bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fractal Prediction Model for the Friction Coefficient of Wet Clutch Friction Plates
Authors: Cao Jianfeng , Yang Sirui , Chen Zhigang , Sun Haoxuan , Ning Fenglian , Bao Heyun
Published: December 2024

The motion state of the friction plate in a wet friction clutch is investigated by analyzing the causes of friction coefficient formation. This study establishes static and dynamic friction coefficient models for the friction plate based on a fractal model. The fractal dimension and scaling coefficient are studied to understand the fractal characteristics and variation patterns of the surface morphology of friction pairs during engagement. The MM6000 friction and wear testing machine is utilized for experiments, measuring surface morphology changes due to wear and changes in the engagement motion state of the friction plate. The theoretical content is compared and analyzed to verify the accuracy of the friction coefficient prediction model for the friction pair. Experiments are conducted on paper-based friction materials under different bonding pressures, and the relationship between bonding times and surface morphology changes is established. A comparative experiment between the joint motion state and dynamic simulation is performed, concluding that the micro convex contact model has certain accuracy in predicting the contact state of friction plates under various working conditions.
Forecasting Indoor Air Quality in Mexico City Using Deep Learning Architectures
Authors: Altamirano-Astorga Jorge , Gutierrez-Garcia J. Octavio , Roman-Rangel Edgar
Published: December 2024

Air pollution causes millions of premature deaths per year due to its strong association with several diseases and respiratory afflictions. Consequently, air quality monitoring and forecasting systems have been deployed in large urban areas. However, those systems forecast outdoor air quality while people living in relatively large cities spend most of their time indoors. Hence, this work proposes an indoor air quality forecasting system, which was trained with data from Mexico City, and that is supported by deep learning architectures. The novelty of our work is that we forecast an indoor air quality index, taking into account seasonal data for multiple horizons in terms of minutes; whereas related work mostly focuses on forecasting concentration levels of pollutants for a single and relatively large forecasting horizon, using data from a short period of time. To find the best forecasting model, we conducted extensive experimentation involving 133 deep learning models. The deep learning architectures explored were multilayer perceptrons, long short-term memory neural networks, 1-dimension convolutional neural networks, and hybrid architectures, from which LSTM rose as the best-performing architecture. The models were trained using (i) outdoor air pollution data, (ii) publicly available weather data, and (iii) data collected from an indoor air quality sensor that was installed in a house located in a central neighborhood of Mexico City for 17 months. Our empirical results show that deep learning models can forecast an indoor air quality index based on outdoor concentration levels of pollutants in conjunction with indoor and outdoor meteorological variables. In addition, our findings show that the proposed method performs with a mean squared error of 0.0179 and a mean absolute error of 0.1038. We also noticed that 5 months of historical data are enough for accurate training of the forecast models, and that shallow models with around 50,000 parameters have enough predicting power for this task.
Impact of Nanoparticles as an Air Pollutant on Angulin-1/Lipolysis-Stimulated Lipoprotein Receptor in Asthma
Authors: Hwang DaYeon , An Min-Hyeok , Lee Pureun-Haneul , Kim Jung-Hyun , Nam Yunha , Park Shinhee , Baek Ae-Rin , Jang An-Soo
Published: December 2024

Background: The tricellular tight junction protein angulin-1/lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) is linked to numerous signal transduction pathways that govern gene expression, epithelial cell function, and morphogenesis. The effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on LSR and asthma remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of TiO2 on LSR expression in asthma. Methods: A TiO2-induced animal model of asthma was established using BALB/c mice and cell lines using normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) lung cells and we examined LSR, RAGE, and TGFβ expression using this model. Additionally, we analyzed plasma-LSR concentrations and their correlation with clinical variables in asthma patients and control subjects. Results: The LSR concentrations in patients with asthma were lower compared to controls, and were correlated with lung function and inflammatory cell ratio. In NHBE cells treated with Derp1, LSR protein expression was reduced and changed by exposure to TiO2, whereas TGFβ expression was increased and changed. In mouse lungs, LSR expression was significantly reduced in OVA mice and changed in OVA/TiO2 mice. Conclusion: Circulating LSR levels were decreased and correlated with clinical variables in patients with asthma, and they were influenced by TiO2 exposure in mice, suggesting the potential involvement of LSR in asthma pathogenesis.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Rainwater Chemistry in a Rapid Urbanization Area of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Huang Yilong , Yang Jingwei , Liu Chang , Jing Ruiying , Lu Qiaohui
Published: December 2024

Studying chemical constituents in rainwater can provide insights into the origin, characteristics, concentration, and processes involved in clearing atmospheric pollutants. This study investigated the spatial–temporal variations in rainwater chemistry characteristics in a rapidly urbanizing area of Shenzhen from 2007 to 2022. The mean pH during 2007–2022 was 5.12 ± 0.45, significantly higher than the 4.51 recorded in 2006. The electrical conductivity (EC) of rainfall in Shenzhen was 15.79 ± 2.63 μS/cm and showed a progressive decrease over the years. Human activities influenced the trends of SO42−, which decreased, while NO3− and Cl− increased over time. The cations Ca2+ and NH4+ decreased, and Mg2+, Na+, and K+ increased. In recent years, Na+ and Cl−, typical sea-salt ions, became dominant with a continually rising contribution. The study also revealed that Shenzhen has been affected by both sulfuric and nitric acid rain, formally ushering in the nitric acid-type era. Spatial variations in rainfall chemicals were observed, especially for pH and conductivity, attributed to urban growth, distance from the coast, and industrial development. Moreover, the total ion concentration of rainwater demonstrated high values in the spring and low values in the summer due to the significant effect of precipitation.
Monitoring Ionospheric and Atmospheric Conditions During the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Period
Authors: Doğanalp Serkan , Köz İrem
Published: December 2024

Recent advancements have led to a growing prevalence of studies examining ionospheric and atmospheric anomalies as potential precursors to earthquakes. In this context, the study involved analyzing variations in ionospheric total electron content (TEC), investigating anomalies, assessing space weather conditions, and examining changes in atmospheric parameters to evaluate potential precursors and post-seismic effects related to the Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6 earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş consecutively in 2023. To compute the total electron content (TEC) values, data from 29 GNSS receivers covering a period of approximately 49 days were processed. In addition, since identical code signals were not available among all receiver stations, the study conducted an analysis of TEC estimations applying different GPS codes. To analyze space weather conditions, which are considered the main source of changes in the ionosphere, variations in sunspot number, solar activity index, magnetic activity indices (Kp and Dst), and geomagnetic field components were examined across the relevant period. To assess the potential presence of a distinct relationship between seismic activity at the Earth’s surface and ionospheric conditions, atmospheric parameters including temperature, relative humidity, and pressure were meticulously monitored and evaluated. As a result of the study, it was determined that TEC anomalies that could be evaluated as earthquake precursors independent of space weather conditions were observed starting from the 3rd day before the earthquake, and high positive TEC anomalies occurred immediately after the earthquakes. In atmospheric parameters, the change in behavior, particularly in temperature value, 10 days before the earthquake, is noteworthy.
Real-Time Contrail Monitoring and Mitigation Using CubeSat Constellations
Authors: Pushparaj Nishanth , Cormier Luis , Cappelletti Chantal , Portapas Vilius
Published: December 2024

Contrails, or condensation trails, left by aircraft, significantly contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Despite their critical role in climate dynamics, the environmental impact of contrails remains underexplored. This research addresses this gap by focusing on the use of CubeSats for real-time contrail monitoring, specifically over major air routes such as the Europe–North Atlantic Corridor. The study proposes a 3 × 3 CubeSat constellation in highly eccentric orbits, designed to maximize coverage and data acquisition efficiency. Simulation results indicate that this configuration can provide nearly continuous monitoring with optimized satellite handovers, reducing blackout periods and ensuring robust multi-satellite visibility. A machine learning-based system integrating space-based humidity and temperature data to predict contrail formation and inform flight path adjustments is proposed, thereby mitigating environmental impact. The findings emphasize the potential of CubeSat constellations to revolutionize atmospheric monitoring practices, offering a cost-effective solution that aligns with global sustainability efforts, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). This research represents a significant step forward in understanding aviation’s non-CO2 climate impact and demonstrates the feasibility of real-time contrail mitigation through satellite technology.
Double and Triple Photoionization of CCl4
Authors: dos Santos Antônio Carlos Fontes , Maciel Joselito Barbosa , Rocha Alexandre Braga , de Souza Gerardo Gerson Bezerra
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Fragmentation after double and triple photoionization of the CCl4 molecule in the valence, Cl 2p, and C 1s regions have been reported; (2) Methods: We have used photoion-photoion (PIPICO) coincidence technique combined with synchrotron radiation. In addition, ab initio quantum mechanical calculations were done at multiconfigurational self-consistent and multireference configuration interaction to describe ground and inner-shell states; (3) Results: We have observed coincidences involving singly and doubly charged fragments coming from the doubly and triply ionized molecule. We have also found a well agreement between the quantum mechanical calculations and the total ion yield spectrum. It is shown that the Cl+ ion is the predominant product resulting from the fragmentation of the doubly and triply charged CCl4 molecule. The CCl+ + Cl+ pair is the dominant coincidence in the spectra from valence up to the C 1s edge; (4) Conclusions: The kinetic energy of the fragments is compatible with the Coulomb explosion model.
A Novel Bifunctional Surface Coating Method to Effectively Eliminate Residual Li on NCM811 by Using Uniformly Dispersed Metal Oxide Solution
Authors: Kim Seung Hyun , Shinde Nanasaheb M. , Yun Young-Eun , Kim Jeom-Soo
Published: December 2024

A uniformly coating transition metal oxide solution (TS-M) was developed to simultaneously remove residual Li compounds (RLCs) and stabilize the surface of NCM811 material. XRD analysis revealed that the synthesized cathode samples (TS-M, where M = Ti, Ge, Sn) exhibited hexagonal α-NaFeO2 structures without impurity phases. FE-SEM and EDX results confirmed the formation of a uniform metal oxide coating (TS-Ti, TS-Ge: and TS-Sn) on the surface of NCM811, demonstrating its potential as a high-performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Among the treated samples, the TS-Sn sample delivered an excellent discharge capacity of 172.4 mAh g−1 with a retention of 90.4% after 50 cycles at a 1.0 C rate, outperforming the TS-Ge and TS-Ti samples. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further validated the improved impedance of NCM samples after Ti, Ge, and Sn coatings. Based on these findings, the application of Ti, Ge, and Sn metal oxide coatings to NCM811 is considered a reliable surface modification strategy for enhancing electrochemical performance by eliminating RLCs and stabilizing the surface.
Advanced Polymer Electrolytes in Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Ningappa Ningaraju Gejjiganahalli , Madikere Raghunatha Reddy Anil Kumar , Zaghib Karim
Published: December 2024

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) have been recognized as promising energy storage devices for the future due to their high energy densities and much-improved safety compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), whose shortcomings are widely troubled by serious safety concerns such as flammability, leakage, and chemical instability originating from liquid electrolytes (LEs). These challenges further deteriorate lithium metal batteries (LMBs) through dendrite growth and undesirable parasitic reactions. Polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been considered among the few viable options that have attracted great interest because of their inherent non-flammability, excellent flexibility, and wide electrochemical stability window. However, practical applications are seriously limited due to the relatively low ionic conductivity, mechanical instability, and short operational life cycle. This review covers the recent developments in the field and applications of polymer electrolytes in SSBs, including solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), and composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs). The discussion comprises the key synthesis methodologies, electrochemical evaluation, and fabrication of PEs while examining lithium-ion’s solvation and desolvation processes. Finally, this review highlights innovations in PEs for advanced technologies like lithium metal batteries and beyond, covering emerging trends in polymer materials and advancements in PE performance and stability to enhance commercial applications.
Effect of Using Different Blends of Non-Saccharomyces Yeast Isolated from Italia and Negra Criolla Grapes on the Aromatic Diversity and Sensory Profile of Piscos
Authors: Napa-Almeyda César Augusto , Muñoz-González Carolina , Silva-Jaimes Marcial , Condezo-Hoyos Luis , Pozo-Bayón María Ángeles
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of co-fermentation of Italia and Negra Criolla grape musts using non-Saccharomyces yeast strains (NSYSs) isolated from both grape varieties, on the major volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of Piscos (distilled spirits). Native NSYSs previously isolated from Italia (Pichia terricola, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, and Naganishia vaughanmartiniae) and Negra Criolla (Vishniacozyma carnescens, Vishniacozyma heimaeyensis, and Aureobasidium pullulans) grapes’ skins were inoculated at the beginning of grape must fermentation. A centroid simplex design was applied in order to obtain 10 representative yeast blends for use as mono- (n = 3), bi- (n = 3), and ternary (n = 4) inoculations. Additionally, a control sample without inoculum was also set up. For each yeast blend, the volatile composition and sensory characteristics of Piscos were evaluated. Results showed that mono-inoculation using specific NSYSs, such as P. terricola, M. pulcherrima, and N. vaughanmartiniae, led to a notable predominance of some terpenes such as α-terpineol, citronerol, and geraniol in Pisco from Italia grapes compared to the control Pisco. Conversely, in Pisco from Negra Criolla grapes, where V. carnescens, V. heimaeyensis, and A. pullulans were used in a similar mono-inoculation process, a higher presence of phenylethyl alcohol and 2-phenylethyl acetate compared to the control was observed. The sensory analysis revealed that citrus, floral, alcohol, and syrup descriptors had a higher intensity in mono-inoculated Pisco Italia, whereas spice, herbaceous, and cooked vegetable descriptors had the highest intensity in Negra Criolla Piscos produced with ternary NSYS inoculum inoculations. This study demonstrates that the use of native non-Saccharomyces yeast strains in the co-fermentation of grape musts can significantly influence the volatile profile and sensory characteristics of Pisco. These findings will allow us to establish new inoculation strategies to impact the overall sensory and aromatic profile of the Piscos produced with different grape varieties.
Nannochloris sp. JB17 as a Potential Microalga for Carbon Capture and Utilization Bio-Systems: Growth and Biochemical Composition Under High Bicarbonate Concentrations in Fresh and Sea Water
Authors: Markou Giorgos , Kougia Eleni , Arapoglou Dimitris
Published: December 2024

Nannochloris sp. JB17 has been identified as an interesting microalgal species that can tolerate high salinity and high bicarbonate concentrations. In this study, Nannochloris sp. JB17 was long-term adapted to increased bicarbonate concentrations (10–60 g NaHCO3 per L) in fresh or sea-water-based growing media. This study aimed to evaluate its growth performance and biochemical composition under different cultivation conditions. The highest biomass production (1.24–1.3 g/L) achieved in the study was obtained in fresh water media supplemented with 40 g/L and 60 g/L NaHCO3, respectively. Total protein content fluctuated at similar levels among the different treatments (32.4–38.5%), displaying good essential amino acids indices of 0.85–1.02, but with low in vitro protein digestibility (15–20%) rates. Total lipids did not show any significant alteration among the different NaHCO3 concentrations in both fresh and sea water (12.6–13.3%) but at increased sodium strength, a significant increase in unsaturated lipids and in particular a-linolenic acid (C18:3) and linoleic acid (C18:2) was observed. Carbohydrate content also ranged at very similar levels among the cultures (26–30.9%). The main fraction of carbohydrates was in the type of neutral sugars ranging from around 72% to 80% (of total carbohydrates), while uronic acids were in negligible amounts. Moreover, Nannochloris sp. showed that it contained around 8–9% sulfated polysaccharides. Since the microalgae display good growth patterns at high bicarbonate concentrations, they could be a potential species for microalgal-based carbon capture and utilization systems.
Dynamic Focus on Tumor Boundaries: A Lightweight U-Net for MRI Brain Tumor Segmentation
Authors: Avazov Kuldashboy , Mirzakhalilov Sanjar , Umirzakova Sabina , Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Cho Young Im
Published: December 2024

Accurate segmentation of brain tumors in MRI scans is critical for diagnosis and treatment planning. Traditional segmentation models, such as U-Net, excel in capturing spatial information but often struggle with complex tumor boundaries and subtle variations in image contrast. These limitations can lead to inconsistencies in identifying critical regions, impacting the accuracy of clinical outcomes. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel modification to the U-Net architecture by integrating a spatial attention mechanism designed to dynamically focus on relevant regions within MRI scans. This innovation enhances the model’s ability to delineate fine tumor boundaries and improves segmentation precision. Our model was evaluated on the Figshare dataset, which includes annotated MRI images of meningioma, glioma, and pituitary tumors. The proposed model achieved a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.93, a recall of 0.95, and an AUC of 0.94, outperforming existing approaches such as V-Net, DeepLab V3+, and nnU-Net. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our model in addressing key challenges like low-contrast boundaries, small tumor regions, and overlapping tumors. Furthermore, the lightweight design of the model ensures its suitability for real-time clinical applications, making it a robust tool for automated tumor segmentation. This study underscores the potential of spatial attention mechanisms to significantly enhance medical imaging models and paves the way for more effective diagnostic tools.
siRNA Treatment Enhances Collagen Fiber Formation in Tissue-Engineered Meniscus via Transient Inhibition of Aggrecan Production
Authors: Lopez Serafina G. , Estroff Lara A. , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: December 2024

The complex collagen network of the native meniscus and the gradient of the density and alignment of this network through the meniscal enthesis is essential for the proper mechanical function of these tissues. This architecture is difficult to recapitulate in tissue-engineered replacement strategies. Prenatally, the organization of the collagen fiber network is established and aggrecan content is minimal. In vitro, fibrochondrocytes (FCCs) produce proteoglycans and associated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains early in culture, which can inhibit collagen fiber formation during the maturation of tissue-engineered menisci. Thus, it would be beneficial to both specifically and temporarily block deposition of proteoglycans early in culture. In this study, we transiently inhibited aggrecan production by meniscal fibrochondrocytes using siRNA in collagen gel-based tissue-engineered constructs. We evaluated the effect of siRNA treatment on the formation of collagen fibrils and bulk and microscale tensile properties. Specific inhibition of aggrecan production by fibrochondrocytes via siRNA was successful both in 2D monolayer cell culture and 3D tissue culture. This inhibition during early maturation of these in vitro constructs increased collagen fibril diameter by more than 2-fold. This increase in fibril diameter allowed these tissues to distribute strains more effectively at the local level, particularly at the interface of the bone and soft tissue. These data show that siRNA can be used to modulate the ECM to improve collagen fiber formation and mechanical properties in tissue-engineered constructs, and that a transient decrease in aggrecan promotes the formation of a more robust fiber network.
A Rare Parasite in Cats: Record of a Linguatula serrata Frölich, 1789 (Porocephalida, Linguatulidae) Nymphal Infestation in a Cat in Albania, with a Synopsis and Review of the Literature on L. serrata Infestation in Cats
Authors: Vokshi Enstela , Knaus Martin , Rehbein Steffen
Published: December 2024

Linguatula serrata, commonly known as the dogs’ ‘tongue-worm’, is an arthropod endoparasite of the class Pentastomida infesting chiefly canids as definitive hosts and herbivores as intermediate hosts. Adult L. serrata usually reside in the upper respiratory tract, such as the nasal cavity and sinuses, and the larval stages are encapsulated in various visceral organs, respectively. This report presents the first case of a L. serrata nymphal pulmonary infestation in a cat from Albania and adds to the description of the overall rare cases of this parasitic infestation in domestic cats. Discussion of this case together with a comprehensive review of the literature allows us to conclude that cats are susceptible to the infestation with L. serrata when ingesting the parasite’s eggs and allow for the development of the nymphal stage of the parasite in several visceral organs. Therefore, cats may serve as accidental intermediate hosts in the life cycle of L. serrata but are unlikely to be of epidemiological relevance. There is no evidence that domestic cats can act as definitive hosts of L. serrata.
High-Intensity Continuous Light from Red–Blue Light-Emitting Diodes Improved Yield, Nutritional Quality and Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation in Two Leaf-Color Lettuces
Authors: Liu Wenke , Liu Bing , Wu Qibao
Published: December 2024

In an environmentally controlled plant factory with LED red–blue light, the effects of conventional light (4R:1B, 200 μmol·m−2·s−1, 18/6 h) and continuous light (CL, 24/0 h) with three light intensities (4R:1B, 200, 300 and 400 μmol·m−2·s−1, 24/0 h) on yield, nutritional quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) in green-leaf Yidali and purple-leaf Zishan lettuces were investigated. The results showed that the dry and fresh shoot weight of two lettuces exposed to CL tended to increase with light intensity—from 200 to 400 μmol·m−2·s−1—compared to conventional light, while the leaf area tended to decrease or remained unchanged. High-intensity CL could significantly increase soluble sugar and reduce the nitrate contents of the two lettuces. Also, the antioxidant substance (anthocyanins, flavonoids and total phenols) content of the two lettuces was improved with the increase in CL intensity. High-intensity CL could significantly increase the malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion content and DPPH of the two lettuces. The above indices showed similar results both at 6 and 12 days after light treatment. In contrast, the Zishan cultivar contained more antioxidant substances, ROS and MDA contents and DPPH (more than 1 to 100 times) than the Yidali cultivar under high-intensity CL. In summary, high-intensity CL could improve the yield and nutritional value of both Yidali and Zishan lettuces. The high CL tolerance of Zishan was attributed to a stronger antioxidant capacity due to a greater content of antioxidant substances and DPPH, while the accumulation of ROS and the content of antioxidant substances might interact.
Fossil Hyaenanche Pollen from the Eocene of Kenya: The Paleophytogeograpy and Paleoclimate of a Relict Plant Genus Endemic to the Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Grímsson Friðgeir , Geier Christian , Bouchal Johannes M. , Ulrich Silvia , Zetter Reinhard , Vieira Manuel
Published: December 2024

On the African continent, Picrodendraceae are represented by four genera. Their intracontinental paleophytogeographic histories and paleoecological aspects are obscured by the lack of pre-Miocene fossils. For this study, late Eocene sediments from Kenya were investigated. The sample was prepared in the laboratory, and its organic residue was screened for pollen. We extracted fossil Picrodendraceae pollen and investigated the grains using light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the pollen morphology, the grains were assigned to Hyaenanche. This genus is currently confined to a small area within the Cape Province, South Africa. There, the plants grow as shrubs and small trees at an elevation between 60 and 800 m, on rocky substrate, as part of open fynbos vegetation, and under a dry climate with hot summers and limited precipitation. The sedimentary context and the associated palynoflora suggest that during the Eocene of Kenya, Hyaenanche was part of lowland coastal vegetation in Eastern Africa. There, the plants grew under fully humid to winter-dry tropical climates as part of landwards margins of mangroves, seasonally inundated floodplain forests, or coastal forests. Our study shows that when evaluating paleoecological aspects of relict monotypic plants, their extant closely related genera and their fossil records need to be considered.
Bioaccessibility of Flavones, Flavanones, and Flavonols from Vegetable Foods and Beverages
Authors: Cattivelli Alice , Zannini Melissa , De Angeli Maddalena , D’Arca Domenico , Minischetti Vincenzo , Conte Angela , Tagliazucchi Davide
Published: December 2024

The bioaccessibility of flavonoids is of paramount importance in determining their bioavailability and biological effects. Bioaccessibility is influenced by several aspects, comprising the food matrix and the structure of flavonoids. In the present study, the bioaccessibility of different classes of flavonoids (flavanones, flavones, and flavonols) was investigated after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion of beverages and vegetables. O-glycosylated flavanones were stable during in vitro digestion and easily released from the food matrix. Otherwise, C-glycosylated flavanones displayed a lower bioaccessibility index. Similarly, flavones exhibited a high bioaccessibility index in beverages and vegetables, with the O-glycosylated forms being more stable than the C-glycosylated. Flavonols displayed different stability under gastro-intestinal conditions depending on their structure. The presence of a catechol moiety in the B-ring, as observed in 3-O-glycosylated quercetins, negatively impacted flavonol stability in comparison with kaempferol derivatives that lack the catechol moiety. Indeed, the presence of more than one sugar or the glycosylation of the OH group in the B-ring improved the digestive stability of quercetin derivatives. For flavonols, a clear food matrix effect was observed by comparing the bioaccessibility in beverages and vegetable foods. These findings may aid in improving the comprehension of the biological effects of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods.
Seasonal Distribution and Diversity of Non-Insect Arthropods in Arid Ecosystems: A Case Study from the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Kingdom Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsaleem Taghreed A. , Kehail Moutaman Ali , Alzahrani Abdulrahaman S. , Alsaleem Turki , Alkhalifa Areej H. , Alqahtani Abdulaziz M. , Altalhi Mohammed H. , Alkhamis Hussein H. , Alowaifeer Abdullah M. , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad
Published: December 2024

The biodiversity of invertebrate animals is largely affected by climatic changes. This study evaluates the seasonal abundance and diversity of non-insect arthropods in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve (KARR), Saudi Arabia, over four collection periods (summer, autumn, winter, and spring) during 2023. Sampling was conducted across multiple sites in the reserve using both active (manual collection and active surveying for the diurnal species) and passive (pitfall traps and malaise traps for the nocturnal species) methods. A total of 586 non-insect arthropod specimens were collected, representing four classes: Arachnida, Chilopoda, Branchiopoda, and Malacostraca. The results show that the most abundant species was the jumping spider Plexippus paykulli, which dominated collections across two seasons, with a peak abundance of 50.7% in late summer. Seasonal variations in non-insect arthropod diversity were observed, with a lower diversity recorded during January–March (4 species, and this may be attributed to this period revealing the lowest temperature reading recorded during the study period) and higher diversity in August–September (end of summer) and October–November (mid of autumn), with 14 species. Scorpions, particularly species from the families Buthidae and Scorpionidae, were common during the summer months, while solifuges and centipedes showed sporadic occurrences across seasons. These findings align with the results for arthropod distribution in arid regions, with temperature and resource availability as key drivers of biodiversity in desert environments because of their direct effects on the biochemical processes of these creatures. This study contributes valuable baseline data on the non-insect arthropod fauna of the KARR. The insights gained from this study can aid in conservation efforts and provide a foundation for further research on non-insect arthropod ecology in arid landscapes.
Niche Evolution and Conservation of a Chinese Endemic Genus Sinojackia (Styracaceae)
Authors: Feng Miao , Zhang Jisi
Published: December 2024

Climate change and human activities are expected to have a profound impact on the distribution of species, especially for narrowly distributed species. Sinojackia is endemically distributed in China, and all species are listed under Chinese protected wild species. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny and estimated the divergence time of Sinojackia based on whole plastomes, conducted the niche evolution, and predicted the potential habitat area of Sinojackia from the LGM to the future. Our results strongly supported the monophyly of Sinojackia based on whole plastomes. This genus originated in the middle Miocene and diversified since the late Miocene. The aridity index was the highest significant factor for its niche evolution, and the niche evolution rate increased slowly since its divergence. The precipitation of the warmest quarter was a main environmental variable affecting the distribution of Sinojackia in the LGM, while the human footprint is the main variable in the near-current era and 2081–2100. Compared to the current distribution of Sinojackia, the highly suitable distribution area contracted in the LGM, but expanded during 2081–2100. This study provides potential areas for the in situ conservation of Sinojackia.
A Genetic Make Up of Italian Lipizzan Horse Through Uniparental Markers to Preserve Historical Pedigrees
Authors: Crisà Alessandra , Cardinali Irene , Giontella Andrea , Silvestrelli Maurizio , Lancioni Hovirag , Buttazzoni Luca
Published: December 2024

Lipizzan is a famous horse breed dating back to 1580 when the original stud of Lipica was established by the Hasburg Archduke Charles II. Currently, the Italian State Stud of Lipizzan Horses (ASCAL) is a conservation nucleus managed through strict mating rules where mitochondrial DNA sequences are used to verify the correct assignment of mares to a historical pedigree maternal lineage. Here, we analyzed the D-loop sequences of Lipizzan horses from the ASCAL in Monterotondo (Rome, Italy) in order to confirm their pedigree assignment to known female founder families. The concurrent investigation of the paternal counterpart based on variation in the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) showed a prevalence of HT02 (80%), typical of the Neapolitan/Oriental wave. The mtDNA polymorphisms identified shaped nine haplotypes that were unequivocally assigned to each of nine classical mare families of the stud (Africa, Almerina, Argentina, Deflorata, Djebrin, Fistula, Ivanka, Sardinia, Spadiglia), while the Europa and Theodorosta families shared a tenth haplotype. New polymorphisms were identified in a not previously studied region (np 16100–16350). The mtDNA phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Lipizzans of the Monterotondo stud belong to six haplogroups (B, C, G, L, M, Q), out of the 18 recorded for the equine species. This work enabled us to identify and preserve ten haplotypes from the historical maternal lines in a small stud kept in genetic segregation for over 100 years.
Lactate and Lactylation: Dual Regulators of T-Cell-Mediated Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy
Authors: Hao Zhi-Nan , Tan Xiao-Ping , Zhang Qing , Li Jie , Xia Ruohan , Ma Zhaowu
Published: December 2024

Lactate and its derivative, lactylation, play pivotal roles in modulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly in T-cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy. Elevated lactate levels, a hallmark of the Warburg effect, contribute to immune suppression through CD8+ T cell functionality and by promoting regulatory T cell (Treg) activity. Lactylation, a post-translational modification (PTM), alters histone and non-histone proteins, influencing gene expression and further reinforcing immune suppression. In the complex TME, lactate and its derivative, lactylation, are not only associated with immune suppression but can also, under certain conditions, exert immunostimulatory effects that enhance cytotoxic responses. This review describes the dual roles of lactate and lactylation in T-cell-mediated tumor immunity, analyzing how these factors contribute to immune evasion, therapeutic resistance, and immune activation. Furthermore, the article highlights emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting lactate production or disrupting lactylation pathways to achieve a balanced regulation of these dual effects. These strategies offer new insights into overcoming tumor-induced immune suppression and hold the potential to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
Alpha-Synuclein Effects on Mitochondrial Quality Control in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Shen Lydia , Dettmer Ulf
Published: December 2024

The maintenance of healthy mitochondria is essential for neuronal survival and relies upon mitochondrial quality control pathways involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). Mitochondrial dysfunction is critically implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD), a brain disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Consequently, impaired mitochondrial quality control may play a key role in PD pathology. This is affirmed by work indicating that genes such as PRKN and PINK1, which participate in multiple mitochondrial processes, harbor PD-associated mutations. Furthermore, mitochondrial complex-I-inhibiting toxins like MPTP and rotenone are known to cause Parkinson-like symptoms. At the heart of PD is alpha-synuclein (αS), a small synaptic protein that misfolds and aggregates to form the disease’s hallmark Lewy bodies. The specific mechanisms through which aggregated αS exerts its neurotoxicity are still unknown; however, given the vital role of both αS and mitochondria to PD, an understanding of how αS influences mitochondrial maintenance may be essential to elucidating PD pathogenesis and discovering future therapeutic targets. Here, the current knowledge of the relationship between αS and mitochondrial quality control pathways in PD is reviewed, highlighting recent findings regarding αS effects on mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and autophagy.
PLGA-Nano-Encapsulated Disulfiram Inhibits Cancer Stem Cells and Targets Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Butcher Kate , Wang Zhipeng , Kurusamy Sathishkumar , Zhang Zaixing , Morris Mark R. , Najlah Mohammad , McConville Christopher , Kannappan Vinodh , Wang Weiguang
Published: December 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) chemoresistance and metastasis. In this study, we used two NSCLC cell lines to investigate the regulating effect of hypoxia in the induction and maintenance of CSC traits. Our study demonstrated hypoxia-induced stemness and chemoresistance at levels comparable to those in typical CSC sphere culture. Activation of the NF-κB pathway (by transfection of NF-κB-p65) plays a key role in NSCLC CSCs and chemoresistance. Disulfiram (DS), an anti-alcoholism drug, showed a strong in vitro anti-CSC effect. It blocked cancer cell sphere reformation and clonogenicity, synergistically enhanced the cytotoxicity of four anti-NSCLC drugs (doxorubicin, gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and paclitaxel) and reversed hypoxia-induced resistance. The effect of DS on CSCs is copper-dependent. A very short half-life in the bloodstream is the major limitation for the translation of DS into a cancer treatment. Our team previously developed a poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticle encapsulated DS (DS-PLGA) with a long half-life in the bloodstream. Intra venous injection of DS-PLGA in combination with the oral application of copper gluconate has strong anticancer efficacy in a metastatic NSCLC mouse model. Further study may be able to translate DS-PLGA into cancer applications.
Charge Movements and Conformational Changes: Biophysical Properties and Physiology of Voltage-Dependent GPCRs
Authors: Rinne Andreas , Bünemann Moritz
Published: December 2024

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate multiple cellular functions and represent important drug targets. More than 20 years ago, it was noted that GPCR activation (agonist binding) and signaling (G protein activation) are dependent on the membrane potential (VM). While it is now proven that many GPCRs display an intrinsic voltage dependence, the molecular mechanisms of how GPCRs sense depolarization of the plasma membrane are less well defined. This review summarizes the current knowledge of voltage-dependent signaling in GPCRs. We describe how voltage dependence was discovered in muscarinic receptors, present an overview of GPCRs that are regulated by voltage, and show how biophysical properties of GPCRs led to the discovery of voltage-sensing mechanisms in those receptors. Furthermore, we summarize physiological functions that have been shown to be regulated by voltage-dependent GPCR signaling of endogenous receptors in excitable tissues, such as the nervous system or the heart. Finally, we discuss challenges that remain in analyzing voltage-dependent signaling of GPCRs in vivo and present an outlook on experimental applications of the interesting concept of GPCR signaling.
Genomic Medicine in the Developing World: Cancer Spectrum, Cumulative Risk and Survival Outcomes for Lynch Syndrome Variant Heterozygotes with Germline Pathogenic Variants in the MLH1 and MSH2 Genes
Authors: Ndou Lutricia , Chambuso Ramadhani , Algar Ursula , Boutall Adam , Goldberg Paul , Ramesar Raj
Published: December 2024

Background: Although genetic testing has improved our ability to diagnose Lynch syndrome (LS), there is still limited information on the extent of variations in the clinical and genetic landscape among LS variant heterozygotes (LSVH) in Africa. We sought to investigate the cancer spectrum, cumulative risk, and survival outcomes of LSVH with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LPVs) in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes using a LS registry in South Africa over the last 30 years. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to retrieve demographic, clinical, and genetic data of all LSVH with P/LPVs in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes from our LS registry. Genetic data were analyzed according to cancer spectrum, cumulative risk, and crude survival. We used the Chi-squared and t-test to assess differences between groups, and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used to analyze the cumulative risk and crude survival outcomes. A p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: We analyzed a total of 577 LSVH from 109 families. About 450 (78%) and 127 (22%) LSVH harbored a disease-causing mutation in MLH1 and MSH2, respectively. A South African founder PV (MLH1:c.1528C>T) accounted for 74% (n = 426) of all LSVH. CRC was the most common diagnosed cancer in both MLH1 and MSH2 LSVH. MLH1 LSVH had a younger age at cancer diagnosis than MSH2 LSVH (43 vs. 47 years, respectively, p = 0.015). Extracolonic cancers were predominantly higher in female LSVH (n = 33, 35%) than in male LSVH (n = 8, 7%) with the MLH1:c.1528C>T founder PV. The cumulative risk of any cancer and CRC at any age was higher in MLH1 LSVH than in MSH2 LSVH (p = 0.020 and p = 0.036, respectively). LSVH with the MLH1:c.1528C>T PV had a better 10-year overall survival after the first cancer diagnosis, particularly for CRC. Conclusions: LSVH with P/LPVs in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes exhibited significant gene- and sex-specific differences in cancer spectrum, cumulative risk and survival outcomes. Cancer risk and survival estimates described in this study can be used to guide surveillance and genetic counselling for LSVH in our population.
Bile Acids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment
Authors: Bai Samantha H. , Chandnani Arun , Cao Siyan
Published: December 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects about 7 million people worldwide, and new therapies are needed. Understanding the complex roles that bile acids (BAs) play in IBD may lead to the development of novel IBD treatments independent of direct immunosuppression. This review discusses the latest discoveries in the roles BAs play in IBD pathogenesis and explores how these discoveries offer promising new therapeutic targets to treat IBD and improve patient outcomes. Several therapies discussed include specific BA receptor (BAR) agonists, dietary therapies, supplements, probiotics, and mesenchymal stem cell therapies that have all been shown to decrease IBD disease activity.
Integration of Stromal Cells and Hydrogel Below Epithelium Results in Optimal Barrier Properties of Small Intestine Organoid Models
Authors: Asal Melis , Thon Maria , Waaijman Taco , Bontkes Hetty J. , van Vliet Sandra J. , Mebius Reina E. , Gibbs Susan
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The barrier properties of the human small intestine play a crucial role in regulating digestion, nutrient absorption and drug metabolism. Current in vitro organotypic models consist only of an epithelium, which does not take into account the possible role of stromal cells such as fibroblasts or the extracellular matrix (ECM) which could contribute to epithelial barrier properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether these stromal cells or ECM were beneficial or detrimental to barrier function when incorporated into an organotypic human small intestine model. Methods: Intestinal epithelial cell lines or primary cell organoids derived from the epithelial stem cells of the small intestine were cultivated either on a porous Transwell membrane (epithelial model) or on a primary small intestinal stromal cell-populated collagen-fibrin hydrogel (full thickness model). Results: Both models expressed villin (enterocytes), lysozyme (Paneth cells), Ki67 (proliferative cells) and zonula occludens-1 (tight junctions). The polarized epithelial barriers of the full thickness models demonstrated a significant decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) with values comparable to that found in the native small intestine in contrast to the higher TEER values observed in the epithelial models. This correlated to an increase in secreted zonulin, a regulator of intestine permeability, in the full thickness models. The decreased TEER values were due to both the stromal cells and the choice of the hydrogel versus the Transwell membrane. Moreover, erythropoietin and epithelial growth factor secretion, which have roles in regulating barrier integrity, directly correlated with the changes in TEER and permeability. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of different cell types being incorporated into small intestine models and, also, the influence of the scaffold or matrix used.
Thermal Water Reduces the Inflammatory Process Induced by the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Human Airway Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Scanu Anna , Maccarone Maria Chiara , Caldara Fabrizio , Regazzo Gianluca , Luisetto Roberto , Masiero Stefano
Published: December 2024

Background: Although treatments using thermal water have yielded beneficial effects in respiratory tract infections, the effects of thermal water under experimental conditions similar to those triggered by SARS-CoV-2 have yet to be evaluated. This study aimed to assess whether thermal water could interfere with the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host cells and influence inflammatory factors. Methods: Human nasal epithelial primary cells (HNEpCs) were stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the presence or absence of thermal water or tap water. Cell viability, cytokine concentration, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 levels, and ACE2 activity were determined in the cell cultures. Results: Exposure of HNEpCs to spike protein increased IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β production, with decreased production observed in the presence of thermal water at an optimal dose. Treatment of cells with tap water did not affect cytokine release in unstimulated or spike-stimulated cells. Spike-protein-stimulated HNEpCs showed reduced levels of ACE2, which were partially restored only in the presence of thermal water. Spike protein did not affect the TMPRSS2 levels of the cell lysates. Stimulation with spike protein induced an increase in the concentration of both receptors in the supernatants, while treatment with thermal water reduced TMPRSS2 levels in both the cells and supernatants. Stimulation with spike protein increased ACE2 activity, which was reduced with thermal water. Conclusions: This study shows the regulatory effects of mineral-rich thermal water on spike-protein-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and the amount and activity of receptors mainly involved in viral entry, suggesting a potential use of this treatment as a support therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection of the upper respiratory tract.