bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species Diversity and Driving Factors of Benthic and Zooplanktonic Assemblages at Different Stages of Thermokarst Lake Development: A Case Study in the Lena River Delta (Middle Siberia)
Authors: Chertoprud Elena S. , Novichkova Anna A. , Tsyganov Andrey N. , Vorobjeva Lada V. , Esaulov Anton S. , Krylenko Sergey V. , Mazei Yuri A.
Published: April 2023

Global climate change might result in permafrost thaw and the formation of thermokarst landscapes that release long-term carbon stocks as greenhouse into the atmosphere, thereby initiating a positive climate feedback. These processes are mediated by biological activity, including by microbes, vascular plants and animals, whereas the role of invertebrates in thermokarst ecosystems remains poorly understood. We investigated the diversity and assemblage structures of zooplankton (mainly Copepoda, Cladocera), microbenthos (testate amoebae) and meio- (Copepoda and Cladocera) and macrozoobenthos (mollusks, crustaceans, insects and annelids) from a range of water bodies representing different stages of thermokarst lake formation in the southern part of the Lena River Delta (Central Siberia). Altogether, 206 species of testate amoeba, mollusk, crustacean, insect and annelid taxa were identified. A total of 60 species of macrozoobenthos (mainly insects) and 62 species of testate amoebae were detected in the water bodies of the Lena River Delta for the first time. The species richness of zooplankton and meio- and macrozoobenthos was greater in the large thermokarst lakes than in the polygonal ponds due to the freezing of the latter in the winter. In contrast, the species richness of protists was higher in the polygonal ponds, which was related to the habitat preferences of testate amoebae. Fish grazing strongly affected the macrobenthos assemblages but not the smaller-sized organisms. Water acidity and temperature were the main environmental drivers of the assemblage structure of testate amoeba and microcrustacean. The species structure of the macroinvertebrate assemblages was significantly explained by water acidity, permafrost depth and size of the water area. It means that small size organisms with their short generation times are sensitive to more dynamic factors such as temperature and may serve as indicators of ecosystem changes due to global climate warming. In contrast, large size organisms are affected by driven factors that appear during thermokarst lakes formation and permafrost degradation.
The Terebrantia (Insecta: Thysanoptera) of the Maltese Islands
Authors: Degabriele Godwin , Cavalleri Adriano , Goldarazena Arturo , Mifsud David
Published: April 2023

Thirty-nine species of terebrantian Thysanoptera belonging to four families and 22 genera are here recorded from the Maltese Islands. Of these, 33 represent new records to this archipelago. Thrips were collected from 65 different locations over a seven-year period, covering the main habitat types found across the Maltese Islands, namely steppe, garigue, maquis and woodland, but also sand dunes and saltmarshes as well as roadsides, private and public gardens, greenhouses and cultivated fields. An illustrated dichotomous key to identify the Terebrantia of the Maltese Islands is presented. Chorological data for the species researched in the current study shows that the majority of these insects are of a European Mediterranean origin, though the geographical distribution of some of them extends to Africa and the Middle East. Seven species associated with agricultural commodities were found to be of alien origin; however they were locally found in small numbers and do not pose a threat to horticulture.
Living Taxa and Their Importance in Understanding the Extinct Diversity: A Look at Polypterid Pinnules
Authors: Coelho Marcos Vinícius , Cupello Camila , Brito Paulo M. , Otero Olga
Published: April 2023

Pinnules are the peculiar, impaired spines that carry each of the numerous finlets that constitute the dorsal fins of polypterid fishes (Cladistia and Polypteriformes). Previous studies, including a recent detailed paper on the comparative analysis of the morphology of pinnules in most of the extant species (genera Polypterus and Erpetoichthys), suggest that they display unique characteristics that allow for species identification. Since most of the polypterid fossil records are composed of scales that lack specific characteristics and isolated pinnules, this work aims to test their taxonomic relevance before comparing the fossil pinnule morphologies across the fossil records in order to evaluate polypterid paleodiversity. Therefore, we describe the intra-individual and intra-specific morphological variations of the pinnules in the extant species Polypterus bichir. Furthermore, we compared it with the various morphologies described in the Polypteridae family. We report intra-individual variability related to the anteroposterior axis of the dorsal fin. We also report morphological differences in the pinnules among specimens that overlap those anticipated among different species, concluding that the pinnule morphology cannot support taxonomic purposes in polypterid fishes in their current state.
Medium-Sized Lake Water Quality Parameters Retrieval Using Multispectral UAV Image and Machine Learning Algorithms: A Case Study of the Yuandang Lake, China
Authors: Lo Ying , Fu Lang , Lu Tiancheng , Huang Hong , Kong Lingrong , Xu Yunqing , Zhang Cheng
Published: April 2023

Water quality monitoring of medium-sized inland water is important for water environment protection given the large number of small-to-medium size water bodies in China. A case study was conducted on Yuandang Lake in the Yangtze Delta region, with a surface area of 13 km2. This study proposed utilising a multispectral uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) to collect large-scale data and retrieve multiple water quality parameters using machine learning algorithms. An alternate processing method is proposed to process large and repetitive lake surface images for mapping the water quality data to the image. Machine learning regression methods (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Backpropagation Neural Network, and Convolutional Neural Network) were used to construct separate water quality inversion models for ten water parameters. The results showed that several water quality parameters (CODMn, temperature, pH, DO, and NC) can be retrieved with reasonable accuracy (R2 = 0.77, 0.75, 0.73, 0.67, and 0.64, respectively), although others (NH3-N, BGA, TP, Turbidity, and Chl-a) have a determination coefficient (R2) less than 0.6. This work demonstrated the tremendous potential of employing multispectral data in conjunction with machine learning algorithms to retrieve multiple water quality parameters for monitoring medium-sized bodies of water.
Stem Diameter Decrement in Holm Oak (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.): Insights into Tree Decline Pathways in Endangered Woodlands of Southern Portugal
Authors: Costa Augusta , Moreira Ana Cristina
Published: April 2023

Stem diameter growth in living trees refers to the invariably increase in dimension over a given period. However, reversible stem diameter decrease could occur, related to water movement in the vessels within the wood (on a daily basis) and to tree water deficit and depletion of stored water (on a seasonal basis). Recently, the perennial decrement in stem diameter size has been related to a tree decline pathway, and eventually resulting in tree death. In this study, we analysed stem diameter intra-annual growth dynamics of holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.) trees for two full growing seasons in distinct woodlands, Laborela and Aldeia dos Fernandes, in southern Portugal (Ourique district). Our focus was to assess stem diameter growth patterns and trends in holm oak trees in endangered woodlands with high tree mortality and to question if perennial decrement. Holm oaks in Laborela were much more sensitive in their stem diameter variations than in Aldeia dos Fernandes and, on average, their stem diameter decreased continuously by 1.0 mm along the 2-year study period, with a slightly higher annual decrease in the first study year (0.6 mm.yr−1). In addition, on average, trees had a higher decrease in stem sectional area of 5.8 cm2 in Laborela against a decrease of 3.7 cm2 in Aldeia dos Fernandes, where the stem diameter of holm oaks only decreased in the first study year (0.1 mm.yr−1). In each study area, the repeated- measures ANOVA showed that tree size effect influenced the stem diameter variations in contrast to tree crown defoliation. Trees were, on average, relatively smaller in Laborela, with DBH = 35.5 cm against DBH = 40.6 cm in Aldeia dos Fernandes, and were highly sensitive in their stem diameter decrement along two consecutives full growing seasons. This is the first exploratory study on assessing the stem diameter fluctuations on holm oaks to address a decline pathway. Our results revealed that holm oaks can survive during two consecutive growing seasons, with a continuous decrease in their stem diameters, which might indicate one tree’s decline pathway.
Structure Optimization of Ensemble Learning Methods and Seasonal Decomposition Approaches to Energy Price Forecasting in Latin America: A Case Study about Mexico
Authors: Klaar Anne Carolina Rodrigues , Stefenon Stefano Frizzo , Seman Laio Oriel , Mariani Viviana Cocco , Coelho Leandro dos Santos
Published: April 2023

The energy price influences the interest in investment, which leads to economic development. An estimate of the future energy price can support the planning of industrial expansions and provide information to avoid times of recession. This paper evaluates adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), bootstrap aggregation (bagging), gradient boosting, histogram-based gradient boosting, and random forest ensemble learning models for forecasting energy prices in Latin America, especially in a case study about Mexico. Seasonal decomposition of the time series is used to reduce unrepresentative variations. The Optuna using tree-structured Parzen estimator, optimizes the structure of the ensembles through a voter by combining several ensemble frameworks; thus an optimized hybrid ensemble learning method is proposed. The results show that the proposed method has a higher performance than the state-of-the-art ensemble learning methods, with a mean squared error of 3.37 × 10−9 in the testing phase.
A Review of Micro Power System and Micro Combustion: Present Situation, Techniques and Prospects
Authors: Kang Zhuang , Shi Zhiwei , Ye Jiahao , Tian Xinghua , Huang Zhixin , Wang Hao , Wei Depeng , Peng Qingguo , Tu Yaojie
Published: April 2023

Micro burner is the fundamental element of a micro energy power system. The performance, output power, and efficiency of the system are directly involved by the combustion stability, efficiency, and temperature distribution of the exterior wall. Owing to the small combustion space of the micro burner and the resident short time of the premixed fuel/air, the fuel is difficult to burn completely, resulting in poor burning efficiency and flame stability. Therefore, the study of micro burner technology is the focus of current research to improve combustion performance. This article introduces the micro power system, micro combustion technology, and combustion status and characteristics, focusing on four kinds of micro combustion technology. The purpose is tantamount to fully understand the current status of micro combustion technology and compare the characteristics of different combustion technologies. For improving output power and efficiency of the power system, the combustion stability and performance are enhanced, which provides theoretical support for the effective realization of micro scale combustion and application.
Simplified Method for Predicting Hourly Global Solar Radiation Using Extraterrestrial Radiation and Limited Weather Forecast Parameters
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Ji Ying , Wang Xiaoxia , Niu Menghan , Long Shuijing , Xie Jingchao , Sun Yuying
Published: April 2023

Solar radiation has important impacts on buildings such as for cooling/heating load forecasting, energy consumption forecasting, and multi-energy complementary optimization. Two types of solar radiation data are commonly used in buildings: radiation data in typical meteorological years and measured radiation data from meteorological stations, both of which are types of historical data. However, it is difficult to predict the hourly global solar radiation, which affects the application of relevant prediction models in practical engineering. Most existing methods for predicting hourly global solar radiation have issues such as difficulty in obtaining input parameters or complex data processing, which limits their practical engineering applications. This study proposed a simplified method to accurately predict the hourly horizontal solar radiation using extraterrestrial solar radiation, weather types, cloud cover, air temperature, relative humidity, and time as the input parameters. The back-propagation network, support vector machine, and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) models were used to establish the prediction model, and Shapley additive explanations were used to analyze the relationship between the input variables and the prediction results to simplify the structure of the prediction model. Taking Lanzhou New District in Gansu Province as an example, the results showed that the LightGBM model performed the best, with the root mean square error of 126.1 W/m2. Shapley additive explanations analysis showed that weather type was not a significant factor in the LightGBM model. Therefore, the weather type was removed from the LightGBM model and the root mean square error was 135.2 W/m2. The results showed that extra-terrestrial radiation and limited weather forecast parameters can be used to predict hourly global solar radiation with satisfactory prediction results.
Nanostructured Thermoelectric PbTe Thin Films with Ag Addition Deposited by Femtosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation
Authors: Bellucci Alessandro , Orlando Stefano , Medici Luca , Lettino Antonio , Mezzi Alessio , Kaciulis Saulius , Trucchi Daniele Maria
Published: April 2023

Pulsed laser deposition operated by an ultra-short laser beam was used to grow in a vacuum and at room temperature natively nanostructured thin films of lead telluride (PbTe) for thermoelectric applications. Different percentages of silver (Ag), from 0.5 to 20% of nominal concentration, were added to PbTe deposited on polished technical alumina substrates using a multi-target system. The surface morphology and chemical composition were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, whereas the structural characteristics were investigated by X-ray Diffraction. Electrical resistivity as a function of the sample temperature was measured by the four-point probe method by highlighting a typical semiconducting behavior, apart from the sample with the maximum Ag concentration acting as a degenerate semiconductor, whereas the Seebeck coefficient measurements indicate n-type doping for all the samples. The power factor values (up to 14.9 µW cm−1 K−2 at 540 K for the nominal 10% Ag concentration sample) are competitive for low-power applications on flexible substrates, also presuming the achievement of a large reduction in the thermal conductivity thanks to the native nanostructuring.
Plant Traits Variably Respond to Plant–Soil Interactions during Secondary Succession on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Ai Zemin , Li Jiayi , Li Xinghua , Zhang Jiaoyang , Liu Hongfei , Xu Hongwei , Liu Guobin , Xue Sha
Published: April 2023

Knowledge of plant photosynthesis, biomass, and stress resistance could contribute to exploring the growth and restoration of vegetation. However, the response of these plant traits to plant–soil interactions at different successional stages remains poorly understood, which limits the understanding of secondary succession. A greenhouse experiment was designed to test the effects of rhizosphere soils collected from early- (EarlySoil), mid- (MidSoil), and late-successional (LateSoil) plant communities on plant traits of early-, mid-, and late-successional species (EarlySp, MidSp, and LateSp, respectively). We found that plant traits reacted in a specific direction to plant–soil interactions at different successional stages. Specifically, compared with treatments of plants growing in their own soil, the net photosynthetic rate and single-photon avalanche diode significantly increased in LateSp–EarlySoil (treatment of plants growing in soil) (20%–31%) and LateSp–MidSoil (10%–18%); the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II increased in MidSp–EarlySoil (1%) and LateSp–MidSoil (4%); belowground soluble sugar concentrations decreased in LateSp–EarlySoil (33%) and LateSp–MidSoil (45%); leaf, stem, and root biomass increased in MidSp–EarlySoil (76%–123%), LateSp–EarlySoil (180%–342%), and LateSp–MidSoil (83%–137%), and in turn they decreased in EarlySp–MidSoil (40%–73%) and EarlySp–LateSoil (53%–67%). The results indicated that soil conditioned by pre-successional species (early- or mid-successional species) would be conducive to plant functional traits of subsequent successional species (mid- or late-successional species). Constrained redundancy analysis and path analysis suggested that water-soluble ammonium N, total N, and available N concentrations were key soil factors affecting early-, mid-, and late-successional species, respectively. Our findings confirm the directionality of succession and provide new information for plant population dynamics during secondary succession.
Dual-Wavelength Smoke Detector Measuring Both Light Scattering and Extinction to Reduce False Alarms
Authors: Li Kaiyuan , Liu Gang , Yuan Hongyong , Chen Yang , Dai Yunzhi , Meng Xiangrui , Kang Yuxin , Huang Lida
Published: April 2023

Existing fire smoke detectors use the intensity of scattering light or the light extinction coefficient as the indicator of fire smoke to trigger fire alarms. However, false fire alarms could be triggered by dust and water fog. Achieving reliable early fire detection with minimal false alarms is a challenge. Based on the Mie scattering theory of spherical particles, it is derived that the ratio of scattering intensity and the ratio of optical extinction of two incident lights with different wavelengths only depends on the intrinsic properties of the aerosol (the average particle size and refractive index). This paper then presents an improved dual-wavelength smoke detection by measuring scattering light and extinction simultaneously to reduce false alarms. Simulations and verification with test fires of European Standard EN 54 were performed, demonstrating that fires can be distinguished from nuisance sources without complicated calculations. These results indicate that the improved detection system can be applied for smoke monitoring and fire protection.
Experimental Characterization of the Wettability of Coated and Uncoated Plates for Indirect Evaporative Cooling Systems
Authors: Caruana Roberta , De Antonellis Stefano , Marocco Luca , Liberati Paolo , Guilizzoni Manfredo
Published: April 2023

Indirect Evaporative Cooling (IEC) is a very promising technology to substitute and/or integrate traditional air conditioning systems, due to its ability to provide cooling capacity with limited power consumption. Literature studies proved that a higher wettability of the IEC plates corresponds to better performance of the system. In this work, wettability of three different surfaces used for IEC systems plates—uncoated aluminum alloy (AL), standard epoxy coating (STD), and a hydrophilic lacquer (HPHI)—is studied and characterized in terms of static and dynamic contact angles. The static contact angle resulted to be the lowest for the HPHI surface (average 69°), intermediate for the STD surface (average 75°), and the highest for the AL surface (average 89°). The analysis of the dynamic contact angles showed that their transient behavior is similar for all the surfaces, and the advancing and receding contact angles obtained are consistent with the results of the static analysis. These results will be useful as input parameters in models aimed at predicting the IEC system performance, also using computational fluid dynamics.
Human Genes Involved in the Interaction between Host and Gut Microbiome: Regulation and Pathogenic Mechanisms
Authors: Boccuto Luigi , Tack Jan , Ianiro Gianluca , Abenavoli Ludovico , Scarpellini Emidio
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The umbrella term “human gut microbiota” describes the complex ecosystem harboring our gut. It includes bacteria, viruses, protozoa, archaea, fungi, and yeasts. This taxonomic classification does not describe its functions, which encompass nutrients digestion and absorption, immune system regulation, and host metabolism. “Gut microbiome” indicates instead the genome belonging to these “microbes” actively involved in these functions. However, the interaction between the host genome and the microbial ones determines the fine functioning of our organism. Methods: We reviewed the data available in the scientific literature on the definition of gut microbiota, gut microbiome, and the data on human genes involved in the interaction with the latter. We consulted the main medical databases using the following keywords, acronyms, and their associations: gut microbiota, gut microbiome, human genes, immune function, and metabolism. Results: Candidate human genes encoding enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, and proteins show similarity with those included in the gut microbiome. These findings have become available through newer artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms allowing big data analysis. From an evolutionary point of view, these pieces of evidence explain the strict and sophisticated interaction at the basis of human metabolism and immunity regulation in humans. They unravel more and more physiopathologic pathways included in human health and disease. Discussion: Several lines of evidence also obtained through big data analysis support the bi-directional role of gut microbiome and human genome in host metabolism and immune system regulation.
Quantitatively Mapping Discolored Seawater around Submarine Volcanoes Using Satellite GCOM-C SGLI Data: A Case Study of the Krakatau Eruption in Indonesia in December 2018
Authors: Sakuno Yuji , Hirao Sakito , Taniguchi Naokazu
Published: April 2023

The final goal of this paper is to contribute to the difficult task of understanding and forecasting submarine volcanic eruption activity by proposing a method to quantify discolored water. To achieve this purpose, we quantitatively analyzed the discolored seawater seen before and after the eruption of the marine environment around the Indonesian submarine volcano “Anak Krakatau”, which erupted at the end of December 2018, from the viewpoint of the “dominant wavelength”. The atmospherically corrected COM-C SGLI data for 17 periods from the eruption from October 2018 to March 2019 were used. As a result, the following three main items were found. First, the average ± standard deviation of the entire dominant wavelength was 497 nm ± 2 nm before the eruption and 515 nm ± 35 nm after the eruption. Second, the discolored water area around the island derived from SGLI was detected from the contour line with dominant wavelengths of 500 nm and 560 nm. Third, the size of a dominant wavelength of 500 nm or more in the discolored water areas changed in a complicated manner within the range of almost 0 to 35 km2. The area of the dominant wavelength of 500 nm or more slightly increased just before the eruption. Finally, it was proven that the “dominant wavelength” from the SGLI proposed in this paper can be a very effective tool in understanding or predicting submarine volcanic activity.
Medical Household Waste as a Potential Environmental Hazard: An Ecological and Epidemiological Approach
Authors: Benítez-Rico Adriana , Pérez-Martínez Arizbeth , Muñóz-López Bryan Isaac , Martino-Roaro Laura , Alegría-Baños Jorge Adan , Vergara-Castañeda Arely , Islas-García Alejandro
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, the contamination caused by emerging pollutants is a global concern due to the lack of scientific evidence to demonstrate the risk or toxicity to humans due to the presence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment. This study aimed to identify and describe the disposal practices of unused and unwanted medications, as well as to analyze and identify the most frequent drugs determined on water bodies adjacent to the biggest urban population in Mexico. A two-phase study with an epidemiological and an ecological assessment was performed. The epidemiological phase was carried out with a descriptive cross-sectional study among citizens from Mexico City and the metropolitan area using an electronic survey applied to 719 subjects aimed to assess practices in which pharmaceutical products are disposed. The ecological phase included a review of scientific reports. The results show that nearly 83.5% of those surveyed use inappropriate practices for disposal medicines, the main ones are through the municipal dump or directly in the drain. The ecological approach was carried out by a systematic literature review of original reports published between 2013 to 2023; information about the class of drugs, active substance, environmental compartments, location, and concentration was extracted and presented. Fifty-one different types of pharmaceutical residues were detected in wastewater in Mexico City in the last decade. The results of this study can contribute to the application of public policies for waste management authorities to mitigate the socio-environmental risks due to the inappropriate disposal of medicines.
The Future of Morphological Science Education: Learning and Teaching Anatomy in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Maani Amr , Forma Alicja , Brachet Adam , Czarnek Katarzyna , Alashkham Abduelmenem , Baj Jacek
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 Pandemic has conveyed an unprecedented worldwide challenge. Although there is much emphasis on caring for patients and communities, the high incidence of SARS-CoV-2 had seriously disturbed education and calls for prompt as well as serious consideration from educators in medical schools. The necessity to teach and prepare prospective medics, as well as clinicians, has certainly not been as intense as it is currently. The global effects of coronavirus disease 2019 may cause a permanent change in the education of future clinicians. The COVID-19 era presented logistical and practical obstacles and fears for the patients’ well-being, taking into consideration the fact that students may be potential channels for the spread of the virus when asymptomatic and may get infected while being in training and attending lectures. This paper discusses the present state of morphological science education, depicting the effect of COVID-19 on learning environments, as well as highlights the probable effects of COVID-19 on medical instruction in the future.
Signatures of Co-Deregulated Genes and Their Transcriptional Regulators in Kidney Cancers
Authors: Ioannou Ioanna , Chatziantoniou Angeliki , Drenios Constantinos , Christodoulou Panayiota , Kourti Malamati , Zaravinos Apostolos
Published: April 2023

There are several studies on the deregulated gene expression profiles in kidney cancer, with varying results depending on the tumor histology and other parameters. None of these, however, have identified the networks that the co-deregulated genes (co-DEGs), across different studies, create. Here, we reanalyzed 10 Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) studies to detect and annotate co-deregulated signatures across different subtypes of kidney cancer or in single-gene perturbation experiments in kidney cancer cells and/or tissue. Using a systems biology approach, we aimed to decipher the networks they form along with their upstream regulators. Differential expression and upstream regulators, including transcription factors [MYC proto-oncogene (MYC), CCAAT enhancer binding protein delta (CEBPD), RELA proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit (RELA), zinc finger MIZ-type containing 1 (ZMIZ1), negative elongation factor complex member E (NELFE) and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)] and protein kinases [Casein kinase 2 alpha 1 (CSNK2A1), mitogen-activated protein kinases 1 (MAPK1) and 14 (MAPK14), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Cyclin dependent kinases 1 (CDK1) and 4 (CDK4), Homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) and Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)], were computed using the Characteristic Direction, as well as GEO2Enrichr and X2K, respectively, and further subjected to GO and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses. Furthermore, using CMap, DrugMatrix and the LINCS L1000 chemical perturbation databases, we highlight putative repurposing drugs, including Etoposide, Haloperidol, BW-B70C, Triamterene, Chlorphenesin, BRD-K79459005 and β-Estradiol 3-benzoate, among others, that may reverse the expression of the identified co-DEGs in kidney cancers. Of these, the cytotoxic effects of Etoposide, Catecholamine, Cyclosporin A, BW-B70C and Lasalocid sodium were validated in vitro. Overall, we identified critical co-DEGs across different subtypes in kidney cancer, and our results provide an innovative framework for their potential use in the future.
The Expression of Insulin in the Central Nervous System: What Have We Learned So Far?
Authors: Dakic Tamara , Jevdjovic Tanja , Lakic Iva , Ruzicic Aleksandra , Jasnic Nebojsa , Djurasevic Sinisa , Djordjevic Jelena , Vujovic Predrag
Published: April 2023

After being discovered over a century ago, insulin was long considered to be a hormone exclusively produced by the pancreas. Insulin presence was later discovered in the brain, which was originally accounted for by its transport across the blood-brain barrier. Considering that both insulin mRNA and insulin were detected in the central nervous system (CNS), it is now known that this hormone is also synthesized in several brain regions, including the hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebral and cerebellar cortex, and olfactory bulb. Although many roles of insulin in the CNS have been described, it was initially unknown which of them could be attributed to brain-derived and which to pancreatic insulin or whether their actions in the brain overlap. However, more and more studies have been emerging lately, focusing solely on the roles of brain-derived insulin. The aim of this review was to present the latest findings on the roles of brain-derived insulin, including neuroprotection, control of growth hormone secretion, and regulation of appetite and neuronal glucose uptake. Lastly, the impairment of signaling initiated by brain-derived insulin was addressed in regard to memory decline in humans.
Berberine Induces Combined Cell Death in Gastrointestinal Cell Lines
Authors: Mori Shiori , Fujiwara-Tani Rina , Gyoten Momoko , Nukaga Shota , Sasaki Rika , Ikemoto Ayaka , Ogata Ruiko , Kishi Shingo , Fujii Kiyomu , Kuniyasu Hiroki
Published: April 2023

Berberine (BBR) is a plant alkaloid that has various biological activities. The effects of BBR on gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) have also been investigated and anti-tumor effects such as induction of cell death have been reported. However, the mechanism of BBR-induced cell death has not been fully elucidated. To this end, we investigated the effects of BBR using three GIC cell lines. Our analyses revealed that BBR inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, sphere formation, and anticancer drug resistance in all of the cell lines. BBR also induced an increase in mitochondrial superoxide, lipid peroxide and Fe2+ levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and respiration, decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and glutathione and induced Parkin/PINK1-associated mitophagy. BBR, as well as rotenone, inhibited mitochondrial complex I and enhanced complex II, which were associated with autophagy, reactive oxidative species production, and cell death. Inhibition of complex II by malonate abrogated these changes. BBR-induced cell death was partially rescued by ferrostatin-1, deferoxamine, Z-VAD-FMK, and ATG5 knockdown. Furthermore, oral administration of BBR significantly reduced tumor weight and ascites in a syngeneic mouse peritoneal metastasis model using CT26 GIC cells. These findings suggest that BBR induced a combined type of cell death via complex I inhibition and autophagy. The marked anti-tumor and anti-stemness effects are expected to be useful as a new cell death-inducing agent for the treatment of GIC.
Abiotic Stress in Crop Production
Authors: Kopecká Romana , Kameniarová Michaela , Černý Martin , Brzobohatý Břetislav , Novák Jan
Published: April 2023

The vast majority of agricultural land undergoes abiotic stress that can significantly reduce agricultural yields. Understanding the mechanisms of plant defenses against stresses and putting this knowledge into practice is, therefore, an integral part of sustainable agriculture. In this review, we focus on current findings in plant resistance to four cardinal abiotic stressors—drought, heat, salinity, and low temperatures. Apart from the description of the newly discovered mechanisms of signaling and resistance to abiotic stress, this review also focuses on the importance of primary and secondary metabolites, including carbohydrates, amino acids, phenolics, and phytohormones. A meta-analysis of transcriptomic studies concerning the model plant Arabidopsis demonstrates the long-observed phenomenon that abiotic stressors induce different signals and effects at the level of gene expression, but genes whose regulation is similar under most stressors can still be traced. The analysis further reveals the transcriptional modulation of Golgi-targeted proteins in response to heat stress. Our analysis also highlights several genes that are similarly regulated under all stress conditions. These genes support the central role of phytohormones in the abiotic stress response, and the importance of some of these in plant resistance has not yet been studied. Finally, this review provides information about the response to abiotic stress in major European crop plants—wheat, sugar beet, maize, potatoes, barley, sunflowers, grapes, rapeseed, tomatoes, and apples.
Short Photoperiod-Dependent Enrichment of Akkermansia spec. as the Major Change in the Intestinal Microbiome of Djungarian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Kissmann Ann-Kathrin , Rosenau Frank , Herwig Annika , Diedrich Victoria
Published: April 2023

The Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is a prominent model organism for seasonal acclimatization, showing drastic whole-body physiological adjustments to an energetically challenging environment, which are considered to also involve the gut microbiome. Fecal samples of hamsters in long photoperiod and again after twelve weeks in short photoperiod were analyzed by 16S-rRNA sequencing to evaluate seasonal changes in the respective gut microbiomes. In both photoperiods, the overall composition was stable in the major superordinate phyla of the microbiota, with distinct and delicate changes of abundance in phyla representing each <1% of all. Elusimicrobia, Tenericutes, and Verrucomicrobia were exclusively present in short photoperiod hamsters. In contrast to Elusimicrobium and Aneroplasma as representatives of Elusimicrobia and Tenericutes, Akkermansia muciniphila is a prominent gut microbiome inhabitant well described as important in the health context of animals and humans, including neurodegenerative diseases and obesity. Since diet was not changed, Akkermansia enrichment appears to be a direct consequence of short photoperiod acclimation. Future research will investigate whether the Djungarian hamster intestinal microbiome is responsible for or responsive to seasonal acclimation, focusing on probiotic supplementation.
Analysis of RNA Polyadenylation in Healthy and Osteoarthritic Human Articular Cartilage
Authors: Winstanley-Zarach Phaedra , Rot Gregor , Kuba Shweta , Smagul Aibek , Peffers Mandy J. , Tew Simon R.
Published: April 2023

Polyadenylation (polyA) defines the 3′ boundary of a transcript’s genetic information. Its position can vary and alternative polyadenylation (APA) transcripts can exist for a gene. This causes variance in 3′ regulatory domains and can affect coding sequence if intronic events occur. The distribution of polyA sites on articular chondrocyte transcripts has not been studied so we aimed to define their transcriptome-wide location in age-matched healthy and osteoarthritic knee articular cartilage. Total RNA was isolated from frozen tissue samples and analysed using the QuantSeq-Reverse 3′ RNA sequencing approach, where each read runs 3′ to 5′ from within the polyA tail into the transcript and contains a distinct polyA site. Differential expression of transcripts was significant altered between healthy and osteoarthritic samples with enrichment for functionalities that were strongly associated with joint pathology. Subsequent examination of polyA site data allowed us to define the extent of site usage across all the samples. When comparing healthy and osteoarthritic samples, we found that differential use of polyadenylation sites was modest. However, in the genes affected, there was potential for the APA to have functional relevance. We have characterised the polyadenylation landscape of human knee articular chondrocytes and conclude that osteoarthritis does not elicit a widespread change in their polyadenylation site usage. This finding differentiates knee osteoarthritis from pathologies such as cancer where APA is more commonly observed.
Development of New Targeted Nanotherapy Combined with Magneto-Fluorescent Nanoparticles against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Marcelo Gonçalo A. , Montpeyó David , Galhano Joana , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Capelo-Martínez José Luis , Lorenzo Julia , Lodeiro Carlos , Oliveira Elisabete
Published: April 2023

The need for non-invasive therapies capable of conserving drug efficiency and stability while having specific targetability against colorectal cancer (CRC), has made nanoparticles preferable vehicles and principal building blocks for the development of complex and multi-action anti-tumoral approaches. For that purpose, we herein report the production of a combinatory anti-tumoral nanotherapy using the production of a new targeting towards CRC lines. To do so, Magneto-fluorescent NANO3 nanoparticles were used as nanocarriers for a combination of the drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and ofloxacin (OFLO). NANO3 nanoparticles’ surface was modified with two different targeting agents, a newly synthesized (anti-CA IX acetazolamide derivative (AZM-SH)) and a commercially available (anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Cetuximab). The cytotoxicity revealed that only DOX-containing nanosystems showed significant and even competitive cytotoxicity when compared to that of free DOX. Interestingly, surface modification with AZM-SH promoted an increased cellular uptake in the HCT116 cell line, surpassing even those functionalized with Cetuximab. The results show that the new target has high potential to be used as a nanotherapy agent for CRC cells, surpassing commercial targets. As a proof-of-concept, an oral administration form of NANO3 systems was successfully combined with Eudragit® enteric coating and studied under extreme conditions.
Malic Enzyme 1 (ME1) Promotes Adiposity and Hepatic Steatosis and Induces Circulating Insulin and Leptin in Obese Female Mice
Authors: Simmen Frank A. , Pabona John Mark P. , Al-Dwairi Ahmed , Alhallak Iad , Montales Maria Theresa E. , Simmen Rosalia C. M.
Published: April 2023

Malic Enzyme 1 (ME1) supports lipogenesis, cholesterol synthesis, and cellular redox potential by catalyzing the decarboxylation of L-malate to pyruvate, and the concomitant reduction of NADP to NADPH. We examined the contribution of ME1 to the development of obesity by provision of an obesogenic diet to C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and MOD-1 (lack ME1 protein) female mice. Adiposity, serum hormone levels, and adipose, mammary gland, liver, and small intestine gene expression patterns were compared between experimental groups after 10 weeks on a diet. Relative to WT female mice, MOD-1 female mice exhibited lower body weights and less adiposity; decreased concentrations of insulin, leptin, and estrogen; higher concentrations of adiponectin and progesterone; smaller-sized mammary gland adipocytes; and reduced hepatosteatosis. MOD-1 mice had diminished expression of Lep gene in abdominal fat; Lep, Pparg, Klf9, and Acaca genes in mammary glands; Pparg and Cdkn1a genes in liver; and Tlr9 and Ffar3 genes in the small intestine. By contrast, liver expression of Cdkn2a and Lepr genes was augmented in MOD-1, relative to WT mice. Results document an integrative role for ME1 in development of female obesity, suggest novel linkages with specific pathways/genes, and further support the therapeutic targeting of ME1 for obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Overview of Curcumin and Piperine Effects on Glucose Metabolism: The Case of an Insulinoma Patient’s Loss of Consciousness
Authors: Servida Simona , Panzeri Elena , Tomaino Laura , Marfia Giovanni , Garzia Emanuele , Appiani Giuseppe Ciniglio , Moroncini Gianluca , Colonna Vito De Gennaro , Vecchia Carlo La , Vigna Luisella
Published: April 2023

The hypoglycemic properties of curcumin supplements in therapeutic doses are well-known and may represent a useful tool for the treatment of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The poor bioavailability of curcumin can be improved with the concomitant administration of piperine, with no severe adverse effects on glycemia reported so far in the literature. In this article, we further discuss a previously reported case of a helicopter pilot, affected by grade I obesity who, under curcumin and piperine treatment, experienced a transient loss of consciousness (TLOC), during a low-altitude flight. This episode led to a diagnosis of insulinoma, previously asymptomatic. We hypothesized that the combined effects of curcumin and piperine might have caused a severe hypoglycemic episode and subsequent TLOC. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the safety of curcumin and piperine supplementation in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism and insulin secretion.
Enriched Graphene Oxide-Polypropylene Suture Threads Buttons Modulate the Inflammatory Pathway Induced by Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Fonticoli Luigia , Diomede Francesca , Nanci Antonio , Fontana Antonella , Della Rocca Ylenia , Guadarrama Bello Dainelys , Pilato Serena , Trubiani Oriana , Pizzicannella Jacopo , Marconi Guya Diletta
Published: April 2023

Graphene oxide (GO), derived from graphene, has remarkable chemical–physical properties such as stability, strength, and thermal or electric conductivity and additionally shows antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of polypropylene suture threads buttons (PPSTBs), enriched with two different concentrations of GO, in the modulation of the inflammatory pathway TLR4/MyD 88/NFκB p65/NLRP3 induced by the Escherichia coli (E. coli) lipopolysaccharide (LPS-E). The gene and the protein expression of inflammatory markers were evaluated in an in vitro model of primary human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) by real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. Both GO concentrations used in the polypropylene suture threads buttons-GO constructs (PPSTBs-GO) decreased the expression of inflammatory markers in hGFs treated with LPS-E. The hGFs morphology and adhesion on the PPSTBs-GO constructs were also visualized by inverted light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and real-time PCR. Together, these results suggest that enriched PPSTBs-GO modulates the inflammatory process through TLR4/MyD 88/NFκB p65/NLRP3 pathway.
The Labyrinthine Landscape of APP Processing: State of the Art and Possible Novel Soluble APP-Related Molecular Players in Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Masi Mirco , Biundo Fabrizio , Fiou André , Racchi Marco , Pascale Alessia , Buoso Erica
Published: April 2023

Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and its cleavage processes have been widely investigated in the past, in particular in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Evidence of an increased expression of APP and its amyloidogenic-related cleavage enzymes, β-secretase 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, at the hit axon terminals following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), firstly suggested a correlation between TBI and AD. Indeed, mild and severe TBI have been recognised as influential risk factors for different neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. In the present work, we describe the state of the art of APP proteolytic processing, underlining the different roles of its cleavage fragments in both physiological and pathological contexts. Considering the neuroprotective role of the soluble APP alpha (sAPPα) fragment, we hypothesised that sAPPα could modulate the expression of genes of interest for AD and TBI. Hence, we present preliminary experiments addressing sAPPα-mediated regulation of BACE1, Isthmin 2 (ISM2), Tetraspanin-3 (TSPAN3) and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGFA), each discussed from a biological and pharmacological point of view in AD and TBI. We finally propose a neuroprotective interaction network, in which the Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) and the signalling cascade of PKCβII/nELAV/VEGF play hub roles, suggesting that vasculogenic-targeting therapies could be a feasible approach for vascular-related brain injuries typical of AD and TBI.
Update on the Molecular Pathology of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cozma Elena-Codruta , Banciu Laura Madalina , Soare Cristina , Cretoiu Sanda-Maria
Published: April 2023

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer, originating from keratinocytes of the spinous layer. Numerous risk factors have been discovered for the initiation and growth of this type of cancer, such as exposure to UV and ionizing radiation, chemical carcinogens, the presence of immunosuppression states, chronic inflammation, infections with high-risk viral strains, and, last but not least, the presence of diseases associated with genetic alterations. The important socio-economic impact, as well as the difficulty associated with therapy for advanced forms, has made the molecular mechanisms underlying this neoplasia more and more intensively studied, with the intention of achieving a better understanding and advancing the treatment of this pathology. This review aims to provide a brief foray into the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic aspects of this cancer, as well as the treatment methods, ranging from the first used to the latest targeted therapies.