bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymeric Theragnostic Nanoplatforms for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Banerjee Kaushita , Madhyastha Harishkumar
Published: July 2023

Nanomaterial-based tissue engineering strategies are precisely designed and tweaked to contest specific patient needs and their end applications. Though theragnostic is a radical term very eminent in cancer prognosis, of late, theragnostic approaches have been explored in the fields of tissue remodulation and reparation. The engineering of theragnostic nanomaterials has opened up avenues for disease diagnosis, imaging, and therapeutic treatments. The instantaneous monitoring of therapeutic strategy is expected to co-deliver imaging and pharmaceutical agents at the same time, and nanoscale carrier moieties are convenient and efficient platforms in theragnostic applications, especially in soft and hard tissue regeneration. Furthermore, imaging modalities have extensively contributed to the signal-to-noise ratio. Simultaneously, there is an accumulation of high concentrations of therapeutic mediators at the defect site. Given the confines of contemporary bone diagnostic systems, the clinical rationale demands nano/biomaterials that can localize to bone-diseased sites to enhance the precision and prognostic value for osteoporosis, non-healing fractures, and/or infections, etc. Furthermore, bone theragnostics may have an even greater clinical impact and multimodal imaging procedures can overcome the restrictions of individual modalities. The present review introduces representative theragnostic polymeric nanomaterials and their advantages and disadvantages in practical use as well as their unique properties.
Progression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Partly Indicates the Prevention of Hypertension among Older Individuals in the General Population
Authors: Shimizu Yuji
Published: July 2023

Structural atherosclerosis, as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), is reported to be positively associated with hypertension. However, angiogenesis, which plays an important role in the progression of structural atherosclerosis, prevents hypertension by reducing peripheral vascular resistance. These associations evoke a contradiction: characteristics associated with the progression of structural atherosclerosis, which is related to hypertension, might prevent hypertension. To clarify novel mechanisms underlying the association between structural atherosclerosis and hypertension, multifaceted analyses are necessary. We performed several epidemiological studies based on this concept. This study summarizes those epidemiological studies and adds some discussion. Studies focusing on circulating CD34-positive cells, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), SNPs in BRACA1-associated protein (BRAP), platelets, human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and SNPs in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) have shown that active endothelial repair, which leads to the progression of structural atherosclerosis, helps prevent hypertension. These associations indicate that the progression of structural atherosclerosis could act as a marker of angiogenesis, which reduces peripheral vascular resistance. In general, a positive association between structural atherosclerosis and hypertension has been reported. However, the progression of structural atherosclerosis could act as a marker of activity that prevents hypertension via reductions in peripheral vascular resistance.
A Novel Sleeve Design to Reduce the Eddy Current Loss of High-Speed Electrical Machines
Authors: Lee Seung-Heon , Song Si-Woo , Jeong Min-Jae , Kim Won-Ho , Jung Dong-Hoon
Published: July 2023

Demand for high-speed motors is increasing. Surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSM) used in high-speed applications have magnets attached to the rotor, so there is a risk of damage and scattering due to centrifugal force as the speed increases. For this reason, applying the retaining sleeve to the rotor is essential. However, when using sleeves, there is a problem of reducing efficiency due to eddy current loss. In this paper, a study was conducted on a motor for a 100 kW building air conditioning system operating at a speed of 20,000 rpm. The purpose of the study is to reduce eddy current loss by optimizing the sleeve geometry. To this end, 3D finite element analysis (FEA) using JMAG 22.1 was conducted to analyze eddy current loss, the minimum safety factor was analyzed through mechanical stiffness analysis using ANSYS Workbench, and the validity of sleeve shape was proved through cause analysis. Through the research results, it is expected that the shape change of the sleeve will have the effect of reducing eddy current loss.
A More Fine-Grained Aspect–Sentiment–Opinion Triplet Extraction Task
Authors: Li Yuncong , Wang Fang , Zhong Sheng-hua
Published: July 2023

Sentiment analysis aims to systematically study affective states and subjective information in digital text through computational methods. Aspect Sentiment Triplet Extraction (ASTE), a subtask of sentiment analysis, aims to extract aspect term, sentiment and opinion term triplets from sentences. However, some ASTE’s extracted triplets are not self-contained, as they reflect the sentence’s sentiment toward the aspect term, not the sentiment between the aspect and opinion terms. These triplets are not only unhelpful to people, but can also be detrimental to downstream tasks. In this paper, we introduce a more nuanced task, Aspect–Sentiment–Opinion Triplet Extraction (ASOTE), which also extracts aspect term, sentiment and opinion term triplets. However, the sentiment in a triplet extracted with ASOTE is the sentiment of the aspect term and opinion term pair. We build four datasets for ASOTE. A Position-aware BERT-based Framework (PBF) is proposed to address ASOTE. PBF first extracts aspect terms from sentences. For each extracted aspect term, PBF generates an aspect term-specific sentence representation, considering the aspect term’s position. It then extracts associated opinion terms and predicts the sentiments of the aspect–opinion term pairs based on the representation. In the experiments on the four datasets, PBF has set a benchmark performance on the novel ASOTE task.
Acyclic Complexes and Graded Algebras
Authors: Zhou Chaoyuan
Published: July 2023

We already know that the noncommutative N-graded Noetherian algebras resemble commutative local Noetherian rings in many respects. We also know that commutative rings have the important property that every minimal acyclic complex of finitely generated graded free modules is totally acyclic, and we want to generalize such properties to noncommutative N-graded Noetherian algebra. By generalizing the conclusions about commutative rings and combining what we already know about noncommutative graded algebras, we identify a class of noncommutative graded algebras with the property that every minimal acyclic complex of finitely generated graded free modules is totally acyclic. We also discuss how the relationship between AS–Gorenstein algebras and AS–Cohen–Macaulay algebras admits a balanced dualizing complex. We show that AS–Gorenstein algebras and AS–Cohen–Macaulay algebras with a balanced dualizing complex belong to this algebra.
Construction of a New 2D Hyperchaotic Map with Application in Efficient Pseudo-Random Number Generator Design and Color Image Encryption
Authors: Zhu Shenli , Deng Xiaoheng , Zhang Wendong , Zhu Congxu
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a new two-dimensional discrete hyperchaotic system and utilizes it to design a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) and an efficient color image encryption algorithm. This hyperchaotic system has very complex dynamic properties and can generate highly random chaotic sequences. The complex hyperchaotic characteristics of the system are confirmed via bifurcation diagram, chaotic attractor, Lyapunov exponents, correlation analysis, approximate entropy and permutation entropy. Compared with some traditional discrete chaotic systems, the new chaotic system has a larger range of chaotic parameters and more complex hyperchaotic characteristics, making it more suitable for application in information encryption. The proposed PRNG can generate highly random bit sequences that can fully pass all NIST testing items. The proposed color image encryption algorithm achieves cross-channel permutation and diffusion of pixels in parallel. These strategies not only greatly improve the encryption speed of color images, but also enhance the security level of cipher images. The simulation experiments and security analysis results show that the algorithm has strong robustness against differential attacks, statistical attacks and interference attacks, and has good application potential in real-time secure communication applications of color images.
Representation and Stability of General Nonic Functional Equation
Authors: Chang Ick-Soon , Lee Yang-Hi , Roh Jaiok
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we introduce a way of representing a given mapping as the sum of odd and even mappings. Then, using this representation, we investigate the stability of various forms of the following general nonic functional equation: ∑i=01010Ci(−1)10−if(x+iy)=0.
A Novel Memory Concurrent Editing Model for Large-Scale Video Streams in Edge Computing
Authors: Liu Haitao , Chen Qingkui , Liu Puchen
Published: July 2023

Efficient management and utilization of edge server memory buffers are crucial for improving the efficiency of concurrent editing in the concurrent editing application scenario of large-scale video in edge computing. In order to elevate the efficiency of concurrent editing and the satisfaction of service users under the constraint of limited memory buffer resources, the allocation of memory buffers of concurrent editing servers is transformed into the bin-packing problem, which is solved using an ant colony algorithm to achieve the least loaded utilization batch. Meanwhile, a new distributed online concurrent editing algorithm for video streams is designed for the conflict problem of large-scale video editing in an edge computing environment. It incorporates dual-buffer read-and-write technology to solve the difficult problem of concurrent inefficiency of editing and writing disks. The experimental results of the simulation show that the scheme not only achieves a good performance in the scheduling of concurrent editing but also implements the editing resource allocation function in an efficient and reasonable way. Compared with the benchmark traditional single-exclusive editing scheme, the proposed optimized scheme can simultaneously enhance editing efficiency and user satisfaction under the restriction of providing the same memory buffer computing resources. The proposed model has a wide application to video real-time processing application scenarios in edge computing.
GRA-Based Dynamic Hybrid Multi-Attribute Three-Way Decision-Making for the Performance Evaluation of Elderly-Care Services
Authors: Jia Fan , Wang Yujie , Su Yiting
Published: July 2023

As an important branch of modern decision-making theory, multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) plays an important role in various fields. Classic MADM methods can provide a ranking of alternatives, and decision-makers need to evaluate the level subjectively based on the ranking results. Because of the limitation of knowledge, this is likely to lead to potential individual losses. Three-way decision (3WD) theory has good classification ability. Therefore, this paper proposes a dynamic hybrid multi-attribute 3WD (MA3WD) model. First, a new scheme for constructing loss functions is proposed from the perspective of gray relational analysis (GRA), which is an accurate and objective way to describe the relationship between loss functions and attribute values. Then, conditional probabilities are determined by employing the gray relational analysis technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (GRA-TOPSIS). With these discussions, a GRA-based hybrid MA3WD model for a single period is proposed by considering multi-source information. Furthermore, by extending the single-period scenario to a multi-period one, we construct a dynamic hybrid MA3WD model, which can obtain the final three-way decision rules as well as the results of each period and each attribute. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the case of performance evaluation of elderly-care services to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, and comparative analyses are given to verify the superiority of the proposed method.
Modeling the Dynamics of Negative Mutations for a Mouse Population and the Inverse Problem of Determining Phenotypic Differences in the First Generation
Authors: Argun Raul , Levashova Natalia , Lukyanenko Dmitry , Sidorova Alla , Shishlenin Maxim
Published: July 2023

This paper considers a model for the accumulation of mutations in a population of mice with a weakened function of polymerases responsible for correcting DNA copying errors during cell division. The model uses the results of the experiment published by Japanese scientists, which contain data on the accumulation of phenotypic differences in three isolated groups of laboratory mice. We have developed a model for the accumulation of negative mutations. Since the accumulation of phenotypic differences in each of the three groups of mice occurred in its own way, we assumed that these differences were associated with genotypic differences in the zeroth generation and set the inverse problem of determining the initial distribution of these differences. Additional information for solving the inverse problem was a set of experimental data on the number of mutant lines and the number of individuals in each group of mice. The results obtained confirmed our assumption.
Spectral Efficiency Analysis for IRS-Assisted MISO Wireless Communication: A Metaverse Scenario Proposal
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Sejan Mohammad Abrar Shakil , Aziz Md Abdul , Kim Dong-Sun , You Young-Hwan , Song Hyoung-Kyu
Published: July 2023

The metaverse is emerging as a next-generation internet paradigm that will enhance human interaction and connectivity. Digital twinning, a fundamental strategy used in the metaverse, allows for the virtualization of real-world items, people, actions, and settings. A virtual world called the metaverse is built on a variety of technologies. Wireless communication is an important part of these technologies. In particular, wireless 6G communication can be essential for the growth of the metaverse. In line with the goal of achieving higher rates in the next-generation wireless network for the metaverse, in this paper, a novel conceptualization of intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted multiple-input single output-based wireless communication in physical world environments is proposed. More specifically, this paper proposes that in the physical world, the IRS-assisted communication between a communication network and users can be reflected in the metaverse through the virtual world (such as digital avatars and the virtual environment). In the simulations, the bit-error rate and spectral efficiency of the receiver terminal were performed and calculated in the metaverse engine for future consideration.
Intermittent Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in Low-Risk Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding May Be Significantly Cost-Saving
Authors: Lei Yang , Halasz Jennifer , Novak Kerri L. , Congly Stephen E.
Published: July 2023

Background: High-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, given either intermittently or continuously for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NV-UGIB), is efficacious. Using intermittent PPI for low-risk patients may be cost-saving. Our objective was to estimate the annual cost savings if all low-risk NV-UGIB patients received intermittent PPI therapy. Methods: Patients who presented to hospital in Calgary, Alberta, who received a PPI for NV-UGIB from July 2015 to March 2017 were identified using ICD-10 codes. Patients were stratified into no endoscopy, high-risk, and low-risk lesion groups and further subdivided into no PPI, oral PPI, intermittent intravenous (IV), and continuous IV subgroups. Average length of stay (LOS) in each subgroup and costs were calculated. Results: We identified 4141 patients with NV-UGIBs, (median age 61, 57.4% male). One-thousand two-hundred and thirty-one low-risk patients received continuous IV PPI, with an average LOS of 6.8 days (95% CI 6.2–7.3) versus 4.9 days (95% CI 3.9–5.9) for intermittent IV patients. If continuous IV PPI patients instead received intermittent IV PPI, 3852 patient days and CAD 11,714,390 (2017 CAD)/year could be saved. Conclusions: Using real-world administrative data, we demonstrate that a sizable portion of low-risk patients with NV-UGIB who were given continuous IV PPI if switched to intermittent IV therapy could generate significant potential cost savings.
Perceived Workplace Support for Employee Participation in Workplace Wellness Programs: A Brief Report
Authors: Altman Jennifer , Mace Firebaugh Casey , Morgan Stephanie M. , Epstein Michael
Published: July 2023

Workplace wellness programs have the potential to help improve employee well-being and manage the growing costs associated with poor employee health. Low participation rates stunt the benefits to employee health and limit organizations from maximizing their return on investment. Understanding what influences participation is key to developing effective programs. This research explores the complexity of influencers by blending key concepts of the social–ecologic model and the Fogg Behavioral Model. Ninety-one full-time U.S. employees participated and completed a brief online survey. Key measures included participation in workplace wellness programs, perceived workplace support for health, employee motivation to participate, and employee ability to participate. Perceived support for health was positively correlated with all variables examined. These study findings expand on the current literature to help researchers and practitioners better understand the pathways in which culture of health relates to participation in workplace wellness programs by including the potential moderating effects of motivation, ability, and total number of workplace wellness programs.
Methane Oxidation via Chemical and Biological Methods: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Samanta Dipayan , Sani Rajesh K.
Published: July 2023

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has gained significant attention due to its environmental impact and economic potential. Chemical industries have focused on specialized catalytic systems, like zeolites, to convert methane into methanol. However, inherent limitations in selectivity, irreversibility, and pore blockages result in high costs and energy requirements, thus hindering their commercial viability and profitability. In contrast, biological methane conversion using methanotrophs has emerged as a promising alternative, offering higher conversion rates, self-renewability, improved selectivity, and economically feasible upstream processes. Nevertheless, biological methane oxidation encounters challenges including the difficulty in cultivating methanotrophs and their slow growth rates, which hinder large-scale bioprocessing. Another highlighted limitation is the limited mass transfer of methane into liquid in bioreactors. Practical strategies to enhance methane oxidation in biological systems, including optimizing reactor design to improve mass transfer, altering metal concentrations, genetic engineering of methane monooxygenases, enzyme encapsulation, and utilizing microbial consortia are discussed. By addressing the limitations of chemical approaches and highlighting the potential of biological methods, the review concluded that the utilization of genetically engineered methanotrophic biofilms on beads within a biotrickling reactor, along with enhanced aeration rates, will likely enhance methane oxidation and subsequent methane conversion rates.
A Review of the Complex Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Microchannels
Authors: Zhang Junqiang , Zou Zhengping , Fu Chao
Published: July 2023

Continuously improving heat transfer efficiency is one of the important goals in the field of energy. Compact heat exchangers characterized by microscale flow and heat transfer have successfully provided solutions for this purpose. However, as the characteristic scale of the channels decreases, the flow and heat transfer characteristics may differ from those at the conventional scale. When considering the influence of scale effects and changes in special fluid properties, the flow and heat transfer process becomes more complex. The conclusions of the relevant studies have not been unified, and there are even disagreements on some aspects. Therefore, further research is needed to obtain a sufficient understanding of flow structure and heat transfer mechanisms in microchannels. This article systematically reviews the research about microscale flow and heat transfer, focusing on the flow and heat transfer mechanisms in microchannels, which is elaborated in the following two perspectives: one is the microscale single-phase flow and heat transfer that only considers the influence of scale effects, the other is the special heat transfer phenomena brought about by the coupling of microscale flow with special fluids (fluid with phase change (pseudophase change)). The microscale flow and heat transfer mechanisms under the influence of multiple factors, including scale effects (such as rarefaction, surface roughness, axial heat conduction, and compressibility) and special fluids, are investigated, which can meet the specific needs for the design of various microscale heat exchangers.
Reduced Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Diversity in Light and Moderate Fire Sites in Taiga Forests, Northeast China
Authors: Cheng Zhichao , Wu Song , Du Jun , Liu Yongzhi , Sui Xin , Yang Libin
Published: July 2023

Forest fires are an important disturbance factor in forest ecosystems, and obviously change the soil environment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as a medium and bridge between vegetation and soil, play a crucial role in mediating plant nutrient uptake and regulating the productivity, stability, and succession of vegetation–soil systems. To investigate the effects of forest fires on the community structure and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in cold-temperate Larix gmelinii forests, we collected soils from light, moderate, and heavy fire disturbance forests and a natural forest as a control forest in Greater Khingan Larix gmelinii forests, in the northeast of China. The community structure and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology and we analyzed the correlation with the soil physicochemical characteristics. The results showed that the contents of microbial biomass content (MBC), moisture content (MC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphors (AP) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing fire intensity (from Light to heavy fire), but available potassium (AK) decreased significantly (p < 0.05). These changes were not significant. A total of 14,554 valid sequences from all sequences were classified into 66 ASVs that belonged into one phylum, one order, four families, and four genera. The genera included Glomus, Ambispora, Paraglomus, and Acaulospora, and Glomus was the dominant genus (the genera with the five most relative abundances) in the control and heavy-fire forests. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis showed that forest fires significantly affected the community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (p < 0.01). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that MBC, SOC, and AP contents significantly affected the composition structure and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities. This study indicated that forest fires affected the composition and diversity of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities through changing the soil physicochemical parameters (MBC, SOC, and AP) in cold-temperate Larix gmelinii forests. The study of soil physicochemical properties and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity in cold-temperate Larix gmelinii forests in the Greater Khingan Mountains after forest fires provides a reference basis for the revegetation and reconstruction of fire sites.
Seroepidemiology Study of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in Mexico by Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on a Recombinant Fragment of N-Terminus Domain Spike Protein
Authors: García-González Eduardo , Cerriteño-Sánchez José Luis , Cuevas-Romero Julieta Sandra , García-Cambrón José Bryan , Castañeda-Montes Francisco Jesus , Villaseñor-Ortega Francisco
Published: July 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is an intestinal disease caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and affects Mexico’s swine industry. Despite the disease initially being described in Mexico in 2013, there has been no research into the virus’s seroepidemiology carried out in Mexico. Thus, the goal of this study was to develop an indirect ELISA (iELISA) based on a recombinant N-terminal domain truncated spike (S) protein (rNTD-S) of PEDV to evaluate serum obtained from different pig-producing states in Mexico. A total of 1054 sera were collected from pig farms, slaughterhouses, and backyard production in the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Morelos, Queretaro, Sinaloa, and Veracruz between 2019 and 2021. The rNTD-S protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Negative and positive serum samples used in the iELISA were previously tested by Western blot. According to our findings, 61.66% of the serum samples (650/1054) were positive, with Jalisco having the highest percentage of positive samples, at a rate of 21.44% (226/1054). This is the first seroepidemiology study of PEDV carried out in Mexico, revealing that the virus is still circulating since the initial outbreak; furthermore, it provides an overview of PEDV’s spread and high level of persistence across the country’s key swine-producing states.
Densification Mechanisms and Pore Evolution Analysis of a Tight Reservoir: A Case Study of Shan-1 Member of Upper Paleozoic Shanxi Formation in SW Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Xiao Ling , Yang Leilei , Zhang Xuwen , Guan Xijuan , Wei Qinlian
Published: July 2023

This comprehensive analysis investigated the causes of formation densification in the Shan-1 Member tight reservoir in the southwestern Ordos Basin. The study aimed to mitigate exploration and development risks by examining petrological characteristics, reservoir performance, pore characteristics, and pore evolution. Various techniques were employed, including thin-section casting, scanning electron microscopy, and analysis of porosity and permeability. By establishing the relationship between visualized reservoir porosity and thin slice porosity, along with employing mechanical compaction correction methods and the principle of “back stripping by inversion,” the recovery of paleophysical properties in tight sandstone reservoirs was conducted. Additionally, the research integrated diagenetic evolution sequences and the recovery of paleophysical properties to analyze the origins of reservoir densification and pore evolution in the Shan-1 Member. The results suggest that compaction is the primary factor contributing to reservoir densification, with burial depth playing a crucial role in determining the intensity of compaction. Cementation, particularly associated with illite, emerged as a significant influence on reservoir densification, while low dissolution also contributed to the densification process. The densification of the Shan-1 reservoir in the study area was estimated to have occurred during the Early Jurassic, approximately 195 Ma. These research findings not only enhance the understanding of the Shan-1 reservoir but also provide valuable insights for predicting tight reservoirs and improving the efficiency of oil and gas production.
Cryptolepine Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation, Stemness, and Metastatic Processes by Inhibiting WNT/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Quarshie Jude Tetteh , Fosu Kwadwo , Offei Nicholas Awuku , Sobo Augustine Kojo , Quaye Osbourne , Aikins Anastasia Rosebud
Published: July 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Evidence shows that over 90% of CRC cases are initiated by a deregulated Wingless Integrated Type-1 (WNT)/β-catenin signaling pathway. The WNT/β-catenin pathway also promotes CRC cell proliferation, stemness, and metastasis. Therefore, modulators of the WNT/β-catenin pathway may serve as promising regimens for CRC. This study investigated the effect of cryptolepine—a plant-derived compound—on the WNT/β-catenin pathway in CRC. Two CRC cell lines, COLO205 and DLD1, were treated with cryptolepine or XAV 939 (a WNT inhibitor) in the presence or absence of WNT3a (a WNT activator). Using a tetrazolium-based assay, cryptolepine was found to reduce cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner and was a more potent inhibitor of viability than XAV 939. RT-qPCR analyses showed that cryptolepine reverses WNT3a-induced expression of β-catenin, c-MYC, and WISP1, suggesting that cryptolepine inhibits WNT3a-mediated activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Cryptolepine also repressed WNT3a-induced OCT4 and CD133 expression and suppressed colony formation of the cells, indicating that cryptolepine inhibits the stemness of CRC cells. Additionally, cryptolepine inhibited WNT3a-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by reducing the expression of SNAI1 and TWIST1 genes. In a wound healing assay, cryptolepine was found to suppress cell migration under unstimulated and WNT3a-stimulated conditions. Moreover, cryptolepine downregulated WNT3a-induced expression of MMP2 and MMP9 genes, which are involved in cancer cell invasion. Altogether, cryptolepine suppresses CRC cell proliferation, stemness, and metastatic properties by inhibiting WNT3a-mediated activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings provide a rationale for considering cryptolepine as a potential WNT inhibitor in CRC.
Improving Overall Survival and Quality of Life in Patients with Prostate Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumors Using 177Lu-iPSMA and 177Lu-DOTATOC: Experience after 905 Treatment Doses
Authors: Luna-Gutiérrez Myrna , Hernández-Ramírez Rodrigo , Soto-Abundiz Airam , García-Pérez Osvaldo , Ancira-Cortez Alejandra , López-Buenrostro Sergio , Gibbens-Bandala Brenda , Soldevilla-Gallardo Irma , Lara-Almazán Nancy , Rojas-Pérez Melissa , Ocampo-García Blanca , Azorín-Vega Erika , Santos-Cuevas Clara , Ferro-Flores Guillermina
Published: July 2023

177Lu-iPSMA is a novel radioligand developed at ININ-Mexico with a high affinity for the PSMA protein heavily expressed in cancer cells of approximately 95% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). 177Lu-DOTATOC is a patent-free radioligand, molecularly recognized by somatostatin receptors (SSTR-2) overexpressed in cancer cells of about 80% of patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET). This translational research aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of 177Lu-iPSMA and 177Lu-DOTATOC developed as GMP pharmaceutical formulations for treating progressive and advanced mCRPC and NET. One hundred and forty-five patients with mCRPC and one hundred and eighty-seven subjects with progressive NET (83% GEP-NET and 17% other NET), treated with 177Lu-iPSMA and 177Lu-DOTATOC, respectively, were evaluated. Patients received a mean dose of 7.4 GBq per administration of 177Lu-iPSMA (range 1–5 administrations; 394 treatment doses) or 177Lu-DOTATOC (range 2–8 administrations; 511 treatment doses) at intervals of 1.5–2.5 months. Efficacy was assessed by SPECT/CT or PET/CT. Results were stratified by primary tumor origin and number of doses administered. Patients with mCRPC showed overall survival (OS) of 21.7 months with decreased radiotracer tumor uptake (SUV) and PSA level in 80% and 73% of patients, respectively. In addition, a significant reduction in pain (numerical scale from 10–7 to 3–1) was observed in 88% of patients with bone metastases between one and two weeks after the second injection. In the GEP-NET population, the median progression-free survival was 34.7 months, with an OS of >44.2 months. The treatments were well tolerated. Only ten patients experienced grade ≥ 3 myelosuppression (3% of all patients). The observed safety profiles and favorable therapeutic responses demonstrated the potential of 177Lu-iPSMA and 177Lu-DOTATOC to improve overall survival and quality of life in patients with progressive and advanced mCRPC and NET.
Second-Order Statistics of Partially Coherent Beams with Laguerre Non-Uniform Coherence Properties under Turbulence
Authors: Zhao Yang , Yan Zhiwen , Wang Yibo , Liu Liming , Zhu Xinlei , Guo Bohan , Yu Jiayi
Published: July 2023

We use the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral to analyze the propagation properties of a class of partially coherent beams with Laguerre non-uniform coherence properties (called Laguerre non-uniformly correlated beams) in free space and in a turbulent atmosphere. We focus on how different initial beam orders and coherence lengths affect the propagation behavior of the beams, such as the evolution of intensity, degree of coherence, propagation factor, and beam wander. Our results show that non-uniform coherence properties play a role in resisting the degrading effects of turbulence. Furthermore, adjusting the initial beam parameter of the non-uniform coherence structure, i.e., increasing the beam order and decreasing the coherence, can further improve the turbulence resistance of the beams. Our results have potential applications in free-space optical communications.
Cytotoxicity of Nine Medicinal Plants from San Basilio de Palenque (Colombia) on HepG2 Cells
Authors: Caballero-Gallardo Karina , Alvarez-Ortega Neda , Olivero-Verbel Jesus
Published: July 2023

The utilization of plants with medicinal properties is deeply rooted in the traditional knowledge of diverse human populations. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxicity of nine plants commonly used by communities in San Basilio de Palenque, Bolivar (Colombia), for managing inflammation-related illnesses. Hydroethanolic extracts from various plant parts such as roots, stems, barks, or leaves were prepared through a process involving drying, powdering, and maceration in an ethanol–water (7:3) solution. The extracts were subsequently freeze-dried and dissolved in DMSO for the bioassays. Cytotoxicity against the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line was assessed using the MTT assay, with extract concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 µg/mL and treatment durations of 24 and 48 h. The total phenolic content of the nine extracts varied from 96.7 to 167.6 mg GAE/g DT. Among them, eight hydroethanolic extracts from Jatropha gossypiifolia L., Piper peltatum L., Malachra alceifolia, Verbesina turbacensis, Ricinus communis, Desmodium incanum, and Dolichandra unguis-cati showed low toxicity (IC50 > 500 µg/mL, 24 h) against HepG2 cells. On the other hand, the extracts of Aristolochia odoratissima L. (IC50 = 95.7 µg/mL) and Picramnia latifolia (IC50 = 128.9 µg/mL) demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line, displaying a modest selectivity index when compared to the HEKn cell line after 48 h of treatment. These findings suggest that medicinal plants from San Basilio de Palenque, particularly Picramnia latifolia and Aristolochia odoratissima, have potential activity against cancer cells, highlighting their potential for further research and development.
Biochemical and Biotechnological Insights into Fungus-Plant Interactions for Enhanced Sustainable Agricultural and Industrial Processes
Authors: Giehl Anderson , dos Santos Angela Alves , Cadamuro Rafael Dorighello , Tadioto Viviani , Guterres Iara Zanella , Prá Zuchi Isabella Dai , Minussi Gabriel do Amaral , Fongaro Gislaine , Silva Izabella Thais , Alves Sergio Luiz
Published: July 2023

The literature is full of studies reporting environmental and health issues related to using traditional pesticides in food production and storage. Fortunately, alternatives have arisen in the last few decades, showing that organic agriculture is possible and economically feasible. And in this scenario, fungi may be helpful. In the natural environment, when associated with plants, these microorganisms offer plant-growth-promoting molecules, facilitate plant nutrient uptake, and antagonize phytopathogens. It is true that fungi can also be phytopathogenic, but even they can benefit agriculture in some way—since pathogenicity is species-specific, these fungi are shown to be useful against weeds (as bioherbicides). Finally, plant-associated yeasts and molds are natural biofactories, and the metabolites they produce while dwelling in leaves, flowers, roots, or the rhizosphere have the potential to be employed in different industrial activities. By addressing all these subjects, this manuscript comprehensively reviews the biotechnological uses of plant-associated fungi and, in addition, aims to sensitize academics, researchers, and investors to new alternatives for healthier and more environmentally friendly production processes.
Effects of Single and Combined Drought and Salinity Stress on the Root Morphological Characteristics and Root Hydraulic Conductivity of Different Winter Wheat Varieties
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan , Li Penghui , Mounkaila Hamani Abdoul Kader , Wan Sumei , Gao Yang , Wang Xingpeng
Published: July 2023

Water shortages and crop responses to drought and salt stress are related to the efficient use of water resources and are closely related to food security. In addition, PEG or NaCl stress alone affect the root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr). However, the effects of combined PEG and NaCl stress on Lpr and the differences among wheat varieties are unknown. We investigated the effects of combined PEG and NaCl stress on the root parameters, nitrogen (N) and carbon content, antioxidant enzymes, osmotic adjustment, changes in sodium and potassium, and root hydraulic conductivity of Yannong 1212, Heng 4399, and Xinmai 19. PEG and NaCl stress appreciably decreased the root length (RL), root surface area (RS), root volume (RV), K+ and N content in shoots and roots, and Lpr of the three wheat varieties, while the antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), osmotic adjustment, nonstructural carbon and Na+ content in shoots and roots, etc., remarkably remained increased. Furthermore, the root hydraulic conductivity had the greatest positive association with traits such as RL, RS, and N and K+ content in the shoots of the three wheat varieties. Moreover, the RL/RS directly and actively determined the Lpr, and it had an extremely positive effect on the N content in the shoots of wheat seedlings. Collectively, most of the root characteristics in the wheat seedlings decreased under stress conditions, resulting in a reduction in Lpr. As a result, the ability to transport nutrients—especially N—from the roots to the shoots was affected. Therefore, our study provides a novel insight into the physiological mechanisms of Lpr.
Regionally Compatible Individual Tree Growth Model under the Combined Influence of Environment and Competition
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Wu Baoguo , Ren Yi , Yang Guijun
Published: July 2023

To explore the effects of competition, site, and climate on the growth of Chinese fir individual tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (H), a regionally compatible individual tree growth model under the combined influence of environment and competition was constructed. Using continuous forest inventory (CFI) sample plot data from Fujian Province between 1993 and 2018, we constructed an individual tree DBH model and an H model based on re-parameterization (RP), BP neural network (BP), and random forest (RF), which compared the accuracy of the different modeling methods. The results showed that the inclusion of competition and environmental factors could improve the prediction accuracy of the model. Among the site factors, slope position (PW) had the most significant effect, followed by elevation (HB) and slope aspect (PX). Among the climate factors, the highest contribution was made by degree-days above 18 °C (DD18), followed by mean annual precipitation (MAP) and Hargreaves reference evaporation (Eref). The comparison results of the three modeling methods show that the RF model has the best fitting effect. The R2 of the individual DBH model based on RF is 0.849, RMSE is 1.691 cm, and MAE is 1.267 cm. The R2 of the individual H model based on RF is 0.845, RMSE is 1.267 m, and MAE is 1.153 m. The model constructed in this study has the advantages of environmental sensitivity, statistical reliability, and prediction efficiency. The results can provide theoretical support for management decision-making and harvest prediction of mixed uneven-aged forest.
Technological Quality of Sugarcane Inoculated with Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Residual Effect of Phosphorus Rates
Authors: Fernandes Guilherme Carlos , Rosa Poliana Aparecida Leonel , Jalal Arshad , Oliveira Carlos Eduardo da Silva , Galindo Fernando Shintate , Viana Ronaldo da Silva , De Carvalho Pedro Henrique Gomes , Silva Edson Cabral da , Nogueira Thiago Assis Rodrigues , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Hashem Amr H. , AbdElgawad Hamada , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto
Published: July 2023

Phosphate fertilization in highly weathered soils has been a major challenge for sugarcane production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the foliar levels of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) and the technological quality and productivity of second ratoon cane as a function of inoculation with plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) together with the residual effect of phosphate fertilization. The experiment was carried out at the research and extension farm of Ilha Solteira, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The experiment was designed in a randomized block with three replications in a 5 × 8 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of five residual doses of phosphorus (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha−1 of P2O5, 46% P) applied at planting from the source of triple superphosphate and eight inoculations from three species of PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens), applied in single or co-inoculation at the base of stems of sugarcane variety RB92579. Inoculation with PGPBs influenced leaf N concentration, while inoculations with Pseudomonas fluorescens and combinations of bacteria together with the highest doses exerted a positive effect on leaf P concentration. Co-inoculation with A. brasilense + Pseudomonas fluorescens associated with a residual dose of 135 kg ha−1 of P2O5 increased stem productivity by 42%. Thus, it was concluded that inoculations with Pseudomonas fluorescens and their combinations are beneficial for the sugarcane crop, reducing phosphate fertilization and increasing productivity.
Exploring the Proteomic Profile of Soybean Bran: Unlocking the Potential for Improving Protein Quality and Quantity
Authors: Molinari Mayla Daiane Corre , Fuganti-Pagliarini Renata , Yu Yanbao , Florentino Lilian Hasegawa , Mertz-Henning Liliane Marcia , Lima Rayane Nunes , Bittencourt Daniela Matias de Carvalho , Freire Marcelo Oliveira , Rech Elibio
Published: July 2023

Soybean is a rich source of vegetal protein for both animal and human consumption. Despite the high levels of protein in soybean seeds, industrial processing to obtain soybean bran significantly decreases the final protein content of the byproducts. To overcome this problem, cultivars with higher protein contents must be developed. However, selecting the target proteins is difficult because of the lack of information on the proteome profile of soybean bran. Therefore, this study obtained the comparative proteomic profiles of both natural coatless seeds and defatted bran from an elite tropical-soybean cultivar. Thus, their extracts were characterized using LC–MS/MS and a total of 550 proteins were identified. Among these, 526 proteins were detected in coatless seeds and 319 proteins in defatted bran. Moreover, a total of 139 proteins were identified as presenting different levels of content in coatless seeds and defatted bran. Among them, only 46 were retained after the seed processing. These proteins were clustered in several important metabolic pathways, such as amino-acid biosynthesis, sugar biosynthesis, and antioxidant activity, meaning that they could act as targets for bioactive products or genome editing to improve protein quality and quantity in soybean grains. These findings can enhance our understanding regarding protein robustness for both soybean crops and the commercial bran improvement because target proteins must remain intact after processing and must be bioactive when overexpressed. Overall, the soybean bran proteomic profile was explored for the first time, providing a valuable catalogue of target proteins that can tolerate the industrial process.
Electrospinning Evolution Derived from TRIZ Theory for Directly Writing Patterned Nanofibers
Authors: Wu Yuchao , Liu Zhanghong , Wu Hongtao , Zhang Kai , Liu Qingjie
Published: July 2023

Nanofibers (NFs) have the advantages of tremendous flexibility, small size and a high surface-to-weight ratio and are widely used in sensors, drug carriers and filters. Patterned NFs have expanded their application fields in tissue engineering and electronics. Electrospinning (ES) is widely used to prepare nonwoven NFs by stretching polymer solution jets with electric forces. However, patterned NFs cannot be easily fabricated using ordinary ES methods: the process gradually deteriorates them as repulsion effects between the deposited NFs and the incoming ones increase while residual charges in the fibers accumulate. Repulsion effects are unavoidable because charges in the polymer solution jets are the fundamental forces that are meant to stretch the jets into NFs. TRIZ theory is an effective innovation method for resolving conflicts and eliminating contradictions. Based on the material–field model and the contradiction matrix of TRIZ theory, we propose a strategy to improve ES devices, neutralizing the charges retained in NFs by alternating the current power of the correct frequency, thus successfully fabricating patterned NFs with clear boundaries and good continuity. This study demonstrates a strategy for resolving conflicts in innovation processes based on TRIZ theory and fabricating patterned NFs for potential applications in flexible electronics and wearable sensors.