bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Estimation of Chemical Properties of Pepper Treated with Natural Fertilizers Based on Image Texture Parameters
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Szwejda-Grzybowska Justyna
Published: May 2023

The cultivar and fertilization can affect the physicochemical properties of pepper fruit. This study aimed at estimating the content of α-carotene, β-carotene, total carotenoids, and the total sugars of unfertilized pepper and samples treated with natural fertilizers based on texture parameters determined using image analysis. Pearson’s correlation coefficients, scatter plots, regression equations, and coefficients of determination were determined. For red pepper Sprinter F1, the correlation coefficient (R) reached 0.9999 for a texture from color channel B and −0.9999 for a texture from channel Y for the content of α-carotene, −0.9998 (channel a) for β-carotene, 0.9999 (channel a) and −0.9999 (channel L) for total carotenoids, as well as 0.9998 (channel R) and −0.9998 (channel a) for total sugars. The image textures of yellow pepper Devito F1 were correlated with the content of total carotenoids and total sugars with the correlation coefficient reaching −0.9993 (channel b) and 0.9999 (channel Y), respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) of up to 0.9999 for α-carotene content and the texture from color channel Y for pepper Sprinter F1 and 0.9998 for total sugars and the texture from color channel Y for pepper Devito F1 were found. Furthermore, very high coefficients of correlation and determination, as well as successful regression equations regardless of the cultivar were determined.
Quality and Nutritional Changes of Traditional Cupcakes in the Processing and Storage as a Result of Sunflower Oil Replacements with Refined Olive Pomace Oil
Authors: Velasco Joaquín , García-González Aída , Zamora Rosario , Hidalgo Francisco J. , Ruiz-Méndez María-Victoria
Published: May 2023

Recent nutritional studies have shown that the regular consumption of olive pomace oil (OPO) contributes to cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease prevention. OPO could be a healthier alternative to the polyunsaturated oils employed in a number of bakery foods. However, little is known about the quality and nutritional changes of OPO in these products, especially the amounts of its bioactive components that finally reach consumers. The aim of this research was to evaluate refined OPO as a substitute for sunflower oil (SO) in cupcakes specially manufactured with a 6-month shelf-life. The influence of processing and storage on lipid oxidative changes and the levels of OPO bioactive components was studied. OPO samples exhibited much higher resistance to oxidative degradation in the processing and especially after storage, which had a greater oxidative impact. OPO reduced considerably the levels of oxidised lipids. HPLC analysis showed hydroperoxide triglyceride concentrations of 0.25 (±0.03) mmol/kg fat against 10.90 (±0.7) mmol/kg in the control containing SO. Sterols, triterpenic alcohols and triterpenic acids remained unchanged, and only slight losses of squalene (8 wt%) and α-tocopherol (13 wt%) were observed in OPO after processing and storage, respectively. Therefore, OPO preserved its nutritional properties and improved the quality and nutritional value of the cupcakes.
Effects of Dietary Linoleic Acid on Blood Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 40 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Qiong , Zhang Hui , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo
Published: May 2023

Th aim of this meta-analysis was to elucidate whether dietary linoleic acid (LA) supplementation affected blood lipid profiles, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), compared with other fatty acids. Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases, updated to December 2022, were searched. The present study employed weighted mean difference (WMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) to examine the efficacy of the intervention. Out of the 3700 studies identified, a total of 40 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 2175 participants, met the eligibility criteria. Compared with the control group, the dietary intake of LA significantly decreased the concentrations of LDL-C (WMD: −3.26 mg/dL, 95% CI: −5.78, −0.74, I2 = 68.8%, p = 0.01), and HDL-C (WMD: −0.64 mg/dL, 95% CI: −1.23, −0.06, I2 = 30.3%, p = 0.03). There was no significant change in the TG and TC concentrations. Subgroup analysis showed that the LA intake was significantly reduced in blood lipid profiles compared with saturated fatty acids. The effect of LA on lipids was not found to be dependent on the timing of supplementation. LA supplementation in an excess of 20 g/d could be an effective dose for lowering lipid profiles. The research results provide further evidence that LA intake may play a role in reducing LDL-C and HDL-C, but not TG and TC.
Experimental Investigation of the Non-Darcy Equivalent Permeability of Fractured Coal Bodies: The Role of Particle Size Distribution
Authors: Song Shuang , Pang Mingkun , Guo Yi , Zhang Lei , Zhang Tianjun , Pan Hongyu
Published: May 2023

The permeability of crushed coal bodies plays a bottom neck role in seepage processes, which significantly limits the coal resource utilisation. To study the permeability of crushed coal bodies under pressure, the particle size distribution of crushed coal body grains is quantitatively considered by fractal theory. In addition, the parameters of the percolation characteristics of crushed coal body grains are calculated. Moreover, the permeability of the crushed coal body during recrushing is determined by the fractal dimension and porosity. A lateral limit compression test with the crushed coal bodies was carried out to illustrate the effect of the porosity on the permeability, In addition, a compressive crushed coal body size fractal–permeability model was proposed by combination of the fractal dimension and the non-Darcy equivalent permeability. The results show (1) the migration and loss of fine particles lead to a rapid increase in the porosity of the crushed coal body. (2) Increases in the effective stress cause the porosity and permeability to decrease. When the porosity decreases to approximately 0.375, its effect is undermined. (3) The migration and loss of fine particles change the pore structure and enhance the permeability properties of the skeleton, causing sudden seepage changes. (4) At low porosity, the permeability k is slightly larger than the non-Darcy equivalent permeability ke. Thus, the experimental data show an acceptable agreement with the present model. A particle size fractal–percolation model for crushed coal bodies under pressure provides a solution for effectively determining the grain permeability of the crushed coal bodies. The research results can contribute to the formation of more fractal-seepage theoretical models in fractured lithosphere, karst column pillars and coal goaf, and provide theoretical guidance for mine water disaster prevention.
Classification of Risks for Landslides in Slopes and Hillsides of Volcanic Nature in Macaronesia and Their Application to the Canary Islands
Authors: Leyva Sergio , Cruz-Pérez Noelia , Rodríguez-Martín Jesica , Santamarta Juan C.
Published: May 2023

Due to their genesis, volcanic rocks present some singularities that make their geotechnical characteristics significantly different from other more common types of massifs, such as sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The formation mechanisms of volcanic rocks are varied, rapid, and, in general, of high energy. These processes give this type of rock a geotechnical behaviour and geomechanical properties that are totally different from those of other nonvolcanic materials, derived from their high heterogeneity and anisotropy. There are voids and cavities due to the alternation of strata of different competences and resistances, or susceptibility to erosion, and discontinuities and joints of very different genesis (of thermal origin, by mechanical forces, by erosive processes or by shrinkage—recrystallization). The phenomenology of the instability of blocks and stones is variable, which makes it very difficult to establish simple and concrete methodologies or procedures to study and analyse this problem. To date, the estimation of the risk of this type of phenomenon has been quantified using empirical methodologies; this approach is considered to be the most operative in responding to such a complex phenomenology in which a multitude of factors intervene. In the field of roads, the most widely used methods are RHRS and RHRON. Therefore, a new rockfall risk classification based on the RHRS (Rockfall Hazard Rating System) methodology is proposed in this article and specifically applied to the Canary Islands region.
Deep Neural Networks for the Estimation of Masonry Structures Failures under Rockfalls
Authors: Mavrouli Olga , Skentou Athanasia D. , Carbonell Josep Maria , Tsoukalas Markos Z. , Núñez-Andrés M. Amparo , Asteris Panagiotis G.
Published: May 2023

Although the principal aim of the rockfall management is to prevent rock boulders from reaching the buildings instead of the buildings resisting the boulder impacts, there usually exists a residual risk that has to be assessed, even when structural protection measurements are taken. The evaluation of the expected damage of buildings due to rockfalls using empirical data from past events is not always possible, as transferring and applying damage observations from one area to another can be unrealistic. In order to simulate potential rockfall scenarios and their damage on buildings, numerical methods can be an alternative. However due to their increased requirements in expertise and computational costs, their integration into the risk analysis is limited, and simpler tools to assess the rockfall vulnerability of buildings are needed. This paper focuses on the application of artificial intelligence AI methods for providing the expected damage of masonry walls which are subjected to rockfall impacts. First, a damage database with 672 datasets was created numerically using the particle finite element method and the finite element method. The input variables are the rock volume (VR), the rock velocity (RV), the masonry wall (t) and the masonry tensile strength fm. The output variable is a damage index (DI) equal to the percentage of the damaged wall area. Different AI algorithms were investigated and the ANN LM 4-21-1 model was selected to optimally assess the expected wall damage. The optimum model is provided here (a) as an analytical equation and (b) in the form of contour graphs, mapping the DI value. Known the VR and the RV, the DI can be directly used as an input for the vulnerability of masonry walls into the quantitative rockfall risk assessment equation.
Relationship between Body Mass Index and Diagnosis of Overweight or Obesity in Veterans Administration Population
Authors: Baser Onur , Baser Erdem , Samayoa Gabriela
Published: May 2023

Background: This paper examined the gap between obesity and its diagnosis for cohorts of patients with overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity in the Veterans Administration (VA) population. Using the risk adjustment models, it also identified factors associated with the underdiagnosis of obesity. Methods: Analysis was performed on a VA data set. We identified diagnosed patients and undiagnosed patients (identified through BMI but not diagnosed using ICD-10 codes). The groups’ demographics were compared using nonparametric chi-square tests. We used logistic regression analysis to predict the likelihood of the omission of diagnosis. Results: Of the 2,900,067 veterans with excess weight, 46% were overweight, 46% had obesity, and 8% of them had morbid obesity. The overweight patients were the most underdiagnosed (96%), followed by the obese (75%) and morbidly obese cohorts (69%). Older, male, and White patients were more likely to be undiagnosed as overweight and obese; younger males were more likely to be undiagnosed as morbidly obese. (p < 0.05) Comorbidities significantly contributed to diagnosis. Conclusions: The underdiagnosis of obesity continues to be a significant problem despite its prevalence. Diagnosing obesity accurately is necessary to provide effective management and treatment.
Tozinameran (Pfizer, BioNTech) and Elasomeran (Moderna) Efficacy in COVID-19—A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trial Studies
Authors: Ratajczak Piotr , Banach Zuzanna , Kopciuch Dorota , Paczkowska Anna , Zaprutko Tomasz , Krawczyk Józef , Maciuszek-Bartkowska Barbara , Kus Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

Background: The objective of this research was to test the efficacy and safety profile of tozinameran (30 μg, BNT162b2, Pfizer, BioNTech) and elasomeran (100 μg, mRNA-1273, Moderna) in COVID-19 prevention in ≥16-year-old patients vaccinated with two doses. Methods: A meta-analysis of the literature was conducted using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight RCTs have been selected. The results were presented using the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A fixed-effect model or random-effect model was applied based on the heterogeneity of the results. Results: BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines are efficient in preventing COVID-19 in comparison to a placebo (MH, RR 0.08 [0.07, 0.09] p < 0.00001 (95% CI)). It was found that administering the vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 was associated with a higher proportion of adverse events in comparison to the placebo (IV, RR 2.14 [1.99, 2.29] p < 0.00001 (95% CI)). Administering the vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 was associated with a higher proportion of serious adverse events in comparison to the placebo (MH, RR 0.98 [0.89, 1.08] p = 0.68 (95% CI)). Conclusions: Tozinameran and elasomeran are effective and safe in preventing the occurrence of COVID-19.
Exploring Care Needs of Partners of Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals in Co-Transition: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Van Acker Isabeau , Dewaele Alexis , Elaut Els , Baetens Kariann
Published: May 2023

Scientific knowledge on the impact of a gender-affirming transition on intimate partners of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals is limited. It is unclear which care needs partners have and which role health care professionals can play during this transition process. The aim of this study was to explore the unique experiences and care needs of people partnering with TGD people in the context of a gender-affirming transition. A qualitative research method was chosen, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with a sample of nine participants. After transcription, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three main themes, with three subthemes each, were identified: (1) intrapersonal processes, with (1a) the process of acceptance, (1b) concerns surrounding the medical transition and (1c) impact on sexual orientation as subthemes; (2) dyadic processes, with (2a) the importance of mutual commitment, (2b) experiences regarding intimacy and (2c) relational growth as subthemes; and (3) perception of support, with (3a) need for support, (3b) the importance of support and (3c) evaluation of support as subthemes. The results suggest that health care providers can help partners to navigate the process of a gender-affirming transition; however, the care needs of partners are currently not satisfied with the available professional support.
Effectiveness of a Smoking Cessation Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kruk Aleksandra , Czerwińska Celina , Dolna-Michno Justyna , Broniatowska Elżbieta , Kolanko Emanuel
Published: May 2023

The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has caused major obstacles for effective smoking cessation programs by significantly limiting access to healthcare. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of a self-developed smoking cessation program during the pandemic. The program was based on remote lectures, educational interventions, and hybrid services provided by an outpatient clinic. We assessed 337 participants enrolled to the program between January 2019 and February 2022. Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, and smoking status at baseline and after at least 1-year follow-up were collected from medical records and a standardized self-developed questionnaire. Participants were classified into two groups according to their current smoking status. The smoking cessation rate at 1 year was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31–42%). Major predictors of smoking cessation were the place of residence, ability to refrain from smoking during severe illness, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The proportion of participants with high levels of nicotine dependence at baseline was 40.8% (95% CI: 34.5–47.5%) vs. 29.1% (95% CI: 23.4–35.5%) after the program. In the group that did not quit smoking, there were more participants who smoked within 5 min after waking up than before the program (40.4% [95% CI: 34.0–47.1%] vs. 25.4% [95% CI: 19.9–31.6%]). Effective smoking cessation interventions can be performed using remote counseling and education.
Development and Validation of the CVP Score: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece
Authors: Giakoumidakis Konstantinos , Patelarou Athina , Chatziefstratiou Anastasia A. , Zografakis-Sfakianakis Michail , Fotos Nikolaos V. , Patelarou Evridiki
Published: May 2023

Although central venous pressure (CVP) is among the most frequent estimated hemodynamic parameters in the critically ill setting, extremely little is known on how intensive care unit (ICU) nurses use this index in their decision-making process. The purpose of the study was to develop a new questionnaire for accessing how ICU nurses use CVP measurements to address patients’ hemodynamics investigating its validity and reliability. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 ICU nurses from four ICUs of Greece. Based on a comprehensive literature review and the evaluation by a panel of five experts, a new questionnaire, named “CVP Score”, was created, having eight items. The construct validity and the reliability of the questionnaire were examined. Half of the study participants (51.7%) worked at a specialized ICU, and they had a mean [±Standard Deviation (SD)] ICU experience of 13(±7.1) years. The estimated construct validity of the newly developed tool was acceptable, while the internal consistency reliability as measured by Cronbach alpha was excellent (0.901). CVP Score had acceptable test–retest reliability (r = 0.996, p < 0.001) and split-half reliability (0.855). The CVP score is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring how critical care nurses use CVP measurements in their decision-making process.
Does Cognitive–Physical Dual-Task Training Have Better Clinical Outcomes than Cognitive Single-Task Training Does? A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyeon , Park Jin-Hyuck
Published: May 2023

Purpose: At present, there is a controversy regarding the effect of dual-task training on improving the cognitive function of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study was to develop and verify the effects of the cognitive–physical dual-task training program on the executive function of older adults with MCI. Method: Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (EG) receiving cognitive–physical dual-task training (n = 21) or the control group (CG) receiving cognitive single-task training (n = 21). Results: After 16 sessions for 8 weeks, the Korean version of the Executive Function Performance Task (EFPT-K), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Korean version of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-IADL) tests were implemented to assess people’s executive function and instrumental activities during daily living. As the result, there were no significant differences in general characteristics between both groups (p > 0.05). After 16 sessions, the EG showed greater improvements in the EFPT-K (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.133), the FAB (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.305), and the K-IADL (p < 0.01; η2 = 0.221) compared to those of the CG. Conclusion: These results indicate that cognitive–physical dual-task training is clinically beneficial to improve the executive function and daily instrumental activities of older adults with MCI. Cognitive–physical dual-task training is a promising intervention for older adults with MCI.
Prediction Model for Breeding Hardy Geraniums
Authors: Akbarzadeh Mehrdad , Quataert Paul , Van Huylenbroeck Johan , Werbrouck Stefaan P. O. , Dhooghe Emmy
Published: May 2023

Key message. The success of interspecific hybridization in hardy geranium (Geranium sp.) can be predicted by considering the genetic distance between parental genotypes and using the logistic regression model developed in this study. Hardy geranium is a popular ornamental plant known for its architecture, hardiness, prolonged flowering, and diverse colors in leaves and flowers. In ornamental breeding, the pursuit of novel trait combinations is never-ending. Even in Geranium, certain combinations of valuable traits have not yet been achieved. Interspecific hybridization can increase diversity; however, success remains low due to pre- and postzygotic barriers. Crossing success can be predicted by response criteria such as pollen tube growth (tube_length), seed development (seed_dev), and seed setting (seed_set). Within a collection of 42 Geranium genotypes and during two consecutive breeding seasons (years), we evaluated tube_length, seed_dev, and seed_set for 150, 1155, and 349 crosses, respectively. These crosses varied in four parental differences (variables): chromosome number (Chrom), DNA/chromosome (DNA), style length (Style), and genetic distance expressed as the Jaccard distance (cJaccard = 1 − Jaccard). Using logistic regression models has confirmed that most often, the success rate decreased with increasing parental distance. The most consistent association was seen in seed_dev in combination with cJaccard. The model was used to predict the number of crosses necessary to have 10 successful crossing products by taking into account the uncertainty in the model. These findings provide valuable guidance for future planning of interspecific breeding experiments in Geranium. By incorporating the genetic distance between parental genotypes, breeders can enhance the efficiency and success of hybridization efforts.
Hybrid Prediction Model Based on Decomposed and Synthesized COVID-19 Cumulative Confirmed Data
Authors: Xia Zongyou , Duan Gonghao , Xu Ting
Published: May 2023

Since 2020, COVID-19 has repeatedly arisen around the world, which has had a significant impact on the global economy and culture. The prediction of the COVID-19 epidemic will help to deal with the current epidemic and similar risks that may arise in the future. So, this paper proposes a hybrid prediction model based on particle swarm optimization variational mode decomposition (PSO-VMD), Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) and AdaBoost algorithm. To address the issue of determining the optimal number of modes K and the penalty factor (α) in the variational mode decomposition (VMD), an adaptive value for particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. Specifically, the weighted average sample entropy of the relevant coefficients is utilized to determine the adaptive value. First, the epidemic data are decomposed into multiple modal components, known as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), using PSO-VMD. These components, along with policy-based factors, are integrated to form a multivariate forecast dataset. Next, each IMF is predicted using AdaBoost-LSTM. Finally, the prediction results of all the IMF components are reconstructed to obtain the final prediction result. Our proposed method is validated by the cumulative confirmed data of Hubei and Hebei provinces. Specifically, in the case of cumulative confirmation data, the coefficient of determination (R2) of the mixed model is increased compared to the control model, and the average mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) decreased. The experimental results demonstrate that the VMD–AdaBoost–LSTM model achieves the highest prediction accuracy, thereby offering a new approach to COVID-19 epidemic prediction.
Emerging Role of DREAM in Healthy Brain and Neurological Diseases
Authors: Molinaro Pasquale , Sanguigno Luca , Casamassa Antonella , Valsecchi Valeria , Sirabella Rossana , Pignataro Giuseppe , Annunziato Lucio , Formisano Luigi
Published: May 2023

The downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) is a multifunctional Ca2+-sensitive protein exerting a dual mechanism of action to regulate several Ca2+-dependent processes. Upon sumoylation, DREAM enters in nucleus where it downregulates the expression of several genes provided with a consensus sequence named dream regulatory element (DRE). On the other hand, DREAM could also directly modulate the activity or the localization of several cytosolic and plasma membrane proteins. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the knowledge of DREAM dysregulation and DREAM-dependent epigenetic remodeling as a central mechanism in the progression of several diseases affecting central nervous system, including stroke, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Interestingly, DREAM seems to exert a common detrimental role in these diseases by inhibiting the transcription of several neuroprotective genes, including the sodium/calcium exchanger isoform 3 (NCX3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pro-dynorphin, and c-fos. These findings lead to the concept that DREAM might represent a pharmacological target to ameliorate symptoms and reduce neurodegenerative processes in several pathological conditions affecting central nervous system.
Serum Progranulin Level Might Differentiate Non-IPF ILD from IPF
Authors: Tóth Nóra Melinda , Müller Veronika , Nagy Tamás , Polivka Lőrinc , Horváth Péter , Bohács Anikó , Eszes Noémi
Published: May 2023

Diagnosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be a challenging process. New biomarkers may support diagnostic decisions. Elevated serum progranulin (PGRN) levels have been reported in liver fibrosis and dermatomyositis-associated acute interstitial pneumonia. Our aim was to assess the role of PGRN in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other ILDs. Serum levels of PGRN were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in stable IPF (n = 40), non-IPF ILD (n = 48) and healthy controls (n = 17). Patient characteristics, lung function, CO diffusion (DLCO), arterial blood gases, 6-min walk test, laboratory parameters and high-resolution (HR)CT pattern were assessed. In stable IPF, PGRN levels did not differ from healthy controls; however, serum PGRN levels were significantly higher in non-IPF ILD patients compared to healthy subjects and IPF (53.47 ± 15.38 vs. 40.99 ± 5.33 vs. 44.66 ± 7.77 ng/mL respectively; p < 0.01). The HRCT pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was associated with normal PGRN level, while for non-UIP patterns, significantly elevated PGRN level was measured. Elevated serum PGRN levels may be associated with non-IPF ILD, especially non-UIP patterns and might be helpful in cases of unclear radiological patterns in the differentiation between IPF and other ILDs.
Molecular, Electrophysiological, and Ultrasonographic Differences in Selected Immune-Mediated Neuropathies with Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Dziadkowiak Edyta , Nowakowska-Kotas Marta , Rałowska-Gmoch Wiktoria , Budrewicz Sławomir , Koszewicz Magdalena
Published: May 2023

The spectrum of immune-mediated neuropathies is broad and the different subtypes are still being researched. With the numerous subtypes of immune-mediated neuropathies, establishing the appropriate diagnosis in normal clinical practice is challenging. The treatment of these disorders is also troublesome. The authors have undertaken a literature review of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). The molecular, electrophysiological and ultrasound features of these autoimmune polyneuropathies are analyzed, highlighting the differences in diagnosis and ultimately treatment. The immune dysfunction can lead to damage to the peripheral nervous system. In practice, it is suspected that these disorders are caused by autoimmunity to proteins located in the node of Ranvier or myelin components of peripheral nerves, although disease-associated autoantibodies have not been identified for all disorders. The electrophysiological presence of conduction blocks is another important factor characterizing separate subgroups of treatment-naive motor neuropathies, including multifocal CIDP (synonyms: multifocal demyelinating neuropathy with persistent conduction block), which differs from multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block (MMN) in both responses to treatment modalities and electrophysiological features. Ultrasound is a reliable method for diagnosing immune-mediated neuropathies, particularly when alternative diagnostic examinations yield inconclusive results. In overall terms, the management of these disorders includes immunotherapy such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. Improvements in clinical criteria and the development of more disease-specific immunotherapies should expand the therapeutic possibilities for these debilitating diseases.
Cooperation of Complement MASP-1 with Other Proinflammatory Factors to Enhance the Activation of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Németh Zsuzsanna , Debreczeni Márta L. , Kajdácsi Erika , Dobó József , Gál Péter , Cervenak László
Published: May 2023

Endothelial cells play an important role in sensing danger signals and regulating inflammation. Several factors are capable of inducing a proinflammatory response (e.g., LPS, histamine, IFNγ, and bradykinin), and these factors act simultaneously during the natural course of the inflammatory reaction. We have previously shown that the complement protein mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-1 (MASP-1) also induces a proinflammatory activation of the endothelial cells. Our aim was to investigate the possible cooperation between MASP-1 and other proinflammatory mediators when they are present in low doses. We used HUVECs and measured Ca2+ mobilization, IL-8, E-selectin, VCAM-1 expression, endothelial permeability, and mRNA levels of specific receptors. LPS pretreatment increased the expression of PAR2, a MASP-1 receptor, and furthermore, MASP-1 and LPS enhanced each other’s effects in regulating IL-8, E-selectin, Ca2+ mobilization, and changes in permeability in a variety of ways. Cotreatment of MASP-1 and IFNγ increased the IL-8 expression of HUVECs. MASP-1 induced bradykinin and histamine receptor expression, and consequently, increased Ca2+ mobilization was found. Pretreatment with IFNγ enhanced MASP-1-induced Ca2+ mobilization. Our findings highlight that well-known proinflammatory mediators and MASP-1, even at low effective doses, can strongly synergize to enhance the inflammatory response of endothelial cells.
A Novel Oncogenic Role of FDX1 in Human Melanoma Related to PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint
Authors: Lu Huijiao , Liang Jiahua , He Xue , Ye Huabin , Ruan Chuangdong , Shao Hongwei , Zhang Rongxin , Li Yan
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) expression and the prognostic survival of tumor patients and predict the efficacy of immunotherapy response to antitumor drug sensitivity. FDX1 plays an oncogenic role in thirty-three types of tumors, based on TCGA and GEO databases, and further experimental validation in vitro was provided through multiple cell lines. FDX1 was expressed highly in multiple types of cancer and differently linked to the survival prognosis of tumorous patients. A high phosphorylation level was correlated with the FDX1 site of S177 in lung cancer. FDX1 exhibited a significant association with infiltrated cancer-associated fibroblasts and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, FDX1 demonstrated correlations with immune and molecular subtypes, as well as functional enrichments in GO/KEGG pathways. Additionally, FDX1 displayed relationships with the tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA methylation, and RNA and DNA synthesis (RNAss/DNAss) within the tumor microenvironment. Notably, FDX1 exhibited a strong connection with immune checkpoint genes in the co-expression network. The validity of these findings was further confirmed through Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry experiments conducted on WM115 and A375 tumor cells. Elevated FDX1 expression has been linked to the enhanced effectiveness of PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy in melanoma, as observed in the GSE22155 and GSE172320 cohorts. Autodocking simulations have suggested that FDX1 may influence drug resistance by affecting the binding sites of antitumor drugs. Collectively, these findings propose that FDX1 could serve as a novel and valuable biomarker and represent an immunotherapeutic target for augmenting immune responses in various human cancers when used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
GM1 Ganglioside as a Disease-Modifying Therapeutic for Parkinson’s Disease: A Multi-Functional Glycosphingolipid That Targets Multiple Parkinson’s Disease-Relevant Pathogenic Mechanisms
Authors: Schneider Jay S.
Published: May 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of patients worldwide. Many therapeutics are available for treating PD symptoms but there is no disease-modifying therapeutic that has been unequivocally shown to slow or stop the progression of the disease. There are several factors contributing to the failure of many putative disease-modifying agents in clinical trials and these include the choice of patients and clinical trial designs for disease modification trials. Perhaps more important, however, is the choice of therapeutic, which for the most part, has not taken into account the multiple and complex pathogenic mechanisms and processes involved in PD. This paper discusses some of the factors contributing to the lack of success in PD disease-modification trials, which have mostly investigated therapeutics with a singular mechanism of action directed at one of the many PD pathogenic processes, and suggests that an alternative strategy for success may be to employ multi-functional therapeutics that target multiple PD-relevant pathogenic mechanisms. Evidence is presented that the multi-functional glycosphingolipid GM1 ganglioside may be just such a therapeutic.
Effects of Low Temperature on Pedicel Abscission and Auxin Synthesis Key Genes of Tomato
Authors: Meng Sida , Xiang Hengzuo , Yang Xiaoru , Ye Yunzhu , Han Leilei , Xu Tao , Liu Yufeng , Wang Feng , Tan Changhua , Qi Mingfang , Li Tianlai
Published: May 2023

Cold stress usually causes the abscission of floral organs and a decline in fruit setting rate, seriously reducing tomato yield. Auxin is one of the key hormones that affects the abscission of plant floral organs; the YUCCA (YUC) family is a key gene in the auxin biosynthesis pathway, but there are few research reports on the abscission of tomato flower organs. This experiment found that, under low temperature stress, the expression of auxin synthesis genes increased in stamens but decreased in pistils. Low temperature treatment decreased pollen vigor and pollen germination rate. Low night temperature reduced the tomato fruit setting rate and led to parthenocarpy, and the treatment effect was most obvious in the early stage of tomato pollen development. The abscission rate of tomato pTRV-Slfzy3 and pTRV-Slfzy5 silenced plants was higher than that of the control, which is the key auxin synthesis gene affecting the abscission rate. The expression of Solyc07g043580 was down-regulated after low night temperature treatment. Solyc07g043580 encodes the bHLH-type transcription factor SlPIF4. It has been reported that PIF4 regulates the expression of auxin synthesis and synthesis genes, and is a key protein in the interaction between low temperature stress and light in regulating plant development.
Indole Propionic Acid Increases T Regulatory Cells and Decreases T Helper 17 Cells and Blood Pressure in Mice with Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Authors: Baranwal Gaurav , Goodlett Bethany L. , Arenaz Cristina M. , Creed Heidi A. , Navaneethabalakrishnan Shobana , Rutkowski Joseph M. , Alaniz Robert C. , Mitchell Brett M.
Published: May 2023

Hypertension affects over a billion adults worldwide and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have reported that the microbiota and its metabolites regulate hypertension pathophysiology. Recently, tryptophan metabolites have been identified to contribute to and inhibit the progression of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Indole propionic acid (IPA) is a tryptophan metabolite with reported protective effects in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases; however, its involvement in renal immunomodulation and sodium handling in hypertension is unknown. In the current study, targeted metabolomic analysis revealed decreased serum and fecal IPA levels in mice with L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)/high salt diet-induced hypertension (LSHTN) compared to normotensive control mice. Additionally, kidneys from LSHTN mice had increased T helper 17 (Th17) cells and decreased T regulatory (Treg) cells. Dietary IPA supplementation in LSHTN mice for 3 weeks resulted in decreased systolic blood pressure, along with increased total 24 h and fractional sodium excretion. Kidney immunophenotyping demonstrated decreased Th17 cells and a trend toward increased Treg cells in IPA-supplemented LSHTN mice. In vitro, naïve T cells from control mice were skewed into Th17 or Treg cells. The presence of IPA decreased Th17 cells and increased Treg cells after 3 days. These results identify a direct role for IPA in attenuating renal Th17 cells and increasing Treg cells, leading to improved sodium handling and decreased blood pressure. IPA may be a potential metabolite-based therapeutic option for hypertension.
Drought Resistance and Ginsenosides Biosynthesis in Response to Abscisic Acid in Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer
Authors: Kong Lingyao , Chen Peng , Chang Cheng
Published: May 2023

Drought stress adversely affects the production of the perennial medicinal herb Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. Phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates many processes in plant growth, development, and response to environments. However, whether drought resistance is regulated by ABA in Panax ginseng remains unknown. In this study, we characterized the response of drought resistance to ABA in Panax ginseng. The results showed that the growth retardation and root shrinking under drought conditions in Panax ginseng were attenuated by exogenous ABA application. Spraying ABA was shown to protect the photosynthesis system, enhance the root activity, improve the performance of the antioxidant protection system, and alleviate the excessive accumulation of soluble sugar in Panax ginseng under drought stress. In addition, ABA treatment leads to the enhanced accumulation of ginsenosides, the pharmaceutically active components, and causes the up-regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (PgHMGR) in Panax ginseng. Therefore, this study supports that drought resistance and ginsenosides biosynthesis in Panax ginseng were positively regulated by ABA, providing a new direction for mitigating drought stress and improving ginsenosides production in the precious medicinal herb.
Label-Free Imaging Techniques to Evaluate Metabolic Changes Caused by Toxic Liver Injury in PCLS
Authors: Rodimova Svetlana , Mozherov Artem , Elagin Vadim , Karabut Maria , Shchechkin Ilya , Kozlov Dmitry , Krylov Dmitry , Gavrina Alena , Bobrov Nikolai , Zagainov Vladimir , Zagaynova Elena , Kuznetsova Daria
Published: May 2023

Abuse with hepatotoxic agents is a major cause of acute liver failure. The search for new criteria indicating the acute or chronic pathological processes is still a challenging issue that requires the selection of effective tools and research models. Multiphoton microscopy with second harmonic generation (SHG) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) are modern label-free methods of optical biomedical imaging for assessing the metabolic state of hepatocytes, therefore reflecting the functional state of the liver tissue. The aim of this work was to identify characteristic changes in the metabolic state of hepatocytes in precision-cut liver slices (PCLSs) under toxic damage by some of the most common toxins: ethanol, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen (APAP), commonly known as paracetamol. We have determined characteristic optical criteria for toxic liver damage, and these turn out to be specific for each toxic agent, reflecting the underlying pathological mechanisms of toxicity. The results obtained are consistent with standard methods of molecular and morphological analysis. Thus, our approach, based on optical biomedical imaging, is effective for intravital monitoring of the state of liver tissue in the case of toxic damage or even in cases of acute liver injury.
Mesoporous Materials: Materials, Technological, and Environmental Applications
Authors: Nowak Izabela , Feliczak-Guzik Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

Research on the synthesis and characterization of ordered mesoporous materials with uniquely functionalized external and internal surfaces has intensified in the last decade [...]
The ATP Synthase γ Subunit ATPC1 Regulates RNA Editing in Chloroplasts
Authors: Ni Jia , Song Wenjian , Ali Nadia Ahmed , Zhang Yayi , Xing Jiani , Su Kexing , Sun Xingxing , Zhao Xiaobo
Published: May 2023

RNA editing is the process of modifying RNA molecules by inserting, deleting, or substituting nucleotides. In flowering plants, RNA editing occurs predominantly in RNAs encoded by the organellar genomes of mitochondria and chloroplasts, and the main type of editing involves the substitution of cytidine with uridine at specific sites. Abnormal RNA editing in plants can affect gene expression, organelle function, plant growth, and reproduction. In this study, we report that ATPC1, the gamma subunit of ATP synthase in Arabidopsis chloroplasts, has an unexpected role in the regulation of editing at multiple sites of plastid RNAs. The loss of function of ATPC1 severely arrests chloroplast development, causing a pale-green phenotype and early seedling lethality. Disruption of ATPC1 increases the editing of matK-640, rps12-i-58, atpH-3′UTR-13210, and ycf2-as-91535 sites while decreasing the editing of rpl23-89, rpoA-200, rpoC1-488, and ndhD-2 sites. We further show that ATPC1 participates in RNA editing by interacting with known multiple-site chloroplast RNA editing factors, including MORFs, ORRM1, and OZ1. The transcriptome in the atpc1 mutant is profoundly affected, with a pattern of defective expression of chloroplast development-related genes. These results reveal that the ATP synthase γ subunit ATPC1 is involved in multiple-site RNA editing in Arabidopsis chloroplasts.
De Novo Transcriptome Profiling for the Generation and Validation of Microsatellite Markers, Transcription Factors, and Database Development for Andrographis paniculata
Authors: Singh Rakesh , Singh Akshay , Mahato Ajay Kumar , Paliwal Ritu , Tiwari Gunjan , Kumar Ashok
Published: May 2023

Andrographis paniculata belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is known for its medicinal properties owing to the presence of unique constituents belonging to the lactones, diterpenoids, diterpene glycosides, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides groups of chemicals. Andrographolide, a major therapeutic constituent of A. paniculata, is extracted primarily from the leaves of this plant and exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Using 454 GS-FLX pyrosequencing, we have generated a whole transcriptome profile of entire leaves of A. paniculata. A total of 22,402 high-quality transcripts were generated, with an average transcript length and N50 of 884 bp and 1007 bp, respectively. Functional annotation revealed that 19,264 (86%) of the total transcripts showed significant similarity with the NCBI-Nr database and were successfully annotated. Out of the 19,264 BLAST hits, 17,623 transcripts were assigned GO terms and distributed into three major functional categories: molecular function (44.62%), biological processes (29.19%), and cellular component (26.18%) based on BLAST2GO. Transcription factor analysis showed 6669 transcripts, belonging to 57 different transcription factor families. Fifteen TF genes that belong to the NAC, MYB, and bHLH TF categories were validated by RT PCR amplification. In silico analysis of gene families involved in the synthesis of biochemical compounds having medicinal values, such as cytochrome p450, protein kinases, heat shock proteins, and transporters, was completed and a total of 102 different transcripts encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids were predicted. Out of these, 33 transcripts belonged to terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. This study also identified 4254 EST-SSRs from 3661 transcripts, representing 16.34% of the total transcripts. Fifty-three novel EST-SSR markers generated from our EST dataset were used to assess the genetic diversity among eighteen A. paniculata accessions. The genetic diversity analysis revealed two distinct sub-clusters and all accessions based on the genetic similarity index were distinct from each other. A database based on EST transcripts, EST-SSR markers, and transcription factors has been developed using data generated from the present study combined with available transcriptomic resources from a public database using Meta transcriptome analysis to make genomic resources available in one place to the researchers working on this medicinal plant.
Involvement of Bacterial and Fungal Extracellular Products in Transformation of Manganese-Bearing Minerals and Its Environmental Impact
Authors: Farkas Bence , Vojtková Hana , Farkas Zuzana , Pangallo Domenico , Kasak Peter , Lupini Antonio , Kim Hyunjung , Urík Martin , Matúš Peter
Published: May 2023

Manganese oxides are considered an essential component of natural geochemical barriers due to their redox and sorptive reactivity towards essential and potentially toxic trace elements. Despite the perception that they are in a relatively stable phase, microorganisms can actively alter the prevailing conditions in their microenvironment and initiate the dissolution of minerals, a process that is governed by various direct (enzymatic) or indirect mechanisms. Microorganisms are also capable of precipitating the bioavailable manganese ions via redox transformations into biogenic minerals, including manganese oxides (e.g., low-crystalline birnessite) or oxalates. Microbially mediated transformation influences the (bio)geochemistry of manganese and also the environmental chemistry of elements intimately associated with its oxides. Therefore, the biodeterioration of manganese-bearing phases and the subsequent biologically induced precipitation of new biogenic minerals may inevitably and severely impact the environment. This review highlights and discusses the role of microbially induced or catalyzed processes that affect the transformation of manganese oxides in the environment as relevant to the function of geochemical barriers.