bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival of Testicular Pure Embryonal Carcinoma vs. Mixed Germ Cell Tumor Patients across All Stages
Authors: Cano Garcia Cristina , Panunzio Andrea , Tappero Stefano , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Barletta Francesco , Incesu Reha-Baris , Law Kyle W. , Scheipner Lukas , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Tilki Derya , Briganti Alberto , De Cobelli Ottavio , Terrone Carlo , Antonelli Alessandro , Banek Severine , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K. H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: The impact of pure histological subtypes in testicular non-seminoma germ cell tumors on survival, specifically regarding pure embryonal carcinoma, is not well established. Therefore, this study aimed to test for differences between pure embryonal carcinoma and mixed germ cell tumor patients within stages I, II and III in a large population-based database. Materials and Methods: We relied on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (2004–2019) to identify testicular pure embryonal carcinoma vs. mixed germ cell tumor patients. Cumulative incidence plots depicted cancer-specific mortality that represented the main endpoint of interest. Multivariable competing risks regression models tested for differences between pure embryonal carcinoma and mixed germ cell tumor patients in analyses addressing cancer-specific mortality and adjusted for other-cause mortality. Results: Of 11,223 patients, 2473 (22%) had pure embryonal carcinoma. Pure embryonal carcinoma patients exhibited lower cancer-specific mortality relative to their mixed germ cell tumor counterparts for both stage III (13.9 vs. 19.4%; p < 0.01) and stage II (0.5 vs. 3.4%, p < 0.01), but not in stage I (0.9 vs. 1.6%, p = 0.1). In multivariable competing risks regression models, pure embryonal carcinoma exhibited more favorable cancer-specific mortality than mixed germ cell tumor in stage III (hazard ratio 0.71, p = 0.01) and stage II (hazard ratio 0.11, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Pure embryonal carcinoma exhibits a more favorable cancer-specific mortality profile relative to mixed germ cell tumor in stage II and III testicular cancers. Consequently, the presence of mixed germ cell tumor elements may be interpreted as a risk factor for cancer-specific survival.
Chondrosarcoma of Ureter in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Pan Szu-Ying , Lai Chien-Zhi , Chen Wen-Chi , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Lin Che-Hung , Chang Han , Huang Chi-Ping , Yeh Ching-Chung
Published: February 2023

Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can affect the upper urinary tract. Because of its rarity, the clinical presentation of chondrosarcoma can be similar to other urinary tract conditions, such as renal colic, hematuria, and urothelial carcinoma. The primary treatment for chondrosarcoma is the surgical removal of the tumor, and radiation or chemotherapy may be used for advanced cases. However, because of the limited number of patients with this condition, there are no established guidelines for chemotherapy, and the outcomes are unclear. In this case, we present a 71-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with ureteral chondrosarcoma. She presented with abdominal pain and hydronephrosis, and a tumor was found beneath a small stone. The patient underwent nephroureterectomy and received oral fluorouracil chemotherapy due to the advanced stage of the disease. Fortunately, the patient survived, and at the 7 months post-operative follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence. In conclusion, the chondrosarcoma of the upper urinary tract is a rare condition that can be difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to other urinary tract conditions. Treatment typically involves the surgical removal of the tumor, with radiation or chemotherapy reserved for advanced cases. However, because of the limited number of patients, there are no established guidelines for chemotherapy, and the outcomes of treatment are unclear.
Avian Malaria Parasites Modulate Gut Microbiome Assembly in Canaries
Authors: Aželytė Justė , Wu-Chuang Alejandra , Maitre Apolline , Žiegytė Rita , Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , Obregón Dasiel , Palinauskas Vaidas , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Rodent and human malaria parasites cause dysbiosis in the host gut microbiome, but whether Plasmodium species affecting birds cause dysbiosis in their hosts is currently unknown. Here we used a model of avian malaria infection to test whether parasite infection modulates the bird microbiome. To this aim, bird fecal microbiomes were characterized at different time points after infection of canaries with the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium homocircumflexum. Avian malaria caused no significant changes in the alpha and beta diversity of the microbiome in infected birds. In contrast, we discovered changes in the composition and abundance of several taxa. Co-occurrence networks were used to characterize the assembly of the microbiome and trajectories of microbiome structural states progression were found to be different between infected and uninfected birds. Prediction of functional profiles in bacterial communities using PICRUSt2 showed infection by P. homocircumflexum to be associated with the presence of specific degradation and biosynthesis metabolic pathways, which were not found in healthy birds. Some of the metabolic pathways with decreased abundance in the infected group had significant increase in the later stage of infection. The results showed that avian malaria parasites affect bacterial community assembly in the host gut microbiome. Microbiome modulation by malaria parasites could have deleterious consequences for the host bird. Knowing the intricacies of bird-malaria-microbiota interactions may prove helpful in determining key microbial players and informing interventions to improve animal health.
The Nanostructure of Alkyl-Sulfonate Ionic Liquids: Two 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Alkyl-Sulfonate Homologous Series
Authors: Marques Hugo , Canongia Lopes José Nuno , de Freitas Adilson Alves , Shimizu Karina
Published: February 2023

The functionalization of polymers with sulfonate groups has many important uses, ranging from biomedical applications to detergency properties used in oil-recovery processes. In this work, several ionic liquids (ILs) combining 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations [CnC1im]+ (4 ≤ n ≤ 8) with alkyl-sulfonate anions [CmSO3]− (4 ≤ m ≤ 8) have been studied using molecular dynamics simulations, totalizing nine ionic liquids belonging to two homologous series. The radial distribution functions, structure factors, aggregation analyses, and spatial distribution functions reveal that the increase in aliphatic chain length induces no significant change in the structure of the polar network of the ILs. However, for imidazolium cations and sulfonate anions with shorter alkyl chains, the nonpolar organization is conditioned by the forces acting on the polar domains, namely, electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding.
Shaped Microwave Field in a Three-Level Closed Loop Dense Atomic System
Authors: Boutabba Nadia , Ali Hazrat
Published: February 2023

In this work, we investigate the atomic properties of a three-level system under the effect of a shaped microwave field. The system is simultaneously driven by a powerful laser pulse and a weak constant probe that drives the ground state to an upper level. Meanwhile, an external microwave field drives the upper state to the middle transition with shaped waveforms. Hence, two situations are considered: one in which the atomic system is controlled by a strong laser pump and a classical constant microwave field, and another in which both the microwave and pump laser fields are shaped. Finally, for sake of comparison, we investigate the tanh-hyperbolic, the Gaussian and the power of the exponential microwave form in the system. Our results reveal that shaping the external microwave field has a significant impact on the absorption and dispersion coefficient dynamics. In comparison with the classical scenario, where usually the strong pump laser is considered to have a major role in controlling the absorption spectrum, we show that shaping the microwave field leads to distinct results.
Ibuprofen: Toxicology and Biodegradation of an Emerging Contaminant
Authors: Jan-Roblero Janet , Cruz-Maya Juan A.
Published: February 2023

The anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen is considered to be an emerging contaminant because of its presence in different environments (from water bodies to soils) at concentrations with adverse effects on aquatic organisms due to cytotoxic and genotoxic damage, high oxidative cell stress, and detrimental effects on growth, reproduction, and behavior. Because of its high human consumption rate and low environmental degradation rate, ibuprofen represents an emerging environmental problem. Ibuprofen enters the environment from different sources and accumulates in natural environmental matrices. The problem of drugs, particularly ibuprofen, as contaminants is complicated because few strategies consider them or apply successful technologies to remove them in a controlled and efficient manner. In several countries, ibuprofen’s entry into the environment is an unattended contamination problem. It is a concern for our environmental health system that requires more attention. Due to its physicochemical characteristics, ibuprofen degradation is difficult in the environment or by microorganisms. There are experimental studies that are currently focused on the problem of drugs as potential environmental contaminants. However, these studies are insufficient to address this ecological issue worldwide. This review focuses on deepening and updating the information concerning ibuprofen as a potential emerging environmental contaminant and the potential for using bacteria for its biodegradation as an alternative technology.
Exploration of Pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidines as Antagonists of the Human Chemokine Receptor CXCR2
Authors: Van Hoof Max , Claes Sandra , Boon Katrijn , Van Loy Tom , Schols Dominique , Dehaen Wim , De Jonghe Steven
Published: February 2023

Upregulated CXCR2 signalling is found in numerous inflammatory, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in cancer. Consequently, CXCR2 antagonism is a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of these disorders. We previously identified, via scaffold hopping, a pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine analogue as a promising CXCR2 antagonist with an IC50 value of 0.11 µM in a kinetic fluorescence-based calcium mobilization assay. This study aims at exploring the structure–activity relationship (SAR) and improving the CXCR2 antagonistic potency of this pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine via systematic structural modifications of the substitution pattern. Almost all new analogues completely lacked the CXCR2 antagonism, the exception being a 6-furanyl-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine analogue (compound 17b) that is endowed with similar antagonistic potency as the original hit.
Asiaticoside Increases Caspase-9 Activity in MCF-7 Cells and Inhibits TNF-α and IL-6 Expression in Nude Mouse Xenografts via the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Al-Saeedi Fatma J.
Published: February 2023

Background: We hypothesized that the antitumor effects of asiaticoside on breast cancer are driven by its ability to decrease the expression of tumor inflammation-promoting genes and increase apoptotic signaling. In this study, we aimed to better understand the mechanisms of action of asiaticoside as a chemical modulator or as a chemopreventive agent in breast cancer. Methods: MCF-7 cells were cultured and treated with 0, 20, 40, and 80 μM asiaticoside for 48 h. Fluorometric caspase-9, apoptosis, and gene expression analyses were conducted. For the xenograft experiments, we divided nude mice into the following 5 groups (10 animals per group): group I, control mice; group II, untreated tumor-bearing nude mice; group III, tumor-bearing nude mice treated with asiaticoside at weeks 1–2 and 4–7 and injected with MCF-7 cells at week 3; group IV, tumor-bearing nude mice injected with MCF-7 cells at week 3 and treated with asiaticoside beginning at week 6; and group V, nude mice treated with asiaticoside, as a drug control. After treatment, weight measurements were performed weekly. Tumor growth was determined and analyzed using histology and DNA and RNA isolation. Results: In MCF-7 cells, we found that asiaticoside increased caspase-9 activity. In the xenograft experiment, we found that TNF-α and IL-6 expression decreased (p < 0.001) via the NF-κB pathway. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that asiaticoside produces promising effects on tumor growth, progression, and tumor-associated inflammation in MCF-7 cells as well as a nude mouse MCF-7 tumor xenograft model.
Antiviral and Antibacterial Sulfated Polysaccharide–Chitosan Nanocomposite Particles as a Drug Carrier
Authors: Yin Ai-Yi , Xu Junpeng , Yang Chii-Shen , Hsu Shan-hui
Published: February 2023

Drug delivery system (DDS) refers to the method of delivering drugs to the targeted sites with minimal risk. One popular strategy of DDS is using nanoparticles as a drug carrier, which are made from biocompatible and degradable polymers. Here, nanoparticles composed of Arthrospira-derived sulfated polysaccharide (AP) and chitosan were developed and expected to possess the capabilities of antiviral, antibacterial, and pH-sensitive properties. The composite nanoparticles, abbreviated as APC, were optimized for stability of morphology and size (~160 nm) in the physiological environment (pH = 7.4). Potent antibacterial (over 2 μg/mL) and antiviral (over 6.596 μg/mL) properties were verified in vitro. The pH-sensitive release behavior and release kinetics of drug-loaded APC nanoparticles were examined for various categories of drugs, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and protein drugs, under different pH values of the surroundings. Effects of APC nanoparticles were also evaluated in lung cancer cells and neural stem cells. The use of APC nanoparticles as a drug delivery system maintained the bioactivity of the drug to inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells (with ~40% reduction) and to relieve the growth inhibitory effect on neural stem cells. These findings indicate that the pH-sensitive and biocompatible composite nanoparticles of sulfated polysaccharide and chitosan well keep the antiviral and antibacterial properties and may serve as a promising multifunctional drug carrier for further biomedical applications.
To the Understanding of Catalysis by D-Amino Acid Transaminases: A Case Study of the Enzyme from Aminobacterium colombiense
Authors: Shilova Sofia A. , Khrenova Maria G. , Matyuta Ilya O. , Nikolaeva Alena Y. , Rakitina Tatiana V. , Klyachko Natalia L. , Minyaev Mikhail E. , Boyko Konstantin M. , Popov Vladimir O. , Bezsudnova Ekaterina Yu.
Published: February 2023

Pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent transaminases are highly efficient biocatalysts for stereoselective amination. D-amino acid transaminases can catalyze stereoselective transamination producing optically pure D-amino acids. The knowledge of substrate binding mode and substrate differentiation mechanism in D-amino acid transaminases comes down to the analysis of the transaminase from Bacillus subtilis. However, at least two groups of D-amino acid transaminases differing in the active site organization are known today. Here, we present a detailed study of D-amino acid transaminase from the gram-negative bacterium Aminobacterium colombiense with a substrate binding mode different from that for the transaminase from B. subtilis. We study the enzyme using kinetic analysis, molecular modeling, and structural analysis of holoenzyme and its complex with D-glutamate. We compare the multipoint binding of D-glutamate with the binding of other substrates, D-aspartate and D-ornithine. QM/MM MD simulation reveals that the substrate can act as a base and its proton can be transferred from the amino group to the α-carboxylate group. This process occurs simultaneously with the nucleophilic attack of the PLP carbon atom by the nitrogen atom of the substrate forming gem-diamine at the transimination step. This explains the absence of the catalytic activity toward (R)-amines that lack an α-carboxylate group. The obtained results clarify another substrate binding mode in D-amino acid transaminases and underpinned the substrate activation mechanism.
Sortase A Inhibitor Protein Nanoparticle Formulations Demonstrate Antibacterial Synergy When Combined with Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Alharthi Sitah , Popat Amirali , Ziora Zyta Maria , Moyle Peter Michael
Published: February 2023

Sortase A (SrtA) is an enzyme which attaches proteins, including virulence factors, to bacterial cell walls. It is a potential target for developing anti-virulence agents against pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. This study aimed to engineer 𝛽-lactoglobulin protein nanoparticles (PNPs) for encapsulating safe and inexpensive natural SrtA inhibitors (SrtAIs; trans-chalcone (TC), curcumin (CUR), quercetin (QC), and berberine (BR)) to improve their poor aqueous dispersibility, to screen for synergy with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and to reduce the cost, dose, and toxicity of AMPs. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), checkerboard synergy, and cell viability assays were performed for SrtAI PNPs against Gram-positive (methicillin-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacteria alone and combined with leading AMPs (pexiganan, indolicidin, and a mastoparan derivative). Each SrtAI PNP inhibited Gram-positive (MIC: 62.5–125 µg/mL) and Gram-negative (MIC: 31.3–500 µg/mL) bacterial growth. TC PNPs with pexiganan demonstrated synergy against each bacteria, while BR PNPs with pexiganan or indolicidin provided synergy towards S. aureus. Each SrtAI PNP inhibited SrtA (IC50: 25.0–81.8 µg/mL), and did not affect HEK-293 cell viability at their MIC or optimal synergistic concentrations with AMPs. Overall, this study provides a safe nanoplatform for enhancing antimicrobial synergy to develop treatments for superbug infections.
Fremanezumab and Non-High-Dose Galcanezumab for Comorbid Cluster Headache in Patients with Migraine: Three Cases
Authors: Kashiwagi Kenta , Katsuki Masahito , Kawamura Shin , Tachikawa Senju , Ono Atsuko , Koh Akihito
Published: February 2023

A new treatment option for cluster headache (CH) prevention is needed. Monoclonal antibodies (mABs) against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligands are used as a preventative treatment for migraine. Considering the CGRP’s role in the CH attack’s ignition and upkeep, fremanezumab and galcanezumab have been evaluated for CH preventative treatment. However, only high-dose (300 mg) galcanezumab has been approved for episodic CH prevention. We herein report three cases of migraine and comorbid CH with previous failures of preventive treatments. Two cases were treated with fremanezumab and one with non-high-dose galcanezumab. All three cases showed good results, not only for migraine, but also for CH attacks. This report suggests the efficacy of CGRP-mABs for CH prevention. Our cases differed from cases in the phase 3 trials of CGRP-mABs for CH prevention in two ways: first, our patients had both migraine and comorbid CH, and second, we used a combination of CGRP-mABs with preventative drugs, such as verapamil and/or prednisolone, to treat CH. Future accumulation of real-world data may prove the efficacy of CGRP-mABs for CH prevention.
The Associations between Multiple Essential Metal(loid)s and Gut Microbiota in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Jianghui , Wang Yuan , Chen Guimei , Wang Hongli , Sun Liang , Zhang Dongmei , Tao Fangbiao , Zhang Zhihua , Yang Linsheng
Published: February 2023

Several experimental studies have suggested that individual essential metal(loid)s (EMs) could regulate the gut microbiota. However, human studies assessing the associations between EMs and gut microbiota are limited. This study aimed to examine the associations of individual and multiple EMs with the compositions of the gut microbiota in older adults. A total of 270 Chinese community-dwelling people over 60 years old were included in this study. Urinary concentrations of selected EMs, including vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and molybdenum (Mo), were examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The gut microbiome was assessed using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The zero-inflated probabilistic principal components analysis PCA (ZIPPCA) model was performed to denoise substantial noise in microbiome data. Linear regression and the Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models were utilized to determine the associations between urine EMs and gut microbiota. No significant association between urine EMs and gut microbiota was found in the total sample, whereas some significant associations were found in subgroup analyses: Co was negatively associated with the microbial Shannon (β = −0.072, p < 0.05) and the inverse-Simpson (β = −0.045, p < 0.05) indices among urban older adults; Ca (R2 = 0.035) and Sr (R2 = 0.023) exhibited significant associations with the altercations of beta diversity in females, while V (R2 = 0.095) showed a significant association with altercations of beta diversity in those who often drank. Furthermore, the associations between partial EMs and specific bacterial taxa were also found: the negative and linear associations of Mo with Tenericutes, Sr with Bacteroidales, and Ca with Enterobacteriaceae and Lachnospiraceae, and a positive and linear association of Sr with Bifidobacteriales were found. Our findings suggested that EMs may play an important role in maintaining the steady status of gut microbiota. Prospective studies are needed to replicate these findings.
Patterns of Dietary Blood Markers Are Related to Frailty Status in the FRAILOMIC Validation Phase
Authors: Henning Thorsten , Kochlik Bastian , Ara Ignacio , González-Gross Marcela , Fiorillo Edoardo , Marongiu Michele , Cucca Francesco , Rodriguez-Artalejo Fernando , Carnicero Carreño Jose Antonio , Rodriguez-Mañas Leocadio , Grune Tilman , Weber Daniela
Published: February 2023

The influence of nutritional factors on frailty syndrome is still poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to confirm cross-sectional associations of diet-related blood biomarker patterns with frailty and pre-frailty statuses in 1271 older adults from four European cohorts. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed based on plasma levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein + zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and retinol. Cross-sectional associations between biomarker patterns and frailty status, according to Fried’s frailty criteria, were assessed by using general linear models and multinomial logistic regression models as appropriate with adjustments for the main potential confounders. Robust subjects had higher concentrations of total carotenoids, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin than frail and pre-frail subjects and had higher lutein + zeaxanthin concentrations than frail subjects. No associations between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and frailty status were observed. Two distinct biomarker patterns were identified in the PCA results. The principal component 1 (PC1) pattern was characterized by overall higher plasma levels of carotenoids, tocopherols and retinol, and the PC2 pattern was characterized by higher loadings for tocopherols, retinol and lycopene together and lower loadings for other carotenoids. Analyses revealed inverse associations between PC1 and prevalent frailty. Compared to participants in the lowest quartile of PC1, those in the highest quartile were less likely to be frail (odds ratio: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25–0.80, p = 0.006). In addition, those in the highest quartile of PC2 showed higher odds for prevalent frailty (2.48, 1.28–4.80, p = 0.007) than those in the lowest quartile. Our findings strengthen the results from the first phase of the FRAILOMIC project, indicating carotenoids are suitable components for future biomarker-based frailty indices.
Optical Fiber Based Temperature Sensors: A Review
Authors: Gangwar Rahul Kumar , Kumari Sneha , Pathak Akhilesh Kumar , Gutlapalli Sai Dheeraj , Meena Mahesh Chand
Published: February 2023

The current generation is witnessing a huge interest in optical waveguides due to their salient features: they are of low cost, immune to electromagnetic interference, easy to multiplex, have a compact size, etc. These features of optical fibers make them a useful tool for various sensing applications including in medicine, automotives, biotechnology, food quality control, aerospace, physical and chemical monitoring. Among all the reported applications, optical waveguides have been widely exploited to measure the physical and chemical variations in the surrounding environment. Optical fiber-based temperature sensors have played a crucial role in this decade to detect high fever and tackle COVID-19-like pandemics. Recognizing the major developments in the field of optical fibers, this article provides recent progress in temperature sensors utilizing several sensing configurations including conventional fiber, photonic crystal fiber, and Bragg grating fibers. Additionally, this article also highlights the advantages, limitations, and future possibilities in this area.
Bacterial Co-Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients Hospitalized with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Pneumonia in Kazakhstan
Authors: Lavrinenko Alyona , Kolesnichenko Svetlana , Kadyrova Irina , Turmukhambetova Anar , Akhmaltdinova Lyudmila , Klyuyev Dmitriy
Published: February 2023

Our study was carried out to characterize respiratory tract microbiota in patients with “COVID-like pneumonia” in Kazakhstan and analyze differences between COVID-19 positive and negative groups. Sputum samples were collected from hospitalized patients, ≥18 years old, in the three cities in Kazakhstan with the highest COVID-19 burden in July 2020. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion. We used SPSS 26 and MedCalc 19 for statistical analysis. Among 209 patients with pneumonia, the median age was 62 years and 55% were male. RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases were found in 40% of patients, and 46% had a bacterial co-infection. Co-infection was not associated with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results, but antibiotic use was. The most frequent bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (23%), Escherichia coli (12%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (11%). Notably, 68% of Klebsiella pneumoniae had phenotypic evidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in disk diffusion assays, 87% of Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited resistance to beta-lactams, and >50% of E. coli strains had evidence of ESBL production and 64% were resistant to fluoroquinolones. Patients with a bacterial co-infection had a higher proportion of severe disease than those without a co-infection. The results reinforce the importance of using appropriate targeted antibiotics and effective infection control practices to prevent the spread of resistant nosocomial infections.
A Cross Talk between the Endocannabinoid System and Different Systems Involved in the Pathogenesis of Hypertensive Retinopathy
Authors: Alswailmi Farhan Khashim
Published: February 2023

The prognosis of hypertension leads to organ damage by causing nephropathy, stroke, retinopathy, and cardiomegaly. Retinopathy and blood pressure have been extensively discussed in relation to catecholamines of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and angiotensin II of the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) but very little research has been conducted on the role of the ECS in the regulation of retinopathy and blood pressure. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a unique system in the body that can be considered as a master regulator of body functions. It encompasses the endogenous production of its cannabinoids, its degrading enzymes, and functional receptors which innervate and perform various functions in different organs of the body. Hypertensive retinopathy pathologies arise normally due to oxidative stress, ischemia, endothelium dysfunction, inflammation, and an activated renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and catecholamine which are vasoconstrictors in their biological nature. The question arises of which system or agent counterbalances the vasoconstrictors effect of noradrenaline and angiotensin II (Ang II) in normal individuals? In this review article, we discuss the role of the ECS and its contribution to the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy. This review article will also examine the involvement of the RAS and the ANS in the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy and the crosstalk between these three systems in hypertensive retinopathy. This review will also explain that the ECS, which is a vasodilator in its action, either independently counteracts the effect produced with the vasoconstriction of the ANS and Ang II or blocks some of the common pathways shared by the ECS, ANS, and Ang II in the regulation of eye functions and blood pressure. This article concludes that persistent control of blood pressure and normal functions of the eye are maintained either by decreasing systemic catecholamine, ang II, or by upregulation of the ECS which results in the regression of retinopathy induced by hypertension.
The Way of Nature from the Perspective of Laozi, Confucius, and Sunzi
Authors: Sun Jian , Sun Kody
Published: February 2023

Where do ethics or morals come from? We arrive at vastly different answers, given that these answers are contingent upon various sources, such as legendary stories, the theology of various religions, Western and Eastern philosophies, etc. In the Chinese tradition, Laozi, Confucius, and Sunzi are considered as the three ancient sages from approximately 2500 years ago. Their thoughts and teachings have shaped Chinese culture and characterized the Chinese way of life. This essay attempts to demonstrate a new understanding of their philosophy on ethical principles. Herein, we present select analyses of their literary works—Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing), The Analects, and The Art of War. These three sages posited ethical ideas inspired by nature, and a single thread—the way of nature—sewed those ideas together.
Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation of Phytochemicals Isolated from Chestnut Shells (Castanea crenata)
Authors: Park SeonJu , Choi Nahyun , Trang Le Nu Huyen , Oh Mira , Oh Youngse , Sung Jong-Hyuk , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: February 2023

Castanea crenata (Fagaceae) is a species of chestnut tree that is endemic to the Republic of Korea and Japan. While its kernels are consumed, chestnut by-products such as shells and burs, which account for 10–15% of the total weight, are discarded as waste. Phytochemical and biological studies have been carried out to eliminate this waste and develop high-value products from its by-products. In this study, five new compounds (1–2, 6–8) along with seven known compounds were isolated from the shell of C. crenata. This is the first study to report diterpenes from the shell of C. crenata. Comprehensive spectroscopic data including 1D, 2D NMR, and CD spectroscopy were used to determine the compound structures. All isolated compounds were examined for their ability to stimulate dermal papilla cell proliferation using a CCK-8 assay. In particular, 6β,7β,16α,17-Tetrahydroxy-ent-kauranoic acid, isopentyl-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside, and ellagic acid exhibited the most potent proliferation activity of all.
Abscisic-Acid-Regulated Responses to Alleviate Cadmium Toxicity in Plants
Authors: Zhao Yuquan , Wang Jiaqi , Huang Wei , Zhang Dawei , Wu Jinfeng , Li Bao , Li Mei , Liu Lili , Yan Mingli
Published: February 2023

High levels of cadmium (Cd) in soil can cause crop yield reduction or death. Cadmium accumulation in crops affects human and animal health as it passes through the food chain. Therefore, a strategy is needed to enhance the tolerance of crops to this heavy metal or reduce its accumulation in crops. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays an active role in plants’ response to abiotic stress. The application of exogenous ABA can reduce Cd accumulation in shoots of some plants and enhance the tolerance of plants to Cd; therefore, ABA may have good application prospects. In this paper, we reviewed the synthesis and decomposition of ABA, ABA-mediated signal transduction, and ABA-mediated regulation of Cd-responsive genes in plants. We also introduced physiological mechanism underlying Cd tolerance because of ABA. Specifically, ABA affects metal ion uptake and transport by influencing transpiration and antioxidant systems, as well as by affecting the expression of metal transporter and metal chelator protein genes. This study may provide a reference for further research on the physiological mechanism of heavy metal tolerance in plants.
Bacillus-Loaded Biochar as Soil Amendment for Improved Germination of Maize Seeds
Authors: Vlajkov Vanja , Pajčin Ivana , Vučetić Snežana , Anđelić Stefan , Loc Marta , Grahovac Mila , Grahovac Jovana
Published: February 2023

Biochar is considered one of the most promising long-term solutions for soil quality improvement, representing an ideal environment for microorganisms’ immobilization. Hence there is a possibility to design microbial products formulated using biochar as a solid carrier. The present study was aimed at development and characterization of Bacillus-loaded biochar to be applied as a soil amendment. The producing microorganism Bacillus sp. BioSol021 was evaluated in terms of plant growth promotion traits, indicating significant potential for production of hydrolytic enzymes, indole acetic acid (IAA) and surfactin and positive tests for ammonia and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase production. Soybean biochar was characterised in terms of physicochemical properties to evaluate its suitability for agricultural applications. The experimental plan for Bacillus sp. BioSol021 immobilisation to biochar included variation of biochar concentration in cultivation broth and adhesion time, while the soil amendment effectiveness was evaluated during maize germination. The best results in terms of maize seed germination and seedling growth promotion were achieved by applying 5% of biochar during the 48 h immobilisation procedure. Germination percentage, root and shoot length and seed vigour index were significantly improved when using Bacillus-biochar soil amendment compared to separate treatments including biochar and Bacillus sp. BioSol021 cultivation broth. The results indicated the synergistic effect of producing microorganism and biochar on maize seed germination and seedling growth promotion, pointing out the promising potential of this proposed multi-beneficial solution for application in agricultural practices.
Enhancing Urban Wastewater Treatment through Isolated Chlorella Strain-Based Phytoremediation in Centrate Stream: An Analysis of Algae Morpho-Physiology and Nutrients Removal Efficiency
Authors: Baldisserotto Costanza , Demaria Sara , Arcidiacono Michela , Benà Elisa , Giacò Pierluigi , Marchesini Roberta , Ferroni Lorenzo , Benetti Linda , Zanella Marcello , Benini Alessio , Pancaldi Simonetta
Published: February 2023

The release of inadequately treated urban wastewater is the main cause of environmental pollution of aquatic ecosystems. Among efficient and environmentally friendly technologies to improve the remediation process, those based on microalgae represent an attractive alternative due to the potential of microalgae to remove nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from wastewaters. In this work, microalgae were isolated from the centrate stream of an urban wastewater treatment plant and a native Chlorella-like species was selected for studies on nutrient removal from centrate streams. Comparative experiments were set up using 100% centrate and BG11 synthetic medium, modified with the same N and P as the effluent. Since microalgal growth in 100% effluent was inhibited, cultivation of microalgae was performed by mixing tap-freshwater with centrate at increasing percentages (50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%). While algal biomass and nutrient removal was little affected by the differently diluted effluent, morpho-physiological parameters (FV/FM ratio, carotenoids, chloroplast ultrastructure) showed that cell stress increased with increasing amounts of centrate. However, the production of an algal biomass enriched in carotenoids and P, together with N and P abatement in the effluent, supports promising microalgae applications that combine centrate remediation with the production of compounds of biotechnological interest; for example, for organic agriculture.
Characterization on Structure and Fractal of Shale Nanopore: A Case Study of Fengcheng Formation in Hashan Area, Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Gao Weizheng , Chang Xiangchun , Zhang Pengfei , Liu Zhongquan , Zeng Zhiping , Wang Yue , Ge Tianchen
Published: February 2023

The Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in Halaalate Mountain in the Junggar Basin has enormous potential for shale oil, while few investigations on quantifying pore structure heterogeneity have been conducted. Thus, total organic carbon (TOC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and low-temperature N2 adsorption tests were conducted on the shales collected from the HSX1 well in the Hashan region to disclose the microscopic pore structure and its heterogeneity. Results show that the selected shales mainly consist of quartz, plagioclase, calcite, and clay minerals. The primary pore types are intergranular pores in quartz and carbonate and intragranular pores in clays, while organic matter (OM) pores are rare. Typical types of H2 and mixed H2-H3 were observed. Type H3 shale pore size distributions (PSD) are unimodal, with a peak at about 70 nm, while Type H2-H3 shales are bimodal, with peaks at about 70 nm and 3 nm, respectively. Type H3 shales have lower D2 than Type H2-H3 shale, corresponding to weaker pore structure heterogeneity. Multifractal analyses indicate that macropores in Type H3 shales have stronger heterogeneity with large D10−D0 ranges, while minor D−10−D0 ranges mean weaker heterogeneity of micro- and mesopores, and so do Types H2-H3 shales. The higher the contents of plagioclase and clay minerals, the more heterogeneous the micro- and mesopores are; a larger content of quartz leads to more heterogeneous macropores. Specific surface area, micro-, and mesopores contents positively correlate to D2, while average pore diameter and macropores are on the contrary, thus the higher the content of micro- and mesopores and the specific surface area, the lower the content of macropores and average pore diameter, the more complex the microscopic pore structure of shale. Micro- and mesopores control the heterogeneity of shale pore development with a great correlation of D−10−D0 and D−10−D10, and D2 can effectively characterize the heterogeneity of a high porosity area with a strong correlation of D2 and D0−D10.
Data-Driven Prediction of Li-Ion Battery Degradation Using Predicted Features
Authors: Xing Wei W. , Shah Akeel A. , Shah Nadir , Wu Yinpeng , Xu Qian , Rodchanarowan Aphichart , Leung Puiki , Zhu Xun , Liao Qiang
Published: February 2023

For their emergent application in electric vehicles, the development of fast and accurate algorithms to monitor the health status of batteries and aid decision-making in relation to maintenance and replacement is now of paramount importance. Data-driven approaches are preferred due to the difficulties associated with defining valid models for system and parameter identification. In recent years, the use of features to enhance data-driven methods has become commonplace. Unless the data sets are from multiple batteries, however, such approaches cannot be used to predict more than one cycle ahead because the features are unavailable for future cycles, in the absence of different embedding strategies. In this paper, we propose a novel approach in which features are predicted for future cycles, enabling predictions of the state of health for an arbitrary number of cycles ahead, and, therefore, predictions for the end-of-life. This is achieved by using a data-driven approach to predict voltage and temperature curves for future cycles, from which important signatures of degradation can be extracted and even used directly for degradation predictions. The use of features is shown to enhance the state-of-health predictions. The approach we develop is capable of accurate predictions using a data set specific to the battery under consideration. This avoids the need for large multi-battery data sets, which are hampered by natural variations in the performance and degradation of batteries even from the same batch, compromising the prediction accuracy of approaches based on such data.
Design and Evaluation of Regenerated Landscapes of Factory Sites Based on Evaluation Factors
Authors: Zhang Kejia , Han Yue , Chai Tianlong , Xu Yanyan , Wang Hao
Published: February 2023

Research in the field of industrial heritage regeneration suffers from high subjectivity and low reliability in design and evaluation. The study takes seven regeneration projects of the Kailuan family of industrial heritage as examples, designs four optimisation and improvement strategies and constructs an evaluation system containing four intermediate layers and 23 indicator layers based on the evaluation factor method to realise the evaluation of design solutions. The average evaluation value of the four intermediate layers was approximately 0.65, and the average evaluation value of the 23 evaluation indicators was approximately 0.68. The evaluation values of the four intermediate layers for the seven Kailuan projects showed that the evaluation of the park and the evaluation of the participants’ perceptions were roughly higher than the standard values, while the evaluation of the buildings and the evaluation of the environmental image had lower evaluation values. The correlations between the park evaluation and the other three intermediate level evaluation indicators were all over 0.500, and all had positive correlations, while the correlations between any two of the remaining indicators were weak and not statistically significant. The regenerative landscape design and evaluation of the Kailuan system of factory heritage enriches the current landscape design evaluation system and provides corresponding optimisation strategies for landscape optimisation design.
Peak Load Shifting Control for a Rural Home Hotel Cluster Based on Power Load Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Li Weilin , Liang Yonghui , Wang Jianli , Lin Zhenhe , Li Rufei , Tang Yu
Published: February 2023

The large-scale rural home hotel clusters have brought huge pressure to the rural power grid. However, the load of rural home hotels not only has the inherent characteristics of rural residential buildings but is also greatly impacted by the occupancy rate, which is very different from conventional buildings. Therefore, the existing peak shifting strategies are difficult to apply to rural home hotels. In view of the above problems, this study took a typical visitor village in Zhejiang Province as the research object, which had more than 470 rural home hotels. First, through a basic information survey and power load data collection, the characteristics of its power load for heating, cooling and transition months were studied, and a “No Visitors Day” model was proposed, which was split to obtain the seasonal load curve for air conditioning. Then, combined with the characteristics of the air conditioning power load and the natural conditions of the rural house, a cluster control peak-load-shifting system using phase change energy storage was proposed, and the system control logic was determined and established. Finally, the collected power load data was brought into the model for actual case analysis to verify its feasibility and the effect of peak-load shifting. The results showed that due to the influence of the number of tourists, the electricity loads on weekends and holidays were higher, especially the electricity load of air conditioning equipment in the heating and cooling seasons. An actual case was simulated to verify the peak-shifting effect of the proposed regulation strategy; it was found that the maximum peak load of the cluster was reduced by 61.6%, and the peak–valley difference was 28.6% of that before peak shifting.
Onion (Allium cepa L.) Yield and Quality Depending on Biostimulants and Nitrogen Fertilization—A Chemometric Perspective
Authors: Vojnović Đorđe , Maksimović Ivana , Tepić Horecki Aleksandra , Karadžić Banjac Milica , Kovačević Strahinja , Daničić Tatjana , Podunavac-Kuzmanović Sanja , Ilin Žarko
Published: February 2023

The influence of biostimulants (B) and nitrogen (N) fertilization on the yield and quality of onions were investigated. Experiments in the field with directly seeded (DS) onions and those from sets (FS) were carried out in 2021 in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Serbia). HumiBlack® (B1), Tifi® (B2), and Agasi® (B3) were used as B, and there was a control without B. Four N doses were used: 64, 100, 150 (standard dose), and 200 kg N/ha. The highest yields of DS onions (63.9 t/ha) and FS onions (52, 1 t/ha) were measured on treatment B2 × 150 kg N/ha. The highest total sugar content (80.6 g/100 g DM) was measured in FS onions under treatment B2 × 100 kg N/ha. Total nitrogen and protein content were the highest in DS onions treated with B2 × 200 kg N/ha, where total nitrogen was 2.3 g/100 g DM and protein content was 14.5 g/100 g DM. Depending on B and N, titratable acidity ranged from 1.7 to 3.6 g/100 g DM. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to analyze onions and showed that FS onions have lower values of total phenolics and crude fiber content, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS compared to DS onions. In this study, a chemometric approach was suitable for grouping onions according to treatment effect and main interactions between B and N.
Characterization of Sargassum spp. from the Mexican Caribbean and Its Valorization through Fermentation Process
Authors: Paredes-Camacho Rosa María , González-Morales Susana , González-Fuentes José Antonio , Rodríguez-Jasso Rosa María , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto , Charles-Rodríguez Ana Verónica , Robledo-Olivo Armando
Published: February 2023

Sargassum is a brown macroalga that has become a general environmental problem in the Mexican Caribbean. Despite the negative effects on the beaches, the algae contain compounds of biotechnological and agronomic interest. The possibility of using sargassum as a substrate under liquid media fermentation (LMF) processes will allow the obtention of bioactive compounds. In this research, five species of Sargassum from the Puerto Morelos region were collected from the beach. The samples were divided into natural Sargassum and washed Sargassum, and the total phenolic compounds (TPC), flavonoids (F), and antioxidant capacity (AOxC) were determined. Once the material was characterized, it was fermented in the LMF process using the Aspergillus niger strain, where the obtained extracts were analyzed. Three holopelagic and one benthic species were identified. The proximal analysis of the seaweed in natural and washed conditions shows adequate carbon–nitrogen ratio values for use as a substrate for microbial degradation. Comparing the fermented extracts with fresh Sargassum, the analyses showed a TPC increase for washed Sargassum fermentation and a TPC decrease for natural Sargassum fermentation; the flavonoid content reached 8-fold higher in the washed Sargassum fermentation. An average AOxC of 57% was achieved during the washed Sargassum LMF process, with a maximum of 69% of ABTS inhibition. Considering these results, Sargassum can be used as a substrate in LMF processes to obtain bioactive compounds.