bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Susceptibility Surveillance and Distribution of Antimicrobial Resistance in N. gonorrheae within WHO Regions
Authors: Radovanovic Marina , Kekic Dusan , Jovicevic Milos , Kabic Jovana , Gajic Ina , Opavski Natasa , Ranin Lazar
Published: October 2022

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) is the etiological agent of the second most common sexually transmitted disease in the world, gonorrhoea. Currently recommended and last available first-line therapy is extended-spectrum cephalosporins most often combined with azitromycin. However, misuse of antibiotics and the abilities of N. gonorrhoeae to acquire new genetic and plasmid-borne resistance determinants has gradually led to the situation where this bacterium has become resistant to all major classes of antibiotics. Together with a generally slow update of treatment guidelines globally, as well as with the high capacity of gonococci to develop and retain AMR, this may lead to the global worsening of gonococcal AMR. Since effective vaccines are unavailable, the management of gonorrhoea relies mostly on prevention and accurate diagnosis, together with antimicrobial treatment. The study overviews the latest results of mostly WHO-initiated studies, primarily focusing on the data regarding the molecular basis of the resistance to the current and novel most promising antibacterial agents, which could serve to establish or reinforce the continual, quality-assured and comparable AMR surveillance, including systematic monitoring and treatment with the use of molecular AMR prediction methods.
Carriage of the JP2 Genotype of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans by Periodontitis Patients of Various Geographic Origin, Living in Sweden
Authors: Claesson Rolf , Oscarsson Jan , Johansson Anders
Published: October 2022

The JP2 genotype of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype b is associated with aggressive forms of periodontitis and was initially identified as affecting adolescents in North and West Africa. The dissemination of this genotype follows the migration routes and can today be detected in samples from periodontitis patients in a high number of countries. In the present study, we aim to describe findings of the JP2 genotype A. actinomycetemcomits in a clinical laboratory at the Dental School, Odontology, Umeå University, Sweden. The findings of JP2 carriers are documented during a 21-year period, and the age and geographic origin of the sampled individuals are described. In addition, the collected JP2 isolates were separated into North or West African origin by analyses of the presence of a point mutation in the hbpA2 pseudogene of the bacterium. In a total of 2296 sampled individuals during this period in this Swedish population of periodontitis patients, 32 JP2 carriers were detected by cultivation and PCR. The geographic background of these individuals was diverse, including sixteen with African origin, ten with a Swedish origin and six additional ones with a non-African origin. The JP2 genotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans were mainly isolated from young individuals (<35 years of age), and seven out of the 32 isolates were of a West African origin based on the sequence of hbpA2. We conclude that the JP2 genotype of A. actinomycetemcomitans can be detected world-wide in subgingival plaque samples from adolescents affected by periodontitis.
Multiplex PCR and Sequence Analysis to Investigate Genetic Diversity of Fasciola Isolates from Cattle and Sheep in Turkey
Authors: Uzun Veysel , Celik Figen , Simsek Sami , Kesik Harun Kaya , Kilinc Seyma Gunyakti , Zhang Xiaocheng , Ahmed Haroon , Cao Jianping
Published: October 2022

Fasciolosis is a highly prevalent helminthic infection caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. With the aim of identifying hybrid Fasciola flukes, multiplex PCR was performed to amplify the pepck gene. Furthermore, to determine Fasciola haplotypes, mitochondrial nad1 gene was amplified and sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Adult Fasciola isolates were collected from 51 cattle and 51 sheep, genomic DNA was isolated, and one-step multiplex PCR was subsequently performed to amplify pepck. Isolates that generated a 510 bp band were identified as F. gigantica, those that generated a 241 bp band were identified as F. hepatica, and those that generated both bands were identified as hybrid (aspermic) flukes. Multiplex PCR data identified four isolates as F. gigantica and 84 as F. hepatica. Fourteen hybrid isolates (five cattle and nine sheep) were identified. On unidirectional DNA sequence analysis of nad1 PCR products, three sequences were identified as F. gigantica and 99 as F. hepatica. In addition, only 4 of 87 haplotypes detected for F. hepatica nad1 sequences were found to be previously reported, while the remaining 83 are unique to this study. To summarize, this study is the first to report the existence of hybrid Fasciola flukes and 83 unique haplotypes of F. hepatica in Turkey.
Identification and Characterization of Antigenic Properties of Schistosoma japonicum Heat Shock Protein 90α Derived Peptides
Authors: Shen Chunxiang , Zhu Xinyi , Xu Xuejun , Chang Hao , Ni Yangyue , Li Chen , He Kaiyue , Chen Lin , Chen Lu , Hou Min , Ji Minjun , Xu Zhipeng
Published: October 2022

It is known that schistosome-derived antigens induce innate and adaptive immune responses that are essential for the formation of hepatic immunopathology. Here, we screened and synthesized four peptides derived from Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) heat shock protein 90α (Sjp90α-1, -2, -3, and -4), which is widely expressed in adults and eggs of the genus S. japonicum and induces remarkable immune reactions. To define the antigenicity of these peptides, we stimulated splenocytes with peptides, and the results showed that only the Sjp90α-1 peptide could predominately induce the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages as well as alter the proportion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. Next, CD4+ T cells were purified and cocultured with mouse bone-marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) with or without Sjp90α-1 peptide stimulation in vitro, and the results showed that Sjp90α-1-stimulated BMDCs can significantly induce CD4+ T-cell differentiation into Tfh cells, while the direct stimulation of CD4+ T cells with Sjp90α-1 did not induce Tfh cells, indicating that the Sjp90α-1 peptide promotes Tfh cell differentiation depending on the presence of DCs. Furthermore, we selected and prepared an Sjp90α-1-peptide-based antibody and illustrated that it has excellent reactivity with the immunizing peptide and detects a single band of 29 kDa corresponding to the Sjp90α protein. The immunolocalization results showed that the protein recognized by this Sjp90α-1-peptide-based antibody is present in the mature eggs and the tegument of adults, implying that the parasite-derived peptide has a potential interaction with the host immune system. Finally, we evaluated antipeptide IgG antibodies and revealed a significantly higher level of anti-Sjp90α-1 peptide IgG antibodies in mice 3 weeks after S. japonicum infection. In conclusion, we illustrate that these synthetic peptides warrant further investigation by evaluating their antigen-specific immune response and their ability to efficiently induce Tfh cells. Moreover, they may constitute a potentially helpful method for the laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica.
Heliciopsides A−E, Unusual Macrocyclic and Phenolic Glycosides from the Leaves of Heliciopsis terminalis and Their Stimulation of Glucose Uptake
Authors: Ryu Byeol , Park Eun-Jin , Doan Thi-Phuong , Cho Hyo-Moon , An Jin-Pyo , Pham Thi-Linh-Giang , Pham Ha-Thanh-Tung , Oh Won-Keun
Published: October 2022

Ten phenolic constituents, including three new macrocyclic glycosides (1–3), a new phenolic glycoside (5), a new biphenyl glycoside (6), and five known compounds (4, 7–10), were isolated from a 70% MeOH extract of the leaves of Heliciopsis terminalis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-guided molecular networking. The chemical structures of new compounds 1–3, 5 and 6 were established based on comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS techniques. All isolated compounds (1–10) were evaluated for their stimulation of glucose uptake in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes using 2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]-d-glucose (2-NBDG) as a fluorescent glucose analog. Compounds 3, 6 and 8 showed stimulatory effects on the uptake of 2-NBDG in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. Among them, compounds 3 and 6 activated the AMPK signaling pathway in differentiated C2C12 myoblasts.
The Expression Patterns of Human Cancer-Testis Genes Are Induced through Epigenetic Drugs in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Alrubie Turki M. , Almutairi Bader O. , Alamri Abdullah M. , Alrefaei Abdulwahed F. , Arafah Maha M. , Alanazi Mohammad , Semlali Abdelhabib
Published: October 2022

Background: The expression of human germline genes is restricted to the germ cells of the gonads, which produce sperm and eggs. The germline genes involved in testis development and potentially activated in cancer cells are known as cancer-testis (CT) genes. These genes are potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers, as well as drivers of the oncogenic process. CT genes can be reactivated by treatment with drugs that demethylate DNA. The majority of the existing literature on CT gene activation focuses on X-chromosome-produced CT genes. We tested the hypothesis that epigenetic landscape changes, such as DNA methylation, can alter several CT gene expression profiles in cancer and germ cells. Methods: Colon cancer (CC) cell lines were treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine, or with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA). The effects of these epigenetic treatments on the transcriptional activation of previously published CT genes (CTAG1A, SCP2D1, TKTL2, LYZL6, TEX33, and ACTRT1) and testis-specific genes (NUTM1, ASB17, ZSWIM2, ADAM2, and C10orf82) were investigated. Results: We found that treatment of CC cell lines with 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine or TSA correlated with activation of X-encoded CT genes and non-X-encoded CT genes in somatic (non-germline) cells. Conclusion: These findings confirm that a subset of CT genes can be regulated by hypomethylating drugs and subsequently provide a potential therapeutic target for cancer.
Long-Term Fenofibrate Treatment Stimulates the Phenotypic Microevolution of Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Warzecha Karolina W. , Pudełek Maciej , Catapano Jessica , Madeja Zbigniew , Czyż Jarosław
Published: October 2022

Fenofibrate is a widely used anti-hyperlipidemic agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). As a metabolic blocker, fenofibrate interferes with cancer promotion/progression via its misbalancing effects on cellular metabolism. However, the consequences of its long-term application for patients with diagnosed drug-resistant cancers are unknown. We addressed this point by tracing the phenotypic microevolution of naïve and drug-resistant prostate cancer PC3_DCX20 cells that underwent a long-term exposition to 10 μM and 50 μM fenofibrate. Their resistance to fenofibrate, metabolic profile and invasive phenotype were estimated in the control conditions and under fenofibrate-induced stress. Apparently, drug efflux systems are not effective against the cytostatic FF action. However, wtPC3 and PC3_DCX20 cells that survived the long-term 50 μM fenofibrate treatment gave rise to lineages that displayed an increased proliferation rate, lower motility in the control conditions and enhanced fenofibrate resistance. Attenuated fenofibrate bioavailability modified the pattern of PC3 microevolution, as illustrated by phenotypic differences between wtPC3/PC3_DCX20 lineages propagated in the presence of 50 μM and 10 μM fenofibrate. Collectively, our observations indicate that fenofibrate acts as a selective factor that affects prostate cancer microevolution. We also pinpoint potential consequences of long-term exposition of prostate cancer patients to metabolic blockers.
The Role of the Adenosine System on Emotional and Cognitive Disturbances Induced by Ethanol Binge Drinking in the Immature Brain and the Beneficial Effects of Caffeine
Authors: Pinheiro Bruno Gonçalves , Luz Diandra Araújo , Cartágenes Sabrina de Carvalho , Fernandes Luanna de Melo Pereira , Farias Sarah Viana , Kobayashi Natália Harumi Correa , Fontes-Júnior Enéas Andrade , Ferreira Samira G. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Prediger Rui Daniel , Maia Cristiane do Socorro Ferraz
Published: October 2022

Binge drinking intake is the most common pattern of ethanol consumption by adolescents, which elicits emotional disturbances, mainly anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as cognitive alterations. Ethanol exposure may act on the adenosine neuromodulation system by increasing adenosine levels, consequently increasing the activation of adenosine receptors in the brain. The adenosine modulation system is involved in the control of mood and memory behavior. However, there is a gap in the knowledge about the exact mechanisms related to ethanol exposure’s hazardous effects on the immature brain (i.e., during adolescence) and the role of the adenosine system thereupon. The present review attempts to provide a comprehensive picture of the role of the adenosinergic system on emotional and cognitive disturbances induced by ethanol during adolescence, exploring the potential benefits of caffeine administration in view of its action as a non-selective antagonist of adenosine receptors.
Co-Delivery of Paclitaxel Prodrug, Gemcitabine and Porphine by Micelles for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment via Chemo-Photodynamic Combination Therapy
Authors: Wu Qiwei , Ma Xiaodong , Zhou Wenhui , Yu Rong , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Tian Weizhong , Zhang Lirong , Wang Dongqing , Zhang Hongbo
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic carcinoma is an aggressive subtype of cancer with poor prognosis, known for its refractory nature. To address this challenge, we have established a stable nanoplatform that combines chemotherapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT) to achieve better curative efficacy. First, we designed and synthesized a disulfide-bonded paclitaxel (PTX)-based prodrug, which was further mixed with gemcitabine (GEM) and photosensitizer THPP in an optimized ratio. Subsequently, the mixture was added dropwise into amphiphilic polymer DSPE-PEG water solution to form micelles composed of DSPE-PEG nanoparticles (TPG NPs). The TPG NPs were around 135 nm, and showed great ability of DTT stimulated release of PTX and GEM. Moreover, the TPG NPs can be efficiently uptaken by pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and effectively kill them, especially when combined with 650 nm laser irradiation. Finally, the TPG NPs have shown enhanced long-term circulation ability and also exhibited efficient anti-tumor activity in combination with 650 nm laser irradiation in a pancreatic cancer mouse model. In summary, the designed TPG NPs possesses great potential for co-delivery of paclitaxel prodrug, GEM and THPP, which enables combined chemo-photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment. In addition, the stimulated release of PTX prodrug and GEM also allows for better targeting of tumor cells and the increased therapeutic effect against cancer cells. Overall, the TPG NPs can serve as a good candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Biosynthesized Gold, Silver, Palladium, Platinum, Copper, and Other Transition Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Roszczenko Piotr , Szewczyk Olga Klaudia , Czarnomysy Robert , Bielawski Krzysztof , Bielawska Anna
Published: October 2022

Nanomedicine is a potential provider of novel therapeutic and diagnostic routes of treatment. Considering the development of multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria and the commonness of cancer, novel approaches are being sought for the safe and efficient synthesis of new nanoparticles, which have multifaceted applications in medicine. Unfortunately, the chemical synthesis of nanoparticles raises justified environmental concerns. A significant problem in their widespread use is also the toxicity of compounds that maintain nanoparticle stability, which significantly limits their clinical use. An opportunity for their more extensive application is the utilization of plants, fungi, and bacteria for nanoparticle biosynthesis. Extracts from natural sources can reduce metal ions in nanoparticles and stabilize them with non-toxic extract components.
Antibiofilm Combinatory Strategy: Moxifloxacin-Loaded Nanosystems and Encapsulated N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Authors: Pinto Rita M. , Seabra Catarina Leal , De Jonge Martine , Martins M. Cristina L. , Van Dijck Patrick , Reis Salette , Nunes Cláudia
Published: October 2022

Bacterial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, formed on implants, have a massive impact on the increasing number of antimicrobial resistance cases. The current treatment for biofilm-associated infections is based on the administration of antibiotics, failing to target the biofilm matrix. This work is focused on the development of multiple lipid nanoparticles (MLNs) encapsulating the antibiotic moxifloxacin (MOX). The nanoparticles were functionalized with d-amino acids to target the biofilm matrix. The produced formulations exhibited a mean hydrodynamic diameter below 300 nm, a low polydispersity index, and high encapsulation efficiency. The nanoparticles exhibited low cytotoxicity towards fibroblasts and low hemolytic activity. To target bacterial cells and the biofilm matrix, MOX-loaded MLNs were combined with a nanosystem encapsulating a matrix-disruptive agent: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). The nanosystems alone showed a significant reduction of both S. aureus biofilm viability and biomass, using the microtiter plate biofilm model. Further, biofilms grown inside polyurethane catheters were used to assess the effect of combining MOX-loaded and NAC-loaded nanosystems on biofilm viability. An increased antibiofilm efficacy was observed when combining the functionalized MOX-loaded MLNs and NAC-loaded nanosystems. Thus, nanosystems as carriers of bactericidal and matrix-disruptive agents are a promising combinatory strategy towards the eradication of S. aureus biofilms.
New Insight into the Impact of Effervescence on Gel Layer Microstructure and Drug Release of Effervescent Matrices Using Combined Mechanical and Imaging Characterisation Techniques
Authors: Chaiya Pornsit , Rojviriya Catleya , Pichayakorn Wiwat , Phaechamud Thawatchai
Published: October 2022

Gel layer characteristics play a crucial role in hydrophilic hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix development. Effervescent agents have the potential to affect the gel layer microstructures. This study aimed to investigate the influence of effervescence on the microstructure of the gel layer around HPMC matrices using a combination of texture analysis and imaging techniques. The relationship with drug release profile and release mechanisms were also examined. The high amounts of effervescent agents promoted a rapid carbonation reaction, resulting in a high gel layer formation with a low gel strength through texture analysis. This finding was ascribed to the enhanced surface roughness and porosity observed under digital microscopy and microporous structure of the gel layer under scanning electron microscopy. The reconstructed three-dimensional images from synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy notably exhibited the interconnected pores of various sizes from the carbonation reaction of effervescent and microporous networks, indicating the gel layer on the tablet surface. Notably, effervescence promoted the increase in interconnected porosities, which directly influenced the strength of the gel layer microstructure, drug release patterns and release mechanism of the effervescent matrix tablet. Therefore, combined mechanical characterisation and imaging techniques can provide new insights into the role of effervescent agents on the gel layer microstructure, and describe the relationship of drug release patterns and release mechanism of matrix tablets.
A Comparative Study of Mesoporous Silica and Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles as Non-Viral MicroRNA Vectors for Osteogenesis
Authors: Hosseinpour Sepanta , Gomez-Cerezo Maria Natividad , Cao Yuxue , Lei Chang , Dai Huan , Walsh Laurence J. , Ivanovski Saso , Xu Chun
Published: October 2022

Micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA)-based therapies show advantages for bone regeneration but need efficient intracellular delivery methods. Inorganic nanoparticles such as mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGN) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have received growing interest in the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. This study explores the capacity of MBGN and MSN for delivering miRNA to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) for bone regenerative purposes, with a focus on comparing the two in terms of cell viability, transfection efficiency, and osteogenic actions. Spherical MBGN and MSN with a particle size of ~200 nm and small-sized mesopores were prepared using the sol-gel method, and then the surface was modified with polyethyleneimine for miRNA loading and delivery. The results showed miRNA can be loaded into both nanoparticles within 2 h and was released sustainedly for up to 3 days. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis indicated a high transfection efficiency (>64%) of both nanoparticles without statistical difference. Compared with MSN, MBGN showed stronger activation of alkaline phosphatase and activation of osteocalcin genes. This translated to a greater osteogenic effect of MBGN on BMSC, with Alizarin red staining showing greater mineralization compared with the MSN group. These findings show the potential for MBGN to be used in bone tissue engineering.
Influence of Sodium Salicylate on Self-Aggregation and Caffeine Solubility in Water—A New Hypothesis from Experimental and Computational Data
Authors: Vraneš Milan , Borović Teona Teodora , Drid Patrik , Trivić Tatjana , Tomaš Renato , Janković Nenad
Published: October 2022

The present study analyzed experimental data from volumetric and viscosimetric measurements and computational simulations to understand caffeine hydration and aggregation properties in 0.1 mol∙kg−1 of sodium salicylate aqueous solution. Sodium salicylate reduces the bitter taste and increases the solubility of caffeine in water, which is the main reason for their combination in food products. The results noted in volumetric and viscosimetric measurements indicate that sodium salicylate promotes the self-aggregation of caffeine in water. After self-aggregation, the hydration number of caffeine significantly increases. Molecular simulations have allowed us to hypothesize how salicylate increases caffeine solubility. At the molecular level, relocating salicylate moiety from the parallel stacking (π–π) aromatic complex with caffeine and its hydration could be the main reason for increasing the solubility of caffeine in water. The presented study provides clear guidelines on the choice of additives to increase caffeine’s solubility in aqueous media. The choice of salicylate as an additive to increase the solubility of caffeine is very important because caffeine and salicylate are found in combination in a large number of formulations.
Community Pharmacists’ Beliefs about Suboptimal Practice during the Times of COVID-19
Authors: Wong Lun Shen , Ram Sanya , Scahill Shane
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Community pharmacies are high-performance workplaces; if the environment is not conducive to safe practice, mistakes can occur. There has been increasing demand for pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic as they have become integral to the response. Suboptimal practices in the work environment and with pharmacists and their teams can impact the safe delivery of services. New Zealand pharmacists’ perceptions of the current work environment and beliefs around whether suboptimal practice have increased within the last five years and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their practices are unknown. Aim/Objectives: To assess what New Zealand pharmacists associate with suboptimal practice in their workplace and investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacists and their workplaces. Methods: We employed an anonymous online questionnaire derived from a human factors framework utilised in the aviation industry to explore the potential environment, team and organisational factors as the determinants of suboptimal work practices. The software, hardware, environment and liveware (S.H.E.L.L) model was adapted to create questions classifying the risk factors to potentially identify aspects of work systems that are vulnerable and may provide risks to optimal practice. Additional perceptions around the effect of COVID-19 on their workplace and roles as pharmacists were explored. Participants were community pharmacists working in New Zealand contacted via a mailing list of the responsible authority for the profession. Findings: We received responses from 260 participants. Most participants indicated that suboptimal practice had increased in the last 5 years (79.8%). The majority of participants indicated that COVID-19 had impacted their workplaces (96%) and their roles as pharmacists (92.1%). Participants perceived that suboptimal practice was associated with a lack of leadership and appropriate management; poor access to resourcing, such as adequate staff and narrow time constraints for work tasks; a lack of procedures; competition; and stress. A lack of experience, professionalism and poor communication between staff, patients and external agencies were also issues. COVID-19 has affected pharmacists personally and their work environments. Further study in this area is required. Conclusions: We have identified that pharmacists across all sectors of New Zealand agreed that suboptimal practices had increased in the last 5 years. A human factors S.H.E.L.L framework can be used to classify themes to understand the increases in suboptimal practice and the role of COVID-19 on pharmacist practice. Many of these themes build on the growing body of the international literature around the effect of the pandemic on pharmacist practice. Areas for which there are less historical data to compare longitudinally include pharmacist wellbeing and the impact of COVID-19.
Adaptive Linearization for the Sub-Nyquist Photonic Receiver Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Liyuan , Zhang Jianghua , Huang Lei , Peng Yuanxi , Yin Ke , Zheng Xin , Zhang Zhuohang , Shen Meili , Song Denghui , Niu Hongxiao
Published: October 2022

Due to the nonlinear and aliasing effects, the sub-Nyquist photonic receiver for radio frequency (RF) signals with large instantaneous bandwidth suffers limited dynamic range and noise performance. We designated a deep residual network (Resnet) to realize adaptive linearization across 40 GHz bandwidth. In contrast to conventional linearization methods, the deep learning method achieves the suppression of multifactorial spurious distortions and the noise floor simultaneously. It does not require an accurate calculation of the nonlinear transfer function or prior signal information. The experiments demonstrated that the proposed Resnet could improve the spur-free dynamic range (SFDR) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) significantly by testing with single-tone signals, dual-tone signals, wireless communication signals, and modulated radar signals.
Grazing-Angle Fiber-to-Waveguide Coupler
Authors: Seong Yeolheon , Kim Jinwook , Shin Heedeuk
Published: October 2022

The silicon photonics market has grown rapidly over recent decades due to the demand for high bandwidth and high data-transfer capabilities. Silicon photonics leverage well-developed semiconductor fabrication technologies to combine various photonic functionalities on the same chip. Complicated silicon photonic integrated circuits require a mass-producible packaging strategy with broadband, high coupling efficiency, and fiber-array fiber-to-chip couplers, which is a big challenge. In this paper, we propose a new approach to fiber-array fiber-to-chip couplers which have a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor-compatible silicon structure. An ultra-high numerical aperture fiber is polished at a grazing angle and positioned on a taper-in silicon waveguide. Our simulation results demonstrate a coupling efficiency of more than 90% over hundreds of nanometers and broad alignment tolerance ranges, supporting the use of a fiber array for the packaging. We anticipate that the proposed approach will be able to be used in commercialized systems and other photonic integrated circuit platforms, including those made from lithium niobate and silicon nitride.
A Comparative Study of Ir(dmpq)2(acac) Doped CBP, mCP, TAPC and TCTA for Phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Tselekidou Despoina , Panagiotidis Lazaros , Papadopoulos Kyparisis , Kyriazopoulos Vasileios , Gioti Maria
Published: October 2022

In this work, we present the fabrication and characterization of solution-processable red Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (PhOLEDs). The proposed approach is based on Ir(III) complex, namely Bis(2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)quinoline-C,N)(acetylacetonato)Iridium(III), also known as Ir(dmpq)2(acac), which was doped in four different host materials: (a) 4,4′-Bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (CBP), (b) 1,3-Bis(N-carbazolyl)benzene (mCP), (c) 1,1-Bis[(di-4-tolylamino) phenyl]cyclohexane (TAPC), and (d) tris(4-carbazoyl-9-ylphenyl)amine (TCTA). The metal–organic complex offers unique optical and electronic properties arising from the interplay between the inorganic metal and the organic material. The optical and photophysical properties of the produced thin films are investigated in detail using spectroscopic ellipsometry and photoluminescence, whereas the structural characteristics are examined by atomic force microscopy. This comparative study of the four different Host:Ir-complex systems provides valuable information to evaluate the emission characteristics in order to achieve pure red light. Finally, these materials were applied as a single-emissive layer in PhOLED devices, and the electroluminescence characteristics were studied.
Degradation Characteristics and Mechanism of High Speed 850 nm Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser during Accelerated Aging
Authors: Zhang Jide , Liao Wenyuan , Wang Xiaohua , Lu Guoguang , Yang Shaohua , Wei Zhipeng
Published: October 2022

The degradation process of Vertical-cavity Surface-emitting lasers with high speed and a central wavelength at 850 nm is investigated via constant-current accelerated aging experiments. Degradation of the photoelectric performances under different operating conditions are characterized by optical output power, and forward and reverse bias current–voltage. The 1/f noise characteristics and formation mechanism are discussed in terms of the experimental results of low frequency noise below threshold current. The main composition of low frequency noise before and after aging, the bias current dependence and the origin of the noise are analyzed emphatically. The correlation between the degradation suggests that the loss of photoelectric performance and the fluctuation of low frequency noise characteristic can be attributed to the contagion of defects towards the active region of Vertical-cavity Surface-emitting lasers. Furthermore, the results of failure analysis confirmed the conclusion that the contagion of defects occurred towards the active region of the samples after aging.
A Hybrid Genetic/Powell Algorithm for Wind Measurement in Doppler Lidar
Authors: Jiang Shan , Wang Zhiping , Ning An , Liu Shaoshuai , Wang Di , Feng Junsheng , Yu Longbao
Published: October 2022

Doppler peaks extraction from massive raw data is a tricky part of coherent Doppler wind Lidar (CDWL) optimization. In this paper, a hybrid genetic/Powell algorithm (HGAP) is proposed to process the power spectrum of the measured signal from CDWL. The HGAP has excellent global exploration capability, which likes traditional genetic algorithms and fast convergence, which like the Powell method. Hence, the HGAP has advantages to find the center frequency of the Doppler peaks from massive raw data, especially to search multiple peaks in complex wind field measurement. Compared with other notable algorithms, the HGAP shows excellent performance in numerical optimization when we use it to solve 27 typical benchmark functions. Then, our algorithm is used to process the raw data in a field experiment of radial wind measurement. The results show that the HGAP can obtain wind speed components quickly and accurately and has value for application in complex wind field analysis.
Phenomena and Principles: Presenting Quantum Physics in a High School Curriculum
Authors: Weissman Efraim Yehuda , Merzel Avraham , Katz Nadav , Galili Igal
Published: October 2022

The goal of teaching quantum physics (QP) in high school is a problematic and highly turbulent area of divergent views, curricula studies, and claims. The innovative curricular approach of discipline-culture (DC) suggests a way of overcoming its significant difficulties. It suggests presenting QP as a fundamental theory structured in terms of the nucleus, body, and periphery. Applying this perspective in our study, we interviewed nine experts with respect to their view of how the nucleus of QP should be presented to high-school students. With the different viewpoints of the core essentials in hand, we compiled the nucleus of the QP. We also examined this subject using nine introductory university textbooks that might suit high school students and considered their coherence and suitability with regard to the specified nucleus. We found some confusion regarding the status of theoretical items: some fundamental principles, as perceived in the eyes of the experts, are presented as phenomena. Not only does this mismatch represent a special barrier for both the teachers and students to understand QP, it promotes an inadequate image of QP as well as a distorted view of the nature of science. Finally, we offer a framework for a DC-based QP curriculum free of the noted deficiencies.
Changes in Microbial Community Structure in Response to Gummosis in Peach Tree Bark
Authors: Jo YoungJae , Jung Da-Ryung , Park Tae-Hyung , Lee Dokyung , Park Min-Kyu , Lim Kyeongmo , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: October 2022

Peach gummosis disease has been identified as a serious challenge in Korean agriculture and has developed to become a major cause of agricultural productivity losses. However, treatments for gummosis have not been systemically established and studies of the microbiome closely related to this plant disease are lacking. Therefore, we analyzed the bacterial and fungal communities in the bark and rhizosphere soil of healthy peach trees and those with gummosis. Through high-throughput sequencing, we obtained unprecedented insights into the bacterial and fungal dynamics of each group, including their diversity and taxonomic classification, as well as network analyses. We found that the presence of gummosis drives a significantly higher alpha diversity in the bark bacterial community. Peach gummosis bark mycobiomes included greater numbers of opportunistic pathogens such as Ascochyta, Botryosphaeria, Saccharomyces, Nectriaceae_NA, Trametes, and Valsaceae_NA. However, the microbiome also included bacteria beneficial to plant growth and the production of polysaccharides—namely, 1174-901-12, Catenibacterium, Cutibacterium, Friedmanniella, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Pseudomonas, Rhodobacter, and Sphingomonas. Furthermore, we confirmed that gummosis induced a more complex structure in the bark microbiome network. We conclude that the findings of this study provide a valuable aid in profiling the overall peach tree microbial ecosystem, which can be utilized to develop precise biomarkers for the early diagnosis of gummosis.
Effect of Salt Stress on Growth and Physiological Properties of Asparagus Seedlings
Authors: Guo Xin , Ahmad Naveed , Zhao Shuzhen , Zhao Chuanzhi , Zhong Wen , Wang Xingjun , Li Guanghui
Published: October 2022

Salt stress could inhibit the growth and development of crops and negatively affect yield and quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological responses of different asparagus cultivars to salt stress. Twenty days old seedlings ofasalt-tolerant Apollo andasalt-sensitive cultivar JL1 were subjected to 0 (CK) and120 mM NaCl stress for 20 d. Their changes in growth, ion contents, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression were analyzed. Salt stress significantly inhibited the growth of both cultivars, and JL1 showed a greater decrease than Apollo. The root development of Apollo was promoted by 120 mM NaCl treatment. The Na+ content in roots, stems, and leaves of both cultivars was increased under salt stress, while K+ content and K+/Na+ decreased. The salt-tolerant cultivar Apollo showed less extent of increase in Na+ and decrease in K+ content and kept a relatively high K+/Na+ ratio to compare with JL1. The contents of proline, soluble sugar and protein increased in Apollo, while thesesubstances changed differently in JL1 under salt stress. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were gradually increased under salt stress in Apollo, while the corresponding enzyme activities in JL1 were decreased at the late stage of salt stress. The expression of SOD, POD, and CAT genes of both cultivars changed in a similar way to the enzyme activities. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased slightly in Apollo, while increased significantly in JL1. At the late stage of salt stress, Apollomaintained a relatively high K+/Na+, osmotic adjustment ability and antioxidant defense capability, and therefore exhibited higher tolerance to salt stress than that of JL1.
Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal New Insights into the Regulatory Mechanism of Head Milled Rice Rate
Authors: Yang Wu , Jiang Xianya , Xie Yuelan , Chen Luo , Zhao Junliang , Liu Bin , Zhang Shaohong , Liu Dilin
Published: October 2022

The head milled rice rate (HMRR) is the most important trait of milling quality, which affects the final yield and quality of rice. However, few genes related to HMRR have been identified and the regulatory mechanism of HMRR remains elusive. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis integrating the transcriptome sequencing of developing seeds at the grain-filling stage and a metabolome analysis of brown rice between two groups of accessions with contrasting performances in HMRR. A total of 768 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the transcriptome profiles of low-HMRR and high-HMRR accessions. In comparison to the high-HMRR accessions, 655 DEGs were up-regulated in the low-HMRR accessions, which was 4.79 folds higher than the number of down-regulated genes. These up-regulated DEGs were enriched in various metabolic and biosynthetic processes, oxidation reduction, phosphorylation, ion transport and ATP-related processes. However, the 113 down-regulated DEGs in the low-HMRR accessions were concentrated in carbohydrate metabolic processes, cell-death-related processes and defense response. Among the 30 differential metabolites, 20 and 10 metabolites were down-/up-regulated, respectively, in the accessions with low HMRR. In addition, 10 differential metabolites, including five metabolites of the shikimate pathway and five metabolites of the pyruvate pathway, were integrated into two separate pathways, starting from sucrose. Our global analysis of HMRR provides an invaluable resource for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the genetic regulation of HMRR.
Magnetic Iron–Improved Growth, Leaf Chemical Content, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Chinese Mandarin Trees Grown under Soil Salinity Stress
Authors: Alharbi Khadiga , Alshallash Khalid S. , Hamdy Ashraf E. , Khalifa Sobhy M. , Abdel-Aziz Hosny F. , Sharaf Ahmed , Abobatta Walid F.
Published: October 2022

Chinese mandarin fruits are an inexpensive and rich source of vitamin C. They have potential benefits in treating acute respiratory infections and mitigating inflammation in critical patients with COVID-19. In Egypt, citrus is the most important fruit tree but is sensitive to salinity stress, resulting in poor vegetative tree growth and reductions in productivity and fruit quality. Magnetic iron has emerged as a promising approach in the citrus tree industry, since it improves vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality and alleviates salinity stress in Chinese mandarin trees grown in soils suffering from high salt stress. This research is aimed at studying the influence of adding magnetic iron (as soil treatment) on tree canopy growth, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Chinese’ mandarin trees. Therefore, the treatments were as follows: 0, 250, 500, and or 750 g of magnetic iron.tree−1. Our results indicated that all applications of magnetic iron significantly improved tree canopy volume, leaf total chlorophyll, relative water content, yield (kg.tree−1), and the fruit physical and chemical characteristics of Chinese mandarin. In contrast, leaf Na and Cl content, (%), proline, and total phenolic content were decreased by magnetic iron soil treatments. In respect to vegetative growth, our results indicated that adding magnetic iron at the concentration 750 g.tree−1 caused the best values of tree canopy volume. A similar trend was noticed regarding yield. The increase in yield attained was nearly 19%; the best values were obtained when magnetic iron were used at 750 g.tree−1. In conclusion, the application of magnetic iron can lead to improved fruit production and fruit quality of Chinese mandarin trees grown in salinity stress conditions.
Pre- or Post-Harvest Treatment with MeJA Improves Post-Harvest Storage of Lemon Fruit by Stimulating the Antioxidant System and Alleviating Chilling Injury
Authors: Liao Ling , Li Sichen , Li Yunjie , Huang Zehao , Li Jiahao , Xiong Bo , Zhang Mingfei , Sun Guochao , Wang Zhihui
Published: October 2022

Cold storage preserves lemon fruit quality; however, it can result in significant chilling injury (CI). The effects of pre- and post-harvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments at four concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mM) on CI and sensory quality of lemons during 80 d of storage at 7–10 °C were investigated. Both pre- and post-harvest MeJA treatments reduced CI, weight loss (WL) and maintained higher firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and total acidity (TA) than in the controls. Antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in the control fruit but increased in both pre- and post-harvest MeJA-treated fruit. In addition, phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were higher in the control than in the MeJA-treated fruit. Pre-harvest MeJA treatment generally preserved fruit better than post-harvest MeJA treatment, with the best results observed when MeJA was applied at 0.3 mM, which enhanced the antioxidant system of the lemon fruits, thus reducing the post-harvest incidence of chilling injury. These results have important implications for improved fruit quality post-harvest.
Soil Fertility Clock—Crop Rotation as a Paradigm in Nitrogen Fertilizer Productivity Control
Authors: Grzebisz Witold , Diatta Jean , Barłóg Przemysław , Biber Maria , Potarzycki Jarosław , Łukowiak Remigiusz , Przygocka-Cyna Katarzyna , Szczepaniak Witold
Published: October 2022

The Soil Fertility Clock (SFC) concept is based on the assumption that the critical content (range) of essential nutrients in the soil is adapted to the requirements of the most sensitive plant in the cropping sequence (CS). This provides a key way to effectively control the productivity of fertilizer nitrogen (Nf). The production goals of a farm are set for the maximum crop yield, which is defined by the environmental conditions of the production process. This target can be achieved, provided that the efficiency of Nf approaches 1.0. Nitrogen (in fact, nitrate) is the determining yield-forming factor, but only when it is balanced with the supply of other nutrients (nitrogen-supporting nutrients; N-SNs). The condition for achieving this level of Nf efficiency is the effectiveness of other production factors, including N-SNs, which should be set at ≤1.0. A key source of N-SNs for a plant is the soil zone occupied by the roots. N-SNs should be applied in order to restore their content in the topsoil to the level required by the most sensitive crop in a given CS. Other plants in the CS provide the timeframe for active controlling the distance of the N-SNs from their critical range.
Phenotypic Diversity of Seminal Root Traits in Bread Wheat Germplasm from Different Origins
Authors: P. Pais Isabel , Moreira Rita , Semedo José N. , Reboredo Fernando H. , Lidon Fernando C. , Coutinho José , Maçãs Benvindo , Scotti-Campos Paula
Published: October 2022

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple crop, and more adapted varieties are needed to ensure productivity under unpredictable stress scenarios resulting from climate changes. In the development of new genotypes, root system traits are essential since roots have a key function in water and nutrient uptake, and root architecture determines the plant’s ability to spatially explore the soil resources. Genetic variation in wheat root system may be assessed at the early stages of development. This study evaluates in vitro and at the seedling stage, the genetic diversity of root growth angle (RGA), seminal root number (SRN), and radicle length (RadL) in 30 bread wheat genotypes from different origins and belonging to distinct evolutive or breeding groups. SRN and RadL were analyzed at 1, 2, 3 and 6 days after sowing (DAS) and RGA was measured through the angle between the first pair of seminal roots. A large variability was found in RGA values that ranged from 63° to 122°. Although differences were found between genotypes within the same groups, the narrower angles tended to occur among landraces, while the higher RGA values were observed in advanced lines and Australian varieties. Differences were also observed as regards the SRN (1.0–3.0, 2.7–4.7, 3.2–5.0 and 4.4–6.3 at 1, 2, 3 and 6 DAS, respectively) and RadL (0.1–1.5, 2.1–5.0, 4.0–7.5 and 5.1–13.7 cm at 1, 2, 3 and 6 DAS, respectively). Genetic variability in root traits at seedling stage allows more rapid selection of genotypes better adapted to environmental and soil constraints, necessary to Portuguese Wheat Breeding Program. It will also contribute to the definition of wheat ideotypes with improved performance under Mediterranean climate conditions.
Pre-Germinative Treatments and Morphophysiological Traits in Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula (Fabaceae) from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Arceo-Gómez Thomas Martín , Robles-Díaz Erika , Manrique-Ortega Mayra D. , Martínez-Campos Ángel Roberto , Aragón-Gastélum José Luis , Aguirre-Crespo Francisco Javier , Ramírez-Albores Jorge E. , Pérez-Suárez Marlín , Robles Rafael , Reyes-Trujeque Javier , Can-Estrada Aarón A. , Gutiérrez-Alcántara Eduardo J. , Sánchez-Soto Bardo H. , Zamora-Crescencio Pedro
Published: October 2022

Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula are two important tree Fabaceae species distributed from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our aims were focused on the E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula seeds for: (1) to examine the seed permeability and imbibition rate, (2) to evaluate the effect of seed pre-germinative treatments, and (3) to characterize the structures involved on the presence of physical dormancy (PY). We used fresh seeds to determine seed permeability and imbibition rate, seed viability by means of tetrazolium test, furthermore, we applied mechanical scarification and boiler shocks for 5 s, 10 s and 15 s treatments. Morphological characterization of the seed coat was by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Seed viability in E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula were 100% and 96%, respectively. Seed permeability and imbibition rate in E. cyclocarpum were low. The highest germination in E. cyclocarpum was in the mechanical scarification (92%), while in P. piscipula, this parameter was in the 10 s boiling water treatment (76.0%). The presence of PY was confirmed in both species because they showed low seed permeability, and imbibition rate; furthermore, exhibited macrosclereids cells. The present research seeks to promote the sustainable use of E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula.