bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational proteomics analysis of Taphrina deformans for the identification of antifungal drug targets and validation with commercial fungicides
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Rahman Ziaur , Khan Haji , Nawab Javed , Rahman Hazir , Siddiqui Muhammad Faisal , Saeed Wajeeha
Published: November 2024

Taphrina deformans is a plant-pathogenic fungus and a responsible agent for causing peach leaf curl disease. Taphrina deformans affects peach fruit production and contributes to global economic losses. Commercial fungicides may provide temporary relief; however, their overuse resulted in adverse environmental consequences as well as led to drug-resistant strains of T. deformans. Therefore, the discovery of novel drug targets for the future synthesis of antifungal drugs against Taphrina deformans is needed. Here we studied Taphrina deformans by computational proteomics approaches. The whole genome and proteome of T. deformans were subjected to subtractive proteomics, high-throughput virtual screening, and molecular dynamic simulations. We employed subtractive proteomics analysis of 4,659 proteins extracted from UniProtKB database; after filtering out homologous and non-essential proteins, we identified 189 essential ones, including nine that participated in the crucial metabolic pathways of the pathogen. These proteins were categorized as nuclear (n = 116), cytoplasmic (n = 37), and membrane (n = 36). Of those essential proteins, glutamate–cysteine ligase (GCL) emerged as one promising target due to its essential function for glutathione biosynthesis process which facilitates T. deformans survival and pathogenicity. To validate GCL as an antifungal target, virtual screening and molecular docking studies with various commercial fungicides were carried out to better characterize GCL as a drug target. The data showed strong binding affinities for polyoxin D, fluoxastrobin, trifloxystrobin, and azoxystrobin within the active site of GCL. Polyoxin D showed a strong affinity when the measured docking score was at -7.34 kcal/mol, while molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable interactions (three hydrogen bonds, two hydrophobic bonds, and one salt bridge interaction), supporting our findings that GCL represents an excellent target for antifungal drug development efforts. The results showed that GCL, as an innovative target for future fungicide designs to combat T. deformans infections, provides an avenue toward creating more effective peach leaf curl disease treatments while mitigating environmental harm caused by its current use.
Effects of limiting environmental conditions on functional traits of Hedera helix L. vegetative shoots
Authors: Blinkova Olena , Rawlik Katarzyna , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: November 2024

Hedera helix L. is a widespread liana that significantly influences forest ecosystems in temperate zones, exhibiting high adaptability to varying soil moisture and light levels. In this study, it was confirmed that H. helix dominates the herbaceous layer of the Kórnik Arboretum (Poland), with clear links between its above-ground biomass and key environmental factors. The study revealed that, under intense soil shading, the leaf to stem biomass ratio was disproportional, favoring leaves. Leaf and stem water content reflected the plant’s adaptation to soil moisture, aligning with its field capacity. Strong relationships were found between leaf water content and soil moisture, while the correlations between leaf water content and light availability were weaker. The study also confirmed positive relationships between daily light integral and leaf water content, with a less pronounced effect on stem water content. These results enhance understanding of H. helix’s role in temperate forests and its impact on ecosystem regeneration.
Exploring the use of the perceived stress scale for children as an instrument for measuring stress among children and adolescents: a scoping review
Authors: Kornienko Dmitry S. , Rudnova Natalia A. , Veraksa Aleksander N. , Gavrilova Margarita N. , Plotnikova Valeria A.
Published: November 2024

This review examines the application and findings related to the Perceived Stress Scale for Children (PSS-C) since its development by B. White in 2014. The PSS-C is designed to assess children’s perceived stress, focusing on their subjective experience rather than objective stressors. Our review utilized the PRISMA method to systematically collect and analyze pertinent literature, with a specific focus on studies which utilized the PSS-C. A comprehensive screening process reduced the extensive initial search results from various databases, ultimately resulting in the inclusion of 21 studies. These studies were assessed based on criteria that included publication date, language, and relevance to children’s perceived stress. We categorized the selected studies into several themes: (1) the impact of COVID-19 and the return to school; (2) mindfulness as a coping mechanism; (3) the effectiveness of breathing techniques; (4) mental health intervention programs; and (5) the cultural context of stress. The review also highlighted potential biases in the studies, particularly concerning sample size and randomization procedures. Key findings from the reviewed studies included the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s perceived stress, the role of mindfulness and breathing techniques in stress reduction, and the effectiveness of intervention programs. In conclusion, the review emphasized the significance of the PSS-C as a tool for evaluating perceived stress in children and stressed the necessity for additional research to examine its connections with different psychological and social factors. The findings underscore the importance of supportive parent–child interactions, especially during challenging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the possible advantages of mindfulness and other coping mechanisms in reducing stress. Subsequent research should persist in enhancing stress assessment tools and exploring the enduring impacts of stress on children’s growth and welfare.
Trends and determinants of nurses’ mental health following the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a longitudinal, comparative study over a two-year period
Authors: Liu Yan , Lin Yifei , Cui Wenyao , Gu Xianlin , Long Youlin , Liu Wenjie , Liao Ga , Du Liang , Huang Jin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed nurses at the forefront of healthcare, exposing them to various mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However the long-term effects and risk factors of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses’ mental health are unknown. The objective of our study is to investigate the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological distress and PTSD of nurses, while also identifying the factors that influence these outcomes

Methods

To investigate this question, we conducted a self-reported questionnaire survey of 8785 registered nurses recruited using snowball sampling methodology from 22 provinces in China, at five time points (T0-T4). At all times, we took measures of general health, while at the last four times we also measured PTSD. And we used logistic regression analysis to explore their impacts.

Results

The incidence of whole levels psychological distress among nurses was 27.7% at T0, peaking at 57.6% at T4. For severe psychological distress, it began at 5.5% at T0 and rose to 9.5% at T4. PTSD rates among nurses were recorded at 7.8% in T1, reaching a maximum of 14.7% in T4. They all got progressively worse in the volatility. In all times, coping strategies are independent factors for various levels of psychological distress and PTSD, while social support is a key factor for severe psychological distress and PTSD.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated a gradual deterioration in the mental health of nurses following the COVID-19 outbreak. In all instances, coping strategies exhibit an independent correlation with all grades of psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whereas social support emerges as an independent protective factor mitigating the risk of severe psychological distress and PTSD.
Vortioxetine as an alternative treatment for somatic symptom disorder: case report
Authors: Furutani Naoki , Nagoshi Yasuhide
Published: November 2024

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is characterized by persistent physical symptoms that cause significant distress and functional impairment. Despite the widespread use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) in treating SSD, some patients experience insufficient response, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. We report two cases of SSD that demonstrated significant improvement with vortioxetine, a novel antidepressant with multimodal serotonergic receptor activity. In Case 1, an 88-year-old female with throat discomfort and cough experienced an insufficient response to an SRI. After switching to vortioxetine, she achieved significant symptom relief within 10 days, with no relapse observed over the following four months. In Case 2, a 29-year-old female presenting with widespread somatic pain and palpitations, unresponsive to analgesics, achieved symptom resolution within two weeks with the initial use of vortioxetine. The therapeutic effects of vortioxetine were rapid and well-tolerated. These cases highlight the potential of vortioxetine for treating SSD, particularly in cases of insufficient response to SRIs, and suggest a possible overlap between SSD and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders through its action on serotonergic pathways.
Speech-in-noise testing in virtual reality
Authors: Ramírez Melissa , Müller Alexander , Arend Johannes M. , Himmelein Hendrik , Rader Tobias , Pörschmann Christoph
Published: November 2024

The potential of virtual reality (VR) in supporting hearing research and audiological care has long been recognized. While allowing the creation of experimental settings that closely resemble real-life scenarios and potentially leading to more ecologically valid results, VR could also support the current need for automated or remote assessment of auditory processing abilities in clinical settings. Understanding speech in competing noise is the most common complaint of patients with hearing difficulties, and the need to develop tools that can simplify speech-in-noise testing by reducing the time and resources required while improving the ecological validity of current assessment procedures is an area of great research interest. However, the use of VR for speech-in-noise testing has not yet been widely adopted because it is still unclear whether subjects respond to virtual stimuli the same way as they would in real-life settings. Using headphone-based binaural presentation, delivering visuals through head-mounted displays (HMDs), and using unsupervised (self-testing or remote) procedures are some aspects of virtualization that could potentially affect speech-in-noise measures, and the extent of this potential impact remains unclear. Before virtualization can be considered feasible, its effects on behavioral psychoacoustic measures must be understood. Thus, the ability to reproduce results from typical laboratory and clinical settings in VR environments is a major topic of current research. In this study, we sought to answer whether it is possible to reproduce results from a standard speech-in-noise test using state-of-the-art technology and commercially available VR peripherals. To this end, we compared the results of a well-established speech-in-noise test conducted in a conventional loudspeaker-based laboratory setting with those obtained in three different virtual environments. In each environment, we introduced one aspect of virtualization, i.e., virtual audio presentation in the first environment, HMD-based visuals with a visual anchor representing the target speaker in the second, and an alternative feedback- and scoring method allowing unsupervised testing in the last. Our results indicate that the speech-in-noise measures from the loudspeaker-based measurement and those from the virtual scenes were all statistically identical, suggesting that conducting speech-in-noise testing in state-of-the-art VR environments may be feasible even without experimenter supervision.
Researching trends on stroke: bibliometric analysis of the highly cited papers
Authors: Fan Li , Shi Fuyan , Wang Suzhen
Published: November 2024

This study assessed the progression of stroke using bibliometric methods. By March 31, 2024, highly cited papers on stroke were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. Collaboration and keyword conjunction analyses, along with their visual representations, were conducted using VOSviewer. CiteSpace was employed to identify keywords and reference sources. A comprehensive review of 2,509 highly cited studies on stroke was conducted. Notably, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom have emerged as leading contributors to this research domain, with the New England Journal of Medicine having the highest number of publications. YUSUF S had the highest H-index among all authors. The key terms frequently encountered were “stroke,” “atrial fibrillation,” and “cardiovascular disease.” This study performed a detailed bibliometric review of stroke research over the past decade, shedding light on the participation of various countries, organizations, authors, journals, and articles in the field. These insights offer a broad snapshot of the global stroke research trends.
Age and gender differences in skin characteristics: a study of 2543 Japanese individuals using advanced skin imaging techniques
Authors: Osuji Yurika , Omatsu Jun , Sato Shinichi , Yoshizaki Ayumi
Published: November 2024

Skin aging is a multifaceted process influenced by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, resulting in visible changes such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and alterations in skin texture. Despite its high relevance, there is a paucity of large-scale studies focusing on visible age-related changes in facial skin among Japanese populations, particularly by region. This study aims to address these gaps by examining age- and sex-specific skin changes in a large cohort of 2,543 Japanese subjects using advanced skin imaging techniques. The study included subjects aged 17–71 years who provided informed consent. The imaging system captures facial images using standard light, UV light, and two types of polarized light, applying deep learning techniques to analyze various skin parameters. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate correlations between age, gender, and skin characteristics. Results indicated significant correlations between age and skin color across all domains, with large pores on the nose showing the highest correlation with age. Sebum and porphyrin levels exhibited a decreasing trend with age, though correlation coefficients were low. Cheek gloss, both in area and color, showed relatively high correlation coefficients. Pigmentation-related items, such as spots and melanin, demonstrated significant age correlations, particularly in areas like the corners of the eyes, under the eyes, and cheeks. Wrinkles and fine wrinkles correlated with age in various regions, though not on the forehead. The findings highlight the importance of understanding regional and demographic variations in skin aging to develop effective anti-aging treatments.
PCA-Kriging-Based Oscillating Jet Actuator Optimization and Wing Separation Flow Control
Authors: Sun Qixiang , Wang Wanbo , Pan Jiaxin
Published: November 2024

In order to improve the separation control effect of an oscillating jet, the external flow field of the actuators and the wing wake are obtained via hot-wire measurements to optimize the actuator and achieve wing separation flow control. The optimization objectives are to improve the sweeping uniformity and range of the jet. In the present study, the PCA method is used for the modal decomposition of the velocity distribution. The modal-based actuator evaluation parameters are proposed, and the kriging surrogate models of the modal coefficients (principal components) on the actuator parameters are established. The multi-objective genetic algorithm was utilized to complete the optimization of the actuator, and the effect of flow separation control on the wing was verified. The results show that three patterns exist in the time-averaged velocity distribution of the external flow field: unimodal, broad and bimodal, from unimodal to bimodal, the degree of the jet sweeping uniformity gradually decreases, and the sweeping range gradually increases. The pattern of the velocity distribution modals affects the degree of jet sweeping uniformity, while the distance of the modal peaks affects the jet sweeping range. The two evaluation parameters are negatively correlated: insufficient sweeping range or poor sweeping uniformity of the jet are not conducive to wing separation flow control, and the two must be coordinated to achieve the optimal control effect.
Design and Testing of an Extruded Shaking Vibration-Type Peanut Digging and Harvesting Machine for Saline Soil
Authors: Chang Zengcun , Sun Bin , Li Dongjie , Zheng Xiaoshuai , Yan Haipeng , Wang Dongwei , Hou Jialin
Published: November 2024

Aiming to address the problems of poor separation of peanuts and soil and severe damage of pods during peanut harvesting in saline soil, a peanut digging and harvesting machine was designed using extrusion shaking vibration and roller extrusion. Theoretical calculations determined the structural parameters of critical components. The law of motion of the seedling soil assemblage at the stage of separation and transportation was derived by analyzing the kinematic properties. The soil extrusion vibration crushing dispersion and sieving process was analyzed, and the factors affecting soil crushing and separation were determined by establishing the extrusion collision model. One-way and orthogonal tests used soil content, breakage, and loss rates as test indicators. The orthogonal test showed that the working parameters were as follows: working speed was 0.889 m/s, the inclination angle was 21.5°, the working line speed of the sieve surface was 2.00 m/s and the roller gap of the roller squeezing device was 37 mm, the peanut harvesting rate of soil content was 1.36%, the breakage rate was 0.78%, and the loss rate was 1.15%. The paper references developing a peanut harvester for clay-heavy soil with soil separation performance improvement.
Development of an Automatic Harvester for Wine Grapes by Using Three-Axis Linear Motion Mechanism Robot
Authors: Sasaya Shota , Yang Liangliang , Hoshino Yohei , Noguchi Tomoki
Published: November 2024

In Japan, the aging and decreasing number of agricultural workers is a significant problem. For wine grape harvesting, especially for large farming areas, there is physical strain to farmers. In order to solve this problem, this study focuses on developing an automated harvesting robot for wine grapes. The harvesting robot needs high dust, water, and mud resistance because grapevines are grown in hard conditions. Therefore, a three-axis linear robot was developed using a rack and pinion mechanism in this study, which can be used in outdoor conditions with low cost. Three brushless DC motors were utilized to drive the three-axis linear robot. The motors were controlled using a control area network (CAN) bus to simplify the hardware system. The accuracy of the robot positioning was evaluated at the automated harvesting condition. The experiment results show that the accuracy is approximately 5 mm, 9 mm, and 9 mm in the x-axis (horizontal), y-axis (vertical), and z-axis (depth), respectively. In order to improve the accuracy, we constructed an error model of the robot and conducted a calibration of the robot. The accuracy was improved to around 2 mm of all three axes after calibration. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the robot is high enough for automated harvesting of the wine grapes.
Adaptive Network Routing Technology for Near-Moon Space Cross-Domain Transmission
Authors: Yu Jiyang , Huang Dan , Li Wenjie , Wang Xianjie , Shi Xiaolong , Xu Qizhi
Published: November 2024

Communication transmission in the near-Moon space is a critical enabler of scientific exploration in this region. However, the communication network in near-Moon space shows trends of diversification, heterogeneity, and collaboration, posing significant challenges to the management of an integrated communication network. This paper proposes a networking routing method for near-Moon-space cross-domain network transmission. Considering the constraints of heterogeneous networks including Moon–Earth, Moon–surface, and relay transmission, the method enhances transmission routing efficiency at the network layer of near-Moon-space systems, thereby improving the overall efficiency of heterogeneous network interactions. This research focuses on the networking routing of cross-domain networks. To simplify the research problem, a mixed link resource and scheduling model of heterogeneous networks is proposed. Based on this model, a time-varying and fixed topology network sub-network clustering method was designed to reduce the complexity of the routing algorithm. A routing scheduling algorithm is provided in combination with hierarchical routing search, and related experiments and comparisons were carried out. Finally, considering the practical issues of communication relay channels and rate limitations in relay satellites, time windows and communication rate constraints were used to enhance the reliability of the simulation validation. Simulation results show that this method effectively addresses the issue of low transmission interaction efficiency in heterogeneous networks within cislunar space. Compared with previous designs, it improves link load rate by 31%, reduces average service delay by 8%, and significantly enhances link stability and load rate.
Regular and Chaotic Vibrations of a Nonlinear Rotor-Stator System
Authors: Ferdek Urszula
Published: November 2024

The paper is concerned with the analysis of a six-degree-of-freedom non-linear model which describes the vibrations of a rotor. The model takes into account the impacts between the rotating element and a limiter of motion. Using numerical integration and spectrum analysis, the influence of the excitation frequency, static loads, and the position of the limiter of motion on the type of vibrations of the system was studied. A multiparametric analysis has been performed to determine the areas of influence of two system parameters on the type of excited vibrations. Different types of vibration are further illustrated by plots of time histories, frequency spectra, phase portraits, stroboscopic portraits and bifurcation diagrams. The quality index of the system has also been determined and defined as the average value of the rotor kinetic energy. Depending on the parameters of the system, periodic, quasi-periodic or chaotic oscillations take place. The article primarily focuses on the risk of chaotic vibrations occurring in the system.
Low-Carbon Territorial Spatial Detailed Planning in the Context of Climate Change: A Case Study of the Wenzhou Garden Expo Park Area, China
Authors: Shao Qike , Fu Jiande , Huang Fuqiang , Li Gang , Huang Hui , Tang Zhiyong , Zhang Zhongxun
Published: November 2024

In the context of global climate change, promoting the low-carbon transformation of cities has become an important strategy to cope with environmental challenges. This paper takes Wenzhou Garden Expo Park area as the research object, combines its practical experience as a pilot of a national low-carbon city, and discusses how to effectively control carbon emission in the spatial planning of national territory. The study systematically evaluated the impact of different land use types and development intensities on carbon emissions, as well as the relationship between daytime temperature and carbon emissions, by constructing a carbon emission measurement model and a random forest regression model. This evaluation was based on an analysis of remote sensing data and land use changes from 2000 to 2023. The results show that between 2000 and 2023, the carbon emission from building land in the Garden Expo Park area will increase by about 70%, while the carbon emission can be reduced by more than 25% through rational land use layout and development intensity control. At the same time, the expansion of green space and forest land increases the carbon sink capacity by about 16.7%. With rising temperatures, carbon emissions exhibit a significant upward trend. This study suggests that specific optimization strategies for low-carbon planning, along with an indicator system—particularly through increasing the allocation of green spaces such as arboreal forests and parks—can significantly improve regional carbon balance. This study may provide a reference for other rapidly urbanizing regions to balance economic development and carbon emissions.
Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Odor Impact in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Zhao Hongchao , Cheng Ying , Liu Yanling , Wang Xiuyan , Wang Yuyan , Wang Shuai , Jin Taosheng
Published: November 2024

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are not only essential precursors for the formation of ozone and PM2.5, but also hazardous to human health and responsible for unpleasant odors. The pharmaceutical industry has become an important industrial source of VOCs due to China’s large emissions and complex emission chains. In total, 245 VOCs samples were collected and analyzed from 11 typical pharmaceutical companies in Zibo City of the North China Plain, in order to investigate the VOCs emission characteristics and odor impacts. The emission factor for the pharmaceutical industry was 7.97 ± 8.21 g/kg pharmaceuticals, while the main emission links were chimney emissions, equipment sealing leakage, and so on. Finally, considering both purifying efficiency and economic benefits, the multistage absorption (AB) method is most effective for VOCs concentrations below 100 mg/m3, while UV photo-oxygenation combined with adsorption (UVA) is more suitable for concentrations below 300 mg/m3. The Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO), Catalytic Oxidizer (CO), and Condensation + Adsorption (CA) technologies demonstrated greater stability and efficiency, particularly in the treatment of complex organic pollutants, highlighting their advantages in both VOCs and odor removal at higher concentrations.
Comparative Analysis of Infection Strategies of Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis and P. syringae pv. tomato in Different Host Plants
Authors: Sakata Nanami , Usuki Giyu , Yamamoto Kanon , Ishiga Yasuhiro
Published: November 2024

Plant pathogenic Pseudomonas species cause a variety of diseases in plants. Each Pseudomonas species employs different virulence factors and strategies for successful infection. Moreover, even the same bacterial pathogens can differentially utilize virulence factors against various host plants. However, there has been relatively less emphasis on comparing the infection strategies of a single bacterial pathogen on different hosts and different bacterial pathogens on a single host. Here, we investigated plant–pathogen interactions using two Pseudomonas species, Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis (Pcal) KB211 and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000, and their host plants, cabbage and tomato. Our findings reveal distinct behaviors and virulence patterns across different host plants. Pcal multiplies to greater levels in cabbage compared to tomato, suggesting that Pcal is more adaptive in cabbage than tomato. Conversely, Pst showed robust multiplication in tomato even at lesser inoculum levels, indicating its aggressiveness in the apoplastic space. Gene expression analyses indicate that these pathogens utilize distinct virulence-related gene expression profiles depending on the host plant. These insights highlight the importance of revealing the spatiotemporal regulation mechanisms of virulence factors.
State of Health Estimation for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using an Explainable XGBoost Model with Parameter Optimization
Authors: Xiao Zhenghao , Jiang Bo , Zhu Jiangong , Wei Xuezhe , Dai Haifeng
Published: November 2024

Accurate and reliable estimation of the state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing potential failures of power sources in electric vehicles. However, current data-driven SOH estimation methods face challenges related to adaptiveness and interpretability. This paper investigates an adaptive and explainable battery SOH estimation approach using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model. First, several battery health features extracted from various charging and relaxation processes are identified, and their correlation with battery aging is analyzed. Then, a SOH estimation method based on the XGBoost algorithm is established, and the model’s hyper-parameters are tuned using the Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) to enhance the adaptiveness of the proposed estimation model. Additionally, the Tree SHapley Additive exPlanation (TreeSHAP) technique is employed to analyze the explainability of the estimation model and reveal the influence of different features on SOH evaluation. Experiments involving two types of batteries under various aging conditions are conducted to obtain battery cycling aging data for model training and validation. The quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves an estimation accuracy with a mean absolute error of less than 2.7% and a root mean squared error of less than 3.2%. Moreover, the proposed method shows superior estimation accuracy and performance compared to existing machine learning models.
Volcanic Terroirs: Exploring Minerals in Canary Red Wine
Authors: Heras-Roger Jesus , Díaz-Romero Carlos , Darias-Rosales Javier , Darias-Martín Jacinto
Published: November 2024

The mineral composition of monovarietal red wines from the Canary Islands was analyzed to evaluate the potential of mineral content as a marker for wine authenticity by geographical origin. Key minerals—K, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Co—were quantified in 190 wine samples using flame absorption spectrometry. The study revealed slight mineral profile differences between recently introduced international grape cultivars and traditional ungrafted varieties. A significant correlation was found between K and Mg, highlighting their roles in vine physiology. The results indicated that Tenerife wines had elevated Fe and Mn, Lanzarote wines showed higher Na (likely from marine aerosols), and La Gomera wines had significantly high Mn. Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that Mn, Mg, and Na differentiated wines by island with 85% classification accuracy, while Cu and Fe correlated with wine ageing. These findings emphasize the influence of volcanic soils and microclimate on mineral profiles, supporting mineral analysis as a cost-effective tool for classifying red wines by origin. This study offers insights into how terroir, grape cultivar, and winemaking practises define the unique characteristics of Canary Island wines.
Novel Subperiosteal Device Geometry and Investigation of Efficacy on Surrounding Bone Formation and Bone-Bonding Strength
Authors: Kaisaka Yoshiya , Uezono Masayoshi , Inoue Masaki , Takakuda Kazuo , Moriyama Keiji
Published: November 2024

To develop a safer bone-bonding device that promotes early osseointegration with cortical bone perforation, novel subperiosteal device geometries were proposed and evaluated for their ability to facilitate surrounding bone formation and enhance bone-bonding strength. This study used animal experiments and mechanical testing to assess the performance of these designs. The experimental device consisted of two main components: a rounded rectangular plate and a centrally positioned cylinder. To promote the recruitment of bone-marrow-derived factors, slits were incorporated into the cylinder, and a center hole was created directly above it. Four device variations, differing by the presence or absence of the slits and center hole, were fabricated and then subjected to tensile tests for mechanical property evaluation. In the animal experiments, the devices were bilaterally placed on rat tibiae, and after four weeks, bone-bonding strength tests were performed. Additionally, micro-computed tomography and histological analysis of undecalcified sections were conducted. All devices demonstrated early osseointegration, and geometric design differences, specifically the presence or absence of the slits and center hole, significantly affected the mechanical properties and bone induction. However, no significant differences in bone-bonding strength were detected. These findings suggest that the newly formed bone inside the slits and center hole contributes to the reinforcement of the device.
Human Septal Cartilage Tissue Engineering: Current Methodologies and Future Directions
Authors: Pham Tammy B. , Sah Robert L. , Masuda Koichi , Watson Deborah
Published: November 2024

Nasal septal cartilage tissue engineering is a promising and dynamic field with the potential to provide surgical options for patients with complex reconstruction needs and mitigate the risks incurred by other tissue sources. Developments in cell source selection, cell expansion, scaffold creation, and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting have advanced the field in recent years. The usage of medicinal signaling cells and nasal chondroprogenitor cells can enhance chondrocyte proliferation, stimulate chondrocyte growth, and limit chondrocyte dedifferentiate. New scaffolds combined with recent innovations in 3D bioprinting have allowed for the creation of more durable and customizable constructs. Future developments may increase technical accessibility and manufacturability, and lower costs, to help incorporate these methods into pre-clinical studies and clinical applications of septal cartilage tissue engineering.
Interaction Between Nitric Oxide and Silicon on Leghaemoglobin and S-Nitrosothiol Levels in Soybean Nodules
Authors: Lee Da-Sol , Das Ashim Kumar , Methela Nusrat Jahan , Yun Byung-Wook
Published: November 2024

Nitrogen fixation in legume nodules is crucial for plant growth and development. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of nitric oxide [S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO)] and silicon [sodium metasilicate (Si)], both individually and in combination, on soybean growth, nodule formation, leghaemoglobin (Lb) synthesis, and potential post-translational modifications. At the V1 stage, soybean plants were treated for 2 weeks with 150 µM GSNO, and Si at concentrations of 1 mM, 2 mM, and 4 mM. The results showed that NO and Si enhance the nodulation process by increasing phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and Nod factors (NIP2-1), attracting rhizobia and accelerating nodule formation. This leads to a greater number and larger diameter of nodules. Individually, NO and Si support the synthesis of Lb and leghaemoglobin protein (Lba) expression, ferric leghaemoglobin reductases (FLbRs), and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR). However, when used in combination, NO and Si inhibit these processes, leading to elevated levels of S-nitrosothiols in the roots and nodules. This combined inhibition may potentially induce post-translational modifications in FLbRs, pivotal for the reduction of Lb3+ to Lb2+. These findings underscore the critical role of NO and Si in the nodulation process and provide insight into their combined effects on this essential plant function.
Cyanide and Cyanogenic Compounds—Toxicity, Molecular Targets, and Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Lachowicz Joanna Izabela , Alexander Jan , Aaseth Jan O.
Published: November 2024

Cyanide (CN) is a well-known mitochondrial poison. CN poisoning may result from acute or long-term exposure to a number of CN compounds. Recent insight into the chemical affinities of the CN anion has increased our understanding of its toxicity and the mechanisms of antidotal actions, which, together with information on various exposure sources, are reviewed in the present article. A literature search in Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar for the period 2001–2024 revealed that the CN anion after exposure or degradation of CN compounds is distributed to vulnerable copper and iron-containing targets, especially in mitochondria, thus blocking the electron transport chain. Intake of cyanogenic compounds may exert subacute or chronic toxic effects, also because of the interaction with cobalt in vitamin B12. Antidotal agents exert their effects through the affinity of CN for cobalt- or iron-containing compounds. Research on CN interactions with metalloproteins may increase our insight into CN toxicity and efficient antidotal regimens.
N-NOSE Proves Effective for Early Cancer Detection: Real-World Data from Third-Party Medical Institutions
Authors: Nakajo Nobushige , Hatakeyama Hideyuki , Morishita Masayo , di Luccio Eric
Published: November 2024

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in Japan, yet participation in conventional screening programs is low due to invasiveness, cost, and accessibility. Non-invasive, affordable, and accurate methods for early cancer detection in asymptomatic individuals are urgently needed. This opinion manuscript evaluates nematode cancer testing, a novel urine-based screening test using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, for its potential to improve early cancer detection rates, based on real-world data published in a Japanese journal. Nematode cancer testing leverages the nematode’s ability to detect cancer-associated volatile compounds in urine, offering a highly sensitive, non-invasive screening approach. We analyzed data from a nationwide survey of PET-equipped medical institutions in Japan, comparing cancer discovery rates between nematode cancer testing-triggered and standard PET screenings. In nematode cancer testing-triggered PET screenings, the cancer discovery rate was 2.96%, significantly higher than the 1.31% observed in standard PET screenings. The apparent positive predictive value (PPV) of nematode cancer testing was calculated at 2.09%; when adjusted for PET/CT sensitivity, the actual PPV increased to approximately 11.7%. This reflects a screening efficiency 14.6 times higher than the general population’s cancer incidence. These findings indicate that nematode cancer testing successfully detects cancer in high-risk individuals and may encourage participation in further diagnostic evaluations. The recently published nationwide survey of PET-equipped medical institutions in Japan highlights the good performance of nematode cancer testing in cancer detection. As an opinion-type manuscript based on real-world data from Japan, this paper shows that nematode cancer testing has substantial potential as a cost-effective, minimally invasive primary cancer screening tool for asymptomatic populations. By enhancing early detection rates and screening efficiency, it addresses the limitations of traditional screening methods. Implementing nematode cancer testing could lead to improved cancer outcomes, particularly in populations with low participation in standard screening programs and resource-limited settings.
Characterization of Contusive Spinal Cord Injury by Monitoring Motor-Evoked Potential
Authors: ALL Angelo H. , Wong Ka-Leung , Al-Nashash Hasan A.
Published: November 2024

This study involves longitudinal neuro-electrophysiological analysis using motor-evoked potentials (MEP) and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan behavioral examinations (BBB) to evaluate moderate mid-thoracic contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. Objectives/Background: The objective of the study is to characterize the onset and progression of contusive SCI over an eight-week period using a clinically applicable tool in an in vivo model. The background highlights the importance of a reliable and reproducible injury model and assessment tools for SCI. Methods: The methods section describes the experimental setup, including randomly assigned rats in three groups: Sham, Control, and Injury (undergoing a moderate contusive SCI using the NYU-Impactor). MEP monitoring and BBB examinations are conducted at baseline and weekly for eight weeks post-injury. Results: The results indicate that the relative MEP power spectral decreased to 11% and 22% in the left and right hindlimbs, respectively, during the first week post-SCI. In the second week, a slight spontaneous recovery was observed, reaching 17% in the left and 31% in the right hindlimbs. Over the following four weeks post-SCI, continuing deterioration of MEP signal power was observed with no detectable recovery. Conclusions: SCI attenuates hindlimb MEP power spectral and reduces locomotion, though the changes in MEP and locomotion exhibit distinct temporal patterns. The MEP monitoring provides valuable insights into the functional integrity of motor pathways following SCI and offer a sensitive and reliable assessment. By implementing MEP monitoring, researchers can track the progression of SCI and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions quantitatively.
CRISPR–Cas Systems Associated with Electrolyte-Gated Graphene-Based Transistors: How They Work and How to Combine Them
Authors: Guermonprez Pierre , Nioche Pierre , Renaud Louis , Battaglini Nicolas , Sanaur Sébastien , Krejci Eric , Piro Benoît
Published: November 2024

In this review, recent advances in the combination of CRISPR–Cas systems with graphene-based electrolyte-gated transistors are discussed in detail. In the first part, the functioning of CRISPR–Cas systems is briefly explained, as well as the most common ways to convert their molecular activity into measurable signals. Other than optical means, conventional electrochemical transducers are also developed. However, it seems that the incorporation of CRISPR/Cas systems into transistor devices could be extremely powerful, as the former provides molecular amplification, while the latter provides electrical amplification; combined, the two could help to advance in terms of sensitivity and compete with conventional PCR assays. Today, organic transistors suffer from poor stability in biological media, whereas graphene materials perform better by being extremely sensitive to their chemical environment and being stable. The need for fast and inexpensive sensors to detect viral RNA arose on the occasion of the COVID-19 crisis, but many other RNA viruses are of interest, such as dengue, hepatitis C, hepatitis E, West Nile fever, Ebola, and polio, for which detection means are needed.
Prognostic Value of Pentraxin3 Protein Expression in Human Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jung Hera , Kang Jeongwan , Han Kang-Min , Kim Hyunchul
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a member of the pentraxin superfamily, plays diverse roles in immunity and inflammation. Its dual role in tumorigenesis, exhibiting both protumoral and antitumoral effects, has been the subject of conflicting reports. High PTX3 expression levels in serum and tumor tissues have been associated with poor prognosis in various malignancies, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Through this meta-analysis, we aim to comprehensively assess the prognostic significance of PTX3 protein expression in human malignancies and evaluate its potential as a pan-cancer prognostic marker. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies were included if they assessed the association between PTX3 protein expression and overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the method of PTX3 assessment, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Results: Nine studies encompassing 1215 patients were included in the analysis. High PTX3 expression was significantly associated with poorer OS (HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.55–2.32, p < 0.01) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis revealed consistent results across different assessment methods (immunohistochemistry: HR = 1.93, p < 0.01; immunoassay: HR = 1.86, p < 0.01). However, publication bias was detected (Egger’s test, p = 0.03). Conclusions: High PTX3 protein expression is associated with a poor prognosis in various malignancies, supporting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
Thermal Decomposition of Compounds Derived from 2H-Dihydropyran: A Computational Study
Authors: Ruiz Pablo , Bucheli Sara , Fernández Paula , Quijano Silvia , Quijano Jairo , Gaviria Jair
Published: November 2024

This research study computationally examined the thermal decomposition of three molecules, 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran, 4-methyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran, and 2,6-dimethyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran, using the PBE0/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory and a concerted mechanism with a 6-member cyclic transition state. For this analysis, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated for reactions within a temperature range of 584 to 633 K and compared with experimental data. Our results revealed that methyl substituents at 2, 4, and 6 positions decrease the activation free energy of the molecules. Even though the evaluated reactions exhibited high absolute synchronicity, significant differences were observed regarding the extent of their bond evolution.
The Connection Between the Oral Microbiota and the Kynurenine Pathway: Insights into Oral and Certain Systemic Disorders
Authors: Kis-György Rita , Körtési Tamás , Anicka Alexandra , Nagy-Grócz Gábor
Published: November 2024

The oral microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, is essential for maintaining both oral and systemic health. This complex ecosystem includes over 700 bacterial species, such as Streptococcus mutans, which contributes to dental caries through acid production that demineralizes tooth enamel. Fungi like Candida and pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis are also significant, as they can lead to periodontal diseases through inflammation and destruction of tooth-supporting structures. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, is a key factor in the development of these oral diseases. Understanding the composition and functions of the oral microbiome is vital for creating targeted therapies for these conditions. Additionally, the kynurenine pathway, which processes the amino acid tryptophan, plays a crucial role in immune regulation, neuroprotection, and inflammation. Oral bacteria can metabolize tryptophan, influencing the production of kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid, thereby affecting the kynurenine system. The balance of microbial species in the oral cavity can impact tryptophan levels and its metabolites. This narrative review aims to explore the relationship between the oral microbiome, oral diseases, and the kynurenine system in relation to certain systemic diseases.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Aqueous Corrosion Properties of AlCoCrNiFe High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Saedi Soheil , Korra Ahmed , Raji Hatim , Ibrahim Hamdy
Published: November 2024

This study examines the effects of heat treatment on corrosion behavior of equiatomic AlCoCrNiFe high-entropy alloy within a solution treatment temperature range of 800–1100 °C. Experimental observations on phase formation were compared with thermodynamic predictions. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and aqueous corrosion behavior of the as-deposited alloy were analyzed and contrasted with heat-treated samples. The results showed a decline in the corrosion resistance of the AlCoCrNiFe after heat treatment, which was attributed to chemical segregation and Cr depletion in the microstructure matrix. Additionally, post-corrosion analysis revealed a reduced volume fraction of protective oxides in the heat-treated samples.