bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Salmonellosis: A Continuous Global Threat in the Farm-to-Fork Food Safety Continuum
Authors: Teklemariam Addisu D. , Al-Hindi Rashad R. , Albiheyri Raed S. , Alharbi Mona G. , Alghamdi Mashail A. , Filimban Amani A. R. , Al Mutiri Abdullah S. , Al-Alyani Abdullah M. , Alseghayer Mazen S. , Almaneea Abdulaziz M. , Albar Abdulgader H. , Khormi Mohsen A. , Bhunia Arun K.
Published: April 2023

Salmonella is one of the most common zoonotic foodborne pathogens and a worldwide public health threat. Salmonella enterica is the most pathogenic among Salmonella species, comprising over 2500 serovars. It causes typhoid fever and gastroenteritis, and the serovars responsible for the later disease are known as non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS). Salmonella transmission to humans happens along the farm-to-fork continuum via contaminated animal- and plant-derived foods, including poultry, eggs, fish, pork, beef, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and flour. Several virulence factors have been recognized to play a vital role in attaching, invading, and evading the host defense system. These factors include capsule, adhesion proteins, flagella, plasmids, and type III secretion systems that are encoded on the Salmonella pathogenicity islands. The increased global prevalence of NTS serovars in recent years indicates that the control approaches centered on alleviating the food animals’ contamination along the food chain have been unsuccessful. Moreover, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella variants suggests a potential food safety crisis. This review summarizes the current state of the knowledge on the nomenclature, microbiological features, virulence factors, and the mechanism of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella. Furthermore, it provides insights into the pathogenesis and epidemiology of Salmonella infections. The recent outbreaks of salmonellosis reported in different clinical settings and geographical regions, including Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the USA in the farm-to-fork continuum, are also highlighted.
Molecular Characterization and Bioactivities of a Novel Polysaccharide from Phyllostachys pracecox Bamboo Shoot Residues
Authors: Huang Xubo , Zhang Yalan , Xie Na , Cheng Junwen , Wang Yanbin , Yuan Shaofei , Li Qin , Shi Rui , He Liang , Chen Min
Published: April 2023

Dietary carbohydrates are unexploited in the by-products of economically valuable Phyllostachys pracecox bamboo shoots. A residue-derived polysaccharide (PBSR1) was aqueously extracted from the processing waste of this bamboo shoot species. Its primary structure and advanced conformation were elucidated by a combined analysis of spectroscopy, chromatography, 2D nuclear magnetic resonance, laser light scattering and atomic microscopy. The results indicated PBSR1 was a triple-helix galactan consisting of →6)-β-D-Galp and →3)-β-D-Galp in linear with an 863 KD molecular weight (Mw). The relationship between the radius of gyration (Rg) and intrinsic viscosity ([η]) on Mw were established as Rg = 1.95 × 10−2Mw0.52±0.03 (nm) and [η] = 9.04 × 10−1Mw0.56±0.02 (mL/g) for PBSR1 in saline solution at 25 °C, which indicated it adopted a triple-helix chain shape with a height of 1.60 ± 0.12 nm supported by a red shift of λmax in Congo red analysis. The thermodynamic test (TG) displayed that it had excellent thermal stability for the food industry. Further, those unique structure features furnish PBSR1 on antioxidation with EC50 of 0.65 mg/mL on DPPH· and an ORAC value of 329.46 ± 12.1 μmol TE/g. It also possessed pronounced immunostimulation by up-regulating pro-inflammatory signals including NO, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in murine cells. Our studies provided substantial data for the high-valued application of residues and a better understanding of the structure–function relationship of polysaccharide.
Correction: AL-Othman et al. Development and Characterization of Nutritious Gluten-Free Doughnuts with Lupin and Inulin Flours. Foods 2022, 11, 3237
Authors: AL-Othman Hashem , Maghaydah Sofyan , Abughoush Mahmoud , Olaimat Amin N. , Al-Holy Murad A. , Ajo Radwan , Al Khalaileh Nazieh I. , Choudhury Imranul H. , Angor Malak
Published: April 2023

The authors wish to make corrections to the order of the authors [...]
Rapid and Simple Detection of Burkholderia gladioli in Food Matrices Using RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a Method
Authors: Zheng Jiale , Liu Li , Li Xiangmei , Xu Zhenlin , Gai Zuoqi , Zhang Xu , Lei Hongtao , Shen Xing
Published: April 2023

Pathogenic variants of Burkholderia gladioli pose a serious threat to human health and food safety, but there is a lack of rapid and sensitive field detection methods for Burkholderia gladioli. In this study, the CRISPR/Cas12a system combined with recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification (RPA) was used to detect Burkholderia gladioli in food. The optimized RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay was able to specifically and stably detect Burkholderia gladioli at a constant 37 °C without the assistance of large equipment. The detection limit of the method was evaluated at two aspects, the genomic DNA (gDNA) level and bacterial quantity, of which there were 10−3 ng/μL and 101 CFU/mL, respectively. Three kinds of real food samples were tested. The detection limit for rice noodles, fresh white noodles, and glutinous rice flour samples was 101 CFU/mL, 102 CFU/mL, and 102 CFU/mL, respectively, without any enrichment steps. The whole detection process, including sample pretreatment and DNA extraction, did not exceed one hour. Compared with the qPCR method, the established RPA-CRISPR /Cas12a method was simpler and even more sensitive. Using this method, a visual detection of Burkholderia gladioli that is suitable for field detection can be achieved quickly and easily.
A Green and Effective Polyethylene Glycols-Based Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Carnosic and Rosmarinic Acids from Rosmarinus officinalis Leaves
Authors: Zhu Chunyan , Fan Yunchang , Bai Xiujun
Published: April 2023

Rosmarinus officinalis leaves (ROLs) are widely used as a popular culinary spice for flavoring food, in which carnosic acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) are the main active components. The extraction of CA and RA is limited by lowextraction efficiency and extraction rate. In this work, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method using biodegradable, low-toxic and nonflammable solvents polyethylene glycols (PEGs) as extraction solvents was developed for theextraction of CA and RA from ROLs. Experimental results suggest that PEG-400 was a better choice compared with PEG-200, and the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: 45% of PEG-400, 4.3% of phosphoric acid, 20 s of microwave irradiation time at 280 W of microwave irradiation power, and a 10 mg mL−1 solid–liquid ratio, respectively. The tissue structures of ROLs could be effectively disrupted by PEG-based MAE, leading to high CA and RA extraction efficiencies. The PEG-400 extract exhibited stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Finally, compared with heating reflux extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, maceration, and MAE using ionic liquid and ethanol as extraction solvents, the developed PEG-400 based MAE exhibited the highest extraction ability and fastest extraction rate for CA and RA. These findings suggest that MAE using PEGs as extraction solvents is a promising method for the separation of bioactive compounds from natural plants.
Efficacy of Chitosan Oligosaccharide Combined with Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Controlling Quality Deterioration and Spoilage Bacterial Growth of Chilled Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Yu Mijia , Ding Yixuan , Du Qi , Liao Yueqin , Miao Wenhua , Deng Shanggui , Cullen Patrick J. , Zhou Rusen
Published: April 2023

A novel food processing technique based on the combination of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and chitosan oligosaccharide treatment (COS) was developed to enhance antibacterial performance and extend the shelf life of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Effects of different treatments on the microbial community composition, physicochemical properties, and post-storage behaviors of Pacific white shrimp were evaluated during chilled storage for up to 10 days. Results showed that the synergistic effects of COS and CAP could be obtained, largely inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The content of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), total viable counts (TVC), and pH value in treated groups were lower than in the control group and the loss of moisture content, water activity, and sensory score were observed. Compared to the control group, shrimp was on the verge of spoilage on the 6th day of storage, while the COS–CAP-treated shrimp had a 4-day lag period. Moreover, the COS and CAP could effectively inhibit the growth of Aliivibrio, the predominant microbial group in the ultimate storage period. This study suggests that the combined utilization of COS and CAP could be a high-efficacy technique for extending the shelf-life of shrimp.
Isothermal Storage Delays the Senescence of Post-Harvest Apple Fruit through the Regulation of Antioxidant Activity and Energy Metabolism
Authors: Chen Lan , Wang Mengya , Wang Haifen , Zhou Cong , Yuan Junwei , Li Xihong , Pan Yanfang
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this work was to elucidate the influence of TF (5 ± 5 °C, and 5 ± 1 °C) and CT (5 ± 0.1 °C served as an isothermal state) storage environment on the antioxidant ability and energy metabolism in post-harvest apple fruit during storage. Specifically, compared with fruit in TFs groups, the quality attributes of apples in the CT group, including firmness, fresh weight, contents of SSC, and TA were maintained at a higher level. In addition, fruit stored in the CT environment revealed a suppressed respiration rate and EL, lower MDA, O2·−, and H2O2 accumulation but increased the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, and GR. At the end of storage, the SOD, CAT, APX, and GR activities of fruit in the CT group were 38.14%,48.04%, 115.29%, and 34.85% higher than that of the TF5 group, respectively. Fruit in the CT environment also revealed higher AsA, GSH, total phenols, and total flavonoid content. In addition, fruit stored in the CT environment maintained higher ATP content, EC, and more active H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, CCO, and SDH. At the end of storage, the SDH and CCO activities of fruit in the TF0.1 group were 1.74, and 2.59 times higher than that in the TF5 group, respectively. Taken together, we attributed the fact that a constant temperature storage environment can retard the fruit senescence to the enhancement of antioxidant capacities and maintaining of higher energy status in apple fruit.
Bifurcation and Stability of Two-Dimensional Activator–Inhibitor Model with Fractional-Order Derivative
Authors: Berkal Messaoud , Almatrafi Mohammed Bakheet
Published: April 2023

In organisms’ bodies, the activities of enzymes can be catalyzed or inhibited by some inorganic and organic compounds. The interaction between enzymes and these compounds is successfully described by mathematics. The main purpose of this article is to investigate the dynamics of the activator–inhibitor system (Gierer–Meinhardt system), which is utilized to describe the interactions of chemical and biological phenomena. The system is considered with a fractional-order derivative, which is converted to an ordinary derivative using the definition of the conformable fractional derivative. The obtained differential equations are solved using the separation of variables. The stability of the obtained positive equilibrium point of this system is analyzed and discussed. We find that this point can be locally asymptotically stable, a source, a saddle, or non-hyperbolic under certain conditions. Moreover, this article concentrates on exploring a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and a period-doubling bifurcation. Then, we present some numerical computations to verify the obtained theoretical results. The findings of this work show that the governing system undergoes the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and the period-doubling bifurcation under certain conditions. These types of bifurcation occur in small domains, as shown theoretically and numerically. Some 2D figures are illustrated to visualize the behavior of the solutions in some domains.
Tissue Adhesive, Biocompatible, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Hydrogels Based on Tannic Acid and Fungal-Derived Carboxymethyl Chitosan for Wound-Dressing Applications
Authors: Rao Kummara Madhusudana , Uthappa Uluvangada Thammaiah , Kim Hyeon Jin , Han Sung Soo
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to develop hydrogels for tissue adhesion that are biocompatible, antioxidant, and antibacterial. We achieved this by using tannic acid (TA) and fungal-derived carboxymethyl chitosan (FCMCS) incorporated in a polyacrylamide (PAM) network using free-radical polymerization. The concentration of TA greatly influenced the physicochemical and biological properties of the hydrogels. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the nanoporous structure of the FCMCS hydrogel was retained with the addition of TA, resulting in a nanoporous surface structure. Equilibrium-swelling experiments revealed that increasing the concentration of TA significantly improved water uptake capacity. Antioxidant radical-scavenging assays and porcine skin adhesion tests confirmed the excellent adhesive properties of the hydrogels, with adhesion strengths of up to 39.8 ± 1.2 kPa for 1.0TA-FCMCS due to the presence of abundant phenolic groups on TA. The hydrogels were also found to be biocompatible with skin fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the presence of TA significantly enhanced the antibacterial properties of the hydrogels against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Therefore, the developed drug-free antibacterial and tissue-adhesive hydrogels can potentially be used as wound dressings for infected wounds.
Neuroprotective Peptides and New Strategies for Ischemic Stroke Drug Discoveries
Authors: Dergunova Lyudmila V. , Filippenkov Ivan B. , Limborska Svetlana A. , Myasoedov Nikolay F.
Published: April 2023

Ischemic stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability in the adult population worldwide. The currently used pharmacological methods for the treatment of ischemic stroke are not effective enough and require the search for new tools and approaches to identify therapeutic targets and potential neuroprotectors. Today, in the development of neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of stroke, special attention is paid to peptides. Namely, peptide action is aimed at blocking the cascade of pathological processes caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain tissues. Different groups of peptides have therapeutic potential in ischemia. Among them are small interfering peptides that block protein–protein interactions, cationic arginine-rich peptides with a combination of various neuroprotective properties, shuttle peptides that ensure the permeability of neuroprotectors through the blood–brain barrier, and synthetic peptides that mimic natural regulatory peptides and hormones. In this review, we consider the latest achievements and trends in the development of new biologically active peptides, as well as the role of transcriptomic analysis in identifying the molecular mechanisms of action of potential drugs aimed at the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Japanese Flounder pol-miR-155 Is Involved in Edwardsiella tarda Infection via ATG3
Authors: Zhang Zhanwei , Guan Xiaolu
Published: April 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that function in the post-transcriptionally regulation of the expression of diverse genes, including those involved in immune defense. Edwardsiella tarda can infect a broad range of hosts and cause severe disease in aquatic species, including Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). In this study, we examined the regulation mechanism of a flounder miRNA, pol-miR-155, during the infection of E. tarda. Pol-miR-155 was identified to target flounder ATG3. Overexpression of pol-miR-155 or knockdown of ATG3 expression suppressed autophagy and promoted the intracellular replication of E. tarda in flounder cells. Overexpression of pol-miR-155 activated the NF-κB signaling pathway and further promoted the expression of downstream immune related genes of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. These results unraveled the regulatory effect of pol-miR-155 in autophagy and in E. tarda infection.
Adaptive Sparse Multi-Block PLS Discriminant Analysis: An Integrative Method for Identifying Key Biomarkers from Multi-Omics Data
Authors: Zhang Runzhi , Datta Susmita
Published: April 2023

With the growing use of high-throughput technologies, multi-omics data containing various types of high-dimensional omics data is increasingly being generated to explore the association between the molecular mechanism of the host and diseases. In this study, we present an adaptive sparse multi-block partial least square discriminant analysis (asmbPLS-DA), an extension of our previous work, asmbPLS. This integrative approach identifies the most relevant features across different types of omics data while discriminating multiple disease outcome groups. We used simulation data with various scenarios and a real dataset from the TCGA project to demonstrate that asmbPLS-DA can identify key biomarkers from each type of omics data with better biological relevance than existing competitive methods. Moreover, asmbPLS-DA showed comparable performance in the classification of subjects in terms of disease status or phenotypes using integrated multi-omics molecular profiles, especially when combined with other classification algorithms, such as linear discriminant analysis and random forest. We have made the R package called asmbPLS that implements this method publicly available on GitHub. Overall, asmbPLS-DA achieved competitive performance in terms of feature selection and classification. We believe that asmbPLS-DA can be a valuable tool for multi-omics research.
Alternative Splicing of NAC Transcription Factor Gene CmNST1 Is Associated with Naked Seed Mutation in Pumpkin, Cucurbita moschata
Authors: Shen Qiong , Weng Yiqun
Published: April 2023

In pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), the naked or hull-less seed phenotype has great benefits for breeding this crop for oil or snack use. We previously identified a naked seed mutant in this crop. In this study, we report genetic mapping, identification, and characterization of a candidate gene for this mutation. We showed that the naked seed phenotype is controlled by a single recessive gene (N). The bulked segregant analysis identified a 2.4 Mb region on Chromosome 17 with 15 predicted genes. Multiple lines of evidence suggested that CmoCh17G004790 is the most probable candidate gene for the N locus which encodes a NAC transcription factor WALL THICKENING PROMOTING FACTOR 1 (CmNST1). No nucleotide polymorphism or structural variation was found in the genomic DNA sequences of CmNST1 between the mutant and the wildtype inbred line (hulled seed). However, the cDNA sequence cloned from developing seed coat samples of the naked seed mutant was 112 bp shorter than that from the wildtype which is due to seed coat-specific alternative splicing in the second exon of the mutant CmNST1 transcript. The expression level of CmNST1 in the developing seed coat was higher in the mutant than in the wildtype during early seed coat development which was reversed later. Transcriptomic profiling with RNA-Seq at different stages of seed development in the mutant and wildtype revealed a critical role of CmNST1 as a master regulator for the lignin biosynthesis pathway during seed coat development while other NAC and MYB transcription factors were also involved in forming a regulatory network for the building of secondary cell walls. This work provides a novel mechanism for the well-characterized NST1 transcription factor gene in regulating secondary cell wall development. The cloned gene also provides a useful tool for marker-assisted breeding of hull-less C. moschata varieties.
Screening Candidate Genes at the Co Locus Conferring to the Columnar Growth Habit in Apple (Malus × Domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhao Yuan , Chu Yu , Li Yuru , Song Yuqi , Pan Qi , Qiu Zhannan , Yu Boyang , Zhu Yuandi
Published: April 2023

The columnar growth trait of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is genetically controlled by the Columnar (Co) locus on 10 chromosomes, including several candidate genes. Except for MdCo31, other candidate genes at the Co locus are less elucidated. In this study, a strategy of step-by-step screening was adopted to select 11 candidate genes by experimental cloning, transient expression, and genetic transformation. There existed several SNPs in four genes by sequence alignment in columnar and non-columnar apples. Two genes were detected in the nucleus and three genes in the cell membrane, other genes were located in multiple cellular structures by subcellular location. Ectopic expression demonstrated that more branching occurred in MdCo38-OE by upregulating NtPIN1 and NtGA2ox and enlarged leaves in MdCo41-OE tobaccos by upregulating NtCCDs. Transcripts of MdCo38 and MdCo41 were associated with the Co genotypes in apples. The results indicate that MdCo38 and MdCo41 are involved in the columnar growth phenotype in apple, probably through altering polar auxin transport, active gibberellin levels, and strigolactone biosynthesis.
Qualitative Investigation into the Perception towards Compassionate Parenting among Parents of Autistic Children: Cross-Cultural Comparison between the UK and The Netherlands
Authors: Curley Kenneth , Kotera Yasuhiro
Published: April 2023

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder is believed to present challenges that lead to increased levels of stress, as well as a reduction in the quality of the relationship between parent and child. This study aims to investigate parental perceptions toward a compassionate parenting style of parenting to better understand how this style may influence relationships and quality of life in parents. Parents from the United Kingdom (six parents) and the Netherlands (five parents) were invited take part in semi-structured interviews, whereby the data collected were subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. Data from both British and Dutch groups were overall similar to each other. Four themes were identified from the aggregated data: (a) “Parents believe compassionate parenting is important” (parents believed that compassion is an essential element of their parenting style and improves situational outcomes); (b) “Compassionate parenting de-escalates stressful situations” (compassionate parenting reduces stress and improves the quality of life); (c) “High pressure situations as a threat to practice compassion” (challenges and limitations to compassionate parenting style); and (d) “Greater public and professional awareness of autistic behaviours” (the general public and professional services often lack awareness to recognise autistic behaviour traits). Results are consistent with research examining the perceptions of parents of neurotypical children, in that a more compassionate approach to parenting is valued, as it is believed to create a greater connection with the child. Our findings inform researchers and educators as to what parents of children with ASD find useful, important, and worthwhile. Future research needs to investigate how compassionate parenting impacts autistic children’s quality of life.
The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Variation of Oxidative Stress, hs-CRP and Cortisol Induced by Sleep Deficiency
Authors: Park Jong-Suk , Murlasits Zsolt , Kim Sangho
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sleep deficiency (SD) on oxidative stress, hs-CRP and cortisol levels and to examine the effects of different intensities of aerobic exercise on these parameters under SD conditions. Thirty-two healthy male university students participated in the study and underwent both normal sleep (NS, 8 h of sleep per night for 3 consecutive days) and SD (4 h of sleep per night for 3 consecutive days). After the SD period, the participants performed treatment for 30 min according to their assigned group [sleep supplement after SD (SSD), low-intensity aerobic exercise after SD (LES), moderate-intensity aerobic exercise after SD (MES), high-intensity aerobic exercise after SD (HES)]. Sleep-related factors were measured at NS and SD, while oxidative stress, hs-CRP and cortisol levels were measured at NS, SD and immediately after treatment by group (AT). The results showed that actual total sleep time (ATST) was significantly reduced during SD compared to NS (p < 0.001), while the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were significantly increased during SD compared to NS (p < 0.001). The difference in reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and cortisol levels showed a significant interaction effect (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively), with LES showing a decrease in d-ROMs and cortisol levels compared to SD (p < 0.05). Similarly, SSD showed a decrease in cortisol levels compared to SD (p < 0.05), while HES led to a significant increase in d-ROMs and cortisol levels compared to SD (p < 0.05). Biological antioxidant potential (BAP) and hs-CRP did not show any significant effect (p > 0.05). These results suggest that LES is the most effective exercise intensity for mitigating the negative effects of SD.
New Hydronephrosis in the Native Kidney Is Associated with the Development of De Novo Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma in Patients with Post-Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Ho Cheng-Ju , Huang Yu-Hui , Hsieh Tzuo-Yi , Yang Min-Hsin , Wang Shao-Chuan , Chen Wen-Jung , Sung Wen-Wei , Chen Sung-Lang
Published: April 2023

Increased malignancy after kidney transplantation (KT) is by far the most troublesome issue. Among these malignancies, urothelial carcinoma (UC) incidence is uniquely high in Taiwan. We want to know whether routine sonography to detect native hydronephrosis is associated with the development of de novo urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma (UBUC) in post-KT recipients. From 2003 to 2018, we retrospectively analyzed 1005 KT patients, 58 of whom were subsequently diagnosed with UBUC. The association between new native hydronephrosis and post-KT UBUC was analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and a Kaplan–Meier plot. We excluded cases of people who had upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and were diagnosed prior to UBUC. There were 612 males (60.9%) and 393 females (39.1%), with a mean age of 48.2 ± 12.0 years old at KT. The mean follow-up period was 118.6 ± 70.2 months, and the diagnosis of UBUC from KT to UBUC was 7.0 ± 5.1 years. New native kidney hydronephrosis occurred more frequently in the UBUC group (56.4% versus 6.4%, p < 0.001) than the non-UBUC group. Multivariate analysis disclosed that native hydronephrosis is the only statistically significant factor for UBUC, with an odds ratio of 16.03 (95% CI, 8.66–29.68; p < 0.001). UBUC in post-KT patients with native hydronephrosis also showed a tendency toward multifocal lesions upon presentation (47.8%). Post-KT UBUC is characterized by pathologically aggressive and multiple foci lesions. Native kidney hydronephrosis may be a deciding factor of post-KT UBUC.
Hospital Admission Due to Hypotension in Australia and in England and Wales
Authors: Hemmo Sara Ibrahim , Naser Abdallah Y. , Taybeh Esra’ O.
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Hypotension is overlooked because it is often harmless, easily reversed, and can have few or even no symptoms. However, complications of untreated hypotension are dangerous and can result in death. The aim of this study was to examine the trend of hospital admission due to hypotension in Australia and in England and Wales between 1999 and 2020. Method: This was a secular trend analysis study that examined the hospitalisation pattern for hypotension in Australia, England, and Wales between 1999 and 2020. Hospitalisation data were obtained from the National Hospital Morbidity Database in Australia, Hospital Episode Statistics database in England, and Patient Episode Database for Wales. We analysed the variation in hospitalisation rates using the Pearson chi-square test for independence. Results: Our study showed that hypotension hospital admission rates increased significantly between 1999 and 2020 by 168%, 398%, and 149% in Australia, England, and Wales, respectively. The most common hypotension hospital admissions reason was orthostatic hypotension. All types of hypotension-related hospital admissions in Australia, England, and Wales were directly related to age, more common among the age group 75 years and above. Bed-days hypotension hospital admission patients accounted for 84.6%, 99.5%, and 99.7% of the total number of hypotension hospital admissions in Australia, England, and Wales. Conclusion: In the past two decades, orthostatic hypotension was the most prevalent type of hypotension that required hospitalization in Australia, England, and Wales. Age was identified as the primary risk factor for hypotension across all causes. Future research should focus on identifying modifiable risk factors for hypotension and developing strategies to reduce the burden of orthostatic hypotension.
Low Exercise Tolerance as a Marker of Erectile Dysfunction and Depression among Post-Myocardial Infarction Men
Authors: Mandera-Grygierzec Amanda , Kostrzewska Paulina , Szuster Ewa , Pawlikowska-Gorzelańczyk Anna , Biernikiewicz Małgorzata , Rusiecka Agnieszka , Mrozek-Szetela Aneta , Sobieszczańska Małgorzata , Rożek-Piechura Krystyna , Markiewicz Monika , Kałka Dariusz
Published: April 2023

Evidence has grown recently on the correlation between lifestyle and physical activity, and their impact on the functioning of the entire organism. In addition, a decrease in physical efficiency may be an indicator of the early diagnosis of systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between exercise tolerance and possible erectile dysfunction or mental disorders. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 men in 4 cardiac rehabilitation centers in Poland using the standardized International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires. Erectile dysfunction was directly proportional to the metabolic equivalent of the task (MET) variable. An increase in exercise tolerance by 1 point was associated with an increase in the IIEF-5 score by 1.62 points, indicating a reduction in the severity of erectile dysfunction. The 1-point increase in MET was associated with a 1.8-point decrease in BDI, indicating that an increase in exercise tolerance is associated with a decrease in the severity of depressive disorders. Increasing the tolerance of physical effort has a beneficial effect not only on the general well-being, but also on the sexual and mental health of men. An increase in exercise tolerance is associated with a reduction in the incidence of erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, in patients with depressive disorders, the improvement of exercise tolerance reduces the intensity of depression symptoms. Exercise tolerance can be an early and simple marker at the onset of erectile dysfunction or mood disorders.
Effect of Fertilization Level on the Yield, Carotenoids, and Phenolic Content of Orange- and Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato
Authors: Balázs Viktor , Helyes Lajos , Daood Hussein G. , Pék Zoltán , Neményi András , Égei Márton , Takács Sándor
Published: April 2023

Maintaining a diverse diet is essential for the preservation of one’s health and may contribute to the fight against significant civilization diseases such as obesity or diabetes. Sweet potato can be fitted into a diverse diet and serve as a functional food with its antioxidant content. Therefore, it is important to know how the production technology alters the content and composition of these antioxidant compounds. The objective of this study was to collect information on how the increased potassium dominant fertilizer levels and also the additional high-dose fertigation can affect the phytonutrient contents and yields in an orange- and a purple-fleshed sweet potato cultivar. Field experiments were conducted in the Hungarian county of Heves in two consecutive growing seasons in 2021–2022. Different doses of potassium-predominant fertilizer were applied to an orange flesh (Beauregard) and a purple flesh (Stokes Purple) varieties of sweet potatoes. Different application techniques were used in the form of base and top dressing at different rates. The effect on yield and polyphenol content of the different fertilizer rates was investigated. Analytical studies were carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the case of the Beauregard variety, in addition to identifying the carotenoids, we also performed their quantitative determination. We found that 87% of the carotenoid content was ß-carotene. The total anthocyanin content was investigated for the purple variety—Stokes Purple, for which a new extraction method was developed. In our study, the split dosages, when the pre-planting fertilizer was supplemented with additional liquid fertilization, resulted in 36 and 30.5% higher yields in the Beauregard in Experiment I and Experiment II, respectively, compared to the untreated control plots over the two years. The additional liquid fertilizer increased the yield to a lesser extent when compared to treatments received only pre-planting fertilizer. As for Experiment III, the split dosages resulted in 34.4% higher yields in the Stokes Purple compared to the control plots. However, the additional liquid fertilizer was not effective at all when the plants received a double dose of pre-planting fertilizer in the case of Stokes Purple. Total carotenoid (Experiment I–II) was higher and anthocyanin yield per plant (Experiment III) was significantly higher in the split-dosage treatment than in the untreated control plots.
Investigating Cellulose Nanocrystals’ Biocompatibility and Their Effects on Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato Epiphytic Survival for Sustainable Crop Protection
Authors: Schiavi Daniele , Taddei Anna Rita , Balestra Giorgio Mariano
Published: April 2023

Nanotechnology could play a huge role in ensuring safer and greener agriculture in the years ahead by providing sustainable tools to control plant diseases. In this study, the possibility of using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) obtained from tomato waste to control the bacterial speck disease’s causal agent was evaluated for the effects on plant development. Biocompatibility was assessed by studying seeds’ germination, leaf area, biomass and nitrogen balance index of tomato seedlings treated with CNC. Since epiphytic survival represents a relevant phase in early and later infections provoked by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), the CNC’s ability to lower the level of bacterial cells in the plant canopy was evaluated in treated seedlings at 1, 7 and 14 days after being artificially inoculated. Leaflets were collected and washed to quantify the epiphytic bacterial population and observed through electron microscopy. Obtained results indicate that CNCs are non-toxic, compatible nanomaterials, highlighting at the same time their potential in counteracting bacterial speck disease by decreasing the level of epiphytic population after two weeks from inoculation by up to one log unit (3.08 CFU cm−2) compared to the control (3.94 CFU cm−2). Moreover, we were able to demonstrate that it is possible to cut in half the amount of copper without losing effectiveness in controlling the bacteria by mixing it with CNCs, concluding that CNCs could be used to design innovative sustainable plant protection strategies.
The Attraction of Apple Rhizosphere Microorganisms and Changing Leaf Characteristics by Strigolactone
Authors: Soliman Sabry , Wang Yi , Han Zhenhai , El-kereamy Ashraf
Published: April 2023

Apple leaf characteristics are the most important vegetative growth and development traits. The apple rhizosphere is also indirectly responsible for apple growth and development. It provides roots with elements and compounds that improve roots’ and shoots’ growth and development. The application of exogenous plant growth regulators such as strigolactones (SLs) has become one of the main trends for improving vegetative growth and enhancing the rhizosphere microbiome. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the exogenous SLs on some leaf characteristics, such as leaf area, angle, nitrogen content, chlorophyll content, and apical area diameter, in addition to the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome of apple M9 rootstock. The apple rootstocks were treated with various concentrations of GR24, an analog of SLs; the concentrations were 0, 1, 5, and 10 µM. The study found that the treatments of 5 µM increased the leaf–stem angles and leaf length while decreasing the apical diameter. The treatments of 1 and 5 µM increased leaf nitrogen content; however, this effect was not observed when using the higher concentration of 10 µM. The lower concentration (1 µM) led to a different abundance and diversity of microorganisms compared to the higher concentration (10 µm).
Effects of Exposure to Formal Aquatic Activities on Babies Younger Than 36 Months: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Carlos , Burnay Carolina , Button Chris , Cordovil Rita
Published: April 2023

This systematic review investigated the possible effects of exposing infants to formal activities in aquatic environments. A literature search of eight databases was concluded on 12 December 2022. Studies were eligible if they: (i) focused on 0–36 months of age infants, (ii) addressed the exposure of infants to formal aquatic activities, and (iii) compared the ‘same condition of aquatic exposure with the control’ or ‘before and after exposure’. The PRISMA protocol was used. Articles considered for inclusion (n = 18) were clustered in the health, development, and physiological outcome domains. The results show that research is focused on indoor activities, mainly in baby swimming programs and baby aquatic therapy interventions. Swimming and aquatic therapy practices are generally safe for babies’ health, and there are benefits to preterm and newborns exposed to aquatic therapy once the physiological parameters are maintained in normal and safe patterns. A positive effect is also suggested in general gross and fine motor skills, visual motion perception, cognitive flexibility, and response selection accuracy for infants who participated in aquatic programs. Further investigation with high-quality experimental designs is required to establish the effect of exposure of infants to formal aquatic activities (Systematic Review Registration: CRD42021248054).
Identification, Baculoviral Expression, and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Cholinesterase of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Temeyer Kevin B. , Schlechte Kristie G. , Gross Aaron D. , Lohmeyer Kimberly H.
Published: April 2023

A cDNA encoding a novel cholinesterase (ChE, EC 3.1.1.8) from the larvae of Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus) was identified, sequenced, and expressed in Sf21 insect cell culture using the baculoviral expression vector pBlueBac4.5/V5-His. The open reading frame (1746 nucleotides) of the cDNA encoded 581 amino acids beginning with the initiation codon. Identical cDNA sequences were amplified from the total RNA of adult tick synganglion and salivary gland, strongly suggesting expression in both tick synganglion and saliva. The recombinant enzyme (rAaChE1) was highly sensitive to eserine and BW284c51, relatively insensitive to tetraisopropyl pyrophosphoramide (iso-OMPA) and ethopropazine, and hydrolyzed butyrylthiocholine (BuTCh) 5.7 times as fast as acetylthiocholine (ATCh) at 120 µM, with calculated KM values for acetylthiocholine (ATCh) and butyrylthiocholine of 6.39 µM and 14.18 µM, respectively. The recombinant enzyme was highly sensitive to inhibition by malaoxon, paraoxon, and coroxon in either substrate. Western blots using polyclonal rabbit antibody produced by immunization with a peptide specific for rAaChE1 exhibited reactivity in salivary and synganglial extract blots, indicating the presence of AaChE1 antigenic protein. Total cholinesterase activities of synganglial or salivary gland extracts from adult ticks exhibited biochemical properties very different from the expressed rAaACh1 enzyme, evidencing the substantial presence of additional cholinesterase activities in tick synganglion and saliva. The biological function of AaChE1 remains to be elucidated, but its presence in tick saliva is suggestive of functions in hydrolysis of cholinergic substrates present in the large blood mean and potential involvement in the modulation of host immune responses to tick feeding and introduced pathogens.
N-Acetylaspartate and Choline Metabolites in Cortical and Subcortical Regions in Clinical High Risk Relative to Healthy Control Subjects: An Exploratory 7T MRSI Study
Authors: Mayeli Ahmad , Janssen Sabine A. , Huston Chloe A. , Rupp Julia S. , Sharma Kamakashi , Moon Chan-Hong , Keihani Ahmadreza , Hetherington Hoby P. , Ferrarelli Fabio
Published: April 2023

N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and choline (Cho) are two brain metabolites implicated in several key neuronal functions. Abnormalities in these metabolites have been reported in both early course and chronic patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). It is, however, unclear whether NAA and Cho’s alterations occur even before the onset of the disorder. Clinical high risk (CHR) individuals are a population uniquely enriched for psychosis and SCZ. In this exploratory study, we utilized 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to examine differences in total NAA (tNAA; NAA + N-acetylaspartylglutamate [NAAG]) and major choline-containing compounds, including glycerophosphorylcholine and phosphorylcholine [tCho], over the creatine (Cre) levels between 26 CHR and 32 healthy control (HC) subjects in the subcortical and cortical regions. While no tCho/Cre differences were found between groups in any of the regions of interest (ROIs), we found that CHR had significantly reduced tNAA/Cre in the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) compared to HC, and that the right DLPFC tNAA/Cre reduction in CHR was negatively associated with their positive symptoms scores. No tNAA/Cre differences were found between CHR and HC in other ROIs. In conclusion, reduced tNAA/Cre in CHR vs. HC may represent a putative molecular biomarker for risk of psychosis and SCZ that is associated with symptom severity.
Remodeling of Mitochondria in Cancer and Other Diseases
Authors: Teng Yong
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria are highly dynamic and responsive organelles capable of fission and fusion and are a hub of diverse signaling pathways that are fundamental to cellular homeostasis, energy production, metabolism, survival, and death [...]
Methylation of Immune Gene Promoters in Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Anić Petra , Golubić Talić Jasminka , Božinović Ksenija , Dediol Emil , Mravak-Stipetić Marinka , Grce Magdalena , Milutin Gašperov Nina
Published: April 2023

The proportion of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC) that can be attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is growing nowadays. A potential factor indicating the occurrence of HPV-positive OSCC is a change in the degree of methylation of gene promoters that play a key role in the immune response. In this study, we investigated the difference in the methylation of EDARADD, GBP4, HAVCR2, HLA DPB1, IL12RB1, MARCO, and SIGLEC12 gene promoters in samples of healthy oral mucosa versus samples of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The presence of HPV infection in samples was examined earlier. To determine the difference in methylation of those gene promotors, isolated and bisulfite-modified DNA was analysed by the methylation-specific PCR method. The investigated gene promoters were found to be more hypomethylated in the oral and oropharyngeal cancer samples in comparison to normal tissue. The proportion of unmethylated gene promoters was similar in HPV-positive and HPV-negative cancers, although the data should be confirmed on a larger set of samples. To conclude, in samples of healthy oral mucosa, the investigated gene promoters were found to be methylated in a high percentage (73.3% to 100%), while in oral and oropharyngeal cancer samples, they were methylated in a low percentage (11.1% to 37%), regardless of HPV infection.
Global Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals the Defense and Response Mechanisms of Japonica Rice under Low Nitrogen Stress
Authors: Xie Shupeng , Liu Hualong , Ma Tianze , Shen Shen , Zheng Hongliang , Yang Luomiao , Liu Lichao , Wei Zhonghua , Xin Wei , Zou Detang , Wang Jingguo
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen-based nutrients are the main factors affecting rice growth and development. As the nitrogen (N) application rate increased, the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of rice decreased. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanism of rice plant morphological, physiological, and yield formation under low N conditions to improve NUE. In this study, changes in the rice morphological, physiological, and yield-related traits under low N (13.33 ppm) and control N (40.00 ppm) conditions were performed. These results show that, compared with control N conditions, photosynthesis and growth were inhibited and the carbon (C)/N and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) were enhanced under low N conditions. To understand the post-translational modification mechanism underlying the rice response to low N conditions, comparative phosphoproteomic analysis was performed, and differentially modified proteins (DMPs) were further characterized. Compared with control N conditions, a total of 258 DMPs were identified under low N conditions. The modification of proteins involved in chloroplast development, chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, phytohormones, and morphology-related proteins were differentially altered, which was an important reason for changes in rice morphological, physiological, and yield-related traits. Additionally, inconsistent changes in level of transcription and protein modification, indicates that the study of phosphoproteomics under low N conditions is also important for us to better understand the adaptation mechanism of rice to low N stress. These results provide insights into global changes in the response of rice to low N stress and may facilitate the development of rice cultivars with high NUE by regulating the phosphorylation level of carbon metabolism and rice morphology-related proteins.
Interaction between Six Waxy Components in Summer Black Grapes (Vitis vinifera) and Mancozeb and Its Effect on the Residue of Mancozeb
Authors: Guo Boru , Wen Aying , Yu Hang , Guo Yahui , Cheng Yuliang , Xie Yunfei , Qian He , Yao Weirong
Published: April 2023

Mancozeb, an antifungal typically used for the growth of fruits, has the characteristic of non-internal absorption, and has a risk of binding to the waxy components of fruits. This work investigated the interaction of pesticide molecules with the waxy layer on the grape surface and their effects on pesticide residues in grapes. The study observed significant changes in the compositions of the waxy layer on the grape surface after soaking in a mancozeb standard solution. The six substances—oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, lupeol, octacosanol, hexacosanal, and γ-sitosterol—with discernible content differences were chosen for molecular docking. Docking results were further visualized by an independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH). Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were found between mancozeb and the six waxy components. Moreover, the negative matrix effects caused by the presence or absence of wax for the determination of mancozeb were different through the QuEChERS-HPLC-MS method. Compared with the residue of mancozeb in grapes (5.97 mg/kg), the deposition of mancozeb in grapes after dewaxing was significantly lower (1.12 mg/kg), which further supports that mancozeb may interact with the wax layer compositions. This work not only provides insights into the study of the interaction between pesticides and small molecules but also provides theoretical guidelines for the investigation of the removal of pesticide residues on the surface of fruits.