bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Adaptations for Resilient Rice Production under Changing Environments in Bangladesh
Authors: Jamal Md Roushon , Kristiansen Paul , Kabir Md Jahangir , Lobry de Bruyn Lisa
Published: June 2023

Rice-based food production is crucial for food security, socio-political stability, and economic development in Bangladesh. However, climate and environmental changes pose serious challenges to sustainable rice production in the country. This review paper critically reviews the status, challenges, and adaptation opportunities of Bangladeshi rice systems in changing environmental, demographic, and socio-economic settings. A mixed-methods approach (quantitative summary of secondary data on rice production, environmental changes, impact on rice productivity; and qualitative thematic synthesis) was used to review adaptation for resilient rice production. Significant agronomic and environmental challenges to rice-based cropping in Bangladesh are posed by rising temperatures, anomalous rainfall patterns, extreme weather, and increasing salinisation. Rice production, availability, and access have been further compromised by decreasing arable areas, labour shortages, crop diversification, and low profitability. Farmers are adapting through autonomous and centrally planned strategies such as efficient irrigation and input use, stress-tolerant cultivars, mechanisation, and income diversification. However, profitable and sustainable adaptation requires broader facilitation by the government (e.g., infrastructure, financial incentives) and agribusiness (e.g., extension services, contracting). This review paper recommends research and development support for efficient irrigation management and stress-tolerant cultivars, enabling policy initiatives, and equitable value chain participation. The insights of the review can be applied to policymakers to target policy design and decision-making for a sustainable rice system in years to come.
Data-Driven Intelligent Platforms—Design of Self-Sovereign Data Trust Systems
Authors: Balan Ana , Gabriel Tan Andi , Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter
Published: June 2023

Urban areas provide the seedbed conditions for a variety of agglomeration advantages, including incubator conditions for the ICT sector. This study aims to present the foundations for a data-driven digital architecture based on the notion of open access platform organisations (e.g., platform cities). The principles of coordinated multi-actor data handling and exchange mechanisms centre in particular on privacy and confidentiality regulations. These are highlighted and tested on the basis of the data exchange architecture in a particular Industry 4.0 sector, viz., the medical–pharmaceutical sector. To cope with these issues, self-sovereign data trust systems are designed and tested using an OpenDSU data environment. Several building blocks of this architecture are presented and assessed. The conclusion of this study is that OpenDSU technology offers promising departures for handling privacy-sensitive and confidential data exchange in open platform organisations, such as smart cities.
Rethinking the Description and Typology of Cantonese Causative–Resultative Constructions: A Dynamic Constructionist Lens
Authors: Lai Ryan Ka Yau , Pang Michelle Man-Long
Published: June 2023

This article proposes a new description of Cantonese causative–resultative constructions (CRCs), constructions with two verbal elements relevant to the cause and the effect of an event respectively. We present a constructional schema for the CRC with three argument types and without using traditional categories—such as subject, object and pseudo-passivation, present various syntactic and semantic properties, and subsume constructions such as the comparative construction and numerous particle constructions under this banner. We then argue against traditional approaches to CRCs with two lexical verbs that treat the argument structure of the CRC as composed from argument structures of individual verbs (the decompositional approach); instead, CRC arguments belong to the entire construction and have only semantic orientation-based relationships with individual verbs (the holistic approach). We show how our account can shed light on Sinitic typology and the grammaticalisation mechanism of verbal particles within CRCs, particularly the extension of result verbs into a broader range of contexts to become particles. We also argue that Cantonese CRCs challenge many assumptions of serial verb typology, which typically ignore the existence of multiple layers of constructional abstraction and assume decompositional descriptions, and urge for methodological advancements in this field.
Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Coronary Ischemia: A Challenging Vicious Circle
Authors: Oancea Alexandru Florinel , Jigoranu Raul Alexandru , Morariu Paula Cristina , Miftode Radu-Stefan , Trandabat Bogdan Andrei , Iov Diana Elena , Cojocaru Elena , Costache Irina Iuliana , Baroi Livia Genoveva , Timofte Daniel Vasile , Tanase Daniela Maria , Floria Mariana
Published: June 2023

Atrial fibrillation, the most frequent arrhythmia in clinical practice and chronic coronary syndrome, is one of the forms of coronary ischemia to have a strong dual relationship. Atrial fibrillation may accelerate atherosclerosis and may increase oxygen consumption in the myocardium, creating a mismatch between supply and demand, thus promoting the development or worsening of coronary ischemia. Chronic coronary syndrome alters the structure and function of gap junction proteins, affecting the conduction of action potential and leading to ischemic necrosis of cardiomyocytes and their replacement with fibrous tissue, in this way sustaining the focal ectopic activity in atrial myocardium. They have many risk factors in common, such as hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. It is vital for the prognosis of patients to break this vicious circle by controlling risk factors, drug therapies, of which antithrombotic therapy may sometimes be challenging in terms of prothrombotic and bleeding risk, and interventional therapies (revascularization and catheter ablation).
Methyl Syringate Stimulates Glucose Uptake by Inhibiting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Relevant to Insulin Resistance
Authors: Ahn Dohee , Kwon Jihee , Song Songyi , Lee Jooyoung , Yoon Sunyoung , Chung Sang J.
Published: June 2023

Several protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), particularly PTPN1, PTPN2, PTPN6, PTPN9, PTPN11, PTPRS, and DUSP9, are involved in insulin resistance. Therefore, these PTPs could be promising targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Our previous studies revealed that PTPN2 and PTPN6 are potential antidiabetic targets. Therefore, the identification of dual-targeting inhibitors of PTPN2 and PTPN6 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we demonstrate that methyl syringate inhibits the catalytic activity of PTPN2 and PTPN6 in vitro, indicating that methyl syringate acts as a dual-targeting inhibitor of PTPN2 and PTPN6. Furthermore, methyl syringate treatment significantly increased glucose uptake in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, methyl syringate markedly enhanced phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in 3T3L1 adipocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that methyl syringate, a dual-targeting inhibitor of PTPN2 and PTPN6, is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Association between Mortality and Lung Low Attenuation Areas in NSCLC Treated by Surgery
Authors: Colombi Davide , Adebanjo Ganiyat Adenike Ralitsa , Delfanti Rocco , Chiesa Sara , Morelli Nicola , Capelli Patrizio , Franco Cosimo , Michieletti Emanuele
Published: June 2023

Background: to test the association with overall survival (OS) of low attenuation areas (LAAs) quantified by staging computed tomography (CT) of patients who underwent radical surgery for nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: patients who underwent radical surgery for NSCLC at our institution between 1 January 2017 and 30 November 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who performed staging or follow-up CTs in other institutions, who received lung radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and who underwent previous lung surgery were excluded. At staging and 12-months follow-up CT, LAAs defined as voxels <−950 Hounsfield units, were extracted by software. The percent of LAAs relative to whole-lung volume (%LAAs) and the ratio between LAAs in the lobe to resect and whole-lung LAAs (%LAAs lobe ratio) were calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to test the association between OS and LAAs. Results: the final sample included 75 patients (median age 70 years, IQR 63–75 years; females 29/75, 39%). It identified a significant association with OS for pathological stage III (HR, 6.50; 95%CI, 1.11–37.92; p = 0.038), staging CT %LAAs ≥ 5% (HR, 7.27; 95%CI, 1.60–32.96; p = 0.010), and staging CT %LAA lobe ratio > 10% (HR, 0.24; 95%CI 0.05–0.94; p = 0.046). Conclusions: in patients with NSCLC who underwent radical surgery, a %LAAs ≥ 5% and a %LAA lobe ratio > 10% at staging CT are predictors, respectively, of shorter and longer OS. The LAA ratio to the whole lung at staging CT could be a critical factor to predict the overall survival of the NSCLC patients treated by surgery.
Logics for Epistemic Actions: Completeness, Decidability, Expressivity
Authors: Baltag Alexandru , Moss Lawrence S. , Solecki Sławomir
Published: June 2023

We build and study dynamic versions of epistemic logic. We study languages parameterized by an action signature that allows one to express epistemic actions such as (truthful) public announcements, completely private announcements to groups of agents, and more. The language L(Σ) is modeled on dynamic logic. Its sentence-building operations include modalities for the execution of programs, and for knowledge and common knowledge. Its program-building operations include action execution, composition, repetition, and choice. We consider two fragments of L(Σ). In L1(Σ), we drop action repetition; in L0(Σ), we also drop common knowledge. We present the syntax and semantics of these languages and sound proof systems for the validities in them. We prove the strong completeness of a logical system for L0(Σ) and the weak completeness of one for L1(Σ). We show the finite model property and, hence, decidability of L1(Σ). We translate L1(Σ) into PDL, obtaining a second proof of decidability. We prove results on expressive power, comparing L1(Σ) with modal logic together with transitive closure operators. We prove that a logical language with operators for private announcements is more expressive than one for public announcements.
Dynamic Characteristics of a Rotating Blade with a Dovetail Fixture
Authors: Fan Xiaoyu , Liang Wenchao , Zeng Jin , Yang Yang , Ma Hui , Fan Chenguang , Fu Shunguo
Published: June 2023

Considering rotation-induced centrifugal stiffening, spin softening, and Coriolis effects, the reduced dynamic model of a rotating blade with a dovetail fixture is established in the ANSYS environment via the fixed-interface method for higher computational efficiency and lower memory consumption. Then some parameters such as rotating speed, friction factor, and stator blade number affecting the nonlinear vibration responses of the system under the combined actions of aerodynamic force, centrifugal force, and gravity are elaborately discussed. The results show that: (1) the contact-induced nonlinearity between the tenon and the mortise mainly results in the frequency multiplications of the aerodynamic excitation frequency; (2) a larger friction factor results in a lower magnitude of contact pressure and a higher resonance frequency, while a larger stator blade number results in a lower magnitude of the uniform and continuous contact pressure distribution; (3) the excitation of the resonant mode caused by the aerodynamic force is primarily characterized by the first-order bending mode of the system.
The Influence of Migration to Regions with Different Coverages of Health Education on Schistosomiasis
Authors: Tang Pan , Qian Shiwen , Shi Lei , Qi Longxing , Li Tingting
Published: June 2023

Background: Health education plays a vital role in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in China and throughout the world. However, the coverage of health education varies from place to place for various reasons. Moreover, people with different levels of health education migrate between different regions. Methods: In order to analyze the effects of different coverages of health education on schistosomiasis transmission, a schistosomiasis mathematical model with people’s inter-regional migration is constructed in two regions with different coverages of health education. The basic reproduction number is calculated, the global stability of the system is analyzed qualitatively, and a numerical simulation is carried out. Results: (1) The transmission trend of schistosomiasis could be reduced by increasing the migration of the susceptible population from the region with a high coverage of health education to the region with low coverage, or by increasing the migration of the infected population between the two regions. Schistosomiasis can even be eliminated if the migration of the susceptible or infected population from the region with a high coverage of health education to the region with a low coverage is sufficiently large. This is quite different from the prevention and control of other epidemics in which the movement of people should be restricted. (2) A low coverage of health education will have an impact on the number of patients and infected snails in both of the two regions. This result indicates that increasing the coverage of health education can reduce the risk of schistosomiasis not only in the local population but also in the surrounding regions to which people migrate. Conclusions: There is no need to restrict the migration of the infected population between the two regions nor the migration of the susceptible population from the region with a high coverage of health education to the region with a low coverage. However, there is a need to restrict the migration of the susceptible population from the region with a low coverage of health education to the region with a high coverage. These are some suggestions to prevent and control schistosomiasis.
Randomized Threshold Strategy for Providing Flexible Priority in Multi-Server Queueing System with a Marked Markov Arrival Process and Phase-Type Distribution of Service Time
Authors: Dudin A. N. , Dudin S. A. , Dudina O. S.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we analyze a multi-server queueing system with a marked Markov arrival process of two types of customers and a phase-type distribution of service time depending on the type of customer. Customers of both types are assumed to be impatient and renege from the buffers after an exponentially distributed number of times. The strategy of flexible provisioning of priorities is analyzed. It assumes a randomized choice of the customers from the buffers, with probabilities dependent on the relation between the number of customers in a priority finite buffer and the fixed threshold value. To simplify the construction of the underlying Markov chain and the derivation of the explicit form of its generator, we use the so-called generalized phase-type distribution. It is shown that the created Markov chain fits the category of asymptotically quasi-Toeplitz Markov chains. Using this fact, we show that the considered Markov chain is ergodic for any value of the system parameters and compute its stationary distribution. Expressions for key performance measures are presented. Numerical results that show how the parameters of the control strategy affect the system’s performance measurements are given. It is shown that the results can be used for managerial purposes and that it is crucial to take correlation in the arrival process into account.
Matrix Factorization Techniques in Machine Learning, Signal Processing, and Statistics
Authors: Du Ke-Lin , Swamy M. N. S. , Wang Zhang-Quan , Mow Wai Ho
Published: June 2023

Compressed sensing is an alternative to Shannon/Nyquist sampling for acquiring sparse or compressible signals. Sparse coding represents a signal as a sparse linear combination of atoms, which are elementary signals derived from a predefined dictionary. Compressed sensing, sparse approximation, and dictionary learning are topics similar to sparse coding. Matrix completion is the process of recovering a data matrix from a subset of its entries, and it extends the principles of compressed sensing and sparse approximation. The nonnegative matrix factorization is a low-rank matrix factorization technique for nonnegative data. All of these low-rank matrix factorization techniques are unsupervised learning techniques, and can be used for data analysis tasks, such as dimension reduction, feature extraction, blind source separation, data compression, and knowledge discovery. In this paper, we survey a few emerging matrix factorization techniques that are receiving wide attention in machine learning, signal processing, and statistics. The treated topics are compressed sensing, dictionary learning, sparse representation, matrix completion and matrix recovery, nonnegative matrix factorization, the Nyström method, and CUR matrix decomposition in the machine learning framework. Some related topics, such as matrix factorization using metaheuristics or neurodynamics, are also introduced. A few topics are suggested for future investigation in this article.
Treatment Durations and Whitening Outcomes of Different Tooth Whitening Systems
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyi , Pan Jie , Malmstrom Hans , Ren Yanfang
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: Tooth whitening is a relatively conservative and effective option to treat discolored teeth. However, questions remain whether in-office or at-home tooth whitening products with short treatment durations are as effective and stable as products with longer treatment durations. Materials and Methods: Forty human third molars with intact enamel surfaces were divided into four groups of ten each, subjected to discoloration challenges with coffee for 60 h, and they were treated with four professional tooth whitening systems: two for take-home use—6% hydrogen peroxide for 30 min/d for a total of 7 h in 14 days (HP6), 10% carbamide peroxide for 10 h/d for 140 h in 14 days (CP10), as well as two for in-office use—35% HP for 10 min × 3 (HP35) for a total of 30 min and 40% HP for 20 min × 3 (HP40) for a total of 60 min. Teeth colors were assessed in the CIE L*a*b* color space with a spectrophotometer immediately and six months after whitening treatments. Surface roughness (Sa) for the treated and untreated enamel surfaces of the teeth in all groups were evaluated with a three-dimensional laser scanning microscope after six months. Results: No significant differences were found between HP6 and CP10 groups immediately after whitening (∆E 10.6 ± 1.6 vs. 11.4 ± 1.7, p > 0.05) and at six months after treatments (∆E 9.0 ± 1.9 vs. 9.2 ± 2.5, p > 0.05), or between HP35 and HP40 groups immediately after whitening (∆E 5.9 ± 1.2 vs. 5.3 ± 1.7, p > 0.05) and at six months after treatments (∆E 7.2 ± 1.6 vs. 7.7 ± 1.3, p > 0.05). The two at-home whitening systems achieved significantly better whitening outcomes than the two in-office products immediately after whitening (p < 0.05). However, at six months after treatments, the differences between at-home and in-office treatments had narrowed significantly (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences with respect to the Sa values between the treated and untreated surfaces (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Tooth whitening products in the same product category have similar whitening efficacies, despite significant differences in treatment durations (7 vs. 140 h, and 30 min vs. 60 min, respectively). Take-home products achieved better whitening outcomes than in-office products, but they needed 14 to 280 times longer treatment durations.
The Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2-Inhibitors on Steatosis and Fibrosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or Steatohepatitis and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Bica Ioana-Cristina , Stoica Roxana Adriana , Salmen Teodor , Janež Andrej , Volčanšek Špela , Popovic Djordje , Muzurovic Emir , Rizzo Manfredi , Stoian Anca Pantea
Published: June 2023

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are part of metabolic syndrome and share multiple causal associations. Both conditions have an alarmingly increasing incidence and lead to multiple complications, which have an impact on a variety of organs and systems, such as the kidneys, eyes, and nervous and cardiovascular systems, or may cause metabolic disruptions. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2-inhibitors (SGLT2-i), as an antidiabetic class with well-established cardiovascular benefits, and its class members have also been studied for their presumed effects on steatosis and fibrosis improvement in patients with NAFLD or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of SGLT2-i on the treatment of NAFLD/NASH in patients with T2DM. Of the originally identified 179 articles, 21 articles were included for final data analysis. Dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin are some of the most used and studied SGLT2-i agents which have proven efficacy in treating patients with NAFLD/NASH by addressing/targeting different pathophysiological targets/mechanisms: insulin sensitivity improvement, weight loss, especially visceral fat loss, glucotoxicity, and lipotoxicity improvement or even improvement of chronic inflammation. Despite the considerable variability in study duration, sample size, and diagnostic method, the SGLT2-i agents used resulted in improvements in non-invasive markers of steatosis or even fibrosis in patients with T2DM. This systematic review offers encouraging results that place the SGLT2-i class at the top of the therapeutic arsenal for patients diagnosed with T2DM and NAFLD/NASH.
Pseudobombax parvifolium Hydroalcoholic Bark Extract: Chemical Characterisation and Cytotoxic, Mutagenic, and Preclinical Aspects Associated with a Protective Effect on Oxidative Stress
Authors: Senes-Lopes Tiago Felipe de , Luz Jefferson Romáryo Duarte da , Guterres Zaira da Rosa , Barbosa Eder A. , Batista Débora , Galdino Ony Araújo , Ururahy Marcela Abbott Galvão , Gomes dos Santos Elizabeth Cristina , López Jorge A. , Araujo-Silva Gabriel , Almeida Maria das Graças
Published: June 2023

Plants have long been used in traditional medicine to treat illnesses. Nevertheless, their chemical diversity requires studies to establish the extract dosage and its safe use. Pseudobombax parvifolium, an endemic species of the Brazilian Caatinga biome, is commonly used in folk medicine, due to its anti-inflammatory properties related to cellular oxidative stress; however, its biological properties have scarcely been studied. In this study, we chemically characterized the P. parvifolium hydroalcoholic bark extract (EBHE) and evaluated its cytotoxic, mutagenic, and preclinical aspects, as well as its antioxidant effect. Our phytochemical analysis revealed a significative total polyphenol content and identified loliolide for the first time in this species. Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and acute oral and repeated dose indicated no toxic effects on cell culture, Drosophila melanogaster, and Wistar rat exposure to different EBHE concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and a mild hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect with repeated oral dosing of EBHE. Although there were no significant changes in glutathione content, we did observe a significant increase in superoxide dismutase at a dose of 400 mg/kg and in glutathione peroxidase at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. These findings suggest that EBHE has potential as a source of bioactive molecules, and it can be used safely in traditional medicine and in the development of herbal medicines for application in the public health system.
Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analyses of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in Livestock in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohanta Uday Kumar , Chikufenji Boniface , Galon Eloiza May , Ji Shengwei , Ma Zhuowei , El-Sayed Shimaa Abd El-Salam , Ringo Aaron Edmond , Do Thanh Thom , Xuan Xuenan
Published: June 2023

Piroplasmosis, caused by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., poses significant constraints for livestock production and upgradation in Bangladesh. Besides examining blood smears, few molecular reports are available from some selected areas in the country. Therefore, the actual scenario of piroplasmosis in Bangladesh is deficient. This study aimed to screen the piroplasms in different livestock species by molecular tools. A total of 276 blood samples were collected from cattle (Bos indicus), gayals (Bos frontalis) and goats (Capra hircus) in five geographies of Bangladesh. After that, screening was conducted through a polymerase chain reaction, and species were confirmed by sequencing. The prevalence of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis, Theileria annulata and T. orientalis was 49.28%, 0.72%, 1.09%, 32.26%, 6.52% and 46.01%, respectively. The highest prevalence (79/109; 72.48%) of co-infections was observed with B. bigemina and T. orientalis. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences of B. bigemina (BbigRAP-1a), B. bovis (BboSBP-4), B. naoakii (AMA-1), B. ovis (ssu rRNA) and T. annulata (Tams-1) were included in one clade in the respective phylograms. In contrast, T. orientalis (MPSP) sequences were separated into two clades, corresponding to Types 5 and 7. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular report on piroplasms in gayals and goats in Bangladesh.
Cellular Damage of Bacteria Attached to Senescent Phytoplankton Cells as a Result of the Transfer of Photochemically Produced Singlet Oxygen: A Review
Authors: Rontani Jean-François , Bonin Patricia
Published: June 2023

Several studies set out to explain the presence of high proportions of photooxidation products of cis-vaccenic acid (generally considered to be of bacterial origin) in marine environments. These studies show that these oxidation products result from the transfer of singlet oxygen from senescent phytoplankton cells to the bacteria attached to them in response to irradiation by sunlight. This paper summarizes and reviews the key findings of these studies, i.e., the demonstration of the process at work and the effect of different parameters (intensity of solar irradiance, presence of bacterial carotenoids, and presence of polar matrices such as silica, carbonate, and exopolymeric substances around phytoplankton cells) on this transfer. A large part of this review looks at how this type of alteration of bacteria can affect the preservation of algal material in the marine environment, especially in polar regions where conditions drive increased transfer of singlet oxygen from sympagic algae to bacteria.
Effect of Plant Fiber on Early Properties of Geopolymer
Authors: Lv Chun , Wu Dan , Guo Guoliang , Zhang Yanming , Liu Shuang , Qu Enxiang , Liu Jie
Published: June 2023

Geopolymer (GP) is environmentally friendly, has good mechanical properties and long-term workability, and has broad application prospects. However, due to the poor tensile strength and toughness of GPs, they are sensitive to microcracks, which limits their application in engineering. Fiber can be added to GPs to limit the growth of cracks and enhance the toughness of the GP. Plant fiber (PF) is cheap, easy to obtain, and abundant in source, which can be added to GP to improve the properties of composites. This paper reviews recent studies on the early properties of plant fiber-reinforced geopolymers (PFRGs). In this manuscript, the properties of PFs commonly used for GP reinforcements are summarized. The early properties of PFRGs were reviewed, including the rheological properties of fresh GPs, the early strength of PFRGs, and the early shrinkage and deformation properties of PFRGs. At the same time, the action mechanism and influencing factors of PFRGs are also introduced. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the early properties of PFRGs, the adverse effects of PFs on the early properties of GPs and the solutions were summarized.
Effect of Frost on the Different Metabolites of Two Mulberry (Morus nigra L. and Morus alba L.) Leaves
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhao Jiuyang , Fan Shaoli , Liao Jinfa , Chen Yicun , Wang Yangdong
Published: June 2023

Mulberry leaves are a well-known traditional Chinese medicine herb, and it has been observed since ancient times that leaves collected after frost have superior medicinal properties. Therefore, understanding the changes in critical metabolic components of mulberry leaves, specifically Morus nigra L., is essential. In this study, we conducted widely targeted metabolic profiling analyses on two types of mulberry leaves, including Morus nigra L. and Morus alba L., harvested at different times. In total, we detected over 100 compounds. After frost, 51 and 58 significantly different metabolites were identified in the leaves of Morus nigra L. and Morus alba L., respectively. Further analysis revealed a significant difference in the effect of defrosting on the accumulation of metabolites in the two mulberries. Specifically, in Morus nigra L., the content of 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) in leaves decreased after frost, while flavonoids peaked after the second frost. In Morus alba L., the content of DNJ increased after frost, reaching its peak one day after the second frost, whereas flavonoids primarily peaked one week before frost. In addition, an analysis of the influence of picking time on metabolite accumulation in two types of mulberry leaves demonstrated that leaves collected in the morning contained higher levels of DNJ alkaloids and flavonoids. These findings provide scientific guidance for determining the optimal harvesting time for mulberry leaves.
Boron-Based Inverse Sandwich V2B7− Cluster: Double π/σ Aromaticity, Metal–Metal Bonding, and Chemical Analogy to Planar Hypercoordinate Molecular Wheels
Authors: Han Peng-Fei , Sun Qiang , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: June 2023

Inverse sandwich clusters composed of a monocyclic boron ring and two capping transition metal atoms are interesting alloy cluster systems, yet their chemical bonding nature has not been sufficiently elucidated to date. We report herein on the theoretical prediction of a new example of boron-based inverse sandwich alloy clusters, V2B7−, through computational global-minimum structure searches and quantum chemical calculations. This alloy cluster has a heptatomic boron ring as well as a perpendicular V2 dimer unit that penetrates through the ring. Chemical bonding analysis suggests that the inverse sandwich cluster is governed by globally delocalized 6π and 6σ frameworks, that is, double 6π/6σ aromaticity following the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The skeleton B−B σ bonding in the cluster is shown not to be strictly Lewis-type two-center two-electron (2c-2e) σ bonds. Rather, these are quasi-Lewis-type, roof-like 4c-2e V−B2−V σ bonds, which amount to seven in total and cover the whole surface of inverse sandwich in a truly three-dimensional manner. Theoretical evidence is revealed for a 2c-2e Lewis σ single bond within the V2 dimer. Direct metal–metal bonding is scarce in inverse sandwich alloy clusters. The present inverse sandwich alloy cluster also offers a new type of electronic transmutation in physical chemistry, which helps establish an intriguing chemical analogy between inverse sandwich clusters and planar hypercoordinate molecular wheels.
Synthesis of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Scaffolds through Sequential Reactions of Aminoalkynes with Carbonyls
Authors: Arcadi Antonio , Morlacci Valerio , Palombi Laura
Published: June 2023

Sequential reactions of aminoalkynes represent a powerful tool to easily assembly biologically important polyfunctionalized nitrogen heterocyclic scaffolds. Metal catalysis often plays a key role in terms of selectivity, efficiency, atom economy, and green chemistry of these sequential approaches. This review examines the existing literature on the applications of reactions of aminoalkynes with carbonyls, which are emerging for their synthetic potential. Aspects concerning the features of the starting reagents, the catalytic systems, alternative reaction conditions, pathways and possible intermediates are provided.
Boosted Tetracycline and Cr(VI) Simultaneous Cleanup over Z-Scheme WO3/CoO p-n Heterojunction with 0D/3D Structure under Visible Light
Authors: Lu Changyu , Cao Delu , Zhang Hefan , Gao Luning , Shi Weilong , Guo Feng , Zhou Yahong , Liu Jiahao
Published: June 2023

In this study, a Z-Scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction with a 0D/3D structure was designed and prepared via a simple solvothermal approach to remove the combined pollution of tetracycline and heavy metal Cr(VI) in water. The 0D WO3 nanoparticles adhered to the surface of the 3D octahedral CoO to facilitate the construction of Z-scheme p-n heterojunctions, which could avoid the deactivation of the monomeric material due to agglomeration, extend the optical response range, and separate the photogenerated electronhole pairs. The degradation efficiency of mixed pollutants after a 70 min reaction was significantly higher than that of monomeric TC and Cr(VI). Among them, a 70% WO3/CoO heterojunction had the best photocatalytic degradation effect on the mixture of TC and Cr(VI) pollutants, and the removing rate was 95.35% and 70.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, after five cycles, the removal rate of the mixed pollutants by the 70% WO3/CoO remained almost unchanged, indicating that the Z-scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction has good stability. In addition, for an active component capture experiment, ESR and LC-MS were employed to reveal the possible Z-scheme pathway under the built-in electric field of the p-n heterojunction and photocatalytic removing mechanism of TC and Cr(VI). These results offer a promising idea for the treatment of the combined pollution of antibiotics and heavy metals by a Z-scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction photocatalyst, and have broad application prospects: boosted tetracycline and Cr(VI) simultaneous cleanup over a Z-scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction with a 0D/3D structure under visible light.
Myocardial Glutathione Synthase and TRXIP Expression Are Significantly Elevated in Hypertension and Diabetes: Influence of Stress on Antioxidant Pathways
Authors: Sklifasovskaya Anastasia , Blagonravov Mikhail , Azova Madina , Goryachev Vyacheslav
Published: June 2023

Antioxidant protection is one of the key reactions of cardiomyocytes (CMCs) in response to myocardial damage of various origins. The thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is an inhibitor of thioredoxin (TXN). Over the recent few years, TXNIP has received significant attention due to its wide range of functions in energy metabolism. In the present work, we studied the features of the redox-thiol systems, in particular, the amount of TXNIP and glutathione synthetase (GS) as markers of oxidative damage to CMCs and antioxidant protection, respectively. This study was carried out on 38-week-old Wistar-Kyoto rats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (DM) induced by streptozotocin, on 38- and 57-week-old hypertensive SHR rats and on a model of combined hypertension and DM (38-week-old SHR rats with DM). It was found that the amount of TXNIP increased in 57-week-old SHR rats, in diabetic rats and in SHR rats with DM. In 38-week-old SHR rats, the expression of TXNIP significantly decreased. The expression of GS was significantly higher compared with the controls in 57-week-old SHR rats, in DM rats and in the case of the combination of hypertension and DM. The obtained data show that myocardial damage caused by DM and hypertension are accompanied by the activation of oxidative stress and antioxidant protection.
Medicine Use in Chronic Diseases
Authors: Unni Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Welcome to this Special Issue on “Medicine Use in Chronic Disease” in Pharmacy, an open-access journal focusing on pharmacy education and practice [...]
Response of Soil Microenvironment and Crop Growth to Cyclic Irrigation Using Reclaimed Water and Brackish Water
Authors: Liu Chuncheng , Wang Juan , Huang Pengfei , Hu Chao , Gao Feng , Liu Yuan , Li Zhongyang , Cui Bingjian
Published: June 2023

The scarcity of freshwater resources has increased the use of nonconventional water resources such as brackish water, reclaimed water, etc., especially in water-scarce areas. Whether an irrigation cycle using reclaimed water and brackish water (RBCI) poses a risk of secondary soil salinization to crop yields needs to be studied. Aiming to find an appropriate use for different nonconventional water resources, pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of RBCI on soil microenvironments, growth, physiological characteristics and antioxidation properties of crops. The results showed the following: (1) compared to FBCI, the soil moisture content was slightly higher, without a significant difference, while the soil EC, sodium and chloride ions contents increased significantly under the RBCI treatment. With an increase in the reclaimed water irrigation frequency (Tri), the contents of EC, Na+ and Cl− in the soil decreased gradually, and the difference was significant; the soil moisture content also decreased gradually. (2) There were different effects of the RBCI regime on the soil’s enzyme activities. With an increase in the Tri, the soil urease activity indicated a significant upward trend as a whole. (3) RBCI can alleviate the risk of soil salinization to some extent. The soil pH values were all below 8.5, and were without a risk of secondary soil alkalization. The ESP did not exceed 15 percent, and there was no possible risk of soil alkalization except that the ESP in soil irrigated by brackish water irrigation went beyond the limit of 15 percent. (4) Compared with FBCI, no obvious changes appeared to the aboveground and underground biomasses under the RBCI treatment. The RBCI treatment was conducive to increasing the aboveground biomass compared with pure brackish water irrigation. Therefore, short-term RBCI helps to reduce the risk of soil salinization without significantly affecting crop yield, and the irrigation cycle using reclaimed-reclaimed-brackish water at 3 g·L−1 was recommended, according to the experimental results.
Cinnamon Oil Alleviates Acetaminophen-Induced Uterine Toxicity in Rats by Abrogation of Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammation
Authors: Hussain Sohail , Alshahrani Saeed , Siddiqui Rahimullah , Khan Andleeb , Elhassan Taha Manal Mohammed , Ahmed Rayan A. , Jali Abdulmajeed M. , Qadri Marwa , Khairat Khairat H. M. , Ashafaq Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Paracetamol, or acetaminophen (APAP), is one of the first-line medications that is used for fever and pain. However, APAP can induce uterine toxicity when overused. The mode of action of APAP toxicity is due to the production of free radicals. The main goal of our study is to determine uterine toxicity from APAP overdose and the antioxidative activity of cinnamon oil (CO) in female rats. The effect of different doses of CO (50–200 mg/kg b.w.) was assessed in the uterus toxicity induced by APAP. Additionally, the imbalance in oxidative parameters, interleukins, and caspases was evaluated for the protective effects of CO. A single dose of APAP (2 g/kg b.w.) resulted in uterus toxicity, indicated by a significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), inflammatory interleukins cytokines (IL-1 and 6), expression of caspases 3 and 9, and a marked change in uterus tissue architecture evaluated by histopathology. Co-treatment of CO resulted in a significant amelioration of all the parameters such as LPO, interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, caspases 3 and 9 expression, and distortion of tissue architecture in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we can conclude that APAP-induced uterine injury due to oxidative stress can be restored by co-treatment with cinnamon oil (CO).
Genetic Mechanisms for Hybrid Breeding in Vegetable Crops
Authors: Singh Hira , Sekhon Bhallan Singh , Kumar Pradeep , Dhall Rajinder Kumar , Devi Ruma , Dhillon Tarsem Singh , Sharma Suman , Khar Anil , Yadav Ramesh Kumar , Tomar Bhoopal Singh , Ntanasi Theodora , Sabatino Leo , Ntatsi Georgia
Published: June 2023

To address the complex challenges faced by our planet such as rapidly changing climate patterns, food and nutritional insecurities, and the escalating world population, the development of hybrid vegetable crops is imperative. Vegetable hybrids could effectively mitigate the above-mentioned fundamental challenges in numerous countries. Utilizing genetic mechanisms to create hybrids not only reduces costs but also holds significant practical implications, particularly in streamlining hybrid seed production. These mechanisms encompass self-incompatibility (SI), male sterility, and gynoecism. The present comprehensive review is primarily focused on the elucidation of fundamental processes associated with floral characteristics, the genetic regulation of floral traits, pollen biology, and development. Specific attention is given to the mechanisms for masculinizing and feminizing cucurbits to facilitate hybrid seed production as well as the hybridization approaches used in the biofortification of vegetable crops. Furthermore, this review provides valuable insights into recent biotechnological advancements and their future utilization for developing the genetic systems of major vegetable crops.
Effects of Drought Stress Induced by Hypertonic Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-6000) on Passiflora edulis Sims Physiological Properties
Authors: Qi Ying , Ma Lingling , Ghani Muhammad Imran , Peng Qiang , Fan Ruidong , Hu Xiaojing , Chen Xiaoyulong
Published: June 2023

Passion fruit is known to be sensitive to drought, and in order to study the physiological and biochemical changes that occur in passion fruit seedlings under drought stress, a hypertonic polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) was used to simulate drought stress in passion fruit seedlings. We explored the physiological changes in passion fruit seedlings under drought stress induced by PEG to elucidate their response to drought stress and provide a theoretical basis for drought-resistant cultivation of passion fruit seedlings. The results show that drought stress induced by PEG had a significant effect on the growth and physiological indices of passion fruit. Drought stress significantly decreased fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and root vitality. Conversely, the contents of soluble protein (SP), proline (Pro), and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased gradually with the increasing PEG concentration and prolonged stress duration. After nine days, the SP, Pro and MDA contents were higher in passion fruit leaves and roots under 20% PEG treatments compared with the control. Additionally, with the increase in drought time, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed an increasing trend and then a decreasing trend, and they reached the highest value at the sixth day of drought stress. After rehydration, SP, Pro and MDA contents in the leaves and roots of passion fruit seedlings was reduced. Among all the stress treatments, 20% PEG had the most significant effect on passion fruit seedlings. Therefore, our study demonstrated sensitive concentrations of PEG to simulate drought stress on passion fruit and revealed the physiological adaptability of passion fruit to drought stress.
Increasing Planting Density and Reducing N Application Improves Yield and Grain Filling at Two Sowing Dates in Double-Cropping Rice Systems
Authors: Zhou Wentao , Yan Lingling , Fu Zhiqiang , Guo Huijuan , Zhang Wei , Liu Wen , Ye Yumeng , Long Pan
Published: June 2023

Grain filling plays an important role in achieving high grain yield. Manipulating planting densities is recognized as a viable approach to compensate for the reduced yield caused by nitrogen reduction. Understanding the effects of nitrogen fertilization and planting density on superior and inferior grain filling is crucial to ensure grain security. Hence, double-cropping paddy field trials were conducted to investigate the effect of three nitrogen levels (N1, conventional nitrogen application; N2, 10% nitrogen reduction; N3, 20% nitrogen reduction) and three planting densities (D1, conventional planting density; D2, 20% density increase; D3, 40% density increase) on grain yield, yield formation, and grain-filling characteristics at two sowing dates (S1, a conventional sowing date, and S2, a date postponed by ten days) in 2019–2020. The results revealed that the annual yield of S1 was 8.5–14% higher than that of S2. Reducing nitrogen from N2 to N3 decreased the annual yield by 2.8–7.6%, but increasing planting densities from D1 to D3 significantly improved yield, by 6.2–19.4%. Furthermore, N2D3 had the highest yield, which was 8.7–23.8% higher than the plants that had received the other treatments. The rice yield increase was attributed to higher numbers of panicles per m2 and spikelets per panicle on the primary branches, influenced by superior grain filling. Increasing planting density and reducing nitrogen application significantly affected grain-filling weight, with the 40% density increase significantly facilitating superior and inferior grain filling with the same nitrogen level. Increasing density can improve superior grains while reducing nitrogen will decrease superior grains. These results suggest that N2D3 is an optimal strategy to increase yield and grain filling for double-cropping rice grown under two sowing-date conditions.
Development and Validation of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for Identification and Quantification of Phytoecdysteroids Ecdysterone and Turkesterone in Dietary Supplements
Authors: Todorova Velislava , Ivanov Kalin , Karcheva-Bahchevanska Diana , Ivanova Stanislava
Published: June 2023

Phytoecdysteroids are a group of naturally occurring ecdysteroid hormones found in certain plant families and used for centuries for their adaptogenic, tonifying, and antioxidant properties. Ecdysterone and turkesterone are the dominant phytoecdysteroids found in the plant species Rhaponticum carthamoides Willd., Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B.Clarke and Ajuga turkestanica (Regel) Briq., and have been recognized for their adaptogenic potential and ability to enhance physical performance. However, over the past few years, supplementation with ecdysterone by professional athletes has raised some concerns about its safety and quality, leading to its inclusion in the World Anti-Doping Agency monitoring program. This study proposes a simple and reliable method for quality control of ecdysterone- and turkesterone-containing products using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The HPLC method is based on reversed-phase chromatography and gradient elution to achieve a superior separation of phytoecdysteroids. The method has been shown to qualify both phytoecdysteroids at low concentrations such as 10.98 μg/mL for ecdysterone and 11.43 μg/mL for turkesterone. This method could be successfully used in research programs and routine quality control of dietary supplements to ensure their safety in professional athletes’ nutrition.