bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Cells as a Microrobots: From Drug Delivery to Advanced Biosensors
Authors: Gotovtsev Pavel
Published: March 2023

The presented review focused on the microbial cell based system. This approach is based on the application of microorganisms as the main part of a robot that is responsible for the motility, cargo shipping, and in some cases, the production of useful chemicals. Living cells in such microrobots have both advantages and disadvantages. Regarding the advantages, it is necessary to mention the motility of cells, which can be natural chemotaxis or phototaxis, depending on the organism. There are approaches to make cells magnetotactic by adding nanoparticles to their surface. Today, the results of the development of such microrobots have been widely discussed. It has been shown that there is a possibility of combining different types of taxis to enhance the control level of the microrobots based on the microorganisms’ cells and the efficiency of the solving task. Another advantage is the possibility of applying the whole potential of synthetic biology to make the behavior of the cells more controllable and complex. Biosynthesis of the cargo, advanced sensing, on/off switches, and other promising approaches are discussed within the context of the application for the microrobots. Thus, a synthetic biology application offers significant perspectives on microbial cell based microrobot development. Disadvantages that follow from the nature of microbial cells such as the number of external factors influence the cells, potential immune reaction, etc. They provide several limitations in the application, but do not decrease the bright perspectives of microrobots based on the cells of the microorganisms.
Development of Electrochemical Immunosensors for HER-1 and HER-2 Analysis in Serum for Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Wignarajah Shayalini , Chianella Iva , Tothill Ibtisam E.
Published: March 2023

In this work, two human epidermal growth factor receptors, HER-1 and HER-2, were selected as biomarkers to enable the detection of breast cancer. Therefore, two biosensors were developed using gold sensor chips coupled with amperometric detection of the enzyme label horse radish peroxidase (HRP). The biosensors/immunosensors relied on indirect sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with monoclonal antibodies (Ab) against HER-1 and HER-2 attached to the sensors to capture the biomarkers. Detection polyclonal antibodies followed by secondary anti-rabbit (for HER-1) and anti-goat (for HER-2) IgG antibody-HRP were then applied for signal generation. In buffer, the developed sensors showed limits of detections (LOD) of 1.06 ng mL−1 and 0.95 ng mL−1 and limits of quantification (LOQ) of 2.1 ng mL−1 and 1.5 ng mL−1 for HER-1 and HER-2, respectively. In 100% (undiluted) serum, LODs of 1.2 ng mL−1 and 1.47 ng mL−1 and LOQs of 1.5 ng mL−1 and 2.1 ng mL−1 were obtained for HER-1 and HER-2, respectively. Such limits of detections are within the serum clinical range for the two biomarkers. Furthermore, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) labelled with secondary anti-rabbit and anti-goat IgG antibody-HRP were then used to enhance the assay signal and increase the sensitivity. In buffers, LODs of 30 pg mL−1 were seen for both sensors and LOQs of 98 pg mL−1 and 35 pg mL−1 were recorded for HER-1 and HER-2, respectively. For HER-2 the AuNPs biosensor was also tested in 100% serum obtaining a LOD of 50 pg mL−1 and a LOQ of 80 pg mL−1. The HER-2 AuNP electrochemical immunosensor showed high specificity with very low cross-reactivity to HER-1. These findings demonstrate that the two developed sensors can enable early detection as well as monitoring of disease progression with a beneficial impact on patient survival and clinical outcomes.
Electrophysiological Correlates of Different Proactive Controls during Response Competition and Inhibition Tasks
Authors: Berchicci Marika , Bianco Valentina , Hamidi Hadiseh , Fiorini Linda , Di Russo Francesco
Published: March 2023

The present study aims to investigate the behavioral outcomes and the antecedent brain dynamics during the preparation of tasks in which the discrimination is either about the choice (choice response task; CRT) or the action (Go/No-go), and in a task not requiring discrimination (simple response task; SRT). Using event-related potentials (ERPs), the mean amplitude over prefrontal, central, and parietal-occipital sites was analyzed in 20 young healthy participants in a time frame before stimulus presentation to assess cognitive, motor, and visual readiness, respectively. Behaviorally, participants were faster and more accurate in the SRT than in the CRT and the Go/No-go. At the electrophysiological level, the proactive cognitive and motor ERP components were larger in the CRT and the Go/No-go than the SRT, but the largest amplitude emerged in the Go/No-go. Further, the amplitude over parieto-occipital leads was enhanced in the SRT. The strongest intensity of the frontal negative expectancy wave over prefrontal leads in the Go/No-go task could be attributed to the largest uncertainty about the target presentation and subsequent motor response selection and execution. The enhanced sensory readiness in the SRT can be related to either an increased visual readiness associated with task requirements or a reduced overlap with proactive processing on the scalp.
CircXPO1 Promotes Glioblastoma Malignancy by Sponging miR-7-5p
Authors: Wang Xuehui , Wang Jiaying , An Zihui , Yang Aifen , Qiu Mengsheng , Tan Zhou
Published: March 2023

Mounting evidence suggests that circular RNAs play important roles in the development and progression of cancers. However, their function in glioblastomas (GBM) is still unclear. By circRNA array analysis, we found that circXPO1 (hsa_circ_102737) was significantly upregulated in GBM, and qPCR analysis verified that the circXPO1 expression level was increased in both GBM tissues and cell lines. Functional studies demonstrated that the knockdown of circXPO1 in GBM cell lines repressed cell proliferation and migration; conversely, the overexpression of circXPO1 promoted the malignancy of GBM cells. In line with these findings, circXPO1 inhibition effectively suppressed gliomagenesis in the in situ transplantation model of nude mice. Through bioinformatic analyses and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we showed that circXPO1 directly bound to miR-7-5p, which acted as a tumor suppressor through the negative regulation of RAF1. In conclusion, our studies suggest that the circXPO1/miR-7-5p/RAF1 axis promotes brain tumor formation and may be a potential therapeutic target for GBM treatment.
SCD5 Regulation by VHL Affects Cell Proliferation and Lipid Homeostasis in ccRCC
Authors: Ganner Athina , Philipp Antonia , Lagies Simon , Wingendorf Laura , Wang Lu , Pilz Felicitas , Welte Thomas , Grand Kelli , Lienkamp Soeren S. , Klein Marinella , Kammerer Bernd , Frew Ian J. , Walz Gerd , Neumann-Haefelin Elke
Published: March 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histological subtype of renal cancer, and inactivation of the VHL tumor suppressor gene is found in almost all cases of hereditary and sporadic ccRCCs. CcRCC is associated with the reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism, and stearoyl-CoA desaturases (SCDs) are the main enzymes controlling fatty acid composition in cells. In this study, we report that mRNA and protein expression of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase SCD5 is downregulated in VHL-deficient cell lines. Similarly, in C. elegans vhl-1 mutants, FAT-7/SCD5 activity is repressed, supporting an evolutionary conservation. SCD5 regulation by VHL depends on HIF, and loss of SCD5 promotes cell proliferation and a metabolic shift towards ceramide production. In summary, we identify a novel regulatory function of VHL in relation to SCD5 and fatty acid metabolism, and propose a new mechanism of how loss of VHL may contribute to ccRCC tumor formation and progression.
Broad Serotonergic Actions of Vortioxetine as a Promising Avenue for the Treatment of L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia
Authors: Budrow Carla , Elder Kayla , Coyle Michael , Centner Ashley , Lipari Natalie , Cohen Sophie , Glinski John , Kinzonzi N’Senga , Wheelis Emily , McManus Grace , Manfredsson Fredric , Bishop Christopher
Published: March 2023

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms that result from loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) cells. While L-DOPA provides symptom alleviation, its chronic use often results in the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Evidence suggests that neuroplasticity within the serotonin (5-HT) system contributes to LID onset, persistence, and severity. This has been supported by research showing 5-HT compounds targeting 5-HT1A/1B receptors and/or the 5-HT transporter (SERT) can reduce LID. Recently, vortioxetine, a multimodal 5-HT compound developed for depression, demonstrated acute anti-dyskinetic effects. However, the durability and underlying pharmacology of vortioxetine’s anti-dyskinetic actions have yet to be delineated. To address these gaps, we used hemiparkinsonian rats in Experiment 1, examining the effects of sub-chronic vortioxetine on established LID and motor performance. In Experiment 2, we applied the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100635 or 5-HT1B antagonist SB-224289 in conjunction with L-DOPA and vortioxetine to determine the contributions of each receptor to vortioxetine’s effects. The results revealed that vortioxetine consistently and dose-dependently attenuated LID while independently, 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors each partially reversed vortioxetine’s effects. Such findings further support the promise of pharmacological strategies, such as vortioxetine, and indicate that broad 5-HT actions may provide durable responses without significant side effects.
Autism and Children: Diagnosis, Functional Profiles and Intervention
Authors: Narzisi Antonio , Alonso-Esteban Yurena , Alcantud-Marín Francisco
Published: March 2023

In the last forty years, approaches to and the social perception of autism have changed significantly [...]
Algorithm for Schroth-Curve-Type Classification of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability Study
Authors: Schreiber Sanja , Parent Eric C. , Kawchuk Gregory N. , Hedden Douglas M.
Published: March 2023

Schroth exercises for scoliosis are prescribed based on curve types. This study aimed to determine the reliability of an algorithm for classifying Schroth curve types. Forty-four consecutive volunteers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, 10 to 18 years old, with curves 10° to 50°, were recruited from a scoliosis clinic. Their standing posture and Adam’s bending test were videotaped. Ten consecutive Schroth therapist volunteers from an international registry independently classified the curve types using the proposed classification algorithm. Videos were rated twice at least seven days apart. Reliability was calculated using the Gwet’s AC1 agreement coefficient for all the raters and for subgroups reporting full understanding (well-trained) and with prior algorithm experience. The intra-rater and weighted agreement coefficients for all the raters were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.53–0.73) and 0.75 (0.63–0.84), respectively. For the well-trained raters, they were 0.70 (0.60–0.78) and 0.82 (0.73–0.88), respectively; for the experienced raters, they were 0.81 (0.77–0.85) and 0.89 (0.80–0.94), respectively. The inter-rater versus weighted agreement coefficients for all the raters were 0.43 (0.28–0.58) versus 0.48 (0.29–0.67). For the well-trained raters, they were 0.50 (0.38–0.61) versus 0.61 (0.49–0.72), and for the experienced raters, they were 0.67 (0.50–0.85) versus 0.79 (0.64–0.94). Full understanding and experience led to higher reliability. Use of the algorithm can help standardize Schroth exercise treatment.
Diagnostic Performance of Artificial Intelligence-Based Computer-Aided Detection and Diagnosis in Pediatric Radiology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ng Curtise K. C.
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) is an important research area in radiology. However, only two narrative reviews about general uses of AI in pediatric radiology and AI-based CAD in pediatric chest imaging have been published yet. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the AI-based CAD applications in pediatric radiology, their diagnostic performances and methods for their performance evaluation. A literature search with the use of electronic databases was conducted on 11 January 2023. Twenty-three articles that met the selection criteria were included. This review shows that the AI-based CAD could be applied in pediatric brain, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urologic and cardiac imaging, and especially for pneumonia detection. Most of the studies (93.3%, 14/15; 77.8%, 14/18; 73.3%, 11/15; 80.0%, 8/10; 66.6%, 2/3; 84.2%, 16/19; 80.0%, 8/10) reported model performances of at least 0.83 (area under receiver operating characteristic curve), 0.84 (sensitivity), 0.80 (specificity), 0.89 (positive predictive value), 0.63 (negative predictive value), 0.87 (accuracy), and 0.82 (F1 score), respectively. However, a range of methodological weaknesses (especially a lack of model external validation) are found in the included studies. In the future, more AI-based CAD studies in pediatric radiology with robust methodology should be conducted for convincing clinical centers to adopt CAD and realizing its benefits in a wider context.
Characterization of the Materials and Techniques of Red Lacquer Painting of a Horizontal Plaque Inscribed by General Feng Yü-hsiang
Authors: Zheng Liping , Wang Liqin , Zhao Xing , Xi Zhoukuan , Wu Xianzhu , Fan Xiaopan
Published: March 2023

The “Tian Di Chang Chun” horizontal plaque was inscribed by General Feng Yü-hsiang in R.O.C. 25 (1936). Due to the aging of the materials and some factors in the preservation environment, the red painted layer on the surface of the plaque has shed. In this study, in order to analyse the materials and techniques used for the production of the inscribed plaques, the digital microscope system, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) were used to analyse the materials and techniques used on this plaque. It has been shown that the decorative layer of the plaque consists of a red Chinese lacquer film layer on the surface and a ground layer. The red lacquer film layer comprises Chinese lacquer, tung oil, and cinnabar. The materials used for the ground layer are blood putty made of a blood product, youman (flour–oil–lime mixture), and brick powder. The technique used is the SDH (San Dao Hui) layer technique in ancient buildings. This study provides physical evidence regarding the materials and techniques used in inscribed plaque relics, and also provides technical support to further protect and restore the plaque.
Compatibility Investigation of Cationic Surfactants with Anionic Species
Authors: Yuli Idit , Tzafrir Inbal , Salama Paul
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to reexamine the general statement declaring that cationic and anionic species cannot be compatible in cosmetic products. This research demonstrated that there are considerable differences between the binding of cationic preservatives and various anionic compounds used in cosmetics, depending on the anionic functional group. Sulfate- and sulfonate-based molecules showed significantly stronger interactions with cationic surfactants than carboxylate-based anionic surfactants: This difference of affinity could reach a ratio of 1 to 10. We validated that conductimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) can be used as predictive tools to determine the molecular interactions between any cationic and anionic species. Consequently, the correlation between compatible and incompatible cationic/anionic mixtures were verified and their corresponding anti-microbial activity using the challenge test was assessed.
Health Care Costs Attributable to Prostate Cancer in British Columbia, Canada: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Guh Daphne P. , Mohammadi Tima , Pataky Reka E. , Tam Alexander C. T. , Lynd Larry D. , Conklin Annalijn I.
Published: March 2023

We aimed to estimate the total health care costs attributable to prostate cancer (PCa) during care phases by age, cancer stage, tumor grade, and primary treatment in the first year in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Using linked administrative health data, we followed a cohort of men aged ≥ 50 years at diagnosis with PCa between 2010 and 2017 (Cohort 1) from the diagnosis date until the date of death, the last date of observation, or 31 December 2019. Patients who died from PCa after 1 January 2010, were selected for Cohort 2. PCa attributable costs were estimated by comparing costs in patients to matched controls. Cohort 1 (n = 22,672) had a mean age of 69.9 years (SD = 8.9) and a median follow-up time of 5.2 years. Cohort 2 included 6942 patients. Mean PCa attributable costs were the highest during the first year after diagnosis ($14,307.9 [95% CI: $13,970.0, $14,645.8]) and the year before death ($9959.7 [$8738.8, $11,181.0]). Primary treatment with radiation therapy had significantly higher costs each year after diagnosis than a radical prostatectomy or other surgeries in advanced-stage PCa. Androgen deprivation therapy (and/or chemotherapy) had the highest cost for high-grade and early-stage cancer during the three years after diagnosis. No treatment group had the lowest cost. Updated cost estimates could inform economic evaluations and decision-making.
Adult-Onset Leukoencephalopathy with Axonal Spheroid and Pigmented Glia: Different Histological Spectrums Presented in Autopsy Cases of Siblings and a Surgical Case of Stereotactic Biopsy
Authors: Kwon Hee Jung , Na Duk L. , Kim Hee Jin , Suh Yeon-Lim
Published: March 2023

Adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia encompasses hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented orthochromatic leukodystrophy. We describe the clinicopathological and genetic findings of three patients with this disorder. All patients presented with dysarthria, with or without cognitive decline. The first and second patients were siblings who died of the disease at ages 42 and 54, respectively, while the third patient has been bedridden. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed T2 hyperintensities in the subcortical and periventricular white matter. Pathological diagnosis was established by brain autopsy in cases 1 and 2, and a stereotactic brain biopsy in case 3, followed by genetic analysis of colony stimulating factor-1 receptor gene. A heterozygous c.2345G > A (p.R782H) variant was identified in the autopsy-proven cases, and a c.1765G > A (p.G589R) variant in the biopsy-proven case. Postmortem examination revealed severe white matter degeneration involving the bilateral frontoparietal lobes, but sparing the subcortical U-fibers. All cases revealed widespread loss of myelinated axons in the white matter lesions; however, axonal spheroids and pigmented macrophages were abundant in cases 1 and 3 and much less in case 2. Adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia should be considered in patients with presenile dementia and diffuse white matter lesions.
Multi-UAV Formation Control in Complex Conditions Based on Improved Consistency Algorithm
Authors: Tao Canhui , Zhang Ru , Song Zhiping , Wang Baoshou , Jin Yang
Published: March 2023

Formation control is a prerequisite for the formation to complete specified tasks safely and efficiently. Considering non-symmetrical communication interference and network congestion, this article aims to design a control protocol by studying the formation model with communication delay and switching topology. Based on the requirements during the flight and the features of the motion model, the three-degrees-of-freedom kinematics equation of the UAV is given by using the autopilot model of longitudinal and lateral decoupling. Acceleration, velocity, and angular velocity constraints in all directions are defined according to the requirements of flight performance and maneuverability. The control protocol is adjusted according to the constraints. The results show that the improved control protocol can quickly converge the UAV formation state to the specified value and maintain the specified formation with communication delay and switching topology.
Posterior Averaging Information Criterion
Authors: Zhou Shouhao
Published: March 2023

We propose a new model selection method, named the posterior averaging information criterion, for Bayesian model assessment to minimize the risk of predicting independent future observations. The theoretical foundation is built on the Kullback–Leibler divergence to quantify the similarity between the proposed candidate model and the underlying true model. From a Bayesian perspective, our method evaluates the candidate models over the entire posterior distribution in terms of predicting a future independent observation. Without assuming that the true distribution is contained in the candidate models, the new criterion is developed by correcting the asymptotic bias of the posterior mean of the in-sample log-likelihood against out-of-sample log-likelihood, and can be generally applied even for Bayesian models with degenerate non-informative priors. Simulations in both normal and binomial settings demonstrate superior small sample performance.
Learning Patterns in Influencing Attitudes of Religious Tolerance in Indonesian Universities
Authors: Junaedi Mahfud , Nasikhin  , Hasanah Silviatul , Hassan Zainudin
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the influence of learning patterns on religious tolerance. Variable learning patterns are divided into three aspects: (1) cognitive patterns, (2) socio-affective patterns, and (3) practical-empirical patterns. The variable of religious tolerance is divided into attitude-forming components, including: (1) knowledge of religious tolerance, (2) feeling of religious tolerance, and (3) actual act of religious tolerance. This research is a quantitative type using multiple linear regression analysis models. Data was collected through a survey of 320 research respondents and data analysis used descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis. The analysis results with the simultaneous test (F-test) showed that the three learning patterns significantly influence religious tolerance, which can be seen from the p-Value (0.00) < alpha (0.05)); (F > F table)). The partial test results (t-test) show; First, the understanding of religious tolerance is dominantly influenced by cognitive learning patterns with a value (p-Value (0.00)  t table (1.97)). Second, the feeling of religious tolerance is dominated by the influence of cognitive and socio-affective learning patterns with each having (p-Value (0.000)  t table (1.97) and (p-Value (0.000) < alpha (0.05)); (t (3.65) > t table (1.97)). Third, cognitive, socio-affective, and practical-empirical learning styles had the same influence on tolerant behavior specifically (p-Value = 0.00 alpha = 0.05) (p-Value (0.00) < alpha (0.05)). These findings can be used as a basis for compiling educational regulations so that learning is carried out with strategies that support student learning patterns.
‘Getting into the Nucleus of the School’: Experiences of Collaboration between Special Educational Needs Coordinators, Senior Leadership Teams and Educational Psychologists in Irish Post-Primary Schools
Authors: Holland Maria , Fitzgerald Johanna
Published: March 2023

This research study explored barriers and facilitators to collaboration between National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs), and Senior Leadership Teams (SLT) in Irish post-primary schools (students aged between 12 and 18 years). NEPS’ role in facilitating collaboration is uncertain, exacerbated by the absence of policy outlining the SENCO role and tensions between special and inclusive education. It is unclear what the experiences of collaboration between NEPS psychologists and post-primary schools might be within this nebulous policy context. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used, framed by Dynamic Systems Theory. Participants were NEPS psychologists, SENCOs, and SLT. Phase 1 involved an online survey (n = 278), which identified barriers and facilitators to collaboration and informed Phase 2. This paper presents Phase 2, comprising semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Interviews were analysed using multi-perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis, facilitating experiential exploration of collaboration between NEPS, SLT, and SENCOs. Participants described the experience of transitioning from working in silos to collaborative hubs. Systemic and interpersonal factors facilitated deliberate construction of evolving, dynamic, collaborative spaces between post-primary schools and NEPS. Policy gaps arise regarding consultation, collaboration, special education, and inclusion. This research begins to clarify the varied ways in which practice occurs in these gaps and indicates ways in which NEPS psychologists can collaborate with SENCOs and SLT to create active, effective hubs of knowledge to support students.
Qualitative and Quantitative Changes in Soil Organic Compounds in Central European Oak Forests with Different Annual Average Precipitation
Authors: Fekete István , Francioso Ornella , Simpson Myrna J. , Gioacchini Paola , Montecchio Daniela , Berki Imre , Móricz Norbert , Juhos Katalin , Béni Áron , Kotroczó Zsolt
Published: March 2023

The various climate scenarios consistently predict warming and drying of forests in Hungary. Soils play a significant role in the long-term sequestration of atmospheric CO2, while in other cases they can also become net carbon emitters. Therefore, it is important to know what can be expected regarding future changes in the carbon storage capacity of soils in forests. We used precipitation gradient studies to solve this problem, using a type of “space–time” substitution. In this research, we primarily examined the quality parameters of soil organic matter (SOM) to investigate how climate change transforms the ratio of the main SOM compound groups in soils. For our studies, we applied elemental and 13C and 15N isotopic ratio analysis, NMR analysis, FT-IR spectra analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses to measure SOM chemistry in samples from different oak forests with contrasting mean annual precipitation from Central Europe. Our results showed that soil organic carbon (SOC) was lower in soils of humid forests due to the enhanced decomposition processes and the leaching of Ca, which stabilizes SOM; however, in particular, the amount of easily degradable SOM compounds (e.g., thermolabile SOM, O-alkyl carbon, carboxylic and carbonyl carbon) decreased. In dry forest soils, the amount of recalcitrant SOM (e.g., thermostable SOM, alkyl carbon, aromatic and phenolic carbon and organo–mineral complexes stabilized by Ca increased, but the amount of easily degradable SOM increased further. The main conclusion of our study is that SOC can increase in forests that become drier, compensating somewhat for the decrease in forest plant biomass.
Prediction of Genetic Gains from Selection in Tree Breeding
Authors: He Zi-Han , Xiao Yu , Lv Yan-Wen , Yeh Francis C. , Wang Xi , Hu Xin-Sheng
Published: March 2023

The prediction of genetic gain from artificial selection in a trait is important in plant and animal breeding. Lush’s classical breeder’s equation (BE) is widely used for this purpose, although it is also applied to predicting evolution under natural selection. The current application of high throughput sequencing techniques potentially allows breeders at the individual gene level to capture both additive and non-additive genetic effects. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of predicting genetic gains from the selection at multiple hierarchical levels of population structure (provenances, families within provenances, and individuals within families within provenances). We discuss the processes that could influence the power of prediction under the classical BE, including genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow. We extend the classical BE to molecular breeding methods for improving the prediction of genetic gains; they include the conventional breeding approach, marker-assistant selection (MAS), genome-wide association study (GWAS), and genomic selection (GS). Lastly, we discuss the genetic gains from the selection using multi-omics traits, including gene expression and epigenetic traits. Our overall synthesis should contribute to a better understanding of predicting genetic gains from the artificial selection under classical and molecular breeding.
Effect of Pb Stress on Ionome Variations and Biomass in Rhus chinensis Mill
Authors: He Wenxiang , Wang Shufeng , Wang Yangdong , Lu Mengzhu , Shi Xiang
Published: March 2023

This study examined changes in the ionome of Rhus chinensis in response to Pb stress so as to understand Pb phytotoxicity-related processes and provide theoretical support for improving the efficiency of this plant in remediating heavy metal-polluted soils. Rhus chinensis seedlings were cultured in pots with soil. The concentrations of 12 elements in the roots, stems, and leaves of the seedlings under treatments of 0, 500, and 1000 mg·kg−1 Pb(NO3)2 were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) were used to analyze the contributions of the affected elements in the ionomes of different organs of the seedlings under Pb stress. PCA showed that 74% of the total ionome variation was caused by the difference in organ types. N, Mg, K, Cu, Ca, and Zn were the important elements contributing to the variation of the ionome. Pb disturbed the ionome of different organs at varying levels, and the order of the interference levels between the organs was: stem > root > leaf. Correlation analysis showed that biomass had a significant positive correlation with N and K and a significant negative correlation with Pb, Mn, and the C:N ratio. Stem biomass had a significant positive correlation with Ca, Cu, and the N:P ratio. Root biomass had a significant negative correlation with the C:P ratio. PLS-PM analysis indicated that Pb stress had a major, direct, and inhibitory effect on biomass. The variation of ionomic profiles caused by Pb stress was mainly caused by the difference in organ types; the variation of the ionomic profiles of each organ was mainly caused by Pb stress. The elements that caused the variation of ionomic profiles varied with organ types, and the plant biomass was directly affected by a strong Pb poisoning effect and indirectly affected by a weak ionomic profile variation effect.
Production, Formulation, and Application of Postbiotics in the Treatment of Skin Conditions
Authors: da Silva Vale Alexander , de Melo Pereira Gilberto Vinícius , de Oliveira Ana Caroline , de Carvalho Neto Dão Pedro , Herrmann Leonardo Wedderhoff , Karp Susan Grace , Soccol Vanete Thomaz , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: March 2023

The skin microbiome is composed of a complex association of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The maintenance of skin commensal microbes is essential for preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms or already present opportunistic pathogens. Thus, the development of bioactive compounds capable of modulating skin microbiome has become an important topic for both researchers and the cosmetic industry. Increasingly, scientific evidence highlights that metabolites derived from probiotics have a great potential to prevent diseases affecting the skin. These compounds have recently been called postbiotics and are defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. Postbiotics are obtained from fermentations performed almost exclusively by lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, and organic acids are some examples of postbiotics. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, postbiotic production possesses technological advantages, including high stability and increased safety, compared to viable probiotics. In this article, a model for the large-scale production of postbiotics and their uses in cosmetic formulations are reviewed. In addition, results obtained from in vivo tests for the treatment of alopecia, acne, atopic dermatitis, and wound healing are discussed. Finally, technological advances are shown based on a survey of the main patents filed in the area of postbiotics.
Patch Burning Improves Nutritional Quality of Two Gulf Coast Grasses—And Winter Burning Is Better than Summer Burning
Authors: Haynes Victoria L. , Avila-Sanchez J. Silverio , Toomey Adam E. , Ortega-S. J. Alfonso , Campbell Tyler A. , Ortega-S. Alfonso , Rideout-Hanzak Sandra , Wester David B.
Published: March 2023

Gulf cordgrass (Spartina spartinae [Trin.] Merr. ex Hitchc.) and seacoast bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium [Michx.] Nash var. littorale [Nash] Gould) are dominant native warm season grasses in the Texas Coastal Prairies and Marshes ecoregion. Mature Gulf cordgrass nutritive value is considered poor for grazing animals, while seacoast bluestem nutritive value is considered fair to good in spring and early summer. We compared season of burn effects on crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of these grasses. Our study employed four patches (200–305 ha) burned in a patch-burn grazing system (two winter, two summer 2016). Forage samples were collected before burning and every 3 d for 40 d after burning, then weekly for 50 d. Regardless of season of burning, CP was adequate for maintaining a lactating beef cow 90 d post-burning. Although peak CP in Gulf cordgrass following burning did not differ between seasons, CP increased more quickly following winter burning, when it rose abruptly for ~6.4 d and then increased more slowly to its peak at ~30 d post burn, after which it declined. After summer burning, CP of Gulf cordgrass did not increase significantly, and then declined after reaching its peak at ~29 d post burn. Gulf cordgrass NDF declined more rapidly following summer burning than winter burning but remained low for a longer period after winter burning. In seacoast bluestem, CP increased following winter burning, peaking at ~11 d after burning, but there was little change following summer burning, which did not peak until 31 d post burn. NDF of seacoast bluestem declined similarly in both seasons. This study indicates that prescribed fire during winter is more beneficial for improving the nutritive value of Gulf cordgrass and seacoast bluestem than summer burning.
Physiological Response of Stored Pomegranate Fruit Affected by Simulated Impact
Authors: Pathare Pankaj B. , Al-Dairi Mai , Al-Yahyai Rashid , Al-Mahdouri Adil
Published: March 2023

Mechanical damage resulting from excessive impact force during handling and other postharvest operations from harvesting to consumption is a critical quality problem in fresh produce marketing. The study investigates the impact of bruise damage, storage temperature, and storage period on the physiological responses of Omani pomegranate fruit cultivar ‘Helow’. Fruits were subjected to low (45°; 1.18 J) and high (65°; 2.29 J) impact levels using a pendulum test by hitting the fruit on the cheek side. Bruised and non-bruised fruit were stored at 5 and 22 °C for 28 days. Bruise measurements, water loss per unit mass, water loss per surface area, firmness, fruit size measurements, geometric mean diameter, surface area, fruit volume, color parameters, respiration rate, and ethylene production rate were evaluated. Bruise area, bruise volume, and bruise susceptibility of damaged pomegranate fruit were increased as impact level, storage duration, and storage temperature increased. Pomegranates damaged at a high impact level and conditioned at 22 °C showed 20.39% weight loss on the last day of storage compared to the control and low-impact-bruised fruit. Firmness and geometric mean diameter were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by bruising at a high impact level. Impact bruising level and storage temperature decreased lightness, yellowness, browning index, and increased redness over time. Furthermore, the respiration rate was five times higher in the non-bruised and low- and high-impact-injured fruit stored at 22 °C than that stored at 5 °C. The ethylene production rate recorded its highest value on day 21 in high-level-impact-bruised pomegranate fruit. The bruise susceptibility was strongly correlated with the majority of the studied parameters. This study can confirm that bruising can affect not only the visual quality characteristics but also the physiological attributes of pomegranate fruit; therefore, much care is required to preserve fresh produce and avoid any mechanical damage and losses during postharvest handling.
Techniques for Food Authentication: Trends and Emerging Approaches
Authors: Cichna-Markl Margit , Mafra Isabel
Published: March 2023

Food producers and retailers are obliged to provide correct food information to consumers; however, despite national and international legislation, food labels frequently contain false or misleading statements regarding food composition, quality, geographic origin, and/or processing [...]
An Application of the Distributed-Order Time- and Space-Fractional Diffusion-Wave Equation for Studying Anomalous Transport in Comb Structures
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Sen , Chen Siyu , Liu Fawang , Feng Libo , Turner Ian , Zheng Liancun , Zhu Jing
Published: March 2023

A comb structure consists of a one-dimensional backbone with lateral branches. These structures have widespread application in medicine and biology. Such a structure promotes an anomalous diffusion process along the backbone (x-direction), along with classical diffusion along the branches (y-direction). In this work, we propose a distributed-order time- and space-fractional diffusion-wave equation to model a comb structure in the more general setting. The distributed-order time- and space-fractional diffusion-wave equation is firstly formulated to study the anomalous diffusion in the comb model subject to an irregular convex domain with the motivation that the time-fractional derivative considers the memory characteristic and the space one with the variable diffusion coefficient possesses the nonlocal characteristic. The finite element method is applied to obtain the numerical solution. The stability and convergence of the numerical discretization scheme are derived and analyzed. Two numerical examples of relevance to the comb model are given to verify the correctness of the numerical method. Moreover, the influence of the involved parameters on the three-dimensional and axial projection drawing particle distribution subject to an elliptical domain are analyzed, and the physical meanings are interpreted in detail.
High-Frequency and High-Resolution VLBI Observations of GHz Peaked Spectrum Objects
Authors: Cheng Xiaopeng , An Tao , Wang Ailing , Jaiswal Sumit
Published: March 2023

Observational studies of GHz peaked spectrum (GPS) sources contribute to the understanding of the radiative properties and interstellar environment of host galaxies. We present the results from the multi-frequency high-resolution VLBI observations of a sample of nine GPS sources at 8, 15, and 43 GHz. All sources show core-jet structure. Four sources show relativistic jets with Doppler boosting factors ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 and a jet viewing angle between 10° and 30°. The core brightness temperatures of the other five sources are below the equipartition brightness temperature limit with their jet viewing angles in the range of 13.6° to 71.9°, which are systematically larger than those of relativistic jets in this sample. The sources show diverse variability properties, with variability levels ranging from 0.11 to 0.56. The measured turnover frequency in the radio spectrum ranges from 6.2 and 31.8 GHz (in the source’s rest frame). We estimate the equipartition magnetic field strength to be between 9 and 48 mG. These results strongly support the notion that these GPS sources are young radio sources in the very early stage of their evolution.
Eco-Friendly Starch Composite Supramolecular Alginate–Ca2+ Hydrogel as Controlled-Release P Fertilizer with Low Responsiveness to Multiple Environmental Stimuli
Authors: Tiamwong Supattra , Yukhajon Pratchayaporn , Noisong Pittayagorn , Subsadsana Maliwan , Sansuk Sira
Published: March 2023

Environmentally friendly fertilizers (EFFs) have been developed to improve fertilizer efficiency and minimize adverse environmental impacts, but their release behavior under various environmental conditions has been less explored. Using phosphorus (P) in the form of phosphate as a model nutrient, we present a simple method for preparing EFFs based on incorporating the nutrient into polysaccharide supramolecular hydrogels using Cassava starch in the Ca2+-induced cross-link gelation of alginate. The optimal conditions for creating these starch-regulated phosphate hydrogel beads (s-PHBs) were determined, and their release characteristics were initially evaluated in deionized water and then under various environmental stimuli, including pH, temperature, ionic strength, and water hardness. We found that incorporating a starch composite in s-PHBs at pH = 5 resulted in a rough but rigid surface and improved their physical and thermal stability, compared with phosphate hydrogel beads without starch (PHBs), due to the dense hydrogen bonding-supramolecular networks. Additionally, the s-PHBs showed controlled phosphate-release kinetics, following a parabolic diffusion with reduced initial burst effects. Importantly, the developed s-PHBs exhibited a promising low responsiveness to environmental stimuli for phosphate release even under extreme conditions and when tested in rice field water samples, suggesting their potential as a universally effective option for large-scale agricultural activities and potential value for commercial production.
A Nationwide Study of the “July Effect” Concerning Postpartum Hemorrhage and Its Risk Factors at Teaching Hospitals across the United States
Authors: Shahin Zahra , Shah Gulzar H. , Apenteng Bettye A. , Waterfield Kristie , Samawi Hani
Published: March 2023

Objective To assess the “July effect” and the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and its risk factors across the U.S. teaching hospitals. Method This study used the 2018 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and included 2,056,359 of 2,879,924 single live-birth hospitalizations with low-risk pregnancies across the U.S. teaching hospitals. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) medical coding was used to identify PPH and other study variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare the adjusted odds of PPH risk in the first and second quarters of the academic year vs. the second half of the academic year. Results Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in approximately 4.19% of the sample. We observed an increase in the adjusted odds of PPH during July through September (adjusted odds ratios (AOR), 1.05; confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.10) and October through December (AOR, 1.07; CI, 1.04–1.12) compared to the second half of the academic year (January to June). Conclusions This study showed a significant “July effect” concerning PPH. However, given the mixed results concerning maternal outcomes at the time of childbirth other than PPH, more research is needed to investigate the “July effect” on the outcomes of the third stage of labor. This study’s findings have important implications for patient safety interventions concerning MCH.
Hydroponic Cultivation of Medicinal Plants—Plant Organs and Hydroponic Systems: Techniques and Trends
Authors: Atherton Hallam R. , Li Pomin
Published: March 2023

Medicinal plants are a globally important resource for the treatment of disease and improvement of human health, and the only form of healthcare used by millions of people. Currently, the status of many medicinal species is threatened by overharvesting caused by increasing demand. While many species have been cultivated in soil, the resulting material often contains lower levels of medicinal compounds than that of wild-harvested plants. Hydroponic cultivation of medicinal plants may provide sustainable access, with research demonstrating increased secondary metabolite content in some species compared to both wild and soil-grown plants. There are a variety of hydroponic systems and techniques available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. As medicinal compounds are often localised within specific plant organs, selecting hydroponic systems that maximise the yield of the desired organs and metabolites is necessary. However, as of yet there has been no attempt to examine the literature with regards to the cultivation of specific plant organs of medicinal plants in hydroponics. This article explores the use of different hydroponic systems to cultivate medicinal plants and how the choice of system differs depending on the desired plant organ, as well as highlighting studies with novel outcomes that may provide value to the field.
Foliar Spraying of ZnO Nanoparticals on Curcuma longa Had Increased Growth, Yield, Expression of Curcuminoid Synthesis Genes, and Curcuminoid Accumulation
Authors: Khattab Salah , Alkuwayti Mayyadah Abdullah , Yap Yun-Kiam , Meligy Ahmed M. A. , Bani Ismail Mohammad , El Sherif Fadia
Published: March 2023

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) can be considered a highly efficient Zn source that has been widely used in agriculture to promote crop development and productivity. The turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant has several medical properties, and its rhizome is utilized as a spice in the food sector. In this work, C. longa leaves were sprayed with various concentrations of ZnO NPs to inspect their effect on growth, yield, and bioactive compound compositions. ZnO NPs considerably increased tumeric productivity, yield, and curcuminoid content versus the control treatment. The ZnO NPs concentration of 10 mgL−1 was found to be the optimum concentration for producing the highest C. longa yields, while the concentration of 40 mgL−1 promoted positive effects on photosynthetic pigments, bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin contents. This demonstrates that ZnO nano-fertilizer promotes plant growth, yield characteristics, and curcuminoid component synthesis, and its application is therefore notably beneficial for progressive sustainable C. longa agriculture.