bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) WOX Family Genes and Their Potential Function in Somatic Embryogenesis
Authors: Sun Ruibin , Zhang Xue , Ma Dan , Liu Chuanliang
Published: July 2023

WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) proteins participate profoundly in plant development and stress responses. As the difficulty of somatic embryogenesis severely constrains cotton genetic modification, in this study, we identified and comprehensively analyzed WOX genes in cotton. As a result, 40 WOX genes were identified in the upland cotton genome. All these cotton WOX genes were classified into three clades, ancient, intermediate, and modern clades, based on the phylogenetic analysis of previous studies. The majority (24) of the cotton WOX genes belonged to the modern clade, in which all gene members contain the vital functional domain WUS-box, which is necessary for plant stem cell regulation and maintenance. Collinearity analysis indicated that the WOX gene family in cotton expanded to some degree compared to Arabidopsis, especially in the modern clade. Genome duplication and segmental duplication may greatly contribute to expansion. Hormone-response- and abiotic-stress-response-related cis-acting regulatory elements were widely distributed in the promoter regions of cotton WOX genes, suggesting that the corresponding functions of stress responses and the participation of development processes were involved in hormone responses. By RNA sequencing, we profiled the expression patterns of cotton WOX genes in somatic embryogenesis. Only about half of cotton WOX genes were actively expressed during somatic embryogenesis; different cotton WOX genes may function in different development stages. The most representative, GhWOX4 and GhWOX13, may function in almost all stages of somatic embryogenesis; GhWOX2 and GhWOX9 function in the late stages of embryo patterning and embryo development during cotton somatic embryogenesis. Co-expression analysis showed that the cotton WOXs co-expressed with genes involved in extensive genetic information processing, including DNA replication, DNA repair, homologous recombination, RNA transport, protein processing, and several signaling and metabolism pathways, in which plant hormones signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathways, phosphatidylinositol signaling systems, and ABC transporters, as well as the metabolism of fatty acid; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; and cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis, were most significantly enriched. Taken together, the present study provides useful information and new insights into the functions of cotton WOX genes during somatic embryogenesis. The specific regulatory roles of some WOX genes in somatic embryogenesis are worthy of further functional research.
Targeting Prostate Cancer, the ‘Tousled Way’
Authors: Bhoir Siddhant , De Benedetti Arrigo De
Published: July 2023

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the mainstay of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, with success in developing more effective inhibitors of androgen synthesis and antiandrogens in clinical practice. However, hormone deprivation and AR ablation have caused an increase in ADT-insensitive PCas associated with a poor prognosis. Resistance to ADT arises through various mechanisms, and most castration-resistant PCas still rely on the androgen axis, while others become truly androgen receptor (AR)-independent. Our research identified the human tousled-like kinase 1 (TLK1) as a crucial early mediator of PCa cell adaptation to ADT, promoting androgen-independent growth, inhibiting apoptosis, and facilitating cell motility and metastasis. Although explicit, the growing role of TLK1 biology in PCa has remained underrepresented and elusive. In this review, we aim to highlight the diverse functions of TLK1 in PCa, shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from androgen-sensitive (AS) to an androgen-insensitive (AI) disease mediated by TLK1, and explore potential strategies to counteract this process. Targeting TLK1 and its associated signaling could prevent PCa progression to the incurable metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) stage and provide a promising approach to treating PCa.
Self-Regulated Video-Based Learning for Cultivating Surgical Skills: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pakkasjärvi Niklas , Anand Sachit , Anttila Henrika , Pyhältö Kirsi
Published: July 2023

In recent decades, there has been a shift towards competency-based approaches in surgical training. The effectiveness of video-based learning (VBL) in enhancing surgical skills, particularly in the context of self-regulated learning (SR-VBL), was assessed in this study. While VBL is cost-effective, flexible, and can improve proficiency in technical skills prior to clinical practice, it is resource-challenging. SR-VBL includes many of VBL’s benefits but has utility in individual and distance settings due to its autarkic nature. This study identified and analyzed contemporary literature on SR-VBL using PRISMA guidelines, focusing on original randomized controlled studies published in international peer-reviewed journals during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2022. Seven studies with 462 participants were included, with three eligible for the meta-analysis. The results showed that self-regulated video-based learning contributes to the learning of technical skills and can be applied to learners of all levels across surgical specialties. The meta-analysis revealed that improvements in validated outcome assessment scores (OSATS) were at least equal to traditional methods with a statistically significant result, though the effect was modest. Therefore, contemporary surgical training could incorporate SR-VBL for technical training to help surgeons of all levels in surgical self-assessment.
Effect of COVID-19 on Blood Pressure Profile and Oxygen Pulse during and after the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test in Healthy Adults
Authors: Miętkiewska-Szwacka Kamila , Domin Remigiusz , Kwissa Małgorzata , Żołyński Mikołaj , Niziński Jan , Turska Elżbieta , Cymerys Maciej
Published: July 2023

Several reports have shown the impact of COVID-19 history on exercise capacity. This study compared the blood pressure (BP) response and oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) characteristics in normotensive patients with and without a history of COVID-19 during the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and post-exercise recovery. This cross-sectional study involved 130 healthy Caucasian adult volunteers (71 participants with a history of COVID-19). All patients underwent the CPET with blood pressure measurements during exercise and post-exercise recovery. The post-COVID group had significantly higher systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure after 9 min of recovery and achieved a significantly lower max O2 pulse (2.02 mL/beat on average) than the controls. It should be noted that the COVID group tended to have higher blood pressure values in all steps, with no differences in heart rate, pulse pressure, and saturation at any step. The COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a higher blood pressure response, significantly, in post-exercise recovery, a lower maximum O2 pulse, and a lower maximum load achievement. Future studies are needed to determine if these abnormalities during the CPET and the blood pressure variation have prognostic value.
Synthesis of Cenospheres from Ash and Their Application
Authors: Tanirbergenova Sandugash K. , Dinistanova Balaussa K. , Zhylybayeva Nurzhamal K. , Tugelbayeva Dildara A. , Moldazhanova Gulya M. , Aitugan Aizat , Taju Kairat , Nazhipkyzy Meruyert
Published: July 2023

The possibility of improving the strength properties of concrete materials based on ash/slag waste from thermal power plants of Almaty (Kazakhstan) by adjusting their chemical composition is considered. An X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, infrared analysis (IR), and elemental determination analysis (EDAX) of ash and slag wastes were carried out, and additives to correct their chemical composition were selected. The analysis of the conducted studies shows that the addition of polypropylene fiber leads to an increase in the compressive crack resistance compared to the composition of the mixture in which ash is present. The highest compressive strength in which cenospheres increase in strength characteristics is observed on samples modified with 7% cenospheres. It was found that the strength of the concrete with the addition of cenospheres increased by more than two times in comparison with a sample without additives.
A Secure Localization Scheme for UASNs Based on Anchor Node Self-Adaptive Adjustment
Authors: Ding Ping , Zhou Ziyu , Ma Jinglan , Xing Guozhen , Jin Zhigang , Chen Ye
Published: July 2023

The UASNs are widely used in underwater communications and monitoring, and many applications require accurate information regarding the position of nodes. However, intentional attacks against devices or information transmission may exist in the network, and the localization process is periodic, so it is necessary to quickly address attacks and optimize the network structure. This paper proposed an anchor node self-adaptive adjustment localization scheme (ASAL), in which the anchor node can adjust the state and depth of its participation. Two filters were used to adjust the states of referable nodes. The first filter was based on the distance difference of reverse information transmission after direct localization based on anchor nodes. The second was based on the error of the anchor node’s reverse localization after network localization was completed. In addition, a depth-adjustment mechanism of anchor nodes was proposed to optimize the network structure, the virtual force vector was introduced to describe the cost of depth adjustment, and the whale optimization algorithm was used to converge to the depth with the minimum total cost. The simulation results showed that the scheme can ensure localization accuracy and coverage in attack scenarios and reduce localization energy consumption.
Experimental Study on Liquefaction Characteristics of Coral Gravelly Soils with Different Particle Size Distributions
Authors: Guo Shuyang , Cui Jie , Shan Yi , Li Yadong , Chen Kelin , Yang Kezheng
Published: July 2023

Many laboratory studies have shown that particle size distribution (PSD) affects the liquefaction susceptibility of granular materials. However, few studies have focused on the impact of PSD on coral particles. In this study, two different soil families were prepared: one with three levels of mean particle size (D50) with identical uniformity coefficient (Cu)and the other with four levels of Cu with the same D50 for coral gravelly soils. In addition, a series of undrained cyclic triaxial tests were conducted on coral gravelly particles with two groups of PSDs at a relative density of 40% and an adequate confining pressure of 100 kPa. The test results indicated that D50 with identical Cu can affect the undrained cyclic behavior of coral gravelly particles. In contrast, Cu with identical D50 does not impact the undrained cyclic behavior of coral gravelly particles. The developing pore water pressure was uniform when the sample was subjected to the same cyclic loading. For samples with changing D50 values of 2.35, 4.70, and 7.05 mm, increasing D50 improved the cyclic liquefaction resistance. For samples with changing Cu, increasing Cu in the range of 1.06–5.00 first increased and then decreased the liquefaction resistance.
Self-Interference Suppression of Unmanned Underwater Vehicle with Vector Hydrophone Array Based on an Improved Autoencoder
Authors: Fu Jin , Dong Wenfeng , Qiu Longhao , Zhao Chunpeng , Wang Zherui
Published: July 2023

The self-interference of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) weakens its ability to detect targets of interest. Due to limitations in the size of the sonar array and the complexity of the interference, the performance of existing self-interference suppression methods in practical applications is unsatisfactory. Our research focuses on analyzing the influence of near-field interferences on the sample covariance matrix (SCM) and proposes an interference suppression algorithm based on an improved autoencoder. The proposed algorithm effectively learns the feature distribution of near-field interferences within the covariance domain and reconstructs the pure signal covariance matrix through the cancellation of the near-field interference features. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can meet the requirements of real-time processing and does not require prior knowledge about the positions or propagation of interference. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms comparison methods, particularly in scenarios with low signal-to-interference ratios and a limited number of sensors. Furthermore, lake experiments provide additional evidence of the proposed algorithm’s good performance in practical applications.
Gas Hydrates, Subsurface Structures and Tectonic Features of the Tuaheni Landslide Complex in the Northern Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand, Revealed by Seismic Attribute Analysis
Authors: Ojha Maheswar , Shankar Uma , Ghosh Ranjana
Published: July 2023

The Tuaheni Landslide Complex, located on the upper slope of the northern Hikurangi Margin in New Zealand, is a unique place to research on slow slip creep-like deformation and seabed failure, as well as their possible relationship with the presence of gas hydrates, cold seeps, and fluid migration. Based on the visual interpretation of seismic data, it is sometimes very difficult to identify various subsurface structures and tectonic features. We study certain seismic attributes, namely the reflection strength, instantaneous frequency, instantaneous phase, and the Hilbert transform, in the Tuaheni Landslide Complex and observe that these attributes play a very important role in identifying and interpreting various subsurface geological features and bed boundaries that are not clearly visible in the seismic sections. In general, these seismic attributes are studied to identify hydrocarbons such as oil and gas. However, in this present study these seismic attributes nicely illustrate the fluid migration pathways, the decollement of the sediment slide, the base of the debris flow, the base of the deformed sediment and gas migration, etc., along two perpendicular seismic profiles crossing the Site U1517 of IODP Expedition 372. The instantaneous phase and Hilbert transform attribute depict the bed boundaries and discontinuities, whereas the reflection strength and instantaneous frequency attributes characterize the various strata in terms of whether they are associated with fluid at their bases. The possible role of tectonic activity and seafloor slope failure due to gas hydrate dissociation and vice versa is clearly visible through fluid-filled weak zones in the seismic attribute volumes. Gas hydrates are dissociating and BSRs are abruptly pinching out towards the seafloor due to the movement of hot fluid and free gas, enhancing seafloor sliding and local tectonic activities together.
Optimization of Shipping Routes for Container Ships from Indonesia to the Asia-Pacific Using Heuristic Algorithms
Authors: Gunawan  , Utomo Allessandro , Pambudi Ghulam , Hamada Kunihiro , Yanuar
Published: July 2023

Sea transportation such as that by container ships has an essential role in the economy both locally and internationally. Ships are a major commodity in distributing goods over long distances due to their relatively low price compared to air shipping. The study implemented an optimization method using heuristic algorithms with ship route selection to minimize operational costs based on the parameters of mileage between 12 ports in the Asia-Pacific region. The ship speed, engine power, and fuel prices at each port are processed using asymmetric traveling salesman problem modeling (ATSP). The research uses three different algorithms to compare with the performance of the traveling salesman problem, namely the nearest neighbor algorithm, simulated annealing, and a genetic algorithm, with an objective function of keeping fuel costs that ships will incur to a minimum. The results show that the genetic algorithm provides the route with the lowest fuel cost.
Heat-Induced Pore Structure Evolution in the Triassic Chang 7 Shale, Ordos Basin, China: Experimental Simulation of In Situ Conversion Process
Authors: Zhao Zhongying , Hou Lianhua , Luo Xia , Chi Yaao , Pang Zhenglian , Lin Senhu , Zhang Lijun , Liu Bo
Published: July 2023

The reservoir properties of low–medium-maturity shale undergo complex changes during the in situ conversion process (ICP). The experiments were performed at high temperature (up to 450 °C), high pressure (30 MPa), and a low heating rate (0.4 °C/h) on low–medium-maturity shale samples of the Chang 7 Member shale in the southern Ordos Basin. The changes in the shale composition, pore structure, and reservoir properties during the ICP were quantitatively characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopic observation, vitrinite reflectance (Ro), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and reservoir physical property measurements. The results showed that a sharp change occurred in mineral and maceral composition, pore structure, porosity, and permeability at a temperature threshold of 350 °C. In the case of a temperature > 350 °C, pyrite, K-feldspar, ankerite, and siderite were almost completely decomposed, and organic matter (OM) was cracked into large quantities of oil and gas. Furthermore, a three-scale millimeter–micrometer–nanometer pore–fracture network was formed along the shale bedding, between OM and mineral particles and within OM, respectively. During the ICP, porosity and permeability showed a substantial improvement, with porosity increasing by approximately 10-times and permeability by 2- to 4-orders of magnitude. Kerogen pyrolysis, clay–mineral transformation, unstable mineral dissolution, and thermal stress were the main mechanisms for the substantial improvement in the reservoir’s physical properties. This study is expected to provide a basis for formulating a heating procedure and constructing a numerical model of reservoir properties for the ICP field pilot in the Chang 7 shale of the Ordos Basin.
Set-Based Particle Swarm Optimisation: A Review
Authors: van Zyl Jean-Pierre , Engelbrecht Andries Petrus
Published: July 2023

The set-based particle swarm optimisation algorithm is a swarm-based meta-heuristic that has gained popularity in recent years. In contrast to the original particle swarm optimisation algorithm, the set-based particle swarm optimisation algorithm is used to solve discrete and combinatorial optimisation problems. The main objective of this paper is to review the set-based particle swarm optimisation algorithm and to provide an overview of the problems to which the algorithm has been applied. This paper starts with an examination of previous attempts to create a set-based particle swarm optimisation algorithm and discusses the shortcomings of the existing attempts. The set-based particle swarm optimisation algorithm is established as the only suitable particle swarm variant that is both based on true set theory and does not require problem-specific modifications. In-depth explanations are given regarding the general position and velocity update equations, the mechanisms used to control the exploration–exploitation trade-off, and the quantifiers of swarm diversity. After the various existing applications of set-based particle swarm optimisation are presented, this paper concludes with a discussion on potential future research.
Consumer Sentiment in the United States and the Impact of Mental Disorders on Consumer Behavior—Time Trends and Persistence Analysis
Authors: Monge Moreno Jesús Tomás , Monge Manuel
Published: July 2023

This paper analyzes the stochastic properties in clinical disorders to understand how they have manifested in consumer sentiment in the USA since 1990. The results obtained via fractional integration methodologies exhibit a high degree of persistence, finding non-mean reversion behavior in all of the time series analyzed, except for depressive disorder. Using a causality test, we find that mental and substance use disorders, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and alcohol use disorder influence consumer sentiment. Focusing on the cointegrating part, we conclude that an increase in the previously cited mental disorders produces a decrease in the Consumer Sentiment Index.
On Characterization of Balance and Consistency Preserving d-Antipodal Signed Graphs
Authors: Chettri Kshittiz , Deb Biswajit
Published: July 2023

A signed graph is an ordered pair Σ=(G,σ), where G is a graph and σ:E(G)⟶{+1,−1} is a mapping. For e∈E(G), σ(e) is called the sign of e and for any sub-graph H of G, σ(H)=∏e∈E(H)σ(e) is called the sign of H. A signed graph having a sign of each cycle +1 is called balanced. Two vertices in a graph G are called antipodal if dG(u,v)=diam(G). The antipodal graph A(G) of a graph G is the graph with a vertex set that is the same as that of G, and two vertices u,v in A(G) are adjacent if u,v are antipodal. By the d-antipodal graph GdA of a graph G, we refer to the union of G and A(G). Given a signed graph Σ=(G,σ), the signed graph ΣdA=(GdA,σd) is called the d-antipodal signed graph of G, where σd is defined as follows: σd(e)=σ(e)ife∈E(G)andotherwise,σd(e)=∏P∈Peσ(P), where Pe is the collection of all diametric paths in Σ connecting the end vertices of an antipodal edge e in ΣdA. In this article, the balance property and canonical consistency of d-antipodal signed graphs of Smith signed graphs (connected graphs having a highest eigenvalue of 2) are studied.
Multi-Objective Fault-Coverage Based Regression Test Selection and Prioritization Using Enhanced ACO_TCSP
Authors: Singhal Shweta , Jatana Nishtha , Sheoran Kavita , Dhand Geetika , Malik Shaily , Gupta Reena , Suri Bharti , Niranjanamurthy Mudligiriyappa , Mohanty Sachi Nandan , Ranjan Pradhan Nihar
Published: July 2023

Regression testing of the software during its maintenance phase, requires test case prioritization and selection due to the dearth of the allotted time. The resources and the time in this phase are very limited, thus testers tend to use regression testing methods such as test case prioritization and selection. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of testing with two major goals: (1) Least running time and (2) Maximum fault coverage possible. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a well-known soft computing technique that draws its inspiration from nature and has been widely researched, implemented, analyzed, and validated for regression test prioritization and selection. Many versions of ACO approaches have been prolifically applied to find solutions to many non-polynomial time-solvable problems. Hence, an attempt has been made to enhance the performance of the existing ACO_TCSP algorithm without affecting its time complexity. There have been efforts to enhance the exploration space of various paths in each iteration and with elite exploitation, reducing the total number of iterations required to converge to an optimal path. Counterbalancing enhanced exploration with intelligent exploitation implies that the run time is not adversely affected, the same has also been empirically validated. The enhanced algorithm has been compared with the existing ACO algorithm and with the traditional approaches. The approach has also been validated on four benchmark programs to empirically evaluate the proposed Enhanced ACO_TCSP algorithm. The experiment revealed the increased cost-effectiveness and correctness of the algorithm. The same has also been validated using the statistical test (independent t-test). The results obtained by evaluating the proposed approach against other reference techniques using Average Percentage of Faults Detected (APFD) metrics indicate a near-optimal solution. The multiple objectives of the highest fault coverage and least running time were fruitfully attained using the Enhanced ACO_TCSP approach without compromising the complexity of the algorithm.
Cubature Kalman Filters Model Predictive Static Programming Guidance Method with Impact Time and Angle Constraints Considering Modeling Errors
Authors: Xie Zihan , Pu Jialun , Wei Changzhu , Guan Yingzi
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a CKF-MPSP guidance method for hitting stationary targets with impact time and angle constraints for missiles in the presence of modeling errors. This innovative guidance scheme is composed of three parts: First, the model predictive static programming (MPSP) algorithm is used to design a nominal guidance method that simultaneously satisfies impact time and angle constraints. Second, the cubature Kalman filter (CKF) is introduced to estimate values of the influence of the inevitable modeling errors. Finally, a one-step compensation scheme is proposed to eliminate the modeling errors’ influence. The proposed method uses a real missile dynamics model, instead of a simplified one with a constant-velocity assumption, and eliminates the effects of modeling errors with the compensation scheme; thus, it is more practical. Simulations in the presence of modeling errors are conducted, and the results illustrate that the CKF-MPSP guidance method can reach the target with a high accuracy of impact time and angles, which demonstrates the high precision and strong robustness of the method.
A Fuzzy Graph Theory Approach to the Facility Location Problem: A Case Study in the Indian Banking System
Authors: Bhattacharya Anushree , Pal Madhumangal
Published: July 2023

A fuzzy graph G is stated to have a set of trees as its tree cover if all the vertices of G are in their union. The maximum weight tree in the tree cover is assumed to be the cost of a tree cover for a fuzzy graph. For an integer β>0, finding a set of trees to cover all the vertices of a graph with minimum cost and at most β number of spanning trees is known as the β-tree cover problem. Combining the tree-covering concept and facility location problem in a fuzzy environment for solving critical real-life problems in the recent era is a more fruitful approach. This issue strongly inspires us to develop a model with a practical algorithm. This paper provides an algorithm and complexity analysis to determine the number of rooted trees s covering the given fuzzy graph. In addition, a model is constructed with three optimization programming problems in the facility location problem and a tree covering fuzzy graphs. The model includes two types of the facility location problem, simultaneously addressing a variable covering radius and a fixed covering radius. A numerical example is provided to further describe the model, then, in the application part of the paper, the proposed model is applied to solve the real-life problem of maximizing demand saturation by minimizing the number of small denominations in the Indian banking system. This problem involves the data input of different indicators in the banking system along with details of the denominations of banknotes.
Sucralose Targets the Insulin Signaling Pathway in the SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Line
Authors: Čović Marina , Zjalić Milorad , Mihajlović Lovro , Pap Marianna , Wagner Jasenka , Mandić Dario , Debeljak Željko , Heffer Marija
Published: July 2023

Sucralose is widely used as a non-nutritive sweetener (NNS). However, in order to justify its use as a non-nutritive food additive, sucralose would have to be metabolically neutral. The aim of this study was to examine whether sucralose altered the insulin signaling pathway in an in vitro cell model of Parkinson’s disease (PD)—the dopaminergic differentiated cell line SH-SY5Y. Cells were exposed to sucralose alone and in combination with either insulin or levodopa. Activation of the insulin signaling pathway was assessed by quantifying protein kinase B (AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), as well as the phosphorylated forms of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1-R). Metabolic effects were assayed using MALDI-TOF MS analysis. In the cell viability test, 2 mM sucralose had a negative effect, and levodopa in all combinations had a positive effect. Sucralose treatment alone suppressed GSK3 and IGF1-R phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. This treatment also altered the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, especially when combined with insulin and levodopa. Suppression of the insulin signaling pathway and sucralose-induced changes in the metabolic profile could underlie a diet-acquired insulin resistance, previously associated with neurodegeneration, or may be an altered response to insulin or levodopa medical therapy.
Fecal Microbiota and Associated Volatile Organic Compounds Distinguishing No-Adenoma from High-Risk Colon Adenoma Adults
Authors: Katsaounou Kyriaki , Yiannakou Danae , Nikolaou Elpiniki , Brown Cameron , Vogazianos Paris , Aristodimou Aristos , Chi Jianxiang , Costeas Paul , Agapiou Agapios , Frangou Elisavet , Tsiaoussis George , Potamitis George , Antoniades Athos , Shammas Christos , Apidianakis Yiorgos
Published: July 2023

Microbiota and the metabolites they produce within the large intestine interact with the host epithelia under the influence of a range of host-derived metabolic, immune, and homeostatic factors. This complex host–microbe interaction affects intestinal tumorigenesis, but established microbial or metabolite profiles predicting colorectal cancer (CRC) risk are missing. Here, we aimed to identify fecal bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and their associations that distinguish healthy (non-adenoma, NA) from CRC prone (high-risk adenoma, HRA) individuals. Analyzing fecal samples obtained from 117 participants ≥15 days past routine colonoscopy, we highlight the higher abundance of Proteobacteria and Parabacteroides distasonis, and the lower abundance of Lachnospiraceae species, Roseburia faecis, Blautia luti, Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans, Eubacterium rectale, and Phascolarctobacterium faecium in the samples of HRA individuals. Volatolomic analysis of samples from 28 participants revealed a higher concentration of five compounds in the feces of HRA individuals, isobutyric acid, methyl butyrate, methyl propionate, 2-hexanone, and 2-pentanone. We used binomial logistic regression modeling, revealing 68 and 96 fecal bacteria-VOC associations at the family and genus level, respectively, that distinguish NA from HRA endpoints. For example, isobutyric acid associations with Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis and Bacteroides genera exhibit positive and negative regression lines for NA and HRA endpoints, respectively. However, the same chemical associates with Coprococcus and Colinsella genera exhibit the reverse regression line trends. Thus, fecal microbiota and VOC profiles and their associations in NA versus HRA individuals indicate the significance of multiple levels of analysis towards the identification of testable CRC risk biomarkers.
Exploring the Synergistic Potential of Radiomics and Laboratory Biomarkers for Enhanced Identification of Vulnerable COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Gerhards Catharina , Haselmann Verena , Schaible Samuel F. , Ast Volker , Kittel Maximilian , Thiel Manfred , Hertel Alexander , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Neumaier Michael , Froelich Matthias F.
Published: July 2023

Background: Severe courses and high hospitalization rates were ubiquitous during the first pandemic SARS-CoV-2 waves. Thus, we aimed to examine whether integrative diagnostics may aid in identifying vulnerable patients using crucial data and materials obtained from COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 2020 and 2021 (n = 52). Accordingly, we investigated the potential of laboratory biomarkers, specifically the dynamic cell decay marker cell-free DNA and radiomics features extracted from chest CT. Methods: Separate forward and backward feature selection was conducted for linear regression with the Intensive-Care-Unit (ICU) period as the initial target. Three-fold cross-validation was performed, and collinear parameters were reduced. The model was adapted to a logistic regression approach and verified in a validation naïve subset to avoid overfitting. Results: The adapted integrated model classifying patients into “ICU/no ICU demand” comprises six radiomics and seven laboratory biomarkers. The models’ accuracy was 0.54 for radiomics, 0.47 for cfDNA, 0.74 for routine laboratory, and 0.87 for the combined model with an AUC of 0.91. Conclusion: The combined model performed superior to the individual models. Thus, integrating radiomics and laboratory data shows synergistic potential to aid clinic decision-making in COVID-19 patients. Under the need for evaluation in larger cohorts, including patients with other SARS-CoV-2 variants, the identified parameters might contribute to the triage of COVID-19 patients.
Genomic Analysis of Clostridioides difficile Recovered from Horses in Western Australia
Authors: Hain-Saunders Natasza M. R. , Knight Daniel R. , Bruce Mieghan , Byrne David , Riley Thomas V.
Published: July 2023

Clostridioides difficile poses an ongoing threat as a cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. Traditionally considered a human healthcare-related disease, increases in community-associated C. difficile infection (CDI) and growing evidence of inter-species transmission suggest a wider perspective is required for CDI control. In horses, C. difficile is a major cause of diarrhoea and life-threatening colitis. This study aimed to better understand the epidemiology of CDI in Australian horses and provide insights into the relationships between horse, human and environmental strains. A total of 752 faecal samples from 387 Western Australian horses were collected. C. difficile was isolated from 104 (30.9%) horses without gastrointestinal signs and 19 (37.8%) with gastrointestinal signs. Of these, 68 (55.3%) harboured one or more toxigenic strains, including C. difficile PCR ribotypes (RTs) 012 (n = 14), 014/020 (n = 10) and 087 (n = 7), all prominent in human infection. Whole-genome analysis of 45 strains identified a phylogenetic cluster of 10 closely related C. difficile RT 012 strains of equine, human and environmental origin (0–62 SNP differences; average 23), indicating recent shared ancestry. Evidence of possible clonal inter-species transmission or common-source exposure was identified for a subgroup of three horse and one human isolates, highlighting the need for a One Health approach to C. difficile surveillance.
Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria with Low-Solubility Fertilizer Improve Soil P Availability and Yield of Kikuyu Grass
Authors: Torres-Cuesta Daniel , Mora-Motta Duber , Chavarro-Bermeo Juan P. , Olaya-Montes Andres , Vargas-Garcia Cesar , Bonilla Ruth , Estrada-Bonilla German
Published: July 2023

Inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and the application of phosphorus (P) sources can improve soil P availability, enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural systems. The implementation of this technology in perennial grasses, such as Kikuyu grass, for cattle feed in soils with high P retention, such as Andisols, has been little explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive response of Kikuyu grass and soil P dynamics to BSF inoculation with different P sources. The experiment was conducted on a Kikuyu pasture, which was evaluated for 18 months (September 2020 to March 2022). Three P fertilizers with different solubility levels were applied: diammonium phosphate (DAP) (high-solubility), rock phosphate (RP), and compost (OM) (low-solubility). Moreover, the inoculation of a PSB consortium (Azospirillum brasilense D7, Rhizobium leguminosarum T88 and Herbaspirillum sp. AP21) was tested. Inoculation with PSB and fertilization with rock phosphate (RP) increased soil labile P and acid phosphomonoesterase activity. Increased grass yield and quality were related with higher soil inorganic P (Pi) availability. This study validated, under field conditions, the benefits of PSB inoculation for soil P availability and Kikuyu grass productivity.
Adenovirus Infection in Hematopoietic and Solid Organ Paediatric Transplant Recipients: Treatment, Outcomes, and Use of Cidofovir
Authors: Grasa Carlos , Monteagudo-Vilavedra Einés , Pérez-Arenas Elena , Falces-Romero Iker , Mozo del Castillo Yasmina , Schüffelmann-Gutiérrez Cristina , del Rosal Teresa , Méndez-Echevarría Ana , Baquero-Artigao Fernando , Zarauza Santoveña Alejandro , Serrano Fernández Pilar , Sainz Talía , Calvo Cristina
Published: July 2023

Background: human adenovirus (hAdV) infection constitutes an important cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients, due to their immune status. Among drugs currently available, cidofovir (CDF) is the most prescribed. Methods: Retrospective study of hAdV infection in paediatric transplant recipients from a tertiary paediatric centre, describing characteristics, management, and outcomes, and focused on the role of CDF. Results: 49 episodes of infection by hAdV were detected during a four-year period: 38 episodes in patients that received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (77.6%) and 11 in solid organ transplant recipients (22.4%). Twenty-five patients (52.1%) were symptomatic, presenting mainly fever and/or diarrhoea. CDF was prescribed in 24 patients (49%), with modest results. CDF use was associated with the presence of symptoms resulting in lower lymphocyte count, paediatric intensive care unit admission, and high viral load. Other therapeutic measures included administration of intravenous immunoglobulin, reducing immunosuppression, and T-lymphocyte infusion. Despite treatment, 22.9% of patients did not resolve the infection and there were three deaths related to hAdV infection. All-cause mortality was 16.7% (8 episodes) by 30 days, and 32.7% (16 episodes) by 90 days, of which, 3 episodes (3/16, 18.8%) were attributed to hAdV directly. Conclusions: hAdV infection had high morbidity and mortality in our series. CDF use is controversial, and available therapeutic options are limited. Transplant patients with low lymphocyte count are at higher risk of persistent positive viremias, and short-term survival of these patients was influenced by the resolution of hAdV infection.
First Detection of Influenza D Virus Infection in Cattle and Pigs in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lim Eui Hyeon , Lim Seong-In , Kim Min Ji , Kwon MiJung , Kim Min-Ji , Lee Kwan-Bok , Choe SeEun , An Dong-Jun , Hyun Bang-Hun , Park Jee-Yong , Bae You-Chan , Jeoung Hye-Young , Lee Kyung-Ki , Lee Yoon-Hee
Published: July 2023

Influenza D virus (IDV) belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family, which also include the influenza A, B and C virus genera. IDV was first detected and isolated in 2011 in the United States from pigs with respiratory illness. IDV circulates in mammals, including pigs, cattle, camelids, horses and small ruminants. Despite the broad host range, cattle are thought to be the natural reservoir of IDV. This virus plays a role as a causative agent of the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). IDV has been identified in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. However, there has been no information on the presence of IDV in the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, we investigated the presence of viral RNA and seroprevalence to IDV among cattle and pigs in the ROK in 2022. Viral RNA was surveyed by the collection and testing of 999 cattle and 2391 pig nasal swabs and lung tissues using a real-time RT-PCR assay. IDV seroprevalence was investigated by testing 742 cattle and 1627 pig sera using a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. The viral RNA positive rate was 1.4% in cattle, but no viral RNA was detected in pigs. Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion (HEF) gene was further conducted for a selection of samples. All sequences belonged to the D/Yamagata/2019 lineage. The seropositivity rates were 54.7% in cattle and 1.4% in pigs. The geometric mean of the antibody titer (GMT) was 68.3 in cattle and 48.5 in pigs. This is the first report on the detection of viral RNA and antibodies to IDV in the ROK.
Chemistry, Bioactivity, and Prediction of the Quality Marker (Q-Marker) of Ferula Plants in China: A Review
Authors: Bahetjan Yerlan , Muhaxi Muguli , Pang Kejian , Kizaibek Murat , Tang Hui , Sefidkon Fatemeh , Yang Xinzhou
Published: July 2023

The genus of Ferula belongs to the family Apiaceae, and many Ferula plants are used as traditional Chinese medicines. Ferula plants were initially identified as early as the “Newly Revised Materia Medica” written in the Tang Dynasty (AD 659), and several of them are also recognized as the traditional medicines of the Uygur, Kazakh, and Mongolian. Ferula plants are distributed in China, Russia, India, Africa, Central Asia, and other places. Currently, the chemical components derived from Ferula plants are mainly coumarins, sesquiterpenes, and volatile oils. Ferula plants can exhibit diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-allergy, analgesia, relieving cough, anticoagulation, and anti-tumor. Therefore, this article summarized the domestic research conducted on the genus Ferula, appropriately combines the research status of the foreign genus Ferula, and describes the chemical composition, biological activity, toxicity issues, and Q-marker prediction. In addition, all the related studies about the genus Ferula are summarized by analyzing the various databases such as CNKI, Wanfang data, PubChem and SciFinder.
Heat Capacity and Thermodynamic Functions of Titanium-Manganites of Lanthanum, Lithium and Sodium of LaLi2TiMnO6 and LaNa2TiMnO6
Authors: Kasenov Bulat Kunurovich , Kasenova Shuga Bulatovna , Sagintaeva Zhenisgul Imangalievna , Baisanov Sailaubai , Lu Natalya Yulievna , Nukhuly Altynbek , Kuanyshbekov Erbolat Ermekovich
Published: July 2023

Titanium-manganites of LaLi2TiMnO6 and LaNa2TiMnO6 were synthesized by the methods of ceramic technology from the oxides of lanthanum, titanium (IV), manganese (III), and the carbonates of lithium and sodium. The types of their syngony and the parameters of their gratings were determined radiographically. The isobaric heat capacities of titanium-manganites were measured with experimental calorimetry in the range of 298.15–673 K. It was found that on the dependence curve of heat capacity versus temperature of C°p~f(T), for LaLi2TiMnO6 at 348 K and 598 K, and LaNa2TiMnO6 at 348 K, there are abnormal jumps in heat capacity, probably related to phase transitions of the second kind. Taking into account the temperatures of the phase transitions, the equations of the temperature dependence of the heat capacity of titanium-manganites were derived. Their standard entropies were calculated by the ion increments method. Temperature dependences of the thermodynamic functions of S°(T), H°(T)-H°(298.15), and Φxx(T) were calculated using the experimental data on heat capacities and the calculated values of the standard entropies. The standard heat capacities of the studied compounds were calculated by the independent methods of ion increments and Debye, the values of which were in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. The standard enthalpy of the formation of LaLi2TiMnO6 and LaNa2TiMnO6 was calculated according to the methodology developed by the authors. The conducted electrophysical studies determined the nature of the second-order phase transition and the semiconductor features of their conductivity. Thus, all the above-mentioned data on the experimental and calculated studies of the temperature dependence of heat capacity, the thermodynamic functions to determine a standard enthalpy of formation of LaLi2TiMnO6 and LaNa2TiMnO6, and the investigation of their electrical properties are absolutely new, and they have no analogues.
Usnic Acid-Loaded Magnetite Nanoparticles—A Comparative Study between Synthesis Methods
Authors: Chircov Cristina , Bîrcă Alexandra Cătălina , Dănciulescu Lorena Alexandra , Neacșu Ionela Andreea , Oprea Ovidiu-Cristian , Trușcă Roxana-Doina , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: July 2023

Since cancer is a continuously increasing concern for the general population, more efficient treatment alternatives ought to be developed. In this regard, a promising direction is represented by the use of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to act both as a nanocarrier for the targeted release of antitumoral drugs and as hyperthermia agents. Thus, the present study focused on improving the control upon the outcome properties of MNPs by using two synthesis methods, namely the co-precipitation and microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, for the incorporation of usnic acid (UA), a natural lichen-derived metabolite with proven anticancer activity. The obtained UA-loaded MNPs were thoroughly characterized regarding their morpho-structural and physicochemical properties through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Results demonstrated the formation of magnetite as the unique mineralogical phase through both types of synthesis, with increased uniformity regarding the drug loading efficiency, size, stability, and magnetic properties obtained through the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the nanostructures against the HEK 293T cell line was investigated through the XTT assay, which further proved their potential for anticancer treatment applications.
A Waterborne Epoxy Composite Coating with Smart Corrosion Resistance Based on 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic Acid/Layered Double Hydroxide Composite
Authors: Ding Caiyou , Wu Jiongxin , Liu Yuan , Sheng Xinxin , Cheng Xiaoling , Xiong Xiaoyan , Zhao Wenlin
Published: July 2023

In this study, ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) was functionalized with 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) to prepare ZnAl-PBSA-LDH using a simple one-step method. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) result of the solution phase demonstrated excellent corrosion inhibition performance of ZnAl-PBSA-LDH. Subsequently, 0.6 wt.% ZnAl-PBSA-LDH with shielding effects and active inhibition was incorporated into the water-based epoxy (WEP) for preparing the high-performance anti-corrosion coating (6-ZPL/WEP). The EIS test illustrated that the 6-ZPL/WEP coating maintained a high low-frequency impedance modulus (|Z0.01 Hz|) after 30 days of immersion, which is nearly two orders of magnitude higher compared to that of the blank coating. These results demonstrated that ZnAl-PBSA-LDH could efficiently improve the corrosion resistance of the WEP coating. Therefore, this study introduces new insights into the use of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in the domain of anti-corrosion.
Cascading One-Pot Synthesis of Biodegradable Uronic Acid-Based Surfactants from Oligoalginates, Semi-Refined Alginates, and Crude Brown Seaweeds
Authors: Pessel Freddy , Noirbent Guillaume , Boyère Cédric , Arnaud Sacha Pérocheau , Wong Tiphaine , Durand Laura , Benvegnu Thierry
Published: July 2023

The present article describes a one-pot and cascade mode process using biocompatible/biodegradable reagents, for simply obtaining surfactant compositions comprising mixtures of d-mannuronic acid and l-guluronic acid directly from oligoalginates or semi-refined alginates (mixtures of alginate, cellulose, hemicellulose, laminaran, and fucan). Simple treatments of partial purification of the reaction crudes (elimination of the salts and/or the residual fatty alcohols) or isolation of the surfactant compositions result in sugar-based compounds having performance levels appropriate to applications in detergency. In addition, the challenging extension of this cascading one-pot synthesis technology to crude milled brown seaweeds was successfully carried out to provide promising surface-active compositions made up of alkyl uronate and alkyl glycoside monosaccharides.