bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Impaired Plantar Cutaneous Vibration Perception Contribute to Axial Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease? Effects of Medication and Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Heß Tobias , Themann Peter , Oehlwein Christian , Milani Thomas L.
Published: December 2023

Objective: To investigate whether impaired plantar cutaneous vibration perception contributes to axial motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and whether anti-parkinsonian medication and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) show different effects. Methods: Three groups were evaluated: PD patients in the medication “on” state (PD-MED), PD patients in the medication “on” state and additionally “on” STN-DBS (PD-MED–DBS), as well as healthy subjects (HS) as reference. Motor performance was analyzed using a pressure distribution platform. Plantar cutaneous vibration perception thresholds (VPT) were investigated using a customized vibration exciter at 30 Hz. Results: Motor performance of PD-MED and PD-MED–DBS was characterized by greater postural sway, smaller limits of stability ranges, and slower gait due to shorter strides, fewer steps per minute, and broader stride widths compared to HS. Comparing patient groups, PD-MED–DBS showed better overall motor performance than PD-MED, particularly for the functional limits of stability and gait. VPTs were significantly higher for PD-MED compared to those of HS, which suggests impaired plantar cutaneous vibration perception in PD. However, PD-MED–DBS showed less impaired cutaneous vibration perception than PD-MED. Conclusions: PD patients suffer from poor motor performance compared to healthy subjects. Anti-parkinsonian medication in tandem with STN-DBS seems to be superior for normalizing axial motor symptoms compared to medication alone. Plantar cutaneous vibration perception is impaired in PD patients, whereas anti-parkinsonian medication together with STN-DBS is superior for normalizing tactile cutaneous perception compared to medication alone. Consequently, based on our results and the findings of the literature, impaired plantar cutaneous vibration perception might contribute to axial motor symptoms in PD.
Single-Band versus Two-Band Description of Magnetism in Infinite-Layer Nickelates
Authors: Plienbumrung Tharathep , Daghofer Maria , Morée Jean-Baptiste , Oleś Andrzej M.
Published: December 2023

We present a weak-coupling analysis of magnetism in infinite-layer nickelates, where we compare a single-band description with a two-band model. Both models predict that (i) hybridization due to hopping is negligible, and (ii) the magnetic properties are characterized by very similar dynamic structure factors, S(k→,ω), at the points (π,π,0) and (π,π,π). This gives effectively a two-dimensional description of the magnetic properties.
RETRACTED: Luo et al. Evaluation of Soil Pollution by Potential Toxic Elements in Cultivated Land in the Poyang Lake Region Based on an Improved Matter–Element Extension Model. Forests 2022, 13, 1445
Authors: Luo Zhijun , Zhao Jie , Qi Song , Feng Xiaojing
Published: December 2023

The journal retracts the article entitled ‘Evaluation of Soil Pollution by Potential Toxic Elements in Cultivated Land in the Poyang Lake Region Based on an Improved Matter–Element Extension Model’ [...]
Will Genomic Information Facilitate Forest Tree Breeding for Disease and Pest Resistance?
Authors: Sniezko Richard A. , Koch Jennifer , Liu Jun-Jun , Romero-Severson Jeanne
Published: December 2023

Forest trees are beleaguered by the ever-increasing onslaught of invasive pests and pathogens, with some species in danger of functional extinction. Recent successes in developing resistant populations using traditional tree breeding assures that some of the affected species will persist in future forests. However, the sheer number of threatened species requires increases in breeding efficiency. The time is right to consider how the use of genomic resources might aid breeding efforts in the next 20 years. Any operational benefit of genomic resources will be minimal without closer collaboration between tree breeders, forest managers, and genomic researchers. We reflect here on what attributes were responsible for the success of traditional resistance breeding programs and whether advances in genomics can realistically accelerate breeding. We conclude that the use of genomics to directly advance resistance breeding efforts in the next 20 years will be limited. Major obstacles will include factors such as the undomesticated nature of most tree species, the quantitative genetic nature of resistance in many species, and the lack of adequate funding to accelerate and more fully develop genomic resources. Despite these limitations, genomic tools have potential to help increase our understanding of the nature of resistance, and the genetic variability in the host, which can aid in the deployment of resistant populations and may assist in marker-assisted selection, particularly for major gene resistance.
Spatial Density, Biomass, and Composition of Crustacean Zooplankton on Lake Michigan Beaches
Authors: Johnston Samuel J. , Smith Jason B. , Slater Brady D. , Doubek Jonathan P.
Published: December 2023

Ecosystem alterations to Lake Michigan (LM), such as the invasion of dreissenid mussels, have decreased the abundance of phytoplankton and, subsequently, zooplankton, which has implications for Great Lake fisheries. The community composition of zooplankton has also been altered over the past 20 years in LM, shifting the summer dominance from cladoceran to calanoid taxa. However, most of our information on zooplankton community dynamics is from deeper pelagic zones. The nearshore beach (≤1 m) habitat, which serves as a critical nursery for some larvae and juvenile fish, is composed of different zooplankton taxa than deeper zones, but limited data are available for comparison. We conducted a standardized summer sampling campaign to characterize the zooplankton community across 32 beaches in LM. We found the lowest crustacean zooplankton density and biomass on northern LM beaches and a higher zooplankton density and biomass on Greater Green Bay and central LM beaches, which had warmer water temperatures. Smaller-bodied cladocera (mainly Bosmina) and cyclopoid taxa were the most abundant groups on beaches. Our results provide the first comprehensive characterization of zooplankton on beaches in the Great Lakes, with applications for other lake systems. These results may help identify potential “hot spots” of fish recruitment for management.
Immune and Oxidative Stress Response of the Fish Xyrichthys novacula Infected with the Trematode Ectoparasite Scaphanocephalus sp. in the Balearic Islands
Authors: Cohen-Sánchez Amanda , Sánchez-Mairata Antoni Gabriel , Valencia José María , Box Antonio , Pinya Samuel , Tejada Silvia , Sureda Antoni
Published: December 2023

Global change produces substantial modification to the distribution and rhythm of infection of diseases in fish, favouring the introduction of new pathogens. Recently, the presence of black spot disease, associated with a digenean fluke of the genus Scaphanocephalus, has been observed in specimens of Xyrichthys novacula on the island of Ibiza (Balearic Islands). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and immune response in both the skin mucus and spleen of X. novacula depending on the degree of infection by Scaphanocephalus sp. The specimens were captured in a control area, without the presence of the parasite, and in an affected area, classifying the fish as low infection (1–15 spots) and high infection (>15 spots). As the degree of infection increased, a decrease in the body condition index was observed. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the mucus—catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase—increased progressively with the degree of infection. This activation of antioxidant defences was not enough to prevent an increase in malondialdehyde levels, an indicator of oxidative damage, in the group with the highest infection. Similarly, an increase in immunological parameters—lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase and immunoglobulins—was observed in mucus as infection increased. Regarding the spleen, only an increase in lysozyme activity and alkaline phosphatase in fish with a greater severity of infection was observed. In conclusion, as the severity of Scaphanocephalus sp. infection increased, it induced an immune and oxidative stress response in skin mucus, leading to a decrease in overall body condition. The potential health effects that the ectoparasite may have on X. novacula populations will require follow-up studies.
Soft and Conductive Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogel Electrodes for Electrocardiogram Monitoring
Authors: Lee Dongik , Song Jihyang , Kim Jungwoo , Lee Jaebeom , Son Donghee , Shin Mikyung
Published: December 2023

The measurement of biosignals in the clinical and healthcare fields is fundamental; however, conventional electrodes pose challenges such as incomplete skin contact and skin-related issues, hindering accurate biosignal measurement. To address these challenges, conductive hydrogels, which are valuable owing to their biocompatibility and flexibility, have been widely developed and explored for electrode applications. In this study, we fabricated a conductive hydrogel by mixing polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) polymers dissolved in deionized water, followed by light-triggered crosslinking. Notably, this study pioneered the use of a PEGDA−PEDOT:PSS hydrogel for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring- a type of biosignal. The resulting PEGDA−PEDOT:PSS hydrogel demonstrated remarkable conductivity while closely approximating the modulus of skin elasticity. Additionally, it demonstrated biocompatibility and a high signal-to-noise ratio in the waveforms. This study confirmed the exceptional suitability of the PEGDA−PEDOT:PSS hydrogel for accurate biosignal measurements with potential applications in various wearable devices designed for biosignal monitoring.
A MADS-Box Gene-Based InDel Marker Discriminating Sex in Actinidia arguta
Authors: Oh Sewon , Kim Jung , Kim Yumi , Lee Mockhee , Kim Daeil
Published: December 2023

Gene-based markers are valuable tools in breeding programs due to their direct linkage to traits of interest. In dioecious plants, such as kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.), sex-discriminating markers can shorten the breeding cycle by enabling the selection of preferred sexes at the juvenile stage. To develop a gene-based sex-discriminating marker, resequencing was conducted on female and male A. arguta accessions, and insertion and deletion (InDel) variations within sex-related genes were explored. A total of 203,116 InDels were detected between female and male A. arguta accessions, and 118,865 InDels were heterozygous between the two accessions. Sequence similarity between thirty-seven sex-related genes from seven dioecious species and the kiwifruit reference genome was investigated, revealing that ten genes exhibited similarities ranging from 59 to 79%. Among the 118,865 InDels, seven InDels were located on four sex-related genes encoding agamous-like MADS-box genes and hypothetical proteins. A 20 bp insertion in male A. arguta located in the agamous-like MADS-box gene was converted into an InDel marker, which clearly discriminates female and male A. arguta accessions and the interspecific hybrid cultivar. The InDel marker was designated CBk25id01 and produced approximately 350 bp amplicon only in the male A. arguta. The CBk25id01 linked to the agamous-like MADS-box gene involved in floral organ development may help understand sex differentiation and accelerate the breeding of kiwifruits.
Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds under the Influence of Yellow, Blue, and Violet Light Filters on Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn) Fruits
Authors: Moldovan Ioana , Pop Viorel Cornel , Borsai Orsolya , Lukacs Lehel , Ranga Florica , Culea Eugen , Damian Grigore , Cornea-Cipcigan Mihaiela , Margaoan Rodica
Published: December 2023

The current study was carried out to monitor the dynamics of phenolic compounds and vitamin C variations in Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) under the influence of different color filters, as follows: yellow (590 nm), blue (450 nm), and violet (400 nm). The fruits were harvested at maturity from different parts of the canopy (i.e., base, middle, and top), immediately stored at −18 °C, and afterward lyophilized to reduce the loss of compounds for preparing the chemical assays that were carried out. HPLC-DAD-ESI+ was used to determine the phenolic compounds and vitamin C content of the fruits. EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) measurements were also carried out to confirm the antioxidant character of the berries. This is the first study to examine the effect of different color filters on the accumulation of phenolic compounds and vitamin C content in the fruits of sea buckthorn. Among the three color filters used, the violet filter proved to be the most beneficial for the accumulation of total phenolic compounds (3.326 mg/g) and vitamin C (1.550 mg/g) in the berries. To reach high contents of phenolic compounds and vitamin C, the best setup included using very-high-energy emission LEDs as close as possible to blue and violet (400–450 nm). Therefore, the different light color intensities and temperatures on each level of a canopy play key roles in enhancing the phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, and vitamin C content of sea buckthorn fruits. This knowledge will help provide insights into the accumulation of secondary metabolites and improve future production strategies in sea buckthorn.
An Extended Flood Characteristic Simulation Considering Natural Dependency Structures
Authors: Öttl Marco Albert , Simon Felix , Bender Jens , Mudersbach Christoph , Stamm Jürgen
Published: December 2023

The design of a river-basin-specific flood hydrograph generator based on gauge records enables the generation of synthetic flood hydrographs for the dimensioning of hydraulic structures. Based on selected flow time series, flood waves can be described using four parameters based on flood characteristic simulations, as described by Leichtfuss and Lohr (1999). After successfully adapting suitable distribution functions, dependencies in the load structure are quantified in the next step using copula functions. This newly developed approach builds on the procedure proposed by Bender and Jensen (2012), which assumes hydrological independence. Using copula functions results in increased accuracy in the extended flood characteristic simulation. Moreover, considerable enhancements are achieved through the utilization of genetic algorithms, wherein the descending branch of the flood hydrograph is adjusted by employing an additional variable factor. Subsequently, any number of synthetic flood hydrographs can be generated by combining these parameters. In keeping with the principle of Monte Carlo simulation, a sufficiently high number of synthetic events results in extreme conditions with a low probability of occurrence being reliably represented. Hence, this endeavor has the potential to enhance result reproducibility and prediction quality. As a result, this expanded approach can be employed to provide dependable assessments regarding inflows aimed at optimizing reservoir capacity, for instance.
Risk Assessment of Landslide Collapse Disasters along National Highways Based on Information Quantity and Random Forest Coupling Methods: A Case Study of the G331 National Highway
Authors: Nie Zuoquan , Lang Qiuling , Zhang Yichen , Zhang Jiquan , Chen Yanan , Pan Zengkai
Published: December 2023

Based on the data from two field surveys in 2015 and 2022, this paper calculates the weight of values using the entropy weight method and the variation coefficient method, and evaluates risk using the information quantity method. The information quantities of four levels of criteria (hazards, exposure, vulnerability, emergency responses, and capability of recovery) were extracted and inputted into a random forest model. After optimizing the hyperparameters of the random forest using GridSearchCV, the risk assessment was performed again. Finally, the accuracy of the two evaluation results was verified using an ROC curve, and the model with the higher AUC value was selected to create a risk map. Compared with previous studies, this paper considers the factors of emergency responses and recovery capability, which makes the risk assessment more comprehensive. Our findings show that the evaluation results based on the coupling model are more accurate than the evaluation results of the information method, as the coupling model had an AUC value of 0.9329. After considering the indices of emergency responses and capability of recovery, the risk level of the highest-risk area in the study area decreased.
Quantitative Investigation of FAD2 Cosuppression Reveals RDR6-Dependent and RDR6-Independent Gene Silencing Pathways
Authors: Chen Yangyang , Ku Hangkai , Zhao Yingdong , Du Chang , Zhang Meng
Published: December 2023

The frequency and extent of transgene-mediated cosuppression varies substantially among plant genes. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to strong cosuppression have received little attention. In previous studies, we showed that the expression of FAD2 in the seeds of Arabidopsis results in strong RDR6-mediated cosuppression, where both endogenous and transgenic FAD2 were silenced. Here, the FAD2 strong cosuppression system was quantitatively investigated to identify the genetic factors by the expression of FAD2 in their mutants. The involvement of DCL2, DCL4, AGO1, and EIN5 was first confirmed in FAD2 cosuppression. SKI2, a remover of 3′ end aberrant RNAs, was newly identified as being involved in the cosuppression, while DCL3 was identified as antagonistic to DCL2 and DCL3. FAD2 cosuppression was markedly reduced in dcl2, dcl4, and ago1. The existence of an RDR6-independent cosuppression was revealed for the first time, which was demonstrated by weak gene silencing in rdr6 ein5 ski2. Further investigation of FAD2 cosuppression may unveil unknown genetic factor(s).
MicroRNAs in Small Extracellular Vesicles from Amniotic Fluid and Maternal Plasma Associated with Fetal Palate Development in Mice
Authors: Zhao Xige , Peng Xia , Wang Zhiwei , Zheng Xiaoyu , Wang Xiaotong , Wang Yijia , Chen Jing , Yuan Dong , Liu Ying , Du Juan
Published: December 2023

Cleft palate (CP) is a common congenital birth defect. Cellular and morphological processes change dynamically during palatogenesis, and any disturbance in this process could result in CP. However, the molecular mechanisms steering this fundamental phase remain unclear. One study suggesting a role for miRNAs in palate development via maternal small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) drew our attention to their potential involvement in palatogenesis. In this study, we used an in vitro model to determine how SEVs derived from amniotic fluid (ASVs) and maternal plasma (MSVs) influence the biological behaviors of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cells and medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells; we also compared time-dependent differential expression (DE) miRNAs in ASVs and MSVs with the DE mRNAs in palate tissue from E13.5 to E15.5 to study the dynamic co-regulation of miRNAs and mRNAs during palatogenesis in vivo. Our results demonstrate that some pivotal biological activities, such as MEPM proliferation, migration, osteogenesis, and MEE apoptosis, might be directed, in part, by stage-specific MSVs and ASVs. We further identified interconnected networks and key miRNAs such as miR-744-5p, miR-323-5p, and miR-3102-5p, offering a roadmap for mechanistic investigations and the identification of early CP biomarkers.
Disrupting Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating Pathway Creates Premalignant Conditions in Mammalian Liver
Authors: Karpova Yaroslava , Orlicky David J. , Schmidt Edward E. , Tulin Alexei V.
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern, representing one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Despite various treatment options, the prognosis for HCC patients remains poor, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to HCC development. This study investigates the role of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in hepatocyte maturation and its impact on hepatobiliary carcinogenesis. A conditional Parg knockout mouse model was employed, utilizing Cre recombinase under the albumin promoter to target Parg depletion specifically in hepatocytes. The disruption of the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating pathway in hepatocytes affects the early postnatal liver development. The inability of hepatocytes to finish the late maturation step that occurs early after birth causes intensive apoptosis and acute inflammation, resulting in hypertrophic liver tissue with enlarged hepatocytes. Regeneration nodes with proliferative hepatocytes eventually replace the liver tissue and successfully fulfill the liver function. However, early developmental changes predispose these types of liver to develop pathologies, including with a malignant nature, later in life. In a chemically induced liver cancer model, Parg-depleted livers displayed a higher tendency for hepatocellular carcinoma development. This study underscores the critical role of the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating pathway in hepatocyte maturation and highlights its involvement in liver pathologies and hepatobiliary carcinogenesis. Understanding these processes may provide valuable insights into liver biology and liver-related diseases, including cancer.
A Single-Stack Output Power Prediction Method for High-Power, Multi-Stack SOFC System Requirements
Authors: Zhang Daihui , Hu Jiangong , Zhao Wei , Lai Meilin , Gao Zilin , Wu Xiaolong
Published: December 2023

The prediction of stack output power in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems is a key technology that urgently needs improvement, which will promote SOFC systems towards high-power multi-stack applications. The accuracy of power prediction directly determines the control effect and working condition recognition accuracy of the SOFC system controller. In order to achieve this goal, a genetic algorithm back propagation (GA-BP) neural network is constructed to predict output power in the SOFC system. By testing 40 sets of sample data collected from the experimental platform, it is found that the GA-BP method overcomes the limitation of the traditional back propagation (BP) method—falling into local optima. Further analysis shows that the average relative error of GA-BP has decreased to 1%. The reduction of the relative error improves the accuracy of the prediction results and the average prediction accuracy. Compared with the long short-term memory (LSTM) and BP algorithm, the GA-BP prediction model significantly reduces the relative error of power output prediction, which provides a solid foundation for multi-stack SOFC systems.
Biomarkers for Heart Failure Prediction and Prevention
Authors: Kotta Prasanti Alekhya , Nambi Vijay , Bozkurt Biykem
Published: December 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic affecting over 64 million people worldwide. Its prevalence is on an upward trajectory, with associated increasing healthcare expenditure. Organizations including the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have identified HF prevention as an important focus. Recently, the ACC/AHA/Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Guidelines on heart failure were updated with a new Class IIa, Level of Evidence B recommendation for biomarker-based screening in patients at risk of developing heart failure. In this review, we evaluate the studies that have assessed the various roles and contributions of biomarkers in the prediction and prevention of heart failure. We examined studies that have utilized biomarkers to detect cardiac dysfunction or abnormality for HF risk prediction and screening before patients develop clinical signs and symptoms of HF. We also included studies with biomarkers on prognostication and risk prediction over and above existing HF risk prediction models and studies that address the utility of changes in biomarkers over time for HF risk. We discuss studies of biomarkers to guide management and assess the efficacy of prevention strategies and multi-biomarker and multimodality approaches to improve risk prediction.
WindowNet: Learnable Windows for Chest X-ray Classification
Authors: Wollek Alessandro , Hyska Sardi , Sabel Bastian , Ingrisch Michael , Lasser Tobias
Published: December 2023

Public chest X-ray (CXR) data sets are commonly compressed to a lower bit depth to reduce their size, potentially hiding subtle diagnostic features. In contrast, radiologists apply a windowing operation to the uncompressed image to enhance such subtle features. While it has been shown that windowing improves classification performance on computed tomography (CT) images, the impact of such an operation on CXR classification performance remains unclear. In this study, we show that windowing strongly improves the CXR classification performance of machine learning models and propose WindowNet, a model that learns multiple optimal window settings. Our model achieved an average AUC score of 0.812 compared with the 0.759 score of a commonly used architecture without windowing capabilities on the MIMIC data set.
Exploring Optimization of Zeolites as Adsorbents for Rare Earth Elements in Continuous Flow by Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Barros Óscar , Parpot Pier , Neves Isabel C. , Tavares Teresa
Published: December 2023

Unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques are applied to the characterization of the adsorption of rare earth elements (REEs) by zeolites in continuous flow. The successful application of principal component analysis (PCA) and K-Means algorithms from ML allowed for a wide range assessment of the adsorption results. This global approach permits the evaluation of the different stages of the sorption cycles and their optimization and improvement. The results from ML are also used for the definition of a regression model to estimate other REEs’ recoveries based on the known values of the tested REEs. Overall, it was possible to remove more than 70% of all REEs from aqueous solutions during the adsorption assays and to recover over 80% of the REEs entrapped on the zeolites using an optimized desorption cycle.
Research Progress of Rapid Non-Destructive Detection Technology in the Field of Apple Mold Heart Disease
Authors: Li Yanlei , Yang Zihao , Wang Wenxiu , Wang Xiangwu , Zhang Chunzhi , Dong Jun , Bai Mengyu , Hui Teng
Published: December 2023

Apples are rich in vitamins and dietary fiber and are one of the essential fruits in people’s daily diet. China has always been a big apple consumer, and with the improvement of people’s life quality, nutrition, and health requirements, the demand for high-quality apples has increased year by year. Apple mold heart disease is one of the main diseases affecting apple quality. However, this disease cannot be easily detected from the surface, so it is difficult to detect mold heart disease. Therefore, this paper focuses on the analysis of seven non-destructive detection technologies, including near infrared spectroscopy technology, hyperspectral technology, Raman spectroscopy technology, electronic nose technology, acoustic technology, electrical technology, and magnetic technology, summarizes their application status in the detection of apple mold heart disease, and then analyzes their advantages and disadvantages. Combined with the current rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, this paper proposes the future development trends of using non-destructive technologies to detect apple mold heart disease. It is expected to provide basic theory and application references for the intelligent detection of apple mold heart disease.
Characteristics and Absorption Rate of Whey Protein Hydrolysates Prepared Using Flavourzyme after Treatment with Alcalase and Protamex
Authors: Chang Yeok Boo , Kim Hyeongyeong , Lee Se Kyung , Kim Hye-Jin , Jeong A-Hyun , Suh Hyung Joo , Ahn Yejin
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of whey protein hydrolysate and determine changes in absorption rate due to enzymatic hydrolysis. The molecular weight distribution analysis of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and low-molecule whey protein hydrolysate (LMWPH) using the Superdex G-75 column revealed that LMWPH is composed of peptides smaller than those in WPC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated differences in peak positions between WPC and LMWPH, suggesting hydrolysis-mediated changes in secondary structures. Moreover, LMWPH exhibited higher thermal stability and faster intestinal permeation than WPC. Additionally, oral LMWPH administration increased serum protein content at 20 min, whereas WPC gradually increased serum protein content after 40 min. Although the total amount of WPC and LMWPH absorption was similar, LMWPH absorption rate was higher. Collectively, LMWPH, a hydrolysate of WPC, has distinct physicochemical properties and enhanced absorptive characteristics. Taken together, LMWPH is composed of low-molecular-weight peptides with low antigenicity and has improved absorption compared to WPC. Therefore, LMWPH can be used as a protein source with high bioavailability in the development of functional materials.
Demonstration of the Formation of a Selenocysteine Selenenic Acid through Hydrolysis of a Selenocysteine Selenenyl Iodide Utilizing a Protective Molecular Cradle
Authors: Goto Kei , Kimura Ryutaro , Masuda Ryosuke , Karasaki Takafumi , Sase Shohei
Published: December 2023

Selenocysteine selenenic acids (Sec–SeOHs) and selenocysteine selenenyl iodides (Sec–SeIs) have long been recognized as crucial intermediates in the catalytic cycle of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio), respectively. However, the observation of these reactive species remained elusive until our recent study, where we successfully stabilized Sec–SeOHs and Sec–SeIs using a protective molecular cradle. Here, we report the first demonstration of the chemical transformation from a Sec–SeI to a Sec–SeOH through alkaline hydrolysis. A stable Sec–SeI derived from a selenocysteine methyl ester was synthesized using the protective cradle, and its structure was determined by crystallographic analysis. The alkaline hydrolysis of the Sec–SeI at −50 °C yielded the corresponding Sec–SeOH in an 89% NMR yield, the formation of which was further confirmed by its reaction with dimedone. The facile and nearly quantitative conversion of the Sec–SeI to the Sec–SeOH not only validates the potential involvement of this process in the catalytic mechanism of Dio, but also highlights its utility as a method for producing a Sec–SeOH.
A Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Mitochondrial Peroxynitrite
Authors: Dong Han , Tang Meng-Yu , Shen Shili , Cao Xiao-Qun , Zhang Xiao-Fan
Published: December 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are pivotal signaling molecules that control a variety of physiological functions. As a member of the ROS family, peroxynitrite (ONOO−) possesses strong oxidation and nitrification abilities. Abnormally elevated levels of ONOO− can lead to cellular oxidative stress, which may cause several diseases. In this work, based on the rhodamine fluorophore, we designed and synthesized a novel small-molecule fluorescent probe (DH-1) for ONOO−. Upon reaction with ONOO−, DH-1 exhibited a significant fluorescence signal enhancement (approximately 34-fold). Moreover, DH-1 showed an excellent mitochondria-targeting capability. Confocal fluorescence imaging validated its ability to detect ONOO− changes in HeLa and RAW264.7 cells. Notably, we observed the ONOO− generation during the ferroptosis process by taking advantage of the probe. DH-1 displayed good biocompatibility, facile synthesis, and high selectivity, and may have potential applications in the study of ONOO−-associated diseases in biosystems.
Comparative Study of the Structural Characteristics and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides Extracted from Aspidopterys obcordata Hemsl. Using Different Solvents
Authors: Yue Jia-Rui , Lu Jian-Mei , Fan Qing-Fei , Sun Peng , Li Yang-Jian , Zhou Shi-Lin , Wang Xin-Yue , Niu Jun-Mei , Xu You-Kai , Zhou Jing
Published: December 2023

The polysaccharides extracted from Aspidopterys obcordata are thought to have anti-urolithiasis activity in Drosophila kidney stones. This study aimed to assess the effects of different extraction solvents on the yield, chemical composition, and bioactivity of polysaccharides from A. obcordata. A. obcordata polysaccharides were extracted by using four solutions: hot water, HCl solution, NaOH solution, and 0.1 M NaCl. The results revealed that the extraction solvents significantly influenced the extraction yields, molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide compositions, preliminary structural characteristics, and microstructures of polysaccharides. The NaOH solution’s extraction yield was significantly higher than the other extraction methods. Vitro antioxidant activity assays revealed that the NaOH solution extracted exhibited superior scavenging abilities towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and higher FRAP values than other polysaccharides. The vitro assays conducted for calcium oxalate crystallization demonstrated that four polysaccharides exhibited inhibitory effects on the nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, impeded calcium oxalate monohydrate growth, and induced calcium oxalate dihydrate formation. The NaOH solution extracted exhibited the most pronounced inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, while the hot water extracted demonstrated the most significant suppression of calcium oxalate crystal aggregation. Therefore, it can be inferred that polysaccharides extracted with NaOH solution exhibited significant potential as a viable approach for extracting polysaccharides from stems due to their superior yield and the remarkable bioactivity of the resulting products.
Recycling Coal Fly Ash for Super-Thermal-Insulating Aerogel Fiber Preparation with Simultaneous Al2O3 Extraction
Authors: Gu Jie , Liu Lipeng , Zhu Rongrong , Song Qiqi , Yu Hanqing , Jiang Pengjie , Miao Changqing , Du Yuxiang , Fu Rui , Wang Yaxiong , Hao Yan , Sai Huazheng
Published: December 2023

A large quantity of coal fly ash is generated worldwide from thermal power plants, causing a serious environmental threat owing to disposal and storage problems. In this work, for the first time, coal fly ash is converted into advanced and novel aerogel fibers and high-purity α-Al2O3. Silica–bacterial cellulose composite aerogel fibers (CAFs) were synthesized using an in situ sol-gel process under ambient pressure drying. Due to the unique “nanoscale interpenetrating network” (IPN) structure, the CAFs showed wonderful mechanical properties with an optimum tensile strength of 5.0 MPa at an ultimate elongation of 5.8%. Furthermore, CAFs with a high porosity (91.8%) and high specific surface area (588.75 m2/g) can inherit advanced features, including excellent thermal insulation, stability over a wide temperature range, and hydrophobicity (contact angle of approximately 144°). Additionally, Al2O3 was simultaneously extracted from the coal fly ash to ensure that the coal fly ash was fully exploited. Overall, low-cost woven CAFs fabrics are suitable for wearable applications and offer a great approach to comprehensively use coal fly ash to address environmental threats.
Age and 17β-Estradiol (E2) Facilitate Nuclear Export and Argonaute Loading of microRNAs in the Female Brain
Authors: Linscott Megan L. , Yildiz Yoldas , Flury Sarah , Newby Mikayla L. , Pak Toni R.
Published: December 2023

Aging in women is accompanied by a dramatic change in circulating sex steroid hormones. Specifically, the primary circulating estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), is nearly undetectable in post-menopausal women. This decline is associated with a variety of cognitive and mood disorders, yet hormone replacement therapy is only effective within a narrow window of time surrounding the menopausal transition. Our previous work identified microRNAs as a potential molecular substrate underlying the change in E2 efficacy associated with menopause in advanced age. Specifically, we showed that E2 regulated a small subset of mature miRNAs in the aging female brain. In this study, we hypothesized that E2 regulates the stability of mature miRNAs by altering their subcellular localization and their association with argonaute proteins. We also tested the hypothesis that the RNA binding protein, hnRNP A1, was an important regulator of mature miR-9-5p expression in neuronal cells. Our results demonstrated that E2 treatment affected miRNA subcellular localization and its association with argonaute proteins differently, depending on the length of time following E2 deprivation (i.e., ovariectomy). We also provide strong evidence that hnRNP A1 regulates the transcription of pri-miR-9 and likely plays a posttranscriptional role in mature miR-9-5p turnover. Taken together, these data have important implications for considering the optimal timing for hormone replacement therapy, which might be less dependent on age and more related to how long treatment is delayed following menopause.
Bullying Victimization, Real and Perceived Physical Fitness, and Self-Perception Profiles in Middle-School Students with Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Ballarin Giada , Gallè Francesca , Dinacci Lucia , Liberti Federica , Liguori Fabrizio , Nisco Maria Cristina , Cunti Antonia , Valerio Giuliana
Published: December 2023

Bullying victimization has been associated with body weight and physical fitness. In order to compare the prevalence of victimization among adolescents with normal weight or overweight/obesity and to evaluate the association between real or perceived physical fitness and self-perception profiles, a sample of 128 middle-school youths (mean age: 12.2 ± 0.8 years, 61% males) was recruited. The body mass index (BMI) Z score was calculated. Physical fitness was assessed by hand grip strength (HGS), long jump (LJ), and a 3 min step test (3MST). Perceived physical fitness, self-perception profiles (social competence, athletic competence, and physical appearance), and experiences of victimization (teasing about physical appearance, verbal offenses, and exclusion from group activities) were explored using validated questionnaires. Eighty youths (62.5%) showed overweight/obesity. Compared to their counterparts, normal-weight subjects showed lower HGS and perceived muscular strength; higher LJ and 3MST performance; higher perceived overall fitness, speed and flexibility, and physical appearance. Teasing and verbal offences were more frequent among students with overweight/obesity. Being teased about physical aspects was positively related with the BMI Z score. Exclusion from groups was positively associated with LJ performance. All the types of victimization investigated were inversely related to perceived social competence. These findings suggest that self-perception may protect one from victimization, regardless of nutritional status.
Effects of Long-Term Administration of Bovine Bone Gelatin Peptides on Myocardial Hypertrophy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Cao Songmin , Wang Xinyu , Xing Lujuan , Zhang Wangang
Published: December 2023

The research purpose was to investigate the effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of bovine bone gelatin peptides (BGP) on myocardial hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). BGP relieved myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in SHR rats in a dose-dependent manner by reducing the left ventricular mass index, myocardial cell diameter, myocardial fibrosis area, and levels of myocardial hypertrophy markers (atrial natriuretic and brain natriuretic peptide). Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis showed that long-term administration of BGP changed the left ventricle proteomes of SHR. The 37 differentially expressed proteins in the high-dose BGP group participated in multiple signaling pathways associated with cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis indicating that BGP could play a cardioprotective effect on SHR rats by targeting multiple signaling pathways. Further validation experiments showed that a high dose of BGP inhibited the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the myocardial tissue of SHR rats. Together, BGP could be an effective candidate for functional nutritional supplements to inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis by negatively regulating the TGF-β1 and Pi3k/Akt signaling pathways.
Protocol to Induce the Temporary Opening of the Blood–Brain Barrier with Short-Time Focused Ultrasound in Rats
Authors: Rodríguez Jorge A. , Gutiérrez Mario I. , Vera Arturo , Hernández Daniel A. , Gutiérrez Juan M. , Martínez-Fong Daniel , Leija Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

Brain neurodegenerative diseases are central nervous system (CNS) affections typically common in older adults. A new therapeutic approach for them consists of providing specific drugs to the CNS through blood circulation; however, the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) prevents almost 100% of neurotherapeutics from reaching the brain. There are indications that Focused Ultrasound (FUS), temporarily placed in the BBB, can achieve a controlled increase in temperature at its focus, allowing temporary, localized, and reversible opening of this barrier, which facilitates the temporary delivery of specific drugs. This work presents a FUS-based protocol for the local, temporary, and reversible opening of the BBB in Wistar rats. The proposed protocol specifies certain power, treatment times, and duty cycle to controllably increase the temperature at the region of interest, i.e., the substantia nigra. Numerical simulations using commercial software based on the finite element method were carried out to determine the optimal size of the craniotomies for nearly full-acoustic transmission. Experiments in rats were performed with the parameters used during computational simulations to determine the adequate opening of the BBB. For this, craniotomies of different sizes were made at coordinates of the substantia nigra, and FUS was applied from the exterior. The opening of the BBB was evaluated using Evans Blue (EB) as an indicator of the crossing of the dye from the blood vessels to brain tissue. Numerical simulations demonstrated a major distance reached by the ultrasound focus with a bigger diameter. Experimental results show the local, temporary, and reversible opening of the BBB through a 10 mm diameter craniotomy, which effectively allowed placing the ultrasound focus over the substantia nigra, unlike a 6 mm diameter craniotomy in which there is a deviation of the focus through that window. Moreover, from these results, it was also determined that the disruption of the BBB was reversible, with an opening duration of 6 h after FUS application. The experimental work developed in this study resulted in a minimally invasive method for the temporary opening of the BBB.
Cellulosic Textiles—An Appealing Trend for Different Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Nocca Giuseppina , Arcovito Alessandro , Elkasabgy Nermeen A. , Basha Mona , Giacon Noah , Mazzinelli Elena , Abdel-Maksoud Mohammed S. , Kamel Rabab
Published: December 2023

Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer in nature, is derived from various sources. The production of pharmaceutical textiles based on cellulose represents a growing sector. In medicated textiles, textile and pharmaceutical sciences are integrated to develop new healthcare approaches aiming to improve patient compliance. Through the possibility of cellulose functionalization, pharmaceutical textiles can broaden the applications of cellulose in the biomedical field. This narrative review aims to illustrate both the methods of extraction and preparation of cellulose fibers, with a particular focus on nanocellulose, and diverse pharmaceutical applications like tissue restoration and antimicrobial, antiviral, and wound healing applications. Additionally, the merging between fabricated cellulosic textiles with drugs, metal nanoparticles, and plant-derived and synthetic materials are also illustrated. Moreover, new emerging technologies and the use of smart medicated textiles (3D and 4D cellulosic textiles) are not far from those within the review scope. In each section, the review outlines some of the limitations in the use of cellulose textiles, indicating scientific research that provides significant contributions to overcome them. This review also points out the faced challenges and possible solutions in a trial to present an overview on all issues related to the use of cellulose for the production of pharmaceutical textiles.
Frequency Acquisition Approach in Polarization-Modulated Ranging Based on Lock-in Analysis
Authors: Gao Shuyuan , Wang Yue , Chen Shaofei , Ma Yandong , Gao Chao
Published: December 2023

In this study, we propose a frequency measurement and estimation approach based on a lock-in analysis for precise frequency determination in polarization-modulated ranging signals. In this method, the modulation signal of an electro-optic modulator (EOM) is manipulated to introduce an intermediate frequency (IF) component into the detected signal. Subsequently, the detected signal is analyzed using lock-in analysis techniques to extract the necessary frequency component, and a new swept frequency waveform is generated, facilitating the frequency acquisition and distance calculation. We conducted theoretical derivations, simulations and experiments to validate the effectiveness of this method. The research findings suggest that our method can enhance the accuracy of frequency measurements by a factor of approximately ten when compared to a direct detection approach, leading to a corresponding improvement in ranging precision. Furthermore, even with larger sweep step sizes and smaller modulation frequencies, the proposed approach can achieve superior ranging results.
The Application of an Eco-Friendly Synthetic Polymer as a Sandy Soil Stabilizer
Authors: Boaventura Nathália Freitas , Sousa Thiago Freitas de Porfírio , Casagrande Michéle Dal Toé
Published: December 2023

The conducted investigation encompassed the comprehensive integration of mechanical, environmental, chemical, and microstructural evaluations of a composite amalgamating sandy soil and a synthetic polymer at two distinct concentrations (2.5% and 5%) across multiple curing intervals (0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 15, 30, and 45 days). The studied soil originates from an environmentally significant protected area in Brazil. The implementation of mechanisms for soil improvement in the region must adhere to technical criteria without causing environmental harm. Direct shear testing was conducted, permeability was assessed, and microstructure analysis and XRD and XRF/EDX studies of both the soil and composites were conducted. It was observed that longer curing times yielded improved results in shear stress, friction angle, and cohesive intercept, with SP_5% exhibiting the highest values compared with the soil and SP_2.5%. Adding the polymeric solution to the soil contributed to cementation and cohesion gains in the substrate. Through microstructural characterization, the polymer’s role as a cementing agent for the grains is evident, forming a film on the grains and binding them together. Based on the analyses and studies conducted in the research, it can be concluded that there is technical feasibility for applying the polymeric solution at both dosages in geotechnical projects.