bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Cognitive Impairment after Stroke
Authors: Bourgeois Alexia , Schnider Armin , Turri Francesco , Ptak Radek
Published: January 2023

Virtual reality (VR) is seen by some as a tool that may greatly improve, or even revolutionize cognitive rehabilitation. VR offers distinct advantages compared to classic rehabilitation using paper-and-pencil or computer-based training, such as immersion, the feeling of presence, embodiment of virtual players, ecological and multisensory stimulation. We here review recent clinical studies examining the effects of VR training in patients with stroke-induced cognitive deficits. Several trials reported evidence that VR training improves general cognition compared to standard cognitive training. However, the evidence remains controversial, as some of these studies had a high risk of bias. Regarding mood, there is some indication that immersive training improves depression scores in stroke patients, but the number of studies examining mood changes is very low. Finally, in the domain of spatial cognition the development of specific intervention techniques such as virtual prism adaptation provide avenues for clinical interventions, though well-controlled clinical trials are lacking. Together, the available evidence suggests that VR has the potential to improve rehabilitation particularly in domains requiring repetitive training in an immersed, ecological setting, or when a mismatch between body frames and the environment is created. Controlled clinical studies are required to examine the specific advantages of VR compared to classic interventions.
Whist Game Cards Calibration Strategies-Based Technique for Conceptual Design Morphological Chart Refinement
Authors: Jamea Ali , Jing Liting , Peng Xiang , Li Jiquan , Jiang Shaofei
Published: January 2023

High-quality concept design is a key factor of successful product performance and efficiency. Conventional conceptual design morphological chart serves to combine product concept designs. Nevertheless, the huge number of combined concept designs and how to reduce is an important research point. In this paper, concepts design combined after refinement of possible sub-functions means (M) in the product conceptual design morphological chart to less and most promising means based on calibration proceeded in binary for the means regarding numerical scales applied to a package of quality attributes (QAs). The calibration proceeds in accordance with single suit whist game between two competitors’ strategies. The game tricks number depends on QAs number, and the summation of tricks scored by each means give M numerical value. Means with the high numerical values keep existence while means with the weak numerical values were eliminated from the chart. The case study approved the current technique reliability and flexibility for assessing sub-functions means which accommodates a wide variety of QAs to solve the problem of useless and abundance concepts design through morphological chart refinement. In addition, these capabilities make designers able to specify more QAs to meet different product stakeholders’ requirements. Beside these advantages, the opportunities for further development and limitations are considered in discussion and conclusion.
Energy Performance Assessment of the Container Housing in Subtropical Region of China upon Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Suo Hua , Guan Xinxin , Wu Shanglin , Fan Zhengyu
Published: January 2023

Being continuously abandoned in huge amounts year-round by freight industry, shipping containers meet increasing regenerative utility in forms of temporary buildings, small public facilities, etc., especially in fast-developing countries with large populations and high living intensities like China. Although recycled containers have been nicely entitled with green building visions, their characterized inferior thermal properties (low inertia, poor insulation, etc.) when compared to conventional building forms and materials will greatly hinder their energy-saving potential, especially under the serious future extreme climate expectations. It therefore becomes particularly necessary to uncover the actual energy and thermophysical behaviors of the container building typology, upon extreme future climate scenarios targeting zero carbon forms for small-scale and temporary buildings in the upcoming future. In reference to existing data, this study made reasonable predictions of future extreme climate conditions (2050 and 2080), employing the Morphing method, and examined the cooling energy performances of the typical container housing in a subtropical climate through dynamic simulations. The energy-saving effectiveness of key design variables including insulation types, thicknesses, window opening areas and air infiltration rates has been validated and quantitatively revealed for such a building typology among the tested hot summer and warm winter region. Results imply that the additional energy burden brought by future extreme weather conditions cannot be ignored. The heat gains from envelopes and hot air infiltration are both key design factors of cooling energy increments for such building types upon future extreme climates. Compared with expanded pearl- and vermiculite-type insulation materials, thinner (70~90 mm) plastics and mineral wool-type ones have better energy-saving performance and therefore are worth consideration. High air infiltration rates and window openings in eastern or western orientations shall be carefully selected. The research outcomes can provide key references for design decisions made for the energy-efficient and low-carbon design of the container building typology among subtropical zones, or similar climate regions in response to future climate conditions.
The Use of Hydrogen for Traction in Freight Transport: Estimating the Reduction in Fuel Consumption and Emissions in a Regional Context
Authors: Gallo Mariano , Marinelli Mario
Published: January 2023

The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) includes, among other measures, investments in hydrogen vehicle refuelling stations, intending to promote the use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for long-haul freight transport. This paper evaluates the impact that this action could have on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, focusing on a case study of the Campania region. The proposed approach, which can also be transferred to other geographical contexts, requires the implementation of a freight road transport simulation model; this model is based on the construction of a supply model, the estimation of road freight demand, and an assignment procedure for computing traffic flows. This study covers the period from 2025 to 2040, according to the forecasts of the NRRP and some assumptions on the action effects; moreover, it is assumed that hydrogen is entirely produced from renewable sources (green hydrogen). The key findings from three different scenarios show that savings between 423,832 and 778,538 tonnes of CO2, and between 144 and 264 million litres of diesel could be obtained.
Investigating Metals and Metalloids in Soil at Micrometric Scale Using µ-XRF Spectroscopy—A Case Study
Authors: Barbosa Sofia , Dias António , Pacheco Marta , Pessanha Sofia , Almeida J. António
Published: January 2023

Micrometric 2D mapping of distinct elements was performed in distinct soil grain-size fractions of a sample using the micro-X-ray Fluorescence (µ-XRF) technique. The sample was collected in the vicinity of São Domingos, an old mine of massive sulphide minerals located in the Portuguese Iberian Pyrite Belt. As expected, elemental high-grade concentrations of distinct metals and metalloids in the dependence of the existent natural geochemical anomaly were detected. Clustering and k-means statistical analysis were developed considering Red–Green–Blue (RGB) pixel proportions in the produced 2D micrometric image maps, allowing for the identification of elemental spatial distributions at 2D. The results evidence how elemental composition varies significantly at the micrometric scale per grain-size class, and how chemical elements present irregular spatial distributions in the direct dependence of distinct mineral spatial distributions. Due to this fact, elemental composition is more differentiated in coarser grain-size classes, whereas griding-milled fraction does not always represent the average of all partial grain-size fractions. Despite the complexity of the performed analysis, the achieved results evidence the suitability of µ-XRF to characterize natural, heterogeneous, granular soils samples at the micrometric scale, being a very promising investigation technique of high resolution.
Moderate Salinity of Nutrient Solution Improved the Nutritional Quality and Flavor of Hydroponic Chinese Chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler)
Authors: Xie Bojie , Xiao Xuemei , Li Haiyan , Wei Shouhui , Li Ju , Gao Yanqiang , Yu Jihua
Published: January 2023

Sodium chloride (NaCl), as a eustressor, can trigger relevant pathways to cause plants to produce a series of metabolites, thus improving the quality of crops to a certain extent. However, there are few reports on the improvement of nutrient quality and flavor of hydroponic Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler) by sodium chloride. In this study, five NaCl concentrations were used to investigate the dose-dependent effects on growth, nutritional quality and flavor in Chinese chives. The results show that 10 mM NaCl had no significant effect on the growth of Chinese chives, but significantly decreased the nitrate content by 40% compared with 0 mM NaCl treatment, and the content of soluble protein and vitamin C was increased by 3.6% and 2.1%, respectively. In addition, a total of 75 volatile compounds were identified among five treatments using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Compared with the 0 mM NaCl treatment, 10 mM NaCl had the greatest effect on the quantity and content of volatile compounds, with the total content increased by 27.8%. Furthermore, according to the odor activity values (OAVs) and odor description, there were 14 major aroma-active compounds (OAVs > 1) in Chinese chives. The “garlic and onion” odor was the strongest among the eight categories of aromas, and its highest value was observed in the 10 mM NaCl treatment (OAVs = 794).Taken together, adding 10 mM NaCl to the nutrient solution could improve the nutritional quality and flavor of Chinese chives without affecting their normal growth.
Essential Oil Content and Composition of the Chamomile Inflorescences (Matricaria recutita L.) Belonging to Central Albania
Authors: Salamon Ivan , Ibraliu Alban , Kryvtsova Maryna
Published: January 2023

The chamomile drug (Chamomillae anthodium) is widely known and has been used as a medicine for ages. Today, the drug is officially registered in the European Pharmacopoeia. Despite the economic importance of the chamomile Matricaria recutita L., little is known about the extent and nature of the essential oil variability and composition of this species in Albania. Therefore, information about the extent of the uses of various gene pools is extremely valuable for the development of future chamomile cultivation and breeding programs. This study aimed to analyze the differences among 29 populations in different sites in central Albania. The quantities of essential oils ranged from a low of 0.10 ± 0.01% in Fier and Tirana to a high of 0.75 ± 0.05% in Linzȅ. The yield of volatile oils depended on the geography, altitude, and other factors, including stress influences on the site of plant population growth. This fact was confirmed by various subclimatic characteristics obtained from individual localities. Essential oil extracted from chamomile inflorescences was recorded to have between 23 and 43 chemical components. It was found that /-/-α-bisabololoxides B and A were the major constituents in 25 samples, with only 4 having dominant /-/-α-bisabolol. The uniquely determined chemical type of the chamomile wild populations in Albania was chemical type B (/-/-α-bisabololoxide B > /-/-α-bisabololoxide A > /-/-α-bisabolol). Based on the study of chamomile’s pharmacodynamic properties, the sesquiterpenes /-/-α-bisabolol and chamazulene are considered to be the most valuable constituents. Consequently, a very intensive improvement breeding program must begin, with emphasis on drug yield, polyploidization, essential oil quantity, and both component contents in the oil.
Relationship between Anthocyanin Composition and Floral Color of Hibiscus syriacus
Authors: Chen Jialong , Ye Heng , Wang Jie , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2023

Hibiscus syriacus is a highly ornamental flowering shrub widely grown in East Asia. Its abundant flower colors mainly reflect the accumulation of anthocyanins. Classifying H. syriacus petals and identifying the relationship between flower color and anthocyanins can provide references for flower color breeding. With eight cultivars of H. syriacus as experimental materials, the floral color was described using the Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart and the CIEL*a*b* coordinate. The anthocyanin in petals was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and the relationships between flower color and anthocyanin were analyzed by using stepwise regression analysis. We divided eight cultivars of H. syriacus into five color lines: red-purple, white, violet, purple, and blue-purple, and then into two groups: purple and red-purple. The results showed that the L* had a significant negative correlation with a* and C*. A total of 52 anthocyanin components were detected in the petals of H. syriacus, including cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, petunidin, peonidin, and pelargonidin derivatives. Cyanidin derivatives accounted for the highest proportion, and pelargonidin derivatives accounted for the lowest proportion of the total anthocyanins. Petals of ‘Pink Giant’ contained the largest number of types of anthocyanin components and the highest total anthocyanin content, while the petals of ‘Albus Single’ contained the smallest. Petunidin-3-O-glucoside showed a significant negative correlation with L* in the red-purple group and in all cultivars, whereas it showed a significant negative correlation with b* in the purple group. Delphinidin-3-O-(6-O-Malonyl-β-D-glucoside) exhibited a significant positive correlation with a* in the red-purple group, and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside showed a significant negative correlation with L* in the purple group. Therefore, our results suggest that changing the content of these three anthocyanin components may have the potential to alter the flower color. This research provides scientific guidance and a foundation for the molecular breeding of H. syriacus cultivars with new floral colors.
The Main Morphological Characteristics and Chemical Components of Fruits and the Possibilities of Their Improvement in Raspberry Breeding
Authors: Titirică Irina , Roman Ioana A. , Nicola Claudia , Sturzeanu Monica , Iurea Elena , Botu Mihai , Sestras Radu E. , Pop Rodica , Militaru Mădălina , Ercisli Sezai , Sestras Adriana F.
Published: January 2023

Raspberry is a delicious fruit with important nutritional and health properties for consumers. The efficiency of achieving raspberry breeding aims such as productivity, fruit quality, and adequate response to stressors, etc., depends directly on knowledge of the inheritance of traits and genetic factors of influence and their pragmatic use. In this study, the main morphological characteristics and chemical components of fruits of 24 raspberry genotypes were studied in a comparative field trial; 14 were promising selections and the other 10 included their parental forms (Autumn Bliss, Glen Moy, Glen Prosen, Opal, Pathfinder, Titan, Tulameen, Veten, Willamette) and Glen Ample cultivar, which was used as control. The results highlighted significant differences and a large variation among the genotypes (between 2.40 and 4.90 g for fruit weight, 0.19–0.47 kg/cane for yield, 50–106 for drupelets/fruit, 10.0–12.7% for dry matter, 0.23–2.00% pectin, 1.61–2.72% glucose, etc.). The inheritance of the analyzed traits, considered quantitative, was different, but a low heritability was recorded for non-marketable fruits and the number of drupelets in fruit. In several hybrid selections, negative heterosis prevailed, highlighting the breeding difficulties of the important desired traits of the species. The values of heterosis and the broad-sense and narrow-sense heritability of some traits demonstrate that, through judiciously choosing parents, raspberry breeding in the desired direction can be successful.
Evaluation of Nutritional Status with Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) of Syrian Refugees Living Outside the Refugee Camps
Authors: Atayoglu Ali Timucin , Firat Yagmur , Kaya Nese , Basmisirli Eda , Capar Asli Gizem , Aykemat Yusuf , Atayolu Rumeysa , Khan Hammad , Guner Atayoglu Ayten , Inanc Neriman
Published: January 2023

Nutrition is a public health issue. Amongst populations of refugees, unmet nutritional needs have been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of Syrian refugees living outside the refugee camps in Kayseri, Turkey. Socio-demographic data and anthropometric measurements of the refugees were collected. The relationship between diet quality, which was assessed through the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010), and factors (including the duration of time spent outside the refugee camp, income, obesity, and waist circumference) were measured. Four hundred refugees participated in this study. The majority of refugees (77.8%) reported a ‘poor’ diet, with the remaining filling into the ‘needs improvement’ based on HEI-2010 scores. The average consumption of fruits in the study group was 101.9 g per day (g/day), while the average consumption of vegetables was 142.2 g/day. When the relationships were examined between BMI, HEI-2010 score, the time spent as a refugee, and waist circumference, statistically significant relationships were found (p < 0.001). In the linear regression analysis based on these relationships, when the results were adjusted for age and gender factors, it was observed that for every year spent as a refugee, BMI score increased by 0.17 units, and waist circumference increased by 1.14 units (p < 0.05). As a result, this study showed that refugees have low-income-related nutritional risks. In conclusion, ensuring that refugees have access to adequate nutrient-rich food is essential; therefore, analyzing and improving nutritional standards for refugees are suggested to be part of the strategies of the public and primary health care systems.
How to Prevent Hostile Behaviors and Emotional Exhaustion among Law Enforcement Professionals: The Negative Spiral of Role Conflict
Authors: López-Cabarcos María Ángeles , López-Carballeira Analía , Ferro-Soto Carlos
Published: January 2023

The nature and characteristics of the current work environment of law enforcement professionals point out role-conflict situations as one of the main reasons leading to the occurrence of hostile behaviors and the worsening of employees’ well-being. Precisely, this research analyzes the mediating role of role conflict between laissez-faire leadership and hostility or police professionals’ emotional exhaustion. To mitigate the negative effects of role-conflict situations, the moderating role of certain personal resources such as self-efficacy, and organizational variables such as interactional justice, the meaning of the work and family–work enrichment is also analyzed. Structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis are used in a sample of 180 police professionals. The results show that role conflict fully and positively mediates the relationships between laissez-faire leadership and hostile behaviors or emotional exhaustion. Moreover, self-efficacy and interactional justice moderates the relationship between laissez-faire leadership and role conflict; the meaning of the work moderates the relationships between role conflict and hostile behaviors, and family–work enrichment moderates the relationship between role conflict and employees’ emotional exhaustion. The huge relevance of the work of law enforcement professionals and its implications for society justify this research, which aims to highlight the importance of avoiding role-conflict situations to improve labor welfare and prevent counterproductive and unhealthy behaviors.
Polymer Encapsulated Liposomes for Oral Co-Delivery of Curcumin and Hydroxytyrosol
Authors: De Leo Vincenzo , Maurelli Anna Maria , Giotta Livia , Daniello Valeria , Di Gioia Sante , Conese Massimo , Ingrosso Chiara , Ciriaco Fulvio , Catucci Lucia
Published: January 2023

Curcumin (Cur) is a hydrophobic polyphenol from the rhizome of Curcuma spp., while hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a water-soluble polyphenol from Olea europaea. Both show outstanding antioxidant properties but suffer from scarce bioavailability and low stability in biological fluids. In this work, the co-encapsulation of Cur and HT into liposomes was realized, and the liposomal formulation was improved using polymers to increase their survival in the gastrointestinal tract. Liposomes with different compositions were formulated: Type 1, composed of phospholipids and cholesterol; Type 2, also with a PEG coating; and Type 3 providing an additional shell of Eudragit® S100, a gastro-resistant polymer. Samples were characterized in terms of size, morphology, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity. All samples were subjected to a simulated in vitro digestion and their stability was investigated. The Eudragit®S100 coating demonstrated prevention of early releases of HT in the mouth and gastric phases, while the PEG shell reduced bile salts and pancreatin effects during the intestinal digestion. In vitro antioxidant activity showed a cumulative effect for Cur and HT loaded in vesicles. Finally, liposomes with HT concentrations up to 40 μM and Cur up to 4.7 μM, alone or in combination, did not show cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells.
The Presence of Plasmids in Lactococcus lactis IL594 Determines Changes in the Host Phenotype and Expression of Chromosomal Genes
Authors: Kosiorek Katarzyna , Koryszewska-Bagińska Anna , Skoneczny Marek , Stasiak-Różańska Lidia , Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk Tamara
Published: January 2023

The L. lactis IL594 strain contains seven plasmids (pIL1 to pIL7) and is the parental strain of the plasmid-free L. lactis IL1403, one of the most studied lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain. The genetic sequences of pIL1 to pIL7 plasmids have been recently described, however the knowledge of global changes in host phenotype and transcriptome remains poor. In the present study, global phenotypic analyses were combined with transcriptomic studies to evaluate a potential influence of plasmidic genes on overall gene expression in industrially important L. lactis strains. High-throughput screening of phenotypes differences revealed pronounced phenotypic differences in favor of IL594 during the metabolism of some C-sources, including lactose and β-glucosides. A plasmids-bearing strain presented increased resistance to unfavorable growth conditions, including the presence of heavy metal ions and antimicrobial compounds. Global comparative transcriptomic study of L. lactis strains revealed variation in the expression of over 370 of chromosomal genes caused by plasmids presence. The general trend presented upregulated energy metabolism and biosynthetic genes, differentially expressed regulators, prophages and cell resistance proteins. Our findings suggest that plasmids maintenance leads to significant perturbation in global gene regulation that provides change in central metabolic pathways and adaptive properties of the IL594 cells.
Proteome-Wide Structural Computations Provide Insights into Empirical Amino Acid Substitution Matrices
Authors: Aledo Pablo , Aledo Juan Carlos
Published: January 2023

The relative contribution of mutation and selection to the amino acid substitution rates observed in empirical matrices is unclear. Herein, we present a neutral continuous fitness-stability model, inspired by the Arrhenius law (qij=aije−ΔΔGij). The model postulates that the rate of amino acid substitution (i→j) is determined by the product of a pre-exponential factor, which is influenced by the genetic code structure, and an exponential term reflecting the relative fitness of the amino acid substitutions. To assess the validity of our model, we computed changes in stability of 14,094 proteins, for which 137,073,638 in silico mutants were analyzed. These site-specific data were summarized into a 20 square matrix, whose entries, ΔΔGij, were obtained after averaging through all the sites in all the proteins. We found a significant positive correlation between these energy values and the disease-causing potential of each substitution, suggesting that the exponential term accurately summarizes the fitness effect. A remarkable observation was that amino acids that were highly destabilizing when acting as the source, tended to have little effect when acting as the destination, and vice versa (source → destination). The Arrhenius model accurately reproduced the pattern of substitution rates collected in the empirical matrices, suggesting a relevant role for the genetic code structure and a tuning role for purifying selection exerted via protein stability.
Plasma-Functionalised Dressings for Enhanced Wound Healing
Authors: Strudwick Xanthe L. , Whittle Jason D. , Cowin Allison J. , Smith Louise E.
Published: January 2023

Fundamental knowledge about cell–surface interactions can be applied in the development of wound dressings and scaffolds to encourage wounds to heal. As surfaces produced with acid-functionalised monomers encourage keratinocyte adhesion, proliferation and migration, whilst amine functionalisation enhances fibroblast proliferation and migration in vitro, standard care wound dressings were plasma-coated with either acrylic acid or allylamine and applied to 6 mm excisional wounds on the backs of mice to test their effectiveness in vivo. At day 3, the rate of wound healing was increased in mice treated with dressings that were plasma-coated with allylamine compared to uncoated dressings, with a significantly reduced wound area. However, healing may be impaired following prolonged treatment with allylamine-functionalised dressings, with delayed re-epithelialisation and increased cellularisation of the wound site at later timepoints. Acrylic acid functionalisation, however, offered no early improvement in wound healing, but wounds treated with these dressings displayed increased collagen deposition at day 7 post wounding. These results suggest that plasma polymerisation may allow for the development of new dressings which can enhance wound closure by directing cell behaviour, but that the application of these dressings may require a timed approach to enhance specific phases of the wound healing response.
Atractylodin Ameliorates Colitis via PPARα Agonism
Authors: Heo Gwangbeom , Kim Yuju , Kim Eun-La , Park Soyeong , Rhee Sang Hoon , Jung Jee H. , Im Eunok
Published: January 2023

Atractylodin is a major compound in the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea, an oriental herbal medicine used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, including dyspepsia, nausea, and diarrhea. Recent studies have shown that atractylodin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. Herein, we investigated the anti-colitis effects of atractylodin and its molecular targets. We determined the non-cytotoxic concentration of atractylodin (50 μM) using a cell proliferation assay in colonic epithelial cells. We found that pretreatment with atractylodin significantly inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in HCT116 cells. Through docking simulation analysis, luciferase assays, and in vitro binding assays, we found that atractylodin has an affinity for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Daily administration of atractylodin (40 mg/kg) increased the survival rate of mice in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse model. Thus, atractylodin can be a good strategy for colitis therapy through inducing PPARα-dependent pathways.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification and Functional Characterization of CIPK Gene Family Members in Actinidia valvata under Salt Stress
Authors: Gu Shichao , Abid Muhammad , Bai Danfeng , Chen Chen , Sun Leiming , Qi Xiujuan , Zhong Yunpeng , Fang Jinbao
Published: January 2023

Fruit plants are severely constrained by salt stress in the soil due to their sessile nature. Ca2+ sensors, which are known as CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs), transmit abiotic stress signals to plants. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the molecular regulatory role of CIPKs underlying salt stress tolerance in kiwifruit. In the current study, we have identified 42 CIPK genes from Actinidia. valvata (A.valvata). All the AvCIPKs were divided into four different phylogenetic groups. Moreover, these genes showed different conserved motifs. The expression pattern analysis showed that AvCIPK11 was specifically highly expressed under salt stress. The overexpression of AvCIPK11 in ‘Hongyang’ (a salt sensitive commercial cultivar from Actinidia chinensis) enhanced salt tolerance by maintaining K+/Na+ homeostasis in the leaf and positively improving the activity of POD. In addition, the salt-related genes AcCBL1 and AcNHX1 had higher expression in overexpression lines. Collectively, our study suggested that AvCIPK11 is involved in the positive regulation of salt tolerance in kiwifruit.
RPS24 Is Associated with a Poor Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Haiyuan , Gao Lei , Kang Xiaojuan , Wang Xueyan , Yu Yang , Zhang Yaqing , Chen Hao
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver malignancy, with increased mortality and morbidity. Accumulating evidence suggested that 40S ribosomal protein S24 (RPS24) is related to malignant outcomes and progression. However, the role of RPS24 remains unclear in HCC. The mRNA and protein expression pattern of RPS24 in HCC was explored and confirmed based on the bioinformatics analysis and histological examination. The correlation between RPS24 expression and clinicopathological features, diagnostic value, prognosis, methylation status, and survival were evaluated. Then, we divided the HCC cohort into two groups based on the expression of RPS24, and performed the functional enrichment and immune cells infiltration analysis of RPS24. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the effect of RPS24 on HCC cells. RPS24 was observed to be elevated in HCC samples. RPS24 overexpression or RPS24 promoter methylation contributed to an unfavorable prognosis for HCC patients. The genes in the high RPS24 expression group were mainly enriched in DNA replication, cell cycle E2F targets, and the G2M checkpoint pathway. Moreover, the expression level of RPS24 was significantly related to immune infiltration and immunotherapy response. Our experiments also demonstrated that RPS24 knockdown suppressed the growth of HCC cells and tumor proliferation of the xenograft model. Therefore, RPS24 can be a potential adverse biomarker of HCC prognosis acting through facilitating cell proliferation and the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in HCC. Targeting RPS24 may offer a promising therapeutic option for HCC management.
Dyeing with Hydrotalcite Hybrid Nanoclays and Disperse, Basic and Direct Dyes
Authors: López-Rodríguez Daniel , Jordán-Núñez Jorge , Gisbert-Paya Jaime , Díaz-García Pablo , Bou-Belda Eva
Published: January 2023

Textile effluents are among the most polluting industrial effluents in the world. Textile finishing processes, especially dyeing, discharge large quantities of waste that is difficult to treat, such as dyes. By recovering this material from the water, in addition to cleaning and the possibility of reusing the water, there is the opportunity to reuse this waste as a raw material for dyeing different textile substrates. One of the lines of reuse is the use of hybrid nanoclays obtained from the adsorption of dyes, which allow dye baths to be made for textile substrates. This study analyses how, through the use of the nanoadsorbent hydrotalcite, dyes classified by their charge as anionic, cationic and non-ionic can be adsorbed and recovered for successful reuse in new dye baths. The obtained hybrids were characterised by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the colour was analysed by spectrophotometer in the UV-VIS range. The dyes made on cotton, polyester and acrylic fabrics are subjected to different colour degradation tests to assess their viability as final products, using reflection spectroscopy to measure the colour attribute before and after the tests, showing results consistent with those of a conventional dye.
Fertility-Sparing Strategies for Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: Stepping towards Precision Medicine Based on the Molecular Fingerprint
Authors: Gullo Giuseppe , Cucinella Gaspare , Chiantera Vito , Dellino Miriam , Cascardi Eliano , Török Péter , Herman Tünde , Garzon Simone , Uccella Stefano , Laganà Antonio Simone
Published: January 2023

Endometrial cancer represents the fifth most common cancer in women, and the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries [...]
Tumor Microenvironment in Male Breast Carcinoma with Emphasis on Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and PD-L1 Expression
Authors: Brcic Iva , Kluba Andrea Maria , Godschachner Theresa Marie , Suppan Christoph , Regitnig Peter , Dandachi Nadia , Lax Sigurd Friedwald , Balić Marija
Published: January 2023

Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare and usually presents as a locally advanced disease. Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are associated with a better response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and improved prognosis in all molecular subtypes of female breast cancer, but their role in MBC is less clear. We studied sTILs and the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and pan-TRK in MBC. We retrospectively studied 113 cases of MBC surgically treated between 1988 and 2015. The tumors were evaluated for histological type and grade, stage, intrinsic subtype and sTILs. We performed immunohistochemistry for PD-L1 (clone SP142) and pan-TRK (clone EPR17341) on tissue microarrays. Pan-TRK positive cases were further analyzed by next-generation sequencing. The median age was 69 years (range 60–77). Invasive carcinoma of no special type was found in 94.7% of cases, of which 53.1% were grade 2. Estrogen receptor was positive in 92% of the tumors, progesterone receptor in 85.8%, androgen receptor in 70.8%; 4.4% were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, and 55.8% HER2-low. 40.7% of tumors were luminal A and 51.3% luminal B, 4.4% HER2-enriched and 3.5% triple negative carcinoma. sTILs density was <50% in 96.4% of the tumors, >50% in 3.6% of the tumors. PD-L1 immune cell score >1% was found in 7.1% of the tumors (all of luminal subtype). A weak focal cytoplasmic pan-TRK staining was present in 8.8% but without NTRK fusion. Neither sTILs nor PD-L1 had statistically significant outcomes. Our findings suggest that a subset of MBC patients harbors an immunological environment characterized by increased sTILs with PD-L1 expression. These patients may potentially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Frequent HER2-low may offer novel anti-HER2 treatment options.
Cycloartenyl Ferulate Is the Predominant Compound in Brown Rice Conferring Cytoprotective Potential against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity
Authors: Wu Hongyan , Nakamura Toshiyuki , Guo Yingnan , Matsumoto Riho , Munemasa Shintaro , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa
Published: January 2023

Since brown rice extract is a rich source of biologically active compounds, the present study is aimed to quantify the major compounds in brown rice and to compare their cytoprotective potential against oxidative stress. The content of the main hydrophobic compounds in brown rice followed the order of cycloartenyl ferulate (CAF) (89.00 ± 8.07 nmol/g) >> α-tocopherol (αT) (19.73 ± 2.28 nmol/g) > γ-tocotrienol (γT3) (18.24 ± 1.41 nmol/g) > α-tocotrienol (αT3) (16.02 ± 1.29 nmol/g) > γ-tocopherol (γT) (3.81 ± 0.40 nmol/g). However, the percent contribution of CAF to the radical scavenging activity of one gram of whole brown rice was similar to those of αT, αT3, and γT3 because of its weaker antioxidant activity. The CAF pretreatment displayed a significant cytoprotective effect on the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity from 10 µM, which is lower than the minimal concentrations of αT and γT required for a significant protection. CAF also enhanced the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation coincided with the enhancement of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA level. An HO-1 inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP), significantly impaired the cytoprotection of CAF. The cytoprotective potential of CAF is attributable to its cycloartenyl moiety besides the ferulyl moiety. These results suggested that CAF is the predominant cytoprotector in brown rice against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity.
Chaperone-Dependent Mechanisms as a Pharmacological Target for Neuroprotection
Authors: Voronin Mikhail V. , Abramova Elena V. , Verbovaya Ekaterina R. , Vakhitova Yulia V. , Seredenin Sergei B.
Published: January 2023

Modern pharmacotherapy of neurodegenerative diseases is predominantly symptomatic and does not allow vicious circles causing disease development to break. Protein misfolding is considered the most important pathogenetic factor of neurodegenerative diseases. Physiological mechanisms related to the function of chaperones, which contribute to the restoration of native conformation of functionally important proteins, evolved evolutionarily. These mechanisms can be considered promising for pharmacological regulation. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and unfolded protein response (UPR) in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Data on BiP and Sigma1R chaperones in clinical and experimental studies of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease are presented. The possibility of neuroprotective effect dependent on Sigma1R ligand activation in these diseases is also demonstrated. The interaction between Sigma1R and BiP-associated signaling in the neuroprotection is discussed. The performed analysis suggests the feasibility of pharmacological regulation of chaperone function, possibility of ligand activation of Sigma1R in order to achieve a neuroprotective effect, and the need for further studies of the conjugation of cellular mechanisms controlled by Sigma1R and BiP chaperones.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Mads-Box Transcription Factor Family in Solanum melongena
Authors: Chen Qi , Li Jing , Yang Fengjuan
Published: January 2023

The MADS-box transcription factors are known to be involved in several aspects of plant growth and development, especially in floral organ specification. However, little is known in eggplant. Here, 120 eggplant MADS-box genes were identified and categorized into type II (MIKCC and MIKC*) and type I (Mα, Mβ, and Mγ) subfamilies based on phylogenetic relationships. The exon number in type II SmMADS-box genes was greater than that in type I SmMADS-box genes, and the K-box domain was unique to type II MADS-box TFs. Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplications were the sole contributor to the expansion of type II genes. Cis-elements of MYB binding sites related to flavonoid biosynthesis were identified in three SmMADS-box promoters. Flower tissue-specific expression profiles showed that 46, 44, 38, and 40 MADS-box genes were expressed in the stamens, stigmas, petals, and pedicels, respectively. In the flowers of SmMYB113-overexpression transgenic plants, the expression levels of 3 SmMADS-box genes were co-regulated in different tissues with the same pattern. Correlation and protein interaction predictive analysis revealed six SmMADS-box genes that might be involved in the SmMYB113-regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. This study will aid future studies aimed at functionally characterizing important members of the MADS-box gene family.
Bridging the Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of a New Variety of Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze Extracts and Essential Oil
Authors: Bălănescu Fănică , Botezatu Andreea Veronica , Marques Fernanda , Busuioc Anna , Marincaş Olivian , Vînătoru Costel , Cârâc Geta , Furdui Bianca , Dinica Rodica Mihaela
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the phytochemical content of alcoholic extracts and essential oil of a new variety of medicinal plants, Agastache foeniculum (Pursh), which Kuntze adapted for cultivation in Romania, namely “Aromat de Buzău”. The essential oil was investigated by GC-MS, while the identification and quantification of various compounds from alcoholic extracts were performed by HPLC-DAD. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were evaluated by using standard phytochemical methods. The antioxidant activities of ethanol, methanol extracts, and essential oil of the plant were also assessed against 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•+), and by ferric reducing power (FRAP) using spectroscopic methods. Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the essential oil. The concentrations of phenolic compounds were higher in methanolic extract compared to ethanolic extract. A significant correlation was found between total phenol and total flavonoid contents (r = 0.9087). Significant high correlations were also found between the total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activities of the extracts (r ≥ 0.8600, p < 0.05). In addition, the extracts and essential oil showed good antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. Estragole was detected as the major constituent of the essential oil (94.89%). The cytotoxic activity of the essential oil was evaluated by the MTT assay. At lower concentrations (1 µg/mL) high cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells was observed but not on the non-tumoral dermal fibroblasts (HDF) which indicated selectivity for cancer cells and suggests the presence of biologically active components that contribute to the observed high cytotoxic effect. Findings from the present study offer new perspectives on the use of A. foeniculum as a potential source of bioactive compounds and a good candidate for pharmaceutical plant-based products.
Field Evaluation of Promising Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungal Isolates against Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)
Authors: Sutanto Koko , Al-Shahwan Ibrahim , Husain Mureed , Rasool Khawaja , Mankin Richard , Aldawood Abdulrahman
Published: January 2023

The rate of the sounds (i.e., substrate vibrations) produced by the movement and feeding activity of red palm weevil (RPW) pest infestations in a date palm tree was monitored over time after trees were separately treated with injection of entomopathogenic fungal isolates, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, or water treatment as the control. The activity sensing device included an accelerometer, an amplifier, a digital recorder, and a signal transmitter that fed the data to a computer that excluded background noise and compared the rates of bursts of movement and feeding sound impulses among treated trees and controls. Observations were made daily for two months. The rates of bursts were representative of the feeding activity of RPW. The unique spectral pattern of sound pulses was typical of the RPW larval feeding activity in the date palm. The microphone confirmed that the same unique tone was produced in each burst. Two months after fungal injection, the RPW sound signal declined, while the RPW sound signal increased in the control date palms (water injection). The mean rates of bursts produced by RPW decreased to zero after the trees were injected with B. bassiana or M. anisopliae compared with the increased rates over time in the control treatment plants.
The Age–Stiffness Relationships of Elastic and Muscular Arteries in a Control Population and in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: London Gerard M. , Safar Michel E. , Pannier Bruno
Published: January 2023

Arterial dysfunction is major risk factor for cardiovascular complications, and arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor in end-stage renal disease patients. As the distance from the heart increases, arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) becomes progressively more marked. This generates a centrifugal stiffness gradient, which leads to partial, continuous local wave reflections, which in turn attenuate the transmission of pulsatile pressure into the microcirculation, thus limiting the potentially deleterious outcomes both upstream (on the heart: left-ventricular hypertrophy and coronary perfusion) and downstream (on the renal and cerebral microcirculation: reduced glomerular filtration and impaired cognitive functions). The impact of arterial aging is greater on the aorta and central capacitive arteries, and it is characterized by a loss or reversal of the physiological stiffness gradient between central and peripheral arteries. Recently, however, in contrast to observations on the aorta, several studies have shown less pronounced, absent, or even negative associations between muscular peripheral arteries and age–stiffness relationships, which may be associated with a decrease in or reversal of the stiffness gradient. These findings point to a potential benefit of assessing the muscular peripheral arteries to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease and suggest that reversal of the stiffness gradient may be an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality.
Synthesis of Nickel and Cobalt Ferrite-Doped Graphene as Efficient Catalysts for Improving the Hydrogen Storage Kinetics of Lithium Borohydride
Authors: Palade Petru , Comanescu Cezar , Radu Cristian
Published: January 2023

Featuring a high hydrogen storage content of up to 20 wt%, complex metal borohydrides remain promising solid state hydrogen storage materials, with the real prospect of reversible behavior for a zero–emission economy. However, the thermodynamic barriers and sluggish kinetics are still barriers to overcome. In this context, nanoconfinement has provided a reliable method to improve the behavior of hydrogen storage materials. The present work describes the thermodynamic and kinetic enhancements of LiBH4 nanoconfined in MFe2O4 (M=Co, Ni) ferrite-catalyzed graphene host. Composites of LiBH4-catalysts were prepared by melt infiltration and investigated by X-ray diffraction, TEM, STEM-EDS and TPD. The role of ferrite additives, metal precursor treatment (Ar, Ar/H2) and the effect on hydrogen storage parameters are discussed. The thermodynamic parameters for the most promising composite LiBH4-graphene-NiFe2O4 (Ar) were investigated by Kissinger plot method, revealing an EA = 127 kJ/mol, significantly lower than that of neat LiBH4 (170 kJ/mol). The reversible H2 content of LiBH4-graphene-NiFe2O4 (Ar) after 5 a/d cycles was ~6.14 wt%, in line with DOE’s target of 5.5 wt% storage capacity, while exhibiting the lowest desorption temperature peak of 349 °C. The composites with catalysts treated in Ar have lower desorption temperature due to better catalyst dispersion than using H2/Ar.