bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive study on viral nanoparticles: Synthesis, solution state structural properties using dynamic light scattering and its interaction with host bacterium
Authors: Manoswini Manoswini , Mohanty Madhuchhanda , Majumdar Amrito Ghosh , Sahu Bikash , Panda Subrat Kumar , Mohapatra Rajanikant , MOHANTY Priti Sundar
Published: August 2023

Bacterium-virus interactions are very popular in infectious diseases and the viral particles (also called bacteriophages or phages) have a wide range of applications in therapeutics, food industry and agriculture. In-spite of their huge popularity both in fundamental and industrial sectors, there are still challenges with respect to purification, and scaling up processes due to their aggregating nature in solutions. Viral aggregates not only increase their survival efficiency against disinfectants, but also strongly affects their interactions with host bacterium. As the dimension of virus particle falls in the nanometer range, and they undergo Brownian motion in solution, non-invasive popular method like dynamic light scattering can be implemented to evaluate the structural properties of viral particles in the solution state at each step of purification process. In this context, we have carried out systematic studies on a popular model virus particles, P22. These include synthesis of phages and their biological characterizations such as spot test, growth kinetics, specificity test. The solution state structures are characterized before and after purification using extensive using extensive dynamic light scattering. Our studies result in a higher yield of virus particles and above a threshold concentration ratio of virus-to-bacteria, bacterial lysis occurs. Purified viral solution reveals coexistence of two translation diffusion coefficients with hydrodynamics radius of 40 nm and 300 nm respectively. These sizes correspond to single viral particles (20%) coexisting with 80% of higher order structural (multiple viral particles). The affinity study demonstrates a 60 to 70% efficiency of virus binding with their host bacterium. In-silico molecular docking explain the role of different types of molecular interactions between the tail spike protein (TSP) of virus and the o-antigen of the host bacterium. The Van der Waal-hydrophobic-desolvation (Vhd) interaction is the dominant one due to which phage strongly binds to host bacteria. Our methodology can be helpful formulation of different types of viral systems.
The potential of microalgae for large-scale carbon capture and storage: A Life Cycle Assessment based on real-world data
Authors: Bradley Tom , Forbes Jonathan , Ingram-Hardwick Guy
Published: August 2023

To reduce the impacts of climate change, we need to rapidly decarbonise and remove the CO2 society has already emitted into the atmosphere. One suggested method to do this is by growing, drying and burying microalgae. Brilliant Planet has worked for the past five years on developing a microalgae-based process to undertake carbon capture and storage from the ecosystem. Currently, the company has an operational three-hectare demonstration facility based in Morocco. An independent ISO 14040/44 compliant Life Cycle Assessment (which has considered the operational and infrastructure-based impacts) was undertaken on a hypothetical 30-hectare facility, using data from the three-hectare site. This LCA allows us to understand if the Brilliant Planet System (BPS) is a true carbon sink. This study shows that using low-carbon electricity, the demonstration facility can sequester carbon with an efficiency of 87% (7.5kgCO2 sequestered per 1 kgCO2e emitted). In addition, several additional elements for improvement have been identified, which will be used to improve the performance of large-scale systems further. Based on this, the Brilliant Planet System is a useful technology that can contribute to a global strategy to slow anthropogenic climate change.
Interfering Josephson diode effect and magnetochiral anisotropy in Ta2Pd3Te5 asymmetric edge interferometer
Authors: Shen Jie , Li Yupeng , Yan Dayu , Hong Yu , Sheng Haohao , Wang An-Qi , Dou Ziwei , Guo Xingchen , Shi Xiaofan , Su Zikang , Lyu Zhaozheng , Qian Tian , Liu Guangtong , Qu Fanming , Jiang Kun , Wang Zhijun , Shi Youguo , Xu Zhu-An , Hu Jiangping , Lu Li
Published: August 2023

Edge states of topological systems have attracted great interest due to their robustness and linear dispersions. Here a superconducting-proximitized edge interferometer is engineered on a second-order topological insulator Ta2Pd3Te5 with symmetric edges to realize the interfering Josephson diode effect (JDE), which hosts many advantages, such as the high efficiency as much as 73% at tiny applied magnetic field with an ultra-low switching power around picowatt, and a giant interfering magnetochiral anisotropy with a maximal coefficient γ = 1.2 × 109 T− 1A−1 - three orders of magnitude larger than the reported record. As an important element to induce such JDE, the second-order harmonic in the current-phase relation is also experimentally confirmed by half Shapiro steps. This edge interferometer offers a novel and effective method to enhance the overall performance of JDE and magnetochiral anisotropy, and boosts great potential applications for future superconducting quantum devices.
Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) in Anastrepha fraterculus sp. 1 reveals active divergence between sex chromosomes
Authors: Giardini M. Cecilia , Milla Fabián H. , Conte Claudia A. , Lanzavecchia Silvia B. , Nieves Mariela
Published: August 2023

Anastrepha fraterculus is an economically important fruit fly pest in South America, and it is currently recognized as a complex of cryptic species. This insect has a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 12, a XX/XY sex chromosome system and five pairs of autosomes. Specifically for the morphotype A. fraterculus sp. 1, the single member of this complex detected in Argentina, two variants of each sex chromosome have been described. In this study, we used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to assess the molecular differentiation of the most frequent sex chromosome variants registered so far and represented in a laboratory strain. Overall results showed that the X chromosome variants hybridized only with the female-derived probes. Conversely, the Y5 chromosome exhibited a centromeric region positive for the female-derived probes while the rest of the chromosome hybridized exclusively with male DNA. These findings allow us to propose a divergent molecular differentiation between the studied sex chromosomes and provide a genetic background for characterizing the A. fraterculus sp. 1 morphotype. Moreover, our findings set the basis for the characterization of other members of the complex, thus promoting deeper studies on the evolutionary processes of differentiation and speciation occurring in A. fraterculus.
Rotenone nanoparticles based on mesoporous silica to improve the stability, translocation and insecticidal activity of rotenone
Authors: Xu Wangjin , Shen Dianjing , Chen xiaojun , Zhao Ming , Fan Tianle , Wu Qinchao , Meng Zhiyuan , Cui Jiajia
Published: August 2023

Nanotechnology has been widely applied for pesticide carriers and is considered an important approach to improve the utilization, stability, and prolonged release rates of pesticides. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are a nanomaterial with adjustable particle and pore sizes, with a high specific surface area and good biocompatibility. Rotenone is a non-systemic botanical insecticide that is easily degraded in the environment. We used a modified soft-template method to prepare MSNs, to which rotenone was loaded using the solvent evaporation method. The prepared rotenone nanopesticide based on mesoporous silica showed considerable drug loading rates of 33.2%. Moreover, the prepared rotenone nanoparticles showed improved photostability and sustained release behavior, which improved the translocation of rotenone in tomato plants. Finally, the rotenone nanoparticles displayed superior insecticidal activity compared to traditional preparations. In summary, the rotenone nanopesticide improved the persistence and utilization rates of rotenone. These findings are of significance in reducing pesticide usage, mitigating environmental pollution, and ensuring food safety.
Pollen viability and longevity in Juniperus taxa native to Slovakia
Authors: Galgóci Martin , Kormuťák Andrej , Klobučník Miroslav , Gömöry Dušan , Lukáčik Ivan , Boleček Peter
Published: August 2023

Pollen viability, its dispersion ability and longevity during a deep-freezer storage was studied in three Juniperus taxa naturally distributed in Slovakia. All these characteristics of pollen are closely related to the pollination and/or fertilization success of the junipers in nature. Pollen viability varied considerably between the three populations of J. communis and one population of each, J. sibirica and J. communis var. intermedia. Pollen germination rate ranged between 40,75% and 75,06%, pollen tube length between 30,32 µm and 40,41 µm. A clear tendency has appeared indicating higher germination rate of J. communis pollen from lower altitudes and reduced germination of J. sibirica and J. communis var. intermedia pollen from higher altitudes. Dispersion potential of the J. communis pollen during its shedding seems to be relatively low. In 2021, the density of pollen cloud was diluted of 68,1% at the 4 m distance from the test shrub. In 2022, this figure was represented by the 52,1% reduction at the 17 m distance from the pollen source. A deep-freezer storage of juniper pollen in double-walled polyethylene bag with silica gel was not efficient enough as indicated by the drop of pollen germination rate of 31,2% in J. communis and of 79,4% in J. sibirica during a 1-year storage period at -81ºC.
Dual blockade of IL-10 and PD-1 leads to control of SIV viral rebound following analytical treatment interruption.
Authors: Sekaly Rafick , Ribeiro Susan Pereira , Strongin Zachary , Caten Felipe Ten , Ghneim Khader , Sanchez Gabriela Pacheco , de Medeiros Giuliana Xavier , Pelletier Adam-Nicolas , Hoang Timothy , Nguyen Kevin , Jean Sherrie , Wallace Chelsea , Balderas Robert , Lifson Jeffrey , Raghunathan Gopalan , Rimmer Eric , Pastuskovas Cinthia , Wu Guoxin , Micci Luca , Ribeiro Ruy , Chan Chi , Estes Jacob , Silvestri Guido , Gorman Daniel M , Howell Bonnie , Hazuda Daria J , Paiardini Mirko
Published: August 2023

HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with heightened plasma IL-10 levels and the expression of the co-inhibitory receptor PD-1. We hypothesized that IL-10 and PD-1 blockade would synergize to boost immune function leading to control of viral rebound post-analytical treatment interruption (ATI). Twenty-eight ART-treated, SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) were treated with anti-IL-10 alone, anti-IL-10 in combination with anti-PD-1 (« combo »), or vehicle. ART was interrupted 12 weeks after the first dose of immunotherapy, which was continued for 14 weeks post-ATI. Durable control of viral rebound (<103 SIV RNA copies per mL plasma) was observed in 8 of 9 (88.9%) combo-treated RMs for more than the 24 weeks of follow up post-ATI. The induction of an inflammatory cytokine environment, proliferation of effector CD8+ T cells in lymph nodes, and reduced expression of BCL-2 in CD4+ T cells in blood and lymph nodes pre-ATI were strong predictors of control of viral rebound. Twenty-four weeks post-ATI, control of viral replication was associated with a rapid expansion of SIV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in blood and lymph nodes upon in vitro stimulation, followed by the contraction of this memory T cell pool and their differentiation to cells expressing TCF-1, the hallmark transcription factor that regulates stemness. These results provide a mechanistic framework to understand the immunological events that lead to the control of viral rebound post-ATI and map a path to guide the development of a functional cure of chronic HIV/SIV infection.
Distribution of Pathogenic Bacteria and their Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in the Blood of Patients with HIV/AIDS at a Tertiary Hospital in Hangzhou: An Eight-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhu Yufeng , Cheng Jianghao , Li Chaodan , Liu Shibo , Shi Bin , Zhang Juanjue , Zhu Mingli
Published: August 2023

Background: Antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) is reaching crisis levels worldwide. Patients with HIV/AIDS face the additional challenge of blood infection by antimicrobial‑resistant bacteria. However, little information on the pathogenic bacteria distribution and AMR in the blood cultures of patients with HIV/AIDS is available.
Purpose: Herein, we aimed to analyze the distribution and AMR patterns of pathogenic bacteria in blood cultures of patients with HIV/AIDS.
Methods: We carried out an observational, single-center, retrospective, study of all positive blood isolates from patients with HIV/AIDS between 2013 and 2020.
Results: We analyzed 472 isolates from 1864 patients: 185 isolates (39.2%) were gram‑positive, 75 isolates (15.9%) were gram-negative, and 173 isolates (36.7%) were fungi. Staphylococcus isolates were the most common gram-positive bacteria (155 (83.8%)), and Salmonella were the most common gram-negative bacteria (21 (28.0%)). Most of the fungal isolates were Penicillium marneffei (108 (62.4%).) Gram-positive bacteria had the highest resistance to penicillin (139 (86.3%) and erythromycin, 126 (78.3%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci had the highest resistance to oxacillin (77.0%), while the resistance of S. aureusonly was 17.6%. Gram-negative bacteria had high resistance to ampicillin (82.1%) and ampicillin/sulbactam (57.1%). Among the fungal isolates,Cryptococcus neoformans was not resistant to amphotericin B, fluconazole, or itraconazole (sensitivity ≈ 100%). Overall, about 51% of isolates showed multidrug resistance, and there was an upward trend of antibiotic resistance in recent years.
Conclusion: Positive blood culture from patients with HIV/AIDS mainly contained gram-positive organisms, followed by fungi. Patients with AIDS with lower T cells counts had a had higher risk of fungal and mycobacterial infection. Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria had high resistance rates to first-line antibiotics. Several pathogens were multidrug resistant. Culture isolation and microbiology services with susceptibility testing remain key to protecting the HIV/AIDS population from drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Cross-Correlation Technique for Phase Error Correction in Reflection Mode Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Koalla Rajesh , Chaudhary Anil Kumar
Published: August 2023

The Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in reflection mode geometry provides valuable surface and subsurface information, making it suitable for layer analysis, coating, and non-destructive testing applications. The exchanging of position of sample and reference introduce a phase error when the position or alignment of the sample is not exactly maintained during measurements. This micrometre order of pitch error ( Δx) between the reference and the sample could lead to introduce inherent error in the phase spectrum of the sample. In the present work, a new novel approach based on cross-correlation technique has been demonstrated to solve the uncertainty in phase and to reveal the hidden characteristic features of the given sample in THz TDS spectroscopy. We illustrated and demonstrated the advantage of our approach by measuring the optical properties of Teflon and RDX by correcting misalignment of 31.5 and 41.4 µm range, respectively.
Vitamin C-Dependent Intergenerational Inheritance of Enhanced Endurance Performance Following Maternal Exercise
Authors: Duan Rui , Shi Haiwang , Li Jie , Li Fan , Yang Luodan , Zhang Fulong , Wu Tao , Li Yuecheng , Hu Rui , Chen Mengjie , Feng Shu , Zhuang Xuhong , Wang Xin , SG Nina , Zhu Ling
Published: August 2023

This study addresses an intriguing question of whether maternal exercise can enhance offspring’s physical fitness level. Our findings provide compelling evidence that maternal exercise positively impacts offspring's endurance performance by modulating myofiber composition and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Notably, these benefits exhibit intergenerational persistence. Maternal exercise influences DNA methylation level in offspring’s skeletal muscle, exemplified by the demethylation of the Slc23a2 gene - a key component in vitamin C transport - in the F1 and F2 generations. Notably, the beneficial effect of maternal exercise on offspring's endurance performance was absent in global Gulo (a critical enzyme for endogenous vitamin C synthesis) knock-out mice, whereas these transgenerational effects could be replicated through exogenous vitamin C supplementation during gestation. Moreover, vitamin C supplementation stimulated the differentiation of both murine and human myogenic precursor cells into slow muscle fibers, alongside enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, potentially via TET-mediated DNA demethylation.
Experimental and theoretical revealing of piezo-photocatalyst Bi2O2CO3 for ciprofloxacin degradation in water
Authors: Sun Xiaofeng , Liu Guorong , Li Ruishan , Li Liexiao , Dai Jianfeng , Yang Hua
Published: August 2023

In this report, we have attempted to experimentally and theoretically reveal a new piezo-photocatalyst Bi2O2CO3 for efficient removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) from water. Bi2O2CO3 nanoplates were synthesized to evaluate their photocatalytic (irradiation source: simulated-sunlight), piezocatalytic (irradiation source: ultrasonic) and piezo-photocatalytic (irradiation source: simulated-sunlight and ultrasonic) performances for CIP elimination. Under the condition CCIP = 10 mg/L and Ccatalyst = 1 g/L, the piezo-photodegradation rate constant is obtained as kapp = 0.07811 min−1, which surpasses that of photocatalysis (kapp = 0.04686 min−1) and piezocatalysis (kapp = 0.01233 min−1); this phenomenon manifests an obvious piezo-enhanced photocatalytic behavior in terms of the "1 + 1 > 2" principle. The ultrasonic-induced piezoelectric behavior in Bi2O2CO3 nanoplates and involved piezo-photocatalytic mechanism were theoretically elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) and finite-element method (FEM) studies. Additionally, the effects of various factors on the CIP degradation, decomposition mechanism of CIP and toxicity of the decomposition intermediates were also analyzed.
Association between placental location and cord insertion site with pre-eclampsia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Oyoung , Hong Subeen , Park In Yang , Ko Hyun Sun
Published: August 2023

Background The relationship between placental location without previa and adverse pregnancy outcomes has not been well studied. Additionally, the impact of abnormal cord insertion sites remains controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the adverse outcomes associated with placental location and abnormal cord insertion in nulliparous women and to assess their impact on pregnancy outcomes.
Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital between January 2019 and June 2022. The study included nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies who delivered live infants and had available data on placental location and umbilical cord insertion site from a second- or third-trimester ultrasound. Placental location was categorized as anterior or posterior using transabdominal ultrasonography. The association between placental location/cord insertion site and pre-eclampsia was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We compared the area under the curve to evaluate the impact of placental location and cord insertion site on pre-eclampsia.
Results A total of 2219 pregnancies were included in the study. Pre-eclampsia occurred significantly more frequently in the anterior group than in the posterior group (8.21% vs. 3.04%, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis investigating the association between placental location and pre-eclampsia, anterior placenta and marginal cord insertion showed significantly increased odds ratios for pre-eclampsia of 3.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68–6.58) and 3.64 (95% CI 1.90–6.97), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to predict pre-eclampsia using independent factors from multivariate analyses. Model I, including maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, in vitro fertilization, chronic hypertension, overt diabetes, kidney disease, and hematologic diseases, achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.70 (95% CI 0.65–0.75). Adding cord insertion site and placental location to the model (Model II) significantly improved its predictive performance, resulting in an area under the ROC curve of 0.749 (95% CI 0.70–0.79, p = 0.02).
Conclusions Anterior placenta and marginal cord insertion were significantly associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia. Further validation studies in prospective cohorts should be conducted to confirm these findings.
Improvement of nutrient content, physiological traits and grain yield of maize varieties grown in saline soil by combining biochar, mycorrhizal fungi and silicon foliar application
Authors: Kachouei Sajad Ghaedi , Madandoust Mehdi , Dejam Mahmood , Mohajeri Farhad
Published: August 2023

In the studies that have been conducted on resources that increase tolerance to salt stress, their individual use has often been considered. There is little evidence of their synergistic effects, especially for plants grown in saline soil conditions. In this research, a factorial experiment was conducted in the randomized complete block design in 2020 and 2021. The first factor was 3 maize varieties including 704, 604 and 370 and the second factor was resources ameliorating the adverse effcts of salinity including control, single, dual and combined use of biochar (Bch), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) and silicon foliar application (SiFA). The results showed that leaves sodium concentration in the combined treatment of Bch + AMF + SiFA decreased by 13% compared to the control. In 704 the concentration of potassium and nitrogen in the combination of Bch + AMF + SiFA respectively showed an increase of 25 and 22% compared to the control. Also, dual consumption of ameliorating resources caused an increase in leaf iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Combined use of ameliorating resources decreased ion leakage and increased the relative water content and the photosynthetic pigments. In 604 and 370, the grain yield was respectively increased by 10 and 18% in the combination of Bch + AMF + SiFA compared to the control. Considering the positive effect of ameliorating resources in improving seed yield and seed oil percentage, the combination of biochar + mycorrhiza + silicon can be recommended under salt stress.
Moderating Effect of Negative Emotion Differentiation in Chronic Stress and Fatigue among Chinese Employees
Authors: Qiu Huake , Lu Hongliang , Zhang Yajuan , Ma Yongjie , Xing Chen , Zhu Xia
Published: August 2023

Introduction According to the reactivity hypothesis and the diathesis-stress model, repeated activation of the stress system has a negative effect on health, and this effect may differ because of individual characteristics. Thus, the present study explores the effect of chronic stress on fatigue and investigates its mechanism.
Methods A questionnaire survey of 288 participants was conducted (13.89% females; ages ranged from 18 to 34 years, with M ± SD = 23.14 ± 3.79 years) on chronic stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and negative emotion differentiation. SPSS 28.0 was used to process descriptive statistics and correlation analysis and the PROCESS macro was used to analyze the moderated chained multi-mediation.
Results Chronic stress was found to be positively correlated with fatigue, depression, and anxiety; depression and anxiety played a chained multi-mediating role between chronic stress and fatigue, and negative emotion differentiation played a moderating role in the chained multi-mediation model.
Discussion Compared with depression, anxiety plays a more important role in the influence of chronic stress on fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to anxiety symptoms and take appropriate intervention measures. Negative emotion differentiation plays a moderating role. Improving negative emotion differentiation through mindfulness and adaptive emotion regulation is an effective way to reduce the influence of chronic stress on fatigue.
Intervention effectiveness of health behaviors during COVID-19: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou RuiHua , Shi Kan , Li Shuqi , Zhou Wei
Published: August 2023

During a global public health event, i.e., COVID-19, interventions to improve the health behavior of the population have become the focus of health management strategies. The effects of various interventions during this period vary, and the effects of different variables on the intervention effects are not yet clear. This article screened 58 papers (n = 47264) through searching electronic databases, and revealed the optimal intervention through PMA and NMA, as well as the changes in intervention effectiveness under different conditions. Accordingly, future research should focus on the in-depth exploration of specific interventions to establish and improve the effectiveness of interventions.
Phenotypic Variability and Management of Patients with Mosaic monosomy X and Y chromosome material: A Case Series.
Authors: Fredj Myriam Ben , messaoud marwa , Youssef sabrine Ben , Mani salma , laaribi syrine , Sakka Rania , Hmida Hayet Ben , ksiaa amine , mekki mongi , Belghith mohsen , sahnoun lassaad
Published: August 2023

Background we aim to discuss the origin and the differences of the phenotypic features and the management care of rare form of disorder of sex development due to Mosaic monosomy X and Y chromosome materiel.Methods We report our experience with patients harboring mosaic monosomy X and Y chromosome material diagnosed by blood cells karyotypes and cared for in our department from 2005 and 2022.Results We have included five infants in our study. The current average age was 8 years. In four cases, the diagnosis was still after born and it was at the age of 15 years in one case. Physical examination revealed a variable degree of virilization, ranging from a normal male phallus with unilateral ectopic gonad to ambiguous with a genital tubercle and bilateral not palpable gonads in four cases and normal female external genitalia in patient 5. Karyotype found 45, X/46, XY mosaicism in patient 1 and 2 and 45, X/46, X, der (Y) mosaicism in patient 3, 4 and 5. Three cases were assigned to male gender and two cases were assigned to female. After radiologic and histologic exploration, four patients had been explored by laparoscopy to perform gonadectomy in two cases and Mullerian derivative resection in the other. Urethroplasty was done in two cases of posterior hypospadias. Gender identity was concordant with the sex of assignment at birth in only 3 cases.Conclusion Because of the phenotypic heterogeneity of this sexual disorders and the variability of its management care, then the decision should rely on a multidisciplinary team approach.
Inhibitory effect of curcumin on Human carbonic anhydrase II glycation:In vitro and docking studies
Authors: Tari Zeinab , Khatibi Ali , Dashtestani Fariba , Adib Atoosa , Alijanianzadeh Mahdi , Shadfar Najmeh
Published: August 2023

Glycation is a non-enzymatic reaction between the aldehyde group of a sugar and the amino group of a protein, which causes structural and functional changes in the protein as well as the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The negative impact of AGEs-related damage on proteins are reactive oxygen species production that cause complications in diabetic patients. Here, in this study the inhibition of glycation of human carbonic anhydrase enzyme (HCA) by curcumin as an antioxidant was investigated. The inhibition of AGE by curcumin on functional and structural changes of HCA was declared by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, circular dichroism and docking study was then performed to observation the interaction between curcumin and the enzyme. For better investigating the effect of curcumin on HCA glycation process two incubation time were inspected; the curcumin was incubated with glycated HCAII 40 minutes prior to assay, and the simultaneous incubation of curcumin, D-glucose and HCAII. The results showed that curcumin improved the structure of HCA that had been changed by glycation and reduced the glycation of the HCAII. Moreover, the curcumin could restore the structure of the HCAII to normal in 40 minutes incubation. Based on the results of this study, it seems that curcumin can be used as a drug candidate for the treatment of diabetes.
Boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution on UIO-66-NH2/covalent triazine-based frameworks composites by constructing a covalent heterojunction
Authors: DONG Shiwen , LIU Xuan , KONG Xianxian , DONG Feilong , YU Yan , WANG Lizhang , WANG Da , HE Zhiqiao , SONG Shuang
Published: August 2023

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been proved as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic H2 evolution, thanks to their tunable functionalities, permanent porosity, excellent visible light response, as well as physicochemical stability. Herein, a series of photocatalysts (termed NUBC) were fabricated by loading different amounts of Zr-UiO-66-NH2 (NU) onto a benzoic acid modified covalent triazine-based framework (BC) based on post-synthetic covalent modification. The resulting NUBC catalysts exhibited a type-II Z-scheme heterojunction structure formed via the amide covalent bonds between the amine groups on NU and carboxyl groups on BC. The optimal loading of NU on BC is 30 wt.% (30NUBC) and the corresponding photocatalytic H2 evolution rate was 378 μmol  h−1 g−1, almost 445 and 2 times than that of NU and BC, respectively. The synergistic effect between the type-II Z-scheme heterojunctions and amide bonds was conducive to boosting visible light harvesting and facilitating charge transportation and separation. Furthermore, the prepared NUBC catalysts show great reusability and stability. Overall, this work sheds light on the design of novel MOFs/COFs hybrid materials and provides a systematic exploration of their photocatalytic H2 evolution properties.
Upward social comparison on network and alcohol dependence in college students: The chain mediation impacts of relative deprivation and anxiety
Authors: Li Shuna , Zhang Kaijie , Kong Kaizhen , Niu Hua , Jiang Zhenli , Guo Hongbo
Published: August 2023

Background: Nowadays, contemporary society has placed growing emphasis on the alcohol drinking behavior of adolescents.
Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design to assess the relation between upward social comparison (USC) on network and adolescent drinking behavior, while exploring the mediation impact of relative deprivation (RD) and anxiety. A total of 329 adolescents (Mage =21.38 years old; 16.10% females) were enrolled to complete a set of questionnaires evaluating USC on network, RD, anxiety and alcohol dependence.
Results: The results showed that (1) USC on network, RD, anxiety and alcohol dependence were significantly, positively correlated in pairs, and (2) RD and anxiety exhibited a significant chain mediating role between USC on network and alcohol dependence, and USC on network positively predicted alcohol dependence via the mediating effect of anxiety.
Conclusions: This study reveals that USC on network positively predicts alcohol dependence via the mediating effect of anxiety, and that RD and anxiety play a chain-mediating role between USC on network and alcohol dependence.
Kinetic Estimation of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis using Biogas-derived Feedstocks over Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Alawi Nabil Majd , AL-Zuhairi Firas Khaleel , Minh Hoang Nguyen , Al-Mohammedawi Hassan H. , Alrubaye Jamal M. Ali
Published: August 2023

In this study, the kinetics of the Fischer-Tropsch process (also known as FTS) were investigated using feedstocks produced from biogas. For the kinetic testing, a differential fixed-bed reactor was utilized to operate the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst produced using precipitation procedures. Experiments were carried out with a variety of settings for the working circumstances, such as reaction temperatures ranging from 543 to 563 °K, H2:CO ratios ranging from 0.5 to 3, a pressure of 3.0 megapascals, with (GHSV) a gas hourly space velocity of 3500 (1/h). The reaction kinetics within this range of conditions can be modelled in a precise and accurate way thanks to the derived kinetic parameters. The FT reaction hypothesized mechanism uses the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson theory, which predicts that carbon monoxide and hydrogen will have an adsorption behaviour. The kinetic data obtained in this investigation were effectively modelled using a straightforward equation, which is as follows: \({- r}_{CO}=\frac{k.{P}_{CO}^{n}.{P}_{{H}_{2}}^{m}}{{(1+K.({a}_{CO}.{P}_{CO}^{n}+{a}_{{H}_{2}}.{P}_{{H}_{2}}^{m})}^{2}}.\) This model implies that essential kinetic processes, such as CO dissociation by contact with adsorbed hydrogen, have already occurred. The first stage in the hydrogenation process is presumed to be fast and reversible, whereas the second step is presumed to be sluggish and rate-determining.
Accessory genes in tropical race 4 contributed to the recent resurgence of the devastating disease of Fusarium wilt of banana
Authors: Ma Li-Jun , Zhang Yong , Li Chunyu , Liu Siwen , Liu Cunwu , Mostert Diane , Yu Houlin , Haridas Sajeet , Webster Katie , Li Minhui , Grigoriev Igor , Viljoen Altus , Yi Ganjun
Published: August 2023

Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is one of the most damaging plant diseases recorded. Foc race 1 (R1) decimated the Gros Michel–based banana trade. Currently, tropical race 4 (TR4) is threatening the global production of its replacement cultivar, Cavendish banana. Population genomics and phylogenetics revealed that all Cavendish banana–infecting race 4 strains shared an evolutionary origin that is distinct from R1 strains. The TR4 genome lacks accessory or pathogenicity chromosomes, reported in other F. oxysporum genomes. Accessory genes—enriched for virulence and mitochondrial-related functions—are attached to ends of some core chromosomes. Meta-transcriptomics revealed the unique induction of the entire mitochondria-localized nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis pathway upon TR4 infection. Empirically, we confirmed the unique induction of NO burst in TR4,suggesting the involvement of nitrosative pressure in its virulence. Targeted mutagenesis demonstrated the functional importance of accessory genes SIX1 and SIX4 as virulent factors.
Tracing botanical origins of unifloral Aroeira honey with Geographical Indication: Anacardiaceae pollen characterization from northern Minas Gerais’ Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest and Cerrado.
Authors: Luz Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da , Sakugawa Gabriela Cristina , Gardoni Lívia Cristina de Paiva , Santana Rânia Mara , Bandeira Otávio Henrique Silva , Silva-Luz Cíntia Luíza da , Pirani José Rubens , Calaça Paula
Published: August 2023

Many species of Anacardiaceae from the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest biome and Cerrado, an ecoregion of the Brazilian Tropical Savanna biome, are of great importance as a source of nectar and pollen. They are trees that massively bloom and attract several insects as floral visitors, especially honeybees and stingless bees. We aim to provide a practical tool for use in melissopalynological analyses of honeys, especially those produced in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Here, a palynological description of six species of Anacardiaceae occurring in both vegetation types is provided using light and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analyses were performed with the morphometric data to test the relevance of pollen morphology for defining pollen types and assisting in the certification of the botanical origin of honeys through melissopalynology. The most important metric variables for identifying the analyzed species were a combination of pollen grain size and width of the colpus margo, whereas pollen shape and other variables were less informative due to great intraspecific variation. Spondias tuberosa, with the largest pollen grains, stood out from the other species. The margo of the colpus wide contributed to the distinction of Schinopsis brasiliensis pollen grains. Qualitative traits analysis based on the pollen wall ornamentation contributed greatly to revealing two distinct groups: suprastriato-inframicroreticulate [Astronium fraxinifolium, A. graveolens, A. urundeuva, Schinopsis brasiliensis] and striate-perforate [Schinus terebinthifolia, Spondias tuberosa]. The palynological variation found among the studied species reinforces the importance of pollen morphology for the correct certification of botanical origin of Brazilian Aroeira honey.
Anti-Kasha Triplet Energy Transfer: Excitation Wavelength Dependent Persistent Luminescence from Host-Guest Doping Systems
Authors: Li Bingshi , Xie Weiwei , Huang Wenbin , Li Jietai , He Zikai , Huang Guangxi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2023

Anti-Kasha’s emission in organic luminogens has attracted many attentions since its discovery. However, only limited examples of anti-Kasha rule have been reported and anti-Kasha triplet energy transfer (ET) is even less-touched. This work provided an efficient strategy to realize excitation wavelength dependent (Ex-De) afterglow in a host-guest system benefiting from anti-Kasha rule. Host has almost imperceptible RTP upon 365 nm excitation and guest is totally RTP inactive, while the doping system exhibits Ex-De afterglow with improved quantum yields. Anti-Kasha triplet ET process is demonstrated from the higher excited triplet state T2 of host to the lowest excited singlet state S1 of the aggregated/unimolecular state of guest. ET efficiency in the doping system could be tuned by adopting denser or looser intermolecular packing through simply changing processing methods. The strategy of anti-Kasha triplet ET endows doping system with multiple stimuli-responsive properties, including Ex-De afterglow, mechano- and thermal-triggered afterglow behavior. Corresponding applications are also realized in multiple information anti-counterfeiting and display.
Distinctive pattern of serum trace elements and vitamin D levels in adolescents who stutter
Authors: Almudhi Abdulaziz , Gabr Sami A.
Published: August 2023

Objectives This study aims to investigate the potential effects of serum trace elements and vitamin D levels on cognitive capacity and stuttering symptoms in adolescents. So, we will determine the serum levels of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), vitamin D levels, and cognitive capacity scores and their association with the severity of stuttering scores among adolescences aged 10–18 years’ old. Methods The study included 100 adolescence aged 10–18 years’ old. Stuttering severity, cognitive capacity, as well as vitamin D levels, and serum trace elements were identified using stuttering severity instrument (SSI-4; 4th edit.), the LOTCA-7 scores, immunoassay system, and spectrophotometer analysis respectively. Results the results showed that stuttering was identified in 60% of the participants they were classified into students with mild (n = 30; 19.6 mean) and moderate stuttering (28.7 mean, n = 30) respectively. Only 40% of the students had a total stuttering score within normal range with 11.6 mean stuttering score. Obesity related markers such as BMI, WHR showed significant association with the severity of stuttering compared to normal controls. In addition, the decline in cognitive capacity showed to be significantly increased in adolescences in association with mild to moderate stuttering as well. Also, serum trace elements (Fe, Mn, Se, Cu, Zn, Cu/Zn ratio) and vitamin D levels as biochemical parameters were significantly reduced in adolescences with mild to moderated stuttering than normal subjects. The reduction is closely increased in correlation with an increment in the severity of stuttering. Males showed comparable results than females of the same group signifying that gender could play a role in the stuttering severity as differences in vitamin D, serum trace element contents in the serum of both gender. Conclusion This study found significant associations between the severity of stuttering, trace elements, vitamin D deficiencies, and cognitive function in adolescents. Both deficiencies of trace elements and vitamin D along with cognitive impairment may potentially be more helpful and preventable causes of stuttering among school students aged 12–18 years. The studied parameters could be of diagnostic potential and helpful in the treatment of stuttering. However, deeper knowledge of mechanisms is needed in order to draw policy conclusions and public health guidelines to determine the roles of serum trace elements and vitamin D levels in the pathogenesis of stuttering.
Digital Media Art and Visual Communication Design Under the Background of Artificial Intelligence Research on Innovation Development
Authors: Meng Kun , Liu Fulong
Published: August 2023

With the fast develo China's science and technology, artificial intelligence and information technology have been used widely to enhance expression of human sentiments and the speed of information transmission, as well as to create digital media art. As a result of the advancements in digital media art, visual communication design (VCD) has undergone substantial transformations, and it is imperative that the designers responsible adapt VCD to these changes in order to enhance the design impact. This article examines the evolution and creativity of VCD in the context of digital media art, using AI as a backdrop. Initially the digital media art dataset is collected and the raw image data is preprocessed using normalization method. The preprocessed 2D data is converted to 3D using Selective Deep Generative Adversarial Network (SD-GAN). To enhance the quality of the visual design we use Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The performance of the recommended system is analyzed and compared with conventional approaches to prove the efficacy of the proposed system.
Assessing urban livability in Shanghai through an open source data-driven approach
Authors: Gasparatos Alexandros , Long Yin , Wu Yi , Huang Liqiao , Aleksejeva Jelena , Iossifova Deljana , Dong Nannan
Published: August 2023

Urban livability has become a major policy and practice priority in many parts of the world, but its attainment remains challenging in many cities of developing and emerging economies. The lack of data with appropriate quality, coverage, and spatial/temporal resolution often complicates the assessment of livability in such cities, and the identification of priority areas for improvement. Here we develop an innovative framework to mobilize and synthesize open-source data to analyze spatially urban livability patterns in Shanghai. The framework brings together diverse open-source data such as housing prices, population distribution, transportation networks, and points of interest to identify city areas with low livability, and thus priority areas for improvement. Such findings can provide a comprehensive overview of the residential living environment in Shanghai, as well as provide useful information to urban planners and decision-makers. Furthermore, the developed method has the potential for application in other cities, subject to data availability.
Comparative Performance of Humans Versus GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 in the Self-assessment Program of American Academy of Ophthalmology
Authors: Taloni Andrea , Borselli Massimiliano , Scarsi Valentina , Rossi Costanza , Coco Giulia , Scorcia Vincenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

To compare the performance of humans, GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 in answering multiple-choice questions from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) self-assessment program, available at https://www.aao.org/education/self-assessments. In June 2023, text-based multiple-choice questions were submitted to GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5. The AAO provides the percentage of humans who selected the correct answer, which was analyzed for comparison. All questions were classified by 10 subspecialties and 3 practice areas (diagnostics/clinics, medical treatment, surgery). Out of 1023 questions, GPT-4.0 achieved the best score (82.4%), followed by humans (75.7%) and GPT-3.5 (65.9%), with significant difference in accuracy rates (always P < 0.0001). Both GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 showed the worst results in surgery-related questions (74.6% and 57.0% respectively). For difficult questions (answered incorrectly by > 50% of humans), both GPT models favorably compared to humans, without reaching significancy. The word count for answers provided by GPT-4.0 was significantly lower than those produced by GPT-3.5 (160 ± 56 and 206 ± 77 respectively, P < 0.0001); however, incorrect responses were longer (P < 0.02). GPT-4.0 represented a substantial improvement over GPT-3.5, achieving better performance than humans in an AAO BCSC self-assessment test. However, ChatGPT is still limited by inconsistency across different practice areas, especially when it comes to surgery.
Spatiotemporal variation in phenology of the invasive brown macroalga Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt and the environmental parameters relationships along four different sites in the Atlantic coast of Morocco
Authors: Aamiri Abderrahmane , Bellahcen Touria Ould , Pereira Leonel , Benhniya Bouchra , Zidane Hakima , Rezzoum Nor-Eddine
Published: August 2023

The alien brown seaweed Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt is currently observed along the coasts of Morocco. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of physicochemical parameters on the distribution of S. muticum at four sites on the Atlantic coast of Morocco harvested between 2019 and 2020. This study’s results showed that the highest biomass, thalli length and fertility values were recorded in sampling sites characterized by optimal physicochemical (temperature, pH and salinity) and nutrient H₃PO₄ during summer. The highest biomass values were recorded in August for Sidi Bouzid and Moulay Abdellah sites, conversely, in Saada and Jorf Lasfar sites the highest values were observed in February and Mars respectively. The thallus length was slightly larger in Moulay Abdellah site with 77,30 ± 14.09 cm in compare with the three other sites during summer/spring periods. Minimum thalli length was recorded in September for all studied sites. The thalli of S. muticum were fertile earlier in Sidi Bouzid and Saada during spring and peaks during summer season for all studied sites showing a positive correlation with increasing temperature. Finally, the collected data shows that indeed physicochemical parameters influence the bioecological parameters. Thus, contributed to a better understanding of the temporal variation of S. muticum phenology in Moroccan Atlantic coast, these data provide the necessary information for coastal marine management and biomonitoring program as well as sustainable utilization of this renewable marine resource.