bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Fire Regime on Nitrogen Distribution in Marshlands of the Sanjiang Plain (NE China)
Authors: Ji Shengzhen , Zhao Hongmei , Wang Guoping , Cong Jinxin , Li Guangxin , Han Dongxue , Gao Chuanyu
Published: September 2024

Fire is a key ecological factor in marshes, significantly influencing the nitrogen (N) cycle. The impacts of different fire regimes on marshes have garnered increasing attention. This study aims to reveal the effects of fire regimes on N distribution in marshes. We conducted field experiments with fixed–point prescribed burning in typical Sanjiang Plain freshwater marshes, exploring the influences of various fire regimes on the distribution of N in marshes. We found that in the spring–burned plots, the soil ammonium (NH4+–N) content increased by 318% with thrice–burned approaches compared to once–burned, and by 186% with thrice–burned compared to twice–burned. In the autumn–burned plots, NH4+–N content increased by 168% and 190%, respectively. Similarly, the soil nitrate (NO3––N) content three years subsequent to burning increased by 29.1% compared to one year since burning, and by 5.96% compared to two years since burning in the spring–burned plots (73.8% and 32.9% increases, respectively, in the autumn–burned plots). The plant stem–N content of the autumn burns increased by 30.9%, 119%, and 89.1% compared to the spring burns after one, two, and three years since burning, respectively. Our results indicate that high fire–frequency promotes marsh N cycling within the span of three years. The marsh soil conversion of NH4+–N to NO3––N was enhanced with increased time since burning. High fire–frequency promotes plant growth, exacerbating competition between plant populations, with this effect being more significant in autumn–burned plots than in spring–burned plots.
Layout Optimization of High-Level Directional Boreholes to Prevent Downward Invasion of Carbon Dioxide from an Overlying Coal Mine Goaf
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Xinyi , Chen Xiangjun , Wang Lin
Published: September 2024

For adjacent coal seams, the downward invasion of harmful gases from an overlying coal mine goaf to the lower mining face could occur, and a high-level drainage tunnel is usually adopted for disaster prevention. Due to the high cost, instead of a high-level drainage tunnel, the high-level directional boreholes are widely adopted. In this study, the effect of a high-level drainage tunnel to prevent the downward invasion of carbon dioxide from the overlying coal mine goaf is analysed by applying a flow model in the numerical simulation. Then, the high-level directional boreholes are analysed to investigate the possibility of taking the place of the high-level drainage tunnel. The research results show that (1) for close adjacent coal seams, the downward invasion range of harmful carbon dioxide from the overlying coal mine goaf reaches one-third of the mining face, around 60 m wide; (2) a high-level drainage tunnel can effectively prevent the downward invasion of carbon dioxide from the overlying coal mine goaf by reducing carbon dioxide concentration within 0.3%; (3) the nine high-level directional boreholes with a careful layout can reduce the downward invasion of carbon dioxide from the overlying coal mine goaf to keep carbon dioxide concentration below 0.8% at the mining area, ensuring the coal mining safety.
Overview and Toxicity Assessment of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Natural Ingredients from Plants
Authors: Demesa Abayneh Getachew , Saavala Soila , Pöysä Marjo , Koiranen Tuomas
Published: September 2024

In different food technology unit operations, toxicity can be increased due to unwanted side reactions and is typically associated with the increased thermal energy that facilitates the latter. Authorities in food technology have not provided clear guidelines on using ultrasound (US), but they also have not prohibited its use in food processing. In this study, the source materials and ultrasound-assisted reactions reported in the literature were reviewed to investigate potential side reactions in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Industrial or pilot-scale processes published in the open literature and in industry patents were also examined. UAE is a highly effective extraction method that significantly increases extraction yields. According to the literature, there is no direct evidence of the formation of toxic compounds from natural food ingredients caused by UAE. However, experimental studies are urgently needed to assess the potential accumulation of toxic substances, especially in the case of certain plants.
Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of Steviol Glycosides: Spectral Database and Quality Control Algorithms
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Zhu Wenliang , Aoki Takashi , Miyamoto Akihiro , Fujita Isao , Nakagawa Manabu , Kobayashi Takuya
Published: September 2024

Besides all sharing an extraordinary high (i.e., up to ~450 times) sweetening power as compared to sucrose and while presenting strong similarities in their molecular structures, molecules belonging to the family of diterpene glycosides (i.e., the secondary metabolites of Stevia rebaudiana) differ in specific structural details that strongly impact on their levels of sweetness and bitter aftertaste. Given the nutritional and pharmacological benefits of steviol secondary metabolites as natural dietetic and anti-diabetic remedies, extraction and purification of steviol glycosides from plant material are nowadays widely spread among many countries. However, an unpleasant bitter aftertaste, which is linked to a genetic variation in human bitter taste receptors, hampers the full exploitation of such benefits and calls for a prompt improvement in organoleptic property control of stevia products. A deeper understanding of the molecular structure of different steviol glycosides and the consequent development of promptly measurable criteria for the organoleptic performance of their mixtures will support processing optimization and control of taste profiles within desired yields. The present research aimed at establishing Raman spectroscopic algorithms for quantitative characterizations of raw stevia-based sweetener products. First, a series of twelve high-purity diterpene glycosides were analyzed by high spectrally resolved Raman spectroscopy and their spectra analyzed in order to establish a complete Raman library of molecular structures. Then, quantitative spectroscopic parameters were built up and applied to characterize the organoleptic property of five different commercially available samples including the recently developed Rebaudioside M isoform. Raman spectroscopy was confirmed as a versatile analytical technique that could be used for quantitative quality control tasks on the production line and for prompt in situ characterizations of purchased products.
In Vitro Digestion and Fermentation of Cowpea Pod Extracts and Proteins Loaded in Ca(II)-Alginate Hydrogels
Authors: Traffano-Schiffo Maria Victoria , Aguirre-Calvo Tatiana Rocio , Navajas-Porras Beatriz , Avanza María Victoria , Rufián-Henares José Ángel , Santagapita Patricio Román
Published: September 2024

Antioxidants derived from food by-products are known for their bioactive properties and impact on human health. However, the gastrointestinal behavior is often poor due to their degradation during digestion. The development of Ca(II)–alginate beads supplemented with biopolymers and enriched with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) extract could represent a novel environmentally friendly technological solution to produce functional ingredients in the food industry. The present study evaluates the impact of in vitro digestion/fermentation by analyzing global antioxidant response (GAR), production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a modulation of gut microbiota, and behavior of proton transverse relaxation times by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (as an indicator of gelation state and characterization of microstructure). Results revealed that guar gum and cowpea protein preserved a high GAR of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and FRAP methods after digestion/fermentation, promoting an adequate protection of the bioactives for their absorption. Alginate-based beads have great potential as prebiotics, with the guar gum-containing system contributing the most to SCFAs production. Finally, the overall higher mobility of protons observed in the intestinal phase agrees with structural changes that promote the release of phenolic compounds during this stage. Beads are excellent carriers of bioactive compounds (cowpea phenolic compounds and peptides) with potential capacities.
Comparison of Protective Effects of Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts from Thinned Immature Kiwifruits and Mature Kiwifruits against Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Deng Wen , Yang Qian-Ni , Wu Ding-Tao , Li Jie , Liu Hong-Yan , Hu Yi-Chen , Zou Liang , Gan Ren-You , Yan Hui-Ling , Huang Jing-Wei
Published: September 2024

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is regarded as one of the main global health problems. Accumulated evidence indicates that fruit-derived polyphenols can lower the risk of ALD, this attributed to their strong antioxidant capacities. Thinned immature kiwifruits (TIK) are the major agro-byproducts in the production of kiwifruits, which have abundantly valuable polyphenols. However, knowledge about the protective effects of polyphenol-enriched extract from TIK against ALD is still lacking, which ultimately restricts their application as value-added functional products. To promote their potential applications, phenolic compounds from TIK and their corresponding mature fruits were compared, and their protective effects against ALD were studied in the present study. The findings revealed that TIK possessed extremely high levels of total phenolics (116.39 ± 1.51 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (33.88 ± 0.59 mg RE/g DW), which were about 7.4 times and 4.8 times greater than those of their corresponding mature fruits, respectively. Furthermore, the level of major phenolic components in TIK was measured to be 29,558.19 ± 1170.58 μg/g DW, which was about 5.4 times greater than that of mature fruits. In particular, neochlorogenic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2 were found as the predominant polyphenols in TIK. In addition, TIK exerted stronger in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than those of mature fruits, which was probably because of their higher levels of polyphenols. Most importantly, compared with mature fruits, TIK exhibited superior hepatoprotective effects on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice. The administration of polyphenol-enriched extract from TIK (YK) could increase the body weight of mice, reduce the serum levels of ALP, AST, and ALT, lower the levels of hepatic TG and TC, and diminish lipid droplet accumulation and hepatic tissue damage. In addition, the treatment of YK could also significantly restore the levels of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD and CAT) in the liver and lower the levels of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), indicating that YK could effectively ameliorate ALD in mice by reducing hepatic oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation. Collectively, our findings can provide sufficient evidence for the development of TIK and their extracts as high value-added functional products for the intervention of ALD.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Stoned Olives with Oxygen Supply during Processing: Impact on Volatile and Phenolic Fraction and Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Nucciarelli Davide , García-González Diego L. , Veneziani Gianluca , Urbani Stefania , Daidone Luigi , Esposto Sonia , Taticchi Agnese , Selvaggini Roberto , Servili Maurizio
Published: September 2024

The improvement of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) extraction process involves the proper management of endogenous enzymes of the olive fruit and all the technological conditions that can affect their activities. Coratina and Peranzana cultivars were processed to assess the influence of different technologies for fruit breaking (crushing and stoning) with and without controlled oxygen addition during this critical phase. The study of volatile compounds revealed that the enzymes that are responsible for their genesis during the technological process were significantly affected by oxygen addition in both the systems of fruit crushing. The results from the stoning technology proved that the quality improvement was a consequence of the prevention of the seed breaking and the oxidation catalyzed by the olive stone enzymes. In Peranzana EVOOs, it was possible to increase the aldehyde concentration up to 97% using stoning technology with a 0.2 L/min oxygen addition compared with traditional crushing. At the same time, non-significant reductions in phenolic compounds were detected when comparing crushing and stoning with and without the addition of oxygen, and similar trends were observed for the two studied cultivars. The sensory analyses confirmed the differences in phenolic and volatile composition detected in the EVOO samples.
Clock Fields and Logarithmic Decay of Dark Energy
Authors: Brandenberger Robert , Comeau Vincent , Fossati Leonardo , Heisenberg Lavinia
Published: September 2024

We investigate the physical measurability of the infrared instability of a de Sitter phase in the formalism recently proposed. We find that the logarithmic decay of the effective cosmological constant is only measurable if an additional clock field is introduced.
Introductory Review of Soft Implantable Bioelectronics Using Conductive and Functional Hydrogels and Hydrogel Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim San , Shin Yumin , Han Jaewon , Kim Hye Jin , Sunwoo Sung-Hyuk
Published: September 2024

Interfaces between implantable bioelectrodes and tissues provide critical insights into the biological and pathological conditions of targeted organs, aiding diagnosis and treatment. While conventional bioelectronics, made from rigid materials like metals and silicon, have been essential for recording signals and delivering electric stimulation, they face limitations due to the mechanical mismatch between rigid devices and soft tissues. Recently, focus has shifted toward soft conductive materials, such as conductive hydrogels and hydrogel nanocomposites, known for their tissue-like softness, biocompatibility, and potential for functionalization. This review introduces these materials and provides an overview of recent advances in soft hydrogel nanocomposites for implantable electronics. It covers material strategies for conductive hydrogels, including both intrinsically conductive hydrogels and hydrogel nanocomposites, and explores key functionalization techniques like biodegradation, bioadhesiveness, injectability, and self-healing. Practical applications of these materials in implantable electronics are also highlighted, showcasing their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Finally, we discuss emerging technologies and future needs for chronically implantable bioelectronics, offering insights into the evolving landscape of this field.
Development and Performance Evaluation of a New Conformance Control Agent Gel
Authors: Ma Bin , Wang He , Jiang Shu , Chen Mengyu , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2024

How to effectively plug the multi-scale fractured water channeling has always been the key to achieving efficient water flooding of fractured low-permeability oil reservoirs. In this paper, a new type of supramolecular–polymer composite gel is developed, which is suitable for plugging multi-scale fractured water channeling. The supramolecular–polymer composite gel is composed of a polymer (such as polyacrylamide), cross-linking agent (such as polyethyleneimine), supramolecular gel factor (such as cyclodextrin) and polarity regulator (such as ethyl alcohol). The mass fraction of polyacrylamide, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin and ethyl alcohol are 0.15%, 0.2%, 1% and 0.2%, respectively. At the initial state, the viscosity of the composite gelant system is less than 20 mPa·s. It has good injection performance in micro-scale fractures and can enter the deep part of a fractured reservoir. At 40 °C, the composite gelant system can form a gel with a double network structure after gelation. One of the networks is formed by the covalent interaction between polyacrylamide and polyethyleneimine, the other network is formed by the self-assembly of cyclodextrins under the action of the ethyl alcohol. The comprehensive performance of the composite gel is greatly improved. The strength of the composite gel is >5 × 104 mPa·s, and it has good plugging strength in large-scale fractures. The composite gel can be used as a conformance control agent for fractured low-permeability oilfields.
Engineering 3D Printed Gummies Loaded with Metformin for Paediatric Use
Authors: Santamaría Karla J. , Anaya Brayan J. , Lalatsa Aikaterini , González-Barranco Patricia , Cantú-Cárdenas Lucía , Serrano Dolores R.
Published: September 2024

In today’s pharmaceutical landscape, there’s an urgent need to develop new drug delivery systems that are appealing and effective in ensuring therapeutic adherence, particularly among paediatric patients. The advent of 3D printing in medicine is revolutionizing this space by enabling the creation of precise, customizable, and visually appealing dosage forms. In this study, we produced 250 mg metformin paediatric gummies based on the semi-solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing technique. A pharmaceutical ink containing metformin was successfully formulated with optimal flow properties suitable for room-temperature printing. Using a quality by design approach, 3D printing and casting methodologies were compared. The 3D-printed gummies exhibited better firmness and sustained release at earlier times to avoid metformin release in the oral cavity and ensure palatability. The texture and physical appearance match those of gummies commercially available. In conclusion, SSE allowed for the successful manufacture of 3D-printed sugar-free gummies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus for paediatric patients and is an easily translatable approach to clinical practice.
Individual Characteristics Associated with Fears and Prevention Behaviors Related to Respiratory Infectious Disease among South Korean Adults Using Complex Sample Design
Authors: Han Gunsoo , Park Jae-Ahm
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the relationships among individual characteristics, COVID-19-related fears, and infection-prevention behaviors using data from 228,932 adults (weighted to 43,583,798.71) aged 19 and older who participated in the 2021 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Methods: The complex sample design analysis using SPSS 20.0 revealed the following. Results: Women had statistically significantly higher COVID-19-related fears and a higher level of preventive behaviors compared to men. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of physical activity among men was higher than that of women. Compared to the period before COVID-19, the frequency of smoking and drinking decreased for both men and women, with the reduction being more pronounced in men than in women. The high-exercise group had a lower level of COVID-19-related fears. Self-perceived health status was inversely and significantly related to COVID-19-related fears. The low-exercise group had a lower score for self-perceived health status than the high-exercise group. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that maintaining sufficient physical activity positively influences self-perceived health and reduces anxieties related to COVID-19 infection and fatalities. The results highlight the importance of physical activity and the need to identify strategies that effectively maintain regular exercise while adhering to infection-prevention measures during pandemics.
A Phenomenological Approach to Medication Adherence in Elderly Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Liquori Gloria , Panattoni Nicolò , De Leo Aurora , Dionisi Sara , Giannetta Noemi , Gasperi Beatrice , Orsi Giovanni Battista , Di Muzio Flavio , Di Muzio Marco , Di Simone Emanuele
Published: September 2024

Background: Patient adherence to drug treatment is crucial to the success of any prescribed therapy, especially in chronic conditions. The present phenomenological qualitative study aims to explore the elderly experience in managing their medication therapy and their perception of medication adherence. Methods: Based on Husserl’s perspective, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted utilizing the phenomenological approach, specifically Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The data analysis followed Giorgi’s phenomenological approach and the inductive content analysis method. Approval for the study was obtained from the relevant Ethics Committee. Results: Themes emerged when participants described experiences about their own adherence to therapy. The following general theme emerged from the interviews and the phenomenological analysis: Generating awareness: taking therapy saves your life. It was followed by three other themes: (1) Drug therapy awareness; (2) Drug therapy in daily life; and (3) Drug therapy as a life partner. Conclusions: Elderly patients undergoing polypharmacological treatment emphasize the key factors for improving medication adherence, highlighting the influence of individual, motivational, and relational aspects. They express a strong desire for information and value the support of family doctors and nurses in managing therapy. Patient interviews indicate general support among elderly patients for using mobile health in pharmacological treatment, recognizing its potential and limitations.
Comparative Study of Physical Activity, Leisure Preferences, and Sedentary Behavior among Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish University Students
Authors: Paulo Rui , Ramalho André , Scursatone Isabella , Caire Maria , Calle Nicolás Bores , Bores-García Daniel , Espada María , Rebelo Miguel , Duarte-Mendes Pedro
Published: September 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe and compare the levels of physical activity, preferences for leisure-time physical activity, and the frequency of non-sedentary behaviors of Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish students attending higher education. Methods: A total of 1354 students (21.2 ± 2.9 years) participated in the study, with data collected through an online questionnaire for 6 months. Results: The highest levels of sedentary behavior are found among Spanish students, followed by the Portuguese, and lastly the Italians. In relation to physical activity levels, Spanish students perform more low and moderate physical activity, while Italian students perform more vigorous activities and naturally have a lower level of sedentary behavior. Conclusions: However, it is worth highlighting that students from all three countries reach the minimum levels of physical activity recommended by the WHO.
Eating Habits Related to Pregnancy, Body Perception, Attractiveness and Self-Confidence
Authors: Faruga-Lewicka Wioleta , Staśkiewicz-Bartecka Wiktoria , Janiszewska Patrycja , Grot Martina , Kardas Marek
Published: September 2024

Background: Pregnancy is a period of many changes in a woman’s life, including those related to eating habits, taking care of health and fitness, as well as esthetic and psychological considerations. Methods: The study was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022. A questionnaire was used to conduct the study, the questions of which concerned eating habits, as well as perceptions of one’s body and changes in appearance during pregnancy. Respondents filled out the questionnaire twice. The first survey was in the first two weeks after the doctor’s confirmation of pregnancy and after the end of pregnancy, up to a maximum of 2 months after delivery. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in women’s eating habits during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy to analyze the impact of pregnancy on women’s body perception and attractiveness and self-confidence; furthermore, the study aimed to analyze the body mass index (BMI) of women before pregnancy and to compare weight gain during pregnancy depending on the initial BMI, taking into account different age groups. The values of measurable parameters were presented using the arithmetic mean, median, dominant and standard deviation. Non-measurable parameters were presented using percentages. The Chi2 test of homogeneity was used to examine differences between groups. Results: During pregnancy, respondents mostly ate five meals a day, increased the amount of vegetables and fruits in their diets, and ate their meals without rushing (defined as slowly, calmly and without measuring the time left until the end of the meal break). Respondents reduced their coffee intake during pregnancy, while they increased their water intake to about 2 L a day. In the survey, about 2% of respondents followed a weight-loss diet during pregnancy. Respondents who were more likely to take body circumference measurements equally often monitored their daily energy intake. Conclusion: Women changed their eating habits during pregnancy to healthier ones compared to before pregnancy. The women’s eating habits and well-being were also not affected by their age. Also, there was no significant relationship between eating habits and well-being in pregnant women, regardless of their age. The study may assist medical staff in promoting healthier eating habits and tailoring psychological support, which is crucial for the well-being of pregnant women.
Reducing Splitting of ‘Murcott’ Tangor Fruit (Citrus reticulate × Citrus sinensis) through Foliar Application of Forchlorfenuron (CPPU)
Authors: Jiang Yi-Lu , Chang Pai-Tsang
Published: September 2024

The effect of N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU) on fruit splitting of ‘Murcott’ tangor fruit (Citrus reticulate × Citrus sinensis) was analyzed throughout two successive seasons during 2020 and 2021. ‘Murcott’ trees were treated with various concentrations of CPPU, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg·L−1, which significantly reduced the splitting of fruit compared with the control fruit and the gibberellic acid (GA3)-treated fruit (20.0 mg·L−1). The fruit treated with 5.0 mg·L−1 CPPU exhibited higher levels of fruit weight, longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, peel strength, and peel thickness compared to the control fruit. In addition, the tree sprayed with 5.0 mg·L−1 CPPU had the greatest number of cellular layers and cells at the stylar end calculated in fruit. However, there were no other fruit quality characteristics significantly affected by CPPU and GA3 treatments.
Flowering Phenology and Mating System of Calanthe sieboldii
Authors: Zhang Huayuan , Chen Xiuping , Miao Jianglin , Deng Shuwen , Liang Cuiyi , Li Muyang , Wu Shasha , Zhai Junwen
Published: September 2024

The pollination characteristics and flowering phenology of Calanthe sieboldii were evaluated to elucidate its reproductive characteristics and breeding systems. Field observations and artificial pollination experiments were conducted to study the pollination biology in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province. Meanwhile, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze the species’ volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Key findings include the following: (1) the flowering period extends from mid-April to mid-May, with a population-level flowering duration of 29 days in 2017, individual plant flowering averaging 20.22 days, and single flower longevity ranging from 12 to 23 days (mean = 19.30 days); (2) the species exhibits deceptive nectar guides devoid of nectar, indicating food-deceptive pollination, with Bombus sp. identified as its primary pollinator; (3) the pollinial–ovule ratio and hybridization index suggest a high level of self-compatibility without autonomous self-pollination, with no significant difference in pollination success between self- and outcross populations; (4) GC-MS analysis identified methyl benzoate and acacia-related compounds as the primary VOCs of C. sieboldii. These findings provide valuable insights into the conservation and sustainable management of orchids, particularly C. sieboldii.
Effect of Simulated Cosmic Radiation on Cytomegalovirus Reactivation and Lytic Replication
Authors: Mehta Satish K. , Diak Douglass M. , Bustos-Lopez Sara , Nelman-Gonzalez Mayra , Chen Xi , Plante Ianik , Stray Stephen J. , Tandon Ritesh , Crucian Brian E.
Published: September 2024

Human exploration of the solar system will expose crew members to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), with a potential for adverse health effects. GCR particles (protons and ions) move at nearly the speed of light and easily penetrate space station walls, as well as the human body. Previously, we have shown reactivation of latent herpesviruses, including herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein–Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV), during stays at the International Space Station. Given the prevalence of latent CMV and the known propensity of space radiation to cause alterations in many cellular processes, we undertook this study to understand the role of GCR in reactivating latent CMV. Latently infected Kasumi cells with CMV were irradiated with 137Cs gamma rays, 150 MeV protons, 600 MeV/n carbon ions, 600 MeV/n iron ions, proton ions, and simulated GCR. The CMV copy number increased significantly in the cells exposed to radiation as compared with the non-irradiated controls. Viral genome sequencing did not reveal significant nucleotide differences among the compared groups. However, transcriptome analysis showed the upregulation of transcription of the UL49 ORF, implicating it in the switch from latent to lytic replication. These findings support our hypothesis that GCR may be a strong contributor to the reactivation of CMV infection seen in ISS crew members.
RNA-Seq-Based Transcriptome Analysis of Chinese Cordyceps Aqueous Extracts Protective Effect against Adriamycin-Induced mpc5 Cell Injury
Authors: Long Hailin , Liu Mengzhen , Rao Zhongchen , Guan Shanyue , Chen Xiaotian , Huang Xiaoting , Cao Li , Han Richou
Published: September 2024

Pharmacogenomic analysis based on drug transcriptome characteristics is widely used to identify mechanisms of action. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of protective effect against adriamycin (ADM)-induced mpc5 cell injury of Chinese cordyceps aqueous extracts (WCCs) by a systematic transcriptomic analysis. The phytochemicals of WCCs were analyzed via the “phenol–sulfuric acid method”, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and HPLC–mass spectrometry (MS). We analyzed the drug-reaction transcriptome profiles of mpc5 cell after treating them with WCCs. RNA-seq analysis revealed that WCCs alleviated ADM-induced mpc5 cell injury via restoring the expression of certain genes to normal level mainly in the one-carbon pool by the folate pathway, followed by the relaxin, apelin, PI3K-Akt, and nucleotide-binding, oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway, enhancing DNA synthesis and repair, cell proliferation, fibrosis reduction, and immune regulation. Otherwise, WCCs also modulated the proliferation and survival of the mpc5 cell by regulating metabolic pathways, and partially restores the expression of genes related to human disease pathways. These findings provide an innovative understanding of the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of WCCs on ADM-induced mpc5 cell injury at the molecular transcription level, and Mthfd2, Dhfr, Atf4, Creb5, Apln, and Serpine1, etc., may be potential novel targets for treating nephrotic syndrome.
The Antioxidant and Anti-Fatigue Effects of Rare Ginsenosides and γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Fermented Ginseng and Germinated Brown Rice Puree
Authors: Feng Shiwen , Li Tao , Wei Xinrui , Zheng Yifei , Zhang Yumeng , Li Gao , Zhao Yuqing
Published: September 2024

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and rare ginsenosides are good antioxidant and anti-fatigue active components that can be enriched via probiotic fermentation. In this study, ginseng and germinated brown rice were used as raw materials to produce six fermented purees using fermentation and non-fermentation technology. We tested the chemical composition of the purees and found that the content of GABA and rare ginsenoside (Rh4, Rg3, and CK) in the puree made of ginseng and germinated brown rice (FGB) increased significantly after fermentation. The antioxidant activity of the six purees was determined using cell-free experiments, and it was found that FGB had better ferric-ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging rates, exhibiting better antioxidant effects. We then evaluated the antioxidant effect of FGB in HepG2 cells induced by H2O2 and found that FGB can reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells and increase the membrane potential level, thereby improving oxidative damage in these cells. In vivo experiments also showed that FGB has good antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities, which can prolong the exhaustive swimming time of mice and reduce the accumulation of metabolites, and is accompanied by a corresponding increase in liver glycogen and muscle glycogen levels as well as superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Finally, we believe that the substances with good antioxidant and anti-fatigue activity found in FGB are derived from co-fermented enriched GABA and rare ginsenosides.
Effect of CFTR Modulators on Oxidative Stress and Autophagy in Non-CFTR-Expressing Cells
Authors: Scialò Filippo , Cernera Gustavo , Polise Lorenza , Castaldo Giuseppe , Amato Felice , Villella Valeria Rachela
Published: September 2024

The triple combination therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF), including elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor (ETI or Trikafta), has been shown to improve lung function and reduce pulmonary exacerbations, thereby enhancing the quality of life for most CF patients. Recent findings suggest that both the individual components and ETI may have potential off-target effects, highlighting the need to understand how these modulators impact cellular physiology, particularly in cells that do not express CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We used HEK293 cells, as a cell model not expressing the CFTR protein, to evaluate the effect of ETI and each of its components on autophagic machinery and on the Rab5/7 components of the Rab pathway. We firstly demonstrate that the single modulators Teza and Iva, and the combinations ET and ETI, increased ROS production in the absence of their target while decreasing it in cells expressing the CFTR ∆F508del. This increase in cellular stress was followed by an increase in the total level of polyubiquitinated proteins as well as the p62 level and LC3II/LC3I ratio. Furthermore, we found that ETI had the opposite effect on Rabs by increasing Rab5 levels while decreasing Rab7. Interestingly, these changes were abolished by the expression of mutated CFTR. Overall, our data suggest that in the absence of their target, both the individual modulators and ETI increased ROS production and halted both autophagic flux and plasma membrane protein recycling.
Special Issue “Research Progress of Bioimaging Materials”
Authors: He Liangcan
Published: September 2024

In the context of increasingly diverse diseases, early diagnosis and prevention, particularly in cancer control, have become more important than ever [...]
Enhancing Cryopreserved Sperm Quality in Chinese Rare Minnow Gobiocypris rarus: The Impact of Antifreeze Proteins
Authors: Ye Huan , Li Xin , Shen Li , Du Hao , Zhang Qing , He Yongfeng , Wu Jinming
Published: September 2024

The Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus), an important model fish in China, faces endangerment in the wild. Sperm cryopreservation facilitates the development of new strains and germplasm conservation, but the quality of its cryopreserved sperm remains low. This study evaluates the protective effects of different concentrations of antifreeze proteins (AFP I and AFP III) on the cryopreservation of Chinese rare minnow sperm. Cryopreserved sperm showed significant declines in progressive motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), and lifespan compared to fresh sperm, except for straight-line velocity (VSL). The cryomedium containing 10 μg/mL AFP I improved these parameters to their highest levels. However, no significant difference was found in progressive motility and kinetic parameters between cryopreserved sperm with and without AFPs. Cryopreserved sperm with 10 μg/mL AFP I showed the highest plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity, significantly better than without AFPs; importantly, the fertilization rate of cryopreserved sperm with 10 μg/mL AFP I was not significantly different from that of fresh sperm. These results indicate that the addition of 10 μg/mL AFP I to the cryomedium for Chinese rare minnow sperm does not improve kinetic parameters but significantly enhances sperm quality, aiding in its new strain development and germplasm conservation.
Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Saphenous Vein Exposed to Ex Vivo Arterial Haemodynamics—Implications for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patency and Vein Graft Disease
Authors: McQueen Liam W. , Ladak Shameem S. , Layton Georgia R. , Wozniak Marcin , Solomon Charles , El-Dean Zein , Murphy Gavin J. , Zakkar Mustafa
Published: September 2024

Vein graft disease is the process by which saphenous vein grafts, utilised for revascularisation during coronary artery bypass graft surgery, undergo an inflammation-driven intimal hyperplasia and accelerated atherosclerosis process in subsequent years after implantation. The role of the arterial circulation, particularly the haemodynamic properties’ impact on graft patency, have been investigated but have not to date been explored in depth at the transcriptomic level. We have undertaken the first-in-man spatial transcriptomic analysis of the long saphenous vein in response to ex vivo acute arterial haemodynamic stimulation, utilising a combination of a custom 3D-printed perfusion bioreactor and the 10X Genomics Visium Spatial Gene Expression technology. We identify a total of 413 significant genes (372 upregulated and 41 downregulated) differentially expressed in response to arterial haemodynamic conditions. These genes were associated with pathways including NFkB, TNF, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, among others. These are established pathways involved in the initiation of an early pro-inflammatory response, leukocyte activation and adhesion signalling, tissue remodelling, and cellular differentiation. Utilising unsupervised clustering analysis, we have been able to classify subsets of the expression based on cell type and with spatial resolution. These findings allow for further characterisation of the early saphenous vein graft transcriptional landscape during the earliest stage of implantation that contributes to vein graft disease, in particular validation of pathways and druggable targets that could contribute towards the therapeutic inhibition of processes underpinning vein graft disease.
Rapid and Direct Detection of the Stubby Root Nematode, Paratrichodorus allius, from Soil DNA Extracts Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay
Authors: Goraya Mankanwal , Yan Guiping
Published: September 2024

The stubby root nematode, Paratrichodorus allius, is one of the most important plant-parasitic nematodes. Besides root feeding, P. allius also transmits the Tobacco rattle virus in potatoes, which causes corky ringspot disease. Rapid detection of P. allius is key for efficient management. This study was conducted to develop a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay that is capable of detecting P. allius directly in DNA extracts from soil using a simple portable device in real time. A fluorophore-attached probe was designed to target the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-rDNA of P. allius and was used along with primers designed previously. The real-time RPA assay had the ability to detect P. allius DNA extracted directly from infested soil with a sensitivity of one-sixteenth portion of a single nematode. This RPA assay was specific, as it did not produce positive signals from non-target nematodes tested. The real-time RPA was found to be rapid as it could even detect P. allius in as little as 7 min. Testing with 15 field soil samples validated the RPA assay developed in this study. This is the first report of P. allius detection directly from soil DNA using real-time RPA and is the fastest method for P. allius detection in soil to date.
Molecular Mechanisms Affecting Statin Pharmacokinetics after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Petrinović Matea , Majetić Domagoj , Bakula Miro , Pećin Ivan , Fabris-Vitković Daniela , Deškin Marin , Tešanović Perković Deša , Bakula Maja , Gradišer Marina , Ćurčić Ines Bilić , Canecki-Varžić Silvija
Published: September 2024

According to recent data, one in eight people in the world struggle with obesity. Obesity management is increasingly dependent on bariatric surgical interventions, as the combination of lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy could have a modest long-term effect. Surgery is recommended only for individuals whose body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 and ≥ 35 kg/m2 in the presence of weight-related comorbidities. The most commonly performed procedures are sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations occur as a result of the anatomical and physiological changes caused by surgery, which further differ depending on physicochemical drug factors and factors related to the dosage form. The following modifications are distinguished based on the type of bariatric surgery performed. Most bariatric patients have accompanying comorbidities, including dyslipidemia treated with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors or statins. Significant improvements in the lipid profile are observed early in the postoperative period. The data reported in this review on statin pharmacokinetic alterations have demonstrated substantial inter- and intravariability, making it difficult to adopt clear guidelines. Based on the current literature review, reducing the statin dose to the lowest effective with continuous monitoring is considered an optimal approach in clinical practice.
Refractory Celiac Disease: What the Gastroenterologist Should Know
Authors: Verdelho Machado Mariana
Published: September 2024

Fewer than 1% of patients with celiac disease (CD) will develop refractory CD (RCD). As such, most gastroenterologists might never need to manage patients with RCD. However, all gastroenterologists must be familiarized with the basic concepts of RCD and non-responsive CD (NRCD), since it can present as a severe disease with high mortality, not only due to intestinal failure, but also due to progression to enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (EATL) and a higher susceptibility to life-threatening infections. The diagnostic workup and differential diagnosis with other causes of gastrointestinal symptoms and villous atrophy, as well as the differentiation between type I and II RCD, are complex, and may require specialized laboratories and reference hospitals. Immunosuppression is efficient in the milder RCDI; however, the treatment of RCDII falls short, with current options probably only providing transient clinical improvement and delaying EATL development. This review summarizes the current diagnostic and therapeutic approach for patients with RCD that all doctors that manage patients with CD should know.
Developing a Machine-Learning-Based Automatic Incident Detection System for Traffic Safety: Promises and Limitations
Authors: ElSahly Osama , Abdelfatah Akmal
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel, machine-learning-based Automatic Incident Detection (AID) system for freeways. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing AID systems, the paper identifies their limitations and key performance metrics. VISSIM, a traffic simulation software, is employed to generate diverse, realistic traffic data incorporating factors significantly impacting AID performance. The developed system utilizes an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained via RapidMiner software. The ANN is designed to learn and differentiate normal and incident traffic patterns. Training yields a Detection Rate (DR) of 95.6%, a False Alarm Rate (FAR) of 1.01%, and a Mean Time to Detection (MTTD) of 0.89 min. Testing demonstrates continued effectiveness with a DR of 100%, a FAR of 1.29%, and a MTTD of 1.6 min. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the influence of individual factors on system performance. Based on these findings, recommendations for enhancing AID systems are provided, promoting improved traffic safety and incident management. This research empowers transportation authorities with valuable insights to implement effective incident detection strategies, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient freeways.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Lung: Survival, Radiologic Findings, PD-L1, and Driver Mutations
Authors: Illini Oliver , Fabikan Hannah , Fischer Eva , Lang-Stöberl Anna Sophie , Krenbek Dagmar , Jarius Christa , Azarnia-Medan Shokoufa , Gasser Stefan , Hochmair Maximilian Johannes , Weinlinger Christoph , Valipour Arschang , Watzka Stefan
Published: September 2024

Background: Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung (ASC) is a rare non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtype combining components of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). Data on ASC, particularly in Caucasian populations, are limited. Methods: We reviewed clinicopathological and radiological characteristics of ASC patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2023. Patients were classified into AC-predominant ASC (AC-ASC) and SCC-predominant ASC (SCC-ASC) groups for analysis. Results: Among the 66 patients included, the median overall survival was 41.7 (95% CI, 25.0–54.4), while it was 48.1 (95% CI, 27.3–88.0) in patients treated with curative surgery (n = 44) and 15.3 (95% CI, 6.5–42.6) months for palliative patients (n = 22). The five-year survival rates were 39% and 26%, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 43% of stage I patients and was associated with worse survival (HR 3.303 (95% CI, 1.10–9.89) p = 0.033). AC-ASCs (n = 17) more frequently showed air-bronchogram (p = 0.002) and pleural effusions (p = 0.054) compared to SCC-ASCs (n = 26). SCC-ASCs exhibited more vascular invasion (p = 0.006) and PD-L1 values between 1 and 49% (TPS) (p = 0.032). The subtype did not influence survival. EGFR and ALK alterations were found in 17% and 2% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: Despite early-stage disease, ASC patients had a high recurrence rate, associated with worse survival. Clinicopathologic differences between AC-ASCs and SCC-ASCs did not influence survival.