bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nature’s Antimicrobial Arsenal: Non-Ribosomal Peptides from PGPB for Plant Pathogen Biocontrol
Authors: Ranjan Anuj , Rajput Vishnu D. , Prazdnova Evgeniya Valeryevna , Gurnani Manisha , Bhardwaj Pallavi , Sharma Shikha , Sushkova Svetlana , Mandzhieva Saglara S. , Minkina Tatiana , Sudan Jebi , Zargar Sajad Majeed , Chauhan Abhishek , Jindal Tanu
Published: June 2023

Non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) are a diverse group of bioactive compounds synthesized by microorganisms, and their antimicrobial properties make them ideal candidates for use as biocontrol agents against pathogens. Non-ribosomal peptides produced by Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) have gained interest for the biocontrol of plants’ bacterial and fungal pathogens. In this review, the structure and mode of action of NRPs, including their characterization and the characterization of NRP-producing microorganisms, are discussed. The use of NRPs in soilless agriculture and their potential as part of a sustainable plant disease control strategy are also highlighted. In addition, the review debates the commercial aspects of PGPB’s formulations and their potential as a biocontrol agent. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of NRPs derived from PGPB in the biocontrol of plant pathogens and their potential to be used as an environmentally friendly and sustainable plant disease control strategy.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Properties of Type I Collagen–Chitosan Mixed Hydrogels: A Review
Authors: Devernois Enguerran , Coradin Thibaud
Published: June 2023

Type I collagen and chitosan are two of the main biological macromolecules used to design scaffolds for tissue engineering. The former has the benefits of being biocompatible and provides biochemical cues for cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. However, collagen hydrogels usually exhibit poor mechanical properties and are difficult to functionalize. Chitosan is also often biocompatible, but is much more versatile in terms of structure and chemistry. Although it does have important biological properties, it is not a good substrate for mammalian cells. Combining of these two biomacromolecules is therefore a strategy of choice for the preparation of interesting biomaterials. The aim of this review is to describe the different protocols available to prepare Type I collagen–chitosan hydrogels for the purpose of presenting their physical and chemical properties and highlighting the benefits of mixed hydrogels over single-macromolecule ones. A critical discussion of the literature is provided to point out the poor understanding of chitosan–type I collagen interactions, in particular due to the lack of systematic studies addressing the effect of chitosan characteristics.
Association between Phase Angle and Subjective Perceptions of Health Variables in Cancer Patients
Authors: Gutiérrez-Santamaría Borja , Martinez Aguirre-Betolaza Aitor , García-Álvarez Arturo , Arietaleanizbeaskoa María Soledad , Mendizabal-Gallastegui Nere , Grandes Gonzalo , Coca Aitor , Castañeda-Babarro Arkaitz
Published: June 2023

The phase angle, an increasingly studied healthcare tool, was studied to explore its relationship with psychological factors in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the phase angle (PhA), obtained by the bioimpedance analysis of body composition, and psychological factors measured by questionnaire in cancer patients. The study included 311 patients who underwent bioimpedance testing to determine their PhA value; their psychological profiles were assessed using SF-36, FACIT, QLQ-C30, and GHQ-12 questionnaires. Mixed linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between PhA and the psychological tests. The results showed a statistical correlation between PhA and the GHQ-12, FACIT, and SF-36 questionnaires, with higher PhA values associated with better results on the questionnaires. In the QLQ-C30 questionnaire, a correlation was observed between PhA and the functioning scales (p < 0.001), except for emotional and cognitive functioning (p = 0.148 and p = 0.544, respectively), but not in most of the symptom scales. The PhA is a useful tool for assessing the subjective health perception of cancer patients, especially with regard to psychological factors. While there is a statistically significant correlation, further research is required before confidently applying it in clinical practice. The current predictive value of this predictor for certain psychological aspects is limited, underscoring the need for additional research.
Health Support for At-Risk Older Adults during COVID-19
Authors: Ryan Marian , Gibbs Lisa M. , Sehgal Sonia R.
Published: June 2023

Older adults are highly susceptible to COVID-19 infection and at the highest risk for severe disease and death. Yet, older adults lacked access to accurate and easy-to-use COVID-19 information and support early in the pandemic. This prospective, experimental cohort study sought to examine whether older adults could be engaged during the pandemic through a community partner and if a low-touch intervention, designed with health literacy best practices, could positively impact COVID-19 knowledge, mitigation behaviors, telehealth/doctor visits, exercise, and loneliness. A senior resource kit was distributed to older adults sheltering at home through food assistance program agents from October 2020 to February 2021; the kit was developed using health literacy best practices. Simple random assignment was used to divide program participants into treatment and control groups. Both groups received senior kits, but the treatment group also received telephonic health coaching. The primary outcome was COVID-19 knowledge and mitigation behaviors as derived from self-reported surveys at baseline and after four months. Secondary outcomes included a telehealth or doctor visit, exercise frequency, and a loneliness score (3-Item Loneliness Scale). Health literacy was assessed using the BRIEF screening tool. Ninety-eight older adults consented to participate in the study and 87 completed the study (88.7% completion rate). Participants had moderate clinical risk, one-third preferred the Spanish language, and 52% were categorized as having inadequate or marginal health literacy. Significant changes were found for increasing COVID-19 mitigation behaviors and the frequency of exercise across the cohort, but not for COVID-19 knowledge, telehealth visits, or decreasing loneliness. Conclusions: Partnering with a trusted entity in the community is a feasible and important strategy to reach older adults during a lockdown and provide them with easy-to-read health information and resources. If the time horizon had been longer, improvements in other outcome variables may have been achieved.
Performance of the Malmgren Index for Assessing Root Resorption on 2D vs. 3D Radiographs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Michielsens Hanne , Decreus Julie , Begnoni Giacomo , Verdonck Anna , Jacobs Reinhilde , Willems Guy , Cadenas de Llano-Pérula Maria
Published: June 2023

Objectives: To compare the performance of the Malmgren index on 2D and 3D radiographs. Methods: Patients with a panoramic radiograph and a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) taken at an interval of <3 months and presenting root resorption (RR) on at least one incisor and/or canine were retrospectively included. RR was scored twice by two observers using the Malmgren index in both the 2D and 3D sets, and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Results: 155 teeth were analyzed. The ICC was the lowest in 2D, followed by overall, transversal and sagittal 3D. Malmgren scores were systematically higher in 2D, which overestimated RR, especially in the transversal plane on all incisors and canines and in the sagittal plane on the maxillary incisors. 2D respectively leads to 28.0–34.8% of false positives and negatives when discriminating between RR or not. The early stages of RR are often misdiagnosed in 2D, while later stages are more accurate. Conclusions: The original Malmgren index is not suited for 3D images, especially axial, where using dichotomized values (resorption yes/no) leads to overestimation of RR. A low-dose CBCT of the upper incisors could detect RR with high diagnostic accuracy in the early stages of orthodontic treatment, especially in patients with dental trauma or familial RR history.
Quantification of Moisture in Masonry via AI-Evaluated Broadband Radar Reflectometry
Authors: Frenzel Daniel , Blaschke Oliver , Franzen Christoph , Brand Felix , Haas Franziska , Troi Alexandra , Drese Klaus Stefan
Published: June 2023

Humidity, salt content, and migration in building materials lead to weathering and are a common challenge. To understand damage phenomena and select the right conservation treatments, knowledge on both the amount and distribution of moisture and salt load in the masonry is crucial. It was shown that commercial portable devices addressing moisture are often limited by the mutual interference of these values. This can be improved by exploiting broadband radar reflectometry for the quantification of humidity in historic masonry. Due to the above-mentioned limitations, today’s gold standard for evaluating the moisture content in historic buildings is still conducted by taking drilling samples with a subsequent evaluation in a specially designed laboratory, the so-called Darr method. In this paper, a new broadband frequency approach in the range between 0.4 and 6 GHz with improved artificial-intelligence data analysis makes sure to optimize the reflected signal, simplify the evaluation of the generated data, and minimise the effects of variables such as salt contamination that influence the permittivity. In this way, the amount of water could be determined independently from the salt content in the material and an estimate of the salt load. With new machine learning algorithms, the analysis of the permittivity is improved and can be made accessible for everyday use on building sites with minimal intervention by the user. These algorithms were trained with generated data from different drying studies on single building bricks from the masonries. The findings from the laboratory studies were then validated and evaluated on real historic buildings at real construction sites. Thus, the paper shows a spatially resolved and salt-independent measurement system for determining building moisture.
Cardiometabolic Risk Markers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youths: A Systematic Review of Data Quality and Population Prevalence
Authors: O’Bryan Eamon , McKay Christopher D. , Eades Sandra , Gubhaju Lina , Pearson Odette , Kerr Jessica A. , Brown Alex , Azzopardi Peter S.
Published: June 2023

Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus are leading contributors to the health inequity experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their antecedents can be identified from early childhood. We aimed to establish the quality of available data and the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk markers among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youths (0–24-year-olds) to inform public health approaches. A systematic review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted between 1 January 2000–28 February 2021. Included studies reported population prevalence of cardiometabolic risks, including elevated blood pressure, obesity, central adiposity, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and ‘metabolic syndrome’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 0–24 years. Fifteen studies provided population estimates. Data quality was limited by low response rates (10/15 studies) and suboptimal outcome measurements. Obesity is the most reported risk (13/15 studies). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have an excess risk of obesity from early childhood and prevalence increases with age: 32.1% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 18–24-year-olds had obesity and 50.8% had central adiposity. In a cohort of 486 9–14-year-olds in Darwin, 70% had ≥1 component of metabolic syndrome; 14% met the full criteria for the syndrome. The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people is difficult to estimate due to limitations in measurement quality and sampling representativeness. Available data suggest that cardiometabolic risk markers are evident from early childhood. The establishment of national and state-level datasets and a core outcome set for cardiometabolic screening would provide opportunities for preventative action.
Plasma Small Extracellular Vesicle Cardiac miRNA Expression in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure, Randomized to Percutaneous Intramyocardial Treatment of Adipose Derived Stem Cells or Placebo: Subanalysis of the SCIENCE Study
Authors: Traxler Denise , Dannenberg Varius , Zlabinger Katrin , Gugerell Alfred , Mester-Tonczar Julia , Lukovic Dominika , Spannbauer Andreas , Hasimbegovic Ena , Kastrup Jens , Gyöngyösi Mariann
Published: June 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo are an important component of cell-to-cell communication in cardiac disease. Allogeneic adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are thought to be a potential approach for cardiac regenerative therapy in ischemic heart disease. The SCIENCE study investigated the effect of ADSCs administered via intramyocardial injection on cardiac function in patients with ischemic heart disease. The aim of this substudy, based on samples from 15 patients, was to explore small EV miRNA dynamics after treatment with ADSCs compared to a placebo. Small EVs were isolated at several timepoints after the percutaneous intramyocardial application of ADSCs. No significant effect of ADSC treatment on small EV concentration was detected. After 12 months, the expression of miR-126 decreased significantly in ADSC patients, but not in the placebo-treated group. However, all cardiac miRNAs correlated with plasma cardiac biomarkers. In line with the overall negative results of the SCIENCE study, with the exception of one miR, we did not detect any significant regulation of small EV miRNAs in this patient collective.
Advances on the Study of Diurnal Flower-Opening Times of Rice
Authors: Wang Mumei , Chen Minghao , Huang Zhen , Zhou Hai , Liu Zhenlan
Published: June 2023

The principal goal of rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding is to increase the yield. In the past, hybrid rice was mainly indica intra-subspecies hybrids, but its yield has been difficult to improve. The hybridization between the indica and japonica subspecies has stronger heterosis; the utilization of inter-subspecies heterosis is important for long-term improvement of rice yields. However, the different diurnal flower-opening times (DFOTs) between the indica and japonica subspecies seriously reduce the efficiency of cross-pollination and yield and increase the cost of indica–japonica hybrid rice seeds, which has become one of the main constraints for the development of indica–japonica hybrid rice breeding. The DFOT of plants is adapted to their growing environment and is also closely related to species stability and evolution. Herein, we review the structure and physiological basis of rice flower opening, the factors that affect DFOT, and the progress of cloning and characterization of DFOT genes in rice. We also analyze the problems in the study of DFOT and provide corresponding suggestions.
Efficacy of Carotenoid-Loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles in Reducing Plasma Cytokines and Adipocyte Hypertrophy in Wistar Rats
Authors: Queiroz Jaluza Luana C. de , Medeiros Isaiane , Lima Mayara S. R. , Carvalho Fabiana Maria C. de , Camillo Christina S. , Santos Pedro Paulo de A. , Guerra Gerlane C. B. , da Silva Valéria C. , Schroeder Helena T. , Krause Mauricio , Morais Ana Heloneida de A. , Passos Thaís S.
Published: June 2023

The present study investigated the effect of gelatin-based nanoparticles (EPG) loaded with a carotenoid-rich crude extract (CE) on systemic and adipose tissue inflammatory response in a model with inflammation induced by a high glycemic index and high glycemic load diet (HGLI). Nanoparticles synthesized were characterized by different physical and chemical methods. The in vivo investigation evaluated Wistar rats (n = 20, 11 days, adult male with 21 weeks) subdivided into untreated (HGLI diet), conventional treatment (nutritionally adequate diet), treatment 1 (HGLI + crude extract (12.5 mg/kg)), and treatment 2 (HGLI + EPG (50 mg/kg)) groups. Dietary intake, caloric intake and efficiency, weight, inflammatory cytokines tissue concentration, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) weight, histopathological analysis, and antioxidant activity in plasma and VAT were investigated. EPG showed the same physical and chemical characteristics as previous batches (95.2 nm, smooth surface, and chemical interactions between materials). The EPG-treated group was the only group promoting negative ∆dietary intake, ∆caloric efficiency, and ∆weight. In addition, it presented a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in IL-6 and leptin levels and a greater presence of multilocular adipocytes. The results suggest that EPG can act as a nutraceutical in adjuvant therapy for treating inflammatory diseases associated with adipose tissue accumulation.
Clinical and Molecular Aspects of C2orf71/PCARE in Retinal Diseases
Authors: Zufiaurre-Seijo Maddalen , García-Arumí José , Duarri Anna
Published: June 2023

Mutations in the photoreceptor-specific C2orf71 gene (also known as photoreceptor cilium actin regulator protein PCARE) cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa type 54 and cone-rod dystrophy. No treatments are available for patients with C2orf71 retinal ciliopathies exhibiting a severe clinical phenotype. Our understanding of the disease process and the role of PCARE in the healthy retina significantly limits our capacity to transfer recent technical developments into viable therapy choices. This study summarizes the current understanding of C2orf71-related retinal diseases, including their clinical manifestations and an unclear genotype-phenotype correlation. It discusses molecular and functional studies on the photoreceptor-specific ciliary PCARE, focusing on the photoreceptor cell and its ciliary axoneme. It is proposed that PCARE is an actin-associated protein that interacts with WASF3 to regulate the actin-driven expansion of the ciliary membrane during the development of a new outer segment disk in photoreceptor cells. This review also introduces various cellular and animal models used to model these diseases and provides an overview of potential treatments.
Plasma Metabolomic Profiling after Feeding Dried Distiller’s Grains with Solubles in Different Cattle Breeds
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Zhang Tiantian , Xu Duhan , Zhu Mingming , Luo Xiaofen , Zhang Rong , He Guangxia , Chen Ze , Mei Shihui , Zhou Bijun , Wang Kaigong , Zhu Erpeng , Cheng Zhentao , Chen Chao
Published: June 2023

Dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) are rich in nutrients and can enhance animals’ growth and immunity. However, there are few reports on the effects of a diet of DDGS on plasma metabolism and the related action pathways in domestic animals. In this study, groups of Guanling yellow cattle (GY) and Guanling crossbred cattle (GC) having a basal diet served as the control groups (GY-CG and GC-CG), and DDGS replacing 25% of the diet of GY and GC served as the replacement groups (GY-RG and GC-RG), with three cattle in each group. Plasma samples were prepared for metabolomic analysis. Based on multivariate statistical and univariate analyses, differential metabolites and metabolic pathways were explored. Twenty-nine significantly different metabolites (p < 0.05) were screened in GY-RG compared with those in GY-CG and were found to be enriched in the metabolic pathways, including choline metabolism in cancer, linolenic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Nine metabolites showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between GC-RG and GC-CG and were mainly distributed in the metabolic pathways of choline metabolism in cancer, glycerophospholipid metabolism, prostate cancer metabolism, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. These results suggest that a DDGS diet may promote healthy growth and development of experimental cattle by modulating these metabolic pathways. Our findings not only shed light on the nutritional effects of the DDGS diet and its underlying mechanisms related to metabolism but also provide scientific reference for the feed utilization of DDGS.
Hematopoiesis and Mast Cell Development
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , d’Amati Antonio
Published: June 2023

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are defined based on their capacity to replenish themselves (self-renewal) and give rise to all mature hematopoietic cell types (multi-lineage differentiation) over their lifetime. HSCs are mainly distributed in the bone marrow during adult life, harboring HSC populations and a hierarchy of different kinds of cells contributing to the “niche” that supports HSC regulation, myelopoiesis, and lymphopoiesis. In addition, HSC-like progenitors, innate immune cell precursors such as macrophages, mast cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, and megakaryocytes and erythrocyte progenitor cells are connected by a series of complex ontogenic relationships. The first source of mast cells is the extraembryonic yolk sac, on embryonic day 7. Mast cell progenitors circulate and enter peripheral tissues where they complete their differentiation. Embryonic mast cell populations are gradually replaced by definitive stem cell-derived progenitor cells. Thereafter, mast cells originate from the bone marrow, developing from the hematopoietic stem cells via multipotent progenitors, common myeloid progenitors, and granulocyte/monocyte progenitors. In this review article, we summarize the knowledge on mast cell sources, particularly focusing on the complex and multifaceted mechanisms intervening between the hematopoietic process and the development of mast cells.
Pathophysiology of Lysosomes in a Nutshell
Authors: Isidoro Ciro
Published: June 2023

Lysosomes are acidic organelles present in all nucleated mammalian cells [...]
Integrating Microbiome Analysis, Metabolomics, Bioinformatics, and Histopathology to Elucidate the Protective Effects of Pomegranate Juice against Benzo-alpha-pyrene-Induced Colon Pathologies
Authors: Attia Heba , ElBanna Shahira A. , Khattab Rania A. , Farag Mohamed A. , Yassin Aymen S. , Aziz Ramy K.
Published: June 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), are common dietary pollutants with potential carcinogenic activity, while polyphenols are potential chemopreventive antioxidants. Although several health benefits are attributed to polyphenol-rich pomegranate, little is known about its interaction with BaP. This study integrates histochemical, microbiomic, and metabolomic approaches to investigate the protective effects of pomegranate juice from BaP-induced pathologies. To this end, 48 Sprague–Dawley rats received, for four weeks, either pomegranate, BaP, both, or neither (n = 12 rats per group). Whereas histochemical examination of the colon indicated tissue damage marked by mucin depletion in BaP-fed animals, which was partially restored by administration of pomegranate juice, the fecal microbiome and metabolome retained their resilience, except for key changes related to pomegranate and BaP biotransformation. Meanwhile, dramatic microbiome restructuring and metabolome shift were observed as a consequence of the elapsed time (age factor). Additionally, the analysis allowed a thorough examination of fecal microbiome–metabolome associations, which delineated six microbiome clusters (marked by a differential abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Prevotellaceae, Rumincococcaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae) and two major metabolome clusters (a sugar- and amino-acids-dominated metabotype vs. a cluster of fatty acids and hydrocarbons), with sugar alcohols maintaining a unique signature. In conclusion, using paired comparisons to minimize inter-individual animal variations allowed the dissection of temporal vs. treatment-derived variations. Microbiome–metabolome association clusters may be further exploited for metabotype prediction and gut-health biomarker discovery.
Ablative Management of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (PeAF) with Posterior Wall Isolation (PWI): Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Baqal Omar , El Masry Hicham Z.
Published: June 2023

Atrial fibrillation is a diverse clinical entity, with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) being particularly challenging to manage. Through this paper, we discuss notable developments in our understanding of ablative strategies for managing PeAF, with a special focus on posterior wall isolation (PWI).
Human Activity Recognition Using Cascaded Dual Attention CNN and Bi-Directional GRU Framework
Authors: Ullah Hayat , Munir Arslan
Published: June 2023

Vision-based human activity recognition (HAR) has emerged as one of the essential research areas in video analytics. Over the last decade, numerous advanced deep learning algorithms have been introduced to recognize complex human actions from video streams. These deep learning algorithms have shown impressive performance for the video analytics task. However, these newly introduced methods either exclusively focus on model performance or the effectiveness of these models in terms of computational efficiency, resulting in a biased trade-off between robustness and computational efficiency in their proposed methods to deal with challenging HAR problem. To enhance both the accuracy and computational efficiency, this paper presents a computationally efficient yet generic spatial–temporal cascaded framework that exploits the deep discriminative spatial and temporal features for HAR. For efficient representation of human actions, we propose an efficient dual attentional convolutional neural network (DA-CNN) architecture that leverages a unified channel–spatial attention mechanism to extract human-centric salient features in video frames. The dual channel–spatial attention layers together with the convolutional layers learn to be more selective in the spatial receptive fields having objects within the feature maps. The extracted discriminative salient features are then forwarded to a stacked bi-directional gated recurrent unit (Bi-GRU) for long-term temporal modeling and recognition of human actions using both forward and backward pass gradient learning. Extensive experiments are conducted on three publicly available human action datasets, where the obtained results verify the effectiveness of our proposed framework (DA-CNN+Bi-GRU) over the state-of-the-art methods in terms of model accuracy and inference runtime across each dataset. Experimental results show that the DA-CNN+Bi-GRU framework attains an improvement in execution time up to 167× in terms of frames per second as compared to most of the contemporary action-recognition methods.
ABiLSTM Based Prediction Model for AUV Trajectory
Authors: Liu Jianzeng , Zhang Jing , Billah Mohammad Masum , Zhang Tianchi
Published: June 2023

On 25 July 2021, the AUV of the Marine Science and Technology Research Center was lost under the sea due to a fracture of the wire rope when it was performing a mission offshore of China. A model is presented in the paper for predicting the trajectory of a lost AUV based on ABiLSTM. To increase the precision of model prediction, the model incorporates the soft attention mechanism and is based on the bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network. In comparison to LSTM, BiLSTM, and attention-LSTM models, experiments have demonstrated that the proposed model enhanced prediction accuracy in terms of longitude, latitude, and altitude by 0.009° E, 0.008° N, and 2 m using representative root mean squared error as an assessment indicator. The findings of the study can improve marine rescue efforts and aid in the search and recovery of AUVs that have crashed.
Secondary Metabolites from the Cultures of Medicinal Mushroom Vanderbylia robiniophila and Their Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Jia Jinghui , Wang Qi , Wei Yulian , Yuan Haisheng
Published: June 2023

Vanderbylia robiniophila (Huaier in Chinese) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in China for over 1600 years. However, the secondary metabolites of V. robiniophila have not been systematically examined. Corresponding chemical investigation in this study led to the discovery of two new compounds, (22E, 24R)-6β, 7α-dimethoxyergosta-8(14), 22-diene-3β, 5α-diol (1) and vanderbyliolide A (8), along with eight known ones (2–7, 9–10). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated, and compound 10 showed a potential tyrosinase inhibitory effect with an IC50 value of 60.47 ± 2.63 μM. Kinetic studies of the inhibition reactions suggested that 10 provides the inhibitory ability on tyrosinase in an uncompetitive way.
Understanding Motivations for Plural Identity on Facebook among Nigerian Users: A Uses and Gratification Perspective for Engaging on Social Network Sites (SNS)
Authors: Abdullah Tawfiq Ola , Hale Brent J. , Lasisi Mutiu Iyanda
Published: June 2023

In the context of the increasing proliferation of users on social networking sites (SNS) and the ensuing debate on their benefits and drawbacks, this study examines the interconnection between human behaviors and identity formation on Facebook. We leveraged the concept of plural identity, seeking to identify relationships between online social behaviors and plural identity tendencies. We conceptualize plural identity as a construct spanning the personal and social dimensions of identity, and use these as the core starting points for studying plural identity. Accordingly, the relationships between social-communicative and personal-communicative behaviors involving plural identity on Facebook were investigated. A survey administered to Nigerian Facebook users (N = 429) revealed that social-communicative behaviors (i.e., social support and social interaction) exhibited strong relationships with plural identity on Facebook; similarly, personal-communicative variables (i.e., presentation of the extended self and self-expression) were strongly related to plural identity. This study highlights the role of SNS in satisfying peoples’ social and communication needs, which are interwoven with identity formation.
Lexical Translanguaging in Textbook Preparation for Education in the Gamo Language of Ethiopia
Authors: Gelagay Almaz Wasse
Published: June 2023

As a country where more than 85 languages are spoken, Ethiopia framed, in its Education and Training Policy of 1994, which was revised in 2021, the right to use mother tongue in primary education. Following this, around 33 languages are implemented in schools as a Medium of Instruction (MoI). Gamo is one of the languages used as a MoI in primary education and taught as a subject up to high school. This functional expansion of Gamo into Education required textbook preparation, and accordingly, textbooks for different subjects, including Gamo as a language subject, were published. One major feature of the Gamo textbooks is availability of Amharic and English words, and this research aims to apply translanguaging, which is the discursive language practices of bilingual speakers to describe the practice of using words from different languages in the textbooks. Lexical data were collected from five textbooks written in Gamo and interviews were held with students and teachers to find out information about the process of textbook writing and translanguaging. The strategies identified in the textbooks include alternative translanguaging, borrowing, lexical inventions and bilingual compounds. These strategies were used to address education in the Gamo language and to communicate meaning effectively. Writers used their Amharic and English repertoire to represent meaning when a word for a concept is not available in Gamo. In other instances, alternative words were provided as a means of enhancing meaning clarity.
Optimal Fault-Tolerant Resolving Set of Power Paths
Authors: Saha Laxman , Lama Rupen , Das Bapan , Adhikari Avishek , Das Kinkar Chandra
Published: June 2023

In a simple connected undirected graph G, an ordered set R of vertices is called a resolving set if for every pair of distinct vertices u and v, there is a vertex w∈R such that d(u,w)≠d(v,w). A resolving set F for the graph G is a fault-tolerant resolving set if for each v∈F, F∖{v} is also a resolving set for G. In this article, we determine an optimal fault-resolving set of r-th power of any path Pn when n≥r(r−1)+2. For the other values of n, we give bounds for the size of an optimal fault-resolving set. We have also presented an algorithm to construct a fault-tolerant resolving set of Pmr from a fault-tolerant resolving set of Pnr where m<n.
Numerical Method for Geometrical Feature Extraction and Identification of Patient-Specific Aorta Models in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Kuchumov Alex G. , Doroshenko Olga V. , Golub Mikhail V. , Saychenko Nikita D. , Rakisheva Irina O. , Shekhmametyev Roman M.
Published: June 2023

An algorithm providing information on the key geometric features of an aorta extracted from multi-slice computed tomography images is proposed. Using the numerical method, the aorta’s geometric characteristics, such as vessel cross-sectional areas and diameters, as well as distances between arteries, can be determined. This step is crucial for training the meta-model necessary to construct an expert system with a significantly reduced volume of data and for identifying key relationships between diagnoses and geometric and hydrodynamic features. This methodology is expected to be part of an innovative decision-making software product for clinical implementation. Based on clinical and anamnestic data as well as calculations, the software will provide the shunt parameters (in particular, its diameter) and installation position to ensure regular blood flow.
Monitoring the Coagulation Profile of COVID-19 Patients Using Standard and ClotPro® Hemostasis Tests
Authors: Milić Dragan , Lazarević Milan , Vuković Natalija , Kamenov Aleksandar , Perić Velimir , Golubović Mlađan , Stošić Marija , Spasić Dimitrije , Stojiljković Vladimir , Stokanović Dragana
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: Coagulation disorders during COVID-19 infection are associated with a poorer prognosis and higher disease severity because thrombosis and inflammation are two processes that interfere with each other. A very important issue for clinicians is timely and adequate hemostasis and inflammation monitoring to prevent and treat potentially lethal consequences. The aim of this study was to identify specific hemostatic parameters that are associated with a higher risk of intrahospital mortality. Materials and Methods: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Clinical Center Nis in Serbia. One hundred and forty-two patients presented with COVID-19 ARDS and were admitted to the ICU in the Clinic for Anesthesiology at the Clinical Center Nis from 14 April 2020 to 25 May 2020. Upon admission, blood was collected for biochemical and coagulation testing. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v. 25, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Among all the parameters assessed, older age; increased levels of fibrinogen, INR, D-dimer, and presepsin; and higher results in the platelet aggregation tests (aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate based on the ADP test (AU/min), aggregation induced by arachidonic acid based on the ASPI test (AU/min), and aggregation induced by thrombin based on the TRAP test (AU/min)) and some assays of the viscoelastic test (clot amplitude after 5 min in the extrinsic coagulation pathway based on the A5 EX-test (mm), clot amplitude after 10 min in the extrinsic coagulation pathway based on the A10 EX-test (mm), clot amplitude after 5 min regarding functional fibrinogen based on the A5 FIB-test (mm), clot amplitude after 10 min regarding functional fibrinogen based on the A10 FIB-test (mm), and maximum clot firmness based on the MCF FIB-test (mm)); and lower values of viscoelastic clotting time in the extrinsic coagulation pathway based on the CT EX-test (s) were significantly correlated with mortality. In the multivariate analysis, D-dimer levels above 860 ng/mL, higher TRAP test value bins, and values above the normal reference range of the A10 FIB test were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Sophisticated hemostasis parameters can contribute to early risk assessment, which has initially been performed only on the basis of patients’ clinical status. Hypercoagulability is the main coagulation disorder in COVID-19 infection.
Multi-Layered Bipolar Ionic Diode Working in Broad Range Ion Concentration
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Wang Cong , Park Jungyul
Published: June 2023

Ion current rectification (ICR) is the ratio of ion current by forward bias to backward bias and is a critical indicator of diode performance. In previous studies, there have been many attempts to improve the performance of this ICR, but there is the intrinsic problem for geometric changes that induce ionic rectification due to fabrication problems. Additionally, the high ICR could be achieved in the narrow salt concentration range only. Here, we propose a multi-layered bipolar ionic diode based on an asymmetric nanochannel network membrane (NCNM), which is realized by soft lithography and self-assembly of homogenous-sized nanoparticles. Owing to the freely changeable geometry based on soft lithography, the ICR performance can be explored according to the variation of microchannel shape. The presented diode with multi-layered configuration shows strong ICR performance, and in a broad range of salt concentrations (0.1 mM~100 mM), steady ICR performance. It is interesting to note that when each anion-selective (AS) and cation-selective (CS) NCNM volume was similar to each optimized volume in a single-layered device, the maximum ICR was obtained. Multi-physics simulation, which reveals greater ionic concentration at the bipolar diode junction under forward bias and less depletion under backward in comparison to the single-layer scenario, supports this tendency as well. Additionally, under different frequencies and salt concentrations, a large-area hysteresis loop emerges, which indicates fascinating potential for electroosmotic pumps, memristors, biosensors, etc.
Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy of Mullite Ceramics Synthesized from Fly Ash and Kaolin
Authors: Ritz Michal
Published: June 2023

Infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize mullite ceramics prepared from fly ash and kaolin by annealing at 1000 °C, 1100 °C, 1200 °C, and 1300 °C. IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of SiO4 tetrahedra and AlO6 octahedra in samples. The presence of mullite has been confirmed at all temperatures. The presence of quartz has been confirmed up to a temperature of 1100 °C, and the presence of an amorphous form of SiO2 has been confirmed at temperatures of 1200 °C and 1300 °C. The transformation of quartz into the amorphous form of SiO2 at temperatures above 1100 °C is assumed. Transformation was performed on the percentage intensity decrease of the bending vibration of Si-O-Si (at about 450 cm−1) and Al-O-Si (at about 550 cm−1). Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of mullite at different stages of structural ordering (a well-ordered structure at a temperature of 1100 °C and a disordered structure at a temperature of 1300 °C).
Measurement and Correlation of Solubility of Thiamine Nitrate in Three Binary Solvents and Thermodynamic Properties for the Solutions in Different Binary Mixtures at (278.15–313.15) K
Authors: Li Xinda , Wang Zhengjiang , Wang Jing , Lu Jiaqi , Mao Jin , Han Dandan , Li Kangli
Published: June 2023

The solubility of thiamine nitrate in {(methanol, acetone, isopropanol) + water} solvents will provide essential support for crystallization design and further theoretical studies. In this study, the solubility was experimentally measured over temperatures ranging from 278.15 to 313.15 K under atmospheric pressure using a dynamic method. The solubility increased with increasing temperature at a constant solvent composition. The dissolving capacity of thiamine nitrate in the three binary solvent mixtures at constant temperature in the low ratio of water ranked as water + methanol > water + acetone > water + isopropanol generally. Interestingly, in the high ratio of water systems, especially when the molar concentration of water was greater than 0.6, the dissolving capacity ranked as water + acetone > water + methanol > water + isopropanol. Additionally, the modified Apelblat equation, λh equation, van’t Hoff equation and NRTL model were used to correlate the solubility data in binary mixtures. It turned out that all the selected thermodynamic models could give satisfactory results. Furthermore, the thermodynamic properties of the dissolution process of thiamine nitrate were also calculated based on the modified van’t Hoff equation. The results indicate that the dissolution process of the thiamine nitrate in the selected solvents is all endothermic.
Macronutrient Intake, Sleep Quality, Anxiety, Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and Emotional Eating among Female Health Science Undergraduate Students
Authors: Díaz Germán , Hernández Sonsoles , Crespo Almudena , Renghea Alina , Yébenes Hugo , Iglesias-López María Teresa
Published: June 2023

Introduction: COVID-19 provoked a myriad of challenges for people’s health, poor life satisfaction and an unhealthy diet that could be associated with serious negative health outcomes and behaviours. University is a stressful environment that is associated with unhealthy changes in the eating behaviours of students. The association between diet and mental health is complex and bidirectional, depending on the motivation to eat; emotional eaters regulate their emotions through the increased consumption of comfort foods. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional habits, alcohol consumption, anxiety and sleep quality of female health science college students. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study of 191 female undergraduate students in Madrid was used. Their body mass index and waist hip ratio were measured. The questionnaires used included the Mediterranean Diet Adherence test, AUDIT, Emotional Eater Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Food Addiction, Perceived Stress Scale and STAI questionnaires. Results: We observed a high intake of protein, fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Overall, 9.5% never had breakfast, and 66.5% consciously reduced their food intake. According to Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, they mainly slept 6–7 h, and 82% presented with a poor sleep quality; 13.5% presented moderate–high food addiction, and 35% had moderate Mediterranean Diet Adherence score. Conclusion: Female students’ macronutrient imbalances were noted, with a high-level protein and fat intake diet and a low proportion of carbohydrates and fibre. A high proportion of them need alcohol education and, depending on the social context, they mainly drank beer and spirits.
Combination of Chemically Characterized Pomegranate Extract and Hydrophilic Vitamins against Prolonged Fatigue: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ullah Hammad , Sommella Eduardo , Minno Alessandro Di , Piccinocchi Roberto , Buccato Daniele Giuseppe , Lellis Lorenza Francesca De , Riccioni Costanza , Baldi Alessandra , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Piccinocchi Gaetano , Campiglia Pietro , Sacchi Roberto , Daglia Maria
Published: June 2023

Prolonged fatigue is associated with non-pathological causes and lacks an established therapeutic approach. The current study is aimed at assessing the efficacy of a new food supplement (Improve™) based on a chemically characterized pomegranate extract and hydro-soluble vitamins (B complex and C). UHPLC-HRMS analysis of pomegranate extract showed the presence of 59 compounds, with gallotannins and ellagitannins being the most abundant phytochemicals. For the clinical study, 58 subjects were randomized into two groups, 1 and 2 (n = 29, each), which received either the food supplement or placebo. The effects of the food supplement against fatigue were assessed via validated questionnaires, recorded at time intervals t0 (at baseline), t1 (after 28 days), t2 (56 days), and t3 (after follow-up) in combination with the analysis of biochemical markers at t0 and t2. Fatigue severity scale (FSS) questionnaire scores were significantly decreased at the t2 and t3 time intervals in subjects treated with the food supplements, while the effect of the food supplement on a 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) was not considerable. Moreover, the food supplement did not significantly affect biochemical parameters associated with fatigue and stress conditions. This study shows that the food supplement tested reduces prolonged fatigue following two months of supplementation in healthy subjects with mild prolonged fatigue.
Rutin Promotes Proliferation and Orchestrates Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Angiogenesis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Hajimehdipoor Homa , Tahmasvand Zahra , Nejad Fatemeh Ghorban , Maresca Marc , Rajabi Sadegh
Published: June 2023

Rutin has been reported as a potential anti-cancer agent for several decades. This study evaluated the effects of rutin on the proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Increasing concentrations of rutin significantly stimulated the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells compared to controls. Wound scratch assay demonstrated that rutin had an inducing effect on the migration of the cells. In MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, rutin upregulated MKI67, VIM, CDH2, FN1, and VEGFA and downregulated CDH1 and THBS1 genes. It also increased N-cadherin and VEGFA and decreased E-cadherin and thrombospondin 1 protein expression. Our data indicated that rutin could stimulate proliferation, migration, and pro-angiogenic activity in two different breast cancer cell lines. This phytoestrogen induced invasion and migration of both cell lines by a mechanism involving the EMT process. This suggests that rutin may act as a breast-cancer-promoting phytoestrogen.
The Use of DAO as a Marker for Histamine Intolerance: Measurements and Determinants in a Large Random Population-Based Survey
Authors: van Odijk Jenny , Weisheit Adina , Arvidsson Monica , Miron Nicolae , Nwaru Bright , Ekerljung Linda
Published: June 2023

Histamine intolerance (HIT) is a common adverse reaction to food where elimination and reintroduction of histamine-rich food is part of the investigation. Analysis of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) is sometimes used as an additional tool for diagnosis. This study aimed to describe the distribution of DAO in a large representative cohort of adults and to determine the association between DAO activity and possible associated factors. The study is based on the population-based West Sweden Asthma Study and includes 1051 subjects. Subjects underwent structured interviews including questions on demography, asthma, allergy symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Subjects were assessed for specific-IgE-antibodies and measurement of DAO activity in serum. Previously suggested cut-off levels for low values (<3 U/mL), normal values (>10 U/mL), and median levels of DAO were used. In the group of 1051 subjects, only a few presented reactions upon histamine intake, whereas 44% presented DAO levels below the suggested normal cut-off levels. BMI and age were shown to have an impact on DAO activity among women with increasing activity of DAO with increasing BMI and age. Among men, only increasing age was seen to have an impact on DAO levels. There was no difference in DAO levels with different sensitization status to common foods or airborne allergens. No association between DAO levels and reported symptoms to histamine-rich foods could be found. In conclusion, the determination of the DAO enzyme needs to be re-evaluated and may not be used as a valuable tool for histamine intolerance using current cut-off values. Further studies are needed to improve the use of DAO as a biomarker for histamine intolerance.