bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Role of TaPLC1-2B in Heat Tolerance at Seedling and Adult Stages of Wheat through Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Li Chenyang , Zhao Ahui , Yu Yan , Cui Chao , Zeng Quan , Shen Wei , Zhao Yang , Wang Fei , Dong Jian , Gao Xiang , Yang Mingming
Published: November 2023

Heat stress is a major abiotic stress that can cause serious losses of a crop. Our previous work identified a gene involved in heat stress tolerance in wheat, TaPLC1-2B. To further investigate its mechanisms, in the present study, TaPLC1-2B RNAi-silenced transgenic wheat and the wild type were comparatively analyzed at both the seedling and adult stages, with or without heat stress, using transcriptome sequencing. A total of 15,549 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at the adult stage and 20,535 DEGs were detected at the seedling stage. After heat stress, an enrichment of pathways such as phytohormones and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was mainly found in the seedling stage, and pathways related to metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, circadian rhythms, and ABC transporter were enriched in the adult stage. Auxin and abscisic acid were downregulated in the seedling stage and vice versa in the adult stage; and the MYB, WRKY, and no apical meristem gene families were downregulated in the seedling stage in response to heat stress and upregulated in the adult stage in response to heat stress. This study deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of TaPLC1-2B in regard to heat stress in wheat at the seedling and adult stages.
Ischemic Stroke: New Insights from Risk Factors, Mechanisms and Outcomes
Authors: Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: November 2023

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the most common form of stroke globally [...]
Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer—The Middle Child Syndrome
Authors: Lim Ee Jean , Su Mengyue , Saiduzzaman B. M. , Tay Kae Jack , Ho Henry Sun Sien , Tokas Theodoros , Somani Bhaskar Kumar , Gauhar Vineet , Yuen John Shyi Peng , Chen Kenneth
Published: November 2023

Oligometastatic prostate cancer is an evolving clinical entity as more data from novel imaging tools such as PSMA PET/CT emerges. Recognition of this disease entity allows for unique interventions which differ from conventional treatment of metastatic prostate cancers such as the initiation of chemotherapy. With metastasis-directed therapy (MDT), there is potential for early eradication of limited disease metastases and a delay in systemic treatment with its associated treatment-related toxicities. This review explores the current evidence and outcomes of different metastasis-directed therapies such as the role of radiotherapy in low volume metastasis and the use of PSMA ligands to facilitate pelvic lymph node dissections. With a deeper understanding of this low metastasis state, it has revolutionized the current viable treatment options, and more studies are ongoing to provide further insights into this unique disease entity.
Adjunctive Hemoadsorption Therapy with CytoSorb in Patients with Septic/Vasoplegic Shock: A Best Practice Consensus Statement
Authors: Mitzner Steffen , Kogelmann Klaus , Ince Can , Molnár Zsolt , Ferrer Ricard , Nierhaus Axel
Published: November 2023

A dysregulated host response is a common feature in critically ill patients due to both infectious and non-infectious origins that can lead to life-threatening organ dysfunction, which is still the primary cause of death in intensive care units worldwide. In its course, pathologic, unregulated levels of inflammatory mediators are often released into the circulation, a phenomenon also referred to as a “cytokine storm”. To date, there are no approved therapies to modulate the excessive immune response and limit hyperinflammation with the goal of preventing related organ failure and death. In this context, extracorporeal blood purification therapies aiming at the alteration of the host inflammatory response through broad-spectrum, non-selective removal of inflammatory mediators have come into focus. A novel hemoadsorption device (CytoSorb®, CytoSorbents Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA) has shown promising results in patients with hyperinflammation from various origins. Although a significant body of literature exists, there is ongoing research to address many important remaining questions, including the optimal selection of patient groups who might benefit the most, optimal timing for therapy initiation, optimal schedule for adsorber exchanges and therapy duration, as well as an investigation into the potential removal of concomitant antibiotics and other medications. In this review, we discuss the existing evidence and provide a consensus-based best practice guidance for CytoSorb® hemoadsorption therapy in patients with vasoplegic shock.
Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) in Patients with Predominantly Decompensated Right Heart Failure—A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Dworok Victoria , Hähnel Valentin , Bannehr Marwin , Paar Vera , Edlinger Christoph , Lichtenauer Michael , Butter Christian , Haase-Fielitz Anja
Published: November 2023

Right heart failure is a major challenge in clinical practice. Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin-1-receptor family, may have clinical prognostic value. The aim of this study was to analyze whether sST2 correlates with signs of acute right heart decompensation. This prospective single-center study included 50 patients admitted for clinical signs of predominant right heart decompensation. Signs of reduced blood supply to other organs (e.g., renal function parameter, troponin T, NT-proBNP), diuretics, and signs of venous congestion (inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter) with fluid retention (weight gain, peripheral edema) resulting from reduced RV function were analyzed. The degree of peripheral edema was defined as none, mild (5–6 mm depressible, regression in 15–60 s) or severe (>7 mm depressible, regression in 2–3 min). sST2 levels were measured at the day of hospitalization. A total of 78.7% showed severe peripheral edema. The median concentration of sST2 was 35.2 ng/mL (25.–75. percentiles 17.2–46.7). sST2 is correlated with the peripheral edema degree (rSpearman = 0.427, p = 0.004) and the diameter of IVC (r = 0.786, p = 0.036), while NT-proBNP (r = 0.114, p = 0.456), troponin T (r = 0.123, p = 0.430), creatinine-based eGFR (r = −0.207, p = 0.195), or cystatin C-based eGFR (r = −0.032, p = 0.839) did not. sST2, but no other established marker, is correlated with peripheral and central fluid status in patients with decompensated right heart failure.
Therapeutic Use of Low-Dose Local Anesthetics in Pain, Inflammation, and Other Clinical Conditions: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Vinyes David , Muñoz-Sellart Montserrat , Fischer Lorenz
Published: November 2023

The use of low-dose local anesthetics (LAs) has significantly transformed patient care by providing rapid and effective relief of pain and other clinical conditions while minimizing recovery time. This study aims to identify and describe the existing scientific evidence on the therapeutic use of low-dose LAs in various conditions and to identify gaps in the current literature in order to prioritize future research. This systematic scoping review adhered to the methodological guidelines outlined in the Arksey and O’Malley framework, which includes five distinct stages. Of the 129 studies included, 37.98% (n = 49) were clinical trials, 55.03% (n = 71) were observational studies, and 6.97% (n = 9) were systematic reviews. The most commonly reported indication for the use of low-dose LAs was chronic pain management (72.86%), followed by acute pain management (13.17%). Additionally, non-pain-related indications were also identified (13.95%). Overall, the administration of low-dose, short-acting LAs demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of pain management and reduction in anxiety and depression scales, thereby having a positive impact on the patients’ quality of life. This review represents the first systematic scoping review regarding the therapeutic role of LAs. To substantiate the reported positive effects on efficacy and safety, further rigorous research comprising larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and long-term outcome monitoring is imperative.
Development and Application of an Integrated System for the Detection and Prediction of Harmful Algal Blooms in Korea
Authors: Kang Donhyug , Kim Byoung Kweon , Jung Seung Won , Baek Seung Ho , Choi Jin-Yong , Cho Hong-Yeon , Lee Sun-Ju , Kim Hansoo
Published: November 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are types of phytoplankton overgrowth that adversely affect marine ecosystems and aquaculture resources. One such HAB species, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, occurs irregularly and causes significant damage to the aquaculture industry along the coastal regions of Korea. In this study, we developed and implemented an integrated system to detect and predict HAB occurrences in real time. This system comprises four main components: (1) a real-time detection system utilizing acoustic sensing, ocean weather, water temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll, satellite images, genetic analysis, and optics; (2) a prediction model system based on current and tidal, HAB occurrence, and HAB movement and diffusion models; (3) an additional data based on HAB information of sampling data and HAB information of GPS data, and (4) an integrated information system utilizing data storage servers and a visualization platform. We applied and assessed the efficiency of this integrated system in the South Sea of Korea from 2017 to 2019. Particularly, HABs occurred significantly in 2019, and the system demonstrated the feasibility of detection and prediction under field conditions. Implementing a more advanced integrated detection and prediction system in the field is anticipated to minimize the damage caused by irregular HAB occurrences every year.
Induction of Reproductive Sterility in Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) by an Immersion-Based Gene Silencing Technology
Authors: Xu Lan , Zhao Mingli , Zohar Yonathan , Wong Ten-Tsao
Published: November 2023

Undesired maturation and reproduction are major challenges in fish aquaculture regarding genetic introgression, precocious maturation, and reproduction-related mortality, which can have profound ecological or economic impacts. Farming reproductively sterile fish can effectively mitigate these challenges. In this paper, we transferred and applied a novel immersion-based, non-transgenic gene silencing technology to sterilize coho salmon for the first time. Unfertilized eggs were bath immersion-treated with csdnd-MO-Vivo in different immersion media. Eyed rates of treated groups ranged from 0.9 to 63.5%. Sterile fish lacking germ cells, and those with arrested germ cells/atretic oocytes, were obtained at 14 and 20 months of age, albeit at a low percentage (2.3 to 10.0% based on females). Gonadal histology and vasa/nanos3 gene expression profile were provided for comparing fertile and sterile gonads, as well as retarded ovaries. Future directions and strategies for optimizing the technology and improving sterility induction were also proposed. The successful production of sterile coho salmon achieved in this study demonstrates the proof of principle for this new sterilization technology. As we continue to expand upon these findings and refine the technology, achieving coho salmon sterile population farming would facilitate the future transfer and application to other commercially important aquaculture fish.
Research on the Hydrodynamic Noise Characteristics of a Mixed-Flow Pump
Authors: Yang Qiaoyue , Li Wei , Ji Leilei , Shi Weidong , Pu Wei , Long Yu , He Xinrui
Published: November 2023

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the internal noise characteristics of a mixed-flow pump by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational acoustics. The turbulent flow field of the pump is simulated using the unsteady SST k-ω turbulence model in CFD. The contributions of the volute, guide vanes, and impeller to the internal noise are analyzed and compared using the Lighthill theory, FW-H formula, and LMS Virtual Lab software for acoustic simulation. The research findings indicate that the energy of pressure fluctuations in the mixed-flow pump is predominantly concentrated at the blade passing frequency and its low-frequency harmonics. This suggests that the internal noise is mainly in the low-frequency range, with higher energy at the blade passing frequency and its harmonics. Under the 0.6Qdes flow condition, the flow inside the pump becomes more complex, resulting in higher sound pressure levels and sound power levels compared to higher flow conditions. However, for flow conditions ranging from 0.8Qdes to 1.2Qdes, the sound pressure levels gradually increase with increasing flow rate, with the sound pressure level at 1.0Qdes being nearly identical to that at 1.2Qdes. The analysis of sound power level spectra at different flow rates reveals that the distribution characteristics of internal vortex structures directly impact the hydrodynamic noise inside the mixed-flow pump. These research findings provide a significant theoretical basis for noise control in mixed-flow pumps.
Tempering Financial Reporting Risk through Board Risk Management
Authors: Beasley Mark , Blay Allen , Lewellen Christina , McAllister Michelle
Published: November 2023

Recent corporate governance failures have heightened stakeholder expectations that the board of directors engage in robust oversight of the firm’s risk management processes. This expectation is in line with widely embraced enterprise risk management frameworks, which assert that strong board risk management is a key component of an entity’s risk management process. We use a hand-coded measure of board engagement in risk management from the recent literature to measure the robustness of that oversight for a sample of large, publicly traded U.S. firms and examine the relationship between robust board risk management (board risk management) and firm-wide strategies for mitigating financial reporting risk. While controlling for board composition-related characteristics, we found a positive association between robust board risk management processes and two avenues for mitigating financial reporting risk (i.e., more effective internal control over financial reporting and the selection of industry specialist auditors). Our results indicate that firms with more robust board risk management are associated with fewer actual instances of materially misstated financial statements and less earnings management.
Impact of Financial Factors on the Economic Cycle Dynamics in Selected European Countries
Authors: Dumitrescu Bogdan Andrei , Grecu Robert-Adrian
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper was to assess the impact generated by the financial market shocks on the economic cycle in European countries. In addition to the studies from the literature, which focus more on the developed economies, this paper also considered the situation at the level of a group of emerging economies to highlight the potential differences. In this sense, it was analyzed how the shocks at the level of the banking sector, those at the level of the capital market, and those at the level of the real estate market influence the dynamics of the economic cycle. Both econometric models for the individual analyses of each state, such as the Bayesian vector autoregression model, and models at the level of groups of states, such as panel regressions, were used for the period 2007–2022. The results showed a strong connection between the dynamics of the financial system and that of the real economy. In addition, the impact of financial factors on the economic cycle tends to be much stronger and more significant in the case of developing countries, compared to developed ones. In this regard, it was recommended that fiscal and monetary policies should be coordinated to generate the expected effect on the economy.
Housing and Food Production: Resident and Grower Perceptions of Peri-Urban Food-Production Landscapes
Authors: Davis Shannon , Chen Guanyu , Darvill Naomi
Published: November 2023

The loss of productive soils and food-producing landscapes on the edges of cities is an increasing issue facing Aotearoa New Zealand. Like many countries globally, New Zealand’s largest cities are facing rapid expansion because of increasing urbanisation, with high levels of low-density residential sprawl into the productive peri-urban hinterlands and increasing rates of ‘reverse sensitivity’. Food production, as a result, is being pushed further away, disconnected from the communities it serves, and often onto less productive soil. This paper explores the perceptions and attitudes of both peri-urban residents and food producers living and working within the peri-urban zone of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Conducting two surveys, one with residents and another with producers, respondents’ perceptions of food growing within this peri-urban landscape are explored to better understand the enablers and barriers of growing food close to cities. Overall, the results indicated that peri-urban residents appreciate food being produced close to where they live, with over 90% of residential respondents feeling either ‘mostly positive’ or ‘extremely positive’ towards food being grown close to their homes. Of greatest concern for peri-urban residents were issues relating to negative impacts on the environment and human health, with particular concern for water quality. The lack of accessibility to locally produced food was also identified as an area of concern to residents. Food producers felt less positive towards operating their food-production enterprises within the peri-urban zone, identifying a range of issues impacting their experience. The information rendered from these surveys provides a base for future land-use planning consideration within the peri-urban zone, where both food production and housing can co-exist.
Effects of Mosaic Natural Conditions on the Tourism Management of a Lowland Water Reservoir, Lake Tisza, Hungary
Authors: Benkhard Borbála , Csorba Péter , Mester Tamás , Balla Dániel , Kiss Emőke , Szabó György , Fazekas István , Vass Róbert , Rooien Azin , Vasvári Mária
Published: November 2023

The increasing number of visitors and conflicts resulting from shared use in valorising sensitive wetlands make effective visitor and site management measures essential. In the course of this research, the landscape pattern, the current spatial distribution of tourist activities and the possible arrangement of expedient further development were examined. The study area, Lake Tisza, is an artificial lowland reservoir established in the 1970s with an area of 127 km2 in Hungary. Among its original functions, in addition to flood control, nature conservation and recreation have become the main profiles. The diverse hydro-ecological features and mosaic landscape structure allow for nature conservation and utilisation in tourism. This differentiated use is in line with the worldwide trend of favouring locations with multiple leisure activities in close proximity to each other. Based on the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) 2018 database, 12 different land use categories were identified in the study area. The largest proportion is represented by water bodies (53.29%), while inland marshes and broad-leaved forests cover 22.25% and 16.64%, respectively. The heterogeneity of the area is considerably enhanced by the high patch sizes of the categories pastures, broad-leaved forests and inland marshes. According to the Shannon diversity index, the most complex landscape diversity can be found in the Tiszavalk (1.5) and Poroszló (1.4) basins, considered to be the most suitable for ecotourism, while the lower values of the Sarud (1.1) and Abadszalók (1.1) basins provide suitable conditions for water sport activities and recreational tourism. Continuous adaptation to social needs and the joint protection of natural values is crucial for the sustainable development of Lake Tisza.
Study on the Attenuation of Long-Term Skid Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures under Aeolian Sand Conditions
Authors: Pan Jingsheng , Li Ping , Zhao Liu , Pan Qiang , Ni Jiaming , Wang Yong
Published: November 2023

In this work, the long-term skid resistance attenuation law of asphalt mixtures in the presence of aeolian sand was studied. Four types of asphalt mixtures underwent skid resistance abrasion tests using an accelerated loading tester. The pendulum value (BPN) and structure depth (MTD) of these four mixtures were determined under various conditions of sand density and abrasion times. The correlation between the BPN and density and the number of times of abrasion were investigated, respectively, to analyze the skid resistance attenuation law at the microscopic and macroscopic levels. Our results indicate that the skid resistance of the four types of asphalt mixtures initially decreased and subsequently reached a stable state. Sand density primarily influences skid resistance during the initial stage, while the number of abrasions becomes the dominant factor affecting skid resistance in the later stages.
The Effect of Sliding Speed on the Tribological Properties of Ceramic Materials
Authors: Alparone Giovanni Paolo , Penney David , Jewell Eifion , Sullivan James , Mills Christopher
Published: November 2023

Ceramics are considered to be candidate materials for galvanising pot bearing materials due to their excellent corrosion resistance in many molten metals. Galvanising pot roll bearings must have excellent wear resistance, and, therefore, it is important to understand the wear behaviour of prospective bearing materials. This study investigates the friction- and wear-resistant properties of select ceramics, namely, pure hBN, BN M26, AlN-BN, Macor, 3YSZ, Al2O3 and Si3N4. The ceramics were tested at different sliding speeds using a pin-on-disc device equipped with SiC pins. The lowest coefficient of friction (COF) achieved was below 0.1, and it was measured for pure hBN at a 3.14 m/min sliding speed. However, a wear scar analysis showed that the BN grades suffered from severe wear. The highest wear rate was obtained for BN M26 at a 9.42 m/min sliding speed and was equal to 17.1 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1. It was shown that the wear coefficient of the tested ceramics varied exponentially with hardness. The lowest wear was observed on the 3YSZ, Al2O3 and Si3N4 ceramics, which showed no volume loss, and, for this reason, they can be potentially used as bearing materials in continuous galvanising lines.
Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Dimethyl Ether on CuO–ZnO/ZSM-5 Catalysts: Comparison of Powder and Electrospun Structures
Authors: Nejadsalim Aidin , Godini Hamid Reza , Ramesh Kumar Sanjay , Gallucci Fausto , Kober Delf , Gurlo Aleksander , Görke Oliver
Published: November 2023

The promising direct dimethyl ether (DME) production through CO2 hydrogenation was systematically analyzed in this research by synthesizing, characterizing, and testing several catalytic structures. In doing so, various combinations of precipitation and impregnation of copper- and zinc-oxides (CuO–ZnO) over a ZSM-5 zeolite structure were applied to synthesize the hybrid catalysts capable of hydrogenating carbon dioxide to methanol and dehydrating it to DME. The resulting catalytic structures, including the co-precipitated, sequentially precipitated, and sequentially impregnated CuO–ZnO/ZSM-5 catalysts, were prepared in the form of particle and electrospun fibers with distinguished chemical and structural features. They were then characterized using XRD, BET, XPS, ICP, TGA, SEM, and FIB-SEM/EDS analyses. Their catalytic performances were also tested and analyzed in light of their observed characteristics. It was observed that it is crucial to establish relatively small-size and well-distributed zeolite crystals across a hybrid catalytic structure to secure a distinguished DME selectivity and yield. This approach, along with other observed behaviors and the involved phenomena like catalyst particles and fibers, clusters of catalyst particles, or the whole catalytic bed, were analyzed and explained. In particular, the desired characteristics of a CuO–ZnO/ZSM-5 hybrid catalyst, synthesized in a single-pot processing of the precursors of all involved catalytically active elements, were found to be promising in guiding the future efforts in tailoring an efficient catalyst for this system.
Development of Novel Composite Biocompatible Materials by Surface Modification of Porous Inorganic Compounds Using Bambus[6]Uril
Authors: Zhumabayeva Gulstan , Turebayeva Pana , Ukhov Arthur , Fedorishin Dmitry , Gubankov Alexander , Luchsheva Venera , Kurzina Irina , Bakibaev Abdigali , Ryskaliyeva Roza , Abdullina Gulnara , Bolysbekova Saltanat , Yerkassov Rakhmetulla
Published: November 2023

In this present investigation, a novel series of composite materials based on porous inorganic compounds—hydroxyapatite and diatomite—have been innovatively formulated for the first time through surface modification employing the promising macromolecular compound, bambus[6]uril. The process entailed the application of a bambus[6]uril dispersion in water onto the surfaces of hydroxyapatite and diatomite. Extensive characterization was carried out, involving IR spectroscopy and SEM. The materials underwent assessment for hemolytic effects and plasma protein adsorption. The results revealed that materials containing surface-bound bambus[6]uril did not demonstrate inherent hemolytic effects, laying a robust groundwork for their use as biocompatible materials. These findings hold significant promise as an alternative pathway for the development of durable and efficient bio-composites, potentially unveiling supramolecular strategies incorporating encapsulated bambus[6]urils in analogous processes.
Effects of Bulk LPSO Phases on Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior of As-Extruded Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr Alloys
Authors: Chen Dongjie , Li Ting , Sun Zhaoqian , Wang Qi , Yuan Jiawei , Ma Minglong , Peng Yonggang , Zhang Kui , Li Yongjun
Published: November 2023

Despite the consensus on the constructive effect of LPSO (long-period stacking-ordered) phases, the true effect of bulk LPSO phases on strengthening and toughening in deformed magnesium alloys is still controversial. This article, which introduces the alloys Mg-8Gd-4Y-0.6Zn-0.5Zr, without bulk LPSO phases, and Mg-8Gd-4Y-1.6Zn-0.5Zr, containing bulk LPSO phases, details a systematically comparative analysis conducted to clarify the true contribution of bulk LPSO phases to the properties of as-extruded alloys. The results indicate that bulk LPSO phases significantly improve strength by refining grain sizes remarkably. But contrary to expectations, bulk LPSO phases themselves only provide a small strengthening effect and deteriorate plasticity, ascribed to the poor compatible plastic deformation of bulk LPSO phases. More importantly, this work may offer new insights into the strengthening and toughening of LPSO phases for further research and engineering applications of this series of alloys. Additionally, an example of a design strategy for Mg-Gd-Y-Zn alloys with superior strength and excellent plasticity is proposed at the end of this article.
Strengthening Cracked Steel Plates with Shape Memory Alloy Patches: Numerical and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Libin , Wang Qiudong , Ji Bohai , Liu Jie , Yao Yue
Published: November 2023

To investigate the retarding effect of bonding the shape memory alloy (SMA) patches on crack propagation in steel plates, both numerical and experimental analyses were conducted in the present study. A compact tension (CT) model was developed to clarify the feasibility of bonding the SMA patch to the reinforcement of the mode Ⅰ, mode Ⅱ, and mode Ⅲ cracks. On this basis, parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the strengthening parameters, i.e., the bonding area, the thickness, and the strengthening angle of the SMA patch. Subsequently, fatigue tests on the unreinforced steel plate and cracked steel plate strengthened by the SMA patches were conducted. The monitored stress variation, crack propagation behavior, and fatigue fracture surfaces were analyzed. Findings are meaningful to the application of the SMA reinforcement method in practical engineering.
The Effect of Vacuum Forming on the Quality of Refractory Materials
Authors: Brzeziński Marcin , Łucarz Mariusz , Trela Alicja , Pribulova Alena , Futáš Peter
Published: November 2023

Various designs of furnaces for melting alloys are used in the foundry industry. Regardless of their design, they have one common detail, which is the lining of their interiors with refractory materials. This component in the design of a metal-melting furnace has a very important task—to protect the rest of the furnace assemblies from thermal and mechanical damage. Continuous technical progress and the quality requirements of casting production produce increasingly higher demands for refractory materials in connection with their development as well. The article presents the results of an innovative method of vibratory compaction of refractory material (high-alumina aluminosilicate) using reduced pressure. The analysis presents a comparative study of two methods used for forming refractory materials, i.e., the application of the mentioned innovative method and the classical (standard) method of compaction by vibration only. The effects of the introduced modification in the manufacture of ceramic shapes were evaluated by means of the material’s resistance to thermal shock, linear expansion, and dimensional change due to firing, apparent density, open porosity, and apparent specific gravity, determination of total pore volume and pore size distribution by mercury porosimetry, and slag resistance. The tests performed indicate that the procedure of lowering the pressure during the vibratory compaction of the refractory material creates a more homogeneous structure with a smaller number and size of pores. This makes it possible to improve most of the parameters that determine the quality of the refractories used for the linings of the foundry furnace.
Adverse Effects of Non-Metallic Nanoparticles in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Sikorska Katarzyna , Sawicki Krzysztof , Czajka Magdalena , Kapka-Skrzypczak Lucyna , Kruszewski Marcin , Brzóska Kamil
Published: November 2023

The interest in nanoparticles (NPs) and their effects on living organisms has been continuously growing in the last decades. A special interest is focused on the effects of NPs on the central nervous system (CNS), which seems to be the most vulnerable to their adverse effects. Non-metallic NPs seem to be less toxic than metallic ones; thus, the application of non-metallic NPs in medicine and industry is growing very fast. Hence, a closer look at the impact of non-metallic NPs on neural tissue is necessary, especially in the context of the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the in vitro and in vivo neurotoxicity of non-metallic NPs, as well as the mechanisms associated with negative or positive effects of non-metallic NPs on the CNS.
Ascomylactam C Induces an Immunogenic Cell Death Signature via Mitochondria-Associated ER Stress in Lung Cancer and Melanoma
Authors: Huang Yun , Yan Hongmei , Zhang Bingzhi , Zhu Ge , Yu Jianchen , Xiao Xuhan , He Wenxuan , Chen Yan , Gao Xiaoxia , She Zhigang , Li Mengfeng , Yuan Jie
Published: November 2023

Ascomylactam C (AsC) is a new 13-membered-ring macrocyclic alkaloid, which was first isolated and identified in 2019 from the secondary metabolites of the mangrove endophytic fungus Didymella sp. CYSK-4 in the South China Sea. AsC has been found to have a broad-spectrum cytotoxic activity. However, the antitumor effects in vivo and mechanisms of AsC remain unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of AsC on lung cancer and melanoma cells and to explore the antitumor molecular mechanism of AsC. In vitro, we used plate colony formation experiments and demonstrated the ability of AsC to inhibit low-density tumor growth. An Annexin V/PI cell apoptosis detection experiment revealed that AsC induced tumor cell apoptosis. In vivo, AsC suppressed the tumor growth of LLC and B16F10 allograft significantly in mice, and promoted the infiltration of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues. Mechanistically, by analyses of Western blotting, immunofluorescence and ELISA analysis, we found that AsC increased ROS formation, induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, activated the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF2α)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway, and induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. Our results suggest that AsC may be a potentially promising antitumor drug candidate.
A Metabolites Merging Strategy (MMS): Harmonization to Enable Studies’ Intercomparison
Authors: Villalba Héctor , Llambrich Maria , Gumà Josep , Brezmes Jesús , Cumeras Raquel
Published: November 2023

Metabolomics encounters challenges in cross-study comparisons due to diverse metabolite nomenclature and reporting practices. To bridge this gap, we introduce the Metabolites Merging Strategy (MMS), offering a systematic framework to harmonize multiple metabolite datasets for enhanced interstudy comparability. MMS has three steps. Step 1: Translation and merging of the different datasets by employing InChIKeys for data integration, encompassing the translation of metabolite names (if needed). Followed by Step 2: Attributes’ retrieval from the InChIkey, including descriptors of name (title name from PubChem and RefMet name from Metabolomics Workbench), and chemical properties (molecular weight and molecular formula), both systematic (InChI, InChIKey, SMILES) and non-systematic identifiers (PubChem, CheBI, HMDB, KEGG, LipidMaps, DrugBank, Bin ID and CAS number), and their ontology. Finally, a meticulous three-step curation process is used to rectify disparities for conjugated base/acid compounds (optional step), missing attributes, and synonym checking (duplicated information). The MMS procedure is exemplified through a case study of urinary asthma metabolites, where MMS facilitated the identification of significant pathways hidden when no dataset merging strategy was followed. This study highlights the need for standardized and unified metabolite datasets to enhance the reproducibility and comparability of metabolomics studies.
Evaluation of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Urinary Tract Infection Patients in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Samiyah Ahmad Abdullah , Mir Shazia Shaheen , Alghamdi Fayez Saad , Al Banghali Mohammad Abdul Majeed Mohammad Aref , Almalki Shaia Saleh Rajab
Published: November 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are prevalent in both outpatient and inpatient settings, representing the most often encountered forms of infection. This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of ESBL-UTIs along with other uropathogens in the adult population and to assess the antibiotic activity against Escherichia coli extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (E. coli ESBL) isolates from patient samples in Al-Baha. A retrospective cross-sectional study included patients who presented to King Fahad Hospital in Al-Baha with clinical suspicion of UTI between 1 January 2019 and 30 September 2022. A total of 4406 urine samples with significant microbial growth were included in the scope of this investigation. A collective count of 1644 incidents of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was observed, wherein E. coli constituted 85% of the cases, while the remaining 15% comprised E. coli ESBL producers. The prevalence of E. coli ESBL was observed to be 64.7% in females and 35.3% in males, with a majority (67%) of the affected individuals being over the age of 50. The incidence of E. coli infections in the outpatient setting was found to be greater than that observed in the inpatient setting. E. coli ESBL were sensitive to colistin, tigecycline, amikacin, meropenem, imipenem, and nitrofurantoin by 100% and 93.3–100%, 95–99.6%, 95–99.06%, and 81–91%, respectively. On the other hand, the most resistant agents for E. coli ESBL were the group of cephalosporins, aztreonam, and ampicillin with 100% resistance, ciprofloxacin with 56–74% resistance, and cotrimoxazole with a 45–53% resistance level. ESBL-resistant E. coli strains are moderately prevalent in community- and hospital-acquired UTIs, especially in females and elderly patients (>50 years).
Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophage VA5 against Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Hao Qingfang , Bai Yue , Zhou Haolong , Bao Xiuli , Wang Huanyu , Zhang Lei , Lyu Mingsheng , Wang Shujun
Published: November 2023

Bacteriophages, or phages, can be used as natural biological control agents to eliminate pathogenic bacteria during aquatic product cultivation. Samples were collected from seafood aquaculture water and aquaculture environmental sewage, and phage VA5 was isolated using the double-layer agar plate method, with Vibrio alginolyticus as the host bacteria. The purified phage strain was subjected to genome sequencing analysis and morphological observation. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI), the one-step growth curve, temperature stability, and pH stability were analyzed. Phage VA5 was observed to have a long tail. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the genome was circular dsDNA, with 35,866 bp length and 46% G+C content. The optimal MOI was 1, the incubation period was 20 min, the outbreak period was 30 min, and the cleavage amount was 92.26 PFU/cell. The phage showed good activity at −20 °C, 70 °C, and pH 2–10. Moreover, the phage VA5 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on V. alginolyticus-infected shrimp culture. The isolated phage VA5 has a wide range of host bacteria and is a good candidate for biological control of pathogenic bacteria.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Yak (Bos grunniens): An Evidence of Species Spillover from Cattle in India
Authors: Manjunatha Reddy Gundallahalli Bayyappa , Pabbineedi Sai Mounica , Nagaraj Sudeep , Bijalwan Shraddha , Tadakod Sunil , Bhutia Zeruiah , Palmu Diki , Rai Seema , Bhutia Pempa Doma , Bhutia Pem Tshering , Shenga Emila , Gulati Baldev Raj
Published: November 2023

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), is a global concern that affects cattle and buffalo. Recently, the disease has been reported in new species such as the Indian Gazelle, Camel, Banteng, Gaur, and Giraffe from various parts of the world. This report provides an insight into the occurrence of LSD in Yak from Sikkim, a North-Eastern state of India. During the investigation, both cattle and yak exhibited typical clinical signs of LSD, including skin nodular lesions. The morbidity, mortality, and case fatality rates for cattle were 9.08%, 1.84%, and 20.24%, respectively. Similarly, the morbidity, mortality, and case fatality rates in yak were 7.57%, 1.24%, and 16.33%, respectively. The virus isolation and amplification of LSDV-specific genes confirmed the presence of LSDV in cattle, yak, and vectors. Further, demonstrated antibodies in randomly collected sera from naïve and unvaccinated cattle and yak using indirect Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (iELISA) and Serum Neutralisation test (SNT) from this region. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of P32, GPCR, and RPO30 genes revealed that the virus isolated from both species was 100% identical to each other and also closely related to the field LSDV isolates circulating in the Indian subcontinent. The study highlighted the emergence of LSDV in unconventional hosts and underscored the need to include other bovine species in national disease control programs, encompassing disease surveillance initiatives.
Influence of the Antibiotic Oxytetracycline on the Morphometric Characteristics and Endophytic Bacterial Community of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Danilova Natalia , Galieva Gulnaz , Kuryntseva Polina , Selivanovskaya Svetlana , Galitskaya Polina
Published: November 2023

Antibiotics enter the soil with compost prepared from livestock manures and other sources. There is concern that they may influence plant growth and cause antibiotic resistance in soil and plant endospheric microbiomes. In the present work, lettuce plants were cultivated in soil and hydroponics spiked with oxytetracycline (0, 15, and 300 mg × kg−1 and 0, 15, and 50 mg × L–1, respectively) during a 28-day greenhouse experiment. It was revealed that the antibiotic reduced the chlorophyll content, the biomass, and the length of the roots and stems by 1.4–4.7, 1.8–39, 2.5–3.2, and 1.8–6.3 times in soil and in hydroponics. The copy numbers of the tet(A) and tet(X) genes were revealed to be 4.51 × 103–1.58 × 105 and 8.36 × 106–1.07 × 108 copies × g–1, respectively, suggesting the potential migration of these genes from soil/hydroponics to plant roots and leaves. According to a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis of the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data, endospheric bacterial communities were similar in leaves and roots independent of the growing substrate and antibiotic concentration. While soil bacterial communities were unaffected by the presence of antibiotics, hydroponic communities exhibited dependency, likely attributable to the absence of the mitigating effect of soil particle absorption.
Norsesquiterpenes from the Latex of Euphorbia dentata and Their Chemical Defense Mechanisms against Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: An Tong , Cao Dongxu , Zhang Yangyang , Han Xiamei , Yu Zhiguo , Liu Zhixiang
Published: November 2023

Euphorbia dentata (Euphorbiaceae), an invasive weed, is rarely eaten by herbivorous insects and could secrete a large amount of white latex, causing a serious threat to local natural vegetation, agricultural production and human health. In order to prevent this plant from causing more negative effects on humans, it is necessary to understand and utilize the chemical relationships between the latex of E. dentata and herbivorous insects. In this study, three new norsesquiterpenes (1–3), together with seven known analogues (4–10), were isolated and identified from the latex of E. dentata. All norsesquiterpenes (1–10) showed antifeedant and growth-inhibitory effects on H. armigera with varying levels, especially compounds 1 and 2. In addition, the action mechanisms of active compounds (1–3) were revealed by detoxifying enzyme (AchE, CarE, GST and MFO) activities and corresponding molecular docking analyses. Our findings provide a new idea for the development and utilization of the latex of E. dentata, as well as a potential application of norsesquiterpenes in botanical insecticides.
Cannabis as a Source of Approved Drugs: A New Look at an Old Problem
Authors: Gabarin Adi , Yarmolinsky Ludmila , Budovsky Arie , Khalfin Boris , Ben-Shabat Shimon
Published: November 2023

Cannabis plants have been used in medicine since ancient times. They are well known for their anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities. A growing body of evidence indicates that targeting the endocannabinoid system and various other receptors with cannabinoid compounds holds great promise for addressing multiple medical conditions. There are two distinct avenues in the development of cannabinoid-based drugs. The first involves creating treatments directly based on the components of the cannabis plant. The second involves a singular molecule strategy, in which specific phytocannabinoids or newly discovered cannabinoids with therapeutic promise are pinpointed and synthesized for future pharmaceutical development and validation. Although the therapeutic potential of cannabis is enormous, few cannabis-related approved drugs exist, and this avenue warrants further investigation. With this in mind, we review here the medicinal properties of cannabis, its phytochemicals, approved drugs of natural and synthetic origin, pitfalls on the way to the widespread clinical use of cannabis, and additional applications of cannabis-related products.
Monitoring Exposure to Five Chemical Warfare Agents Using the Dried Urine Spot Technique and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry—In Vivo Determination of Sarin Metabolite in Mice
Authors: Yishai Aviram Lilach , Dagan Shai , Hindi Ariel , Chapman Shira , Gez Rellie , Drug Eyal
Published: November 2023

Dried urine spot (DUS) is a micro-sample collection technique, known for its advantages in handling, storage and shipping. It also uses only a small volume of urine, an essential consideration in working with small animals, or in acute medical situations. Alkyl-phosphonic acids are the direct and indicative metabolites of organophosphorus chemical warfare agents (OP-CWAs) and are present in blood and urine shortly after exposure. They are therefore crucially important for monitoring casualties in war and terror scenarios. We report here a new approach for the determination of the metabolites of five CWAs in urine using DUS. The method is based on a simple and rapid sample preparation, using only 50 µL of urine, spotted and dried on DBS paper, extracted using 300 µL methanol/water and analyzed via targeted LC-MS/MS. The detection limits for the five CWAs, sarin (GB), soman (GD), cyclosarin (GF), VX and RVX in human urine were from 0.5 to 5 ng/mL. Recoveries of (40–80%) were obtained in the range of 10–300 ng/mL, with a linear response (R2 > 0.964, R > 0.982). The method is highly stable, even with DUS samples stored up to 5 months at room temperature before analysis. It was implemented in a sarin in vivo exposure experiment on mice, applied for the time course determination of isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA, sarin hydrolysis product) in mice urine. IMPA was detectable even with samples drawn 60 h after the mice’s (IN) exposure to 1 LD50 sarin. This method was also evaluated in a non-targeted screening for multiple potential CWA analogs (LC-Orbitrap HRMS analysis followed by automatic peak detection and library searches). The method developed here is applicable for rapid CWA casualty monitoring.
Exploring the Larvicidal and Repellent Potential of Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani) Tar against the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato)
Authors: Koc Samed , Gultekin Zeynep Nur , Kahraman Sevval , Cengiz Aysegul , Polat Burak , Caliskan Cansu , Yildirim Tolga , Tufan-Cetin Ozge , Cetin Huseyin
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the potential acaricidal and repellent effects of tar obtained from the Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) against the brown dog tick species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Latreille (Acari: Ixodidae). The goal was to find an alternative, safe, and effective way to eliminate ticks. Tar is traditionally extracted from cedar trees in the Antalya region of Türkiye. The composition of the tar is primarily characterized by a diverse mixture of terpenes, with β-himachalene (29.16%), α-atlantone (28.7%), ar-turmerone (8.82%), longifolene-(V4) (6.66%), α-himachalene (5.28%), and β-turmerone (5.12%) emerging as the predominant constituents. The toxic effects of tar on tick larvae were studied through larval immersion tests (LIT), and its repellent activity was evaluated using a new larval repellent activity test (LRAT). The results revealed significant acaricidal effects, with mortality rates of 77.7% and 82.2% for the Konyaalti and Kepez strains of the brown dog tick, respectively, in response to a 1% concentration of tar. LC50 and LC90 values were determined as 0.47% and 1.52% for the Kepez strain and 0.58% and 1.63% for the Konyaalti strain, respectively. When comparing the repellent effect of tar to the widely used synthetic repellent DEET, repellency rates of up to 100% were observed. As a result, this study establishes, for the first time, the larvicidal and repellent effects of C. libani tar on ticks.