bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatic Analysis of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthetic Potential in Pathogenic Fusarium
Authors: Lin Chao , Feng Xi-long , Liu Yu , Li Zhao-chen , Li Xiu-Zhang , Qi Jianzhao
Published: August 2023

Fusarium species are among the filamentous fungi with the most pronounced impact on agricultural production and human health. The mycotoxins produced by pathogenic Fusarium not only attack various plants including crops, causing various plant diseases that lead to reduced yields and even death, but also penetrate into the food chain of humans and animals to cause food poisoning and consequent health hazards. Although sporadic studies have revealed some of the biosynthetic pathways of Fusarium toxins, they are insufficient to satisfy the need for a comprehensive understanding of Fusarium toxin production. In this study, we focused on 35 serious pathogenic Fusarium species with available genomes and systematically analyzed the ubiquity of the distribution of identified Fusarium- and non-Fusarium-derived fungal toxin biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) in these species through the mining of core genes and the comparative analysis of corresponding BGCs. Additionally, novel sesterterpene synthases and PKS_NRPS clusters were discovered and analyzed. This work is the first to systematically analyze the distribution of related mycotoxin biosynthesis in pathogenic Fusarium species. These findings enhance the knowledge of mycotoxin production and provide a theoretical grounding for the prevention of fungal toxin production using biotechnological approaches.
A Potentially Practicable Halotolerant Yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii A4 for Decolorizing and Detoxifying Azo Dyes and Its Possible Halotolerance Mechanisms
Authors: Feng Yue , Cui Jingru , Xu Bingwen , Jiang Yifan , Fu Chunqing , Tan Liang
Published: August 2023

In this study, a halotolerant yeast that is capable of efficiently decolorizing and detoxifying azo dyes was isolated, identified and characterized for coping with the treatment of azo-dye-containing wastewaters. A characterization of the yeast, including the optimization of its metabolism and growth conditions, its detoxification effectiveness and the degradation pathway of the target azo dye, as well as a determination of the key activities of the enzyme, was performed. Finally, the possible halotolerance mechanisms of the yeast were proposed through a comparative transcriptome analysis. The results show that a halotolerant yeast, A4, which could decolorize various azo dyes, was isolated from a marine environment and was identified as Meyerozyma guilliermondii. Its optimal conditions for dye decolorization were ≥1.0 g/L of sucrose, ≥0.2 g/L of (NH4)2SO4, 0.06 g/L of yeast extract, pH 6.0, a temperature of 35 °C and a rotation speed of ≥160 rpm. The yeast, A4, degraded and detoxified ARB through a series of steps, relying on the key enzymes that might be involved in the degradation of azo dye and aromatic compounds. The halotolerance of the yeast, A4, was mainly related to the regulation of the cell wall components and the excessive uptake of Na+/K+ and/or compatible organic solutes into the cells under different salinity conditions. The up-regulation of genes encoding Ca2+-ATPase and casein kinase II as well as the enrichment of KEGG pathways associated with proteasome and ribosome might also be responsible for its halotolerance.
The Role of Lignin in the Compartmentalization of Cadmium in Maize Roots Is Enhanced by Mycorrhiza
Authors: Lao Ruimin , Guo Yanying , Hao Weixia , Fang Wenjun , Li Haiyan , Zhao Zhiwei , Li Tao
Published: August 2023

In nature, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in the root systems of plants. They can help enhance the resistance of host plants by improving the compartmentalization of toxic metal contaminants in the cell walls (CWs). However, the functions and responses of various CW subfractions to mycorrhizal colonization under Cd exposure remain unknown. Here we conducted a study to investigate how Cd is stored in the cell walls of maize roots colonized by Funneliformis mosseae. Our findings indicate that inoculating the roots with AMF significantly lowers the amount of Cd in the maize shoots (63.6 ± 6.54 mg kg−1 vs. 45.3 ± 2.19 mg kg−1, p < 0.05) by retaining more Cd in the mycorrhized roots (224.0 ± 17.13 mg kg−1 vs. 289.5 ± 8.75 mg kg−1, p < 0.01). This reduces the adverse effects of excessive Cd on the maize plant. Additional research on the subcellular distribution of Cd showed that AMF colonization significantly improves the compartmentalization of 88.2% of Cd in the cell walls of maize roots, compared to the 80.8% of Cd associated with cell walls in the non-mycorrhizal controls. We observed that the presence of AMF did not increase the amount of Cd in pectin, a primary binding site for cell walls; however, it significantly enhanced the content of lignin and the proportion of Cd in the total root cell walls. This finding is consistent with the increased activity of lignin-related enzymes, such as PAL, 4CL, and laccase, which were also positively impacted by mycorrhizal colonization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed that AMF increased the number and types of functional groups, including −OH/−NH and carboxylate, which chelate Cd in the lignin. Our research shows that AMF can improve the ability of maize plants to tolerate Cd by reducing the amount of Cd transferred from the roots to the shoots. This is achieved by increasing the amount of lignin in the cell walls, which binds with Cd and prevents it from moving through the plant. This is accomplished by activating enzymes related to lignin synthesis and increasing the exposure of Cd-binding functional groups of lignin. However, more direct evidence on the immobilization of Cd in the mycorrhiza-altered cell wall subfractions is needed.
Exploring the Diversity and Systematics of Phaeosphaeriaceae: Taxonomic Novelties from Ecologically Diverse Habitats and Their Phylogenetic Resolution
Authors: Wanasinghe Dhanushka N. , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa S. N.
Published: August 2023

The family Phaeosphaeriaceae is a diverse group of ascomycetous fungi that are commonly found in terrestrial habitats worldwide. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the biodiversity of Phaeosphaeriaceae in China, particularly in Sichuan Province, which has not been fully explored for its high fungal diversity. In our study, we conducted extensive surveys in Sichuan Province to identify and describe new species of Ascomycota with diverse habitats. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of Phaeosphaeriaceae with taxonomic novelties from terrestrial habitats in Sichuan Province based on a multi-gene phylogenetic approach. Our study focuses on the description of four new species of Phaeosphaeriaceae, representing novel additions to the diversity of this fungal family. Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we provide detailed descriptions of the new taxa and their placement within the family. Additionally, we discuss the phylogenetic relationships of these new taxa with other members of Phaeosphaeriaceae, providing insights into the correct taxonomic classification of the family. Our taxonomic revision contributes to understanding fungal diversity in China and provides a foundation for future studies investigating the taxonomy and ecological roles of Phaeosphaeriaceae fungi. Furthermore, our multi-gene phylogenetic approach provides increased resolution and accuracy in the delimitation of species boundaries within the family. Our study highlights the importance of continued exploration and taxonomic revision in order to fully understand the diversity and distribution of fungal species in China and beyond. New species: Paraloratospora sichuanensis, Phaeosphaeria chengduensis, P. sichuanensis, and Septoriella shoemakeri. New combinations: Paraloratospora breonadiae, P. fructigena, Septoriella ammophilicola, S. asparagicola, S. festucae, S. luzulae, and S. verrucispora. New names: Septoriella paradactylidis, and S. neomuriformis.
Do IFRS Disclosure Requirements Reduce the Cost of Equity Capital? Evidence from European Firms
Authors: Ghouma Ghouma , Becha Hamdi , Kalai Maha , Helali Kamel , Ertz Myriam
Published: August 2023

This study analyzes the impact of adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the cost of equity capital for firms listed on STOXX Europe 600 using a sample of 9773 firm-year observations between 1994 and 2022. We estimate the cost of equity capital using the modified price–earnings–growth ratio model and employ the GMM system to investigate the effect of IFRS Standards on the cost of equity capital. Our results indicate that IFRS adoption reduces firms’ cost of equity capital. We performed various sensitivity analyses to ensure the reliability of our results. Overall, this study contributes to the extant literature on the cost of equity capital implications of IFRS adoption and provides valuable insights for investors, regulators, and policymakers.
Cultivating Change: Perceptions and Attitudes of Agricultural Experts towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Qasemi Moheb , Allahyari Mohammad Sadegh , Ben Hassen Tarek , Askari Mohammad Iman , El Bilali Hamid
Published: August 2023

The agricultural sector is crucial to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since it ensures food security, protects natural resources, and promotes rural livelihoods. However, the success of sustainable agricultural practices depends not only on effective policies and technologies but also on agricultural experts’ perceptions and attitudes, as well as their willingness to embrace sustainable practices. Therefore, this study aims to: (i) investigate the perceptions and attitudes of agricultural experts in Guilan Province (Iran) towards the SDGs, and (ii) determine their educational needs regarding the SDGs and identify specific areas requiring more attention and targeted interventions. This research adopts a quantitative approach and relies on a survey with a random sample of 152 agricultural experts. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26 software and descriptive and inferential statistics. Agricultural experts perceived most SDGs as having high educational needs. Priority SDGs for education and training included SDG 14 (Life below water), whereas areas requiring increased knowledge among the employees relate, inter alia, to SDGs 1 (No poverty) and 2 (Zero hunger). The study contributes to the effective implementation of the SDGs by encouraging a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector connected with broader goals of sustainable development.
A Novel Two-Step Inertial Viscosity Algorithm for Bilevel Optimization Problems Applied to Image Recovery
Authors: Wattanataweekul Rattanakorn , Janngam Kobkoon , Suantai Suthep
Published: August 2023

This paper introduces a novel two-step inertial algorithm for locating a common fixed point of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings. We establish strong convergence properties of the proposed method under mild conditions and employ it to solve convex bilevel optimization problems. The method is further applied to the image recovery problem. Our numerical experiments show that the proposed method achieves faster convergence than other related methods in the literature.
Stress Analysis of the Radius and Ulna in Tennis at Different Flexion Angles of the Elbow
Authors: Chen Yan , Du Qiang , Yin Xiyang , Fu Renjie , Zhu Yiyun
Published: August 2023

In this paper, based on the finite element method, the stresses of the radius and ulna are analyzed at different flexion angles of the elbow when playing tennis. The finite element model is presented for the elbow position with flexion angles of 0°, 25°, 60°, and 80° according to the normal human arm bone. In this model, the whole arm with metacarpals, radius, ulna, humerus and scapula is considered. The calculation is simplified by setting the scapula and metacarpals as rigid bodies and using Tie binding constraints between the humerus and the radius and ulna. This model is discretized using the 10-node second-order tetrahedral element (C3D10). This model contains 109,765 nodes and 68,075 elements. The hitting forces applied to the metacarpal bone are 100 N and 300 N, respectively. The numerical results show that the highest principal stresses are at the points of 1/4 of the radius, the elbow joint, and the points of 1/10 of the ulna. The results of the maximum principal stress show that the external pressures are more pronounced as the elbow flexion angle increases and that the magnitude of the hitting force does not affect the principal stress distribution pattern. Elbow injuries to the radius can be reduced by using a stroke with less elbow flexion, and it is advisable to wear a reinforced arm cuff on the dorsal 1/4 of the hand, a radial/dorsal hand wrist, and an elbow guard to prevent radial ulnar injuries.
Radiation Therapy Changed the Second Malignancy Pattern in Rectal Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ye Xiaoxian , Tan Yinuo , Ma Ruishuang , Lou Pengrong , Yuan Ying
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. It can bring radio exposure together with the survival benefit. Cancer survivors are generally at an increased risk for second malignancies, and survivors receiving RT may have higher risks than survivors not receiving RT. Whether the risk of an all-site second malignancy may increase after RT is still debated. This study aims to compare the second malignancy pattern in rectal cancer survivors after RT. Materials and Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used for analysis. In total, 49,961 rectal cancer patients (20–84 years of age) were identified between 2000 and 2012 from 18 SEER registries. All patients underwent surgery. The occurrence of second malignancies diagnosed after rectal cancer diagnosis was compared in patients who received and did not receive RT. The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used. SEER*Stat was used to generate the 95% CIs for the SIR statistics using the exact method. Results: Of the total 49,961 patients, 5582 developed second malignancies. For all-site second primary malignancies, the age-adjusted SIRs were 1.14 (95% CI 1.1–1.18) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.96–1.04) in the no RT and RT groups, respectively. In 23,192 patients from the surgery-only group, 2604 had second malignancies, and in 26,769 patients who received RT, 2978 developed second malignancies. With respect to every site, the risk of secondary prostate cancer was significantly lower in the RT group (SIR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.33–0.46) than that in the surgery-only group (SIR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.96–1.12). Moreover, the risk of thyroid cancer was significantly higher in the RT group (SIR = 2.80, 95% CI 2.2–3.51) than that in the surgery-only group (SIR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.99–1.66). Conclusions: RT may change the second malignancy pattern in rectal cancer survivors; the risk of prostate cancer decreased, and the risk of thyroid cancer increased most significantly.
Effect of TiO2 on Thermal, Mechanical, and Gas Separation Performances of Polyetherimide–Polyvinyl Acetate Blend Membranes
Authors: Maqsood Khuram , Jamil Asif , Ahmed Anas , Sutisna Burhannudin , Nunes Suzana , Ulbricht Mathias
Published: August 2023

Blend membranes consisting of two polymer pairs improve gas separation, but compromise mechanical and thermal properties. To address this, incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles has been suggested, to enhance interactions between polymer phases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of TiO2 as a filler on the thermal, surface mechanical, as well as gas separation properties of blend membranes. Blend polymeric membranes consisting of polyetherimide (PEI) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) with blend ratios of (99:1) and (98:2) were developed via a wet-phase inversion technique. In the latter, TiO2 was incorporated in ratios of 1 and 2 wt.% while maintaining a blend ratio of (98:2). TGA and DSC analyses were used to examine thermal properties, and nano-indentation tests were carried out to ascertain surface mechanical characteristics. On the other hand, a gas permeation set-up was used to determine gas separation performance. TGA tests showed that blend membranes containing TiO2 had better thermal characteristics. Indentation tests showed that TiO2-containing membranes exhibited greater surface hardness compared to other membranes. The results of gas permeation experiments showed that TiO2-containing membranes had better separation characteristics. PEI–PVAc blend membranes with 2 wt.% TiO2 as filler displayed superior separation performance for both gas pairs (CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2). The compatibility between the rubbery and glassy phases of blend membranes was improved as a result of the inclusion of TiO2, which further benefited their thermal, surface mechanical, and gas separation performances.
Effects of Alloying Elements on the Dissolution and Precipitation Behaviour of Fe in Mg-Al Alloy Melts
Authors: Jiang Shiyu , Yang Li , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Ligang , Wang Jun , Chen Tao , Tang Aitao , Ma Lifeng , Pan Fusheng
Published: August 2023

It is necessary to strictly control the iron (Fe) impurity in Mg-Al alloys to guarantee good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. In this work, the effects of alloying elements and temperatures on the solubilities of Fe in the Mg-Al-based alloy melts (Mg-rich liquid phases) at 963–1033 K were studied by combining the in situ sampling method for the high precision solution values and the multiple regression numerical analysis method for the feature analysis. The solubilities of Fe in Mg-xAl (x = 1 and 3 wt.%) alloy melts could be significantly reduced by adding the yttrium (Y) or manganese (Mn) elements. However, the solubilities of Fe in Mg alloy melts were not in a monotonous relationship with the contents of the alloying elements in the Mg alloys. For the addition of Mn or Y, the lowest solubilities of Fe presented in the Mg-rich liquid phases were for the Mg-xAl alloys with the addition of 2 wt.% Mn or 1 wt.% Y, respectively. Additionally, the Fe-containing precipitations in the related systems were analysed and the Fe was mainly combined with Mn or Y and precipitated, which contributed to the removal of Fe from the Mg melt. The present study provides fundamental thermodynamic information regarding Mg-Al-Fe based systems and the design principle for the removal of Fe in Mg alloys.
Hydrogen Embrittlement Behavior of a Commercial QP980 Steel
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Ma Cheng , Zhao Aimin , Fan Yuheng , Li Zhiqiang
Published: August 2023

The hydrogen embrittlement (HE) behavior of a commercial QP980 steel is studied in this work. The HE susceptibility results indicate that QP980 suffers from a severe HE, and the fracture mode transforms from ductile dimpling to brittle quasi-cleavage under the attack of hydrogen. The EBSD results show that strain-induced martensite transformation can rarely occur at a strain close to the HE fracture strain, which is mainly attributed to the high mechanical stability of austenite. The TKD-KAM analysis results indicate that hydrogen-induced strain localization in martensite can be mitigated by the hydrogen-trapping effect of surrounding austenite, while it is most pronounced in martensite adjacent to ferrite. Correspondingly, HE cracking is considered to initiate in martensite adjacent to ferrite under the synergistic action of HELP and HEDE mechanisms, and then cracks can propagate through ferrite or along phase interfaces. Our findings suggest that to further improve the HE resistance of QP steel with stable austenite, it is necessary to consider introducing effective hydrogen-trapping sites (such as carbides, film austenite) into martensite, which is deemed to be beneficial for increasing the resistance against hydrogen-induced cracking initiation in martensite.
Optimization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Outer Membrane Vesicles Production and Isolation Method for Vaccination Purposes
Authors: Berzosa Melibea , Delgado-López Alberto , Irache Juan Manuel , Gamazo Carlos
Published: August 2023

The study addresses Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a significant concern in low-income countries. Despite its prevalence, there is no licensed vaccine against ETEC. Bacterial vesicle-based vaccines are promising due to their safety and diverse virulence factors. However, cost-effective production requires enhancing vesicle yield while considering altered properties due to isolation methods. The proposed method involves heat treatment and ultrafiltration to recover vesicles from bacterial cultures. Two vesicle types, collected from heat-treated (HT-OMV) or untreated (NT-OMV) cultures, were compared. Vesicles were isolated via ultrafiltration alone (“complete”) or with ultracentrifugation (“sediment”). Preliminary findings suggest complete HT-OMV vesicles are suitable for an ETEC vaccine. They express important proteins (OmpA, OmpX, OmpW) and virulence factors (adhesin TibA). Sized optimally (50–200 nm) for mucosal vaccination, they activate macrophages, inducing marker expression (CD40, MHCII, CD80, CD86) and Th1/Th2 cytokine release (IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL12p70, IL-10). This study confirms non-toxicity in RAW 264.7 cells and the in vivo ability of complete HT-OMV to generate significant IgG2a/IgG1 serum antibodies. Results suggest promise for a cost-effective ETEC vaccine, requiring further research on in vivo toxicity, pathogen-specific antibody detection, and protective efficacy.
Microbiota in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Endometriosis: Birds of a Feather Flock Together—A Review
Authors: Salmeri Noemi , Sinagra Emanuele , Dolci Carolina , Buzzaccarini Giovanni , Sozzi Giulio , Sutera Miriam , Candiani Massimo , Ungaro Federica , Massimino Luca , Danese Silvio , Mandarino Francesco Vito
Published: August 2023

Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are chronic conditions affecting up to 10% of the global population, imposing significant burdens on healthcare systems and patient quality of life. Interestingly, around 20% of endometriosis patients also present with symptoms indicative of IBS. The pathogenesis of both these multifactorial conditions remains to be fully elucidated, but connections to gut microbiota are becoming more apparent. Emerging research underscores significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between healthy individuals and those suffering from either endometriosis or IBS. Intestinal dysbiosis appears pivotal in both conditions, exerting an influence via similar mechanisms. It impacts intestinal permeability, triggers inflammatory reactions, and initiates immune responses. Furthermore, it is entwined in a bidirectional relationship with the brain, as part of the gut–brain axis, whereby dysbiosis influences and is influenced by mental health and pain perception. Recent years have witnessed the development of microbiota-focused therapies, such as low FODMAP diets, prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, designed to tackle dysbiosis and relieve symptoms. While promising, these treatments present inconsistent data, highlighting the need for further research. This review explores the evidence of gut dysbiosis in IBS and endometriosis, underscoring the similar role of microbiota in both conditions. A deeper understanding of this common mechanism may enable enhanced diagnostics and therapeutic advancements.
Influences of Water Content on Acousto-Mechanical Properties and Failure Behaviors of Triaxially Compressed Shale
Authors: Zhang Sui , Cai Fuming , Cao Yangbing , Yan Qiang
Published: August 2023

Due to the extreme water sensitivity of shale, the excavation of shale underground engineering is prone to major disaster accidents such as roof falls and collapses. However, current investigations have failed to fully explain the mechanisms by which water content affects shale damage behaviors. In this study, the acousto-mechanical properties and failure behaviors of laminated shale under different confining pressures σ3 are investigated with the aid of AE monitoring for three different water content states. The results show that the shale strength decreases with the increase of the water content, but it increases as the confining pressure σ3 increases. For the shale, the change in the wetting angle and the distance between the centroids of the two adjacent particles inside the bedding plane is more prominent than the surrounding shale matrix, and the swelling pressure is generated among the clay minerals, which are the two main mechanisms for the bedding-participating failure and the shale softening after immersion. Moreover, with the increase of the water content and σ3, the damage mode of shale specimens gradually changes from tension damage to shear damage. Controlled by bedding, shale failure shows significant suddenness without clear acoustical precursors. This study provides experimental and theoretical bases for the stability analysis of shale underground engineering.
A Generalized Nomenclature Scheme for Graphene Pores, Flakes, and Edges, and an Algorithm for Their Generation and Numbering
Authors: Fthenakis Zacharias G.
Published: August 2023

In the present study, we generalize our recently proposed nomenclature scheme for porous graphene structures to include graphene flakes and (periodic) edges, i.e., nanographenes and graphene nanoribbons. The proposed nomenclature scheme is a complete scheme that similarly treats all these structures. Beyond this generalization, we study the geometric features of graphene flakes and edges based on ideas from the graph theory, as well as the pore–flake duality. Based on this study, we propose an algorithm for the systematic generation, identification, and numbering of graphene pores, flakes, and edges. The algorithm and the nomenclature scheme can also be used for flakes and edges of similar honeycomb systems.
The Molecular Mechanisms of the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Ruiz-Pozo Viviana A. , Tamayo-Trujillo Rafael , Cadena-Ullauri Santiago , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Paz-Cruz Elius , Chapela Sebastián , Montalván Martha , Morales-López Tania , Simancas-Racines Daniel , Zambrano Ana Karina
Published: August 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative condition resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons. This neuronal loss leads to motor and non-motor neurological symptoms. Most PD cases are idiopathic, and no cure is available. Recently, it has been proposed that insulin resistance (IR) could be a central factor in PD development. IR has been associated with PD neuropathological features like α-synuclein aggregation, dopaminergic neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy. These features are related to impaired neurological metabolism, neuronal death, and the aggravation of PD symptoms. Moreover, pharmacological options that involve insulin signaling improvement and dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic strategies have been under development. These drugs could prevent the metabolic pathways involved in neuronal damage. All these approaches could improve PD outcomes. Also, new biomarker identification may allow for an earlier PD diagnosis in high-risk individuals. This review describes the main pathways implicated in PD development involving IR. Also, it presents several therapeutic options that are directed at insulin signaling improvement and could be used in PD treatment. The understanding of IR molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative development could enhance PD therapeutic options and diagnosis.
Reports of Symptoms Associated with Supraventricular Arrhythmias as a Serious Adverse Drug Reaction in the Spanish Pharmacovigilance Database
Authors: Pueyo-Val Javier , Avedillo-Salas Ana , Berdún-Viñegra Pablo , Pueyo-Val Olga María , Fanlo-Villacampa Ana , Navarro-Pemán Cristina , Lanuza-Giménez Francisco Javier , Ioakeim-Skoufa Ignatios , Vicente-Romero Jorge
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to determine the type of drugs reported as suspected of causing severe supraventricular arrhythmias from the Spanish Human Pharmacovigilance System database. A total of 1053 reports were analysed, of which 526 (50%) were on men and 516 (49%) were on women. The most affected age group was the over-65s, with 593 reports (56%). Of the 1613 drugs, those belonging to the cardiovascular system (ATC Group C) were the most numerous (414 reports, 26%), with digoxin being the most frequent drug (49 reports, 12%). Other common groups were antiinfectives for systemic use (ATC Group J; 306 reports, 19%), antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (ATC Group L; 198 reports, 12%), and nervous system drugs (ATC Group N; 185 reports, 11%). The most common supraventricular arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation (561 reports, 51%). Regarding outcomes, 730 (66%) patients recovered, 76 (7%) did not recover, 25 (3%) recovered but with sequelae, and 23 (2%) resulted in death. This study revealed that certain drugs have reported to be associated more frequently to supraventricular arrhythmias as serious adverse reactions, especially in the older population. Proper clinical management and effective strategies to ensure medication appropriateness should always be considered to improve patient safety when prescribing drugs.
Molecular Imaging Investigations of Polymer-Coated Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles as a Radioprotective Therapeutic Candidate
Authors: McDonagh Philip Reed , Gobalakrishnan Sundaresan , Rabender Christopher , Vijayaragavan Vimalan , Zweit Jamal
Published: August 2023

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) have a unique surface redox chemistry that appears to selectively protect normal tissues from radiation induced damage. Our prior research exploring the biocompatibility of polymer-coated CONPs found further study of poly-acrylic acid (PAA)-coated CONPs was warranted due to improved systemic biodistribution and rapid renal clearance. This work further explores PAA-CONPs’ radioprotective efficacy and mechanism of action related to tumor microenvironment pH. An ex vivo TUNEL assay was used to measure PAA-CONPs’ protection of the irradiated mouse colon in comparison to the established radioprotector amifostine. [18F]FDG PET imaging of spontaneous colon tumors was utilized to determine the effects of PAA-CONPs on tumor radiation response. In vivo MRI and an ex vivo clonogenic assay were used to determine pH effects on PAA-CONPs’ radioprotection in irradiated tumor-bearing mice. PAA-CONPs showed excellent radioprotective efficacy in the normal colon that was equivalent to uncoated CONPs and amifostine. [18F]FDG PET imaging showed PAA-CONPs do not affect tumor response to radiation. Normalization of tumor pH allowed some radioprotection of tumors by PAA-CONPs, which may explain their lack of tumor radioprotection in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Overall, PAA-CONPs meet the criteria for clinical application as a radioprotective therapeutic agent and are an excellent candidate for further study.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Tomato Fruit Quality and Identification of Volatile Compounds
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Sitian , Zhu Xiumei , Chang Youlin , Wang Cheng , Ma Ning , Wang Junwen , Zhang Xiaodan , Lyu Jian , Xie Jianming
Published: August 2023

Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) are the most valuable vegetable crop in the world. This study identified the morphological characteristics, vitamin content, etc., from 15 tomato varieties in total, that included five each from the three experimental types, during the commercial ripening period. The results showed that the hardness with peel and the moisture content of tasty tomatoes were 157.81% and 54.50%, and 3.16% and 1.90% lower than those of regular tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, respectively, while the soluble solids were 60.25% and 20.79% higher than those of the latter two types. In addition, the contents of vitamin C, lycopene, fructose, glucose, and total organic acids of tasty tomatoes were higher than those of regular tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. A total of 110 volatile compounds were detected in the 15 tomato varieties. The average volatile compound content of tasty tomatoes was 57.94% higher than that of regular tomatoes and 15.24% higher than that of cherry tomatoes. Twenty of the 34 characteristic tomato aroma components were identified in tasty tomatoes, with fruity and green being the main odor types. Ten characteristic aroma components in regular tomatoes were similar to those of tasty tomatoes; ten types of cherry tomatoes had floral and woody aromas as the main odor types. The flavor sensory score was significantly positively correlated with the content of soluble solids, fructose, glucose, citric acid, fumaric acid, and β-ionone (p < 0.01), and significantly negatively correlated with water content and firmness without peel. Regular, tasty, and cherry tomatoes were separated using principal component analysis, and the quality of tasty tomatoes was found to be better than cherry tomatoes, followed by regular tomatoes. These results provide valuable information for a comprehensive evaluation of fruit quality among tomato varieties to develop consumer guidelines.
The Endophytic Microbiome of Wild Grapevines Vitis amurensis Rupr. and Vitis coignetiae Pulliat Growing in the Russian Far East
Authors: Aleynova Olga A. , Nityagovsky Nikolay N. , Ananev Alexey A. , Suprun Andrey R. , Ogneva Zlata V. , Dneprovskaya Alina A. , Beresh Alina A. , Tyunin Alexey P. , Dubrovina Alexandra S. , Kiselev Konstantin V.
Published: August 2023

Many grape endophytic microorganisms exhibit high potential for suppressing the development of grape diseases and stimulating grapevine growth and fitness, as well as beneficial properties of the crop. The microbiome of wild grapevines is a promising source of biocontrol agents, which can be beneficial for domesticated grapevines. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and classical microbiology techniques, we performed an analysis of bacterial and fungal endophytic communities of wild grapevines Vitis amurensis Rupr. and Vitis coignetiae Pulliat growing in the Russian Far East. According to the NGS analysis, 24 and 18 bacterial taxa from the class level were present in V. amurensis and V. coignetiae grapevines, respectively. Gammaproteobacteria (35%) was the predominant class of endophytic bacteria in V. amurensis and Alphaproteobacteria (46%) in V. coignetiae. Three taxa, namely Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium, and Hymenobacter, were the most common bacterial genera for V. amurensis and V. coignetiae. Metagenomic analysis showed the presence of 23 and 22 fungi and fungus-like taxa of class level in V. amurensis and V. coignetiae, respectively. The predominant fungal classes were Dothideomycetes (61–65%) and Tremellomycetes (10–11%), while Cladosporium and Aureobasidium were the most common fungal genera in V. amurensis and V. coignetiae, respectively. A comparative analysis of the endophytic communities of V. amurensis and V. coignetiae with the previously reported endophytic communities of V. vinifera revealed that the bacterial biodiversity of V. amurensis and V. coignetiae was similar in alpha diversity to V. vinifera’s bacterial biodiversity. The fungal alpha diversity of V. amurensis and V. coignetiae was statistically different from that of V. vinifera. The beta diversity analysis of bacterial and fungal endophytes showed that samples of V. vinifera formed separate clusters, while V. amurensis samples formed a separate cluster including V. coignetiae samples. The data revealed that the endophytic community of bacteria and fungi from wild V. amurensis was richer than that from V. coignetiae grapes and cultivated V. vinifera grapes. Therefore, the data obtained in this work could be of high value in the search for potentially useful microorganisms for viticulture.
Plant Growth Regulator- and Elicitor-Mediated Enhancement of Biomass and Andrographolide Production of Shoot Tip-Culture-Derived Plantlets of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. (Hempedu Bumi)
Authors: Patuhai Aicah , Wahab Puteri Edaroyati Megat , Yusoff Martini Mohammad , Dewir Yaser Hassan , Alsughayyir Ali , Hakiman Mansor
Published: August 2023

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. (Acanthaceae) is revered for its medicinal properties. In vitro culture of medicinal plants has assisted in improving both the quantity and quality of their yield. The current study investigated the effects of different surface sterilization treatments, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and elicitors on culture establishment and axillary shoot multiplication of A. paniculata. Subsequently, the production of andrographolide in the in vitro plantlets was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The shoot-tip explant was successfully sterilized using 60% commercial bleach for 5 min of immersion with a 90% survival rate and 96.67% aseptic culture. The optimal PGR for shoot growth was 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 17.76 µM, supplemented into Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, producing 23.57 ± 0.48 leaves, 7.33 ± 0.10 shoots, and a 3.06 ± 0.02 cm length of shoots. Subsequently, MS medium supplemented with 5 mg/L chitosan produced 26.07 ± 0.14 leaves, 8.33 ± 0.07 shoots, and a 3.63 ± 0.02 cm length of shoots. The highest andrographolide content was obtained using the plantlets harvested from 5 mg/L chitosan with 2463.03 ± 0.398 µg/mL compared to the control (without elicitation) with 256.73 ± 0.341 µg/mL (859.39% increase). The results imply that the protocol for the shoot-tip culture of A. paniculata was developed, and that elicitation enhanced the herbage yield and the production of andrographolide.
Exogenous Easily Extractable Glomalin-Related Soil Protein Stimulates Plant Growth by Regulating Tonoplast Intrinsic Protein Expression in Lemon
Authors: Guo Xiao-Niu , Hao Yong , Wu Xiao-Long , Chen Xin , Liu Chun-Yan
Published: August 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have the function of promoting water absorption for the host plant, whereas the role of easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), an N-linked glycoprotein secreted by AMF hyphae and spores, is unexplored for citrus plants. In this study, the effects on plant growth performance, root system characteristics, and leaf water status, along with the changes of mineral element content and relative expressions of tonoplast intrinsic protein (TIP) genes in lemon (Citrus limon L.) seedlings, were investigated under varying strengths of exogenous EE-GRSP application under potted conditions. The results showed that 1/2, 3/4, and full-strength exogenous EE-GRSP significantly promoted plant growth performance, as well as increased the biomass and root system architecture traits including root surface area, volume, taproot length, and lateral root numbers of lemon seedlings. The four different strengths of exogenous GRSP displayed differential effects on mineral element content: notably increased the content of phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) in both leaves and roots, as well as magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) content in the roots, but dramatically decreased the content of calcium (Ca) and manganese (Mn) in the roots, as well as Zn and Mn in the leaves. Exogenous EE-GRSP improved leaf water status, manifesting as decreases in leaf water potential, which was associated with the upregulated expressions of tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), including ClTIP1;1, ClTIP1;2, ClTIP1;3, ClTIP2;1, ClTIP2;2, ClTIP4;1, and ClTIP5;1 both in leaves and roots, and TIPs expressions exhibited diverse responses to EE-GRSP application. It was concluded that exogenous EE-GRSP exhibited differential responses on plant growth performance, which was related to its strength, and the effects were associated with nutrient concentration and root morphology, especially in the improvement in water status related to TIPs expressions. Therefore, EE-GRSP can be used as a biological promoter in plant cultivation, especially in citrus.
Waste-to-Energy Pipeline through Consolidated Fermentation–Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) System
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Ding Ling , Zhao Haiyan , Cheng Ming-Hsun
Published: August 2023

The rise in population, urbanization, and industrial developments have led to a substantial increase in waste generation and energy demand, posing significant challenges for waste management as well as energy conservation and production. Bioenergy conversions have been merged as advanced, sustainable, and integrated solutions for these issues, encompassing energy generation and waste upcycling of different types of organic waste. Municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residues (AR) are two main resources for bioenergy conversions. Bioenergy production involves feedstock deconstruction and the conversion of platform chemicals to energy products. This review provides a detailed overview of waste sources, biofuel, and bioelectricity production from fermentation and microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology, and their economic and environmental perspectives. Fermentation plays a critical role in liquid biofuel production, while MFCs demonstrate promising potential for simultaneous production of electricity and hydrogen. Fermentation and MFCs hold a significant potential to be integrated into a single pipeline, enabling the conversion of organic matter, including a variety of waste material and effluent, into diverse forms of bioenergy via microbial cultures under mild conditions. Furthermore, MFCs are deemed a promising technology for pollutant remediation, reducing COD levels while producing bioenergy. Importantly, the consolidated fermentation–MFC system is projected to produce approximately 7.17 trillion L of bioethanol and 6.12 × 104 MW/m2 of bioelectricity from MSW and AR annually, contributing over USD 465 billion to the global energy market. Such an integrated system has the potential to initiate a circular economy, foster waste reduction, and improve waste management practices. This advancement could play a crucial role in promoting sustainability across the environmental and energy sectors.
The Minimum Temperature Outweighed the Maximum Temperature in Determining Plant Growth over the Tibetan Plateau from 1982 to 2017
Authors: Li Xi , Zhang Ke , Li Xin
Published: August 2023

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) plays a crucial role in the climate change of China as well as global climate change. It is therefore of great practical significance to study vegetation and its dynamic changes for regional ecological protection. The combination of a dry climate and notable temperature disparities can lead to intricate effects on the region’s vegetation. However, there are few studies exploring the complex effects of diurnal temperature variations on vegetation growth that differ from the effects of mean temperature on the TP, especially under different frozen ground types. Based on the long-time series maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of the TP, we conducted a comparative study of the warming effects on plant growth under different frozen types. The results exhibit that it warms up faster at night (0.223 °C de−1; p < 0.01) than during the day (0.06 °C de−1; p < 0.01), resulting in a significant decrease in the temperature difference between day and night (−0.078 °C de−1; p < 0.01) in the past few decades. The principal finding of this paper is that Tmin is the dominant temperature indicator for vegetation growth on the TP, which dominates 63.3% of the area for NDVI and 61.4% of the area for GPP, respectively. The results further identify a stronger correlation between air temperature and vegetation growth in seasonal frozen grounds (R = 0.68, p < 0.01) and permafrost regions (R = 0.7, p < 0.01) compared to unfrozen grounds (R = 0.58, p < 0.01). Moreover, the physiological mechanism underlying the asymmetric influence of Tmin and Tmax on vegetation growth is further elucidated in this study. Given that future climate changes are expected to exacerbate these changes, it is imperative to explore additional avenues in pursuit of potential mechanisms that can offer adaptive strategies for safeguarding the ecology of the TP.
Boundary Delineator for Martian Crater Instances with Geographic Information and Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Danyang , Cheng Weiming , Qian Zhen , Deng Jiayin , Liu Jianzhong , Wang Xunming
Published: August 2023

Detecting impact craters on the Martian surface is a critical component of studying Martian geomorphology and planetary evolution. Accurately determining impact crater boundaries, which are distinguishable geomorphic units, is important work in geological and geomorphological mapping. The Martian topography is more complex than that of the Moon, making the accurate detection of impact crater boundaries challenging. Currently, most techniques concentrate on replacing impact craters with circles or points. Accurate boundaries are more challenging to identify than simple circles. Therefore, a boundary delineator for Martian crater instances (BDMCI) using fusion data is proposed. First, the optical image, digital elevation model (DEM), and slope of elevation difference after filling the DEM (called slope of EL_Diff to highlight the boundaries of craters) were used in combination. Second, a benchmark dataset with annotations for accurate impact crater boundaries was created, and sample regions were chosen using prior geospatial knowledge and an optimization strategy for the proposed BDMCI framework. Third, the multiple models were fused to train at various scales using deep learning. To repair patch junction fractures, several postprocessing methods were devised. The proposed BDMCI framework was also used to expand the catalog of Martian impact craters between 65°S and 65°N. This study provides a reference for identifying terrain features and demonstrates the potential of deep learning algorithms in planetary science research.
Psychosocial Safety and Health Hazards and Their Impacts on Offshore Oil and Gas Workers
Authors: D’Antoine Emma , Jansz Janis , Barifcani Ahmed , Shaw-Mills Sherrilyn , Harris Mark , Lagat Christopher
Published: August 2023

The offshore oil and gas working environment is an inherently dangerous one, with risks posed to physical safety on a daily basis. One neglected field of research is the added psychosocial stressors present in this environment. This research examined the experiences of offshore oil and gas workers through one-on-one online interviews which were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed through the qualitative software NVivo, which generated themes and patterns for the responses given to questions that were developed through a focus group. The results of the analysis showed that multiple psychosocial stressors are present in this population, such as fear of speaking up, unsatisfactory company-provided facilities, work–life interference, work status, micromanaging, gender harassment and bullying. In addition, interviews identified that production and time pressures, along with fatigue, can influence accidents and mistakes. Climate factors also cause discomfort. However, these are managed according to best practices by organizations. Due to the timing of the study, COVID-19 was a significant stressor for some, but not all, employees. In conclusion, offshore oil and gas workers face multiple stressors in a dangerous environment that may lead to devastating consequences.