bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Growth Characterization and Antioxidant Responses of Phellodendron chinense Seedling in Response to Four Soil Types at Three Growth Stages
Authors: Yang Yao , Hu Yun-Yi , Qian Wen-Zhang , Wang Ya-Juan , Ren Hong-Yu , Gao Shun , Cao Guo-Xing
Published: August 2023

Soil type is an important environmental factor that affects plant growth and development, especially during the early growth stage. In this study, P. chinense (Phellodendron chinense) seedlings were cultivated on red soil (RS), yellow soil (YS), acidic purple soil (ACPS), and alkaline purple soil (ALPS), and the influence of soil types on the growth parameters and physiological responses at three growth stages were investigated. The results show that soil types and growth stages can significantly influence seedling height, base diameter, and biomass in P. chinense seedlings. Moreover, the significant variations in chlorophyll, total polyphenols, soluble protein, soluble sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, were recorded at three growth stages among four soil types. These results show that P. chinense seedlings can grow normally in four soil types, and ACPS may be more beneficial for the artificial cultivation of P. chinense seedlings than those of RS, ALPS, and YS. Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals a strong correlation and clear differences in the test parameters between growth stage and organs in four soil types, and the cumulative contribution percentages of the total biplot range from 74.44% to 81.97%. This present information will be helpful for farmers in selecting soil type for the large-scale cultivation of P. chinense seedlings.
Aroma Compound Evolution during Fermentation
Authors: van Wyk Niël
Published: August 2023

Microorganisms involved in the fermentation process play a significant role in shaping the aromatic characteristics of the final food product [...]
Development of a Numerical Approach for the CFD Simulation of a Gear Pump under Actual Operating Conditions
Authors: Orlandi Francesco , Muzzioli Gabriele , Milani Massimo , Paltrinieri Fabrizio , Montorsi Luca
Published: August 2023

The geometric complexity and high-pressure gradients that characterize the design of the flow field of gear pumps make it very difficult to obtain an accurate CFD simulation of the component. Usually, assumptions are made both in terms of geometrical features and physics being included in the analysis. The contact between the teeth, which is a key factor for the correct functioning of these pumps, represents a critical challenge in 3D CFD simulations, mainly due to the intrinsic limits of the dynamic meshing techniques that can hardly effectively manage a zero or close to zero gap point forming during gear rotation. The geometric complexity and high-pressure gradients that characterize the gear pump flow field make a CFD analysis quite difficult, and the contact between the gear teeth is usually avoided, thus being an extremely important feature. In this paper, a gear pump composed of inlet and outlet pipes was considered, and the contact between the gear’s teeth was modeled in two different ways, one where it is effectively implemented and one where it is avoided using distancing and a proper casing modification. Herein, a new methodology is proposed for the application of the dynamic mesh method in the Simcenter STAR-CCM+ environment using an adaptive remeshing technique. The proposed methodology is compared with the alternative overset meshing method available in the software. The new meshing method is implemented using a user-routing that reproduces the real geometry of the gears while rotating during the pump operation, with teeth contact included. The routine is optimized in order to limit the additional computation and time needed for the remeshing process. The results that can be obtained using the two meshing approaches for the gear pump are compared in terms of computational effort and the accuracy of the results. The two methods showed opposite results in almost all the reported results, with the overset being more precise in the radial pressure evaluation and the dynamic being more reliable in the cavitation/aeration extension cloud.
Extract of Pfaffia glomerata Ameliorates Paroxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Mice and the Characterization of Its Phytoconstituents by UPLC-MS
Authors: Huang Qianqian , Wu Haiying , Qin Xiaoming
Published: August 2023

Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) has a variety of biological activities. However, its ameliorative effect on and exact working mechanism in male sexual dysfunction are still poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of PGE on paroxetine (PRX)-induced sexual dysfunction in male mice and uses molecular docking technology to investigate its underlying mechanism. In this work, PRX-induced sexual dysfunction was caused and PGE was gavaged in mice for 28 days. The results show that PGE significantly improved the sexual performance of mice and reduced the damage to testicular tissues. Further studies showed that PGE restored serum sex hormones to normal levels and increased nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels as well as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in penile tissues, while also decreasing phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) activity, thereby maintaining normal penile erection in mice. In addition, PGE improved the activities of enzymes (LDH, ACP, and ALP) related to energy metabolism in the testis and significantly increased sperm count and viability in mice. Furthermore, the molecular docking results show that all eight compounds in PGE could form a stable complex with PDE-5 and inhibit the activity of PDE-5. In conclusion, PGE had an ameliorative effect on PRX-induced sexual dysfunction, suggesting that PGE has a potential protective effect on male sexual health.
Multi-Omics Reveals the Effect of Crossbreeding on Some Precursors of Flavor and Nutritional Quality of Pork
Authors: Chen Qiangqiang , Zhang Wei , Xiao Lixia , Sun Qian , Wu Fen , Liu Guoliang , Wang Yuan , Pan Yuchun , Wang Qishan , Zhang Jinzhi
Published: August 2023

Over the last several decades, China has continuously introduced Duroc boars and used them as breeding boars. Although this crossbreeding method has increased pork production, it has affected pork quality. Nowadays, one of the primary goals of industrial breeding and production systems is to enhance the quality of meat. This research analyzed the molecular mechanisms that control the quality of pork and may be used as a guide for future efforts to enhance meat quality. The genetic mechanisms of cross-breeding for meat quality improvement were investigated by combining transcriptome and metabolome analysis, using Chinese native Jiaxing black (JXB) pigs and crossbred Duroc × Duroc × Berkshire × JXB (DDBJ) pigs. In the longissimus Dorsi muscle, the content of inosine monophosphate, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and amino acids were considerably higher in JXB pigs in contrast with that of DDBJ pigs, whereas DDBJ pigs have remarkably greater levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids than JXB pigs. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential metabolites were identified using transcriptomic and metabolomic KEGG enrichment analyses. Differential metabolites mainly include amino acids, fatty acids, and phospholipids. In addition, several DEGs that may explain differences in meat quality between the two pig types were found, including genes associated with the metabolism of lipids (e.g., DGKA, LIPG, and LPINI), fatty acid (e.g., ELOVL5, ELOVL4, and ACAT2), and amino acid (e.g., SLC7A2, SLC7A4). Combined with the DEGS-enriched signaling pathways, the regulatory mechanisms related to amino acids, fatty acids, and phospholipids were mapped. The abundant metabolic pathways and DEGs may provide insight into the specific molecular mechanism that regulates meat quality. Optimizing the composition of fatty acids, phospholipids, amino acids, and other compounds in pork is conducive to improving meat quality. Overall, these findings will provide useful information and further groundwork for enhancing the meat quality that may be achieved via hybrid breeding.
Towards a Multispectral Imaging System for Spatial Mapping of Chemical Composition in Fresh-Cut Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
Authors: Mollazade Kaveh , Hashim Norhashila , Zude-Sasse Manuela
Published: August 2023

With increasing public demand for ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruit, the postharvest industry requires the development and adaptation of monitoring technologies to provide customers with a product of consistent quality. The fresh-cut trade of pineapples (Ananas comosus) is on the rise, favored by the sensory quality of the product and mechanization of the cutting process. In this paper, a multispectral imaging-based approach is introduced to provide distribution maps of moisture content, soluble solids content, and carotenoids content in fresh-cut pineapple. A dataset containing hyperspectral images (380–1690 nm) and reference measurements in 10 regions of interest of 60 fruit (n = 600) was prepared. Ranking and uncorrelatedness (based on ReliefF algorithm) and subset selection (based on CfsSubset algorithm) approaches were applied to find the most informative wavelengths in which bandpass optical filters or light sources are commercially available. The correlation coefficient and error metrics obtained by cross-validated multilayer perceptron neural network models indicated that the superior selected wavelengths (495, 500, 505, 1215, 1240, and 1425 nm) resulted in prediction of moisture content with R = 0.56, MAPE = 1.92%, soluble solids content with R = 0.52, MAPE = 14.72%, and carotenoids content with R = 0.63, MAPE = 43.99%. Prediction of chemical composition in each pixel of the multispectral images using the calibration models yielded spatially distributed quantification of the fruit slice, spatially varying according to the maturation of single fruitlets in the whole pineapple. Calibration models provided reliable responses spatially throughout the surface of fresh-cut pineapple slices with a constant error. According to the approach to use commercially relevant wavelengths, calibration models could be applied in classifying fruit segments in the mechanized preparation of fresh-cut produce.
Evaluation of Hygiene Practice for Reducing Campylobacter Contamination on Cutting Boards and Risks Associated with Chicken Handling in Kitchen Environment
Authors: Lai Honggang , Tang Yuanyue , Ren Fangzhe , Jiao Xin-an , Huang Jinlin
Published: August 2023

Cutting boards can serve as potential carriers for the cross-contamination of pathogens from chicken to other surfaces. This study aimed to assess chefs’ handling practices of cutting boards across five provinces in China and identify the key factors contributing to unsafe cutting board usage, including cleaning methods and handling practices. Handling practices associated with cutting boards were examined through a web-based survey (N = 154), while kitchen environment tests were conducted to investigate the splashing or survival of Campylobacter, inoculated in chicken or on cutting boards, to mimic the practices of chefs. Among chefs in the five provinces of China, wood and plastic cutting boards were the most commonly used for preparing chicken meat. Approximately 33.7% of chefs washed boards with running tap water, 31.17% of chefs washed boards with detergent, and 24.03% of chefs cleaned boards by scraping them with a knife after preparing other meats or chicken. The study tested 23 cutting boards from commercial kitchens for Campylobacter presence before and after chicken preparation and cleaning. Among these, 17 were cleaned with a knife, 5 with running tap water, and only 1 with disinfectant. Results showed that cleaning with a knife significantly reduced Campylobacter presence on cutting boards (p < 0.05), while the three main cleaning methods were inadequate in eliminating contamination to a safe level. In kitchen environment tests, contaminated chicken was chopped on cutting boards, with a maximum distance of 60 cm for low contamination, and 120 cm for medium and high contamination levels. This suggested a contamination risk exposure area ranging from 60 cm to 120 cm. Campylobacter survival on surfaces of wood, plastic, and stainless steel was also tested, with plastic surfaces showing the longest survival time (4.5 h at 15 °C and 3.5 h at 25 °C) In comparison, survival time on stainless steel or wood surfaces was only 3 h, implying a cross-contamination risk exposure period of 3 to 4.5 h after chicken preparation. In conclusion, based on the current study data, the practices employed by chefs play an important role in Campylobacter transfer in the kitchen environment. The presence of Campylobacter on cutting boards even after wiping or droplet splashing highlights its potential as a source of cross-contamination in the kitchen environment. So, chefs in China should reinforce their hygiene culture and adopt effective cutting board cleaning practices to prevent pathogen contamination.
Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activities of Six Types of Korean White Wine
Authors: Lee Sae-Byuk
Published: August 2023

The cultivation of European grape cultivars suitable for winemaking in Korea presents challenges due to factors such as climate, soil conditions, precipitation, and sunlight. Consequently, Korea has traditionally resorted to adding sugar to its wine production to counteract the low sugar content in Korean grapes, yielding lower-quality wines. However, recent success in the cultivation of five European grape cultivars and the development of the domestic grape cultivar Cheongsoo have increased the possibility of achieving high-quality Korean wines. This study aimed to explore the potential of European grape cultivars and Cheongsoo as wine grapes in Korea. This study also conducted sensory evaluation and analyzed the physicochemical properties of the grapes and wines, including antioxidant capacity and color. Despite originating from the same vineyard, the composition of grapes and wines, including volatile aromatic compounds, significantly differed among the grape cultivars. In particular, Vidal wine exhibited superior antioxidant capacity compared with other wines. Moreover, Cheongsoo wine showed higher levels of essential volatile aromatic compounds, such as monoterpenes, than other wines. Sensory evaluation of these two wines also revealed excellent results. In conclusion, these findings hold promise for enhancing the diversity of Korean white wine and fostering growth in the wine industry.
One Step Closer to the Understanding of the Relationship IDR-LCR-Structure
Authors: Gonçalves-Kulik Mariane , Schmid Friederike , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A.
Published: August 2023

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in protein sequences are emerging as functionally important elements for interaction and regulation. While being generally flexible, we previously showed, by observation of experimentally obtained structures, that they contain regions of reduced sequence complexity that have an increased propensity to form structure. Here we expand the universe of cases taking advantage of structural predictions by AlphaFold. Our studies focus on low complexity regions (LCRs) found within IDRs, where these LCRs have only one or two residue types (polyX and polyXY, respectively). In addition to confirming previous observations that polyE and polyEK have a tendency towards helical structure, we find a similar tendency for other LCRs such as polyQ and polyER, most of them including charged residues. We analyzed the position of polyXY containing IDRs within proteins, which allowed us to show that polyAG and polyAK accumulate at the N-terminal, with the latter showing increased helical propensity at that location. Functional enrichment analysis of polyXY with helical propensity indicated functions requiring interaction with RNA and DNA. Our work adds evidence of the function of LCRs in interaction-dependent structuring of disordered regions, encouraging the development of tools for the prediction of their dynamic structural properties.
Four Novel Disease-Causing Variants in the NOTCH3 Gene in Russian Patients with CADASIL
Authors: Bostanova Fatima , Tsygankova Polina , Nagornov Ilya , Dadali Elena , Bessonova Lyudmila , Kulesh Aleksey , Drobakha Viktor , Danchenko Irina , Kanivets Ilya , Zakharova Ekaterina
Published: August 2023

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited disease with unknown mechanisms and a broad phenotypic spectrum. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the NOTCH3 gene. The symptoms of the disease mainly include recurrent strokes with vascular risk factors, migraine with aura, dementia, and mood disturbances. Case presentation: Peripheral blood samples were collected from five patients from four unrelated families to extract genomic DNA. In four patients, analysis of exons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and adjacent intronic regions of the NOTCH3 gene was made via Sanger sequencing. Two previously undescribed nucleotide variants were identified in two patients: missense variant c.208G>T, (p.Gly70Cys) in exon 1 and splice-site variant c.341-1G>C in intron 3. Further DNA of two other patients were analyzed using a next-generation sequencing-based custom AmpliSeq™ panel for 59 genes associated with leukodystrophies. Two novel missense variants in the NOTCH3 gene were identified, c.1136G>A, (p.Cys379Tyr) in exon 7 and c.1547G>A, (p.Cys516Tyr) in exon 10. The pathogenic variant c.1547G>A, (p.Cys516Tyr) was confirmed in the fifth patient (family case) by Sanger sequencing. All patients had a history of headaches, transient ischemic attacks, memory impairment, and characteristics of MRI results. Three patients had strokes and two patients had psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: We found four previously undescribed pathogenic variants in the NOTCH3 gene in five patients with CADASIL and described their clinical and genetic characteristics. These results expand the mutational spectrum of CADASIL.
Genetic Landscape of Masticatory Muscle Tendon–Aponeurosis Hyperplasia
Authors: Tajima Rina , Okazaki Atsuko , Sato Tsuyoshi , Ozaki Kokoro , Motooka Daisuke , Okazaki Yasushi , Yoda Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

Limited mouth opening is a characteristic of masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia (MMTAH). Although genetic involvement is suspected where familial onset is frequently observed, the genetic background of MMTAH is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we conducted whole genome sequencing of 10 patients with MMTAH and their family members when available. We also conducted RNA sequencing of normal temporal tendon (as disease region) and Achilles tendon (as control region) from commercially available pig samples. We identified 51 genes that had rare variants in patients with MMTAH and were highly expressed in the temporal tendons of pigs. Among the 51 genes, 37 genes have not been reported to be causative for human genetic diseases so far. As an implication of genetic involvement in the pathogenesis of MMTAH, 21 of these 37 genes were identified in two independent families. In particular, PCDH1 and BAIAP3 were identified in one affected individual in a family and consistently segregated in unrelated family, indicating they could be candidate causative genes of MMTAH. Our findings will help elucidate the genetic landscape of MMTAH and provide insights into future possibilities for tendon regeneration treatment.
Men’s Behavior and Communication in the Days Prior to a Suicide—A Psychological Autopsy Study
Authors: Hofmann Laura , Wagner Birgit
Published: August 2023

Men show a significantly higher suicide rate, are less often recognized as persons at risk, and are more difficult to reach for suicide prevention interventions. Warning signs and deterioration in mental health are often not recognized by their surroundings. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the behavior and communication of men before a suicide, how relatives noticed changes, and how the interaction was perceived. N = 15 individuals who lost a close male relative to suicide were interviewed using psychological autopsy interviews. The interviews were evaluated following a deductive–inductive approach while using a comprehensive category system. The majority of men showed changes in behavior before the suicide, especially social withdrawal, irritability, and generally a deterioration in mental health. In fact, men did communicate their suicidal thoughts before they died through suicide, but mainly indirectly. While only one-third of the deceased made preparations before suicide, the majority of relatives noticed a deterioration in the mental health of the individual as well as increased alcohol and substance use. Men show signs of suicide, which are little recognized by their surroundings. Suicide prevention interventions should be adapted more to the needs of men.
Implementing Innovative Approaches to Improve Health Care Delivery Systems for Integrating Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Using Tuberculosis and Diabetes as a Model in Tanzania
Authors: Mpagama Stellah G. , Byashalira Kenneth C. , Chamba Nyasatu G. , Heysell Scott K. , Alimohamed Mohamed Z. , Shayo Pendomartha J. , Kalolo Albino , Chongolo Anna M. , Gitige Catherine G. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Ntinginya Nyanda E. , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C. , Bygbjerg Ib C. , Lillebaek Troels , Christensen Dirk L. , Ramaiya Kaushik L.
Published: August 2023

Background: Many evidence-based health interventions, particularly in low-income settings, have failed to deliver the expected impact. We designed an Adaptive Diseases Control Expert Programme in Tanzania (ADEPT) to address systemic challenges in health care delivery and examined the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the model using tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) as a prototype. Methods: This was an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type-3 design that was implemented in Dar es Salaam, Iringa and Kilimanjaro regions. The strategy included a stepwise training approach with web-based platforms adapting the Gibbs’ reflective cycle. Health facilities with TB services were supplemented with DM diagnostics, including glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The clinical audit was deployed as a measure of fidelity. Retrospective and cross-sectional designs were used to assess the fidelity, acceptability and feasibility of the model. Results: From 2019–2021, the clinical audit showed that ADEPT intervention health facilities more often identified median 8 (IQR 6–19) individuals with dual TB and DM, compared with control health facilities, median of 1 (IQR 0–3) (p = 0.02). Likewise, the clinical utility of HbA1c on intervention sites was 63% (IQR:35–75%) in TB/DM individuals compared to none in the control sites at all levels, whereas other components of the standard of clinical management of patients with dual TB and DM did not significantly differ. The health facilities showed no difference in screening for additional comorbidities such as hypertension and malnutrition. The stepwise training enrolled a total of 46 nurse officers and medical doctors/specialists for web-based training and 40 (87%) attended the workshop. Thirty-one (67%), 18 nurse officers and 13 medical doctors/specialists, implemented the second step of training others and yielded a total of 519 additional front-line health care workers trained: 371 nurses and 148 clinicians. Overall, the ADEPT model was scored as feasible by metrics applied to both front-line health care providers and health facilities. Conclusions: It was feasible to use a stepwise training and clinical audit to support the integration of TB and DM management and it was largely acceptable and effective in differing regions within Tanzania. When adapted in the Tanzania health system context, the model will likely improve quality of services.
Risk Factors of Health-Related Quality of Life among Gastrointestinal Cancer Survivors in the U.S.: With a Focus on Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (SBDH)
Authors: Han Claire J. , Tounkara Fode , Kalady Matthew , Noonan Anne M. , Burse Natasha R. , Paskett Electra D. , Von Ah Diane
Published: August 2023

Background: Increasing numbers of long-term gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors highlight the importance of understanding the factors contributing to their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We investigated the risk factors of HRQoL, including demographics, clinical characteristics, and social and behavioral determinants of health (SBDH). Methods: Data on adult GI cancer survivors (n = 3201) from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys from 2014–2021 (except for 2015) were analyzed. Unadjusted/adjusted logistic regression was used. Results: The majority were women (54%) and white (78%), with a median age of 67. Survivors who were 65 years or older, diagnosed with colorectal cancer, or who had fewer comorbidities were more likely to report significantly better HRQoL. Significant social factors of poor HRQoL included unmarried, racial and ethnic minorities, poor socioeconomic status, and poor healthcare access. Significant behavioral factors of poor HRQoL were lack of physical activity, heavy alcohol consumption, and current smoking, with lack of physical activity being the most significant factor. Conclusions: The SBDH has a critical role in HRQoL. Future studies are warranted to develop a tailored survivorship intervention, such as physical rehabilitation, and to explore machine learning/artificial intelligence-based predictive models to identify cancer survivors at a high risk of developing poor HRQoL.
Circulating microRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer—Advances and Challenges
Authors: Seyhan Attila A.
Published: August 2023

There is an urgent unmet need for robust and reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of response to specific treatments of many aggressive and deadly cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, and liquid biopsy-based miRNA profiling has the potential for this. MiRNAs are a subset of non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of a multitude of genes post-transcriptionally and thus are potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers and have also emerged as potential therapeutics. Because miRNAs are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of their target mRNAs via repressing gene expression, defects in miRNA biogenesis pathway and miRNA expression perturb the expression of a multitude of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. As such, numerous miRNAs have been identified to be downregulated or upregulated in many cancers, functioning as either oncomes or oncosuppressor miRs. Moreover, dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis pathways can also change miRNA expression and function in cancer. Profiling of dysregulated miRNAs in pancreatic cancer has been shown to correlate with disease diagnosis, indicate optimal treatment options and predict response to a specific therapy. Specific miRNA signatures can track the stages of pancreatic cancer and hold potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers, as well as therapeutics such as miRNA mimics and miRNA inhibitors (antagomirs). Furthermore, identified specific miRNAs and genes they regulate in pancreatic cancer along with downstream pathways can be used as potential therapeutic targets. However, a limited understanding and validation of the specific roles of miRNAs, lack of tissue specificity, methodological, technical, or analytical reproducibility, harmonization of miRNA isolation and quantification methods, the use of standard operating procedures, and the availability of automated and standardized assays to improve reproducibility between independent studies limit bench-to-bedside translation of the miRNA biomarkers for clinical applications. Here I review recent findings on miRNAs in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and their potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers.
Metabolomic Analysis of Trehalose Alleviating Oxidative Stress in Myoblasts
Authors: Zhang Shuya , Qiu Xu , Zhang Yue , Huang Caihua , Lin Donghai
Published: August 2023

Trehalose, a naturally occurring non-toxic disaccharide, has attracted considerable attention for its potential in alleviating oxidative stress in skeletal muscle. In this study, our aim was to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms underlying the protective effects of trehalose against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts. Our results show that both trehalose treatment and pretreatment effectively alleviate the H2O2-induced decrease in cell viability, reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and attenuate lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, using NMR-based metabolomics analysis, we observed that trehalose treatment and pretreatment modulate the metabolic profile of myoblasts, specifically regulating oxidant metabolism and amino acid metabolism, contributing to their protective effects against oxidative stress. Importantly, our results reveal that trehalose treatment and pretreatment upregulate the expression levels of P62 and Nrf2 proteins, thereby activating the Nrf2-NQO1 axis and effectively reducing oxidative stress. These significant findings highlight the potential of trehalose supplementation as a promising and effective strategy for alleviating oxidative stress in skeletal muscle and provide valuable insights into its potential therapeutic applications.
Dimethyl Fumarate Used as an Effective Treatment for Granuloma Annulare Disseminatum: An Immunohistochemical Case Study
Authors: Gabutti Max , Heidemeyer Kristine , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Bossart Simon , Hunger Robert E. , Feldmeyer Laurence , Yawalkar Nikhil
Published: August 2023

This investigation demonstrates the use of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for the treatment of disseminated granuloma annulare (GAD), a rare and chronic inflammatory skin disease. In this case, progressive GAD was treated with DMF, resulting in significant improvement of skin lesions within 5 weeks and complete healing within 7 months. Clinical response was associated with a reduction in inflammatory cells, including both T cell subsets (CD4+ > CD8+), CD183+/CXCR3+ cells, Langerhans cells (CD1a+), myeloid DCs, M1- and M2-like macrophages and the activation marker HLA-DR in immunohistochemical analysis. These findings support the use of DMF as a promising treatment option for this rare skin condition.
Lactate Metabolism, Signaling, and Function in Brain Development, Synaptic Plasticity, Angiogenesis, and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wu Anika , Lee Daehoon , Xiong Wen-Cheng
Published: August 2023

Neural tissue requires a great metabolic demand despite negligible intrinsic energy stores. As a result, the central nervous system (CNS) depends upon a continuous influx of metabolic substrates from the blood. Disruption of this process can lead to impairment of neurological functions, loss of consciousness, and coma within minutes. Intricate neurovascular networks permit both spatially and temporally appropriate metabolic substrate delivery. Lactate is the end product of anaerobic or aerobic glycolysis, converted from pyruvate by lactate dehydrogenase-5 (LDH-5). Although abundant in the brain, it was traditionally considered a byproduct or waste of glycolysis. However, recent evidence indicates lactate may be an important energy source as well as a metabolic signaling molecule for the brain and astrocytes—the most abundant glial cell—playing a crucial role in energy delivery, storage, production, and utilization. The astrocyte–neuron lactate-shuttle hypothesis states that lactate, once released into the extracellular space by astrocytes, can be up-taken and metabolized by neurons. This review focuses on this hypothesis, highlighting lactate’s emerging role in the brain, with particular emphasis on its role during development, synaptic plasticity, angiogenesis, and disease.
Study of Nuclear Reactions in Therapy of Tumors with Proton Beams
Authors: Azarkin Maxim , Kirakosyan Martin , Ryabov Vladimir
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an assessment of nuclear reaction yields of protons, α-particles, and neutrons in human tissue-equivalentmaterial in proton therapy using a simulation with Geant 4. In this study, we also check an enhancement of nuclear reactions due to the presence of Bi, Au, 11B, and 10B radiosensitizer nanoparticles. We demonstrate that a proton beam induces a noticeable amount of nuclear reactions in the tissue. Nevertheless, the enhancement of nuclear reaction products due to radiosensitizer nanoparticles is found to be negligible.
Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma Is a Multifaceted Cancer Testis Antigen with Diverse Roles as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Bose Mukulika
Published: August 2023

Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer testis antigen (CTA) that is selectively expressed in certain somatic tissues, predominantly in the testis, and is overexpressed in various cancers. PRAME family proteins are leucine-rich repeat proteins that are localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, with multifaceted roles in immunity, during gametogenesis and in the overall reproduction process. It is a widely studied CTA and has been associated with the prognosis and therapeutic outcomes in patients with epithelial and non-epithelial tumors. PRAME has also been studied extensively as a therapeutic target. Moreover, it has been found to play a role in most of the well-known cancer hallmarks. Interestingly, the role of PRAME in tumorigenesis is paradoxical. Over the last decade, PRAME has garnered substantial interest as a target for immunotherapy. There are multiple clinical trials and pre-clinical studies targeting PRAME alone or in combination with other tumor antigens. This review article is an attempt to update our knowledge and understanding of the context-dependent oncogenic functions of PRAME in various carcinomas, and the current immunotherapeutic strategies, challenges, and perspectives on developing newer strategies to target PRAME for a better outcome.
The Impact of Digital Business on Energy Efficiency in EU Countries
Authors: Kwilinski Aleksy , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana
Published: August 2023

Digital business plays a crucial role in driving energy efficiency and sustainability by enabling innovative solutions such as smart grid technologies, data analytics for energy optimization, and remote monitoring and control systems. Through digitalization, businesses can streamline processes, minimize energy waste, and make informed decisions that lead to more efficient resource utilization and reduced environmental impact. This paper aims at analyzing the character of digital business’ impact on energy efficiency to outline the relevant instruments to unleash EU countries’ potential for attaining sustainable development. The study applies the panel-corrected standard errors technique to check the effect of digital business on energy efficiency for the EU countries in 2011–2020. The findings show that digital business has a significant negative effect on energy intensity, implying that increased digital business leads to decreased energy intensity. Additionally, digital business practices positively contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting renewable energy, although the impact on final energy consumption varies across different indicators. The findings underscore the significance of integrating digital business practices to improve energy efficiency, lower energy intensity, and advance the adoption of renewable energy sources within the EU. Policymakers and businesses should prioritize the adoption of digital technologies and e-commerce strategies to facilitate sustainable energy transitions and accomplish environmental objectives.
Estimation of the Achievable Performance of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks with Optimal Link State Routing
Authors: Kazakov Gennady
Published: August 2023

The paper explores the challenges of constructing self-organizing wireless mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) utilizing Optimal Link State Routing (OLSR) with MPR (MultiPoint Relay) optimization and quality control through the RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol). Analytical expressions are presented for calculating the achievable network characteristics, including route acquisition time, network efficiency (routing overhead), packet transmission delay (end-to-end delay), and signal propagation losses between nodes assuming no packet collisions within the network nodes. The possibility of network scalability is analyzed depending on the scenarios of operation and the number of network nodes. Recommendations for the construction and scalability of self-organizing wireless networks are formulated based on the conducted evaluations and calculations.
End-to-End Depth-Guided Relighting Using Lightweight Deep Learning-Based Method
Authors: Nathan Sabari , Kansal Priya
Published: August 2023

Image relighting, which involves modifying the lighting conditions while preserving the visual content, is fundamental to computer vision. This study introduced a bi-modal lightweight deep learning model for depth-guided relighting. The model utilizes the Res2Net Squeezed block’s ability to capture long-range dependencies and to enhance feature representation for both the input image and its corresponding depth map. The proposed model adopts an encoder–decoder structure with Res2Net Squeezed blocks integrated at each stage of encoding and decoding. The model was trained and evaluated on the VIDIT dataset, which consists of 300 triplets of images. Each triplet contains the input image, its corresponding depth map, and the relit image under diverse lighting conditions, such as different illuminant angles and color temperatures. The enhanced feature representation and improved information flow within the Res2Net Squeezed blocks enable the model to handle complex lighting variations and generate realistic relit images. The experimental results demonstrated the proposed approach’s effectiveness in relighting accuracy, measured by metrics such as the PSNR, SSIM, and visual quality.
Colletotrichum siamense, a Novel Causal Agent of Viburnum odoratissimum Leaf Blotch and Its Sensitivity to Fungicides
Authors: Li Hui , Liao Yang-Chun-Zi , Wan Yu , Li De-Wei , Zhu Li-Hua
Published: August 2023

Viburnum odoratissimum Ker-Gawl is native to Asia and is usually used as a garden ornamental. In September 2022, a leaf blotch on V. odoratissimum was observed in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. The disease causes the leaves of the plants to curl and dry up and defoliate early. It not only seriously affects the growth of the plants but also greatly reduces the ornamental value. The pathogenic fungus was isolated from the diseased leaves, and the fungus was identified to be Colletotrichum siamense based on morphological features and multilocus phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, actin (ACT), calmodulin (CAL), beta-tubulin 2 (TUB2), chitin synthase (CHS-1), Apn2-Mat1-2 intergenic spacer and partial mating type (ApMat), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes. Pathogenicity tests were performed by inoculating healthy leaves with conidia. C. siamense can grow at 15–35 °C, with an optimal growth temperature at 25–30 °C. The results of sensitivity to nine fungicides showed that C. siamense was the most sensitive to prochloraz in the concentration range of 0.01 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL. Therefore, spraying prochloraz before the optimum growth temperature of pathogenic fungus can achieve effective control. It provided useful information for future studies on the prevention and treatment strategies of C. siamense. This is the first report of leaf blotch caused by C. siamense on V. odoratissimum in China and worldwide.
Development and Validation of a HTS Platform for the Discovery of New Antifungal Agents against Four Relevant Fungal Phytopathogens
Authors: Serrano Rachel , González-Menéndez Víctor , Tormo José R. , Genilloud Olga
Published: August 2023

Fungal phytopathogens are the major agents responsible for causing severe damage to and losses in agricultural crops worldwide. Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, Fusarium proliferatum, and Magnaporthe grisea are included in the top ten fungal phytopathogens that impose important plant diseases on a broad range of crops. Microbial natural products can be an attractive alternative for the biological control of phytopathogens. The objective of this work was to develop and validate a High-throughput Screening (HTS) platform to evaluate the antifungal potential of chemicals and natural products against these four important plant pathogens. Several experiments were performed to establish the optimal assay conditions that provide the best reproducibility and robustness. For this purpose, we have evaluated two media formulations (SDB and RPMI-1640), several inoculum concentrations (1 × 106, 5 × 105 and 5 × 106 conidia/mL), the germination curves for each strain, each strain’s tolerance to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and the Dose Response Curves (DRC) of the antifungal control (Amphotericin B). The assays were performed in 96-well plate format, where absorbance at 620 nm was measured before and after incubation to evaluate growth inhibition, and fluorescence intensity at 570 nm excitation and 615 nm emission was monitored after resazurin addition for cell viability evaluation. Quality control parameters (RZ’ Factors and Signal to Background (S/B) ratios) were determined for each assay batch. The assay conditions were finally validated by titrating 40 known relevant antifungal agents and testing 2400 microbial natural product extracts from the MEDINA Library through both HTS agar-based and HTS microdilution-based set-ups on the four phytopathogens.
Demodex Species and Culturable Microorganism Co-Infestations in Patients with Blepharitis
Authors: Pyzia Joanna , Mańkowska Katarzyna , Czepita Maciej , Kot Karolina , Łanocha-Arendarczyk Natalia , Czepita Damian , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta I.
Published: August 2023

We aimed to determine the prevalence of Demodex spp. and bacterial infection in patients with blepharitis and also to investigate the relationship between culturable microorganisms and Demodex spp. in this study. The study included patients diagnosed with blepharitis (n = 128) and volunteers without ocular problems (n = 113). Eyelash sampling was performed by epilating eight lashes, which were then tested for Demodex spp. using a light microscope. The examination consisted of assessing the patient’s vision with and without ocular correction and tonus in both eyes and a careful examination of the anterior segment of both eyes. Bacterial identification was performed based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical methods. The prevalence of Demodex spp. was 8.0% in patients from the control group and all patients with blepharitis. Isolated forms of Demodex spp. were detected in all infested patients in the control group and in 58% of patients with blepharitis. A total of 35% of patients with blepharitis had from three to nine forms of Demodex spp., and 7% of patients with blepharitis had more than 10 mites in every field of vision. We found a statistically significant relationship between Demodex spp. infestation and the occurrence of eye dryness and sensations of burning and tearing, redness of the conjunctiva, feeling of a foreign body, loss of eyelashes, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and cylindrical dandruff. There were statistically significant relationships between Demodex sp. infestation and the presence of hyperopia, Meibomian cysts, chronic eyelid inflammation, and the use of eyeglasses. There was also a statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of Demodex spp. and seborrheic dermatitis and diabetes mellitus. Culturable microorganisms of the ocular surface were found in 8.7% of participants who were uninfested and in all patients infested with D. folliculorum. We isolated Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Bacillus spp. from the conjunctival sac only in patients infested with D. folliculorum. This indicates an increased probability of colonization by pathogenic bacteria in patients with demodicosis. Therefore, patients infested with D. folliculorum should undergo a microbiological examination of conjunctival swabs.
Comparative Studies of the Confined Effect of Shear Masonry Walls Made of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Masonry Units
Authors: Jasiński Radosław , Gąsiorowski Tomasz
Published: August 2023

Confined walls are popular in areas exposed to seismic action. The advantage of such structures is increased load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation. Confined masonry walls are also used to restrain the intensity of cracking and improve load-bearing capacity in areas exposed to seismic action. This paper describes the research on 18 confined walls and presents a comparison with research on unconfined walls (referenced models). The confined models were classified into three series: HOS-C-AAC—without openings and with confining elements around the perimeter; HAS-C1-AAC with a centrally positioned opening and circumferential confinement; and HAS-C2-AAC with a centrally positioned window opening and additional confinement along the vertical edges of the opening. The area of the window opening was 1.5 m2. All walls were made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry units of the nominal density class of 600. The walls were tested under initial compressive stresses σc = 0.1; 0.75; and 1.0 N/mm2. The reference models without confinement (six models of the series HOS-AAC without openings and the series HAS-AAC with openings) were prepared from the same masonry units, had almost the same outer dimensions, and were tested under the same initial compressive stresses σc. The analysis was performed for the morphology of cracks, stress values at the moment of cracking and failure, stiffness, and angles of shear strain. The morphology of cracks was found to depend on initial compressive stresses and the presence of an opening. A significant increase in compressive stress leading to cracks and failure stresses was observed with increasing values of initial compressive stresses. As the wall behavior was clearly non-linear, the bilinear relationship described by energy dissipation E, stiffness at the moment of cracking Kcr, and maximum displacement uu was proposed to be included in the engineering description of the relationship between horizontal load and displacement of confined walls. Confinement along the vertical edges of the opening having an area of 1.5 m2 (acc. to EN 1996-1-1) increased the maximum forces Pmax by ca. 45% and marginally affected the ductility of the wall when compared to the elements with circumferential confinement.
Effect of Organic Matter Components on the Mechanical Properties of Cemented Soil
Authors: Shao Li , Ding Zhixuan , Wang Suran , Pan Kuashi , Hu Chuxue
Published: August 2023

The organic matter in soft clay tends to affect the properties of cement-stabilized soil. The influence degree of different organic matter varies. In this paper, the influence weights and mechanism of the main organic matter components fulvic acid and humic acid on the mechanical properties of cemented soil were investigated. Impacts of FA/HA (fulvic acid/humic acid) values and curing time on the unconfined compressive strength, deformation characteristics, and microstructure of cemented soil were explored through the unconfined compressive strength test and electrical resistivity test. The results show that with the increase of FA/HA, the unconfined compressive strength of cemented soil gradually decreased and the plastic properties enhanced. The increase in curing time changed the stress-strain relationship of cemented soil, and some specimens showed brittle damage. The initial resistivity and structural property parameters of cemented soil gradually decreased with the increasing FA/HA value and increased with the increase of curing time. It revealed the influence law of FA/HA and curing time change on the microstructure of cemented soil. Based on the experimental results, the quantitative relationship equations between FA/HA and curing time and unconfined compressive strength, failure strain, deformation modulus, and resistivity were established.