bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progesterone secretion by luteinizing human granulosa cells: a possible cAMP-dependent but PKA-independent mechanism involved in its regulation
Authors: Chin E C , Abayasekara D R E
Published: December 2004

The corpus luteum formed after luteinization of follicular cells secretes progesterone under the control of luteinizing hormone (LH). Binding of LH to its G-protein-coupled receptor leads to the activation of the adenylate cyclase/ cyclic AMP (cAMP)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signalling pathway. The identification of a new class of cAMP-binding proteins termed ‘guanine nucleotide exchange factors’ (cAMP-GEFs) provides a means by which changes in cAMP could yield actions that are independent of PKA. Hence, in this study, we have explored the hypothesis that steroidogenesis in luteinizing cells is mediated in both a cAMP/PKA-dependent and cAMP-dependent, but PKA-independent, manner. Human granulosa cells were isolated from follicular aspirates of women undergoing assisted conception. Luteinizing human granulosa cells were cultured for up to 3 days in the presence of human (h)LH and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin in the added presence or absence of increasing doses of the PKA inhibitors H89 (N-[2-(4-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl] 5-isoquinoline) and PKI (myristoylated protein kinase A inhibitor amide 14–22) or the cAMP antagonist, Rp-cAMP. Agonist-stimulated progesterone secretion was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the PKA inhibitors and the cAMP antagonist, with decreasing sensitivity as luteinization progressed. Pretreatment of granulosa cells for 4 h with human (h)LH reduced the effectiveness of H89 in inhibiting progester-one secretion. Under basal conditions, cAMP-GEFI expression increased progressively throughout culture, and this could be further enhanced when cells were incubated with increasing doses of LH and forskolin. Furthermore, incubation of cells in the presence of increasing concentrations of the novel cAMP-GEF-specific cAMP analogue, 8 CPT-2 ME-cAMP (8-(4-chloro-phenylthio)-2′-0-methyladenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate), increased progesterone secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The results show that increases in cAMP generated by LH and forskolin, in addition to activating PKA, also induce increases in cAMP-GEFI protein expression in luteinizing human granulosa cells. In addition, activation of cAMP-GEFI results in increased progesterone secretion. Hence, increases in cAMP lead to the activation of PKA-dependent, as well as PKA-independent but cAMP-dependent (via cAMP-GEFI), signalling mechanisms. Since cAMP-GEFs have the capacity to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/protein kinase B (PKB) signalling pathways, these may provide the potential mechanisms by which cAMP-dependent but PKA-independent progesterone synthesis is regulated.
Diurnal changes in hypothalamic neuropeptide and SOCS-3 expression: effects of lactation and relationship with serum leptin and food intake
Authors: Denis R G P , Bing C , Brocklehurst S , Harrold J A , Vernon R G , Williams G
Published: December 2004

Rats normally eat about 85% of their food at night. Lactation increases food intake 3- to 4-fold, but the diurnal pattern of food intake persists. The mechanisms responsible for the diurnal and lactation-induced changes in food intake are still unresolved, hence we have further investigated the possible roles of serum leptin and hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in rats. Suppressor of cytokine signalling-3 (SOCS-3) acts as a feedback inhibitor of leptin signalling in the hypothalamus, hence changes in expression of SOCS-3 were also investigated.

Changes in expression of NPY, AgRP or POMC alone could not account for the diurnal changes in intake and their alteration by lactation. However, there were increased AgRP mRNA:POMC mRNA ratios at night and also during lactation, which were very similar to estimated changes in food intake. Such changes in expression may result in dominance of the orexigenic AgRP peptide over the appetite-suppressing POMC-derived peptides, and so could contribute to the hyperphagia in these states. Diurnal and lactation-related changes in the AgRP mRNA:POMC mRNA ratio and food intake are not due to changes in leptin alone. However, hypoleptinaemia, possibly through increased expression of NPY, may contribute to the hyperphagia of lactation.

In the dark, expression of SOCS-3 was decreased in non-lactating rats; lactation decreased SOCS-3 expression in both light and dark phases. However, such changes are likely to enhance the ability of leptin-responsive neurones to transmit the leptin signal, and so are unlikely to contribute to either the nocturnal increase in appetite or the hyperphagia of lactation.
Has the mammary gland a protective mechanism against overexposure to triiodothyronine during the peripartum period? The prolactin pulse down-regulates mammary type I deiodinase responsiveness to norepinephrine
Authors: Anguiano B , Rojas-Huidobro R , Delgado G , Aceves C
Published: December 2004

Peripartum is a crucial period for mammary gland final differentiation and the onset of lactation. Although the ‘trigger’ for lactogenesis depends on several hormones, a key factor is the peripartum prolactin (PRL) pulse whose deletion results in a failure to initiate milk production. Other hormones having a critical role during this period but exerting a contrary effect are the thyronines. A transitory hypothyroidism occurs at peripartum in serum and several other extrathyroidal tissues, whereas the induction of hyperthyroidism during late pregnancy is associated with the absence of lactation after delivery. We analyzed the mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation for: (a) the type and amount of thyroid receptors (TRs), (b) the local triiodothyronine (T3) generation catalyzed by type I deiodinase (Dio1), (c) the Dio1 response to norepinephrine (NE) and (d) the effect on Dio1 and TRs of blocking the PRL pulse at peripartum. Our data showed that during pregnancy the mammary gland contains Dio1 in low amounts associated with the highest expression of TRα1; whereas during lactation the gland shows high levels of both Dio1 and TRα1. However, at peripartum, both TRs and Dio1 decrease, and Dio1 becomes refractory to NE. This refractoriness disappears when the PRL pulse is blocked by the dopamine agonist bromocriptine. This blockade is also accompanied by a significant decrease in cyclin D1 expression. Our data suggested that the peripartum PRL pulse is part of a protective mechanism against precocious differentiation and/or premature involution of the alveolar epithelium due to T3 overexposure.
The mitochondrial-dependent pathway is chronically affected in testicular germ cell death in adult rats exposed in utero to anti-androgens
Authors: Bozec A , Chuzel F , Chater S , Paulin C , Bars R , Benahmed M , Mauduit C
Published: December 2004

In utero exposure to exogenous anti-androgenic compounds induces a wide range of abnormalities of the reproductive system, including hypospermatogenesis, cryptorchidism and hypospadias. By using rats exposed in utero to the anti-androgenic compound flutamide (0.4, 2 or 10 mg/kg per day), it has been shown that hypospermatogenesis in adult testes could be related to (i) a long-term apoptosis in germ cells but not in somatic Leydig and Sertoli cells as evidenced by the TUNEL approach and (ii) alterations in the mRNA and protein expression of pro- (Bax, Bak, Bid) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-w) members of the Bcl-2 family. Indeed, the number of apoptotic germ cells increased with the dose of flutamide administered and the apoptotic germ cells were mainly detected at androgen-dependent stages VII–VIII. Moreover, for the Bcl-2-related proteins that were expressed mainly in the germ cells, a decrease in the levels of anti-apoptotic peptides Bcl-w (60%, P=0.003) and Bcl-2 (90%, P=0.0001) was observed at 2 mg/kg per day flutamide and an increase in levels of the pro-apoptotic Bax (2.3-fold, P=0.0004) was detected at 10 mg/kg per day. In contrast, the levels of pro-apoptotic peptide Bak that was mainly expressed in somatic cells decreased (70%, P=0.0008) at 10 mg/kg per day. Such alterations in Bcl-2-related peptides occurred mainly at the protein level except for Bcl-2 (72%, P=0.0001) and Bak (43%, P=00002) transcripts. Together, these results showed that the apoptosis observed in adult germ cells from rats exposed in utero to flutamide may result from a long-term alteration in the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-related molecules in favour of pro-apoptotic proteins. These data further supported the concept of an androgen-dependent fetal programming that is in relation with an alteration of the expression of Bcl-2-related genes/proteins promoting apoptosis in testicular germ cells of adult rats with fetal androgen disruption.
Influence of dietary arginine on the anabolic effects of androgens
Authors: Cremades A , Ruzafa C , Monserrat F , López-Contreras A J , Peñafiel R
Published: December 2004

Feeding mice an arginine-deficient diet decreased plasma concentrations of arginine, citrulline and ornithine in the females and arginine in the males, abolishing the sexual dimorphic pattern of these amino acids found in mice fed the standard diet. In addition, the restriction of dietary arginine produced a marked decrease in body and renal weights as well as in the activity of renal ornithine decarboxylase, decreases that were gender dependent since they were observed exclusively in males. The fact that these changes were not associated with the decrease in the circulating levels of testosterone and that the dietary arginine restriction prevented the body weight gain induced by testosterone treatment of female mice fed the standard diet indicates that dietary arginine is required for the anabolic action of androgens. Moreover, under certain conditions that could compromise the renal synthesis of arginine, as in the compensatory renal hypertrophy that follows unilateral nephrectomy, the myotrophic effect of testosterone was transiently impaired. The results also revealed that arginine deficiency produced an opposite effect in the expression of IGF-I and IGF-binding protein 1 in the liver and kidney. Taken together, our results indicate that dietary arginine may be relevant to the anabolic action of testosterone, and suggest that this effect may be mediated by changes in the insulin-like growth factor system.
Studies of the neuromedin U-2 receptor gene in human obesity: evidence for the existence of two ancestral forms of the receptor
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sumit , Luan Jian’an , Farooqi I Sadaf , Keogh Julia , Montague Carl , Brennand John , Jorde Lynn , Wareham Nicholas J , O’Rahilly Stephen
Published: December 2004

Central administration of neuromedin U (NMU) suppresses food intake acting through the NMU-2 receptor (NMU2R), which is expressed in the hypothalamus. We screened the NMU2R gene in 96 patients with severe early-onset obesity. A common variant haplotype was found (f-0.21). This common variant haplotype was unusual in nature, consisting of four non-contiguous missense changes in complete linkage disequilibrium, and across two separate exons. The variant haplotype resulted in four amino acid substitutions (S295T/F312L/P380L/ M385 V) and was present in several other Europid populations and in subjects of South Asian, East Asian and African American origin, but not in eleven African Pygmies. This variant haplotype was not associated with obesity or related traits in 500 subjects from a prospective population-based cohort.

In summary, we have identified two markedly different isoforms of the NMU-2 receptor, presumably arising through an ancient and complex mutational event; no genetic associations between this haplotype and obesity-related traits were, however, discerned. Further investigation of the pharmacogenomic consequences of NMU2R variation in humans is warranted.
Screening of six risk exons of the RET proto-oncogene in families with medullary thyroid carcinoma in the Czech Republic
Authors: Jindřichová Š , Včelák J , Vlček P , Neradilová M , Němec J , Bendlová B
Published: December 2004

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) occurs as a sporadic form (75%) or as an autosomal dominant inherited familial disorder (25%) called familial MTC (FMTC) or as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndromes. Germ-line mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene in exons 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are known to be a cause of most of the familial forms. In this paper we report molecular genetic testing of 106 families with MTC (358 tested persons) from the Czech Republic in which we directly sequenced these six exons of the RET proto-oncogene. We detected germ-line mutations in 100% of MEN2B families (4/4 families), 90% of MEN2A families (9/10), 40% of FMTC families (4/10) and 7% of apparently sporadic MTC (6/82). Eleven different germ-line mutations were revealed. MEN2B was associated with mutation Met918 Thr in exon 16. In one MEN2B family beside this mutation the Tyr791 Phe was also found, which has not yet been reported. MEN2A was restricted to different mutations in exon 11 (codon 634). In FMTC and ‘sporadic’ MTC families the mutations in exons 10, 11, 13 and 14 were detected. The genotype/phenotype correlations are given. Genetic testing revealed germ-line mutations in 23 index patients, 24 family members and excluded them in 53 relatives.
Comparison of the Antibacterial Activity of Selected Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and Deep Eutectic Solvents Comprising Organic Acids (OA‐DESs) Toward Gram‐Positive and Gram‐Negative Species
Authors: Swebocki Tomasz , Kocot Aleksandra M. , Barras Alexandre , Arellano Helena , Bonnaud Leila , Haddadi Kamel , Fameau Anne‐Laure , Szunerits Sabine , Plotka Magdalena , Boukherroub Rabah
Published: February 2024

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been intensively investigated in recent years for their antibacterial properties, with DESs that comprise organic acids (OA‐DESs) showing promising antibacterial action. However a majority of the reports focused only on a limited number strains and techniques, which is not enough to determine the antibacterial potential of a substance. To bridge this gap, the antibacterial activity of classical DESs and OA‐DESs is assessed on twelve Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria strains, with some of them exhibiting specific resistance toward antibiotics. The investigated formulations of OA‐DESs comprise glycolic, malic, malonic, and oxalic acids as representatives of this group. Using a range of microbiological assays as well as physicochemical characterization methods, a major difference of the effectiveness between the two groups is demonstrated, with OA‐DESs exhibiting, as expected, greater antibacterial effectiveness than classical DESs. Most interestingly, slight differences in the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration values as well as time‐kill kinetics profiles are observed between Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the effect of the treatment of the bacteria with the representatives of both groups of DESs, which allows us to better understand the possible mechanism‐of‐action of these novel materials.
Synthesis and application of CoFe₂O₄@THAM@PHG‐SO₃H nanoparticles as a new and highly recyclable nanocatalyst in the one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyranochromenes and chromeno[3,4‐b]quinoline‐6‐ones
Authors: Mir Elham , Hazeri Nourallah , Faroughi Niya Homayoun , Fatahpour Maryam
Published: February 2024

In this study, we have developed a new environmentally‐friendly magnetic nanocatalyst by treating CoFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles with chlorosulfonic acid, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM), 1,2‐dichloroethane, and phloroglucinol (PHG). They confirmed the synthesis of the catalyst using various techniques such as FT‐IR, SEM, MAP, EDS, XRD, TGA, DTA, and VSM. The researchers then evaluated the catalytic efficiency of the nanocatalyst in two reactions: the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyranochromenes from the reaction among aromatic aldehydes, 4‐hydroxycoumarin, and malononitrile, and the synthesis of chromeno[3,4‐b]quinoline‐6‐ones from the reaction among aniline, 4‐hydroxycoumarin, and aromatic aldehydes.
Multifaceted roles and functions of SOX30 in human cancer
Authors: Sun Na , Wang Cheng , Gao Pingping , Wang Rui , Zhang Yi , Qi Xiaowei
Published: February 2024

SRY‐box transcription factor 30 (SOX30) participates in tumor cell apoptosis in lung cancer. The occurrence of somatic SOX30 mutations, the expression signature of SOX30 in normal and cancer tissues, the correlation of SOX30 with immune cells and immune‐related genes, and the clinical significance of SOX30 in various cancers have stimulated interest in SOX30 as a potential cancer biomarker. SOX30 influences drug sensitivity and tumor immunity in specific cancer types. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the latest research on the role of SOX30 in cancer by combining bioinformatics evidence and a literature review. We summarize recent research on SOX30 in cancer regarding somatic mutations, trials, transcriptome analysis, clinical information, and SOX30‐mediated regulation of malignant phenotypes. Additionally, we report on the diagnostic value of SOX30 mRNA expression levels across different cancer types. This review on the role of SOX30 in cancer progression may provide insights into possible research directions for SOX30 in cancer and a theoretical basis for guiding future studies.
Macroeconomic conditions and bank failure
Authors: Wu Qiongbing , Cole Rebel A.
Published: February 2024

Utilizing a simple time‐varying hazard model, we incorporate nationwide and state‐level economic variables with banking‐industry and bank‐level data to examine U.S. bank failures during 1977–2019. We find that bank‐level financial conditions are more essential in predicting bank failure, although macro factors affect the failure likelihood of vulnerable banks. We also find that banking‐industry market variables are significant predictors. Unlike bank systemic funding cost whose predictive power is subsumed in the presence of macroeconomic variables, banking‐industry market performance has a significantly independent predictive power on bank failure. This finding is novel to existing literature of bank‐failure forecast and has important policy implications.
Modelling the connection between energy intensity, renewable energy, globalization, technological innovation and CO2 emissions: A Quantile–on–Quantile technique
Authors: Somoye Oluwatoyin Abidemi , Seraj Mehdi , Ozdeser Huseyin , Mar'I Muhammad
Published: February 2024

As Nigeria progresses towards reaching net‐zero emissions by 2060, it is crucial to identify the factors responsible for environmental deterioration and those that enhance ecological well‐being. It is equally significant to emphasize that Nigeria's economy is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which have proven unsustainable and environmentally unsafe. As a result, this research investigates the impact of energy intensity (EINT), renewable energy consumption (RENC), globalization (GLOX), technological innovation (TINV) and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in Nigeria from 1990Q1–2019Q4. The methods employed include Quantile–on–Quantile (QQ) and non–parametric causality. The QQ method reveals that EINT has both positive and negative impacts on CO2, varying in magnitude from 3 to −5. Higher quantiles of RENC tend to influence CO2 positively, whereas the lower quantile has a negative impact. Negative shocks of GLOX on CO2 have less impact, with a maximum magnitude of −1 at the upper quantile of CO2. In contrast, the positive shocks seem to have a stronger impact and vary in magnitude. TINV has negative shocks across all quantiles. In addition, a significant causality is observed in the upper, middle and lower quantiles. This study suggests that policymakers should implement policies encouraging investments in renewable energy and green technologies.
From intention to action: Assessing need and creating a JEDI toolkit for individuals teaching cancer genetics curriculum
Authors: Paysour Jamie , Shehayeb Susan , McVayre Kelsie , Garg Shreshtha , Amir Fatima , Vercruyssen Anna , Sitaula Alina , Gerhart Meredith , Greenberg Samantha E.
Published: February 2024

The effects of systemic racism persist in cancer care and contribute to disparities. Recent publications have shown that injustices and biases continue to affect the field of genetic counseling in the form of microaggressions, barriers to entry, and disparate patient care. Toolkits are one method that can be used to incorporate anti‐racist practices to address this need. We sought to identify the current state of coverage of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) topics during cancer genetics training across genetic counseling training programs (GCTPs) and utilize this information to create a novel toolkit that would support integration of anti‐racist pedagogy into formal genetic counseling curricula. To accomplish this aim, recent learners and program directors/cancer course instructors were surveyed using two novel surveys. The survey responses, which helped to identify the frequency and manner of incorporation of JEDI topics into cancer curricula in GCTPs, led to the development of an educational toolkit. Recent learners and instructors/program directors identified multiple content areas within cancer genetic training in which they felt incorporating JEDI topics would be desired. A toolkit to support the incorporation of anti‐racist teaching and practices into cancer genetics training in GCTPs was created. This toolkit can be adapted to focus on topics relevant to the care of other marginalized identities and to support the learning of other healthcare providers receiving cancer genetics education.
Climatology of icing conditions over Colombia based onERA5reanalysis and in situ observations
Authors: Chicaeme‐Ordoñez Kevin , Baquero‐Bernal Astrid , Mejía John F.
Published: February 2024

This study shows vertical profiles and spatial distribution of upper‐air icing frequency over the tropical Americas. We estimated the in‐flight icing (IFI) over Colombia using the Current Icing Product‐sonde‐A algorithm over two data sets: (1) vertical soundings of temperature and relative humidity and surface station data taken at 12 Coordinated Universal Time or UTC (07 Local Time or LT) on five sites and (2) ERA5 at 00, 06, 12 and 18 UTC (19, 01, 07 and 13 LT). In either case, icing was defined for IFI values exceeding 0.01. Results show that icing tends to occur between 550 and 300 hPa (4.5 and 8.6 km altitude), with a maximum at 500–550 hPa and monotonically decreasing to zero until reaching 300 hPa. Aeronautic reports were used to evaluate the total column IFI and a layer‐based IFI detection with a probability of detection of 87% and 71%, respectively. The annual cycle of IFI is modulated by the meridional migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) with a bimodal distribution with peaks during the rainiest seasons. Spatially, IFI hotspots are found in the Pacific, the Andes Mountains and the Amazonia regions of Colombia; the northern Colombia Caribbean region show lower IFI frequency with a relative maximum collocated over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. The IFI exhibits a strong diurnal cycle with a high between night‐time to early morning and a low around noon.
Highlights in the clinical nutrition literature: A critical appraisal of current research
Authors: Stoppe Christian , Elke Gunnar , Silvstre Simone Chaves de Miranda , Kappus Matthew
Published: February 2024

Within the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), the Physician Engagement Committee (PEC) was created in 2017 by the ASPEN Board of Directors with the goal of growing the physician community both nationally and internationally. The PEC meets each month throughout the year to develop educational and research initiatives. In 2022, the PEC began an initiative to systematically review and evaluate practice‐changing literature annually with the overall aim to highlight these studies at the annual ASPEN conferences and to critically discuss the potential clinical implications. The objective of the held meeting session was to present identified key papers in the fields of critical care medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology, and adult internal medicine that were published in 2022, which would complement the knowledge of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of nutrition topics as well as to identify areas of future research. Overall, several large‐scale randomized controlled studies were identified in each of these sections, with practice‐changing major results. This manuscript summarizes the information that was presented and the discussions that followed.
An Exploratory, Randomized, Double‐Blind Clinical Trial of Dipraglurant for Blepharospasm
Authors: Kilic‐Berkmen Gamze , Kim Hodam , Chen Dongdong , Yeo Cameron I. , Dinasarapu Ashok R. , Scorr Laura M. , Yeo Woon‐Hong , Peterson David A. , Williams Hilde , Ruby April , Mills Roger , Jinnah H. A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Blepharospasm is treated with botulinum toxin, but obtaining satisfactory results is sometimes challenging.

Objective

The aim is to conduct an exploratory trial of oral dipraglurant for blepharospasm.

Methods

This study was an exploratory, phase 2a, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 15 participants who were assigned to receive a placebo or dipraglurant (50 or 100 mg) and assessed over 2 days, 1 and 2 hours following dosing. Outcome measures included multiple scales rated by clinicians or participants, digital video, and a wearable sensor.

Results

Dipraglurant was well tolerated, with no obvious impact on any of the measurement outcomes. Power analyses suggested fewer subjects would be required for studies using a within‐subject versus independent group design, especially for certain measures. Some outcome measures appeared more suitable than others.

Conclusion

Although dipraglurant appeared well tolerated, it did not produce a trend for clinical benefit. The results provide valuable information for planning further trials in blepharospasm. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Ozone stress response of leaf BVOC emission and photosynthesis in mountain birch (Betula pubescens spp. czerepanovii) depends on leaf age
Authors: Jaakkola Erica , Hellén Heidi , Olin Stefan , Pleijel Håkan , Tykkä Toni , Holst Thomas
Published: February 2024

Oxidative stress from ozone (O3) causes plants to alter their emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) and their photosynthetic rate. Stress reactions from O3 on birch trees can result in prohibited plant growth and lead to increased BVOC emission rates as well as changes in their compound blend to emit more monoterpenes (MT) and sesquiterpenes (SQT). BVOCs take part in atmospheric reactions such as enhancing the production of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). As the compound blend and emission rate change with O3 stress, this can influence the atmospheric conditions by affecting the production of SOA. Studying the stress responses of plants provides important information on how these reactions might change, which is vital to making better predictions of the future climate. In this study, measurements were taken to find out how the leaves of mature mountain birch trees (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) respond to different levels of elevated O3 exposure in situ depending on leaf age. We found that leaves from both early and late summers responded with induced SQT emission after exposure to 120 ppb O3. Early leaves were, however, more sensitive to increased O3 concentrations, with enhanced emission of green leaf volatiles (GLV) and tendencies of both induced leaf senescence as well as poor recovery in the photosynthetic rate between exposures. Late leaves had more stable photosynthetic rates throughout the experiment and responded less to exposure at different O3 levels.
Computational convection analysis of second grade MHD nanofluid flow through porous medium across a stretching surface
Authors: Farooq Umer , Irfan Muhammad , Khalid Shaheer , Jan Ahmed , Hussain Muzamil
Published: February 2024

Nanofluids significantly influence modern life due to their vast usages in the modern era. Transport analysis of non‐Newtonian fluids with nanoparticles (carbon nanotubes) over a stretching surface is the primary focus of the present investigation. Effects of viscous dissipation, porous medium, magnetic field, and heat source factors are also examined. Boundary layers approximation is used to simulate the underlying collection of partial differential equations (PDEs) that regulate the system. Using non‐similarity transformation, the basic PDEs of the model are converted into dimensionless nonlinear PDEs. Up to the second level of truncation PDEs that can be treated as ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are generated from dimensionless PDEs utilizing local non‐similarity approach. The resultant nonlinear differential equations are computationally solved using bvp4c code of MATLAB technique. In this study, we compile and compare the obtained findings with previous research. Graphs demonstrate how the velocity and temperature profiles depend entirely on a wide range of physical parameters. A rise in the second‐grade fluid parameter upsurges the velocity distribution, while an increment in porosity and magnetic parameter declines the velocity distribution. As magnetic values, Eckert number, porosity parameter, and heat source increase, so does the temperature profile of the nanofluid.
Molecular and Physiological Responses to Exogenously Applied Melatonin in Spinach Under Deficit Irrigation Conditions
Authors: Seymen Musa , Yavuz Duran , Can Hasan , Kıymacı Gülbanu , Türkmen Önder , Paksoy Mustafa , Yavuz Nurcan , Kayak Necibe , Kurtar Ertan Sait
Published: February 2024

Melatonin, an important phytochemical, encourages plants to redirect growth in response to environmental stresses. The study aims to investigate the changes in the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular properties of spinach subjected to the exogenous application of melatonin (MEL) at different doses under different water stress. The following four irrigation levels were applied: I100 (complete irrigation), I80 (20% water deficit), I60 (40% water deficit), and I40 (60% water deficit). MEL was applied through a spray on the leaves in three doses—0, 50, and 100 µM. In the present study, the application of MEL50 exhibited no significant decrease in water use efficiency (WUE) at the I80 irrigation level compared to the I100 irrigation level, while a significant decrease in the WUE was observed beyond this point. The application of MEL contributed to influencing the morphological parameters while also positively affecting the photosynthesis activity and, contribution to the antioxidant defense system. It was observed that the genes involved in the carbon metabolism of photosynthesis), the antioxidant mechanism, and the continuity of photosynthesis, all of which affect the expression of melatonin, facilitated water stress reduction in spinach. Therefore, it was inferred that the application of MEL50I80 could serve as an important irrigation strategy in semi-arid regions with limited water resources.
Determination of flow velocities using fiber-optic temperature measurements
Authors: Rautenberg David , Renner Tom , Trick Thomas , Kriegseis Jochen
Published: February 2024

A new flow measuring technique is introduced to measure liquid flow velocities under harsh circumstances in environments with dirt, high pressures and elevated temperatures as in boreholes within the earth’s crust. A glass fiber embedded in a cable with heating wires measures the temperature within the heated cable with fiber-optic temperature sensing. Similar to hot-wire anemometry (HWA), the velocity dependence of convective heat transfer is exploited to measure the velocity around the cable as a cylinder in crossflow. In the first experiment, a borehole-mimicking test rig and a realistic prototype of a borehole probe were built and the flow along the borehole axis was investigated. The concept of this new measurement technique was proven, since the expected Nusselt-Reynolds characteristic of a cylinder in crossflow has been successfully measured. Furthermore, a temperature profile model across the cables cross section has been developed to account for the unexpectedly low ranges of Nusselt number. The model accuracy has been addressed with a second experiment, where a straight segment of a custom-built heated cylinder was placed in a water channel perpendicular to the flow direction. The upstream flow speed during this set of measurements was recorded using particle image velocimetry (PIV), while multiple temperature sensors in the channel, on the probe’s sheath and within the probe delivered the information for the heat transfer model.
On the scalability of helium-filled soap bubbles for volumetric PIV
Authors: Grille Guerra Adrian , Scarano Fulvio , Sciacchitano Andrea
Published: February 2024

The scalability of experiments using PIV relies upon several parameters, namely illumination power, camera sensor and primarily the tracers light scattering capability. Given their larger cross section, helium-filled soap bubbles (HFSB) allow measurements in air flows over a significantly large domain compared to traditional oil or fog droplets. Controlling their diameter translates into scalability of the experiment. This work presents a technique to extend the control of HFSB diameter by geometrical variations of the generator. The latter expands the more limited range allowed by varying the relative helium-air mass flow rates. A theoretical model predicts the bubble size and production rate, which is verified experimentally by high-speed shadow visualization. The overall range of HFSB produced in a stable (bubbling) regime varies from 0.16 to 2.7 mm. Imaging by light scattering of such tracers is also investigated, in view of controversies in the literature on whether diffraction or geometrical imaging dominate the imaging regime. The light scattered by scaled HFSB tracers is imaged with a high-speed camera orthogonal to the illumination. Both the total energy collected on the sensor for a single tracer, as well as its peak intensity, are found to preserve scaling with the square of the diameter at object magnification of 10–1 or below, typical of PIV experiments. For large-scale volumetric applications, it is shown that varying the bubble diameter allows increasing both the measurement domain as well as the working distance of the imagers at 10 m and beyond. A scaling rule is proposed for the latter.

Graphical abstract
Return rate following a live birth obtained with ART: frequency and determinants
Authors: Limena Alessia , Reschini Marco , Invernici Dalila , Parazzini Fabio , Li Piani Letizia , Viganò Paola , Somigliana Edgardo , Basili Ludovica
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To understand how often couples return to ART centres for a second child.

Methods

Retrospective monocentric cohort study including women who had a first live birth with IVF. The primary objective was to assess the rate of those returning for a second child within five years of the previous pregnancy. The secondary aim was to disentangle the determinants of this rate.

Results

A total of 374 patients were included, of whom 188 returned (50%, 95% CI 45–55%). Among those who did not return (n = 186), four (2%) referred to another ART Center and 24 were unreachable. Of the 158 contacted subjects that did not refer for ART, 53 (34%, 95% CI 27–41%) conceived naturally, 57 (36%, 95% CI 29–44%) abandoned their intent of parenthood, and 48 (30%, 95% CI 24–38%) unsuccessfully attempted natural conception. These 48 women (13%) who expressed interest in a second child but did not undergo ART were compared to those seeking a second pregnancy through ART. Baseline characteristics were similar except for an older age (Median 36, IQR: 34–38 vs 34, IQR: 32–36, p = 0.001). Additionally, in terms of IVF cycle characteristics, women who did not return were more likely to achieve their first pregnancy with a fresh transfer rather than a frozen transfer (75% vs 59%, p = 0.05). They also had a higher number of retrieved oocytes (Median 10, IQR: 7–13 vs 9, IQR: 5–12) and less frequently cryopreserved embryos (27% vs 52%, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The proportion of couples who have conceived with ART and who are interested in having a second child is high. Our results underline the importance of paying more attention to the number of intended children, as this information could influence clinical management.
Expression of the microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) as a potential independent prognostic marker in prostate cancer
Authors: Stein Johannes , Krappe Eliana , Kremer Anika , Cronauer Marcus V. , Essler Markus , Cox Alexander , Klümper Niklas , Krausewitz Philipp , Ellinger Jörg , Ritter Manuel , Kristiansen Glen , Majores Michael
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Investigation of Microtubuli-associated Protein 2 (MAP2) expression and its clinical relevance in prostate cancer.

Material and Methods

MAP2 expression was immunohistochemically analysed on radical prostatectomy specimens using whole block sections (n = 107) and tissue microarrays (TMA; n = 310). The staining intensity was evaluated for carcinoma, benign tissue and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Expression data were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and biochemical recurrence-free survival. Additionally, MAP2 protein expression was quantitatively analysed in the serum of histologically confirmed prostate carcinoma patients and the control group using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

MAP2 staining was significantly stronger in neoplastic tissue than in non-neoplastic prostatic glands, both in whole block sections (p < 0.01) and in TMA sections (p < 0.05). TMA data revealed significantly stronger MAP2 staining in high-grade tumors. Survival analysis showed a significant correlation between strong MAP2 staining in carcinoma and shortened biochemical recurrence-free survival after prostatectomy (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed MAP2 as an independent predictor for an unfavourable course. Mean MAP2 serum levels for non-PCA vs. PCA patients differed significantly (non-PCA = 164.7 pg/ml vs. PCA = 242.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present data support MAP2 as a novel biomarker in PCA specimens. MAP2 is correlated with tumor grade and MAP2 high-expressing PCA is associated with an increased risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Future studies are necessary to evaluate MAP2 as a valuable immunohistochemical biomarker in preoperative PCA diagnostic procedures, in particular with regard to treatment modalities.
MVIndEmo: a dataset for micro video public-induced emotion prediction on social media
Authors: Guo Zhenhua , Jia Qi , Fan Baoyu , Wang Di , Xu Cong , Wang Yanwei , Zhao Yaqian , Li Rengang
Published: February 2024

Distinct from the realm of perceived emotion research, induced emotion pertains to the emotional responses engendered within content consumers. This facet has garnered considerable attention and finds extensive application in the analysis of public social media. However, the advent of micro videos presents unique challenges when attempting to discern the induced emotional patterns exhibited by content consumers, owing to their free-style representation and other factors. Consequently, we have put forth two novel tasks concerning the recognition of public-induced emotion on micro videos: emotion polarity and emotion classification. Additionally, we have introduced a accessible dataset specifically tailored for the analysis of public-induced emotion on micro videos. The data corpus has been meticulously collected from Tiktok, a burgeoning social media platform renowned for its trendsetting content. To construct the dataset, we have selected eight captivating topics that elicit vibrant social discussions. In devising our label generation strategy, we have employed an automated approach characterized by the fusion of multiple expert models. This strategy incorporates a confidence measure method that relies on three distinct models for effectively aggregating user comments. To accommodate adaptable benchmark configurations, we provide both binary classification labels and probability distribution labels. The dataset encompasses a vast collection of 7,153 labeled micro videos. We have undertaken an extensive statistical analysis of the dataset to provide a comprehensive overview composition. It is our earnest aspiration that this dataset will serve as a catalyst for pioneering research avenues in the analysis of emotional patterns and the understanding of multi-modal information.
Population-level responses of aphids to pulsed drought stress
Authors: Saska Pavel , Skuhrovec Jiří , Platková Hana , Kosová Klára , Tuan Shu-Jen , Vítámvás Pavel
Published: February 2024

The first aim of this study was to test the pulsed stress hypothesis on a system consisting of young spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the rose-grain aphid Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) by following the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. This hypothesis predicts that fluid-feeding insects benefit from feeding on plants intermittently stressed by drought due to the increased nutrient availability and restored cell turgor. Our second aim was to illustrate the risk of drawing different conclusions if based on a single or a small subset of parameters or if the entire lifespan of a generation is not covered compared to if the study was conducted at the population level. We applied periods of drought stress (soil water capacity, SWC = 40%) on four occasions relative to the population development of the aphids and compared those treatments with well-watered (SWC = 70%) and continuous stress conditions (SWC = 40%). The timing of the stresses appeared to be important in determining the effect on aphid performance. Although we found some improvement in fecundity when the stress occurred before the aphids were placed on the plants, the overall effect of the early-timed pulsed stress treatments on the rate of increase was negative compared to the well-watered control, which was mainly due to prolonged nymph development. The drought pulse that was timed late (the second week of aphid reproduction) did not show any effect relative to the well-watered control. This study therefore provides no clear support for the validity of the pulsed stress hypothesis.
Greenhouse melon crop protection and production through the compatible use of a parasitoid with endophytic entomopathogenic ascomycetes
Authors: García-Espinoza Fabián , Yousef-Yousef Meelad , García del Rosal María José , Cuenca-Medina María , Quesada-Moraga Enrique
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the compatible use of a parasitoid with multifunctional endophytic Entomopathogenic Ascomycetes (EA) in IPM under greenhouse conditions. The parasitoid Hyposoter didymator was evaluated against Spodoptera littoralis in a multitrophic system with melon plants that were endophytically colonized by one of three EA strains (Metarhizium brunneum [one] or Beauveria bassiana [two]). In the first scenario, plants were inoculated by three different methods, and after infestation with noctuid larvae, the parasitoid was released at a 1:20 ratio. Microbiological and molecular techniques allowed the identification of progressive colonization throughout the whole plant life cycle, and for B. bassiana, approximately 20% of seeds from new fruits were colonized. The parasitoid was shown to be compatible with all strains and application methods, with total mortality rates ranging from 11.1 to 77.8%. Significant lethal and sublethal effects, a decrease in pupal weight and mortality of pupae showing abnormalities and an extension of the immature developmental times were observed for different strain–application method combinations. Additionally, the fungal treatments improved crop growth, as revealed by the significant gains in plant weight. In a second scenario (by inoculating plants with the fungi only by leaf spraying), and after infestation with noctuid larvae, the parasitoid was released at a 1:10 ratio, which revealed the remote fungal effect from the inoculation point and confirmed the compatibility of the parasitoid-EA-based strategy. These findings underscore the compatible use of a parasitoid with endophytic EA for S. littoralis control that can additionally exploit their multifunctionality for sustainable crop production.
Breakthrough analysis of the CO2/CH4 separation on electrospun carbon nanofibers
Authors: Selmert Victor , Kretzschmar Ansgar , Kungl Hans , Tempel Hermann , Eichel Rüdiger-A.
Published: February 2024

The removal of the main impurity CO2 is a crucial step in biogas upgrading. In this work, the separation of CO2 from CH4 on electrospun polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanofibers (CNFs) is investigated using breakthrough experiments. The CNFs are prepared at various carbonization temperatures ranging from 600 to 900 °C and feature a tailorable pore size that decreases at higher carbonization temperatures. The adsorption properties of the different CNFs are studied measuring pure component isotherms as well as column breakthrough experiments. Adsorption kinetics are discussed using a linear driving force approach to model the breakthrough experiment and obtain the adsorption rate constant. Moreover, different approaches to determine the selectivity of the competitive CO2/CH4 adsorption are applied and discussed in detail. The results clearly prove that a size exclusion effect governs the adsorption selectivity on the CNFs. While CH4 cannot adsorb in the pores of CNFs prepared at 800 °C or above, the smaller CO2 is only excluded from the pores of CNFs prepared at 900 °C. For CNFs carbonized in the range from 600 to 750 °C, values of the CO2/CH4 selectivity of 11–14 are obtained. On the CNFs prepared at 800 °C the CH4 adsorption is severely hindered, leading to a reduced adsorbed amount of CH4 and consequently to an improved CO2/CH4 selectivity of 40. Furthermore, owing to the shrinking pores, the adsorption rates of CH4 and CO2 decrease with higher carbonization temperature.
Screening old and modern wheat varieties for shading tolerance within a specialized poplar plantation for agroforestry farming systems implementation
Authors: dos Santos Neto Alvaro , Panozzo Anna , Piotto Simone , Mezzalira Giustino , Furlan Lorenzo , Vamerali Teofilo
Published: February 2024

The sustainability of silvoarable agroforestry systems largely depends on the choice of suitable crop species and varieties for minimizing competitive interactions in the interaction zone with trees. Up to date crop intraspecific variability has been poorly investigated, and mainly in pot trials under artificial shading. Given this framework, a trial was conducted in field conditions in NE Italy to study the response of 10 common wheat varieties cultivated in the 6-m narrow inter-row of a specialized 4-year old poplar plantation (AF, agroforestry) vs. full sun conditions (C, controls). Here it was demonstrated that large genetic variability exists in wheat, as grain yield reductions under shading ranged between 31 and 75% (average − 57%) depending on variety choice. Better tolerance was highlighted in old varieties (− 44% of yield in AF vs. C), that was associated to greater plasticity in delaying leaf senescence, and increased both leaf area index and SPAD (index of chlorophyll content), while achieving the highest grain protein contents (> 17.3% DW). However, under shading modern wheat varieties still remained the highest yielding, particularly in bread-making varieties (469 g m−2 on average), thanks to larger improvement of the leaf-to-culm biomass ratio and better harvest index. We conclude that there is large scope for identifying wheat varieties suitable for agroforestry systems, while breeding programs can select for specific morpho-physiological adaptation traits to low irradiance.