bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Influence of PCB- and PBDE-Spiked Microplastic Spheres Fed through Rotifers to Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Larvae
Authors: Bogevik André S. , Puvanendran Velmurugu , Vorkamp Katrin , Burgerhout Erik , Hansen Øyvind , Fernández-Míguez María , Krasnov Aleksei , Afanasyev Sergey , Høst Vibeke , Ytteborg Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Omnipresent microplastics (MPs) in marine ecosystems are ingested at all trophic levels and may be a vector for the transfer of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through the food web. We fed rotifers polyethylene MPs (1–4 µm) spiked with seven congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and two congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). In turn, these rotifers were fed to cod larvae from 2–30 days post-hatching (dph), while the control groups were fed rotifers without MPs. After 30 dph, all the groups were fed the same feed without MPs. Whole-body larvae were sampled at 30 and 60 dph, and four months later the skin of 10 g juveniles was sampled. The PCBs and PBDEs concentrations were significantly higher in MP larvae compared to the control larvae at 30 dph, but the significance dissipated at 60 dph. Expression of stress-related genes in cod larvae at 30 and 60 dph showed inconclusive minor random effects. The skin of MP juveniles showed disrupted epithelial integrity, fewer club cells and downregulation of a suite of genes involved in immunity, metabolism and the development of skin. Our study showed that POPs were transferred through the food web and accumulated in the larvae, but that the level of pollutants decreased once the exposure was ceased, possibly related to growth dilution. Considering the transcriptomic and histological findings, POPs spiked to MPs and/or MPs themselves may have long-term effects in the skin barrier defense system, immune response and epithelium integrity, which may potentially reduce the robustness and overall fitness of the fish.
Toward Overcoming Pyrethroid Resistance in Mosquito Control: The Role of Sodium Channel Blocker Insecticides
Authors: Niklas Beata , Rydzewski Jakub , Lapied Bruno , Nowak Wieslaw
Published: June 2023

Diseases spread by mosquitoes lead to the death of 700,000 people each year. The main way to reduce transmission is vector control by biting prevention with chemicals. However, the most commonly used insecticides lose efficacy due to the growing resistance. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), membrane proteins responsible for the depolarizing phase of an action potential, are targeted by a broad range of neurotoxins, including pyrethroids and sodium channel blocker insecticides (SCBIs). Reduced sensitivity of the target protein due to the point mutations threatened malaria control with pyrethroids. Although SCBIs—indoxacarb (a pre-insecticide bioactivated to DCJW in insects) and metaflumizone—are used in agriculture only, they emerge as promising candidates in mosquito control. Therefore, a thorough understanding of molecular mechanisms of SCBIs action is urgently needed to break the resistance and stop disease transmission. In this study, by performing an extensive combination of equilibrium and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations (3.2 μs in total), we found the DIII-DIV fenestration to be the most probable entry route of DCJW to the central cavity of mosquito VGSC. Our study revealed that F1852 is crucial in limiting SCBI access to their binding site. Our results explain the role of the F1852T mutation found in resistant insects and the increased toxicity of DCJW compared to its bulkier parent compound, indoxacarb. We also delineated residues that contribute to both SCBIs and non-ester pyrethroid etofenprox binding and thus could be involved in the target site cross-resistance.
Characterization of Electrospun BDMC-Loaded PLA Nanofibers with Drug Delivery Function and Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Morillo-Bargues María José , Osorno Andrea Olivos , Guerri Consuelo , Pradas Manuel Monleón , Martínez-Ramos Cristina
Published: June 2023

Controlled drug release systems are the subject of many investigations to achieve the therapeutic effect of drugs. They have numerous advantages, such as localized effects, lower side effects, and less onset of action. Among drug-delivery systems, electrospinning is a versatile and cost-effective method for biomedical applications. Furthermore, electrospun nanofibers are promising as drug carrier candidates due to their properties that mimic the extracellular matrix. In this work, electrospun fibers were made of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely tested materials, which has excellent biocompatible and biodegradable properties. A curcuminoid, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) was added in order to complete the drug delivery system. The PLA/BDMC membranes were characterized, and biological characteristics were examined in vitro. The results show that the average fiber diameter was reduced with the drug, which was mainly released during the first 24 h by a diffusion mechanism. It was seen that the use of our membranes loaded with BDMC enhanced the rate of proliferation in Schwann cells, the main peripheral neuroglial cells, and modulated inflammation by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Considering the results, the prepared PLA/BDMC membranes hold great potential for being used in tissue engineering applications.
Genome-Wide Identification of GATA Family Genes in Phoebe bournei and Their Transcriptional Analysis under Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Yin Ziyuan , Liao Wenhai , Li Jingshu , Pan Jinxi , Yang Sijia , Chen Shipin , Cao Shijiang
Published: June 2023

GATA transcription factors are crucial proteins in regulating transcription and are characterized by a type-IV zinc finger DNA-binding domain. They play a significant role in the growth and development of plants. While the GATA family gene has been identified in several plant species, it has not yet been reported in Phoebe bournei. In this study, 22 GATA family genes were identified from the P. bournei genome, and their physicochemical properties, chromosomal distribution, subcellular localization, phylogenetic tree, conserved motif, gene structure, cis-regulatory elements in promoters, and expression in plant tissues were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the PbGATAs were clearly divided into four subfamilies. They are unequally distributed across 11 out of 12 chromosomes, except chromosome 9. Promoter cis-elements are mostly involved in environmental stress and hormonal regulation. Further studies showed that PbGATA11 was localized to chloroplasts and expressed in five tissues, including the root bark, root xylem, stem bark, stem xylem, and leaf, which means that PbGATA11 may have a potential role in the regulation of chlorophyll synthesis. Finally, the expression profiles of four representative genes, PbGATA5, PbGATA12, PbGATA16, and PbGATA22, under drought, salinity, and temperature stress, were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that PbGATA5, PbGATA22, and PbGATA16 were significantly expressed under drought stress. PbGATA12 and PbGATA22 were significantly expressed after 8 h of low-temperature stress at 10 °C. This study concludes that the growth and development of the PbGATA family gene in P. bournei in coping with adversity stress are crucial. This study provides new ideas for studying the evolution of GATAs, provides useful information for future functional analysis of PbGATA genes, and helps better understand the abiotic stress response of P. bournei.
Things Able to Treat Pain
Authors: Aloisi Anna Maria
Published: June 2023

Chronic pain is a medical condition that affects a considerable number of people of all ages [...]
Anticancer Potential of Natural Chalcones: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence
Authors: Michalkova Radka , Mirossay Ladislav , Kello Martin , Mojzisova Gabriela , Baloghova Janette , Podracka Anna , Mojzis Jan
Published: June 2023

There is no doubt that significant progress has been made in tumor therapy in the past decades. However, the discovery of new molecules with potential antitumor properties still remains one of the most significant challenges in the field of anticancer therapy. Nature, especially plants, is a rich source of phytochemicals with pleiotropic biological activities. Among a plethora of phytochemicals, chalcones, the bioprecursors of flavonoid and isoflavonoids synthesis in higher plants, have attracted attention due to the broad spectrum of biological activities with potential clinical applications. Regarding the antiproliferative and anticancer effects of chalcones, multiple mechanisms of action including cell cycle arrest, induction of different forms of cell death and modulation of various signaling pathways have been documented. This review summarizes current knowledge related to mechanisms of antiproliferative and anticancer effects of natural chalcones in different types of malignancies including breast cancers, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, lung cancers, renal and bladder cancers, and melanoma.
Taurine Protects against the Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens through the Regulation of Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Authors: San Jishuang , Hu Jianmin , Pang Huiping , Zuo Wenjun , Su Na , Guo Zimeng , Wu Gaofeng , Yang Jiancheng
Published: June 2023

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease caused by fat deposition in the liver of humans and mammals, while fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a fatty liver disease in laying hens which can increase the mortality and cause severe economic losses to the laying industry. Increasing evidence has shown a close relationship between the occurrence of fatty liver disease and the disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis. Studies have proven that taurine can regulate hepatic fat metabolism, reduce hepatic fatty deposition, inhibit oxidative stress, and alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanisms by which taurine regulates mitochondrial homeostasis in hepatocytes need to be further studied. In this study, we determined the effects and mechanisms of taurine on high-energy low-protein diet-induced FLHS in laying hens and in cultured hepatocytes in free fatty acid (FFA)-induced steatosis. The liver function, lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function, mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, and biosynthesis were detected. The results showed impaired liver structure and function, mitochondrial damage and dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and imbalance between mitochondrial fusion and fission, mitochondrial autophagy, and biosynthesis in both FLHS hens and steatosis hepatocytes. Taurine administration can significantly inhibit the occurrence of FLHS, protect mitochondria in hepatocytes from disease induced by lipid accumulation and FFA, up-regulate the expression levels of Mfn1, Mfn2, Opa1, LC3I, LC3II, PINK1, PGC-1α, Nrf1, Nrf2, and Tfam, and down-regulate the expression levels of Fis1, Drp1, and p62. In conclusion, taurine can protect laying hens from FLHS through the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, including the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, and biosynthesis.
The Effect of Sex-Specific Differences on IL-10−/− Mouse Colitis Phenotype and Microbiota
Authors: Casado-Bedmar Maite , Roy Maryline , Viennois Emilie
Published: June 2023

Sexual dimorphism is an important factor in understanding various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While females typically exhibit stronger immune responses, the role of sex in IBD remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the sex-dependent differences and inflammatory susceptibility in the most extensively used IBD mouse model as they developed colitis. We monitored IL10-deficient mice (IL-10−/−) up to 17 weeks of age and characterized their colonic and fecal inflammatory phenotype, as well as their microbiota changes. Here, we originally identified IL-10−/− female mice as more prone to developing intestinal inflammation, with an increase in fecal miR-21, and dysbiosis with more detrimental characteristics compared to males. Our findings provide valuable insights into the sex-based differences in the pathophysiology of colitis and emphasize the importance of considering sex in experimental designs. Moreover, this study paves the way for future investigations aiming at addressing sex-related differences for the development of adequate disease models and therapeutic strategies, ideally enabling personalized medicine.
Insights into COVID-19 and Its Potential Implications for Kidney Dysfunction
Authors: Abdel-Moneim Adel , Bakry Eman H. , Zaky Mohamed Y.
Published: June 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a significant impact on the world’s demographics, resulting in over 6 million deaths globally. COVID-19 has been associated with a variety of disease manifestations in various organ systems, including kidney disease, in addition to pulmonary manifestations. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can not only cause new kidney damage but also make treatment and care more difficult, as well as increase mortality in people who already have kidney problems. COVID-19 is indeed associated with a variety of renal pathologies, such as acute tubular necrosis, proteinuria, hematuria, and thrombosis complications. Cytokine storms, hypoxemia, direct viral invasion via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and cathepsin L, electrolyte imbalance, and fever are among the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these clinical symptoms. Over the last two years, many COVID-19 vaccines have been discovered. However, there have been a few case reports of AKI, AKD, proteinuria, edema, gross hematuria, and other renal side effects that necessitated hospitalization after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Thus, the current review aimed to evaluate COVID-19-induced kidney dysfunction in terms of clinical features, pathogenesis, long-term outcomes, and vaccine harms based on the most up-to-date findings.
Risk-Based Approach for Selecting Company Key Performance Indicator in an Example of Financial Services
Authors: Cernisevs Olegs , Popova Yelena , Cernisevs Dmitrijs
Published: June 2023

Risk management is a highly important issue for Fintech companies; moreover, it is very specific and puts forward the serious requirements toward the top management of any financial institution. This study was devoted to specifying the risk factors affecting the finance and capital adequacy of financial institutions. The authors considered the different types of risks in combination, whereas other scholars usually analyze risks in isolation; however, the authors believe that it is necessary to consider their mutual impact. The risks were estimated using the PLS-SEM method in Smart PLS-4 software. The quality of the obtained model is very high according to all indicators. Five hypotheses related to finance and five hypotheses related to capital adequacy were considered. The impact of AML, cyber, and governance risks on capital adequacy was confirmed; the effect of governance and operational risks on finance was also confirmed. Other risks have no impact on finance and capital adequacy. It is interesting that risks associated with staff have no impact on finance and capital adequacy. The findings of this study can be easily applied by any financial institution for risk analysis. Moreover, this study can serve toward a better collaboration of scholars investigating the Fintech activities and practitioners working in this sphere. The authors present a novel approach for enhancing key performance indicators (KPIs) for Fintech companies, proposing utilizing metrics that are derived from the company’s specific risks, thereby introducing an innovative method for selecting KPIs based on the inherent risks associated with the Fintech’s business model. This model aligns the KPIs with the unique risk profile of the company, fostering a fresh perspective on performance measurement within the Fintech industry.
A Novel Ethyl Formate Fumigation Strategy for Managing Yellow Tea Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) in Greenhouse Cultivated Mangoes and Post-Harvest Fruits
Authors: Kim Kyeongnam , Kim Dongbin , Kwon Soon Hwa , Roh Gwang-Hyun , Lee Sangman , Lee Byung-Ho , Lee Sung-Eun
Published: June 2023

The effects of climate change and shifting consumer preferences for tropical/subtropical mango fruits have accelerated their greenhouse cultivation in South Korea, which has consequently exacerbated the risk of unexpected or exotic insect pest outbreaks. This study used the pest risk analysis (PRA) of greenhouse-cultivated mangoes provided by the Animal & Plant Quarantine Agency in Korea to evaluate the potential of ethyl formate (EF) fumigation as a new pest management strategy against the yellow tea thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis), which is considered a surrogate pest in the thrips group according to the PRA. The efficacy and phytotoxicity of EF were evaluated in greenhouse-cultivated mango tree (Irwin variety) and post-harvest mango fruit scenarios. EF efficacy ranged from 6.25 to 6.89 g∙h/m³ for lethal concentration time (LCt)50 and from 17.10 to 18.18 g∙h/m³ for LCt99, indicating similar efficacy across both scenarios. Application of 10 g/m³ EF for 4 h at 23 °C could effectively control S. dorsalis (100% mortality) without causing phytotoxic damage to the greenhouse-cultivated mango trees, while post-harvest mango fruit fumigation with 15 g/m³ EF for 4 h at 10 °C showed potential for complete disinfestation of S. dorsalis without compromising fruit quality.
A revision of the Encarsia mexicana species-group (=Dirphys Howard) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), gregarious endoparasitoids of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in the Neotropical Region
Authors: Polaszek Andrew , Hernández-Suárez Estrella , Kresslein Robert L. , Hanson Paul , Linton Yvonne M. , MacKenzie-Dodds Jacqueline , Schmidt Stefan
Published: June 2023

The genus Dirphys Howard 1914 syn. n. is synonymized with Encarsia Förster, and treated as a species-group of Encarsia, referred to henceforth as the Encarsia mexicana species-group. The monophyly of Encarsia is discussed in relation to Dirphys. The new synonymy is based on phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal 28S-D2 gene region (43 taxa, 510 bp). The Encarsia mexicana species-group is recovered as strongly monophyletic within Encarsia. All species of the Encarsia mexicana species-group are revised. The group includes six previously described species, and fourteen newly described species. All species are described (or redescribed) and illustrated. Detailed distributional data, and, where available, plant associate and host records are provided for all species. Encarsia myartsevae Kresslein and Polaszek nom. nov. is here proposed as a replacement name for Encarsia mexicana Myartseva, now preoccupied by Encarsia mexicana (Howard). A dichotomous identification key, supplemented by an online multiple-entry key, is provided for all species.
Application of Acoustic Metamaterials in Pulse-Echo Ultrasonic Evaluation of Thick Hybrid Composite Laminates
Authors: Zhao Jingwen , Das Raj , Khatibi Akbar A.
Published: June 2023

Significant challenges exist in inspecting thick composite laminates for manufacturing defects and operational damage. This is due to acoustic attenuation and impedance mismatch at the interface between the different composite layers. An innovative concept for enhancing ultrasonic testing of such composite laminates is introduced in this study. The proposed solution exploits the ability of acoustic metamaterials to cloak virgin composite. Herein, we show that by incorporating carefully designed metamaterials in a pulse-echo ultrasonic testing setup, the position and size of a delamination in a thick hybrid composite laminate can be determined accurately.
Capillary Rise: A Simple Tool for Simultaneous Determination of Porosity and Thickness of Thin Silica Coatings
Authors: Ubuo Emmanuel E. , Udoetok Inimfon A. , Tyouwa Andrew T. , Obadimu Clement O. , Al-Shehri Hamza S.
Published: June 2023

Coating porosity is an important property that supports solid-gas and solid-liquid exchange that can either enhance various science and technological applications or promote damage if not properly controlled. However, non-destructive instrumental techniques for the measurement of porosity on coated walls or surfaces can be quite challenging. Here, a seamless capillary rise technique has been used to determine both the thickness and porosity of a thin silica coating. Uniform coatings were prepared from 5 wt% hydrophobic fumed silica in absolute ethanol and spin-coated at 500–8000 rpm on glass slides. Capillary imbibition of squalane was then controlled into known areas of the resulted hydrophobic nano-porous coatings. The mass of the solid (silica) and the infiltrated oil (squalane) were gravimetrically measured. The porosity of the material was calculated as the percentage fraction of the pore volume while the film thickness was determined as the ratio of the total volume to the area of coverage. Mean values of the porosity and coating thickness calculated from capillary impregnation technique were 86 ± 2% and 3.7 ± 0.2 μm, respectively. The coating thickness obtained was comparable with those revealed by SEM and Dektak profiler measurements. This study highlights the effectiveness of capillary rise as a simple and cost-effective non-destructive technique for assessment of coating thickness and porosity.
Segmentation of 4D Flow MRI: Comparison between 3D Deep Learning and Velocity-Based Level Sets
Authors: Barrera-Naranjo Armando , Marin-Castrillon Diana M. , Decourselle Thomas , Lin Siyu , Leclerc Sarah , Morgant Marie-Catherine , Bernard Chloé , De Oliveira Shirley , Boucher Arnaud , Presles Benoit , Bouchot Olivier , Christophe Jean-Joseph , Lalande Alain
Published: June 2023

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an abnormal dilatation of the aorta that can progress and lead to rupture. The decision to conduct surgery is made by considering the maximum diameter, but it is now well known that this metric alone is not completely reliable. The advent of 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging has allowed for the calculation of new biomarkers for the study of aortic diseases, such as wall shear stress. However, the calculation of these biomarkers requires the precise segmentation of the aorta during all phases of the cardiac cycle. The objective of this work was to compare two different methods for automatically segmenting the thoracic aorta in the systolic phase using 4D flow MRI. The first method is based on a level set framework and uses the velocity field in addition to 3D phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The second method is a U-Net-like approach that is only applied to magnitude images from 4D flow MRI. The used dataset was composed of 36 exams from different patients, with ground truth data for the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. The comparison was performed based on selected metrics, such as the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorf distance (HD), for the whole aorta and also three aortic regions. Wall shear stress was also assessed and the maximum wall shear stress values were used for comparison. The U-Net-based approach provided statistically better results for the 3D segmentation of the aorta, with a DSC of 0.92 ± 0.02 vs. 0.86 ± 0.5 and an HD of 21.49 ± 24.8 mm vs. 35.79 ± 31.33 mm for the whole aorta. The absolute difference between the wall shear stress and ground truth slightly favored the level set method, but not significantly (0.754 ± 1.07 Pa vs. 0.737 ± 0.79 Pa). The results showed that the deep learning-based method should be considered for the segmentation of all time steps in order to evaluate biomarkers based on 4D flow MRI.
Case Report—Escherichia coli Pericarditis after Recent COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Tu Xinhang , Saleh Nahar , Young Raymond
Published: June 2023

Before the widespread use of antibiotics, purulent pericarditis was not uncommon and was predominantly a complication of bacterial pneumonia. We present a rare case of Escherichia coli (E. coli) purulent pericarditis without a clear source after a recent COVID-19 infection. Background: COVID-19 has been affecting millions of people worldwide since the outbreak in December 2019, and its involvement in multiple organ systems has been observed and studied. Multiple cardiac complications have been reported, most significantly the virus’ ability to induce acute coronary syndrome and myocarditis. Pericardial disease has also been reported but less frequently. COVID-19 infection is associated with a higher risk of secondary bacterial infection, but it is rare to see purulent pericarditis in the setting of a recent COVID-19 infection. Objective: Our case report depicts a patient who developed E. coli purulent pericarditis in the setting of a recent COVID-19 infection. It indicates a possible association between COVID-19 infection with dysregulation of the immune system.
A Case of Prostatic Signet-Ring Cell-like Carcinoma with Pagetoid Spread and Intraductal Carcinoma and Long-Term Survival: PD-L1 and Mismatch Repair System Proteins (MMR) Immunohistochemical Evaluation with Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Koufopoulos Nektarios , Ieronimaki Argyro-Ioanna , Zacharatou Andriani , Gouloumis Alina Roxana , Leventakou Danai , Boutas Ioannis , Dimas Dionysios T. , Kontogeorgi Adamantia , Sitara Kyparissia , Khaldi Lubna , Zanelli Magda , Palicelli Andrea
Published: June 2023

Prostatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is the second most common malignancy in men globally. Signet-ring cell-like adenocarcinoma (SRCC) is a very rare PA subtype, with around 200 cases reported in the English literature. Histologically, the tumor cells show a vacuole compressing the nucleus to the periphery. Pagetoid spread in acini and ducts is usually related to metastases from urothelial or colorectal carcinomas, less commonly associated with intraductal carcinoma (IC); histologically, the tumor cells grow between the acinar secretory and basal cell layers. To our knowledge, we report the first prostatic SRCC (Gleason score 10, stage pT3b) associated with IC and pagetoid spread to prostatic acini and seminal vesicles. To our systematic literature review (PRISMA guidelines), it is the first tested case for both PD-L1 (<1% of positive tumor cells, clone 22C3) and mismatch repair system proteins (MMR) (MLH1+/MSH2+/PMS2+/MSH6+). We found no SRCC previously tested for MMR, while only four previous cases showed high expression of another PD-L1 clone (28-8). Finally, we discussed the differential diagnoses of prostatic SRCC.
Research on the Development of Deserticulture and Desertification Land Use Benefits Evaluation in Ordos City
Authors: Wang Zhuoran , Hasi Eerdun
Published: June 2023

The regional economy of desertification area plays a pivotal role in the land economy. Therefore, the rational development of deserticulture is of paramount significance to the economic, social, and ecological benefits of sand areas in western China. In this paper, we constructed a comprehensive evaluation index system for the development of deserticulture and the benefits of desertification land use. The entropy method was used to calculate the weight of each index, which was then used to evaluate the level of development in Ordos City from 2010 to 2017. Additionally, we analyzed the coupling relationship between these two subsystems. The results indicate a gradual increase in the input, output, and environmental evaluation value of deserticulture development, as well as the economic, social, and ecological benefits of desertification land use from 2010 to 2017 in Ordos City. Additionally, there has been an overall improvement in the comprehensive evaluation value of both systems. The level of coupling and coordinated development between deserticulture development and desertification land use benefits has been further enhanced, with a significant increase in the degree of subsystem coordination. Initially, there was serious internal and external developmental discoordination in the system, which gradually improved to an overall state of barely coordinated.
Effects of a Home-Based Physical Activity Program on Blood Biomarkers and Health-Related Quality of Life Indices in Saudi Arabian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Ageely Hussein , Mahfouz Mohamed Salih , Hummadi Abdulrahman Ahmed , Darraj Hussain , Solan Yahia , Allan Robert , Bahsan Fatma , Hafaf Hassan AL , Abohadash Ali , Badedi Mohammed , Bottoms Lindsay
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to undertake a randomized control trial examining the effects of a 12-week home-based physical activity program on Saudi Arabian adults with type 2 diabetes. Sixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited from the Jazan Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, located in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Patients were randomly assigned to either control, i.e., usual care (males = 46.9% and females = 53.1%, age  =  45.88 ± 8.51 years, mass  =  76.30 ± 15.16 kg, stature  =  160.59 ± 8.94 cm, body mass index (BMI)  =  29.73 ± 6.24 kg/m2, years since diagnosis  =  8.12 ± 6.22 years) or a home-based physical activity (males = 50% and females = 50%, age  =  42.07 ± 9.72 years, mass  =  74.58 ± 13.67 kg, stature  =  158.94 ± 9.38 cm, BMI  =  29.44 ± 4.38 kg/m2, years since diagnosis  =  12.17 ± 8.38 years) trial arms. The home-based physical activity group was required to undertake aerobic training by increasing their habitual step count by 2000 steps per day and performing resistance training 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and secondary measures of anthropometrics, blood biomarkers, physical fitness, and patient-reported quality of life outcomes pertinent to type 2 diabetes were measured at timepoints, i.e., baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (follow-up). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no significant alterations in the primary outcome (control: baseline = 8.71%, 12-weeks = 8.35%, and follow-up = 8.72%; home-based physical activity: baseline = 8.32%, 12-weeks = 8.06%, and follow-up = 8.39%) between trial arms. However, improvements in psychological wellbeing at follow-up measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were significantly greater in the home-based physical activity group (baseline = 6.84, 12-weeks = 5.96, and follow-up = 5.00) compared to the control (baseline = 6.81, 12-weeks = 5.73, and follow-up = 8.53). No other statistically significant observations were observed. Home-based physical activity is not effective in mediating improvements in HbA1c levels or secondary hematological, blood pressure, anthropometric, or fitness indices. However, given the link between psychological wellbeing and the etiology/progression of disease activity in type 2 diabetes, home-based physical activity may be effective for tertiary disease management. Future trials should examine the efficacy of relative exercise intensities greater than those in the current study.
Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Interventions: A Triumph for Transcatheter Procedures?
Authors: Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Pyrpyris Nikolaos , Aznaouridis Konstantinos , Iliakis Panagiotis , Valatsou Aggeliki , Tsioufis Panagiotis , Beneki Eirini , Mantzouranis Emmanouil , Aggeli Konstantina , Tsiamis Eleftherios , Tsioufis Konstantinos
Published: June 2023

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common valvular pathology, estimated to affect 1.6 million people in the United States alone. Even though guidelines recommend either medical therapy or surgical treatment for TR, the misconception of TR as a benign disease along with the high mortality rates of surgical intervention led to undertreating this disease and commonly describing it as a “forgotten” valve. Recently, the development of transcatheter interventions for TR show promising potential for use in the clinical setting. There are currently few approved and numerous tested percutaneously delivered devices, which can be categorized, based on their mechanism of action, to either valve repair or valve replacement procedures. Both procedures were tested in clinical trials and show an echocardiographic reduction in TR sustained for at least 1 year after the procedure, as well as symptom relief and functional improvement of the patients. Device selection should be personalized, taking into consideration the anatomy of each valve and the available options at each heart center. Moreover, appropriate patient selection and timing of the procedure are also crucial for the success of the procedure. In this review, we analyze the clinical trials available for all devices currently approved or tested, aiming to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent evidence in the field of transcatheter TR interventions.
The Role of Cytochrome P450 3A4-Mediated Metabolism in Sorafenib and Lapatinib Hepatotoxicity
Authors: McGill Mitchell R. , Kaufmann Yihong , LoBianco Francesca V. , Schleiff Mary A. , Aykin-Burns Nukhet , Miller Grover P.
Published: June 2023

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are increasingly popular drugs used to treat more than a dozen different diseases including some forms of cancer. Despite having fewer adverse effects than traditional chemotherapies, they are not without risks. Liver injury is a particular concern. Of the FDA-approved TKIs, approximately 40% cause hepatotoxicity. However, little is known about the underlying pathophysiology. The leading hypothesis is that TKIs are converted by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) to reactive metabolites that damage proteins. Indeed, there is strong evidence for this bioactivation of TKIs in in vitro reactions. However, the actual toxic effects are underexplored. Here, we measured the cytotoxicity of several TKIs in primary mouse hepatocytes, HepaRG cells and HepG2 cells with and without CYP3A4 modulation. To our surprise, the data indicate that CYP3A4 increases resistance to sorafenib and lapatinib hepatotoxicity. The results have implications for the mechanism of toxicity of these drugs in patients and underline the importance of selecting an appropriate experimental model.
5-[(5-Chloro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl)methyl]-N-[[6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl]pyridin-2-amine Dihydrochloride Dihydrate
Authors: Kozanecka-Okupnik Weronika , Wurst Klaus , Neuner Sandro , Nerdinger Sven , Gelbrich Thomas
Published: June 2023

The dihydrochloride salt of pexidartinib was synthesized and the crystal structure of its dihydrate was determined from single crystal data. The asymmetric unit consists of one formula unit. In the pexidartinib molecule, the N atom of the central pyridine ring and the pyridine-N atom of the pyrrolopyridine group are both protonated. The pexidartinib molecule forms N–H···O and N–H···Cl interactions with neighboring water molecules and chloride ions, respectively. Water/chloride (O–H···Cl) and water/water (O–H···O) interactions are also observed. Collectively, these intermolecular interactions result in a complex H-bonded framework structure.
Comparative Study of Corrosion Behaviors of WC-NiMo and WC-Co Cemented Carbides
Authors: Balbino Nádia Alves Nery , Corrêa Edmilson Otoni , Huanca Danilo Roque , de Freitas Matos Flávio Amaury , de Carvalho Valeriano Livio
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the influence of a nickel binder metal and molybdenum carbide as an additional alloying element on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of WC-based cemented carbides, processed by conventional powder metallurgy, was studied, and a comparison with conventional cemented carbide (WC-Co) was carried out. The sintered alloys were characterized, before and after corrosive tests, by analyses using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion resistance of the cemented carbides was investigated by open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The WC-NiMo cemented carbides showed microstructures similar to those of WC-Co; however, pores and binder islands were observed in the microstructures. The corrosion tests showed promising results, the WC-NiMo cemented carbide showed superior corrosion resistance and higher passivation capacity than the WC-Co cemented carbide. The WC-NiMo alloy showed a higher EOC ≈−0.18 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl3mol/L than the WC-Co (EOC≈−0.45 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl3mol/L). The potentiodynamic polarization curves showed lower current density values throughout the potential range for the WC-NiMo alloy, and it was observed that Ecorr was less negative (≈−0.416 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl3mol/L) than for WC-Co (≈−0.543 V vs. V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl3mol/L). The EIS analysis confirmed low rate corrosion of WC-NiMo associated with the formation of a passive thin layer. This alloy showed a higher Rct (1970.70 Ω).
Progress in Blind Image Quality Assessment: A Brief Review
Authors: Yang Pei , Sturtz Jordan , Qingge Letu
Published: June 2023

As a fundamental research problem, blind image quality assessment (BIQA) has attracted increasing interest in recent years. Although great progress has been made, BIQA still remains a challenge. To better understand the research progress and challenges in this field, we review BIQA methods in this paper. First, we introduce the BIQA problem definition and related methods. Second, we provide a detailed review of the existing BIQA methods in terms of representative hand-crafted features, learning-based features and quality regressors for two-stage methods, as well as one-stage DNN models with various architectures. Moreover, we also present and analyze the performance of competing BIQA methods on six public IQA datasets. Finally, we conclude our paper with possible future research directions based on a performance analysis of the BIQA methods. This review will provide valuable references for researchers interested in the BIQA problem.
Finite-Time Ruin Probabilities of Bidimensional Risk Models with Correlated Brownian Motions
Authors: Zhu Dan , Zhou Ming , Yin Chuancun
Published: June 2023

The present work concerns the finite-time ruin probabilities for several bidimensional risk models with constant interest force and correlated Brownian motions. Under the condition that the two Brownian motions {B1(t),t≥0} and {B2(t),t≥0} are correlated, we establish new results for the finite-time ruin probabilities. Our research enriches the development of the ruin theory with heavy tails in unidimensional risk models and the dependence theory of stochastic processes.
Study of Dynamic Solutions for Human–Machine System with Human Error and Common-Cause Failure
Authors: Zhao Juan , Kasim Ehmet
Published: June 2023

This work investigates a dynamic solution of human–machine systems with human error and common-cause failure. By means of functional analysis, it is proved that the semigroup generated by the underlying operator converges exponentially to a projection operator by analyzing the spectral property of the underlying operator, and the asymptotic expressions of the system’s time-dependent solutions are presented. We also provide numerical examples to illustrate the effects of different parameters on the system and the theoretical analysis’s validity.
New Options for Systemic Therapies in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA)
Authors: Becht Rafał , Wasilewicz Michał P.
Published: June 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a malignant neoplasm of the biliary tract, the incidence of which has increased in recent years. The etiopathogenesis is not fully elucidated, but the greatest association has been shown with inflammatory changes within the biliary tract. Surgical treatment is the main therapeutic modality; however, less than 30% of its are resectable at diagnosis, with the majority of patients requiring systemic treatment. Chemotherapy with capecitabine is the standard adjuvant therapy. For patients with inoperable tumors or metastatic lesions, chemotherapy alone or in combination with immunotherapy (durvalumab, pembrolizumab) is used. There is a need to provide systemic treatment in patients with progression after first-line treatment in good performance status. New therapeutic pathways for the treatment of this tumor type are still being identified with new emerging potential targets such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), or BRAF mutation.
Rhinosinusitis Treatment with Cineole: Patient-Reported Quality of Life Improvements from a Non-Interventional, Pharmacy-Based Survey
Authors: Werkhäuser Nina , Pieper-Fürst Ursula , Sahin Hacer , Claas Antonia , Mösges Ralph
Published: June 2023

Background: Rhinosinusitis is commonly treated with decongestants, analgesics, and local corticosteroids. Phytotherapeutics are also utilised for symptomatic relief, including cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil. Methods: The current non-interventional, anonymised survey investigated quality of life in participants with rhinosinusitis (with or without additional symptoms of bronchitis) via the German version of a validated quality of life questionnaire (RhinoQol). Overall, 310 subjects administered a cineole preparation (Sinolpan) and 40 subjects applying nasal decongestant were recruited in German pharmacies. Results: Significant improvements in frequency (64.0%), bothersomeness (52.1%), and impact (53.9%) of rhinosinusitis symptoms were reported upon treatment with cineole over a mean treatment period of seven days (p < 0.001 each). The overall treatment efficacy of cineole was evaluated as good or very good by 90.0% of the participants, and the quality of life during work or leisure time improved upon treatment. Six (non-serious) possibly related side effects were reported in four participants who were administered cineole. The tolerability of the treatment was assessed as good or very good by 93.9% of the participants. Conclusions: Cineole can be considered as a safe and well-tolerated rhinosinusitis treatment conferring a clear improvement in quality of life outcomes.
Novel Metabolomic Approach for Identifying Pathology-Specific Biomarkers in Rare Diseases: A Case Study in Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD)
Authors: Harish Pradeep , Malerba Alberto , Kroon Rosemarie H. M. J. M. , Shademan Milad , van Engelan Baziel , Raz Vered , Popplewell Linda , Snowden Stuart G.
Published: June 2023

The identification of metabolomic biomarkers relies on the analysis of large cohorts of patients compared to healthy controls followed by the validation of markers in an independent sample set. Indeed, circulating biomarkers should be causally linked to pathology to ensure that changes in the marker precede changes in the disease. However, this approach becomes unfeasible in rare diseases due to the paucity of samples, necessitating the development of new methods for biomarker identification. The present study describes a novel approach that combines samples from both mouse models and human patients to identify biomarkers of OPMD. We initially identified a pathology-specific metabolic fingerprint in murine dystrophic muscle. This metabolic fingerprint was then translated into (paired) murine serum samples and then to human plasma samples. This study identified a panel of nine candidate biomarkers that could predict muscle pathology with a sensitivity of 74.3% and specificity of 100% in a random forest model. These findings demonstrate that the proposed approach can identify biomarkers with good predictive performance and a higher degree of confidence in their relevance to pathology than markers identified in a small cohort of human samples alone. Therefore, this approach has a high potential utility for identifying circulating biomarkers in rare diseases.
Microbial Biofilm: A Review on Formation, Infection, Antibiotic Resistance, Control Measures, and Innovative Treatment
Authors: Sharma Satish , Mohler James , Mahajan Supriya D. , Schwartz Stanley A. , Bruggemann Liana , Aalinkeel Ravikumar
Published: June 2023

Biofilm is complex and consists of bacterial colonies that reside in an exopolysaccharide matrix that attaches to foreign surfaces in a living organism. Biofilm frequently leads to nosocomial, chronic infections in clinical settings. Since the bacteria in the biofilm have developed antibiotic resistance, using antibiotics alone to treat infections brought on by biofilm is ineffective. This review provides a succinct summary of the theories behind the composition of, formation of, and drug-resistant infections attributed to biofilm and cutting-edge curative approaches to counteract and treat biofilm. The high frequency of medical device-induced infections due to biofilm warrants the application of innovative technologies to manage the complexities presented by biofilm.
Symbiotic Variations among Wheat Genotypes and Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci for Molecular Interaction with Auxin-Producing Azospirillum PGPR
Authors: Valente Jordan , Gerin Florence , Mini Agathe , Richard Rohan , Le Gouis Jacques , Prigent-Combaret Claire , Moënne-Loccoz Yvan
Published: June 2023

Crop varieties differ in their ability to interact with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), but the genetic basis for these differences is unknown. This issue was addressed with the PGPR Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245, using 187 wheat accessions. We screened the accessions based on the seedling colonization by the PGPR and the expression of the phenylpyruvate decarboxylase gene ppdC (for synthesis of the auxin indole-3-acetic acid), using gusA fusions. Then, the effects of the PGPR on the selected accessions stimulating Sp245 (or not) were compared in soil under stress. Finally, a genome-wide association approach was implemented to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with PGPR interaction. Overall, the ancient genotypes were more effective than the modern genotypes for Azospirillum root colonization and ppdC expression. In non-sterile soil, A. baldaniorum Sp245 improved wheat performance for three of the four PGPR-stimulating genotypes and none of the four non-PGPR-stimulating genotypes. The genome-wide association did not identify any region for root colonization but revealed 22 regions spread on 11 wheat chromosomes for ppdC expression and/or ppdC induction rate. This is the first QTL study focusing on molecular interaction with PGPR bacteria. The molecular markers identified provide the possibility to improve the capacity of modern wheat genotypes to interact with Sp245, as well as, potentially, other Azospirillum strains.
Cu(II) and Mn(II) Anchored on Functionalized Mesoporous Silica with Schiff Bases: Effects of Supports and Metal–Ligand Interactions on Catalytic Activity
Authors: Mureseanu Mihaela , Filip Mihaela , Bleotu Irina , Spinu Cezar Ionut , Marin Alexandru Horia , Matei Iulia , Parvulescu Viorica
Published: June 2023

New series of Cu(II) and Mn(II) complexes with Schiff base ligands derived from 2-furylmethylketone (Met), 2-furaldehyde (Fur), and 2-hydroxyacetopheneone (Hyd) have been synthesized in situ on SBA-15-NH2, MCM-48-NH2, and MCM-41-NH2 functionalized supports. The hybrid materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, SEM and TEM microscopy, TG analysis, and AAS, FTIR, EPR, and XPS spectroscopies. Catalytic performances were tested in oxidation with the hydrogen peroxide of cyclohexene and of different aromatic and aliphatic alcohols (benzyl alcohol, 2-methylpropan-1-ol, and 1-buten-3-ol). The catalytic activity was correlated with the type of mesoporous silica support, ligand, and metal–ligand interactions. The best catalytic activity of all tested hybrid materials was obtained in the oxidation of cyclohexene on SBA-15-NH2-MetMn as a heterogeneous catalyst. No leaching was evidenced for Cu and Mn complexes, and the Cu catalysts were more stable due to a more covalent interaction of the metallic ions with the immobilized ligands.