bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer-Targeting Applications of Cell-Penetrating Peptides
Authors: Moreno-Vargas Liliana Marisol , Prada-Gracia Diego
Published: December 2024

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) offer a unique and efficient mechanism for delivering therapeutic agents directly into cancer cells. These peptides can traverse cellular membranes, overcoming one of the critical barriers in drug delivery systems. In this review, we explore recent advancements in the application of CPPs for cancer treatment, focusing on mechanisms, delivery strategies, and clinical potential. The review highlights the use of CPP-drug conjugates, CPP-based vaccines, and their role in targeting and inhibiting tumor growth.
Hypoxia Promotes Osteoclast Differentiation by Weakening USP18-Mediated Suppression on the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Xiaoxia , Li Botong , Chai Shengjun , Zhang Rong , Cai Chunmei , Ge Rili
Published: December 2024

Osteoporosis, a prevalent metabolic bone disorder, is characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture risk. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis is closely associated with an imbalance in bone remodeling, in which the resorption function of osteoclasts exceeds the formation function of osteoblasts. Hypoxia has been implicated in the promotion of osteoclast differentiation and the subsequent development of osteoporosis. The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and its regulatory enzymes, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), play a significant role in bone homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the contribution and mechanism of Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18), a DUB, in osteoclast differentiation under hypoxic conditions. BMDMs and RAW264.7 cells were treated with RANKL to induce osteoclastogenesis and were subjected to overexpression or knockdown of USP18 under normoxic or hypoxia conditions. Osteoclast formation was assessed using TRAP staining, and the expression of osteoclast marker genes was determined using qRT-PCR. The activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway was evaluated using immunoblotting. We found that hypoxia significantly enhanced the differentiation of BMDMs and RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts, accompanied by a notable downregulation of USP18 expression. The overexpression of USP18 inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, while the knockdown of USP18 promoted that process, unveiling the inhibitory effect of USP18 in osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, the overexpression of USP18 rescued the hypoxia-induced increase in osteoclast differentiation. Mechanistic insights revealed that USP18 inhibits osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, with a potential target on TAK1 or its upstream molecules. This study indicates that hypoxia promotes osteoclast differentiation through the downregulation of USP18, which, in turn, relieves the suppression of the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The USP18 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis treatment, highlighting the importance of the hypoxia–DUB axis in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Profiling of snoRNAs in Exosomes Secreted from Cells Infected with Influenza A Virus
Authors: Rozek Wojciech , Kwasnik Malgorzata , Socha Wojciech , Czech Bartosz , Rola Jerzy
Published: December 2024

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate many cellular processes. Changes in the profiles of cellular ncRNAs and those secreted in exosomes are observed during viral infection. In our study, we analysed differences in expression profiles of snoRNAs isolated from exosomes of influenza (IAV)-infected and non-infected MDCK cells using high-throughput sequencing. The analysis revealed 133 significantly differentially regulated snoRNAs (131 upregulated and 2 downregulated), including 93 SNORD, 38 SNORA, and 2 SCARNA. The most upregulated was SNORD58 (log2FoldChange = 9.61), while the only downregulated snoRNAs were SNORD3 (log2FC = −2.98) and SNORA74 (log2FC = −2.67). Several snoRNAs previously described as involved in viral infections were upregulated, including SNORD27, SNORD28, SNORD29, SNORD58, and SNORD44. In total, 533 interactors of dysregulated snoRNAs were identified using the RNAinter database with an assigned confidence score ≥ 0.25. The main groups of predicted interactors were transcription factors (TFs, 169 interactors) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs, 130 interactors). Among the most important were pioneer TFs such as POU5F1, SOX2, CEBPB, and MYC, while in the RBP category, notable interactors included Polr2a, TNRC6A, IGF2BP3, and FMRP. Our results suggest that snoRNAs are involved in pro-viral activity, although follow-up studies including experimental validation would be beneficial.
Tracking Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Flux with a pH-Resistant Fluorescent Reporter
Authors: Qi Ruotong , Chen Xingyi , Li Zihan , Wang Zheng , Xiao Zhuohui , Li Xinyue , Han Yuanyuan , Zheng Hongfei , Wu Yanjun , Xu Yi
Published: December 2024

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a selective autophagic pathway responsible for degrading cytoplasmic proteins within lysosomes. Monitoring CMA flux is essential for understanding its functions and molecular mechanisms but remains technically complex and challenging. In this study, we developed a pH-resistant probe, KFERQ-Gamillus, by screening various green fluorescent proteins. This probe is activated under conditions known to induce CMA, such as serum starvation, and relies on LAMP2A and the KFERQ motif for lysosomal localization and degradation, demonstrating its specificity for the CMA pathway. It enables the detection of CMA activity in living cells through both microscopy and image-based flow cytometry. Additionally, we created a dual-reporter system, KFERQ-Gamillus-Halo, by integrating KFERQ-Gamillus with the Halo-tag system. This probe not only distinguishes between protein synthesis and degradation but also facilitates the detection of intracellular CMA flux via immunoblotting and the rapid assessment of CMA activity using flow cytometry. Together, the KFERQ-Gamillus-Halo probe provides quantitative and time-resolved monitoring for CMA activity and flux in living cells. This tool holds promising potential for high-throughput screening and biomedical research related to CMA.
SgR1, Encoding a Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing Receptor-like Protein, Is a Major Aphid (Schizaphis graminum) Resistance Gene in Sorghum
Authors: Zhang Hengyou , Yan Liuling , Huang Yinghua
Published: December 2024

Greenbug, Schizaphis graminum, is one of the important cereal aphid pests of sorghum in the United States and other parts of the world. Sorghum bicolor variety PI 607900 carries the Schizaphis graminum resistance (SgR1) gene that underlies plant resistance to greenbug biotype I (GBI). Now, the SgR1 has been determined as the major gene conferring greenbug resistance based on the strong association of its presence with the resistance phenotype in sorghum. In this study, we have successfully isolated the SgR1 gene using a map-based cloning approach, and subsequent molecular characterization revealed it encodes a leucine-rich repeat containing receptor-like protein (LRR-RLP). According to DNA sequence analysis, the SgR1 gene are conserved among GBI-resistance sorghum accessions but are variable within susceptible lines. Furthermore, an InDel (−965 nt) at its promoter region and a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, 592 nt) in the CDS of the SgR1 were detected and they are well conserved within resistant genotypes. When the SgR1 gene was cloned and transferred into Arabidopsis plants, the SgR1 was activated in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants in response to attack by green peach aphids according to the results of the histochemical assay, and GUS activity was detected in situ in spots around the vasculature of the leaf where the phloem is located, suggesting its biological function in those transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Overall, this study confirms that the SgR1 gene coding for an LRR-RLP is the major resistance gene to greenbug, a destructive pest in sorghum and wheat. This represents the first greenbug resistance gene cloned so far and indicates that the simple-inherited GBI resistance gene can be used for sorghum improvement with genetic resistance to GBI via molecular breeding or cross-based conventional breeding technologies.
Regulatory Roles of Noncanonical Inflammasomes in Inflammatory Lung Diseases
Authors: Yi Young-Su
Published: December 2024

The inflammatory response consists of two stages: priming and triggering. The triggering stage is marked by the activation of inflammasomes, which are cytosolic protein complexes acting as platforms for inflammation. Inflammasomes are divided into canonical and noncanonical categories. Inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), inflammatory lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis arise from lung inflammation and damage. While the role of canonical inflammasomes in these diseases is well demonstrated, recent findings emphasize the critical roles of noncanonical inflammasomes in regulating inflammation and various inflammatory conditions. Particularly, new studies highlight their involvement in inflammatory lung diseases. This review delves into recent research on the regulatory roles of noncanonical inflammasomes, such as human caspase-4 and murine caspase-11, in lung inflammation and the development of inflammatory lung diseases, as well as the potential for targeting these inflammasomes for new treatments.
4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside Reduces Cyclophosphamide Effects and Induces Endothelial Inflammation in Murine Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Mierzejewska Paulina , Denslow Agnieszka , Papiernik Diana , Zabrocka Alicja , Kutryb-Zając Barbara , Charkiewicz Karol , Braczko Alicja , Smoleński Ryszard T. , Wietrzyk Joanna , Słomińska Ewa M.
Published: December 2024

4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) is a nicotinamide derivative, considered a new oncometabolite. 4PYR formation induced a cytotoxic effect on the endothelium. Elevated blood 4PYR concentration was observed in patients with cancer. Still, little is known about the metabolic and functional effects of 4PYR in this pathology. The study aimed to investigate whether this toxic accumulation of 4PYR may affect the activity of anticancer therapy with cyclophosphamide in the orthotropic model of breast cancer. Female Balb/c mice were injected with 4T1 breast cancer cells and assigned into three groups: treated with PBS (Control), cyclophosphamide-treated (+CP), 4PYR-treated (+4PYR), and mice treated with both 4PYR and CP(+4PYR+CP) for 28 days. Afterward, blood and serum samples, liver, muscle, spleen, heart, lungs, aortas, and tumor tissue were collected for analysis of concentrations of nucleotides, nicotinamide metabolites, and 4PYR with its metabolites, as well as the liver level of cytochrome P450 enzymes. 4PYR treatment caused elevation of blood 4PYR, its monophosphate and a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) analog—4PYRAD. Blood 4PYRAD concentration in the +4PYR+CP was reduced in comparison to +4PYR. Tumor growth and final tumor mass were significantly decreased in +CP and did not differ in +4PYR in comparison to Control. However, we observed a substantial increase in these parameters in +4PYR+CP as compared to +CP. The extracellular adenosine deamination rate was measured to assess vascular inflammation, and it was higher in +4PYR than the Control. Treatment with 4PYR and CP caused the highest vascular ATP hydrolysis and adenosine deamination rate. 4PYR administration caused significant elevation of CYP2C9 and reduction in CYP3A4 liver concentrations in both +4PYR and +4PYR+CP as compared to Control and +CP. In additional experiments, we compared healthy mice without cancer, treated with 4PYR (4PYR w/o cancer) and PBS (Control w/o cancer), where 4PYR treatment caused an increase in the serum proinflammatory cytokine expression as compared to Control w/o cancer. 4PYR accumulation in the blood interferes with cyclophosphamide anticancer activity and induces a pro-inflammatory shift of endothelial extracellular enzymes, probably by affecting its metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes. This observation may have crucial implications for the activity of various anticancer drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450.
An Overview of Zika Virus and Zika Virus Induced Neuropathies
Authors: Wahaab Abdul , Mustafa Bahar E , Hameed Muddassar , Batool Hira , Tran Nguyen Minh Hieu , Tawaab Abdul , Shoaib Anam , Wei Jianchao , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: December 2024

Flaviviruses pose a major public health concern across the globe. Among them, Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging and reemerging arthropod-borne flavivirus that has become a major international public health problem following multiple large outbreaks over the past two decades. The majority of infections caused by ZIKV exhibit mild symptoms. However, the virus has been found to be associated with a variety of congenital neural abnormalities, including microcephaly in children and Guillain–Barre syndrome in adults. The exact prediction of the potential of ZIKV transmission is still enigmatic and underlines the significance of routine detection of the virus in suspected areas. ZIKV transmission from mother to fetus (including fetal abnormalities), viral presence in immune-privileged areas, and sexual transmission demonstrate the challenges in understanding the factors governing viral persistence and pathogenesis. This review illustrates the transmission patterns, epidemiology, control strategies (through vaccines, antivirals, and vectors), oncolytic aspects, molecular insights into neuro-immunopathogenesis, and other neuropathies caused by ZIKV. Additionally, we summarize in vivo and in vitro models that could provide an important platform to study ZIKV pathogenesis and the underlying governing cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Single Disulfide Bond in Host Defense Thanatin Analog Peptides: Antimicrobial Activity, Atomic-Resolution Structures and Target Interactions
Authors: Abdullah Swaleeha Jaan , Guan Jia Sheng , Mu Yuguang , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: December 2024

Host defense antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising lead molecules with which to develop antibiotics against drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Thanatin, an inducible antimicrobial peptide involved in the host defense of Podisus maculiventris insects, is gaining considerable attention in the generation of novel classes of antibiotics. Thanatin or thanatin-based analog peptides are extremely potent in killing bacterial pathogens in the Enterobacteriaceae family, including drug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A single disulfide bond that covalently links two anti-parallel β-strands in thanatin could be pivotal to its selective antibacterial activity and mode of action. However, potential correlations of the disulfide covalent bond with structure, activity and target binding in thanatin peptides are currently unclear to. Here, we examined a 16-residue designed thanatin peptide, namely disulfide-bonded VF16QK, and its Cys to Ser substituted variant, VF16QKSer, to delineate their structure–activity relationships. Bacterial growth inhibitory activity was only detected for the disulfide-bonded VF16QK peptide. Mechanistically, both peptides vastly differ in their bacterial cell permeabilizations, atomic-resolution structures, interactions with the LPS-outer membrane and target periplasmic protein LptAm binding. In particular, analysis of the 3-D structures of the two peptides revealed an altered folded conformation for the VF16QKSer peptide that was correlated with diminished LPS-outer membrane permeabilization and target interactions. Analysis of docked complexes of LPS–thanatin peptides indicated potential structural requirements and conformational adaptation for antimicrobial activity. Collectively, these observations contrast with those for the disulfide-bonded β-hairpin antimicrobial protegrin and tachyplesin peptides, where disulfide bonds are dispensable for activity. We surmise that the atomistic structures and associated molecular interactions presented in this work can be utilized to design novel thanatin-based antibiotics.
Temperature-Related Bioclimatic Variables Play a Greater Role in the Spatial Distribution of Bumblebee Species in Northern Pakistan
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Rani Arzoo , Lyu Weiyao , Zhao Huaibo , Riasat Maryam , Abbas Saail , Hussain Sabir , Bashir Nawaz Haider , Li Qiang , Chen Huanhuan
Published: December 2024

Bumblebee species are vital wild pollinators, providing essential pollination services for various crops, fruits, and vegetables. However, their biodiversity is vulnerable to decline due to climate change, particularly in regions like northern Pakistan. Despite this, no research has yet been conducted on the distribution patterns of bumblebee species in this region. The current study aimed to model the spatial distribution of three important bumblebee species: Bombus haemorrhoidalis, B. rufofasciatus, and B. subtypicus in northern Pakistan. Habitat suitability and the contribution of bioclimatic variables to the spatial distribution of species were assessed using the MaxEnt approach. Current and future bioclimatic variables, along with presence-only records of three bumblebee species, were incorporated into the species distribution model. The results indicated that nearly 96% of the area (43 out of 45 cities in northern Pakistan) showed habitat suitability for all three species in the current scenario. Among these 43 cities, five exhibited a 100% overlap in suitable areas for the three species. However, this overlap area is expected to decrease in the future, particularly by the middle of the 21st century, highlighting these regions as prime candidates for conservation. In terms of bioclimatic factors influencing spatial distribution, the study found that temperature-related variables played a more significant role than precipitation-related ones in current and future scenarios. Specifically, bio3 (isothermality) contributed 48% to B. haemorrhoidalis and 43% to B. rufofasciatus, while bio2 (mean diurnal range) was the most influential factor for B. subtypicus. Temperature-related variables accounted for more than 80%, 69.4%, and 78.3% of the spatial variation in B. haemorrhoidalis, B. rufofasciatus, and B. subtypicus, respectively. This study demonstrates the critical influence of temperature on the spatial distribution of bumblebee species in northern Pakistan, underscoring the need for climate-focused conservation strategies to protect these important wild pollinators.
An Evaluation of the Effects of Delayed Parasitism on Daily and Lifetime Fecundity of Aphidius ervi Haliday
Authors: Trotta Vincenzo , Fanti Paolo , Rosamilia Roberto , Battaglia Donatella
Published: December 2024

The study of parasitoid reproductive behaviour is crucial to understanding how parasitoids influence host population dynamics, and the strategies used by parasitoids to maximize their reproductive success. Studying how the parasitoid optimizes its reproductive resources is important as it provides information to improve the efficiency of a biological control programme. Many studies have been carried out on Aphidius ervi to assess the foraging behaviour of the parasitoid, but how the age of the parasitoid affects its foraging behaviour is still poorly understood. In the present study, the influence of the time elapsed between adult parasitoid emergence and the first oviposition in A. ervi was evaluated. Correlations between the parasitoid size and other fitness components were also investigated. Our results show how the parasitoid senescence is associated with the loss of reproductive capacity, as the late field release of parasitoids reduces their total parasitism. We also observed a parasitization rhythm independent of the parasitoid age. Possible explanations for the observed phenomena are discussed.
Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia in the Decision-Making Process for Patients with Acute Diverticulitis
Authors: Puccioni Caterina , Fransvea Pietro , Rodolfino Elena , Cintoni Marco , Vacca Alessandro , Benedetto Dario , Mele Maria Cristina , Sganga Gabriele
Published: December 2024

Background: Acute diverticulitis (AD), an inflammatory complication of diverticulosis, affects around 4% of individuals with diverticulosis, with increased incidence in older populations. This study aims to assess the impact of sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, on the clinical decision-making and outcomes of patients with AD. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 237 patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) between January 2014 and February 2022. Patients diagnosed with AD Hinchey ≥ 2 via contrasted tomography (CT) were included. Sarcopenia was assessed using CT scans at the third lumbar vertebra (L3), with skeletal muscle area (SMA) normalized by height to calculate the skeletal muscle index (SMI). Patients were divided into two groups based on sarcopenia status and analysed for surgical outcomes, non-operative management (NOM) success, and complications. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 46%. Sarcopenic patients were significantly older and had lower BMI and higher frailty scores. A higher proportion of sarcopenic patients underwent Hartmann, while non-sarcopenic patients more often had anastomosis. Sarcopenia did not significantly affect overall morbidity, mortality, or the failure rate of NOM. However, sarcopenic patients with a BMI > 25 had a higher likelihood of requiring redo surgeries. Conclusions: Sarcopenia plays a critical role in the surgical management of AD but does not predict worse clinical outcomes. The decision to perform surgery, particularly Hartmann’s procedure, is influenced by sarcopenia, yet morbidity and mortality rates are comparable between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients. These findings highlight the need for sarcopenia to be considered in preoperative assessments.
Predicting Heart Rate at the Anaerobic Threshold Using a Machine Learning Model Based on a Large-Scale Population Dataset
Authors: Nakayama Atsuko , Iwata Tomoharu , Sakuma Hiroki , Kashino Kunio , Tomoike Hitonobu
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: For effective exercise prescription for patients with cardiovascular disease, it is important to determine the target heart rate at the level of the anaerobic threshold (AT-HR). The AT-HR is mainly determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The aim of this study is to develop a machine learning (ML) model to predict the AT-HR solely from non-exercise clinical features. Methods: From consecutive 21,482 cases of CPET between 2 February 2008 and 1 December 2021, an appropriate subset was selected to train our ML model. Data consisted of 78 features, including age, sex, anthropometry, clinical diagnosis, cardiovascular risk factors, vital signs, blood tests, and echocardiography. We predicted the AT-HR using a ML method called gradient boosting, along with a rank of each feature in terms of its contribution to AT-HR prediction. The accuracy was evaluated by comparing the predicted AT-HR with the target HRs from guideline-recommended equations in terms of the mean absolute error (MAE). Results: A total of 8228 participants included healthy individuals and patients with cardiovascular disease and were 62 ± 15 years in mean age (69% male). The MAE of the AT-HR by the ML-based model was 7.7 ± 0.2 bpm, which was significantly smaller than those of the guideline-recommended equations; the results using Karvonen formulas with the coefficients 0.7 and 0.4 were 34.5 ± 0.3 bpm and 11.9 ± 0.2 bpm, respectively, and the results using simpler formulas, rest HR + 10 and +20 bpm, were 15.9 ± 0.3 and 9.7 ± 0.2 bpm, respectively. The feature ranking method revealed that the features that make a significant contribution to AT-HR prediction include the resting heart rate, age, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), resting systolic blood pressure, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cardiovascular disease diagnosis, and β-blockers, in that order. Prediction accuracy with the top 10 to 20 features was comparable to that with all features. Conclusions: An accurate prediction model of the AT-HR from non-exercise clinical features was proposed. We expect that it will facilitate performing cardiac rehabilitation. The feature selection technique newly unveiled some major determinants of AT-HR, such as NT-proBNP and hsCRP.
Mesenchymal Traits as an Intrinsic Feature of Undifferentiated Cells
Authors: Galiè Mirco
Published: December 2024

Since its first conceptualization over a century ago, the mesenchymal phenotype has traditionally been viewed as either a transient phase between successive epithelial stages or as a feature of cell types primarily devoted to structural support. However, recent findings in cancer research challenge this limited view, demonstrating that mesenchymal traits and hybrid mesenchymal/epithelial states can mark cancer cells with stem cell properties. By analyzing publicly available single-cell transcriptome datasets from early embryonic stages and adult tissues, this study aims to extend this concept beyond pathological contexts, suggesting that a partial or fully mesenchymal phenotype may represent the morphological expression of undifferentiated and multipotent states in both the developing embryo and adult organs.
Evaluation of the Effects of Retro-Cavity Preconditioning with or Without Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid on Root Surface pH and Dislodgement Resistance of NeoMTA2 and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Flow Retro-Fills: An Ex Vivo Investigation
Authors: Khedmat Sedigheh , Abaee Seyyed Ali , Assadian Hadi , Signore Antonio , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: December 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of retro-cavity preconditioning with or without 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution on root surface pH as well as dislodgement resistance of NeoMTA2 and MTA Flow retro-fills. Methods: Forty-eight single-rooted human incisors were selected. After completion of endodontic treatment, root-end resections were performed, and retro-cavities were prepared. The samples were randomly divided into two groups of A and B (n = 24 each). In group A, retro-cavities were preconditioned with 2.5% NaOCl, followed by 17% EDTA solution, whereas in group B, preconditioning was performed using 2.5% NaOCl before final irrigation with normal saline. Samples in each group were randomly subdivided into two subgroups of 1 and 2. Retro-fillings in the A1 and B1 subgroups were performed with MTA Flow, and in the A2 and B2 subgroups, they were performed with NeoMTA2. Root surface pH was measured in each sample at three different stages: before preparation of retro-cavities (pH0), after retro-cavity preconditioning (pH1), and three days after retro-filling (pH2). Subsequently, the push-out bond strength (PBS) of the retro-filling materials was measured by a universal testing machine, and their failure modes were visualized under 64× magnification. Results: Preconditioning with EDTA caused a significant increase in PBS for both NeoMTA2 and MTA Flow (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the average bond strength of MTA Flow and Neo MTA2 (p = 0.271). There was a significant increase in the average pH2 compared to pH1 and pH0 across all groups (p < 0.001). Specifically, the use of EDTA led to a notable increase in the average pH2 in the MTA Flow group compared to the Neo MTA2 group (p = 0.027). Groups preconditioned with EDTA more frequently indicated a cohesive failure mode. Conclusions: The use of EDTA significantly increased the push-out bond strength of retro-fill materials to dentin. However, it did not prevent the ultimate alkalinity of retro-filled cavities.
Restoration of Posidonia oceanica Meadow Using Cuttings from an Area Impacted by Harbor Extension Project
Authors: De Luca Mario , Piazzi Luigi , Guala Ivan , Cinti Maria Francesca , Marras Paolo , Pansini Arianna , Pinna Federico , Puccini Alessandra , Santonastaso Antonio , Stelletti Myriam , Stipcich Patrizia , Pascucci Vincenzo
Published: December 2024

In the Mediterranean Sea, restoration of marine habitats has mostly focused on the endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Despite several transplanting experiments, large-scale projects are rare, and their success is poorly known. The present work describes a restoration project of a large, degraded area in northern Sardinia (Italy) using cuttings harvested from a donor meadow that was destined for destruction due to harbor expansion. The receiving site was selected through a multidisciplinary study including acoustic mapping, ROV surveys, sediment assessment, and analyses of satellite images across ten years to evaluate the site suitability. Plants were manually uprooted from the donor meadow and cuttings were selected and transplanted within 24 h by environmental engineering techniques. The cuttings were transplanted onto degradable mats of natural coconut nets coupled with a double-twist steel mesh and anchored to the bottom. Overall, 7000 patches, each containing 20 cuttings, were transplanted in three periods: June–July 2022, October–November 2022, and February–March 2023. One year after the restoration, all the patches were in situ, with an overall cutting survival of 59%. The results are comparable to those of previous small-scale projects using the same technique and also endorse its suitability for the restoration of large, degraded areas.
Optimization of Protoplast Preparation Conditions in Lyophyllum decastes and Transcriptomic Analysis Throughout the Process
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Qin Ying , Kong Yufei , Karunarathna Samantha Chandranath , Liang Yunjiang , Xu Jize
Published: December 2024

Protoplasts are essential tools for genetic manipulation and functional genomics research in fungi. This study systematically optimized protoplast preparation conditions and examined transcriptional changes throughout the preparation and regeneration processes to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and regeneration of protoplasts in Lyophyllum decastes. The results indicated an optimal protoplast yield of 5.475 × 106 cells/mL under conditions of fungal age at 10 days, digestion time of 2.25 h, enzyme concentration of 2%, and digestion temperature of 28 °C. The Z5 medium supplemented with L. decastes mycelial extract achieved a high regeneration rate of 2.86. RNA-seq analysis revealed 2432 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during protoplast formation and 5825 DEGs during regeneration. Casein kinase I, cytochrome P450 (CYP52), and redox-regulated input receptor (PEX5) were significantly upregulated during the protoplast stage, while β-1,3-glucan synthase (SKN1), chitin synthase (CHS2), hydrophobin-1, and hydrophobin-2 showed significant upregulation during the protoplast regeneration phase. These findings provide a reference for the efficient preparation and regeneration of protoplasts and offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of protoplast formation and cell wall regeneration in fungi.
Geographical Distribution, Host Range and Genetic Diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Causing Fusarium Wilt of Banana in India
Authors: Thangavelu Raman , Amaresh Hadimani , Gopi Muthukathan , Loganathan Murugan , Nithya Boopathy , Ganga Devi Perumal , Anuradha Chelliah , Thirugnanavel Anbazhagan , Patil Kalyansing Baburao , Blomme Guy , Selvarajan Ramasamy
Published: December 2024

Fusarium wilt of banana is a major production constraint in India, prompting banana growers to replace bananas with less remunerative crops. Effective disease management practices thus need to be developed and implemented to prevent further spread and damage caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), the cause of Fusarium wilt. Currently, knowledge of disease incidence, affected varieties, and the geographical spread of Foc races in India are only scantily available. An extensive field survey was conducted in 53 districts of 16 major banana-growing states of and one union territory of India that covered both tropical and subtropical regions. Disease incidence ranged from 0 to 95% on farms, with Cavendish bananas (AAA) most affected. No Fusarium wilt symptoms due to Foc R1 were observed in Nendran (AAB) or Red Banana (AAA) in South India. During the survey, 293 Foc isolates were collected from Cavendish, Pisang Awak (ABB), Silk (AAB), Monthan (ABB), Neypoovan (AB), and Mysore (AAB) bananas. Isolate diversity was assessed through Vegetative Compatibility Group (VCG) analyses, sequencing of EF1α gene sequences, phylogenetic analyses, and characterisation by SIX gene composition. Thirteen VCGs were identified, of which VCGs 0124, 0125, 01220, and 01213/16 were dominant and infected Cavendish bananas. Phylogenetic analysis divided the Indian Foc isolates into race 1 (R1), subtropical race 4 (STR4), and tropical race 4 (TR4). Secreted in Xylem (SIX) gene analyses indicated that the effector genes SIX4 and SIX6 were present in the VCGs 0124, 0124/5, 0125, and 01220 of race 1, SIX7 was present only in Foc STR4, and SIX8 was found only in Foc R4 (TR4 and STR4) isolates. Insights into the geographical distribution of Foc races, and their interactions with banana varieties, can guide integrated disease management intervention strategies across India.
Assessing Macrophyte and Ecosystem Service Changes in Shallow Eutrophic Coastal Waters Using Remote Sensing Methods
Authors: Schumacher Johanna , Horn David , Escobar-Sánchez Gabriela , Markfort Greta , Schernewski Gerald , von Weber Mario
Published: December 2024

Knowledge of the structure and spatial distribution of coastal water habitats is crucial for understanding coastal water systems. However, spatial habitat data are largely lacking, hampering ecological and ecosystem service assessments as required by EU policies. Mapping the structure, spatial distribution, and temporal dynamics of macrophytes is a particular challenge. In this study, we combined long-term macrophyte data with remote sensing methods (i.e., aerial and underwater drones, as well as SENTINEL-2 data) to assess their potential for spatial macrophyte monitoring and habitat-based ecosystem service assessments, in which ecosystem services were linked to habitats using the expert-based Baltic Ecosystem Service Potential Matrix. Greifswald Bay in the German Baltic Sea served as the case study for this research. Our aerial drone detected macrophytes up to a depth of 3 m that could be integrated into the existing macrophyte monitoring scheme of the Water Framework Directive. Reliable data from SENTINEL-2 were only obtained in optically shallow waters and could therefore only be used as proxy indicators to assess changes at a water body level. Despite the uncertainties and inaccuracies of the SENTINEL-2-based macrophyte maps, they were crucial for filling data gaps and enabled a spatially differentiated ecosystem service assessment for Greifswald Bay. However, we have shown that the commonly used matrix approach does not allow for the assessment of spatiotemporal changes at the water body level and is thus not suitable for supporting coastal and marine policy implementation.
Integrating Irrigation Decision Support Systems for Efficient Water Use: A Case Study on Mediterranean Agriculture
Authors: Zucaro Raffaella , Baralla Silvia , Arzeni Andrea , Bodini Antonella , Ciaravino Roberta , Salato Nadia , Chinnici Pietro , Fasolino Nunzia Gabriella , Pellegrini Emilia , Sarzotti Emanuela , Ascione Elisa , Coppola Antonio , Ruberto Myriam
Published: December 2024

Irrigation plays a pivotal role in Southern Europe, and its importance is expected to further increase due to rising climatic variability. Concurrently, the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) mandates the safeguarding of water bodies and the implementation of incentive pricing strategies to promote efficient water management. Within this context, Irrigation Scheduling Decision Support Systems (IS-DSS) could contribute to the achievement of these objectives, although there are still obstacles to their adoption due to uncertainties regarding their potential benefits. This paper aims to derive a pricing model that reflects actual water use through the adoption of an IS-DSS. The innovation of this study lies in showing that adopting an IS-DSS to reduce irrigation volumes can potentially lower concession fees in collective irrigation systems. Thus, it contributes to the fulfilment of the WFD’s objectives regarding incentive water pricing. Notably, the tool is evaluated using the case study of a farm located in the Mediterranean region. The results demonstrate the dual benefits of IS-DSS adoption: on the one hand, it helps preserve water resources with a 24% reduction in irrigation volumes; on the other, it decreases irrigation costs by 20% at the farm level and by 9.4% at the irrigation district level. Therefore, the presented study provides insights into the potential of IS-DSS to enhance water pricing policies to promote efficient water management in Southern European agriculture in alignment with the WFD requirements.
New Possibilities for Planning the Recovery of Abandoned Agricultural Land in Mediterranean Mountain Communities: The Case of Troodos in Cyprus
Authors: Goussios Dimitris , Gaki Dimitra , Mardakis Prodromos , Faraslis Ioannis
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the issue of abandoned agricultural land (AAL) as a phenomenon whose containment is crucial due to its extent, the agro-ecological transition, and the development challenges faced by mountain communities. The research is organised on two levels: (a) the mountain region of Troodos, Cyprus, where the stance of local communities regarding the impacts of abandonment is investigated, and (b) representative communities where the findings from the diagnosis, with the contribution of spatial analysis, are used as a guide in planning the process of recovering AAL. At this scale, an interactive methodology is proposed that incorporates the spatial and production dimensions through a “zone for recovery”. The paper results in a recovery process based on the correspondence between the differentiated agricultural land uses in mountains (intensive/extensive models, self-consumption, management, etc.) and the various user groups (existing and potential farmers, diaspora, etc.). This process indicates that, as long as there is a combined institutional intervention by communities, spatial planning, and local governance, integrating recovery into the local multifunctional production system leads to its differentiation and increased resilience.
Reliability and Sensitivity of Enode/Vmaxpro Sensor for Muscle Power Assessment
Authors: Marković Milan , Toskić Lazar , Stanković Veroljub , Arsenijević Radenko , Aksović Nikola , Bjelica Bojan , Bubanj Saša , Dobrescu Tatiana
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Regardless of the level of physical activity, performance monitoring is a valuable component of the training process. The aim of this research was to assess the reliability and sensitivity of parameter measurements using the Enode/Vmaxpro sensor. (2) Methods: Metric characteristics were examined for average velocity, peak velocity, average power, peak power, movement length, and movement duration. Twenty-seven participants (15 men and 12 women) underwent body composition analysis and testing on a combined leg extension/leg curl machine, performing the exercises with each leg individually under a 30% body mass load. Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, and difference analyses were conducted to evaluate repeatability and sensitivity levels. The significance threshold was set at the level 0.05. (3) Results: Reliability parameters were found to be statistically significant, both overall (ICC: 0.937–0.991) and separately for men (ICC: 0.899–0.984) and women (ICC: 0.908–0.990). Sensitivity was confirmed through significant differences based on sex (p = 0.000), activity level (p = 0.000), and movement type (p = 0.000). No statistically significant differences were observed between right and left leg performance. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Enode/Vmaxpro sensor demonstrates sufficient sensitivity and reliability for muscle power testing in biomechanics and sports diagnostics.
Ultrastaging and Low-Volume Metastatic Disease in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: State of the Art
Authors: Soderini Alejandro , Macció Ignacio , Aragona Alejandro , Arrudi Florencia , Noel Baca , Mollar Vigh Patricio
Published: December 2024

The sentinel lymph node technique in early-stage cervical cancer—when to perform it, its process, as well as the surgical specimen—continues to be a challenge for gynecologists, oncologists, and pathologists in order to plan the therapeutic strategy. The objective of this paper is to describe the state of the art and provide a critical point of view about these topics.
The Influence of Mineral Additives on Aggregate Reactivity
Authors: Rogojsz Grzegorz , Rudnicki Tomasz
Published: December 2024

In this article, the authors present the results of their research on assessing the effect of selected mineral additives on the alkaline reactivity of aggregates. The main objective of this research was to check whether the reactivity of aggregates that do not meet the standard requirements can be reduced. Due to the decreasing availability of crushed aggregates and the decreasing resources of sand used for cement concrete road surfaces, solutions should be sought that allow the use of lower-grade aggregates. Among the available mineral additives, dense microsilica, white microsilica, limestone flour, glass flour, basalt flour, and glass granulate were selected. Laboratory tests were carried out in accordance with the requirements for testing the alkaline reactivity of road aggregates in NaOH solution applicable in Poland. The tests included the use of mineral additives in the amounts of 10% and 20%. Based on the research conducted, it was observed that the most beneficial effect was obtained with the addition of white microsilica, for which a decrease in aggregate reactivity was observed by 76.7% for 10% of the additive and 95.8% for 20% of the content. The least beneficial effect, on the other hand, was the use of compacted microsilica, for which an increase in alkaline reactivity was observed by 9.3% for 10% of the additive and 20.9% for 20% of the additive. The research conducted shows that the alkaline reactivity of the aggregate can be reduced, due to which it is possible to use reactive aggregates for the construction of road surfaces made of cement concrete.
Liquid Metal Embrittlement Susceptibility and Crack Formation of the Zn-Coated Complex Phase Steel
Authors: Hu Rongxun , Zhou Jiayi , Sun Yu , Lei Ming , Gao Yulai
Published: December 2024

In the resistance spot-welding (RSW) of galvanized complex phase (CP) steel, liquid metal embrittlement (LME) may occur, deteriorating the welded joint’s performance. Based on the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) standard, the joints of galvanized CP steel welded with a welding current from 7.0 kA to 14.5 kA were evaluated. When the welding current increased to 11.0 kA, LME cracks began to appear. The longest type A crack was 336.1 μm, yet the longest type D crack was 108.5 μm, and did not exceed 10% of the plate thickness, which met the limitation of the A/SP standard. In light of the microstructural observation and element distribution, it was found that there existed an internal oxide layer adjacent to the surface of galvanized CP steel matrix, with the depth of about 4.1 μm. In addition, the simulation results show that the CP steel was under tensile stress throughout the RSW process, but the internal oxide layer could successfully lead to the low LME susceptibility of the Zn-coated CP steel.
The Overview of Silicon Carbide Technology: Status, Challenges, Key Drivers, and Product Roadmap
Authors: Kamiński Maciej , Król Krystian , Kwietniewski Norbert , Myśliwiec Marcin , Sochacki Mariusz , Stonio Bartłomiej , Kisiel Ryszard , Martychowiec Agnieszka , Racka-Szmidt Katarzyna , Werbowy Aleksander , Żelazko Jarosław , Niedzielski Piotr , Szmidt Jan , Strójwąs Andrzej
Published: December 2024

Arguably, SiC technology is the most rapidly expanding IC manufacturing technology driven mostly by the aggressive roadmap for battery electric vehicle penetration and also industrial high-voltage/high-power applications. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of SiC technology focusing on the challenges starting from the difficult and lengthy SiC substrate growth all the way to the complex MOSFET assembly processes. We focus on the differentiation from the established Si manufacturing processes and provide a comprehensive list of references as well as a brief description of our own research into the key manufacturing processes in this technology. We also present a SiC technology and product roadmap.
Resonant and Non-Resonant Impurity States Related to GaAs/AlGaAs Quantum Well Sub-Bands
Authors: Akimov Volodymyr , Tulupenko Viktor , Demediuk Roman , Tiutiunnyk Anton , Duque Carlos A. , Morales Alvaro L. , Laroze David , Mora-Ramos Miguel Eduardo
Published: December 2024

The energy positions and wave function shapes of the ground and excited states of impurities, including resonance states, are studied using the expansion of the impurity wave function in basis functions. The structures under study are rectangular GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells with four different widths. In all cases, the impurity binding energy (relative to the corresponding sub-band) has a maximum at or near the center of the quantum well, decreases as the heterointerface is approached, and apparently has a limit of 0 if the impurity moves deeper into the barrier. If the impurity moves away from the center of the quantum well, then the “center of mass” of the electron charge of non-resonant impurity states follows the impurity atom, and the “center of mass” of the electron charge of the resonant impurity states moves away from it. The effect is more pronounced for the ground and first resonance states for wider quantum wells, and the shifts reach a maximum when the impurity atom is positioned near the midpoint of the path between the quantum well center and the heterointerface.
A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm with Tabu Search Using a Layered Process for High-Order QAM in MIMO Detection
Authors: Kim Taehyoung , Kong Gyuyeol
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we propose a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) that embeds the tabu search mechanism into the genetic algorithm (GA) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detection. We modified the selection and crossover operation to maintain the diverse and wide exploration areas, which is an advantage of the GA, and the mutation operation to perform a local search for a specific region. In the mutation process, the ’tabu’ concept is also employed to prevent the repeated search of the same area. In addition, a layered detection process is applied simultaneously with the proposed algorithm, which not only improves the bit error rate performance but also reduces the computational complexity. We apply the layered HGA (LHGA) to the MIMO system with very high modulation order such as 64-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 256-QAM, and 1024-QAM. Simulation results show that the LHGA outperforms conventional detection approaches. Especially, in the 1024-QAM MIMO system, the LHGA has less than 10% of computational complexity but a 6 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain compared to the conventional GA-based MIMO detection scheme.