bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Vertical versus Horizontal Plyometric Training on Stretch-Shortening Cycle Performance Enhancement in Adolescent Soccer Players
Authors: Kurt Cem , Canli Umut , Erdaş Sadullah Erdal , Poli Luca , Carvutto Roberto , Cataldi Stefania , Fischetti Francesco , Greco Gianpiero
Published: June 2023

Plyometric exercise is a major tool for improving explosive actions. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a vertical and horizontal plyometric training program on stretch-shortening performance variables in adolescent soccer players. Thirty-two male soccer players (aged 12.09 ± 0.89 years, with soccer experience 5.37 ± 1.58 years) were divided into horizontal plyometric, vertical plyometric, or control groups. The horizontal and vertical plyometric groups participated in a 6-week training program that was performed twice per week, with a 48-h interval, in conjunction with regular soccer training. The control group participated only in regular soccer training. Vertical jump height, reactive strength index, leg stiffness, ground contact time, standing long jump distance, agility, and 10 and 20 m sprint performances were tested as stretch-shortening performance variables of the participants. Stretch-shortening performance variables were assessed before and after completion of the training program. The results showed that either horizontal or vertical plyometric training had no effect on VJH, RSI, GCT, or Kleg performance (F = 2.14, 1.32, 0.66, 1.03; p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no effect on SLJ, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, or agility performance (F = 2.06, 0.14, 0.06, 0.27; p > 0.05). A 6-week horizontal or vertical plyometric intervention was found to be insufficient to elicit stretch-shortening performance enhancement in adolescent male soccer players. Although there was no performance change in any group, it was observed that the players enjoyed plyometric training. Therefore, coaches could safely use plyometric exercises to design enjoyable training programs.
“Ngany Kamam, I Speak Truly”: First-Person Accounts of Aboriginal Youth Voices in Mental Health Service Reform
Authors: Culbong Hunter , Ramirez-Watkins Ashton , Anderson Shae , Culbong Tiana , Crisp Nikayla , Pearson Glenn , Lin Ashleigh , Wright Michael
Published: June 2023

Aboriginal young people are experts in their own experience and are best placed to identify the solutions to their mental health and wellbeing needs. Given that Aboriginal young people experience high rates of mental health concerns and are less likely than non-Indigenous young people to access mental health services, co-design and evaluation of appropriate mental health care is a priority. Increasing Aboriginal young people’s participation in mental health service reform is key to ensuring services are culturally secure, relevant and accessible. This paper presents first-person accounts from three Aboriginal young people who worked alongside their Elders and in a positive and constructive partnership with mainstream mental health services on a three-year participatory action research project in Perth, Western Australia, in Whadjuk Nyoongar boodja (Country). The young people recount their experiences as participants and co-researchers on a systems change mental health research project and share their views on the importance of privileging Aboriginal youth voices. Their accounts highlight that Aboriginal young people’s participation and leadership must be understood through a decolonising lens and that working in genuine partnership with the community is key to increasing their contact and engagement with mental health care and improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
Depression Literacy, Associated Factors, and Correlation of Related Variables in Middle-Aged Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Young Joo
Published: June 2023

For the timely treatment and management of depression, a high level of depression literacy (DL) is needed. This study aimed to examine the level of DL and factors associated with DL among middle-aged Korean adults and to verify the relationship between DL, depression, and quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study included 485 participants aged 40 to 64 years recruited from five provinces in Korea. DL was measured using a 22-item questionnaire and analyzed by multiple linear regression and correlation analysis. The DL level of the participants was moderate and the correct answer rate was 58.6%. In particular, non-pharmacological treatments, differential symptoms, and pharmacological treatments were low. Out of the participants, 25.2% had depression, and the difference in DL between those with and without depression was not statistically significant. The positive factors associated with DL were being female, having higher education, and being employed. DL was not correlated with depression or psychological QoL. However, higher DL was associated with less heavy drinking, normal body mass index, and not smoking. Improving DL can help individuals seek timely professional help and reduce mental health disparities. Further studies should continue to investigate and develop the association between DL and health-related behaviors as well as depression and QoL to effectively treat and manage depression.
A Machine Learning Approach for Classifying Road Accident Hotspots
Authors: Amorim Brunna de Sousa Pereira , Firmino Anderson Almeida , Baptista Cláudio de Souza , Júnior Geraldo Braz , Paiva Anselmo Cardoso de , Júnior Francisco Edeverton de Almeida
Published: June 2023

Road accidents are a worldwide problem, affecting millions of people annually. One way to reduce such accidents is to predict risk areas and alert drivers. Advanced research has been carried out on identifying accident-influencing factors and potential highway risk areas to mitigate the number of road accidents. Machine learning techniques have been used to build prediction models using a supervised classification based on a labeled dataset. In this work, we experimented with many machine learning algorithms to discover the best classifier for the Brazilian federal road hotspots associated with severe or nonsevere accident risk using several features. We tested with SVM, random forest, and a multi-layer perceptron neural network. The dataset contains a ten-year road accident report by the Brazilian Federal Highway Police. The feature set includes spatial footprint, weekday and time when the accident happened, road type, route, orientation, weather conditions, and accident type. The results were promising, and the neural network model provided the best results, achieving an accuracy of 83%, a precision of 84%, a recall of 83%, and an F1-score of 82%.
Switching Biological Therapies in Severe Asthma
Authors: Scioscia Giulia , Nolasco Santi , Campisi Raffaele , Quarato Carla Maria Irene , Caruso Cristiano , Pelaia Corrado , Portacci Andrea , Crimi Claudia
Published: June 2023

Currently, three classes of monoclonal antibodies targeting type 2 inflammation pathways are available in Italy for the treatment of severe asthma: anti-IgE (Omalizumab), anti-IL-5/anti-IL-5Rα (Mepolizumab and Benralizumab), and anti-IL-4Rα (Dupilumab). Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-life studies have been conducted to define their efficacy and identify baseline patients’ characteristics potentially predictive of favorable outcomes. Switching to another monoclonal antibody is recommended in case of a lack of benefits. The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge on the impact of switching biological therapies in severe asthma as well as on predictors of treatment response or failure. Almost all of the information about switching from a previous monoclonal antibody to another comes from a real-life setting. In the available studies, the most frequent initial biologic was Omalizumab and patients who were switched because of suboptimal control with a previous biologic therapy were more likely to have a higher baseline blood eosinophil count and exacerbation rate despite OCS dependence. The choice of the most suitable treatment may be guided by the patient’s clinical history, biomarkers of endotype (mainly blood eosinophils and FeNO), and comorbidities (especially nasal polyposis). Due to overlapping eligibility, larger investigations characterizing the clinical profile of patients benefiting from switching to different monoclonal antibodies are needed.
miRNA-132/212 Deficiency Disrupts Selective Corticosterone Modulation of Dorsal vs. Ventral Hippocampal Metaplasticity
Authors: Kouhnavardi Shima , Cabatic Maureen , Mañas-Padilla M. , Malabanan Marife-Astrid , Smani Tarik , Cicvaric Ana , Muñoz Aranzalez Edison , Koenig Xaver , Urban Ernst , Lubec Gert , Castilla-Ortega Estela , Monje Francisco
Published: June 2023

Cortisol is a potent human steroid hormone that plays key roles in the central nervous system, influencing processes such as brain neuronal synaptic plasticity and regulating the expression of emotional and behavioral responses. The relevance of cortisol stands out in the disease, as its dysregulation is associated with debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, chronic stress, anxiety and depression. Among other brain regions, cortisol importantly influences the function of the hippocampus, a structure central for memory and emotional information processing. The mechanisms fine-tuning the different synaptic responses of the hippocampus to steroid hormone signaling remain, however, poorly understood. Using ex vivo electrophysiology and wild type (WT) and miR-132/miR-212 microRNAs knockout (miRNA-132/212−/−) mice, we examined the effects of corticosterone (the rodent’s equivalent to cortisol in humans) on the synaptic properties of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. In WT mice, corticosterone predominantly inhibited metaplasticity in the dorsal WT hippocampi, whereas it significantly dysregulated both synaptic transmission and metaplasticity at dorsal and ventral regions of miR–132/212−/− hippocampi. Western blotting further revealed significantly augmented levels of endogenous CREB and a significant CREB reduction in response to corticosterone only in miR–132/212−/− hippocampi. Sirt1 levels were also endogenously enhanced in the miR–132/212−/− hippocampi but unaltered by corticosterone, whereas the levels of phospo-MSK1 were only reduced by corticosterone in WT, not in miR–132/212−/− hippocampi. In behavioral studies using the elevated plus maze, miRNA-132/212−/− mice further showed reduced anxiety-like behavior. These observations propose miRNA-132/212 as potential region-selective regulators of the effects of steroid hormones on hippocampal functions, thus likely fine-tuning hippocampus-dependent memory and emotional processing.
Assembly and Comparative Analysis of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Two Species of Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia, Araceae)
Authors: Guo Yanbing , Li Ziwei , Jin Shoulin , Chen Shuying , Li Fei , Wu Hongzhi
Published: June 2023

In this study, the mitochondrial genomes of two calla species, Zantedeschia aethiopica Spreng. and Zantedeschia odorata Perry., were assembled and compared for the first time. The Z. aethiopica mt genome was assembled into a single circular chromosome, measuring 675,575 bp in length with a 45.85% GC content. In contrast, the Z. odorata mt genome consisted of bicyclic chromosomes (chromosomes 1 and 2), measuring 719,764 bp and exhibiting a 45.79% GC content. Both mitogenomes harbored similar gene compositions, with 56 and 58 genes identified in Z. aethiopica and Z. odorata, respectively. Analyses of codon usage, sequence repeats, gene migration from chloroplast to mitochondrial, and RNA editing were conducted for both Z. aethiopica and Z. odorata mt genomes. Phylogenetic examination based on the mt genomes of these two species and 30 other taxa provided insights into their evolutionary relationships. Additionally, the core genes in the gynoecium, stamens, and mature pollen grains of the Z. aethiopica mt genome were investigated, which revealed maternal mitochondrial inheritance in this species. In summary, this study offers valuable genomic resources for future research on mitogenome evolution and the molecular breeding of calla lily.
An Improved Genome-Wide Association Procedure Explores Gene–Allele Constitutions and Evolutionary Drives of Growth Period Traits in the Global Soybean Germplasm Population
Authors: Wang Can , Hao Xiaoshuai , Liu Xueqin , Su Yanzhu , Pan Yongpeng , Zong Chunmei , Wang Wubin , Xing Guangnan , He Jianbo , Gai Junyi
Published: June 2023

In soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), their growth periods, DSF (days of sowing-to-flowering), and DFM (days of flowering-to-maturity) are determined by their required accumulative day-length (ADL) and active temperature (AAT). A sample of 354 soybean varieties from five world eco-regions was tested in four seasons in Nanjing, China. The ADL and AAT of DSF and DFM were calculated from daily day-lengths and temperatures provided by the Nanjing Meteorological Bureau. The improved restricted two-stage multi-locus genome-wide association study using gene–allele sequences as markers (coded GASM-RTM-GWAS) was performed. (i) For DSF and its related ADLDSF and AATDSF, 130–141 genes with 384–406 alleles were explored, and for DFM and its related ADLDFM and AATDFM, 124–135 genes with 362–384 alleles were explored, in a total of six gene–allele systems. DSF shared more ADL and AAT contributions than DFM. (ii) Comparisons between the eco-region gene–allele submatrices indicated that the genetic adaptation from the origin to the geographic sub-regions was characterized by allele emergence (mutation), while genetic expansion from primary maturity group (MG)-sets to early/late MG-sets featured allele exclusion (selection) without allele emergence in addition to inheritance (migration). (iii) Optimal crosses with transgressive segregations in both directions were predicted and recommended for breeding purposes, indicating that allele recombination in soybean is an important evolutionary drive. (iv) Genes of the six traits were mostly trait-specific involved in four categories of 10 groups of biological functions. GASM-RTM-GWAS showed potential in detecting directly causal genes with their alleles, identifying differential trait evolutionary drives, predicting recombination breeding potentials, and revealing population gene networks.
Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Diseases and the Gut-Brain Axis: The Potential of Therapeutic Targeting of the Microbiome
Authors: Bicknell Brian , Liebert Ann , Borody Thomas , Herkes Geoffrey , McLachlan Craig , Kiat Hosen
Published: June 2023

The human gut microbiome contains the largest number of bacteria in the body and has the potential to greatly influence metabolism, not only locally but also systemically. There is an established link between a healthy, balanced, and diverse microbiome and overall health. When the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced (dysbiosis) through dietary changes, medication use, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and ageing, this has a profound effect on our health and is linked to many diseases, including lifestyle diseases, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and neurological diseases. While this link in humans is largely an association of dysbiosis with disease, in animal models, a causative link can be demonstrated. The link between the gut and the brain is particularly important in maintaining brain health, with a strong association between dysbiosis in the gut and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. This link suggests not only that the gut microbiota composition can be used to make an early diagnosis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases but also that modifying the gut microbiome to influence the microbiome–gut–brain axis might present a therapeutic target for diseases that have proved intractable, with the aim of altering the trajectory of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others. There is also a microbiome–gut–brain link to other potentially reversible neurological diseases, such as migraine, post-operative cognitive dysfunction, and long COVID, which might be considered models of therapy for neurodegenerative disease. The role of traditional methods in altering the microbiome, as well as newer, more novel treatments such as faecal microbiome transplants and photobiomodulation, are discussed.
Chronic Exposure to Chlorpyrifos Damages Thyroid Activity and Imbalances Hepatic Thyroid Hormones Signaling and Glucose Metabolism: Dependency of T3-FOXO1 Axis by Hyperglycemia
Authors: Peluso Teresa , Nittoli Valeria , Reale Carla , Porreca Immacolata , Russo Filomena , Roberto Luca , Giacco Antonia , Silvestri Elena , Mallardo Massimo , De Felice Mario , Ambrosino Concetta
Published: June 2023

Early life exposure to Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals (EDCs), such as the organophosphate pesticide Chlorpyrifos (CPF), affects the thyroid activity and dependent process, including the glucose metabolism. The damage of thyroid hormones (THs) as a mechanism of action of CPF is underestimated because the studies rarely consider that TH levels and signaling are customized peripherally. Here, we investigated the impairment of metabolism/signaling of THs and lipid/glucose metabolism in the livers of 6-month-old mice, developmentally and lifelong exposed to 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg/die CPF (F1) and their offspring similarly exposed (F2), analyzing the levels of transcripts of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of T3 (Dio1), lipids (Fasn, Acc1), and glucose (G6pase, Pck1). Both processes were altered only in F2 males, affected by hypothyroidism and by a systemic hyperglycemia linked to the activation of gluconeogenesis in mice exposed to 1 and 10 mg/kg/die CPF. Interestingly, we observed an increase in active FOXO1 protein due to a decrease in AKT phosphorylation, despite insulin signaling activation. Experiments in vitro revealed that chronic exposure to CPF affected glucose metabolism via the direct modulation of FOXO1 activity and T3 levels in hepatic cells. In conclusion, we described different sex and intergenerational effects of CPF exposure on the hepatic homeostasis of THs, their signaling, and, finally, glucose metabolism. The data points to FOXO1-T3-glucose signaling as a target of CPF in liver.
The Novel-Natural-Killer-Cell-Related Gene Signature Predicts the Prognosis and Immune Status of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Minjun , Huang Juntao , Zhan Guohua , Li Yuankuan , Fang Chunye , Xiang Bangde
Published: June 2023

The current understanding of the prognostic significance of natural killer (NK) cells and their tumor microenvironment (TME) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited. Thus, we screened for NK-cell-related genes by single-cell transcriptome data analysis and developed an NK-cell-related gene signature (NKRGS) using multi-regression analyses. Patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort were stratified into high- and low-risk groups according to their median NKRGS risk scores. Overall survival between the risk groups was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and a NKRGS-based nomogram was constructed. Immune infiltration profiles were compared between the risk groups. The NKRGS risk model suggests significantly worse prognoses in patients with high NKRGS risk (p < 0.05). The NKRGS-based nomogram showed good prognostic performance. The immune infiltration analysis revealed that the high-NKRGS-risk patients had significantly lower immune cell infiltration levels (p < 0.05) and were more likely to be in an immunosuppressive state. The enrichment analysis revealed that immune-related and tumor metabolism pathways highly correlated with the prognostic gene signature. In this study, a novel NKRGS was developed to stratify the prognosis of HCC patients. An immunosuppressive TME coincided with the high NKRGS risk among the HCC patients. The higher KLRB1 and DUSP10 expression levels correlated with the patients’ favorable survival.
Statistical Analysis of Methotrexate Degradation by UV-C Photolysis and UV-C/TiO2 Photocatalysis
Authors: González-Burciaga Luis A. , García-Prieto Juan C. , Núñez-Núñez Cynthia M. , Proal-Nájera José B.
Published: June 2023

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid analog and has been used to treat a wide variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. The wide use of these substances has led to the continuous discharge of the parent compound and its metabolites in wastewater. In conventional wastewater treatment plants, the removal or degradation of drugs is not complete. In order to study the MTX degradation by photolysis and photocatalysis processes, two reactors were used with TiO2 as a catalyst and UV-C lamps as a radiation source. H2O2 addition was also studied (absence and 3 mM/L), and different initial pHs (3.5, 7, and 9.5) were tested to define the best degradation parameters. Results were analyzed by means of ANOVA and the Tukey test. Results show that photolysis in acidic conditions with 3 mM of H2O2 added is the best condition for MTX degradation in these reactors, with a kinetic constant of 0.028 min−1. According to the ANOVA test, all considered factors (process, pH, H2O2 addition, and experimentation time) caused statistically significant differences in the MTX degradation results.
Introduction to Topic of the Special Issue “Quantum-Chemical Modeling and Design of Chelate and Macrocyclic Metal Complexes 2.0” from Guest Editor
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V.
Published: June 2023

The concept of “macrocyclic compounds” combines very different classes of chemicals that contain nine or more atoms in the macrocycle; macroheterocyclic compounds, the macrocycle of which contains at least one heteroatom, are also distinguished among them [...]
High-Quality Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Corsac Fox (Vulpes corsac) Reveals Adaptation to Semiarid and Harsh Environments
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Xia Tian , Zhou Shengyang , Yang Xiufeng , Lyu Tianshu , Wang Lidong , Fang Jiaohui , Wang Qi , Dou Huashan , Zhang Honghai
Published: June 2023

The Corsac fox (Vulpes corsac) is a species of fox distributed in the arid prairie regions of Central and Northern Asia, with distinct adaptations to dry environments. Here, we applied Oxford-Nanopore sequencing and a chromosome structure capture technique to assemble the first Corsac fox genome, which was then assembled into chromosome fragments. The genome assembly has a total length of 2.2 Gb with a contig N50 of 41.62 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 132.2 Mb over 18 pseudo-chromosomal scaffolds. The genome contained approximately 32.67% of repeat sequences. A total of 20,511 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 88.9% were functionally annotated. Phylogenetic analyses indicated a close relation to the Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) with an estimated divergence time of ~3.7 million years ago (MYA). We performed separate enrichment analyses of species-unique genes, the expanded and contracted gene families, and positively selected genes. The results suggest an enrichment of pathways related to protein synthesis and response and an evolutionary mechanism by which cells respond to protein denaturation in response to heat stress. The enrichment of pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism, potentially preventing stress from dehydration, and positive selection of genes related to vision, as well as stress responses in harsh environments, may reveal adaptive evolutionary mechanisms in the Corsac fox under harsh drought conditions. Additional detection of positive selection for genes associated with gustatory receptors may reveal a unique desert diet strategy for the species. This high-quality genome provides a valuable resource for studying mammalian drought adaptation and evolution in the genus Vulpes.
Effects of Obesity and Calorie Restriction on Cancer Development
Authors: Sergeeva Ekaterina , Ruksha Tatiana , Fefelova Yulia
Published: June 2023

The risk of malignant tumor development is increasing in the world. Obesity is an established risk factor for various malignancies. There are many metabolic alterations associated with obesity which promote cancerogenesis. Excessive body weight leads to increased levels of estrogens, chronic inflammation and hypoxia, which can play an important role in the development of malignancies. It is proved that calorie restriction can improve the state of patients with various diseases. Decreased calorie uptake influences lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, hormone levels and cell processes. Many investigations have been devoted to the effects of calorie restriction on cancer development in vitro and in vivo. It was revealed that fasting can regulate the activity of the signal cascades including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p53, mTOR, insulin/ insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and JAK-STAT. Up- or down-regulation of the pathways results in the decrease of cancer cell proliferation, migration and survival and the increase of apoptosis and effects of chemotherapy. The aim of this review is to discuss the connection between obesity and cancer development and the mechanisms of calorie restriction influence on cancerogenesis that stress the importance of further research of calorie restriction effects for the inclusion of this approach in clinical practice.
Characterization of Unidirectional Replication Forks in the Mouse Genome
Authors: Zerbib Avital , Simon Itamar
Published: June 2023

Origins of replication are genomic regions in which replication initiates in a bidirectional manner. Recently, a new methodology (origin-derived single-stranded DNA sequencing; ori-SSDS) was developed that allows the detection of replication initiation in a strand-specific manner. Reanalysis of the strand-specific data revealed that 18–33% of the peaks are non-symmetrical, suggesting a single direction of replication. Analysis of replication fork direction data revealed that these are origins of replication in which the replication is paused in one of the directions, probably due to the existence of a replication fork barrier. Analysis of the unidirectional origins revealed a preference of G4 quadruplexes for the blocked leading strand. Taken together, our analysis identified hundreds of genomic locations in which the replication initiates only in one direction, and suggests that G4 quadruplexes may serve as replication fork barriers in such places.
MsSPL9 Modulates Nodulation under Nitrate Sufficiency Condition in Medicago sativa
Authors: Nasrollahi Vida , Allam Gamalat , Kohalmi Susanne E. , Hannoufa Abdelali
Published: June 2023

Nodulation in Leguminous spp. is induced by common environmental cues, such as low nitrogen availability conditions, in the presence of the specific Rhizobium spp. in the rhizosphere. Medicago sativa (alfalfa) is an important nitrogen-fixing forage crop that is widely cultivated around the world and relied upon as a staple source of forage in livestock feed. Although alfalfa’s relationship with these bacteria is one of the most efficient between rhizobia and legume plants, breeding for nitrogen-related traits in this crop has received little attention. In this report, we investigate the role of Squamosa-Promoter Binding Protein-Like 9 (SPL9), a target of miR156, in nodulation in alfalfa. Transgenic alfalfa plants with SPL9-silenced (SPL9-RNAi) and overexpressed (35S::SPL9) were compared to wild-type (WT) alfalfa for phenotypic changes in nodulation in the presence and absence of nitrogen. Phenotypic analyses showed that silencing of MsSPL9 in alfalfa caused an increase in the number of nodules. Moreover, the characterization of phenotypic and molecular parameters revealed that MsSPL9 regulates nodulation under a high concentration of nitrate (10 mM KNO3) by regulating the transcription levels of the nitrate-responsive genes Nitrate Reductase1 (NR1), NR2, Nitrate transporter 2.5 (NRT2.5), and a shoot-controlled autoregulation of nodulation (AON) gene, Super numeric nodules (SUNN). While MsSPL9–overexpressing transgenic plants have dramatically increased transcript levels of SUNN, NR1, NR2, and NRT2.5, reducing MsSPL9 caused downregulation of these genes and displayed a nitrogen-starved phenotype, as downregulation of the MsSPL9 transcript levels caused a nitrate-tolerant nodulation phenotype. Taken together, our results suggest that MsSPL9 regulates nodulation in alfalfa in response to nitrate.
The Pivotal Role of Galectin-3 in Viral Infection: A Multifaceted Player in Host–Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Stojanovic Bojana S. , Stojanovic Bojan , Milovanovic Jelena , Arsenijević Aleksandar , Dimitrijevic Stojanovic Milica , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Milovanovic Marija
Published: June 2023

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a beta-galactoside-binding lectin, plays a pivotal role in various cellular processes, including immune responses, inflammation, and cancer progression. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the multifaceted functions of Gal-3, starting with its crucial involvement in viral entry through facilitating viral attachment and catalyzing internalization. Furthermore, Gal-3 assumes significant roles in modulating immune responses, encompassing the activation and recruitment of immune cells, regulation of immune signaling pathways, and orchestration of cellular processes such as apoptosis and autophagy. The impact of Gal-3 extends to the viral life cycle, encompassing critical phases such as replication, assembly, and release. Notably, Gal-3 also contributes to viral pathogenesis, demonstrating involvement in tissue damage, inflammation, and viral persistence and latency elements. A detailed examination of specific viral diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and influenza A, underscores the intricate role of Gal-3 in modulating immune responses and facilitating viral adherence and entry. Moreover, the potential of Gal-3 as a biomarker for disease severity, particularly in COVID-19, is considered. Gaining further insight into the mechanisms and roles of Gal-3 in these infections could pave the way for the development of innovative treatment and prevention options for a wide range of viral diseases.
State of the Art of Genomic Technology in Toxicology: A Review
Authors: Recio-Vega Rogelio , Facio-Campos Rolando Adair , Hernández-González Sandra Isabel , Olivas-Calderón Edgar
Published: June 2023

The rapid growth of genomics techniques has revolutionized and impacted, greatly and positively, the knowledge of toxicology, ushering it into a “new era”: the era of genomic technology (GT). This great advance permits us to analyze the whole genome, to know the gene response to toxicants and environmental stressors, and to determine the specific profiles of gene expression, among many other approaches. The aim of this work was to compile and narrate the recent research on GT during the last 2 years (2020–2022). A literature search was managed using the PubMed and Medscape interfaces on the Medline database. Relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals were retrieved and their main results and conclusions are mentioned briefly. It is quite important to form a multidisciplinary taskforce on GT with the aim of designing and implementing a comprehensive, collaborative, and a strategic work plan, prioritizing and assessing the most relevant diseases, so as to decrease human morbimortality due to exposure to environmental chemicals and stressors.
Surgical Mortality Risk Scores in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Is Their Early Predictive Value Still Strong?
Authors: Iacovelli Fortunato , Loizzi Francesco , Cafaro Alessandro , Burattini Osvaldo , Salemme Luigi , Cioppa Angelo , Rizzo Francesco , Palmitessa Chiara , D’Alessandro Maurizio , De Feo Daniele , Pucciarelli Armando , De Cillis Emanuela , Pestrichella Vincenzo , Contegiacomo Gaetano , Tesorio Tullio , Bortone Alessandro Santo
Published: June 2023

Background: Surgical mortality risk scores, even if not properly designed and rarely tested in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) setting, still guide the heart team in managing significant aortic stenosis. Methods: After splitting 1763 consecutive patients retrospectively based on their mortality risk thresholds, the composite endpoint early safety (ES) was adjudicated according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 and -3 consensus documents. Results: ES incidence was higher if VARC-2 rather than VARC-3 defined. Despite only patients showing VARC-2 ES had significantly lower absolute values of all three main risk scores, these last still failed to foresee both VARC-2 and -3 ES in intermediate-risk patients. The receiver operating characteristic analysis also showed a significant correlation, but with poor diagnostic accuracy, among the three scores and only VARC-2 ES; moreover, the absence of VARC-2 ES and low-osmolar contrast media administration were identified as independent predictors of 1-year mortality and absence of VARC-3 ES, respectively. Finally, even a single complication included in the ES definition could significantly affect 1-year mortality. Conclusion: Currently, the most used mortality risk scores do not have adequate diagnostic accuracy in predicting ES after TAVI. The absence of VARC-2, instead of VARC-3, ES is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality.
Acute Encephalopathy Caused by Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Sugiyama Yohei , Murayama Kei
Published: June 2023

Acute encephalopathy is a critical medical condition that typically affects previously healthy children and young adults and often results in death or severe neurological sequelae. Inherited metabolic diseases that can cause acute encephalopathy include urea cycle disorders, amino acid metabolism disorders, organic acid metabolism disorders, fatty acid metabolism disorders, mutations in the thiamine-transporter gene, and mitochondrial diseases. Although each inherited metabolic disease is rare, its overall incidence is reported as 1 in 800–2500 patients. This narrative review presents the common inherited metabolic diseases that cause acute encephalopathy. Since diagnosing inherited metabolic diseases requires specific testing, early metabolic/metanolic screening tests are required when an inherited metabolic disease is suspected. We also describe the symptoms and history associated with suspected inherited metabolic diseases, the various tests that should be conducted in case of suspicion, and treatment according to the disease group. Recent advancements made in the understanding of some of the inherited metabolic diseases that cause acute encephalopathy are also highlighted. Acute encephalopathy due to inherited metabolic diseases can have numerous different causes, and recognition of the possibility of an inherited metabolic disease as early as possible, obtaining appropriate specimens, and proceeding with testing and treatment in parallel are crucial in the management of these diseases.
Impact of a Femoral Fracture on Outcome after Traumatic Brain Injury—A Matched-Pair Analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Paul Mila M. , Mieden Hannah J. , Lefering Rolf , Kupczyk Eva K. , Jordan Martin C. , Gilbert Fabian , Meffert Rainer H. , Sirén Anna-Leena , Hoelscher-Doht Stefanie
Published: June 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in polytrauma and is often accompanied by concomitant injuries. We conducted a retrospective matched-pair analysis of data from a 10-year period from the multicenter database TraumaRegister DGU® to analyze the impact of a concomitant femoral fracture on the outcome of TBI patients. A total of 4508 patients with moderate to critical TBI were included and matched by severity of TBI, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk classification, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), age, and sex. Patients who suffered combined TBI and femoral fracture showed increased mortality and worse outcome at the time of discharge, a higher chance of multi-organ failure, and a rate of neurosurgical intervention. Especially those with moderate TBI showed enhanced in-hospital mortality when presenting with a concomitant femoral fracture (p = 0.037). The choice of fracture treatment (damage control orthopedics vs. early total care) did not impact mortality. In summary, patients with combined TBI and femoral fracture have higher mortality, more in-hospital complications, an increased need for neurosurgical intervention, and inferior outcome compared to patients with TBI solely. More investigations are needed to decipher the pathophysiological consequences of a long-bone fracture on the outcome after TBI.
Semen Analysis in “Urology-Naïve” Patients: A Chance of Uroandrological Screening in Young Males
Authors: Puliatti Stefano , Toso Stefano , Ticonosco Marco , Rabito Salvatore , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Ferrari Riccardo , Rochira Vincenzo , Santi Daniele , Trenti Tommaso , Navarra Michele , Ferretti Stefania , Montano Luigi , Micali Salvatore
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: While females start their gynecological examinations during puberty, only few men decide to be visited by urologists in their youth. Given the participation in the EcoFoodFertility research project, our department had the opportunity to screen young males that were supposedly healthy. (2) Results: from January 2019 to July 2020, we evaluated 157 patients with sperm, blood analysis, and uroandrological examinations. The inclusion criteria were age 18–40 and absence of previous urological disease (urology-naïve). The primary endpoint of the study was to record uroandrological diseases that are occasionally discovered during examination in asymptomatic young men. The average age was 26.9 years (range 18–40); average testicular volume was 15.7 mL (range 12–22 mL); and 45.2% reported abnormal semen analysis: 62 cases of teratozoospermia, 27 asthenozoospermia, 18 oligozoospermia, and 2 azoospermia were discovered respectively; 4/157 patients were diagnosed with hypogonadism; 2 cases with suspicious testicular mass resulted in testicular cancer; and 31 suspected varicoceles and 8 patients with mild sexual dysfunctions were managed. (3) Conclusions: an uroandrological evaluation of young asymptomatic males allowed for the prompt diagnosis of different urological conditions, including cancerous ones, in our series. Despite being debatable, combining urological counselling with physical examination, semen analysis, and a laboratory profile could be useful and cost-effective in order to ameliorate male health.
Ethnicity, Race and Skin Color: Challenges and Opportunities for Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials
Authors: Bissonnette Robert , Jankicevic Jasmina , Saint-Cyr Proulx Etienne , Maari Catherine
Published: June 2023

The number of clinical trials conducted in patients with atopic dermatitis is increasing steadily. These trials are conducted in several countries across all continents and include patients of different ethnicity, race and skin color. This diversity is desired, but it also brings challenges, including the diagnosis and evaluation of disease severity in patients with different skin colors; the influence of ethnicity on the perception of quality of life and patient reported outcomes; the inclusion of ethnicities that are only present in one country or that live far from clinical research sites; and the reporting of drug safety information. There is a need to better train physicians on the evaluation of atopic dermatitis in patients with different skin colors and a need to improve the systematic reporting of ethnicity, race and skin color in clinical trial publications.
Notched Behaviors of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composite Laminates: Predictions and Experiments
Authors: Cao Shaoyong , Zhu Yan , Jiang Yunpeng
Published: June 2023

This paper experimentally studied the influence of the notch shape and size on the damage evolution and failure strength (tension and torsion) of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix (CFRP) laminates. Hashin’s damage criteria were utilized to monitor the evolution of multi-damage modes, and FEM simulations were also performed by using the ABAQUS code to clarify the specific damage modes in detail as an instructive complement. The failure characteristics of all the notched samples were analyzed and compared with those without notches. The measured results presented that the existence of a variety of notches significantly impaired the load carrying capacity of CFRP laminates. The tensile strengths of C-notch and U-notch increase with an increasing notch radius, while the ultimate torques of C-notch and V-notch decrease with an increasing notch size and angle. The variation in notched properties was explained by different notch shapes and sizes, and the failure characteristics were also presented and compared among notched CFRP laminates with varied notches.
Composite Activated Carbon Modified with AlCl3 for the Effective Removal of Reactive Black 5 Dye from Wastewaters
Authors: Tsoutsa Eleftheria K. , Tolkou Athanasia K. , Katsoyiannis Ioannis A. , Kyzas George Z.
Published: June 2023

Many industries use huge amounts of synthetic dyes which may release into the wastewater in dyeing processes causing serious damage to aquatic life as they are recalcitrant, nonbiodegradable, stable to oxidizing agents, and toxic. Adsorption on activated carbon has been found to be a very efficient treatment method. In this work, a new adsorbent material composed of activated carbon and aluminum chloride (AC-Al) was prepared for the removal of a commercial anionic and anthraquinonic reactive dye, i.e., Reactive Black 5 (RB5) under various experimental conditions. Several parameters, such as the adsorbent’s dosage, initial RB5 concentration, pH, and contact time, were studied in order to determine the feasibility of AC-Al. According to the results, it was found that there was an increase in RB5 removal as the adsorbent’s dosage increased, especially, in pH 2 ± 0.1, where the removal rate increased, and reaching 100% by 1.0 g/L of AC-Al. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models adequately fit the experimental data, indicating that favorable and heterogeneous adsorption occurred, closer to chemisorption. According to thermodynamics, it was found that the adsorption procedure was endothermic in nature (∆H0 = 62.621 kJ/mol) and spontaneous (∆G0 < 0), and according to the positive value of ∆S0 0.0293 (kJ/mol∙K), there is an increase in random interaction between solid and liquid interfaces. Finally, the AC-Al adsorbent was successfully regenerated and reused for four cycles.
Review of Structural Strength in the Event of a One-Leg Punch through for a Wind Turbine Installation Vessel
Authors: Park Joo-Shin , Yi Myung-Su
Published: June 2023

As the demand for eco-friendly energy increases, the offshore wind power generation sector is showing rapid growth. As offshore wind turbines become larger, the need for specialized installation vessels is becoming a more crucial issue. Wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV) require a necessary pre-loading process where the legs and spudcans are penetrated into the seabed to secure stability during installation. Due to these operational characteristics, the installation work can be completed safely when safe pre-loading is finished. Analyzing previous structural collapse accidents investigated by HSE, 53% of them were punch-through problems related to the seabed, which occurred with a high frequency. Therefore, these lead to major accidents, which is a very high-risk problem. In this study, we investigated and analyzed the punch-through accident cases, and a WTIV model with six legs was applied to numerically examine the maximum vertical reaction force variation when punch through occurs for each leg. The maximum vertical reaction force takes place in leg number three when a punch through occurs in leg number five and maximum stress exceeds the allowable criteria in both hull and legs. This requires proper structural reinforcement such as an increase in the thickness and change in the high-yield stress. The key results of this investigation can be used to determine the basic specifications of wind turbine installation vessels, and the reaction force distribution pattern can be used as fundamental data for leg and hull structural design.
A Review of Autonomous Tugboat Operations for Efficient and Safe Ship Berthing
Authors: Choi Jun-Hyuk , Jang Ju-Yeong , Woo Joohyun
Published: June 2023

Autonomous ship technology, which includes real-time monitoring, satellite communication, and automatic navigation, is rapidly advancing. Despite significant research on single unmanned ships, there is a lack of studies on complex tasks, such as ship berthing using a swarm of autonomous tugboats. This review article provides an overview of various projects related to autonomous tugboats for ship berthing and discusses the research trends in the required technologies, including recognition, decision making, modeling, and control. We identify the areas that have been underexplored in existing studies and suggest future research directions to advance the field. Overall, this review contributes to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the development of autonomous tugboats for ship berthing.
Precision Medicine on the Effects of Microbiota on Head–Neck Diseases and Biomarkers Diagnosis
Authors: Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Malcangi Giuseppina , Piras Fabio , Palmieri Giulia , Settanni Vito , Riccaldo Lilla , Morolla Roberta , Buongiorno Silvio , de Ruvo Elisabetta , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Mancini Antonio , Inchingolo Francesco , Dipalma Gianna , Benagiano Stefania , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino , Patano Assunta
Published: June 2023

Precision medicine using highly precise technologies and big data has produced personalised medicine with rapid and reliable diagnoses and targeted therapies. The most recent studies have directed precision medicine into the study of tumours. The application of precision medicine in the oral microbiota can be used both in the field of prevention and treatment in the strictly dental field. This article aims to evaluate the interaction between microbiota and oral cancer and the presence of biomarkers as risk predictors. Materials and Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed analysing the various interactions between microorganisms, biomarkers, and oral cancer. Results: After screening processes, 21 articles were selected for qualitative analysis. Conclusion: The correlation between oral diseases/cancers and changes in the microbiota explains the increasing utility of precision medicine in enhancing diagnosis and adapting treatment on the individual components of the microbiota. Diagnosing and treating oral diseases and cancers through precision medicine gives, as well as economic advantages to the health care system, predictable and rapid management of the patient.