bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Effects of Tectonic Faults on Vegetation Growth along the Elevation Gradient in Tectonically Active Mountains
Authors: Li Hongyu , Liu Xiaohuang , Zhao Xiaofeng , Zhang Wenbo , Liu Jiufen , Luo Xinping , Wang Ran , Xing Liyuan
Published: November 2023

Long-term tectonic movements have shaped the geomorphological features and hydrothermal conditions of mountains, influencing their vegetation growth patterns in both positive and negative ways. However, little is known about the effect of fault development on the spatio-temporal variation in vegetation along the elevation gradient in mountainous regions. To address this issue of montane tectonic ecology, this study selected the tectonically active mid-altitude zone (1000–3500 m) of the Chinese Western Tianshan Mountains. The role of tectonics is investigated by fault length density maps calculated from zonal statistics of region-scale fault survey data (1:250,000). The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was chosen as an indicator to analyze the growth status of vegetation. The spatial distribution of fault length density, elevational, and interannual characteristics of the NDVIs from 2000 to 2020 and their relationships along the elevation gradient were investigated. The results show that the faulting zone accounts for 32.6% of the study area and the high faulting zone exhibits a unimodal distribution along the elevation gradient, with the maximum occurring at elevations of approximately 2000 m. The NDVIs of forests and high-coverage grassland show a unimodal distribution with elevation, with the maximum occurring at elevations of approximately 2000 m, coinciding with that of fault length density. In the elevation range of 1000–2500 m, the NDVI of the faulting zone is lower than that of the non-faulting zone, whereas that of the elevation range of 2500–3500 m is higher—a difference that is particularly evident in forests. This elevation-dependent contrasting effect of faults on vegetation growth could be attributed to more favorable hydrothermal conditions for vegetation in fault valleys and reduced landslide susceptibility with increasing elevation. This study highlights the need to consider fault distribution in understanding vegetation distribution and growth in tectonically active mountains.
Current Advances on the Assessment and Mitigation of Fire Risk in Buildings and Urban Areas—First Edition
Authors: Ferreira Tiago Miguel
Published: November 2023

Fire safety within residential buildings and urban environments continues to be a pressing global concern, demanding dynamic and comprehensive strategies for effective risk assessment and mitigation [...]
Does Soundpeaking Affect the Behavior of Chub (Squalius cephalus) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)? An Experimental Approach
Authors: Kowal Johannes L. , Auer Stefan , Schmutz Stefan , Graf Wolfram , Wimmer Richard , Tonolla Diego , Meulenbroek Paul
Published: November 2023

Increased turbulent flow and sediment transport during flood or hydropeaking events often induces rapid changes in underwater sound pressure levels, which is here referred to as soundpeaking. This study is the first to investigate such a change in the underwater soundscape in relation to fish behavior using an experimental approach. Trials were conducted in an experimental channel stocked with either adult chub (Squalius cephalus) or brown trout (Salmo trutta). To mimic soundpeaking, the underwater soundscape of a small alpine river was recorded during a flood event and later played back through an underwater speaker during treatment trials. Furthermore, trials were recorded with a video camera, and based on the fish position, movement variables (swimming distance, number of movement direction changes, variance of the acceleration), the aggregation of individuals, the longitudinal and the lateral position in the experimental area were compared between control (no sound played) and treatment trials. During treatment trials, brown trout changed their movement direction significantly more often, chub showed a significantly higher variation of the acceleration, and individuals from both species were significantly more aggregated. Furthermore, the soundpeaking treatment had a significant effect on the longitudinal position of brown trout in the experimental area. However, the overall results did not provide any indication for a stronger soundpeaking effect in chub despite being equipped with much more refined hearing abilities in comparison to brown trout. Based on these results and findings from other studies, soundpeaking is discussed as a behavioral trigger as well as a source of acoustic stress.
Sustained Release of Voriconazole Using 3D-Crosslinked Hydrogel Rings and Rods for Use in Corneal Drug Delivery
Authors: Rakhmetova Aiym , Yi Zhiqi , Sarmout Malake , Koole Leo H.
Published: November 2023

Corneal disorders and diseases are prevalent in the field of clinical ophthalmology. Fungal keratitis, one of the major factors leading to visual impairment and blindness worldwide, presents significant challenges for traditional topical eye drop treatments. The objective of this study was to create biocompatible 3D-crosslinked hydrogels for drug delivery to the cornea, intending to enhance the bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs. Firstly, a series of flexible and porous hydrogels were synthesized (free-radical polymerization), characterized, and evaluated. The materials were prepared by the free-radical polymerization reaction of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (also known as N-vinylpyrrolidone or NVP) and 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate (crosslinker) in the presence of polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG-1000) as the porogen. After the physicochemical characterization of these materials, the chosen hydrogel demonstrated outstanding cytocompatibility in vitro. Subsequently, the selected porous hydrogels could be loaded with voriconazole, an antifungal medication. The procedure was adapted to realize a loading of 175 mg voriconazole per ring, which slightly exceeds the amount of voriconazole that is instilled into the eye via drop therapy (a single eye drop corresponds with approximately 100 mg voriconazole). The voriconazole-loaded rings exhibited a stable zero-order release pattern over the first two hours, which points to a significantly improved bioavailability of the drug. Ex vivo experiments using the established porcine eye model provided confirmation of a 10-fold increase in drug penetration into the cornea (after 2 h of application of the hydrogel ring, 35.8 ± 3.2% of the original dose is retrieved from the cornea, which compares with 3.9 ± 1% of the original dose in the case of eye drop therapy). These innovative hydrogel rods and rings show great potential for improving the bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs, which could potentially lead to reduced hospitalization durations and treatment expenses.
Towards Understanding Aerogels’ Effect on Construction Materials: A Principal Component Analysis Approach
Authors: Obeid Emil , Chaouk Hamdi , Mezher Rabih , Gazo Hanna Eddie , Mouhtady Omar , Halwani Jalal , Younes Khaled
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the applicability of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for distinguishing construction materials. The approach enhances data presentation, revealing distinct clusters and variable impacts on materials. This perspective provides valuable insights into concrete materials, guiding materials science and engineering practices. Our findings show the capacity of PCA to show a clear distinction between concrete and non-concrete composites. Compressive strength significantly affects certain composites, being influenced by aerogel loading. The peculiar role of aerogel density among the other factors is attributed to their possession of the smallest thermal conductivity. To address moderate total variance of PCA, segregation into concrete (C) and non-concrete (NC) categories is explored, offering a more robust distinction and higher clustering. Concrete materials show higher variance, emphasizing the effectiveness of the segregation approach. PCA highlights aerogel density’s influence on thermal conductivity on concrete materials. For non-concrete materials, a moderately higher variance is noted, emphasizing the critical role of aerogel-related properties (size and density). These findings underscore the importance of aerogel characteristics in shaping material behaviour.
Climate Adaptation Planning: Developing a Methodology for Evaluating Future Climate Change Impacts on Museum Environments and Their Collections
Authors: Hayles Carolyn , Huddleston Matt , Chinowsky Paul , Helman Jacob
Published: November 2023

As organisations, museums are responsible for conserving, protecting, and displaying artwork and artefacts. Museum buildings must deliver an environment that will continue to provide this facility for both current and future generations. This research focused on presenting a museum with quantifiable and measurable data to help with climate adaptation planning. A methodology was developed using monitored data. Subhourly data for both indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity spanning the years 2012–2021 was used to produce a daily maximum, daily minimum, and daily average dataset. A sensitivity analysis determined which years to use to derive the indoor-outdoor relationships used in climate modelling. Future impacts were calculated using UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) data (12 models on a 2.2 km scale), as published by the Met Office Hadley Centre. The data contained within the 12 models was overlayed with the relationships derived to calculate the projected indoor temperature and humidity conditions within the museum. The results presented indicate that temperature and humidity conditions are projected to exceed design conditions more frequently in the coming decades. Consequently, adaptation plans must consider the potential impacts that include indoor environmental deterioration, leading to discomfort and health implications, increased energy costs, and system upgrade costs, as well as the potential for accelerated degradation of artwork and artefacts.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-Induced Dehydration Alters Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Components of the Antioxidant Defense System in Nepeta nervosa Royle ex Bentham
Authors: Nestorović Živković Jasmina , Aničić Neda , Matekalo Dragana , Skorić Marijana , Filipović Biljana , Marković Tijana , Dmitrović Slavica
Published: November 2023

Plants have developed a variety of defense mechanisms that allow them to recognize and respond to specific stressors by triggering complex signaling networks that cause appropriate biochemical changes to overcome the stress. In this study, we subjected in vitro grown N. nervosa plants to PEG-induced dehydration stress for 1 day (1DPT), 3 days (3DPT) and 6 days (6DPT). Our study investigated antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), unveiling dynamic responses to PEG-induced water stress. CAT levels increased initially (1DPT) but declined with prolonged treatment; while POX activity significantly increased at 3DPT and 6DPT; and SOD, particularly the Mn-SOD3 isoform, demonstrated a substantial increase, emphasizing its role in the enzymatic free-radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, examination of the phenolic acid content revealed that rosmarinic acid (RA) was the predominant phenolic compound, followed by chlorogenic acid (CHLA), while ferulic acid (FA) and caffeic acid (CAFFA) were present in lower concentrations. Notably, PEG-induced dehydration significantly boosted RA content in N. nervosa plants at 3DPT. This increase highlights the plant’s response to oxidative stress conditions and its role in non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms. These findings significantly contribute to our comprehension of N. nervosa’s adaptive strategies under PEG-induced dehydration stress, offering valuable insights into plant stress physiology within industrial and agricultural contexts.
Genome-Wide Identification of Selenium-Responsive MicroRNAs in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis L. O. Kuntze)
Authors: Cao Dan , Li Juan , Ma Linlong , Liu Yanli , Huang Jianan , Jin Xiaofang
Published: November 2023

Anadequate selenium (Se) intake can enhance human immunity and prevent diseases development. About one billion people in the world have varying degrees of Se deficiency in the world. Organic Se from tea infusion is the most easily absorbed and utilized Se form by the human body. Therefore the production of tea plants rich in Se is an effective way to increase Se dietary intake, but there are few studies on the involvement and functions of miRNAs in the responses of tea plants after Se treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous (non-coding) single-stranded RNAs that play crucial roles in regulating plant nutrient element acquisition and accumulation. Physiological analysis discovered that the total Se content in tea plant roots markedly increased under 0.05 mmol·L−1 selenite treatment, with no toxicity symptoms in the leaves and roots. To screen the miRNAs responsive to Se treatment in tea plants, miRNA libraries were constructed from the tea cultivar “Echa 1”. Using high-throughput sequencing, 455 known miRNAs and 203 novel miRNAs were identified in this study. In total, 13 miRNAs were selected that were differentially expressed in tea plants’ roots under 0.05 mmol·L−1 selenite treatments. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs mainly belonged to the metabolic process, membrane, and catalytic activity ontologies. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis suggested that beta-alanine, taurine, hypotaurine, and sulfur metabolism were the most enriched pathways among the differentially expressed miRNAs, implying their involvement in Se accumulation and tolerance in tea plants. Further characterization of the data revealed that the number of novel miRNAs was comparable to that of known miRNAs, indicating that novel miRNAs significantly contributed to the regulation of Se accumulation in tea plant roots. Thisstudy lays the foundation for further research on the regulatory mechanisms underlying Se accumulation and tolerance in tea plants, providing targets to molecular breeding strategies for improving tea nutritional properties.
Enhancing Propagation of Orostachys spp. Offsets through Exogenous GA3 Application
Authors: Lee Jae Hwan , Shin Eun Ji , Nam Sang Yong
Published: November 2023

Orostachys spp., considered economically important succulent plants for both the medicinal and ornamental plant industries, are known to exhibit slow growth in their offsets during the long, cold winter months. Due to the slow growth, this study investigated the application of gibberellic acid (GA3) and determined the optimal GA3 concentration (control, 200 mg·L−1, 400 mg·L−1, and 600 mg·L−1) for promoting the propagation of three Orostachys species (i.e., O. fimbriata, O. japonica, and O. minuta), as well as its impact on their growth and development. According to our study findings, O. fimbrata and O. minuta influenced by GA3 exhibited higher survival rates (7–38%) and offset growth rates (3–87%) compared to the control. Similarly, its application resulted in significant shoot and root development, along with increased moisture content for the majority of the species. The results of this research demonstrate the potential and practical applications of using GA3 to increase the propagation and growth of Orostachys spp. during cold conditions for year-round propagation of these succulent plants, which could have ecological and horticultural significance for related species as well as other vegetatively propagated crops.
Racial Bias in Forensic Decision Making. Comment on Yim, A.-D.; Passalacqua, N.V. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Race in the Criminal Justice System with Respect to Forensic Science Decision Making: Implications for Forensic Anthropology. Humans 2023, 3, 203–218
Authors: Dror Itiel E.
Published: November 2023

A “Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Race in the Criminal Justice System” [...]
The Plant Parasitic Nematodes Database: A Comprehensive Genomic Data Platform for Plant Parasitic Nematode Research
Authors: Zhuge Junhao , Zhou Xiang , Zhou Lifeng , Hu Jiafu , Guo Kai
Published: November 2023

Plant parasitic nematodes are important phytopathogens that greatly affect the growth of agricultural and forestry plants. Scientists have conducted several studies to prevent and treat the diseases they cause. With the advent of the genomics era, the genome sequencing of plant parasitic nematodes has been considerably accelerated, and a large amount of data has been generated. This study developed the Plant Parasitic Nematodes Database (PPND), a platform to combine these data. The PPND contains genomic, transcriptomic, protein, and functional annotation data, allowing users to conduct BLAST searches and genome browser analyses and download bioinformatics data for in-depth research. PPND will be continuously updated, and new data will be integrated. PPND is anticipated to become a comprehensive genomics data platform for plant parasitic nematode research.
Lactoferrin Alleviates Ethanol-Induced Injury via Promoting Nrf2 Nuclear Translocation in BRL-3A Rat Liver Cells
Authors: Li Deming , Ding Li , Yan Yilin , Xing Yifei , Xu Jiaying , Qin Liqiang
Published: November 2023

Our previous animal studies found that the preventive effects of lactoferrin (Lf) on alcoholic liver injury (ALI) are associated with nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). To further explore the causality, experiments were performed using rat normal liver BRL-3A cells. Lf treatment reduced ethanol-induced death and apoptosis; meanwhile, Lf treatment alleviated excessive LDH release. These findings confirmed the protection of Lf against ethanol-induced injury in BRL-3A cells. Mechanistically, Lf treatment reversed the reduction in nuclear Nrf2 induced by ethanol without affecting the cytoplasmic Nrf2 level, which led to antioxidant enzyme activity restoration. However, the blocking of Nrf2 nuclear translocation by ML385 eliminated the protective effects of Lf. In a conclusion, Lf protects BRL-3A cells from ethanol-induced injury via promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation.
The Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Lipid Droplet Activity of Fluid Extracts from Romanian Cultivars of Haskap Berries, Bitter Cherries, and Red Grape Pomace for the Management of Liver Steatosis
Authors: Craciunescu Oana , Seciu-Grama Ana-Maria , Mihai Elena , Utoiu Elena , Negreanu-Pirjol Ticuta , Lupu Carmen Elena , Artem Victoria , Ranca Aurora , Negreanu-Pirjol Bogdan-Stefan
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of fluid extracts obtained from three Romanian cultivars of haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) var. Loni, bitter cherries (Prunus avium var. sylvestris Ser.) var. Silva, and pomace from red grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) var. Mamaia, and their capacity to modulate in vitro steatosis, in view of developing novel anti-obesity products. Total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid content of fluid extracts was spectrophotometrically assessed and their free radical scavenging capacity was evaluated using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition assays. The Pearson coefficients showed a moderate correlation between the antioxidant activity of fluid extracts and their phenolic content, but a strong correlation between anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content. HPLC analysis identified and quantified the main phenolic compounds of chlorogenic and syringic acid, catechin, and glycosylated kaempferol, apigenin, and quercetin, in variable proportions. An in vitro experimental model of steatosis was developed in HepG2 hepatocytes treated with a mixture of free fatty acids. Cell culture analyses showed that cytocompatible concentrations of fluid extracts could significantly reduce the lipid accumulation and inhibit the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide secretion in stressed hepatocytes. In conclusion, these results put an emphasis on the chemical compounds’ high antioxidant and liver protection capacity of unstudied fluid extracts obtained from Romanian cultivars of bitter cherries var. Silva and pomace of red grapes var. Mamaia, similar to the fluid extract of haskap berries var. Loni, in particular, the positive modulation of fat deposition next to oxidative stress and the lipid peroxidation process triggered by fatty acids in HepG2 hepatocytes. Consequently, this study indicated that these fluid extracts could be further exploited as hepatoprotective agents in liver steatosis, which provides a basis for the further development of novel extract mixtures with synergistic activity as anti-obesity products.
The Role of Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase (PEMT) and Its Waist-Hip-Ratio-Associated Locus rs4646404 in Obesity-Related Metabolic Traits and Liver Disease
Authors: Sun Chang , Holstein David J. F. , Garcia-Cubero Natalia , Moulla Yusef , Stroh Christine , Dietrich Arne , Schön Michael R. , Gärtner Daniel , Lohmann Tobias , Dressler Miriam , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Kovacs Peter , Guiu-Jurado Esther
Published: November 2023

In previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genetic loci associated with obesity and impaired fat distribution (FD) have been identified. In the present study, we elucidated the role of the PEMT gene, including the waist–hip-ratio-associated single nucleotide polymorphism rs4646404, and its influence on obesity-related metabolic traits. DNA from 2926 metabolically well-characterized subjects was used for genotyping. PEMT expression was analyzed in paired visceral (vis) and subcutaneous (sc) adipose tissue (AT) from a subset of 574 individuals. Additionally, PEMT expression was examined in vis, sc AT and liver tissue in a separate cohort of 64 patients with morbid obesity and liver disease. An in vitro Pemt knockdown was conducted in murine epididymal and inguinal adipocytes. Our findings highlight tissue-specific variations in PEMT mRNA expression across the three studied tissues. Specifically, vis PEMT mRNA levels correlated significantly with T2D and were implicated in the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in contrast to liver tissue, where no significant associations were found. Moreover, sc PEMT expression showed significant correlations with several anthropometric- and metabolic-related parameters. The rs4646404 was associated with vis AT PEMT expression and also with diabetes-related traits. Our in vitro experiments supported the influence of PEMT on adipogenesis, emphasizing its role in AT biology. In summary, our data suggest that PEMT plays a role in regulating FD and has implications in metabolic diseases.
Investigating the Cardiovascular Benefits of Dapagliflozin: Vasodilatory Effect on Isolated Rat Coronary Arteries
Authors: Choi Sooyeon , Haam Chae Eun , Byeon Seonhee , Oh Eun Yi , Choi Soo-Kyoung , Lee Young-Ho
Published: November 2023

Dapagliflozin, a sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is an antidiabetic medication that reduces blood glucose. Although it is well known that dapagliflozin has additional benefits beyond glycemic control, such as reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events, no sufficient research data are available on the direct effect of dapagliflozin on cardiovascular function. Thus, in this study, we investigated the direct vascular effect of dapagliflozin on isolated rat coronary arteries. The left descending coronary arteries of 13-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were cut into segments 2–3 mm long and mounted in a multi-wire myography system to measure isometric tension. Dapagliflozin effectively reduced blood vessel constriction induced by U-46619 (500 nM) in coronary arteries regardless of the endothelium. Treatment with an eNOS inhibitor (L-NNA, 100 μM), sGC inhibitor (ODQ, 5 μM), or COX inhibitor (indomethacin, 3 μM) did not affect the vasodilation induced by dapagliflozin. The application of a Ca2+-activated K+ channel (KCa) blocker (TEA, 2 mM), voltage-dependent K+ channel (KV) blocker (4-AP, 2 mM), ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker (KATP) glibenclamide (3 μM), and inward-rectifier K+ channel (KIR) blocker (BaCl2, 30 μM) did not affect the dapagliflozin-induced vasodilation either. The treatment with dapagliflozin decreased contractile responses induced by the addition of Ca2+, which suggested that the extracellular Ca2+ influx was inhibited by dapagliflozin. Treatment with dapagliflozin decreased the phosphorylation level of the 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) in vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we found that dapagliflozin has a significant vasodilatory effect on rat coronary arteries. Our findings suggest a novel pharmacologic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients through the modulation of Ca2+ homeostasis via dapagliflozin administration.
The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes in a Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Lötvall Jan , Cho Byong Seung
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorders that affect the gastrointestinal tract, with the primary subtypes being ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles released by adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which we, in this manuscript, call “exosomes” (ASC-EXOs), in a mouse model of IBD. We specifically aimed to determine the effectiveness of different treatment protocols and compare the effects with that of anti-IL-12 p40 monoclonal antibody. The addition of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to drinking water induced multiple signs of IBD, including weight loss, soft stool, and bloody feces. ASC-EXOs given by either intraperitoneal (IP) or intravenous (IV) routes resulted in moderate improvement in these signs of IBD. IV ASC-EXOs resulted in significantly reduced body weight loss, improved histopathological scoring, and suppressed the disease activity index (DAI) compared to the IBD control group. Also, a reduction in PCR for pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed. IV ASC treatment resulted in dose-related reduction in IBD signs, including weight loss. An increasing number of injections with ASC-EXOs reduced histopathological scores as well as DAI. Co-administration of ASC-EXOs with anti-IL-12 p40 significantly decreased DAI scores in the ASC-EXO + anti-IL-12 p40 group. In conclusion, ASC-EXOs have potential as a therapeutic agent for IBD, but the route of administration, number of injections, and dosage need to be considered to optimize the effects of ASC-EXO treatment. This study also highlights the potential benefits of combination therapies of ASC-EXOs and anti-IL-12. Our findings pave the way for further studies to unravel the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of ASC-EXOs in IBD treatment.
Mechanisms of Antioxidant Resistance in Different Wheat Genotypes under Salt Stress and Hypoxia
Authors: Kononenko Neonila V. , Lazareva Elena M. , Fedoreyeva Larisa I.
Published: November 2023

Various stressors lead to an increase in ROS and damage to plant tissues. Plants have a powerful antioxidant system (AOS), which allows them to neutralize excess ROS. We detected an intense fluorescent glow of ROS in the cells of the cap, meristem, and elongation zones in the roots of wheat Triticum aestivum (Orenburgskaya 22 variety) and Triticum durum (Zolotaya variety). An increase in ROS was accompanied by DNA breaks in the nuclei of wheat root cells, the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytoplasm, and the translocation of phosphatidylserine into the outer layer of the plasma membrane under salt stress and hypoxia. The different resistances of the two wheat varieties to different abiotic stresses were revealed. The soft wheat variety Orenburgskaya 22 showed high resistance to salt stress but sensitivity to hypoxia, and the durum wheat variety Zolotaya showed tolerance to hypoxia but high sensitivity to salt stress. Different activations of AOS components (GSH, MnSOD, Cu/ZnSOD, CAT, PX, GPX, and GST) were revealed in different wheat genotypes. The basis for the tolerance of the Zolotaya variety to hypoxia is the high content of glutathione (GSH) and the activation of glutathione-dependent enzymes. One of the mechanisms of high resistance to salt stress in the Orenburgskaya 22 variety is a decrease in the level of ROS as a result of the increased activity of the MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD genes. Identifying the mechanisms of plant tolerance to abiotic stress is the most important task for improving breeding varieties of agricultural plants and increasing their yield.
Hypoxic Effects on Matrix Metalloproteinases’ Expression in the Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Gonzalez-Avila Georgina , Sommer Bettina , Flores-Soto Edgar , Aquino-Galvez Arnoldo
Published: November 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an acidic pH and low oxygen concentrations. Hypoxia induces neoplastic cell evasion of the immune surveillance, rapid DNA repair, metabolic reprogramming, and metastasis, mainly as a response to the hypoxic inducible factors (HIFs). Likewise, cancer cells increase matrix metalloproteinases’ (MMPs) expression in response to TME conditions, allowing them to migrate from the primary tumor to different tissues. Since HIFs and MMPs are augmented in the hypoxic TME, it is easy to consider that HIFs participate directly in their expression regulation. However, not all MMPs have a hypoxia response element (HRE)-HIF binding site. Moreover, different transcription factors and signaling pathways activated in hypoxia conditions through HIFs or in a HIF-independent manner participate in MMPs’ transcription. The present review focuses on MMPs’ expression in normal and hypoxic conditions, considering HIFs and a HIF-independent transcription control. In addition, since the hypoxic TME causes resistance to anticancer conventional therapy, treatment approaches using MMPs as a target alone, or in combination with other therapies, are also discussed.
Inflammatory Network of Liver Fibrosis and How It Can Be Targeted Therapeutically
Authors: Lowe Kirstin O. , Tanase Constantin E. , Maghami Susan , Fisher Leanne E. , Ghaemmaghami Amir M.
Published: November 2023

Liver fibrosis is a complex, dynamic process associated with a broad spectrum of chronic liver diseases and acute liver failure, characterised by the dysregulated intrahepatic production of extracellular matrix proteins replacing functional liver cells with scar tissue. Fibrosis progresses due to an interrelated cycle of hepatocellular injury, triggering a persistent wound-healing response. The accumulation of scar tissue and chronic inflammation can eventually lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, no therapies exist to directly treat or reverse liver fibrosis; hence, it remains a substantial global disease burden. A better understanding of the intricate inflammatory network that drives the initiation and maintenance of liver fibrosis to enable the rationale design of new intervention strategies is required. This review clarifies the most current understanding of the hepatic fibrosis cellular network with a focus on the role of regulatory T cells, and a possible trajectory for T cell immunotherapy in fibrosis treatment. Despite good progress in elucidating the role of the immune system in liver fibrosis, future work to better define the function of different immune cells and their mediators at different fibrotic stages is needed, which will enhance the development of new therapies.
Bibliometric Analysis of IoT Lightweight Cryptography
Authors: Dewamuni Zenith , Shanmugam Bharanidharan , Azam Sami , Thennadil Suresh
Published: November 2023

In the rapidly developing world of the Internet of Things (IoT), data security has become increasingly important since massive personal data are collected. IoT devices have resource constraints, which makes traditional cryptographic algorithms ineffective for securing IoT devices. To overcome resource limitations, lightweight cryptographic algorithms are needed. To identify research trends and patterns in IoT security, it is crucial to analyze existing works, keywords, authors, journals, and citations. We conducted a bibliometric analysis using performance mapping, science mapping, and enrichment techniques to collect the necessary information. Our analysis included 979 Scopus articles, 214 WOS articles, and 144 IEEE Xplore articles published during 2015–2023, and duplicates were removed. We analyzed and visualized the bibliometric data using R version 4.3.1, VOSviewer version 1.6.19, and the bibliometrix library. We discovered that India is the leading country for this type of research. Archarya and Bansod are the most relevant authors; lightweight cryptography and cryptography are the most relevant terms; and IEEE Access is the most significant journal. Research on lightweight cryptographic algorithms for IoT devices (Raspberry Pi) has been identified as an important area for future research.
Opportunities for Bright Beam Generation at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA)
Authors: Frame Emily , Al Marzouk Afnan , Chubenko Oksana , Doran Scott , Piot Philippe , Power John , Wisniewski Eric
Published: November 2023

Bright electron beams have played a critical role in many recent advances in accelerator technology. Producing bright beams via photo-emission is ultimately limited by the mean transverse energy (MTE), which is determined by the photocathode. This paper discusses the opportunity to generate bright electron beams using an upgraded version of the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) photo-injector. The focus of this study is to examine the optimal configurations of the AWA photo-injector to produce 100 pC with a ∼100 nm transverse emittance (corresponding to a 5D brightness B5≥1015 A·m−2). The numerical optimization of the AWA photo-injector operating point, including realistic electromagnetic field maps, is presented for the different types of photocathodes under consideration.
The Perspective of Rehabilitation Nurses on Physical Exercise in the Rehabilitation of Older People in the Community: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ferreira Rogério , Fernandes Nuno , Bico Carina , Bonito Ana , Moura Cláudia , Sousa Luís , Baixinho Cristina Lavareda , Fonseca César
Published: November 2023

In the face of an increasingly aging population, nurses have to design and implement programs aimed at the elderly in order to keep them healthy and maintain their quality of life. Structured physical exercise and overall physical activity play a major role in maintaining an active lifestyle, improving health, preventing disease, and helping to maintain older people’s quality of life. To investigate the importance of implementing physical exercise programs for the older person in the community, taking into account the perspective of the rehabilitation nurse specialist, this is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study with nine rehabilitation nurses from various regions of Portugal who have experience of implementing physical exercise programs with the elderly. This study used semi-structured interviews, one of the most common data collection procedures in social and health research. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The study received a positive opinion from the Ethics Committee. The participants’ perspectives focused on the following subjects: “Physical exercise program for the elderly in the community”, “Importance of physical exercise in the rehabilitation of the elderly in the community”, “People’s adherence to the programs”, “Gains in health resulting from the implementation of these strategies” and “Gains from group activities”. A set of indicators emerged from the analysis. Nurses recognize the importance of using structured physical exercise programs adjusted to the rehabilitation of the older person, with gains in promoting active and healthy aging.
Innovative Bacterial Colony Detection: Leveraging Multi-Feature Selection with the Improved Salp Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Ihsan Ahmad , Muttaqin Khairul , Fajri Rahmatul , Mursyidah Mursyidah , Fattah Islam Md Rizwanul
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new and advanced multi-feature selection method for bacterial classification that uses the salp swarm algorithm (SSA). We improve the SSA’s performance by using opposition-based learning (OBL) and a local search algorithm (LSA). The proposed method has three main stages, which automate the categorization of bacteria based on their unique characteristics. The method uses a multi-feature selection approach augmented by an enhanced version of the SSA. The enhancements include using OBL to increase population diversity during the search process and LSA to address local optimization problems. The improved salp swarm algorithm (ISSA) is designed to optimize multi-feature selection by increasing the number of selected features and improving classification accuracy. We compare the ISSA’s performance to that of several other algorithms on ten different test datasets. The results show that the ISSA outperforms the other algorithms in terms of classification accuracy on three datasets with 19 features, achieving an accuracy of 73.75%. Additionally, the ISSA excels at determining the optimal number of features and producing a better fit value, with a classification error rate of 0.249. Therefore, the ISSA method is expected to make a significant contribution to solving feature selection problems in bacterial analysis.
Influence of Temperature on the Forming Limits of High-Strength Low Alloy, and Dual-Phase Steels
Authors: Woellner Nikolas , Gipiela Manolo L. , Lajarin Sergio Fernando , Rebeyka Claudimir J. , Nikhare Chetan P. , Marcondes Paulo V. P.
Published: November 2023

High-strength steels (HSS) appear as a good alternative to common steels to reduce vehicle weight, thus reducing fuel consumption. Despite the excellent mechanical behavior towards its lower weight, its application in industry is still limited, as manufacturing such materials suffers from limitations, especially regarding formability. The literature shows springback to be the most common problem. Among the parameters that can be studied to minimize this problem, the temperature appears, according to the literature, to be one of the most influential parameters in minimizing springback. However, the consequence of the temperature increase on the forming limits of materials is not completely understood. This study proposes to determine the consequences of the use of the temperature rise technique in the forming limits of high-strength steels. Two different steels were studied (HSLA 350/440 and DP 350/600). To evaluate the formability, the Nakazima method was used (practical). Finite element models were made which describe the material as well as Nakazima experimental behavior. To predict the forming limit strains via the numerical method, the thickness gradient criterion was applied. The practical and computational results were compared to validate the finite element model. Four different temperature ranges were analyzed. In general, it was found that 400 °C has a negative impact on the forming limits of both steels. This negative effect was found to be due to the alloying elements, such as silicon and manganese, present in the alloy. These alloying elements take part in the increase and decrease in resistance coefficient at the elevated temperature. For HSLA 350/440 steel, the forming limit strain decreased with an increase in temperature up to 600 °C and then increased at 800 °C; whereas for DP 350/600 steel, the forming limit strain decreased till 400 °C and then increased for 600 °C and 800 °C. Another factor which might have contributed to the behavior of the DP steel is the interaction of hard martensite with soft ferrite phase.
Fairy Tale Sources and Rural Settings in Dario Argento’s Supernatural Horror
Authors: Vorissis Peter
Published: November 2023

This article examines three of Dario Argento’s supernatural horror films (Suspiria, Phenomena, and Dark Glasses) and their use of fairy tale imagery and narratives, which distinguishes them from murder-mystery-oriented giallo films. In them, Argento locates his characters, rather than in urban environments, in rural spaces (forests, fields, mountains) where the supernatural elements of their stories blossom. Suspiria represents a primarily aesthetic exploration of parallels between fairy tales and contemporary horror, while Phenomena uses these two modes to examine the conflict between the rational and irrational, the natural and the supernatural. Dark Glasses initially appears to be one of his more traditional gialli, but it abandons these tropes with a simplified plot evoking the story of “Little Red Riding Hood”; this shift is accomplished by moving the action of the film out of Rome and into the dark forests of the countryside. Dark Glasses, I argue, therefore represents a self-conscious move to unite in a single film the two major strands of Argento’s filmography and to expose some fundamental elements of his general cinematic approach—namely, the unique capacity of stylized aesthetics and irrational elements to convey the experience of very real, human terror and evil.
Taoist Death Care in Medieval China—An Examination of Wu Tong’s (吳通) Epitaph
Authors: Wang Lianlong
Published: November 2023

Survival and death are the two most important things in life. The ancient Chinese people attached great importance to death, so the funeral ceremonies were very complete. Since its inception, Taoism has actively participated in funeral activities, so the combination of epitaphs and tomb inscriptions has a historical origin. The establishment of a unified dynasty in the Sui Dynasty provided an opportunity for the integration and development of Taoism in the north and south. The Mao Shanzong (茅山宗) in the southern region began to spread to the north, gradually integrating Lou Guan Dao (樓觀道) and becoming the mainstream of Northern Taoism. The epitaph of Wu Tong in the Sui Dynasty is engraved with rich Taoist symbols, and the epitaph text adopts the language content of “Zhen Gao” (真誥), which is a typical representative of the integration of Northern and Southern Taoism and reflects Taoism’s concern for death.
5,8-Quinolinedione Attached to Quinone Derivatives: XRD Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra and Computational Analysis
Authors: Sokal Arkadiusz , Wrzalik Roman , Klimontko Joanna , Chrobak Elwira , Bębenek Ewa , Kadela-Tomanek Monika
Published: November 2023

Quinoline and isoquinoline moieties occur in many natural and synthetic compounds exhibiting high biological activity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical structures of 5,8-quinolinedione and 5,8-isoquinoline derivatives using FT-IR spectroscopy supplemented with theoretical DFT calculations. Spectroscopic measurements were conducted using the attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode in the frequency range of 4000–400 cm−1. An analysis of FT-IR spectra was carried out, assigning the characteristic vibration frequencies of various functional groups to individual peaks. It was found that the experimental and calculated FT-IR spectra showed a good correlation for all the compounds under study. The most significant difference in the spectra occurred in the region of carbonyl bands. For compounds with the 5,8-quinolinedione moiety, two separated C=O vibration peaks were observed, while for compounds with the 5,8-isoquinolinedione moiety, the carbonyl vibrations created only one peak. This difference makes it possible to distinguish between the 5,8-quinolinedione and 5,8-isoquinolinedione derivatives.
Studies on the Cooperative Influence of Cr and Mo on the Pitting Corrosion Resistance of Super Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Li Bingbing , Lang Yuping , Chen Haitao , Qu Huapeng , Feng Hanqiu , Sun Xu , Tian Zhiling
Published: November 2023

The effects of varying Cr and Mo concentrations on the pitting corrosion resistance of super austenitic stainless steels in Cl− solutions were investigated using a combination of immersion experiments, electrochemical measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and first-principles computational simulations. The surface characteristics, impedance, and defect concentration of the passive film were changed, and this eventually resulted in a decrease in the number of pitting pits. Due to a decrease in active sites within the passive film, a delayed beginning of pitting, and the combined effect of MoO42− inhibitors, it was discovered that an increasing Mo concentration slows the rate of pitting extension, resulting in reduced maximum pitting area and depth. Additionally, Mo increased the adsorption energy of nearby atoms, whereas Cr raised the adsorption energy of itself. Interestingly, compared with individual doping, co-doping of Cr and Mo increased work function and adsorption energy, indicating a synergistic impact in enhancing resistance to Cl− corrosion.
Potentiating TRPA1 by Sea Anemone Peptide Ms 9a-1 Reduces Pain and Inflammation in a Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Maleeva Ekaterina E. , Palikova Yulia A. , Palikov Viktor A. , Kazakov Vitaly A. , Simonova Maria A. , Logashina Yulia A. , Tarasova Nadezhda V. , Dyachenko Igor A. , Andreev Yaroslav A.
Published: November 2023

Progressive articular surface degradation during arthritis causes ongoing pain and hyperalgesia that lead to the development of functional disability. TRPA1 channel significantly contributes to the activation of sensory neurons that initiate neurogenic inflammation and mediates pain signal transduction to the central nervous system. Peptide Ms 9a-1 from the sea anemone Metridium senile is a positive allosteric modulator of TRPA1 and shows significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in different models of pain. We used a model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Ms 9a-1 in comparison with APHC3 (a polypeptide modulator of TRPV1 channel) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam and ibuprofen. Administration of Ms 9a-1 (0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) significantly reversed joint swelling, disability, thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, and grip strength impairment. The effect of Ms 9a-1 was equal to or better than that of reference drugs. Post-treatment histological analysis revealed that long-term administration of Ms9a-1 could reduce inflammatory changes in joints and prevent the progression of cartilage and bone destruction at the same level as meloxicam. Peptide Ms 9a-1 showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the model of MIA-induced OA, and therefore positive allosteric modulators could be considered for the alleviation of OA symptoms.