprehensive resource aims to equip researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals with insights into forging a sustainable and renewable energy future.
Simulation and Experimental Study on Harmonic Optimization of Magnetically Controlled Reactor Based on Multistage Saturated Magnetic Valve Structure
Authors: Liu Chunhui , Yin Xiyu , Bao Yinfu , Lan Yue , Wang Chun , Chen Baichao , Chen Xiaoyue , Wang Yu
Published: September 2023

The magnetically controlled reactor adjusts its output capacity based on the principle of magnetic saturation. Due to the iron core working in the saturated region, higher harmonics will be generated in the working current. A large number of harmonics will affect the power quality and safety of the power system. This study derives the expression for the harmonic content of a magnetically controlled reactor with a multistage saturated magnetic valve core structure. The magnetization curves of different iron core structures can be obtained through expressions. This study used different magnetization curves for simulations of magnetically controlled reactors. The suppression effect of the multilevel magnetic valve structure on harmonics was analyzed through simulation results. A prototype of a magnetically controlled reactor with a two-stage magnetic valve structure was manufactured, and dynamic response tests were conducted. The experimental results show that the harmonic content in the working current of the magnetically controlled reactor with a two-stage magnetic valve structure is less than 2%, which is much smaller than the harmonic content of ordinary magnetically controlled reactors in the past. This article verifies the suppression effect of the improved magnetic valve structure on harmonics through experiments.
Trends of Peatland Research Based on Topic Modeling: Toward Sustainable Management under Climate Change
Authors: Yang Hyunyoung , Chae Jeongyeon , Yang A-Ram , Suwignyo Rujito Agus , Choi Eunho
Published: September 2023

Peatlands are wetlands with an accumulation of peats, partially decomposed organisms, under waterlogged and anoxic conditions. Despite peatlands being extensively studied due to their wide distribution and various functions, the trends in peatland research have hardly been analyzed. We performed dynamic topic modeling (DTM) and network analysis to investigate the changes in the global trends in peatland research. Among the searched studies using the keyword ‘peatland’ from ScienceDirect, titles and abstracts from 9541 studies (1995–2022) were used for the analysis. They were classified into 16 topics via DTM (geomorphology, land use and land cover, production, greenhouse gas, habitat, permafrost, management, deposit, fire, soil organic matter, peatland formation, forest, past environmental change, microbe, metal, and hydrology). Among these, the proportion of ‘management’ was the largest and increased the fastest, showing the transition of research trends toward the sustainable management of peatlands under climate change. The keywords used within topics tended to change dynamically when related to a large number of studies and increasing trends. Network analysis among topics suggested that studying peatlands as a response measure to climate change will promote overall peatland research because the greenhouse gases topic had the greatest impact on other topics. Despite increasing research on peatland management under climate change, a gap between academia and policies was found in the field of using peatlands as a response measure to climate change, indicating the necessity for effective policies, research, and technology. This study demonstrates that DTM and network analysis are useful tools for understanding the temporal shift of views on peatlands and finding a gap we need to focus on in the near future.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Structural Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Viburnum japonicum (Adoxaceae)
Authors: Zhu Hong , Liu Juan , Li Hepeng , Yue Chunlei , Gao Meirong
Published: September 2023

Viburnum japonicum (Thunb.) Sprengel is an endangered species endemic to coastal regions of eastern Asia (China, Japan, and South Korea). However, its systematic position has been controversial. In this study, we present the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of V. japonicum (GenBank OP644292) sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. The cp genome has a total length of 158,606 bp and a G+C contents of 38.08%. It consists of a large single-copy (LSC) region, a small single-copy (SSC) region, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) regions measuring 87,060 bp, 18,510 bp, and 26,516 bp, respectively. A total of 131 genes were identified, including 87 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 8 ribosomal RNA genes(rRNAs). Additionally, a total of 44 dispersed repeats were detected, including three types: forward, palindromic, and reverse. Among the 38 SSR loci that were discovered, the majority were mononucleotide loci composed of A/T. Furthermore, we found that 15 genes (accD, atpF, ndhA, ndhB, petB, petD, rpl16, rpl2, rpoC1, rps12, rps16, trnA-UGC, trnI, trnK-UUU, and trnL-UAA) contain one intron, while clpP and ycf3 have two introns. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis detected 31 high-frequency codons, where A/U bases accounted for 93.55% of the total, indicating an asymmetry in chloroplast gene and a presence for A/U bases. Comparative analysis of genome structure and sequences data of V. japonicum chloroplast genomes in comparison with other closely related species demonstrated a high level of conservation in their structure and organization. Furthermore, three mutation hotspots (psbH, rps19, and trnL) were identified, which could be valuable for future phylogenetic and population genetic research. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two accessions of V. japonicum are closely related to a group of V. setigerum, V. erosum, and V. fordiae within the Viburnum genus. In conclusion, this study provides important insights for accurately identifying and understanding the phylogeny of Viburnum species through the complete cp genome sequencing of V. japonicum.
A Review of Liquid and Gaseous Biofuels from Advanced Microbial Fermentation Processes
Authors: Nanda Sonil , Pattnaik Falguni , Patra Biswa R. , Kang Kang , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: September 2023

Biofuels are the sustainable counterparts of fossil fuels to meet the increasing energy demands of the current and future generations. Biofuels are produced from waste organic residues with the application of mechanical, thermochemical and biological methods and processes. While mechanical and thermochemical conversion processes involve the use of heat, pressure, catalysts and other physicochemical attributes for the direct conversion of biomass, biological conversion requires microorganisms and their enzymes as biocatalysts to degrade the fermentable substrates into biofuels and biochemicals. This article highlights the advances and opportunities in biological conversion technologies for the development of a closed-loop biorefinery approach. This review highlights the distinction between biological and thermochemical conversion technologies, including a discussion on the pros and cons of the pathways. Different categories of biological conversion processes, such as enzymatic saccharification, submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation are also discussed in this article. The main essence of this article is the description of different fermentative technologies to produce next-generation biofuels, such as bioethanol, biobutanol, biomethane, biohydrogen and biodiesel. This article provides a state-of-the-art review of the literature and a technical perspective on the bioproduction of bioethanol, acetone–ethanol–butanol fermentation, anaerobic digestion, photo/dark fermentation, and the transesterification of lignocellulosic substrates to produce the above-mentioned biofuels. In addition, recommendations for improving bioprocessing efficiency and biofuel yields are provided in this comprehensive article.
Widely Targeted Metabonomic Analysis to Study Effect of GSH on Metabolites of Chardonnay Wine during Simulated Oxidation
Authors: Gao Deyan , Wang Cong , Shi Hongmei , Liang Hongmin
Published: September 2023

The effects of reduced glutathione (GSH) on non-volatile and volatile metabolites of Chardonnay wine during storage under simulated oxidation were investigated. The metabolites of GSH, which play a key role in the storage of white wine, were identified. In this study, GSHs at 0, 10, and 20 mg/L were added to wine samples and stored at 45 °C for 45 days. Wine samples supplemented with 0 mg/L GSH were used as controls (CK). The samples stored for 45 days were analyzed via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 1107 non-volatile metabolites were detected, and 617 volatile metabolites were identified. Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) of >1.0 and Fold Change (FC) of ≧2.0 were used to screen differential metabolites. A total of 59 important non-volatile and 39 differential volatile metabolites were screened. Among the non-volatile metabolites, 17 substances were down-regulated, whereas 16 substances were up-regulated. Among the volatile metabolites, 3 substances were down-regulated, while 19 substances were up-regulated. After analysis, some lipids were found to play an important role in the changes to non-volatile substances. This study provides theoretical support for further application of GSH in increasing the oxidation stability of white wine.
Fermentation of Betaphycus gelatinum Using Lactobacillus brevis: Growth of Probiotics, Total Polyphenol Content, Polyphenol Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhao Caibo , Guo Zhiqiang , Li Shuyi , Zhu Zhenzhou , Grimi Nabil , Xiao Juan
Published: September 2023

Little information is available regarding polyphenol variations in the food processing of edible and medicinal red seaweed, Betaphycus gelatinum. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus brevis fermentation on total polyphenol content (TPC), polyphenol profile, and antioxidant activity in Betaphycus gelatinum pretreated by ultrasound-assisted mild acid hydrolysis for the first time. During 60 h of fermentation, the viable colony number significantly increased, pH significantly decreased, and reducing sugar content significantly decreased initially, then significantly increased. Free TPC significantly increased to 865.42 ± 29.29 μg GAE/g DW (163.09% increase) with increasing antioxidant activity, while bound TPC significantly decreased to 1004.90 ± 87.32 μg GAE/g DW (27.69% decrease) with decreasing antioxidant activity. Furthermore, 27 polyphenol compounds were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with Xevo triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. In total, 19 and 23 free polyphenols and 24 and 20 bound polyphenols were identified before and after fermentation, respectively. Before fermentation, bound trans-cinnamic acid (56.75%), bound rosmarinic acid (26.62%), and free trans-cinnamic acid (3.85%) were the main components. After fermentation, free rosmarinic acid (43.57%), bound trans-cinnamic acid (15.19%), bound rosmarinic acid (13.33%), and free trans-cinnamic acid (5.99%) were the main components. These results provide information for the food processing of Betaphycus gelatinum.
Dissipation Behavior and Dietary Risk Assessment of Thiamethoxam, Pyraclostrobin, and Their Metabolites in Home-Style Pickled Cowpea
Authors: Wang Xumi , Wu Huanqi , Yang Kongtan , Fang Nan , Wen Hong , Zhang Changpeng , Wang Xiangyun , Pan Daodong
Published: September 2023

In this study, the fate of two pesticides commonly used on cowpeas, thiamethoxam and pyraclostrobin, during the preparation of home-made pickled cowpeas was investigated using an improved QuEChERS method combined with UHPLC-MS/MS. Although pesticide residues were primarily distributed on cowpea samples, some were transferred to brine. The dissipation half-life of thiamethoxam on cowpea samples was significantly shorter than that of pyraclostrobin due to thiamethoxam’s higher water solubility. Thiamethoxam demonstrated a half-life of 5.12 ± 0.66 days, whereas pyraclostrobin exhibited a longer half-life of 71.46 ± 7.87 days. In addition, the degradation half-lives of these two pesticides in the whole system (cowpea and brine) were 45.01 ± 4.99 and 70.51 ± 5.91 days, respectively. This result indicates that the pickling did not effectively promote the degradation of thiamethoxam and pyraclostrobin. The metabolite clothianidin of thiamethoxam was not produced throughout the pickling process, but the metabolite BF 500-3 of pyraclostrobin was detected in cowpea samples. The detection rates for thiamethoxam, pyraclostrobin, and BF 500-3 in the 20 market samples were 10%, 70%, and 45%, respectively. However, the risk quotient analysis indicated that the risk of dietary intake of thiamethoxam and pyraclostrobin in pickled cowpeas by Chinese consumers was negligible.
Heavy Metals in Foods and Beverages: Global Situation, Health Risks and Reduction Methods
Authors: Scutarașu Elena Cristina , Trincă Lucia Carmen
Published: September 2023

Heavy metals are chemical elements with a toxic effect on the human body. The expansion of industries has led to significant increasing levels of these constituents in the environment. Intensive agriculture can also lead to an increased concentration of heavy metals as a result of using different fertilizers and pesticides. Heavy metal accumulation in soil and plants represents a serious issue because of the potential risks to consumers. There are several methods available for the removal of these toxic components from different substrates (chemical precipitation, electrodialysis, coagulation and flocculation, photocatalytic removal, and adsorption-based processes), but most procedures are expensive and difficult to perform. Thus, more research is needed on the development of low-cost methods in foods. This work represents a review on the heavy metal presence in different food substrates (such as fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat and meat derivatives, oils, and alcoholic beverages) and provides an overview of the current situation worldwide, taking into account the fact that risks for human health are induced by the intensification of industry and the high degree of pollution. Considering that the toxicological quality of food affects its acceptability, this work provides valuable data regarding the actual situation on the proposed topic.
Research Progress of α-Glucosidase Inhibitors Produced by Microorganisms and Their Applications
Authors: Ren Fei , Ji Nairu , Zhu Yunping
Published: September 2023

Based on the easy cultivation of microorganisms and their short cycle time, research on α-glucosidase inhibitors (α-GIs) of microbial origin is receiving extensive attention. Raw materials used in food production, such as cereals, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, contain various bioactive components, like flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids. Fermentation with specific bacterial strains enhances the nutritional value of these raw materials and enables the creation of hypoglycemic products rich in diverse active ingredients. Additionally, conventional food processing often results in significant byproduct generation, causing resource wastage and environmental issues. However, using bacterial strains to ferment these byproducts into α-GIs presents an innovative solution. This review describes the microbial-derived α-GIs that have been identified. Moreover, the production of α-GIs using industrial food raw materials and processing byproducts as a medium in fermentation is summarized. It is worth analyzing the selection of strains and raw materials, the separation and identification of key compounds, and fermentation broth research methods. Notably, the innovative ideas in this field are described as well. This review will provide theoretical guidance for the development of microbial-derived hypoglycemic foods.
Experimental Study on Multi-Dimensional Visualization Simulation of Gas and Gel Foam Flooding in Fractured-Vuggy Reservoirs
Authors: Wen Yuchen , Hou Jirui
Published: September 2023

Gas flooding and foam flooding are potential technologies for tertiary oil recovery in fractured-vuggy reservoirs. The development and mechanism research of fractured-vuggy reservoirs is difficult due to the complex structures and the strong heterogeneity of fractured-vuggy reservoirs. Visualization simulation is one of the effective methods to study the flow behavior of fluid in fractured-vuggy reservoirs. In this study, an upscaling method of visualization simulation from one dimension (1D) to three dimensions (3D) was established, and the physical models of fractured-vuggy reservoirs were designed and fabricated. Water flooding, gas flooding, and gel foam flooding were carried out in the models. The experimental results showed that gas flooding has a single flow channel and water flooding has multiple flow channels in fractures and vugs. Gel foam with an excellent capability of mobility control and a high microscopic displacement efficiency swept in all directions at a uniform velocity. The EOR mechanisms of gel foam in fractured-vuggy reservoirs were mainly as follows: reducing interfacial tension, increasing mobility ratio, selectively plugging high permeability channels, and discontinuous flow. In the displacement process of fractured-vuggy reservoirs, water should be injected from the well at the bottom of the reservoir, and gas should be injected from the well located in the vug at the high part of the reservoir. Gel foam with strong stability and high viscosity should be selected and injected in most kinds of injection wells in fractured-vuggy reservoirs. This study provides a complete method of visualization simulation for the study of flow behavior in fractured-vuggy reservoirs and provides theoretical support for the application of gas flooding and gel foam flooding in fractured-vuggy reservoirs.
Low Fatization of High-Fat Surimi-Based Products: Optimization of the Application of Protein Matrix Fat Substitution Methods
Authors: Yan Guangyu , Yu Lei , Chen Xiaoting , Liu Zhiyu , Chen Hui
Published: September 2023

The low fatization of high-fat foods is a significant trend that will impact the future developments of food products. Consumers have regarded health attributes as a critical indicator for purchasing food. In this study, enzyme-modified soy protein isolate, sea fish collagen, and ovalbumin were used to prepare the composite fat substitute for the protein matrix. This matrix was applied to the traditional surimi-based product Nemipterus virgatus fish sausage to replace the exogenous fat, and a new type of low-fat fish sausage was developed. This change is expected to reduce the exogenous fat in the traditional fish sausage without reducing the flavor and sensory quality of the original product. The results showed that taking the sensory evaluation and gel strength value of the product as indicators, the optimal ratio of compound fat substitute (enzyme-modified soy protein isolate:sea fish collagen:ovalbumin) was 2:1:3 when using the orthogonal test method for the first time. In the next step, with compound fat substitutes, exogenous fats and transglutaminase as the main factors, single factor and response surface method were used to explore the best formula of new low-fat Nemipterus virgatus fish sausage. The results showed that the best gel strength and sensory evaluation scores were obtained when the compound fat substitute, TGase, and exogenous fat were 0.59 g, 0.245 g, and 8.03 g, respectively. The optimal formulation of the low-fat Nemipterus virgatus fish sausage was obtained as follows: surimi, 67.52%; complex fat substitute, 0.66%; TGase, 0.28%; fat, 9.04%; starch, 6.75%; sugar, 3.94%; salt, 2.25%; monosodium glutamate, 0.23%; I&G, 0.34%; and water, 9%. Compared with the traditional fish sausage, the content of exogenous fat in the new, low-fat Nemipterus virgatus fish sausage was reduced by 54.8%. Meanwhile, the sensory score of fish sausage was increased by 21.79%, maintaining its good flavor and sensory quality. This study provides an important reference value for developing new low-fat surimi-based products.
FexSplice: A LightGBM-Based Model for Predicting the Splicing Effect of a Single Nucleotide Variant Affecting the First Nucleotide G of an Exon
Authors: Joudaki Atefeh , Takeda Jun-ichi , Masuda Akio , Ode Rikumo , Fujiwara Koichi , Ohno Kinji
Published: September 2023

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) affecting the first nucleotide G of an exon (Fex-SNVs) identified in various diseases are mostly recognized as missense or nonsense variants. Their effect on pre-mRNA splicing has been seldom analyzed, and no curated database is available. We previously reported that Fex-SNVs affect splicing when the length of the polypyrimidine tract is short or degenerate. However, we cannot readily predict the splicing effects of Fex-SNVs. We here scrutinized the available literature and identified 106 splicing-affecting Fex-SNVs based on experimental evidence. We similarly identified 106 neutral Fex-SNVs in the dbSNP database with a global minor allele frequency (MAF) of more than 0.01 and less than 0.50. We extracted 115 features representing the strength of splicing cis-elements and developed machine-learning models with support vector machine, random forest, and gradient boosting to discriminate splicing-affecting and neutral Fex-SNVs. Gradient boosting-based LightGBM outperformed the other two models, and the length and nucleotide compositions of the polypyrimidine tract played critical roles in the discrimination. Recursive feature elimination showed that the LightGBM model using 15 features achieved the best performance with an accuracy of 0.80 ± 0.12 (mean and SD), a Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 0.57 ± 0.15, an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.86 ± 0.08, and an area under the curve of the precision–recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.87 ± 0.09 using a 10-fold cross-validation. We developed a web service program, named FexSplice that accepts a genomic coordinate either on GRCh37/hg19 or GRCh38/hg38 and returns a predicted probability of aberrant splicing of A, C, and T variants.
Unveiling the Evolution of Eldercare Facilities in Rural China: Tracing the Trajectory from Eldercare Support Pattern and Service to Facilities for the Aging Population
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Wang Zhu , Qiu Zhi
Published: September 2023

The phenomenon of population aging in rural China presents a compelling societal challenge, necessitating a growing demand for both the quantity and quality of facilities supporting the needs of older people. However, a lack of comprehensive understanding concerning the underlying mechanisms that drive the emergence of these facilities, coupled with the distinctive historical backdrop and social development stage of the nation, engenders complexities in achieving sustainable rural eldercare services. This paper endeavors to comprehensively elucidate diverse eldercare facility types in rural China, delineating their intrinsic characteristics and prerequisites for construction. Additionally, the research delves into the political and economic contexts and advancements in healthcare and eldercare services, culminating in the formulation of an integrated framework that interconnects eldercare support patterns with the political landscape and public service provisions. The implications derived from this nuanced framework provide insightful reflections on significant historical transitions, intricacies faced by rural eldercare facilities, and strategic pathways for fostering future eldercare service delivery systems and allied facilities. The paper’s findings furnish insights for bolstering the well-being of the aging population in rural China and lay a substantive foundation for addressing the evolving requisites of eldercare within this distinctive context.
Analysing the Influence of WHO Initiatives on the Scientific Discourse of Noncommunicable Diseases through a Bibliometric Approach
Authors: Santos Ana Teresa , Costa Cátia Miriam , Delgado-Márquez Luisa , Banheiro Raquel Maria
Published: September 2023

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) present a major public health challenge, prompting their inclusion in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has implemented various initiatives, including a comprehensive monitoring framework with global targets and indicators. However, the extent to which these initiatives have shaped the scientific discourse remains unclear. This article addresses this knowledge gap through a two-fold approach. Firstly, a bibliometric analysis of 14,187 studies spanning over 60 years is conducted, identifying key contributors and trends. Secondly, the content analysis compares these trends to the goals established by the WHO. The findings indicate that the WHO initiatives have accelerated scientific research, and elevated global targets and indicators as central themes in scholarly discussions, since 2011. This study takes an innovative approach that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this field, by providing valuable insights into the impact of WHO initiatives on the scientific debate surrounding NCDs, and offering guidance for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders engaged in combating these diseases.
Recommendations for Developing a Telemedicine Strategy for Botswana: A Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Ncube Benson , Mars Maurice , Scott Richard E.
Published: September 2023

Botswana is developing its eHealth capacity using a National eHealth Strategy. However, that strategy overlooks telemedicine, a potential solution for many healthcare challenges. For telemedicine to benefit Botswana, a telemedicine-specific strategy is required. While establishing a national strategy is a sovereign responsibility, guidance and recommendations can be provided. Using published resources specific to Botswana, key health-related issues were identified. These issues were matched with suitable telemedicine activities and delivery approaches. Recommendations were then derived from these for use in an effective telemedicine-specific strategy for Botswana. From 28 health-related issues, 6 were prioritised. Three telemedicine activities were identified (clinical services, education, and behaviour change), and one delivery approach was chosen (store-and-forward) because they align well with current needs, infrastructure, and mobile phone user capabilities. Since telemedicine has been proven to be effective, efficient, and cost-effective when implemented correctly, this knowledge and experience, plus a recognised strategy development framework, has led to evidence-based recommendations. Specific telemedicine options were identified as examples. As confidence grows, telemedicine options can be expanded to address additional clinical needs and explore alternative activities and delivery options. The recommendations can help the government develop a telemedicine-specific strategy that aligns with the National eHealth Strategy while actively promoting and supporting the adoption and system integration of straightforward telemedicine interventions. This foundation will facilitate the future expansion of telemedicine initiatives for the benefit of all Batswana.
Molecular Mechanisms of Bioactive Nutrients Promoting Health through Gut Microbiota
Authors: Xu Baojun
Published: September 2023

Many food components (such as phytochemicals, complex carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, etc [...]
Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals Peripheral T Helper Cells Promoting the Development of IgG4-Related Disease by Enhancing B Cell Activation and Differentiation
Authors: Ji Zongfei , Lu Weiqi , Wu Sifan , Zhang Yong , Meng Dan , Zhang Xiao , Dai Xiaojuan , Chen Huiyong , Ma Lili , Sun Ying , Jiang Lindi , Kong Xiufang
Published: September 2023

Abnormal B cell differentiation plays a critical role in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We investigated the cell landscape from three IgG4-RD retroperitoneal tissues and three control tissues using single-cell RNA-sequencing. Critical cell type or markers were further validated in the peripheral blood from the patients with IgG4-RD and healthy controls via flow cytometry as well as in the IgG4-RD and control tissue via immunofluorescence staining. The increases in B cells, plasma cells, and CD4+ T cells were found in IgG4-RD retroperitoneal tissue. Importantly, among CD4+ T cells, an increase in CD4+CXCR5−PD1hi peripheral T helper (Tph) cells with a high expression of IL-21 and TIGIT was discovered in IgG4-RD tissue, which was further validated in peripheral blood of the patients with IgG4-RD. The Tph cell and TIGIT+ Tph cell proportion were remarkably higher in active IgG4-RD patients and correlated with disease activity. Moreover, TIGIT+CD4+ cells were able to promote B cell differentiation via IL-21. Our study revealed that Tph cells are increased in IgG4-RD and probably play critical roles in B cell differentiation through TIGIT-IL-21 axis. Peripheral Tph cell and TIGIT+Tph cell are potential markers for IgG4-RD disease activity.
Looking into the Skin in Health and Disease: From Microscopy Imaging Techniques to Molecular Analysis
Authors: Caruntu Constantin , Ilie Mihaela Adriana , Neagu Monica
Published: September 2023

The skin is a complex organ that includes a wide variety of tissue types with different embryological origins [...]
Crystal Structures of Bacterial Pectin Methylesterases Pme8A and PmeC2 from Rumen Butyrivibrio
Authors: Carbone Vincenzo , Reilly Kerri , Sang Carrie , Schofield Linley R. , Ronimus Ron S. , Kelly William J. , Attwood Graeme T. , Palevich Nikola
Published: September 2023

Pectin is a complex polysaccharide that forms a substantial proportion of the plant’s middle lamella of forage ingested by grazing ruminants. Methanol in the rumen is derived mainly from methoxy groups released from pectin by the action of pectin methylesterase (PME) and is subsequently used by rumen methylotrophic methanogens that reduce methanol to produce methane (CH4). Members of the genus Butyrivibrio are key pectin-degrading rumen bacteria that contribute to methanol formation and have important roles in fibre breakdown, protein digestion, and the biohydrogenation of fatty acids. Therefore, methanol release from pectin degradation in the rumen is a potential target for CH4 mitigation technologies. Here, we present the crystal structures of PMEs belonging to the carbohydrate esterase family 8 (CE8) from Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, determined to a resolution of 2.30 Å. These enzymes, like other PMEs, are right-handed β-helical proteins with a well-defined catalytic site and reaction mechanisms previously defined in insect, plant, and other bacterial pectin methylesterases. Potential substrate binding domains are also defined for the enzymes.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Aging and Disease
Authors: Borrás Consuelo , Mas-Bargues Cristina
Published: September 2023

Cells are exposed to various internal and external factors that can cause damage over time [...]
Enhancement of Radiation Therapy through Blockade of the Immune Checkpoint, V-domain Ig Suppressor of T Cell Activation (VISTA), in Melanoma and Adenocarcinoma Murine Models
Authors: Duval Kayla E. A. , Tavakkoli Armin D. , Kheirollah Alireza , Soderholm Haille E. , Demidenko Eugene , Lines Janet L. , Croteau Walburga , Zhang Samuel C. , Wagner Robert J. , Aulwes Ethan , Noelle Randolph J. , Hoopes P. Jack
Published: September 2023

Radiation therapy (RT) has recently demonstrated promise at stimulating an enhanced immune response. The recent success of immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, CART cells, and other immune modulators, affords new opportunities for combination with radiation. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether and to what extent blockade of VISTA, an immune checkpoint, can potentiate the tumor control ability of radiation therapy. Our study is novel in that it is the first comparison of two VISTA-blocking methods (antibody inhibition and genetic knockout) in combination with RT. VISTA was blocked either through genetic knockout (KO) or an inhibitory antibody and combined with RT in two syngeneic murine flank tumor models (B16 and MC38). Selected mRNA, immune cell infiltration, and tumor growth delay were used to assess the biological effects. When combined with a single 15Gy radiation dose, VISTA blockade via genetic knockout in the B16 model and via anti-VISTA antibodies in the MC38 model significantly improved survival compared to RT alone by an average of 5.5 days and 6.3 days, respectively (p < 0.05). The gene expression data suggest that the mechanism behind the enhanced tumor control is primarily a result of increased apoptosis and immune-mediated cytotoxicity. VISTA blockade significantly enhances the anti-tumor effect of a single dose of 15Gy radiation through increased expression and stimulation of cell-mediated apoptosis pathways. These results suggest that VISTA is a biologically relevant immune promoter that has the potential to enhance the efficacy of a large single radiation dose in a synergic manner.
PtrABR1 Increases Tolerance to Drought Stress by Enhancing Lateral Root Formation in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Sun Lijiao , Dong Xinxin , Song Xingshun
Published: September 2023

Roots are the main organ for water uptake and the earliest part of a plant’s response to drought, making them of great importance to our understanding of the root system’s response to drought. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms that control root responses to drought stress. Here, we identified and functionally characterized the AP2/ERF family transcription factor (TF) PtrABR1 and the upstream target gene zinc-finger protein TF PtrYY1, which respond to drought stress by promoting the growth and development of lateral roots in Populus trichocarpa. A root-specific induction of PtrABR1 under drought stress was explored. The overexpression of PtrABR1 (PtrABR1-OE) promoted root growth and development, thereby increasing tolerance to drought stress. In addition, PtrYY1 is directly bound to the promoter of PtrABR1 under drought stress, and the overexpression of PtrYY1 (PtrYY1-OE) promoted lateral root growth and development and increased tolerance to drought stress. An RNA-seq analysis of PtrABR1-OE with wild-type (WT) poplar identified PtrGH3.6 and PtrPP2C44, which share the same pattern of expression changes as PtrABR1. A qRT-PCR and cis-element analysis further suggested that PtrGH3.6 and PtrPP2C44 may act as potential downstream targets of PtrABR1 genes in the root response pathway to drought stress. In conclusion, these results reveal a novel drought regulatory pathway in which PtrABR1 regulates the network through the upstream target gene PtrYY1 and the potential downstream target genes PtrGH3.6 and PtrPP2C44, thereby promoting root growth and development and improving tolerance to drought stress.
Estradiol as the Trigger of Sirtuin-1-Dependent Cell Signaling with a Potential Utility in Anti-Aging Therapies
Authors: Karolczak Kamil , Watala Cezary
Published: September 2023

Aging entails the inevitable loss of the structural and functional integrity of cells and tissues during the lifetime. It is a highly hormone-dependent process; although, the exact mechanism of hormone involvement, including sex hormones, is unclear. The marked suppression of estradiol synthesis during menopause suggests that the hormone may be crucial in maintaining cell lifespan and viability in women. Recent studies also indicate that the same may be true for men. Similar anti-aging features are attributed to sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which may possibly be linked at the molecular level with estradiol. This finding may be valuable for understanding the aging process, its regulation, and possible prevention against unhealthy aging. The following article summarizes the initial studies published in this field with a focus on age-associated diseases, like cancer, cardiovascular disease and atherogenic metabolic shift, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and muscle damage, as well as neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.
Design and Harmonization Approach for the Multi-Institutional Neurocognitive Discovery Study (MINDS) of Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Neuroimaging Ancillary Study: A Technical Note
Authors: Panigrahy Ashok , Schmithorst Vanessa , Ceschin Rafael , Lee Vince , Beluk Nancy , Wallace Julia , Wheaton Olivia , Chenevert Thomas , Qiu Deqiang , Lee James N , Nencka Andrew , Gagoski Borjan , Berman Jeffrey I. , Yuan Weihong , Macgowan Christopher , Coatsworth James , Fleysher Lazar , Cannistraci Christopher , Sleeper Lynn A. , Hoskoppal Arvind , Silversides Candice , Radhakrishnan Rupa , Markham Larry , Rhodes John F. , Dugan Lauryn M. , Brown Nicole , Ermis Peter , Fuller Stephanie , Cotts Timothy Brett , Rodriguez Fred Henry , Lindsay Ian , Beers Sue , Aizenstein Howard , Bellinger David C. , Newburger Jane W. , Umfleet Laura Glass , Cohen Scott , Zaidi Ali , Gurvitz Michelle
Published: September 2023

Dramatic advances in the management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have improved survival to adulthood from less than 10% in the 1960s to over 90% in the current era, such that adult CHD (ACHD) patients now outnumber their pediatric counterparts. ACHD patients demonstrate domain-specific neurocognitive deficits associated with reduced quality of life that include deficits in educational attainment and social interaction. Our hypothesis is that ACHD patients exhibit vascular brain injury and structural/physiological brain alterations that are predictive of specific neurocognitive deficits modified by behavioral and environmental enrichment proxies of cognitive reserve (e.g., level of education and lifestyle/social habits). This technical note describes an ancillary study to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-funded Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) “Multi-Institutional Neurocognitive Discovery Study (MINDS) in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)”. Leveraging clinical, neuropsychological, and biospecimen data from the parent study, our study will provide structural–physiological correlates of neurocognitive outcomes, representing the first multi-center neuroimaging initiative to be performed in ACHD patients. Limitations of the study include recruitment challenges inherent to an ancillary study, implantable cardiac devices, and harmonization of neuroimaging biomarkers. Results from this research will help shape the care of ACHD patients and further our understanding of the interplay between brain injury and cognitive reserve.
Construction and Validation of a Nomogram Predicting Depression Risk in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Coronary Stenting: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Miao Xing , Chen Yongli , Qiu Xiaoxia , Wang Rehua
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To construct and validate a nomogram for predicting depression after acute coronary stent implantation for risk assessment. Methods: This study included 150 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent stent implantation. Univariate analysis was performed to identify the predictors of postoperative depression among the 24 factors. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression was performed to incorporate the significant predictors into the prediction model. The model was developed using the “rms” software package in R software, and internal validation was performed using the bootstrap method. Results: Of the 150 patients, 82 developed depressive symptoms after coronary stent implantation, resulting in an incidence of depression of 54.7%. Univariate analysis showed that sleep duration ≥7 h, baseline GAD-7 score, baseline PHQ-9 score, and postoperative GAD-7 score were associated with the occurrence of depression after stenting in ACS patients (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that major life events in the past year (OR = 2.783,95%CI: 1.121–6.907, p = 0.027), GAD-7 score after operation (OR = 1.165, 95% CI: 1.275–2.097, p = 0.000), and baseline PHQ-9 score (OR = 3.221, 95%CI: 2.065–5.023, p = 0.000) were significant independent risk factors for ACS patients after stent implantation. Based on these results, a predictive nomogram was constructed. The model demonstrated good prediction ability, with an AUC of 0.857 (95% CI = 0.799–0.916). The correction curve showed a good correlation between the predicted results and the actual results (Brier score = 0.15). The decision curve analysis and prediction model curve had clinical practical value in the threshold probability range of 7 to 94%. Conclusions: This nomogram can help to predict the incidence of depression and has good clinical application value. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2300071408.
Clinical Manifestations and Risk Factors Associated with 14 Deaths following Swarm Wasp Stings in a Chinese Tertiary Grade A General Hospital: A Retrospective Database Analysis Study
Authors: Wang Maohe , Qin Mei , Wang Amanda Y. , Zhao Jia-Wei , Deng Fei , Han Yumei , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The objective was to evaluate the poisoning severity score (PSS) as an early prognostic predictor in patients with wasp stings and identify associated clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality. Methods: A total of 363 patients with wasp stings at Suining Central Hospital between January 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled. Within the first 24 h of admission, the poisoning severity score (PSS) and the Chinese expert consensus on standardized diagnosis and treatment of wasp stings (CECC) were utilized for severity classification, and their correlation was examined. Patients were then divided into survival and death groups based on discharge status. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze factors influencing patients’ outcomes. Results: The mortality of wasp sting patients was 3.9%. The PSS and CECC were found to correlate for severity classification. Additionally, female gender, age, number of stings, and PSS were identified as independent risk factors for mortality in wasp sting patients. Combining these four factors yielded an AUC of 0.962 for predicting death. Conclusions: PSS aids in early severity classification of wasp stings. Female gender, age, number of stings, and PSS were independent mortality risk factors in these patients.
Mapping the Path to Cognitive Balance: Applying the States of Mind Model and Network Analysis to Eating Disorder Patients
Authors: Tecuta Lucia , Tomei Giuliano , DiGiuseppe Raymond , Schumann Romana , Ballardini Donatella , Tomba Elena
Published: September 2023

Background: In eating disorders (EDs), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) represents one of the first-line treatment options albeit with sub-optimal results. The assessment of cognitive balance through an index measuring increased adaptive thinking and reduced maladaptive thinking, the desired outcomes, and the ultimate goal of CBT treatments warrants attention. The states of mind model (SOM) provides a framework through which a cognitive balance index can be defined. The current cross-sectional controlled study tested the clinical utility of the SOM model in a sample of ED outpatients. Methods: ED outpatients (n = 199) were assessed at baseline with the attitudes and beliefs scale-2 (ABS-2) for rational beliefs (RBs) and irrational beliefs (IBs), from which a SOM ratio score index (RBs/(RBs + IBs)) was calculated, the eating disorder inventory-3 (EDI-3) for ED symptoms and ED-related psychopathological features, the psychological well-being scales (PWB) for positive psychological functioning. A matched control sample (n = 95) was also assessed with the ABS-2. Results: ED patients exhibited significantly lower SOM and RB scores compared to controls. Network analysis results highlighted the centrality of the SOM-cognitive balance index, PWB-self-acceptance, and EDI-3-general psychological maladjustment, as well as the importance of the influence that cognitive balance and general psychological maladjustment exert on each other. Conclusions: The findings support the clinical utility of the SOM ratio applied to cognitions in EDs. This demonstrates its ability to differentiate such patients from controls and in capturing worse ED-related general psychopathology as well as compromised aspects of psychological well-being, in particular self-acceptance and environmental mastery. It thus might be considered in CBT treatment of EDs a potential cognitive clinimetric and clinical index of ED severity indicating key difficulties in counteracting maladaptive thinking with adaptive thinking.
Changes in Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life of Egyptian Children Treated under Dental General Anesthesia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Faheem Mahmoud , Moheb Dalia , Bahgat Sherif , Splieth Christian , Bekes Katrin
Published: September 2023

Background: Treatment of young children under dental general anesthesia (DGA) is sometimes necessary due to lack of cooperation and the complexity of dental treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children following treatment under DGA. Methods: A consecutive sample of 88 children aged 5 and younger who were referred to the department of pediatric dentistry, Cairo university, Egypt, for treatment under DGA was included. Parents were asked to complete the Arabic version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (A-ECOHIS) questionnaire before and 4 weeks after treatment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare baseline and follow up scores. Effect sizes (ES) were also calculated. Results: The overall ECOHIS scores decreased significantly from 16.72 (±7.07) to 0.9 (±3.08); (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test) after treatment under DGA, demonstrating a large effect size of 2.2. The scores of the two subscales of the ECOHIS, the child impact scale (CIS) and the family impact scale (FIS), also decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treatment under DGA not only improved the OHRQoL of the Egyptian children in our sample significantly, but also had a positive effect on their families’ quality of life.