bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Heterogeneous Vehicles to Build a Low-Cost and Real-Time Wireless Charging Sensor Network
Authors: Cheng Rei-Heng , Yu Chang-Wu
Published: April 2023

A wireless charging system that supports a large sensor network not only needs to provide real-time charging services but also needs to consider the cost of construction in order to meet the actual applications and considerations. The energy transfer between mobile devices is extremely difficult, especially at large distances, while at close distances a wireless, fast-charging, automatic, and high-precision landing system would be required. However, previous studies that used wireless charging cars, wireless charging unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) alone, or wireless charging pads to build a large-scale wireless charging system could not meet the above two conditions at the same time. If we can make good use of the existing high-speed backbone transport, such as the vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), it can not only consider the cost of construction and the speed of movement but also support the real-time charging service required by large-scale sensor networks. In this work, we propose an integration of heterogeneous mobile and charging vehicles, including VANET and UAV net, to provide a wireless rechargeable sensor network with a low-cost and high-efficiency charging system. Moreover, reward mechanisms are also designed to encourage private cars to provide transportation and charging capabilities to UAVs in the designed system.
Fermentation of Corn By-Products: From Agrifood Waste to Higher Value Antioxidant Products
Authors: Tonolo Federica , Folda Alessandra , Ferro Stefania , Seraglia Roberta , Lombardi Angiolella , Andrighetto Christian , Giannoni Alessia , Marin Oriano , Rigobello Maria Pia
Published: April 2023

To improve the nutri-functional quality and, in particular, the antioxidant capacity of corn by-products, fermentation with selected lactic acid bacteria was carried out. To this purpose, white-1 and 2 and yellow corn by-products were fermented and then extracted. In all the samples, the fermentation process shows an improvement in antioxidant activity in comparison to non-fermented by-products. It was observed that the yellow corn by-product extracts have a higher content of total phenols, especially after fermentation with P. pentosaceus, while for white-1 corn by-product extracts, an increment of antioxidant capability was noticed when fermented with L. plantarum. The antioxidant capacity was measured with DPPH and ABTS+ assays, showing that yellow corn extracts are more active in comparison with white-1 and white-2 ones. Moreover, L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus provided the best results in increasing the antioxidant activity in all the samples. Analyzing lipid peroxidation in the presence of fermented white-2 corn by-product extracts, we observed an inhibition of the process after treatment with L. citreum compared to the non-fermented control. In all the analyzed samples, through LC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis, the antioxidant dicoumaroyl spermidine (DCS) was detected. The abundance of antioxidant molecules was higher in samples fermented with P. pentosaceus, confirming previous observations.
Bioconversion of Carrot Pomace to Value-Added Products: Rhizopus delemar Fungal Biomass and Cellulose
Authors: Mousavi S. Najmeh , Parchami Mohsen , Ramamoorthy Sunil Kumar , Soufiani Amir Mahboubi , Hakkarainen Minna , Zamani Akram
Published: April 2023

Carrot pomace (CP) which is generated in a large volume in the juice production process, is rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, sugars, pectin, and minerals. However, in many previous investigations, only cellulose was purified and utilized while other components of CP were discarded as waste. Here, CP was valorized into fungal biomass and cellulose with the aim of utilizing all the CP components. Enzymatic pretreatments were applied to solubilize the digestible fraction of CP including hemicellulose, pectin, sucrose, and other sugars for fungal cultivation, while cellulose remained intact in the solid fraction. The dissolved fraction was utilized as a substrate for the cultivation of an edible fungus (Rhizopus delemar). Fungal cultivation was performed in shake flasks and bench-scale bioreactors. The highest fungal biomass concentration was obtained after pretreatment with invertase (5.01 g/L) after 72 h of cultivation (36 and 42% higher than the concentrations obtained after hemicellulase and pectinase treatments, respectively). Invertase pretreatment resulted in the hydrolysis of sucrose, which could then be taken up by the fungus. Carbohydrate analysis showed 28–33% glucan, 4.1–4.9% other polysaccharides, 0.01% lignin, and 2.7–7% ash in the CP residues after enzymatic pretreatment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis also confirmed the presence of cellulose in this fraction. The obtained fungal biomass has a high potential for food or feed applications, or as a raw material for the development of biomaterials. Cellulose could be purified from the solid fraction and used for applications such as biobased-textiles or membranes for wastewater treatment, where pure cellulose is needed.
Linear Stability of a Combined Convective Flow in an Annulus
Authors: Gritsans Armands , Koliskina Valentina , Kolyshkin Andrei , Sadyrbaev Felix
Published: April 2023

Linear stability analysis of a combined convective flow in an annulus is performed in the paper. The base flow is generated by two factors: (a) different constant wall temperatures and (b) heat release as a result of a chemical reaction that takes place in the fluid. The nonlinear boundary value problem for the distribution of the base flow temperature is analyzed using bifurcation analysis. The linear stability problem is solved numerically using a collocation method. Two separate cases are considered: Case 1 (non-zero different constant wall temperatures) and Case 2 (zero wall temperatures). Numerical calculations show that the development of instability is different for Cases 1 and 2. Multiple minima on the marginal stability curves are found for Case 1 as the Prandtl number increases. Concurrence between local minima leads to the selection of the global minimum in such a way that a finite jump in the value of the wave number is observed for some values of the Prandtl number. All marginal stability curves for Case 2 have one minimum in the range of the Prandtl numbers considered. The corresponding critical values of the Grashof number decrease monotonically as the Prandtl number grows.
Comparison of Vortex Cut and Vortex Ring Models for Toroidal Bubble Dynamics in Underwater Explosions
Authors: Han Lingxi , Zhang Tianyuan , Yang Di , Han Rui , Li Shuai
Published: April 2023

The jet impact from a collapsing bubble is an important mechanism of structural damage in underwater explosions and cavitation erosion. The Boundary Integral Method (BIM) is widely used to simulate nonspherical bubble dynamic behaviors due to its high accuracy and efficiency. However, conventional BIM cannot simulate toroidal bubble dynamics, as the flow field transforms from single-connected into double-connected. To overcome this problem, vortex cut and vortex ring models can be used to handle the discontinuous potential on the toroidal bubble surface. In this work, we compare these two models applied to toroidal bubble dynamics in a free field and near a rigid wall in terms of bubble profile, bubble gas pressure, and dynamic pressure induced by the bubble, etc. Our results show that the two models produce comparable outcomes with a sufficient number of nodes in each. In the axisymmetric case, the vortex cut model is more efficient than the vortex ring model. Moreover, we found that both models improve in self-consistency as the number of bubble surface elements (N) increases, with N=300 representing an optimal value. Our findings provide insights into the numerical study of toroidal bubble dynamics, which can enhance the selection and application of numerical models in research and engineering applications.
Development and Characterization of Films with Propolis to Inhibit Mold Contamination in the Dairy Industry
Authors: Abarca Romina L. , Vargas Francisco , Medina Javiera , Paredes Juan Carlos , López Bernardo Carrillo , Ortiz Pablo A. , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar
Published: April 2023

Due to the number of polyphenols with multiple biological activities, propolis has high potential to be used as an active agent in food protective films. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and characterize a sodium alginate film with ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) for its potential use as protective active packaging against filamentous fungi in ripened cheese. Three different concentrations of EEP were analyzed: 0, 5 and 10% w/v. The films obtained were characterized, assessing thermal and physicochemical properties, as well as the concentration of polyphenols in the EEP and antifungal activity of the active films. The incorporation of EEP in the films generated thermal stability with respect to the loss of mass. Total color values (ΔE) of the films were affected by the incorporation of the different concentrations of EEP, showing a decrease in luminosity (L*) of the films, while the chromatic parameters a* and b* increased in direct proportion to the EEP concentration. Antifungal activity was observed with a fungistatic mode of action, stopping the growth of the fungus in cheeses without development of filamentous molds, thus increasing the shelf life of the ripened cheese under the analytical conditions, over 30 days at room temperature. Overall, EEP can be used to prevent growth and proliferation of spoilage microorganisms in cheese.
Application of Unsupervised Learning for the Evaluation of Aerogels’ Efficiency towards Dye Removal—A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Approach
Authors: Younes Khaled , Kharboutly Yahya , Antar Mayssara , Chaouk Hamdi , Obeid Emil , Mouhtady Omar , Abu-samha Mahmoud , Halwani Jalal , Murshid Nimer
Published: April 2023

Water scarcity is a growing global issue, particularly in areas with limited freshwater sources, urging for sustainable water management practices to insure equitable access for all people. One way to address this problem is to implement advanced methods for treating existing contaminated water to offer more clean water. Adsorption through membranes technology is an important water treatment technique, and nanocellulose (NC)-, chitosan (CS)-, and graphene (G)- based aerogels are considered good adsorbents. To estimate the efficiency of dye removal for the mentioned aerogels, we intend to use an unsupervised machine learning approach known as “Principal Component Analysis”. PCA showed that the chitosan-based ones have the lowest regeneration efficiencies, along with a moderate number of regenerations. NC2, NC9, and G5 are preferred where there is high adsorption energy to the membrane, and high porosities could be tolerated, but this allows lower removal efficiencies of dye contaminants. NC3, NC5, NC6, and NC11 have high removal efficiencies even with low porosities and surface area. In brief, PCA presents a powerful tool to unravel the efficiency of aerogels towards dye removal. Hence, several conditions need to be considered when employing or even manufacturing the investigated aerogels.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention Integrating Physical Therapy Exercise and Dance Movement Therapy on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Pitluk Barash Michal , Shuper Engelhard Einat , Elboim-Gabyzon Michal
Published: April 2023

This pilot study presents a novel fall prevention intervention that integrates physical therapy exercise (PTE) and dance movement therapy (DMT) to address both physical and emotional fall risk factors, as well as factors influencing adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention in a sample of eight older women (median = 86 [81.25–90.75] years) from a day center for senior citizens. The intervention, based on the Otago Exercise Program and DMT techniques, aimed to address the emotional experience during physical exercise. Participants were randomly assigned to either a PTE+DMT intervention group (n = 5) or a PTE control group (n = 3). A pre–post intervention battery of physical and emotional fall risk assessments, therapist–patient bond, and home exercise adherence was conducted. Non-parametric tests results showed significant improvement in the PTE+DMT group in measures of balance and fear of falling compared to the PTE group. However, no other significant differences were found between the groups in terms of falls-related psychological concerns, self-perceived health status, therapist–patient bond, and home exercise adherence. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefits of an intervention that integrates both physical and emotional aspects to reduce fall risk in older adults, and provide a basis for further studies and modifications in the research protocol.
Burden of Family Caregivers of Patients with Oral Cancer in Home Care in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Tzu-Ting , Liang Shu-Yuan , Rosenberg John
Published: April 2023

Oral cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Taiwan. The complications and side effects of oral cancer treatment cause a tremendous burden on patients’ family caregivers. This study explored the burden on primary family caregivers of patients with oral cancer and its related factors. One hundred and seven patients with oral cancer and their primary family caregivers were included through convenience sampling. The Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) scale was employed as the primary research instrument. The primary factors of caregiver burden, in descending order, were disrupted schedules (M = 3.19, SD = 0.84), a lack of family support (M = 2.82, SD = 0.85), health problems (M = 2.67, SD = 0.68), and financial problems (M = 2.59, SD = 0.84). The CRA scores of the caregivers differed significantly in terms of education level (t = 2.57, p < 0.05) and household income (F = 4.62, p < 0.05), which significantly predicted caregiver burden (R2 = 0.11, F = 4.32, p = 0.007). The study results provide a reference for healthcare professionals to identify the factors for family caregiver burden, as well as the characteristics of patients and family caregivers particularly vulnerable to caregiver burden, thus improving family-centred care.
Value-Based Integrated Care (VBIC) Concept Implementation in a Real-World Setting—Problem-Based Analysis of Barriers and Challenges
Authors: Bandurska Ewa , Ciećko Weronika , Olszewska-Karaban Marzena , Damps-Konstańska Iwona , Szalewska Dominika , Janowiak Piotr , Jassem Ewa
Published: April 2023

Healthcare effectiveness measurement and value in health have been common topics in public health literature since 2006 when value-based healthcare (VBHC) was first defined by Porter and Teisberg. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers and challenges related to the implementation of VBHC solutions in the example of Poland. A case presentation was used as a method. The national integrated care programs (KOS-Infarction, POZ-Plus, and comprehensive treatment of chronic wounds) were used to present general challenges, along with the Integrated Care Model (ICM) for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to determine specific difficulties. ICM has been operating since 2012 in Gdańsk and gradually adapted the value-based integrated care (VBIC) approach. An analysis of the available data showed that the greatest difficulties related to the implementation of the VBHC and VBIC concepts are a lack of legal and reimbursement solutions, staff shortages, a lack of educational standards for some members of the multidisciplinary team, and insufficient awareness of the role of integrated care. As the level of preparation to implement VBHC policies varies between individual countries, the conclusions drawn from the experience of ICM and other Polish projects may be a valuable voice in discussion.
Sick Leave Due to Ear Diagnoses, a Nationwide Representative Registry of Mexico
Authors: Jáuregui-Renaud Kathrine , Velázquez-Ramírez Ismael , Hernández-Tenorio Jetzabel de Jetzenay , Solis-Cruz María del Carmen , Aguilar-Jiménez Constanza Miriam , Morales-Sánchez Ofelia de Jesús , Rincón-Rojas Milliteotl
Published: April 2023

Sickness absence from work is a measure of both poor health and social functioning. In order to assess the frequency of sick leave due to ear-related diagnoses, we performed a retrospective analysis on the registry of paid sick leave certificates supplied by the main social security institution in Mexico during the years 2018 and 2019, just prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We observed that, in the two years, 22,053 sick leave certificates due to ear-related diagnoses were provided to 18,033 workers. The most frequent ear-related diagnoses were those of vestibular disorders (94.64%); among them, the most common diagnosis was Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (75.16%), followed by Labrynthitis and Meniere’s disease (circa 8% each). A total of 4.63% of the diagnoses were related to external and middle ear disorders, and 0.71% were mainly related to hearing. Consistently, the highest cumulative days of sick leave required were given for the group of diagnoses related to vestibular disorders; although the less frequent diagnoses required the highest cumulative days per case (e.g., ototoxicity). During 2018 and 2019, the most frequent diagnoses of ear-related sick leave were due to vestibular diagnoses (particularly Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).
Influence of Coping and Self-Efficacy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Muñoz González Estela , Durantez-Fernández Carlos , Pérez-Pérez Lucía , de Dios-Duarte María José
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Coping includes the specific cognitive processes and behaviours that the patient uses when faced with the stress of living with a chronic disease. Self-efficacy is the knowledge that individuals have about their abilities and their confidence to face a problem or cope with a situation (disease). The aim of this study was to explore the role of coping and self-efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease. (2) Materials and Methods: A total of 92 participants were included (33 had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, 23 with ulcerative colitis and 36 were healthy participants). The Coping Strategies Inventory was used to measure which coping strategies were employed, differentiating them as active or passive. The General Self-Efficacy Scale was used to measure self-efficacy. (3) Results: The results indicate that people with inflammatory bowel disease used strategies related to passive coping more than healthy people (mean of 36.39 ± 13.92 vs. 29.77 ± 10.70, p = 0.017). Additionally, people with inflammatory bowel disease used social withdrawal more than healthy participants (mean of 8.30 ± 5.07 vs. 4.47 ± 4.17, p < 0.001). In addition, there are significant differences in emotion-focused engagement coping strategies. People with inflammatory bowel disease used this strategy less than healthy people (mean of 21.77 ± 7.75 vs. 25.03 ± 7.00, p = 0.044). Finally, healthy participants used the emotion-focused disengagement strategy less than those diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (mean of 9.81 ± 7.74 vs. 15.61 ± 10.14, p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: Actions aimed at the development of active coping strategies and patient socialisation must be included in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Visual Perception of Property Rights in 3D
Authors: Grzelka Kornelia , Bieda Agnieszka , Bydłosz Jarosław , Kondak Anna
Published: April 2023

Despite the already advanced work on the construction of jurisdictional 3D cadastre models in many parts of the world and the technical feasibility of building very detailed 3D models of cities, relatively few specialists have focused on the aspects of visualizing property rights in three dimensions. Therefore, to complement the analyses carried out so far in this area, this research aims to investigate the perception of the visualization of multidimensional real estate data using different visual variables and by different audiences. The main contribution of the conducted research to the development of 3D cadastre visualizations is to start a discussion on the differences in their perception among real estate professionals and those who have no experience in this area and may have to use multidimensional property data. The research was conducted using a questionnaire-based survey method with the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technique. The questionnaire was completed by students of a course related to real estate law (geodetic science) and those who do not have regular contact with it (environmental engineering, medicine, sports, mechanics, and management). As a result of the survey, it emerged that the group studying geodetic science performed better on average than students in other fields of study. Additionally, the conducted survey confirmed the existing knowledge of the perception of the visualization of property rights in three dimensions. According to it, visualizations of property rights in 3D should use color. The use of transparency helps in visualisations made in grayscale but interferes with more complex colorful objects.
Glutathione Contribution in Interactions between Turnip mosaic virus and Arabidopsis thaliana Mutants Lacking Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologs D and F
Authors: Otulak-Kozieł Katarzyna , Kozieł Edmund , Treder Krzysztof , Király Lóránt
Published: April 2023

Respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rbohs) play crucial and diverse roles in plant tissue-mediated production of reactive oxygen species during the development, growth, and response of plants to abiotic and biotic stress. Many studies have demonstrated the contribution of RbohD and RbohF in stress signaling in pathogen response differentially modulating the immune response, but the potential role of the Rbohs-mediated response in plant–virus interactions remains unknown. The present study analyzed, for the first time, the metabolism of glutathione in rbohD-, rbohF-, and rbohD/F-transposon-knockout mutants in response to Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection. rbohD–TuMV and Col-0–TuMV interactions were characterized by susceptible reaction to TuMV, associated with significant activity of GPXLs (glutathione peroxidase-like enzymes) and induction of lipid peroxidation in comparison to mock-inoculated plants, with reduced total cellular and apoplastic glutathione content observed at 7–14 dpi and dynamic induction of apoplast GSSG (oxidized glutathione) at 1–14 dpi. Systemic virus infection resulted in the induction of AtGSTU1 and AtGSTU24, which was highly correlated with significant downregulation of GSTs (glutathione transferases) and cellular and apoplastic GGT (γ-glutamyl transferase) with GR (glutathione reductase) activities. On the contrary, resistant rbohF–TuMV reactions, and especially enhanced rbohD/F–TuMV reactions, were characterized by a highly dynamic increase in total cellular and apoplastic glutathione content, with induction of relative expression of AtGGT1, AtGSTU13, and AtGSTU19 genes. Moreover, virus limitation was highly correlated with the upregulation of GSTs, as well as cellular and apoplastic GGT with GR activities. These findings clearly indicate that glutathione can act as a key signaling factor in not only susceptible rbohD reaction but also the resistance reaction presented by rbohF and rbohD/F mutants during TuMV interaction. Furthermore, by actively reducing the pool of glutathione in the apoplast, GGT and GR enzymes acted as a cell first line in the Arabidopsis–TuMV pathosystem response, protecting the cell from oxidative stress in resistant interactions. These dynamically changed signal transductions involved symplast and apoplast in mediated response to TuMV.
Conventional and State-of-the-Art Detection Methods of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
Authors: Olech Monika
Published: April 2023

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). It is believed that the infectious agent responsible for prion diseases is abnormally folded prion protein (PrPSc), which derives from a normal cellular protein (PrPC), which is a cell surface glycoprotein predominantly expressed in neurons. There are three different types of BSE, the classical BSE (C-type) strain and two atypical strains (H-type and L-type). BSE is primarily a disease of cattle; however, sheep and goats also can be infected with BSE strains and develop a disease clinically and pathogenically indistinguishable from scrapie. Therefore, TSE cases in cattle and small ruminants require discriminatory testing to determine whether the TSE is BSE or scrapie and to discriminate classical BSE from the atypical H- or L-type strains. Many methods have been developed for the detection of BSE and have been reported in numerous studies. Detection of BSE is mainly based on the identification of characteristic lesions or detection of the PrPSc in the brain, often by use of their partial proteinase K resistance properties. The objective of this paper was to summarize the currently available methods, highlight their diagnostic performance, and emphasize the advantages and drawbacks of the application of individual tests.
OBHS Drives Abnormal Glycometabolis Reprogramming via GLUT1 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Kexin , Li Qiuzi , Fan Yufeng , Fang Pingping , Zhou Haibing , Huang Jian
Published: April 2023

Due to the poor metabolic conditions fomenting the emergence of the Warburg effect (WE) phenotype, abnormal glycometabolism has become a unique and fundamental research topic in the field of tumor biology. Moreover, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinism are associated with poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer. However, there are a few studies on anticancer drugs targeting glycometabolism in breast cancer. We hypothesized that Oxabicycloheptene sulfonate (OBHS), a class of compounds that function as selective estrogen receptor modulators, may hold potential in a therapy for breast cancer glycometabolism. Here, we evaluated concentrations of glucose, glucose transporters, lactate, 40 metabolic intermediates, and glycolytic enzymes using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and targeted metabolomic analysis in, in vitro and in vivo breast cancer models. OBHS significantly inhibited the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to suppress breast cancer progression and proliferation. Following an investigation of the modulatory effect of OBHS on breast cancer cells, we found that OBHS suppressed the glucose phosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation of glycolytic enzymes, leading to the decreased biological synthesis of ATP. This study was novel in highlighting the role of OBHS in the remodeling of tumor glycometabolism in breast cancer, and this is worth further investigation of breast cancer in clinical trials.
Revisiting Alpha-Synuclein Pathways to Inflammation
Authors: Lyra Patrícia , Machado Vanessa , Rota Silvia , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Botelho João , Mendes José João
Published: April 2023

Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a short presynaptic protein with an active role on synaptic vesicle traffic and the neurotransmitter release and reuptake cycle. The α-Syn pathology intertwines with the formation of Lewy Bodies (multiprotein intraneuronal aggregations), which, combined with inflammatory events, define various α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on α-Syn mechanistic pathways to inflammation, as well as the eventual role of microbial dysbiosis on α-Syn. Furthermore, we explore the possible influence of inflammatory mitigation on α-Syn. In conclusion, and given the rising burden of neurodegenerative disorders, it is pressing to clarify the pathophysiological processes underlying α-synucleinopathies, in order to consider the mitigation of existing low-grade chronic inflammatory states as a potential pathway toward the management and prevention of such conditions, with the aim of starting to search for concrete clinical recommendations in this particular population.
Whole-Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals a ceRNA Regulatory Network Associated with the Process of Periodic Albinism under Low Temperature in Baiye No. 1 (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Xu Cunbin , Li Jinling , Wang Hualei , Liu Huijuan , Yu Zhihai , Zhao Zhi
Published: April 2023

The young shoots of the tea plant Baiye No. 1 display an albino phenotype in the early spring under low environmental temperatures, and the leaves re-green like those of common tea cultivars during the warm season. Periodic albinism is precisely regulated by a complex gene network that leads to metabolic differences and enhances the nutritional value of tea leaves. Here, we identified messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) to construct competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks. We performed whole-transcriptome sequencing of 12 samples from four periods (Bud, leaves not expanded; Alb, albino leaves; Med, re-greening leaves; and Gre, green leaves) and identified a total of 6325 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 667 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), 1702 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), and 122 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs). Furthermore, we constructed ceRNA networks on the basis of co-differential expression analyses which comprised 112, 35, 38, and 15 DEmRNAs, DEmiRNAs, DElncRNAs, and DEcircRNAs, respectively. Based on the regulatory networks, we identified important genes and their interactions with lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs during periodic albinism, including the ceRNA regulatory network centered on miR5021x, the GAMYB-miR159-lncRNA regulatory network, and the NAC035-miR319x-circRNA regulatory network. These regulatory networks might be involved in the response to cold stress, photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, amino acid synthesis, and flavonoid accumulation. Our findings provide novel insights into ceRNA regulatory mechanisms involved in Baiye No. 1 during periodic albinism and will aid future studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying albinism mutants.
Inhibition of GSK-3β Enhances Osteoblast Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Wnt Signalling Overexpressing Runx2
Authors: AlMuraikhi Nihal , Binhamdan Sarah , Alaskar Hanouf , Alotaibi Amal , Tareen Sumaiya , Muthurangan Manikandan , Alfayez Musaad
Published: April 2023

Small-molecule-inhibitor-based bone differentiation has been recently exploited as a novel approach to regulating osteogenesis-related signaling pathways. In this study, we identified 1-Azakenpaullone, a highly selective inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), as a powerful inducer of osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). GSK-3β is a serine-threonine protein kinase that plays a major role in different disease development. GSK-3β is a key regulator of Runx2 activity in osteoblastic formation. We evaluated alkaline phosphatase activity and staining assays to assess osteoblast differentiation and Alizarin Red staining to assess the mineralization of cultured human MSCs. Gene expression profiling was assessed using an Agilent microarray platform, and bioinformatics were performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Human MSCs treated with 1-Azakenpaullone showed higher ALP activity, increased in vitro mineralized matrix formation, and the upregulation of osteoblast-specific marker gene expression. Global gene expression profiling of 1-Azakenpaullone-treated human MSCs identified 1750 upregulated and 2171 downregulated mRNA transcripts compared to control cells. It also suggested possible changes in various signaling pathways, including Wnt, TGFβ, and Hedgehog. Further bioinformatics analysis employing Ingenuity Pathway Analysis recognized significant enrichment in the 1-Azakenpaullone-treated cells of genetic networks involved in CAMP, PI3K (Complex), P38 MAPK, and HIF1A signaling and functional categories associated with connective tissue development. Our results suggest that 1-Azakenpaullone significantly induced the osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of human MSCs mediated by the activation of Wnt signaling and the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, leading to the upregulation of Runx2, a key transcription factor that ultimately promotes the expression of osteoblast-specific genes. Thus, 1-Azakenpaullone could be used as an osteo-promotor factor in bone tissue engineering.
An Insight into the Arising Role of MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Future Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Koustas Evangelos , Trifylli Eleni-Myrto , Sarantis Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Papanikolopoulos Konstantinos , Aloizos Georgios , Damaskos Christos , Garmpis Nikolaos , Garmpi Anna , Matthaios Dimitris , Karamouzis Michalis V.
Published: April 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a frequent highly malignant form of primary liver cancer and is the third cause of death attributable to malignancy. Despite the improvement in the therapeutic strategies with the exploration of novel pharmacological agents, the survival rate for HCC is still low. Shedding light on the multiplex genetic and epigenetic background of HCC, such as on the emerging role of microRNAs, is considered quite promising for the diagnosis and the prediction of this malignancy, as well as for combatting drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute small noncoding RNA sequences, which play a key role in the regulation of several signaling and metabolic pathways, as well as of pivotal cellular functions such as autophagy, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. It is also demonstrated that miRNAs are significantly implicated in carcinogenesis, either acting as tumor suppressors or oncomiRs, while aberrations in their expression levels are closely associated with tumor growth and progression, as well as with local invasion and metastatic dissemination. The arising role of miRNAs in HCC is in the spotlight of the current scientific research, aiming at the development of novel therapeutic perspectives. In this review, we will shed light on the emerging role of miRNAs in HCC.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Aminopeptidases as Prognostic Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Teruel-Peña Bárbara , Gómez-Urquiza José Luís , Suleiman-Martos Nora , Prieto Isabel , García-Cózar Francisco José , Ramírez-Sánchez Manuel , Fernández-Martos Carmen , Domínguez-Vías Germán
Published: April 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebral cortex. Biomarkers for ALS are essential for disease detection and to provide information on potential therapeutic targets. Aminopeptidases catalyze the cleavage of amino acids from the amino terminus of protein or substrates such as neuropeptides. Since certain aminopeptidases are known to increase the risk of neurodegeneration, such mechanisms may reveal new targets to determine their association with ALS risk and their interest as a diagnostic biomarker. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify reported aminopeptidases genetic loci associated with the risk of ALS. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, LILACS, and Cochrane databases were searched to retrieve eligible studies in English or Spanish, published up to 27 January 2023. A total of 16 studies were included in this systematic review, where a series of aminopeptidases could be related to ALS and could be promising biomarkers (DPP1, DPP2, DPP4, LeuAP, pGluAP, and PSA/NPEPPS). The literature reported the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: rs10260404 and rs17174381) with the risk of ALS. The genetic variation rs10260404 in the DPP6 gene was identified to be highly associated with ALS susceptibility, but meta-analyses of genotypes in five studies in a matched cohort of different ancestry (1873 cases and 1861 control subjects) showed no ALS risk association. Meta-analyses of eight studies for minor allele frequency (MAF) also found no ALS association for the “C” allele. The systematic review identified aminopeptidases as possible biomarkers. However, the meta-analyses for rs1060404 of DPP6 do not show a risk associated with ALS.
Effects of Donor Ages and Propagation Methods on Seedling Growth of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco in Winter
Authors: Dong Yao , Xiao Wenfa , Guo Wei , Liu Yifu , Nie Wen , Huang Ruizhi , Tan Cancan , Jia Zirui , Liu Jianfeng , Jiang Zeping , Chang Ermei
Published: April 2023

To evaluate the effects of donor ages on growth and stress resistance of 6-year-old seedlings propagated from 5-, 2000-, and 3000-year-old Platycladus orientalis donors with grafting, cutting, and seed sowing, growth indicators and physiological and transcriptomic analyses were performed in 6-year-old seedlings in winter. Results showed that basal stem diameters and plant heights of seedlings of the three propagation methods decreased with the age of the donors, and the sown seedlings were the thickest and tallest. The contents of soluble sugar, chlorophyll, and free fatty acid in apical leaves of the three propagation methods were negatively correlated with donor ages in winter, while the opposite was true for flavonoid and total phenolic. The contents of flavonoid, total phenolic, and free fatty acid in cutting seedlings were highest in the seedlings propagated in the three methods in winter. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes showed phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism pathways, and their expression levels were up-regulated in apical leaves from 6-year-old seedlings propagated from 3000-year-old P. orientalis donors. In addition, hub genes analysis presented that C4H, OMT1, CCR2, PAL, PRX52, ACP1, AtPDAT2, and FAD3 were up-regulated in cutting seedlings, and the gene expression levels decreased in seedlings propagated from 2000- and 3000-year-old donors. These findings demonstrate the resistance stability of cuttings of P. orientalis and provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms of seedlings of P. orientalis propagated from donors at different ages in different propagation methods against low-temperature stress.
Immobilization of M3 Muscarinic Receptor to Rapidly Analyze Drug—Protein Interactions and Bioactive Components in a Natural Plant
Authors: Fan Hushuai , Huang Xiaomin , Zhang Ziru , Wang Ting , Wang Ludan , Zhang Yajun
Published: April 2023

Despite its increasing application in pursing potential ligands, the capacity of receptor affinity chromatography is greatly challenged as most current research studies lack a comprehensive characterization of the ligand–receptor interaction, particularly when simultaneously determining their binding thermodynamics and kinetics. This work developed an immobilized M3 muscarinic receptor (M3R) affinity column by fixing M3R on amino polystyrene microspheres via the interaction of a 6-chlorohexanoic acid linker with haloalkane dehalogenase. The efficiency of the immobilized M3R was tested by characterizing the binding thermodynamics and kinetics of three known drugs to immobilized M3R using a frontal analysis and the peak profiling method, as well as by analyzing the bioactive compounds in Daturae Flos (DF) extract. The data showed that the immobilized M3R demonstrated good specificity, stability, and competence for analyzing drug–protein interactions. The association constants of (−)-scopolamine hydrochloride, atropine sulfate, and pilocarpine to M3R were determined to be (2.39 ± 0.03) × 104, (3.71 ± 0.03) × 104, and (2.73 ± 0.04) × 104 M−1, respectively, with dissociation rate constants of 27.47 ± 0.65, 14.28 ± 0.17, and 10.70 ± 0.35 min−1, respectively. Hyoscyamine and scopolamine were verified as the bioactive compounds that bind to M3R in the DF extract. Our results suggest that the immobilized M3R method was capable of determining drug–protein binding parameters and probing specific ligands in a natural plant, thus enhancing the effectiveness of receptor affinity chromatography in diverse stages of drug discovery.
Prenyl Transferases Regulate Secretory Protein Sorting and Parasite Morphology in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Wang Qiang-Qiang , He Kai , Aleem Muhammad-Tahir , Long Shaojun
Published: April 2023

Protein prenylation is an important protein modification that is responsible for diverse physiological activities in eukaryotic cells. This modification is generally catalyzed by three types of prenyl transferases, which include farnesyl transferase (FT), geranylgeranyl transferase (GGT-1) and Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (GGT-2). Studies in malaria parasites showed that these parasites contain prenylated proteins, which are proposed to play multiple functions in parasites. However, the prenyl transferases have not been functionally characterized in parasites of subphylum Apicomplexa. Here, we functionally dissected functions of three of the prenyl transferases in the Apicomplexa model organism Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) using a plant auxin-inducible degron system. The homologous genes of the beta subunit of FT, GGT-1 and GGT-2 were endogenously tagged with AID at the C-terminus in the TIR1 parental line using a CRISPR-Cas9 approach. Upon depletion of these prenyl transferases, GGT-1 and GGT-2 had a strong defect on parasite replication. Fluorescent assay using diverse protein markers showed that the protein markers ROP5 and GRA7 were diffused in the parasites depleted with GGT-1 and GGT-2, while the mitochondrion was strongly affected in parasites depleted with GGT-1. Importantly, depletion of GGT-2 caused the stronger defect to the sorting of rhoptry protein and the parasite morphology. Furthermore, parasite motility was observed to be affected in parasites depleted with GGT-2. Taken together, this study functionally characterized the prenyl transferases, which contributed to an overall understanding of protein prenylation in T. gondii and potentially in other related parasites.
Modulation of Disease-Associated Pathways in Hidradenitis Suppurativa by the Janus Kinase 1 Inhibitor Povorcitinib: Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses of Two Phase 2 Studies
Authors: Liu Huiqing , Santos Leandro L. , Smith Susan H.
Published: April 2023

Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling (STAT) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This study evaluated treatment-related transcriptomic and proteomic changes in patients with moderate-to-severe HS treated with the investigational oral JAK1-selective inhibitor povorcitinib (INCB054707) in two phase 2 trials. Lesional skin punch biopsies (baseline and Week 8) were taken from active HS lesions of patients receiving povorcitinib (15 or 30 mg) once daily (QD) or a placebo. RNA-seq and gene set enrichment analyses were used to evaluate the effects of povorcitinib on differential gene expression among previously reported gene signatures from HS and wounded skin. The number of differentially expressed genes was the greatest in the 30 mg povorcitinib QD dose group, consistent with the published efficacy results. Notably, the genes impacted reflected JAK/STAT signaling transcripts downstream of TNF-α signaling, or those regulated by TGF-β. Proteomic analyses were conducted on blood samples obtained at baseline and Weeks 4 and 8 from patients receiving povorcitinib (15, 30, 60, or 90 mg) QD or placebo. Povorcitinib was associated with transcriptomic downregulation of multiple HS and inflammatory signaling markers as well as the reversal of gene expression previously associated with HS lesional and wounded skin. Povorcitinib also demonstrated dose-dependent modulation of several proteins implicated in HS pathophysiology, with changes observed by Week 4. The reversal of HS lesional gene signatures and rapid, dose-dependent protein regulation highlight the potential of JAK1 inhibition to modulate underlying disease pathology in HS.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Pattern Analysis of Dirigent Members in the Genus Oryza
Authors: Duan Wen , Xue Baoping , He Yaqian , Liao Shenghao , Li Xuemei , Li Xueying , Liang Yun-Kuan
Published: April 2023

Dirigent (DIR) members have been shown to play essential roles in plant growth, development and adaptation to environmental changes. However, to date, there has been no systematic analysis of the DIR members in the genus Oryza. Here, 420 genes were identified from nine rice species to have the conserved DIR domain. Importantly, the cultivated rice species Oryza sativa has more DIR family members than the wild rice species. DIR proteins in rice could be classified into six subfamilies based on phylogeny analysis. Gene duplication event analysis suggests that whole genome/segmental duplication and tandem duplication are the primary drivers for DIR genes’ evolution in Oryza, while tandem duplication is the main mechanism of gene family expansion in the DIR-b/d and DIR-c subfamilies. Analysis of the RNA sequencing data indicates that OsjDIR genes respond to a wide range of environmental factors, and most OsjDIR genes have a high expression level in roots. Qualitative reverse transcription PCR assays confirmed the responsiveness of OsjDIR genes to the undersupply of mineral elements, the excess of heavy metals and the infection of Rhizoctonia solani. Furthermore, there exist extensive interactions between DIR family members. Taken together, our results shed light on and provide a research foundation for the further exploration of DIR genes in rice.
CD44 Expression in Renal Tissue Is Associated with an Increase in Urinary Levels of Complement Components in Chronic Glomerulopathies
Authors: Chebotareva Natalia , Vinogradov Anatoliy , Tsoy Larisa , Varshavskiy Vladimir , Stoljarevich Ekaterina , Bugrova Anna , Lerner Yulia , Krasnova Tatyana , Biryukova Evgeniya , Kononikhin Alexey
Published: April 2023

It is suggested that activated CD44+ cells play a profibrogenic role in the pathogenesis of active glomerulopathies. Complement activation is also involved in renal fibrogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of the activation of CD44+ cells in the kidney tissue and complement components’ filtration to the urine as factors of renal tissue fibrosis in patients with glomerulopathies. In total, 60 patients with active glomerulopathies were included in our study: 29 patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), 10 patients with minimal change disease (MCD), 10 patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), and 11 patients with IgA nephropathy. The immunohistochemical peroxidase method was used to study the expression of CD44+ in kidney biopsies. Components of complement were analyzed in urine by the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approach using liquid chromatography. Strong CD44 expression was noted predominantly in PEC and mesangial cells (MC) in patients with FSGS, and to a lesser extent, in patients with MN and IgA nephropathy, and it was absent in patients with MCD. Expression of profibrogenic CD44+ in glomeruli correlated with the levels of proteinuria and complement C2, C3, and C9 components, and CFB and CFI in urine. The CD44+ expression scores in the renal interstitium correlated with the level of C3 and C9 components of complement in the urine and the area of tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. The strongest expression of CD44+ was found in the glomeruli (MC, PEC, and podocytes) of patients with FSGS compared with other glomerulopathies. The CD44 expression score in the glomeruli and interstitium is associated with high levels of complement components in the urine and renal fibrosis.