bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Rice Irrigation Strategies to Maximize Water Productivity: A Simulation Study Using AquaCrop Model for the Yanyun Irrigation District, Yangzhou, China
Authors: Mostafa Monera , Luo Wan , Zou Jiarong , Salem Ali
Published: June 2023

The AquaCrop model is used to predict rice yield in response to different irrigation management in the Yanyun irrigation area in Yangzhou, China, and the constraints to rice production were identified to maximize water productivity based on model simulations. The model was calibrated by comparing measured and predicted canopy cover (CC), yield, and soil water content during the growing season in 2018. The results showed that, for CC simulations, R2 was 0.99, RMSE was 3.6%, and NRMSE was 5.3%; for Biomass simulation, RMSE was 0.50 t/ha, and NRMSE was 5.3%. Different irrigation strategies were analyzed for a long-term simulation period from 1955 to 2014. The simulated rice yield increased rapidly as irrigation demand increased initially, and then gradually stabilized. The simulated rice yield fluctuated in the different years. The Pearson type-III model method was used to identify different hydrological years of wet, normal, and dry years. The analysis identified the wet year as 1991, normal year as 1981, and dry year as 1966. In the different rainfall years (1991, 1981, and 1966) water use efficiency (WUE), water productivity (WPet), and irrigation water productivity (IWP) were utilized to determine the irrigation strategy. The predicted highest WPet in the wet year was 1.77kg m−3, while the lowest WPet in the dry year was 1.13 kg m−3. The highest IWP was 19.78 kg m−3 in the wet year, and 9.32 kg m−3 in the normal year; while the lowest IWP in the dry year was 1.90 kg m−3. IWP was significantly higher in the rainy year, while WUE was significantly lower. On the other hand, WPet was more extensive in the wet year because the yield was higher, and the Evapotranspiration (ET) was smaller in comparison to the dry year.
Use of a New Gas Ejector for a TEG/TREG Natural Gas Dehydration System
Authors: Bernat Marcin , Nagy Stanisław , Smulski Rafał
Published: June 2023

Glycol dehydration is the most common and economical water removal method from natural gas streams. However, dehydration of low-pressure natural gas requires the use of higher concentration TEG (Triethylene Glycol) or TREG (Tetraethylene Glycol). This article describes how the ejector can be used to create a vacuum in the glycol reboiler to achieve a higher concentration of L-TEG/L-TREG (Lean Triethylene Glycol/Lean Tetraethylene Glycol). Process simulations of the gas dehydration and glycol regeneration units were carried out in Chemcad software. Simulations were performed for decreasing values of gas working pressure and TEG/TREG regeneration pressures. Dehydration unit efficiency was tested for two values of glycol flow rates. Ejector performance simulations were executed for two positions in the process flow line. The influence of pressure reduction in the glycol reboiler on the concentration of L-TEG/L-TREG and the water dewpoint of natural gas has to be found significant. The increase in glycol flow rate has a greater impact on TREG than for TEG. Creating a vacuum with an ejector in a TEG/TREG reboiler has been shown to be an attractive way to improve the efficiency of natural gas dehydration. The position of the ejector at the end of the vapor flow line, downstream to the condensed water separator, allows for a significant reduction in motive gas consumption.
A Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm-Based Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch with Wind-Integrated Power Systems
Authors: Varan Metin , Erduman Ali , Menevşeoğlu Furkan
Published: June 2023

Keeping the bus voltage within acceptable limits depends on dispatching reactive power. Power quality improves as a result of creating an effective power flow system, which also helps to reduce power loss. Therefore, optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) studies aim at designing appropriate system configurations to enable a reliable operation of power systems. Establishment of such a configuration is handled through control variables in power systems. Various control variables, such as adjusting generator bus voltages, transformer tap locations, and switchable shunt capacitor sizes, are utilized to achieve this objective. Additionally, the integration of wind power can greatly impact power quality and mitigate power loss. In this study, the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) approach was applied to the ORPD issue for the first time to discover the best placement of newly installed wind power in the power system while taking into account tap changer settings, shunt capacitor sizes, and generated power levels. The main objective was to determine optimal wind placement to minimize power loss and voltage deviation, while maintaining control variables within specified limits. On the basis of IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 118-bus systems, the performance of the proposed method was investigated. The results demonstrated the superiority of GWO in multiple scenarios. In IEEE-30, GWO outperformed the PSO, GA, ABC, OGSA, HBMO, and HFA methods, reducing total loss by 10.36%, 18.03%, 9.19%, 7.13%, 5.23%, and 7.73%, respectively, and voltage deviation by 68.00%, 1.59%, 36.34%, 41.97%, 46.29%, and 71.08%, respectively. In wind integration scenarios, GWO achieved the simultaneous reduction of power loss and voltage deviation. In IEEE-118, GWO outperformed the ABC, PSO, GSA, and CFA methods, reducing power loss by approximately 19.91%, 16.83%, 14.09%, and 4.36%, respectively, and voltage deviation by 8.50%, 14.15%, 16.19%, and 7.17%, respectively. These promising results highlighted the potential of the GWO algorithm to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, and its role in promoting sustainable energy solutions. In addition, this study conducted an analysis to investigate site-specific wind placement by using the Weibull distribution function and commercial wind turbines.
A Review of the Computational Studies on the Separated Subsonic Flow in Asymmetric Diffusers Focused on Turbulence Modeling Assessment
Authors: Budnikova Anna , Troshin Alexei , Sabelnikov Vladimir
Published: June 2023

Separated turbulent diffuser flows have long been an object of experimental and computational investigations due to their wide use in engineering applications and fundamental importance for understanding turbulent effects. The accuracy of simulating such flows depends mainly on turbulence modeling subtleties, numerical method, and the correspondence between the boundary conditions and the experimental set-up. The current review of selected articles focuses on revealing some of the computational challenges that may occur while modeling asymmetric subsonic diffuser flows. These challenges include the influence of sidewalls on the separation, issues with grid convergence, and the definition of boundary conditions. Several known experimental test cases and attempts at simulating them are studied. The novelty of this paper is in the fact that it is focused on a specific type of diffusers (asymmetric and subsonic) and based on relatively recent data. It is concluded that for all the test cases considered, Reynolds stress models and hybrid eddy-resolving methods are the most appropriate tools for obtaining reasonable results.
Correction: Pasternak, B.; Rozga, P. Influence of Dielectric Liquid Type on Partial-Discharge Inception Voltage in Oil-Wedge-Type Insulating System under AC Stress. Energies 2023, 16, 1005
Authors: Pasternak Bartlomiej , Rozga Pawel
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
A Computational Study of Chaotic Flow and Heat Transfer within a Trapezoidal Cavity
Authors: Rahaman Md. Mahafujur , Bhowmick Sidhartha , Mondal Rabindra Nath , Saha Suvash C.
Published: June 2023

Numerical findings of natural convection flows in a trapezoidal cavity are reported in this study. This study focuses on the shift from symmetric steady to chaotic flow within the cavity. This cavity has a heated bottom wall, a cooled top wall, and adiabatic inclined sidewalls. The unsteady natural convection flows occurring within the cavity are numerically simulated using the finite volume (FV) method. The fluid used in the study is air, and the calculations are performed for different dimensionless parameters, including the Prandtl number (Pr), which is kept constant at 0.71, while varying the Rayleigh numbers (Ra) from 100 to 108 and using a fixed aspect ratio (AR) of 0.5. This study focuses on the effect of the Rayleigh numbers on the transition to chaos. In the transition to chaos, a number of bifurcations occur. The first primary transition is found from the steady symmetric to the steady asymmetric stage, known as a pitchfork bifurcation. The second leading transition is found from a steady asymmetric to an unsteady periodic stage, known as Hopf bifurcation. Another prominent bifurcation happens on the changeover of the unsteady flow from the periodic to the chaotic stage. The attractor bifurcates from a stable fixed point to a limit cycle for the Rayleigh numbers between 4 × 106 and 5 × 106. A spectral analysis and the largest Lyapunov exponents are analyzed to investigate the natural convection flows during the shift from periodic to chaos. Moreover, the cavity’s heat transfers are computed for various regimes. The cavity’s flow phenomena are measured and verified.
Integrated Optics: Platforms and Fabrication Methods
Authors: Butt Muhammad A.
Published: June 2023

Integrated optics is a field of study and technology that focuses on the design, fabrication, and application of optical devices and systems using integrated circuit technology. It involves the integration of various optical components, such as waveguides, couplers, modulators, detectors, and lasers, into a single substrate. One of the key advantages of integrated optics is its compatibility with electronic integrated circuits. This compatibility enables seamless integration of optical and electronic functionalities onto the same chip, allowing efficient data transfer between optical and electronic domains. This synergy is crucial for applications such as optical interconnects in high-speed communication systems, optical sensing interfaces, and optoelectronic integrated circuits. This entry presents a brief study on some of the widely used and commercially available optical platforms and fabrication methods that can be used to create photonic integrated circuits.
Influence of Tree Attributes on Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Transitioning to Higher Defoliation Classes Determined by Logistic Regression
Authors: Jazbec Anamarija , Ugarković Damir , Ognjenović Mladen , Vedriš Mislav
Published: June 2023

The age, size and morphology of trees, including crown dimensions, can influence crown defoliation. In Croatia, the selection management of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) forests involves pure or mixed stands, either of which can be affected by various disturbances, resulting in unbalanced stand structures. The aim of this study was to estimate the probability of trees transitioning from one defoliation class to the next, examine the influence of tree attributes on that process and analyze the changes in survival over time. The study was conducted over a 18-year period (1990–2007) on two sites with contrasting stand structures: a uniform stand with a dominant share of silver fir (Site A) and an uneven-aged mixed beech–fir stand (Site B). Logistic regression was used to model tree transitions between defoliation classes. Uniform stand structure increased the likelihood of silver fir trees transitioning to a higher defoliation class, with limited dependence on the tree crown position. In contrast, suppressed and central trees in uneven-aged stands were more likely to transition to a higher defoliation due to greater competition between them. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was found to be a significant predictor of tree transition to higher defoliation classes, with a linear trend of increasing probability with increasing DBH. Crown position and crown length were also found to be significant predictors of changing defoliation class, with observed differences between sites occurring due to differences in stand structure. To ensure a balanced stand structure and enhance tree vitality, careful consideration of easily measurable tree elements such as DBH, crown length, and tree crown position is imperative when selecting trees for felling.
Wood-Decay Fungi Fructifying in Mediterranean Deciduous Oak Forests: A Community Composition, Richness and Productivity Study
Authors: Ponce Ángel , Salerni Elena , D’Aguanno Maria Nives , Perini Claudia
Published: June 2023

Deadwood is involved in several important ecological roles, being the fundamental habitat of wood-decay fungi. At the same time, this polyphyletic group of fungi is the principal agent of wood decomposition, regulating the carbon cycle and the food resource for many other organisms. It is known that the diversity and community composition of wood-decay fungi are related to the tree species, decay stage and size of the woody debris in which they are living. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information on Mediterranean Quercus cerris L. forests. In response, we explored how wood-decay fungi colonize different woody types and how the productivity, richness and community composition of these fungi is influenced by the decay stage and size of the deadwood. Our results indicate that the studied groups, i.e., Ascomycetes, Corticioids, Polyporoids and Heterobasidiomycetes responded differently to the woody debris classes. Moreover, we note the high importance of smaller and soft-decayed woody debris for community composition and richness, hosting a great number of species, in addition to the positive effect of the heterogeneity of the woody debris size for wood-decay fungi productivity.
Investigating Acceptance of Digital Asset and Crypto Investment Applications Based on the Use of Technology Model (UTAUT2)
Authors: Restuputri Dian Palupi , Refoera Figo Bimaraka , Masudin Ilyas
Published: June 2023

In recent years, cryptocurrency has increased in popularity in Indonesia. In Indonesia, based on data from the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag), until the end of May 2021, the number of investors in cryptocurrency assets or crypto money was 6.5 million people. This number has increased by more than 50 percent when compared to 2020 when there were 4 million people. The Pintu application is the first crypto mobile application in Indonesia that is committed to solving crypto investment problems, especially for beginners and ordinary people. Even though it provides benefits, investing in cryptocurrency can provide high profits. In an instant, it can also make a profit. The motion, which is like a roller coaster, requires strong mental readiness to invest in cryptocurrencies. This should also be a critical consideration for investors, especially young investors. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what factors contribute to building stronger attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the PINTU application. This research analyzes the data using the use of technology 2 method with the partial least square (PLS) analysis technique method, which will later be processed in the form of data results in the form of responses of the user when using the application. Facilitating conditions and social influence are the most influential indicators. The results of the study show that behavioral intention to adopt has a relationship with behavioral intention to recommend, and behavioral intention to adopt positively and significantly influences the intention to recommend.
Fractal Dimension of Fractal Functions on the Real Projective Plane
Authors: Hossain Alamgir , Akhtar Md. Nasim , Navascués María A.
Published: June 2023

In this article, we consider an iterated functions system on the non-Euclidean real projective plane which has a linear structure. Then, we study the fractal dimension of the associated curve as a subset of the projective space and like a set of the Euclidean space. At the end, we initiate a dual real projective iterated function system and pose an open problem.
Hydrogel Polymer Electrolytes: Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and Application in Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Gajewski Piotr , Żyła Wiktoria , Kazimierczak Klaudia , Marcinkowska Agnieszka
Published: June 2023

Electrochemical capacitors operating in an aqueous electrolyte solution have become ever-more popular in recent years, mainly because they are cheap and ecofriendly. Additionally, aqueous electrolytes have a higher ionic conductivity than organic electrolytes and ionic liquids. These materials can exist in the form of a liquid or a solid (hydrogel). The latter form is a very promising alternative to liquid electrolytes because it is solid, which prevents electrolyte leakage. In our work, hydrogel polymer electrolytes (HPEs) were obtained via photopolymerization of a mixture of acrylic oligomer Exothane 108 with methacrylic acid (MAA) in ethanol, which was later replaced by electrolytes (1 M Na2SO4). Through the conducted research, the effects of the monomers ratio and the organic solvent concentration (ethanol) on the mechanical properties (tensile test), electrolyte sorption, and ionic conductivity were examined. Finally, hydrogel polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity (σ = 26.5 mS∙cm−1) and sufficient mechanical stability (σmax = 0.25 MPa, εmax = 20%) were tested using an AC/AC electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC). The electrochemical properties of the devices were investigated via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and impedance spectroscopy. The obtained results show the application potential of the obtained HPE in EDLC.
Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Alopecia Areata: A Cutting Edge Review
Authors: Ho Chih-Yi , Wu Chiu-Yen , Chen Jeff Yi-Fu , Wu Ching-Ying
Published: June 2023

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, non-scarring, immune-mediated skin disease that affects approximately 0.5–2% of the global population. The etiology of AA is complex and involves genetic and environmental factors, with significant advancements in genetic research occurring in recent years. In addition to well-known genes such as PTPN22, CTLA4, and IL2, which have been widely supported as being associated with AA, an increasing number of specific gene-related loci have been discovered through advances in genetic research. For instance, gene analysis of microRNAs can reveal the critical role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression, aiding in the understanding of cellular and organismal functional regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, numerous studies have confirmed the existence of correlations between AA and other immune-related diseases. Examples include hyperthyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. By understanding the interrelationships between AA and other immune diseases, we can further comprehend potential shared genetic foundations or pathogenic mechanisms among different diseases. Genetic research plays a crucial role in unraveling the pathogenesis of AA, as the identification of genetic variations associated with AA can assist in formulating more effective and targeted treatment strategies.
Comparative Analysis of Whole Transcriptome Profiles in Septic Cardiomyopathy: Insights from CLP- and LPS-Induced Mouse Models
Authors: Ullah Karim , Li Yan , Lin Qiaoshan , Pan Kaichao , Nguyen Tu , Aniruddhsingh Solanki , Su Qiaozhu , Sharp Willard , Wu Rongxue
Published: June 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, with septic cardiomyopathy being a common and severe complication. Despite its significant clinical impact, the molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) remain incompletely understood. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of whole transcriptome profiles using RNA sequencing in mouse hearts in two widely used mouse models of septic cardiomyopathy. CLP-induced sepsis was achieved by surgical cecal ligation and puncture, while LPS-induced sepsis was induced using a 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). For consistency, we utilized sham-operated mice as the control for septic models. Our aim was to identify key genes and pathways involved in the development of septic cardiomyopathy and to evaluate the similarities and differences between the two models. Our findings demonstrated that both the CLP and lipopolysaccharide LPS methods could induce septic heart dysfunction within 24 h. We identified common transcriptional regulatory regions in the septic hearts of both models, such as Nfkb1, Sp1, and Jun. Moreover, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in comparison to control were involved in shared pathways, including regulation of inflammatory response, regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic process, and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. However, each model presented distinctive whole transcriptome expression profiles and potentially diverse pathways contributing to sepsis-induced heart failure. This extensive comparison enhances our understanding of the molecular basis of septic cardiomyopathy, providing invaluable insights. Accordingly, our study also contributes to the pursuit of effective and personalized treatment strategies for SICM, highlighting the importance of considering the specific causative factors.
The Genetic Cross-Talk between Periodontitis and Chronic Kidney Failure Revealed by Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Ren Dandan , Ebert Thomas , Kreher Deborah , Ernst Bero Luke Vincent , de Fallois Jonathan , Schmalz Gerhard
Published: June 2023

Periodontitis and chronic kidney failure (CKF) are potentially related to each other. This bioinformatics analysis aimed at the identification of potential cross-talk genes and related pathways between periodontitis and CKF. Based on NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), datasets GSE10334, GSE16134, and GSE23586 were extracted for periodontitis. A differential expression analysis (p < 0.05, |log2(FC)| > 0.5) was performed to assess deregulated genes (DEGs). CKF-related genes were extracted from DisGeNET and examined regarding their overlap with periodontitis-related DEGs. Cytoscape was used to construct and analyze a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Based on Cytoscape plugin MCODE and a LASSO regression analysis, the potential hub cross-talk genes were identified. Finally, a complex PPI of the hub genes was constructed. A total of 489 DEGs for periodontitis were revealed. With the 805 CKF-related genes, an overlap of 47 cross-talk genes was found. The PPI network of the potential cross-talk genes was composed of 1081 nodes and 1191 edges. The analysis with MCODE resulted in 10 potential hub genes, while the LASSO regression resulted in 22. Finally, five hub cross-talk genes, CCL5, FCGR3B, MMP-9, SAA1, and SELL, were identified. Those genes were significantly upregulated in diseased samples compared to controls (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, ROC analysis showed a high predictive value of those genes (AUC ≥ 73.44%). Potentially relevant processes and pathways were primarily related to inflammation, metabolism, and cardiovascular issues. In conclusion, five hub cross-talk genes, i.e., CCL5, FCGR3B, MMP-9, SAA1, and SELL, could be involved in the interplay between periodontitis and CKF, whereby primarily inflammation, metabolic, and vascular issues appear to be of relevance.
A National Study of Marital Status Differences in Early Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine among Older Americans
Authors: Liu Hui , Nowak Gerald Roman , Wang Juwen , Luo Zhehui
Published: June 2023

We provide one of the first nationally representative studies to examine COVID-19 vaccine uptake differences by marital status within the first year after the vaccine was recommended among older Americans. Data were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2021). The study sample included 3180 participants aged 65 and older with 1846 women and 1334 men. Results from logistic regression models suggest that divorced/separated older adults were less likely to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 than their married counterparts, especially among women and individuals with higher education. Widowed and never married respondents were generally not significantly different from married respondents in COVID-19 vaccination status, with only one exception: less-educated never-married respondents were more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination than their less-educated married counterparts. Our study highlights divorce/separation as a significant social factor associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older adults in the U.S. These findings suggest that divorced/separated older adults are the most vulnerable population segment at risk of low COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Future efforts to improve vaccine equity and uptake should target this group specifically, with tailored interventions to increase their access and uptake of the vaccine.
Women’s Knowledge about Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Methods of Pain Relief in Labor
Authors: Pietrzak Jakub , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Wróbel Andrzej , Grzybowska Magdalena Emilia
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to assess knowledge about non-pharmacological pain-relief methods in labor among women who have given birth at least once. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey among 466 adult women. The minimum sample size was estimated based on the number of labor admissions in the year before the study in Poland. The survey included questions about respondents’ sociodemographics and knowledge of pain-relief methods. The knowledge score was calculated using the sum of correct answers. Non-parametric Spearman’s correlation, Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon variance tests were used. Antenatal classes (313/68.9%) and the Internet (248/54.6%) were the most common sources of knowledge. The most popular pharmacological pain-relief methods included epidural anesthesia (386/85.0%) and nitrous oxide (301/66.3%). Massage and breathing techniques were the most commonly known non-pharmacological methods (405/89.2% and 400/88.1%, respectively). The knowledge score about non-pharmacological methods was significantly higher as compared to the pharmacological methods score (rc = 0.85; p < 0.001). Respondents’ age correlated with knowledge about non-pharmacological methods (rs = −0.10,p = 0.026) but did not correlate with knowledge about pharmacological methods. Educational level correlated with knowledge about pharmacological (rs = −0.13,p = 0.007) and non-pharmacological (rs = 0.14, p = 0.003) methods concerning pain relief in labor. No correlation was found between respondents’ knowledge and gravidity, number of vaginal or cesarean deliveries, and hospital referral levels for previous deliveries. Our findings support the need to implement educational programs to increase evidence-based knowledge about pain-relief methods during labor in women.
Efficient Cold Tolerance Evaluation of Four Species of Liliaceae Plants through Cell Death Measurement and Lethal Temperature Prediction
Authors: Yang Woo-Hyeong , Yong Seong-Hyeon , Park Dong-Jin , Ahn Sung-Jin , Kim Do-Hyun , Park Kwan-Been , Jin Eon-Ju , Choi Myung-Suk
Published: June 2023

Although Liliaceae are valuable resource plants with medicinal and edible uses, techniques for evaluating their tolerance to various abiotic stresses are very limited. This study evaluated the cold tolerance using visual inspection, electrolyte leakage, and Evan’s blue assay. Visual inspection of the responses to different temperatures, using a temperature range of 4 to −12 °C, showed that Scilla scilloides was receive the least damage. However, electrolyte leakage tests showed slightly different results from visual inspection. The median lethal temperature (LT50) was expected to be between −4 and −8 °C. The LT50 was considered a measure of damage due to electrolyte leakage in plant cold tolerance evaluation. As a result of predicting the lethal temperature using the logistic regression equation, the average LT50 of the four plants was −9.0 °C. The species with the lowest LT50 was measured for Hosta plantagines (−11.14°C), whereas the highest LT50 was measured for Hemerocallis fulva (−7.14°C). As a result of the Evan’s blue assay, it was found that cell necrosis occurred when the plants were exposed to low temperatures. Visual observation showed that more than 50% of the three plants’ cells, except for H. plantaginea, were stained blue even at 8 °C. From this result, H. plantaginea was judged to have strong low-temperature tolerance. At −12 °C, more than 50% of the four Liliaceae plants were colored blue, and the LT50 value was expected to be below −12 °C. The reducing sugar content, an indicator of plant cold tolerance, was the highest in H. plantaginea, followed by S. scilloide and H. longipes. Combining the three methods, H. plantaginea had the highest cold tolerance, followed by H. longipes, S. scilloides, and H. fulva. The results of this study will be widely used in selecting cold-tolerant useful resource plants.
The Impact of Cyberbullying Victimization on Academic Satisfaction among Sexual Minority College Students: The Indirect Effect of Flourishing
Authors: Lee Jeoung Min , Park Jinhee , Lee Heekyung , Lee Jaegoo , Mallonee Jason
Published: June 2023

This study examines the association between cyberbullying victimization and academic satisfaction through flourishing (psychological well-being) among 188 LGBTQ college students utilizing the lens of general strain theory and positive psychology. Results indicate that flourishing as a mediator explains the association between cyberbullying victimization and academic satisfaction among LGBTQ college students. For these students, flourishing can serve as a protective factor for their academic satisfaction. This finding highlights the need for college counselors, faculty, and administrators to foster psychological well-being among cyberbullied LGBTQ college students. Practice implications will guide the development of a campus-wide cyberbullying intervention for these students.
3-[N,N-Bis(sulfonyl)amino]isoxazolines with Spiro-Annulated or 1,2-Annulated Cyclooctane Rings Inhibit Reproduction of Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Yellow Fever, and West Nile Viruses
Authors: Sedenkova Kseniya N. , Sazonov Artem S. , Vasilenko Dmitry A. , Andriasov Kristian S. , Eremenko Marina G. , Grishin Yuri K. , Khvatov Evgeny V. , Goryashchenko Alexander S. , Uvarova Victoria I. , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Ishmukhametov Aydar A. , Averina Elena B.
Published: June 2023

Spirocyclic compounds containing heterocyclic moieties represent promising 3D scaffolds for modern drug design. In the search for novel anti-flaviviral agents, we have obtained a series of 3-[N,N-bis(sulfonyl)amino]isoxazolines containing spiro-annulated cyclooctane rings and assessed their antiviral activity against tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV), yellow fever (YFV), and West Nile (WNV) viruses. The structural analogs of spirocyclic compounds with a single sulfonyl group or 1,2-annulated cyclooctane ring were also investigated. Almost all the studied 3-[N,N-bis(sulfonyl)amino]isoxazolines revealed antiviral activity against TBEV and WNV. The most active against TBEV was spiro-isoxazoline derivative containing p-nitrophenyl groups in the sulfonyl part (EC50 2.0 ± 0.5 μM), while the highest potency against WNV was found for the compounds with lipophilic substituents in sulfonyl moiety, naphtyl being the most favorable one (EC50 1.3 ± 0.5 μM). In summary, two novel scaffolds of anti-flaviviral agents based on N,N-bis(sulfonyl)amino]isoxazoline were proposed, and the compounds of this type demonstrated activity against TBEV and WNV.
Unraveling the Roles of miR-204-5p and HMGA2 in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Tumorigenesis
Authors: Van Branteghem Cindy , Augenlicht Alice , Demetter Pieter , Craciun Ligia , Maenhaut Carine
Published: June 2023

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignant tumor with an increasing incidence rate. Although differentiated types of thyroid cancer generally present good clinical outcomes, some dedifferentiate into aggressive and lethal forms. However, the molecular mechanisms governing aggressiveness and dedifferentiation are still poorly understood. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is often correlated to tumor development, and miR-204-5p has previously been identified in papillary thyroid carcinoma as downregulated and associated with aggressiveness. This study aimed to explore its role in thyroid tumorigenesis. To address this, gain-of-function experiments were performed by transiently transfecting miR-204-5p in thyroid cancer cell lines. Then, the clinical relevance of our data was evaluated in vivo. We prove that this miRNA inhibits cell invasion by regulating several targets associated with an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, such as SNAI2, TGFBR2, SOX4 and HMGA2. HMGA2 expression is regulated by the MAPK pathway but not by the PI3K, IGF1R or TGFβ pathways, and the inhibition of cell invasion by miR-204-5p involves direct binding and repression of HMGA2. Finally, we confirmed in vivo the relationship between miR-204-5p and HMGA2 in human PTC and a corresponding mouse model. Our data suggest that HMGA2 inhibition offers promising perspectives for thyroid cancer treatment.
Comparative Analysis of Cell Mixtures Deconvolution and Gene Signatures Generated for Blood, Immune and Cancer Cells
Authors: Alonso-Moreda Natalia , Berral-González Alberto , De La Rosa Enrique , González-Velasco Oscar , Sánchez-Santos José Manuel , De Las Rivas Javier
Published: June 2023

In the last two decades, many detailed full transcriptomic studies on complex biological samples have been published and included in large gene expression repositories. These studies primarily provide a bulk expression signal for each sample, including multiple cell-types mixed within the global signal. The cellular heterogeneity in these mixtures does not allow the activity of specific genes in specific cell types to be identified. Therefore, inferring relative cellular composition is a very powerful tool to achieve a more accurate molecular profiling of complex biological samples. In recent decades, computational techniques have been developed to solve this problem by applying deconvolution methods, designed to decompose cell mixtures into their cellular components and calculate the relative proportions of these elements. Some of them only calculate the cell proportions (supervised methods), while other deconvolution algorithms can also identify the gene signatures specific for each cell type (unsupervised methods). In these work, five deconvolution methods (CIBERSORT, FARDEEP, DECONICA, LINSEED and ABIS) were implemented and used to analyze blood and immune cells, and also cancer cells, in complex mixture samples (using three bulk expression datasets). Our study provides three analytical tools (corrplots, cell-signature plots and bar-mixture plots) that allow a thorough comparative analysis of the cell mixture data. The work indicates that CIBERSORT is a robust method optimized for the identification of immune cell-types, but not as efficient in the identification of cancer cells. We also found that LINSEED is a very powerful unsupervised method that provides precise and specific gene signatures for each of the main immune cell types tested: neutrophils and monocytes (of the myeloid lineage), B-cells, NK cells and T-cells (of the lymphoid lineage), and also for cancer cells.
Intra-Articular Lactate Dehydrogenase A Inhibitor Oxamate Reduces Experimental Osteoarthritis and Nociception in Rats via Possible Alteration of Glycolysis-Related Protein Expression in Cartilage Tissue
Authors: Wen Zhi-Hong , Sung Chun-Sung , Lin Sung-Chun , Yao Zhi-Kang , Lai Yu-Cheng , Liu Yu-Wei , Wu Yu-Yan , Sun Hsi-Wen , Liu Hsin-Tzu , Chen Wu-Fu , Jean Yen-Hsuan
Published: June 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and joint disorder worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming of osteoarthritic chondrocytes from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis results in the accumulation of lactate from glycolytic metabolite pyruvate by lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), leading to cartilage degeneration. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of the intra-articular administration of oxamate (LDHA inhibitor) against OA development and glycolysis-related protein expression in experimental OA rats. The animals were randomly allocated into four groups: Sham, anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), ACLT + oxamate (0.25 and 2.5 mg/kg). Oxamate-treated groups received an intra-articular injection of oxamate once a week for 5 weeks. Intra-articular oxamate significantly reduced the weight-bearing defects and knee width in ACLT rats. Histopathological analyses showed that oxamate caused significantly less cartilage degeneration in the ACLT rats. Oxamate exerts hypertrophic effects in articular cartilage chondrocytes by inhibiting glucose transporter 1, glucose transporter 3, hexokinase II, pyruvate kinase M2, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases 1 and 2, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2, and LHDA. Further analysis revealed that oxamate significantly reduced chondrocyte apoptosis in articular cartilage. Oxamate attenuates nociception, inflammation, cartilage degradation, and chondrocyte apoptosis and possibly attenuates glycolysis-related protein expression in ACLT-induced OA rats. The present findings will facilitate future research on LDHA inhibitors in prevention strategies for OA progression.
Intravenous Polyethylene Glycol Alleviates Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Rodent Model
Authors: Clarysse Mathias , Accarie Alison , Panisello-Roselló Arnau , Farré Ricard , Canovai Emilio , Monbaliu Diethard , De Hertogh Gert , Vanuytsel Tim , Pirenne Jacques , Ceulemans Laurens J.
Published: June 2023

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common clinical entity, and its outcome is unpredictable due to the triad of inflammation, increased permeability and bacterial translocation. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound that is extensively used in pharmacology as an excipient in various products. More recently, this class of products have shown to have potent anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immunosuppressive and cell-membrane-stabilizing properties. However, its effects on the outcome after intestinal IRI have not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that PEG administration would reduce the effects of intestinal IRI in rodents. In a previously described rat model of severe IRI (45 min of ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion), we evaluated the effect of IV PEG administration at different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) before and after the onset of ischemia. In comparison to control animals, PEG administration stabilized the endothelial glycocalyx, leading to reduced reperfusion edema, bacterial translocation and inflammatory reaction as well as improved 7-day survival. These effects were seen both in a pretreatment and in a treatment setting. The fact that this product is readily available and safe should encourage further clinical investigations in settings of intestinal IRI, organ preservation and transplantation.
Ester Bonds for Modulation of the Mechanical Properties of Protein Hydrogels
Authors: Zhang Di , Li Luofei , Fang Yizhou , Ma Quan , Cao Yi , Lei Hai
Published: June 2023

Hydrogels are soft materials constructed of physically or chemically crosslinked polymeric net-works with abundant water. The crosslinkers, as the mechanophores that bear and respond to mechanical forces, play a critical role in determining the mechanical properties of hydrogels. Here, we use a polyprotein as the crosslinker and mechanophore to form covalent polymer hydrogels in which the toughness and fatigue fracture are controlled by the mechanical unfolding of polyproteins. The protein Parvimonas sp. (ParV) is super stable and remains folded even at forces > 2 nN; however, it can unfold under loading forces of ~100 pN at basic pH values or low calcium concentrations due to destabilization of the protein structures. Through tuning the protein unfolding by pH and calcium concentrations, the hydrogel exhibits differences in modulus, strength, and anti-fatigue fracture. We found that due to the partially unfolding of ParV, the Young’s modulus decreased at pH 9.0 or in the presence of EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid), moreover, because partially unfolded ParV can be further completely unfolded due to the mechanically rupture of ester bond, leading to the observed hysteresis of the stretching and relaxation traces of the hydrogels, which is in line with single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments. These results display a new avenue for designing pH- or calcium-responsive hydrogels based on proteins and demonstrate the relationship between the mechanical properties of single molecules and macroscopic hydrogel networks.
Exploring Neuroprotective Agents for Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Krzyzaniak Klaudia , Krion Robert , Szymczyk Aleksandra , Stepniewska Ewelina , Sieminski Mariusz
Published: June 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition resulting from an inflammatory overreaction that is induced by an infectious factor, which leads to multi-organ failure. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common complication of sepsis that can lead to acute cognitive and consciousness disorders, and no strict diagnostic criteria have been created for the complication thus far. The etiopathology of SAE is not fully understood, but plausible mechanisms include neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier disruption, altered cerebral microcirculation, alterations in neurotransmission, changes in calcium homeostasis, and oxidative stress. SAE may also lead to long-term consequences such as dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of substances with neuroprotective properties that have the potential to offer neuroprotection in the treatment of SAE. An extensive literature search was conducted, extracting 71 articles that cover a range of substances, including plant-derived drugs, peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and other commonly used drugs. This review may provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers working in the field of sepsis and SAE and contribute to the development of new treatment options for this challenging condition.
A Comparison of Two Analytical Approaches for the Quantification of Neurofilament Light Chain, a Biomarker of Axonal Damage in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pafiti Anna , Krashias George , Tzartos John , Tzartos Socrates , Stergiou Christos , Gaglia Eftychia , Smoleski Irene , Christodoulou Christina , Pantzaris Marios , Lambrianides Anastasia
Published: June 2023

Neurofilament light chain (NfL), is a neuron-specific cytoskeletal protein detected in extracellular fluid following axonal damage. Extensive research has focused on NfL quantification in CSF, establishing it as a prognostic biomarker of disability progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our study used a new commercially available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit and Single Molecular Array (Simoa) advanced technology to assess serum NfL levels in MS patients and Healthy Controls (HC). Verifying the most accurate, cost-effective methodology will benefit its application in clinical settings. Blood samples were collected from 54 MS patients and 30 HC. Protocols accompanying the kits were followed. The ELISA thershold was set as 3 S.D. above the mean of the HC. For Simoa, the Z-score calculation created by Jens Kuhle’s group was applied (with permission). Samples exceeding the threshold or z-score ≥1.5 indicated subclinical disease activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to find strong-positive correlation between ELISA and Simoa for the quantification of NfL in serum (r = 0.919). Despite the strong correlation, Simoa has better analytical sensitivity and can detect small changes in samples making it valuable in clinical settings. Further research is required to evaluate whether serum NfL quantification using ELISA could be utilized to predict disability progression.
Exploring the Communication of the SASP: Dynamic, Interactive, and Adaptive Effects on the Microenvironment
Authors: Giroud Joëlle , Bouriez Inès , Paulus Hugo , Pourtier Albin , Debacq-Chainiaux Florence , Pluquet Olivier
Published: June 2023

Cellular senescence is a complex cell state that can occur during physiological ageing or after exposure to stress signals, regardless of age. It is a dynamic process that continuously evolves in a context-dependent manner. Senescent cells interact with their microenvironment by producing a heterogenous and plastic secretome referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Hence, understanding the cross-talk between SASP and the microenvironment can be challenging due to the complexity of signal exchanges. In this review, we first aim to update the definition of senescence and its associated biomarkers from its discovery to the present day. We detail the regulatory mechanisms involved in the expression of SASP at multiple levels and develop how SASP can orchestrate microenvironment modifications, by focusing on extracellular matrix modifications, neighboring cells’ fate, and intercellular communications. We present hypotheses on how these microenvironmental events may affect dynamic changes in SASP composition in return. Finally, we discuss the various existing approaches to targeting SASP and clarify what is currently known about the biological effects of these modified SASPs on the cellular environment.
Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau
Authors: Lin Chung-Ming , Chen Hsin-Han , Lung Chi-Wen , Chen Hui-Jye
Published: June 2023

Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for treating snake bites, scalds, burns, and viral and bacterial infections. It has been attracting an increasing amount of attention because of its biological activities, including its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunoregulatory activities. Here, we conducted a panoramic survey of the literature regarding the immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities of C. nutans. We discovered that C. nutans extracts have virucidal activities against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cyprinid herpesvirus 3, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, and potentially SARS-CoV-2; such activities likely result from C. nutans interfering with the entry, penetration, infection, and replication of viruses. We also reviewed the phytochemicals in C. nutans extracts that exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. This updated review of the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities of C. nutans may guide future agricultural practices and reveal clinical applications of C. nutans.