bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Impact of Digital Literacy on Farmer Households’ Green Cooking Energy Consumption: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhang Yongqi , Zhang Haixia
Published: October 2022

In the era of the digital economy, farmers’ digital literacy has a profound impact on household green cooking energy consumption. Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2018, this paper constructs a digital literacy index using an entropy method and employs the Probit model regression and mediation effect model test to study the impact effect and theoretical mechanism of individual digital literacy on household green cooking energy consumption. The research results show that the improvement of digital literacy can effectively promote the consumption of green cooking energy in households. After using the IV-Probit model and CMP model to solve the endogeneity, this conclusion remains valid; The heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of digital literacy on green cooking energy consumption of households in different regions and different income stages is different. This performance is specific to the eastern and western regions and low-income households. The improvement in digital literacy can significantly promote green cooking energy consumption in rural households; however, in the central region and high-income households the improvements were insignificant. Mechanism analysis shows that digital literacy has a significant positive impact on household green cooking energy consumption through non-agricultural employment and information acquisition. Based on this, it is suggested that the construction of a digital countryside should not only consider the construction of digital infrastructure, but also reasonably guide the cultivation of the internal digital literacy of the construction subject. Moreover, the cultivation of digital literacy should not only focus on regional differences, but also focus on key subjects and implement precise cultivation. We should give full play to the synergistic effect of digital literacy, and pay attention to the non-agricultural employment of farmers and information elements.
Effects of a Mixed Emissions Control Policy on the Manufacturer’s Production and Carbon Abatement Investment Decisions
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Dalin
Published: October 2022

Considering the consumers’ environmental awareness, a mixed emissions control policy with carbon tax and a dynamic reward-punishment mechanism for carbon abatements was introduced to explore the manufacturer’s low-carbon production issues. The results showed that: (1) Under a given mixed emissions control policy, a higher government pre-determined abatement target cannot positively encourage manufacturers’ carbon abatement behaviors. However, a stricter emissions control policy is environmentally beneficial only when the government pre-determined abatement target exceeds a certain threshold. (2) Reducing the carbon abatement cost and enhancing the consumers’ environmental awareness would always benefit manufacturers’ low-carbon production, but both approaches benefit the environment only when the government pre-determined abatement target is below a certain threshold. (3) Under a mixed emissions control policy of social welfare maximization, the reward-punishment coefficient positively correlates with the government’s optimal pre-determined abatement target, and the effect of the carbon tax rate on that is closely related to the carbon emissions of the unit product. More importantly, imposing a carbon tax or raising the tax rate and adopting a reward-punishment mechanism or raising the reward-punishment coefficient can effectively encourage manufacturers’ carbon abatement investment behaviors. However, they have nothing but a negative effect on manufacturers’ excessive abatement levels.
Analysis of Air Pollution Based on the Measurement Results from a Mobile Laboratory for the Measurement of Air Pollution
Authors: Zajusz-Zubek Elwira , Korban Zygmunt
Published: October 2022

One of the most important effects of the smog phenomenon is the presence of high concentrations of substances hazardous to human life and health in the air. Environmental monitoring, including the monitoring of substances hazardous to human life or health, is an element of preventive measures that allow to identify current hazards and to define future actions aimed to improve (protect) the state of the environment. The article presents the results of measurements of the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 as well as SO2, NO, NOx and O3 based on a mobile laboratory located on the campus of the Silesian University of Technology. By treating the following weeks as “objects”, points in the multidimensional space (the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 as well as SO2, NO, NOx and O3 were the measures/describing features), similarities between them were determined, and then they were grouped into the “summer period” (from 01/04/2020 to 30/09/2020) and “winter period” (from 01/01/2020 to 31/03/2020 and from 01/10/2020 to 31/12/2020). The article aimed to determine a linear ordering of weeks divided into the “summer period” and the “winter period”. The software MaCzek v. 3.0 (an application working in Windows) was used in the computing layer.
A Complex Intervention Integrating Prism Adaptation and Neck Vibration for Unilateral Neglect in Patients of Chronic Stroke: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Choi Hyun-Se , Lee Bo-Min
Published: October 2022

Unilateral neglect in patients of chronic stroke reduces the quality of life and interferes with activities of daily living (ADL). This study aimed to investigate the effects of a complex rehabilitative programme that integrates prism adaptation (PA) and neck vibration (NV) for unilateral neglect in patients of chronic stroke. Thirty-six patients were randomised among the PA + NV group (Group A, n = 12), the NV-only group (Group B, n = 12), and the PA-only group (Group C, n = 12). The intervention was performed for 50 min/day, with five sessions per week, for 4 weeks. Albert’s test and the Catherine Bergego Scale were used to measure the effects of each intervention on unilateral neglect, whereas the modified Barthel Index was used to assess the effect on ADL. All three groups exhibited a reduction in unilateral neglect and an improvement in activities of daily living after the intervention (p < 0.05). Notably, Group A (PA + NV) exhibited a significantly greater level of reduction in unilateral neglect than the other groups (p < 0.05); however, the improvement in ADL did not significantly vary across the three groups (p > 0.05). This novel complex intervention comprising PA + NV is recommended for the rehabilitation, in the clinical setting, of patients of chronic stroke with unilateral neglect.
Assessing Loneliness among Adults Receiving Outpatient Treatment with Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Authors: Mills Rosalina , Zullig Keith J. , Theeke Laurie A. , Lander Laura R. , Hobbs Gerry R. , Herczyk Johnathan , Davis Stephen M.
Published: October 2022

Loneliness is a significant risk factor for substance use, however, impacts of treatments on loneliness are relatively unexplored. Living in a rural location is a greater risk factor for loneliness. This study examined data from a quasi-experimental study in rural Appalachia, comparing the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) versus Treatment as Usual (TAU) among adults receiving MOUD in outpatient therapy. Our objective was to determine whether observed reductions in self-reported craving, anxiety, depression, and increased perceived mindfulness would also improve loneliness reports. Eighty participants (n = 35 MBRP; n = 45 TAU) were included in the analysis from a group-based Comprehensive Opioid Addiction Treatment program. Outcomes tracked included craving, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, and loneliness as measured by the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA). A linear mixed model ANOVA determined the significance of the treatments on changes in loneliness scores at baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 36 weeks post-recruitment. Both groups reported significantly reduced loneliness over the course of the study (F = 16.07, p < 0.01), however there were no significant differences between groups. Loneliness was also significantly positively (p < 0.01) correlated with anxiety (0.66), depression (0.59), and craving (0.38), and significantly (p < 0.01) inversely correlated (−0.52) with mindfulness. Results suggest that participation in MOUD group-based outpatient therapy has the potential to diminish loneliness and associated poor psychological outcomes. Thus, it is possible that a more targeted intervention for loneliness would further diminish loneliness, which is important as loneliness is linked to risk for relapse.
Frequency-Bessel Transform Based Microtremor Survey Method and Its Engineering Application
Authors: You Zhiwei , Xu Peifen , Qian Jing , Cao Lianpeng , Du Yanan , Fu Qiang
Published: October 2022

The development and utilization of urban underground space depend heavily on an understanding of urban geological conditions. The microtremor survey method is essential in urban geological surveys due to its quickness, convenience, non-destructiveness, and interference resistance. Since only the fundamental dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves can be obtained by utilizing the spatial autocorrelation method, the inversion results have multiple solutions. To improve the accuracy of the microtremor survey, this study employed the frequency-Bessel transform to extract the fundamental and higher modes of dispersion information of Rayleigh waves from the microtremor data array and verified the effectiveness of this method by synthesizing theoretical microtremor signals. Additionally, taking into account the order identification challenges brought on by mode jumps or missing modes in the dispersion curve, this study processed a multi-mode dispersion curve based on the newly proposed inversion objective function coupled with a genetic algorithm to obtain a shallow surface S-wave velocity structure. Compared to the traditional inversion objective function, the new function presented in this study could address mode misidentification more effectively and improved the accuracy of inversion calculations. Finally, the applicability and dependability of the frequency-Bessel-transform-based microtremor survey method were evaluated in a practical engineering case.
Contemplative Practices Behavior Is Positively Associated with Well-Being in Three Global Multi-Regional Stanford WELL for Life Cohorts
Authors: Rich Tia , Chrisinger Benjamin W. , Kaimal Rajani , Winter Sandra J. , Hedlin Haley , Min Yan , Zhao Xueyin , Zhu Shankuan , You San-Lin , Sun Chien-An , Lin Jaw-Town , Hsing Ann W. , Heaney Catherine
Published: October 2022

Positive associations between well-being and a single contemplative practice (e.g., mindfulness meditation) are well documented, yet prior work may have underestimated the strength of the association by omitting consideration of multiple and/or alternative contemplative practices. Moreover, little is known about how contemplative practice behavior (CPB) impacts different dimensions of well-being. This study investigates the relationship of CPB, consisting of four discrete practices (embodied somatic-observing, non-reactive mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion for others), with multiple dimensions of well-being. As with other canonical lifestyle behaviors, multiple contemplative practices can be integrated into one’s daily routine. Thus, it is critical to holistically consider these behaviors, extending them beyond a simple uni-dimensional measure (e.g., daily mindfulness meditation practice). We developed an integrative measure of four types of contemplative practice and found it to be significantly associated with a multi-dimensional measure of well-being. Importantly, our findings were from three large global multi-regional cohorts and compared against better-understood lifestyle behaviors (physical activity). Data were drawn from California/San Francisco Bay Area, (n = 6442), Hangzhou City (n = 10,268), and New Taipei City (n = 3033). In all three cohorts, we found statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive associations between CPB and well-being, both overall and with all of the constituent domains of well-being, comparable to or stronger than the relationship with physical activity across most well-being outcomes. These findings provide robust and cross-cultural evidence for a positive association between CPB and well-being, illuminate dimensions of well-being that could be most influenced by CPB, and suggest CPB may be useful to include as part of fundamental lifestyle recommendations for health and well-being.
Increased Risk of Fractures and Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: da Maia Thuila Ferreira , de Camargo Bruna Gafo , Pereira Meire Ellen , de Oliveira Cláudia Sirlene , Guiloski Izonete Cristina
Published: October 2022

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can directly interfere with osteoclastic function, induce hypergastrinemia, and inhibit calcium absorption, leading to reduced bone mineral density (BMD), a measure of bone metabolism that may be associated with the risk of fractures. The current study involves a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at assessing the relationship between prolonged use of PPI drugs and fractures in menopausal women. A systematic search and meta-analysis were performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers analyzed the articles. The five articles found in the databases, which met the eligibility criteria, covered participants who were menopausal women aged between 56 and 78.5 years, using or not using a PPI for a minimum of 12 months. All studies showed an increase in the rate of fractures related to using PPIs, as an outcome. Prolonged use of PPIs in menopausal women can affect bone metabolism and cause fractures. However, other factors, such as the use of other classes of drugs, obesity, low weight, poor diet, replacement hormones, and comorbidities, should also be considered for assessing the risk of fractures.
Molecular Characterization of Plasma HDL, LDL, and VLDL Lipids Cargos from Atherosclerotic Patients with Advanced Carotid Lesions: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Nieddu Gabriele , Michelucci Elena , Formato Marilena , Ciampelli Cristina , Obino Gabriele , Signore Giovanni , Di Giorgi Nicoletta , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Lepedda Antonio Junior
Published: October 2022

Carotid atherosclerosis represents a relevant healthcare problem, since unstable plaques are responsible for approximately 15% of neurologic events, namely transient ischemic attack and stroke. Although statins treatment has proven effective in reducing LDL-cholesterol and the onset of acute clinical events, a residual risk may persist suggesting the need for the detection of reliable molecular markers useful for the identification of patients at higher risk regardless of optimal medical therapy. In this regard, several lines of evidence show a relationship among specific biologically active plasma lipids, atherosclerosis, and acute clinical events. We performed a Selected Reaction Monitoring-based High Performance Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry (SRM-based HPLC-MS/MS) analysis on plasma HDL, LDL, and VLDL fractions purified, by isopycnic salt gradient ultracentrifugation, from twenty-eight patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, having either a “hard” or a “soft” plaque, with the aim of characterizing the specific lipidomic patterns associated with features of carotid plaque instability. One hundred and thirty lipid species encompassing different lipid (sub)classes were monitored. Supervised multivariate analysis showed that lipids belonging to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), sphingomyelin (SM), and diacylglycerol (DG) classes mostly contribute to discrimination within each lipoprotein fraction according to the plaque typology. Differential analysis evidenced a significant dysregulation of LDL PE (38:6), SM (32:1), and SM (32:2) between the two groups of patients (adj. p-value threshold = 0.05 and log2FC ≥ |0.58|). Using this approach, some LDL-associated markers of plaque vulnerability have been identified, in line with the current knowledge of the key roles of these phospholipids in lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease. This proof-of-concept study reports promising results, showing that lipoprotein lipidomics may present a valuable approach for identifying new biomarkers of potential clinical relevance.
The Corticosterone–Glucocorticoid Receptor–AP1/CREB Axis Inhibits the Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Expression in Mouse Granulosa Cells
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Wei Yinghui , Li Xiaoxuan , Li Chengyu , Zhang Liangliang , Liu Zhaojun , Cao Yan , Li Weijian , Zhang Xiying , Zhang Jiaqing , Shen Ming , Liu Honglin
Published: October 2022

Under stress conditions, luteinizing hormone (LH)-mediated ovulation is inhibited, resulting in insufficient oocyte production and excretion during follicular development. When the body is stressed, a large amount of corticosterone (CORT) is generated, which will lead to a disorder of the body’s endocrine system and damage to the body. Our previous work showed that CORT can block follicular development in mice. Since LH acts through binding with the luteinizing hormone receptor (Lhcgr), the present study aimed to investigate whether and how corticosterone (CORT) influences Lhcgr expression in mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). For this purpose, three-week-old ICR female mice were injected intraperitoneally with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). In addition, the treatment group was injected with CORT (1 mg/mouse) at intervals of 8 h and the control group was injected with the same volume of methyl sulfoxide (DMSO). GCs were collected at 24 h, 48 h, and 55 h after PMSG injection. For in vitro experiments, the mouse GCs obtained from healthy follicles were treated with CORT alone, or together with inhibitors against the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1). The results showed that the CORT caused a downregulation of Lhcgr expression in GCs, which was accompanied by impaired cell viability. Moreover, the effect of the CORT was mediated by binding to its receptor (Nr3c1) in GCs. Further investigation revealed that Nr3c1 might regulate the transcription of Lhcgr through inhibiting the expression of Lhcgr transcription factors, including AP1 and Creb. Taken together, our findings suggested a possible mechanism of CORT-induced anovulation involving the inhibition of Lhcgr expression in GCs by the CORT–Nr3c1–AP1/Creb axis.
An Original and Efficient Antibiotic Adjuvant Strategy to Enhance the Activity of Macrolide Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Resistant Strains
Authors: Troudi Azza , Bolla Jean Michel , Klibi Naouel , Brunel Jean Michel
Published: October 2022

Gram-negative bacteria were reported as a significant cause of infections in both community and nosocomial settings. Considered as one of the greatest threats to public health, the spread of bacteria drug resistance and the lack of effective alternative treatment options remains problematic. Herein, we report a promising strategy to combat Gram-negative resistant strains consisting of the combination of a macrolide antibiotic with a polyaminoisoprenyl adjuvant derivative leading to a significant decrease of antibiotic resistance.
Critical Overview of Hepatic Factors That Link Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Acute Kidney Injury: Physiology and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Chen Le , Lv Xiaodong , Kan Min , Wang Ruonan , Wang Hua , Zang Hongmei
Published: October 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as a combination of a group of progressive diseases, presenting different structural features of the liver at different stages of the disease. According to epidemiological surveys, as living standards improve, the global prevalence of NAFLD increases. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a class of clinical conditions characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function. NAFLD and AKI, as major public health diseases with high prevalence and mortality, respectively, worldwide, place a heavy burden on societal healthcare systems. Clinical observations of patients with NAFLD with AKI suggest a possible association between the two diseases. However, little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms linking NAFLD and AKI, and the combination of the diseases is poorly treated. Previous studies have revealed that liver-derived factors are transported to distal organs via circulation, such as the kidney, where they elicit specific effects. Of note, while NAFLD affects the expression of many hepatic factors, studies on the mechanisms whereby NAFLD mediates the generation of hepatic factors that lead to AKI are lacking. Considering the unique positioning of hepatic factors in coordinating systemic energy metabolism and maintaining energy homeostasis, we hypothesize that the effects of NAFLD are not only limited to the structural and functional changes in the liver but may also involve the entire body via the hepatic factors, e.g., playing an important role in the development of AKI. This raises the question of whether analogs of beneficial hepatic factors or inhibitors of detrimental hepatic factors could be used as a treatment for NAFLD-mediated and hepatic factor-driven AKI or other metabolic disorders. Accordingly, in this review, we describe the systemic effects of several types of hepatic factors, with a particular focus on the possible link between hepatic factors whose expression is altered under NAFLD and AKI. We also summarize the role of some key hepatic factors in metabolic control mechanisms and discuss their possible use as a preventive treatment for the progression of metabolic diseases.
Treatments with Liquid Smoke and Certain Chemical Constituents Prevalent in Smoke Reduce Phloem Vascular Sectoriality in the Sunflower with Improvement to Growth
Authors: Noel Randi , Benoit Mary , Wilder Stacy L. , Waller Spenser , Schueller Michael , Ferrieri Richard A.
Published: October 2022

Many higher plants possess a physiological organization that is based upon the carbon economy of their parts. While photosynthates are partitioned according to the relative strength of the plant’s sink tissues, in many species there is also a very close relationship between partitioning, phyllotaxy and vascular connectivity giving rise to sectorial patterns of allocation. Here, we examined the influence of smoke and certain chemical constituents prevalent in smoke including, catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone on phloem vascular sectoriality in common sunflower (Helianthis annuus L.), as a model plant for sectoriality. By administering radioactive carbon-11 to a single source leaf as 11CO2, 11C-photosynthate allocation patterns were examined using autoradiography. A 1:200 aqueous dilution of liquid smoke treated soil caused 2.6-fold and 2.5-fold reductions in phloem sectoriality in sink leaves and roots, respectively. Treatment with catechol (1,2-d ihydroxybenzene) or resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene), polyphenolic constituents that are prevalent in smoke, caused similar reductions in phloem sectoriality in the same targeted sink tissues. However, treatment with hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene) had no effect. Finally, the longer-term effects of smoke exposure on plant growth and performance were examined using outdoor potted plants grown over the 2022 season. Plants exposed to liquid smoke treatments of the soil on a weekly basis had larger thicker leaves possessing 35% greater lignin content than untreated control plants. They also had thicker stems although the lignin content was the same as controls. Additionally, plants exposed to treatment produced twice the number of flowers with no difference in their disk floret diameters as untreated controls. Altogether, loss of phloem sectoriality from exposure to liquid smoke in the sunflower model benefited plant performance.
Chitosan–Hydroxycinnamic Acids Conjugates: Emerging Biomaterials with Rising Applications in Biomedicine
Authors: Ojeda-Hernández Doddy Denise , Canales-Aguirre Alejandro A. , Matias-Guiu Jordi A. , Matias-Guiu Jorge , Gómez-Pinedo Ulises , Mateos-Díaz Juan Carlos
Published: October 2022

Over the past thirty years, research has shown the huge potential of chitosan in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering and regeneration, cancer therapy, and antimicrobial treatments, among others. One of the major advantages of this interesting polysaccharide is its modifiability, which facilitates its use in tailor-made applications. In this way, the molecular structure of chitosan has been conjugated with multiple molecules to modify its mechanical, biological, or chemical properties. Here, we review the conjugation of chitosan with some bioactive molecules: hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs); since these derivatives have been probed to enhance some of the biological effects of chitosan and to fine-tune its characteristics for its application in the biomedical field. First, the main characteristics of chitosan and HCAs are presented; then, the currently employed conjugation strategies between chitosan and HCAs are described; and, finally, the studied biomedical applications of these derivatives are discussed to present their limitations and advantages, which could lead to proximal therapeutic uses.
Microbe-Derived Antioxidants Reduce Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Activating the Nrf2 Pathway to Inhibit the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shen Cheng , Luo Zhen , Ma Sheng , Yu Chengbing , Gao Qingying , Zhang Meijuan , Zhang Hongcai , Zhang Jing , Xu Weina , Yao Jianbo , Xu Jianxiong
Published: October 2022

Inflammation plays an important role in the innate immune response, yet overproduction of inflammation can lead to a variety of chronic diseases associated with the innate immune system; therefore, modulation of the excessive inflammatory response has been considered a major strategy in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Activation of the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling axis has been suggested to be a key initiating phase of inflammation. Our previous study found that microbe-derived antioxidants (MA) are shown to have excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, the mechanism of action of MA remains unclear. The current study aims to investigate whether MA could protect cells from LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by modulating the Nrf2-ROS-NLRP3-IL-1β signaling pathway. In this study, we find that MA treatment significantly alleviates LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells. MA significantly reduce the accumulation of ROS in RAW264.7 cells, down-regulate the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6), inhibit NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 mRNA, and protein levels, and reduce the mRNA, protein levels, and content of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18). The protective effect of MA is significantly reduced after the siRNA knockdown of the NLRP3 gene, presumably related to the ability of MA to inhibit the ROS-NLRP3-IL-1β signaling pathway. MA is able to reduce the accumulation of ROS and alleviate oxidative stress by increasing the content of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT. The protective effect of MA may be due to its ability of MA to induce Nrf2 to enter the nucleus and initiate the expression of antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of MA are further enhanced in the presence of the Nrf2 activator SFN. After the siRNA knockdown of the Nrf2 gene, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of MA are significantly affected. These findings suggest that MA may inhibit the LPS-stimulated ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling axis by activating Nrf2-antioxidant signaling in RAW264.7 cells. As a result of this study, MA has been found to alleviate inflammatory responses and holds promise as a therapeutic agent for inflammation-related diseases.
Electrical Stimulation of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on O2 Plasma-Treated ITO Glass Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Baek Seungho , Park Heekyung , Igci Fatma Dilara , Lee Donghyun
Published: October 2022

Electrical signals represent an essential form of cellular communication. For decades, electrical stimulation has been used effectively in clinical practice to enhance bone healing. However, the detailed mechanisms between electrical stimulation and bone healing are not well understood. In addition, there have been many difficulties in setting up a stable and efficient electrical stimulation system within the in vitro environment. Therefore, various conductive materials and electrical stimulation methods have been tested to establish an effective electrical stimulation system. Through these systems, many studies have been conducted on the effects of electrical stimulation on bone healing and osteogenic differentiation. However, previous studies were limited by the use of opaque conductive materials that obscure the cells; fluorescent observations and staining are known to be two of the critical methods to confirm the states of the cells. Indium tin oxide (ITO) glass is known to have excellent transparency and conductivity, but it is challenging to cultivate cells due to low cell adhesion characteristics. Therefore, we used O2 plasma treatment to increase the hydrophilicity and wettability of ITO glass. This enhanced cell affinity to the glass, providing a stable surface for the cells to attach. Then, electrical stimulation was applied with an amplitude range of 10 to 200 µA at a frequency of 10 Hz. Our results demonstrated that the osteogenic differentiation efficiency was maximized under the amplitude conditions of 10 µA and 50 µA. Accordingly, the results of our study suggest the development of an excellent platform in the field of biological research as a good tool to elucidate various mechanisms of cell bioactivity under electrical conditions.
Genome-Wide Association and Expression Analysis of the Lipoxygenase Gene Family in Passiflora edulis Revealing PeLOX4 Might Be Involved in Fruit Ripeness and Ester Formation
Authors: Huang Dongmei , Ma Funing , Wu Bin , Lv Wenhui , Xu Yi , Xing Wenting , Chen Di , Xu Bingqiang , Song Shun
Published: October 2022

Aroma is an important factor in fruit quality. Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) is popular among consumers because of its rich flavor and nutritional value. Esters are the main components of the volatile aroma of passion fruit. Lipoxygenase (LOX), as the first key enzyme upstream of esters, may play an important role in the formation of passion fruit aroma. In this study, a total of 12 passion fruit LOX (PeLOX) members were screened out based on the Passiflora edulis genome database, which were distributed unevenly on 6 chromosomes, all containing the highly conserved lipoxygenase domain and some containing the PLAT domain. The gene structure, evolutionary analysis and cis-acting elements of the family members were predicted in this study. Transcriptome analysis showed that 12 PeLOX genes had different degrees of response to different abiotic stresses (drought stress, salt stress, cold stress, and high temperature). PeLOX1, PeLOX2, PeLOX7, PeLOX11, and PeLOX12 responded significantly to various abiotic stresses, while PeLOX8 and PeLOX9 had little change in expression in all stresses. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in six tissues revealed that the 12 PeLOX genes exhibited tissue expression specificity, and the relative expression of most genes were particularly high in the roots, stems, and fruits. Focusing on passion fruit ripening and ester synthesis, the transcriptomic analysis showed that with the increase in fruit development and fruit maturity, the expression levels of PeLOX1, PeLOX9, PeLOX11, and PeLOX12 showed downregulated expression, while PeLOX2 and PeLOX4 showed upregulated expression. In particular, the upregulation trend of PeLOX4 was the most obvious, and the qRT-PCR results were consistent with the transcriptome result. Pearson correlation analysis showed that with the development and ripening of fruit, the expression level of PeLOX4, LOX enzyme activity and total ester content all showed an increasing trend, in particular during the period when the peel was red and shrank (from T2 to T3 stage), the esters’ contents increased by 37.4 times; the highest expression levels were all in the T3 period. The results indicated that PeLOX4 may be a candidate gene involved in fruit ripeness and the formation of volatile aroma compounds, with the increase in fruit ripening, the expression level of PeLOX4 increased and the LOX enzyme activity increased accordingly, thereby promoting the synthesis of volatile esters in fruit pulp. Our discovery lays the foundation for the functional study of LOX in passion fruit.
The Genetic Basis for the Increased Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Patients
Authors: Misganaw Burook , Yang Ruoting , Gautam Aarti , Muhie Seid , Mellon Synthia H. , Wolkowitz Owen M. , Ressler Kerry J. , Doyle Francis J. , Marmar Charles R. , Jett Marti , Hammamieh Rasha
Published: October 2022

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly debilitating psychiatric disorder that can be triggered by exposure to extreme trauma. Even if PTSD is primarily a psychiatric condition, it is also characterized by adverse somatic comorbidities. One illness commonly co-occurring with PTSD is Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is defined by a set of health risk/resilience factors including obesity, elevated blood pressure, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher triglycerides, higher fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance. Here, phenotypic association between PTSD and components of MetS are tested on a military veteran cohort comprising chronic PTSD presentation (n = 310, 47% cases, 83% male). Consistent with previous observations, we found significant phenotypic correlation between the various components of MetS and PTSD severity scores. To examine if this observed symptom correlations stem from a shared genetic background, we conducted genetic correlation analysis using summary statistics data from large-scale genetic studies. Our results show robust positive genetic correlation between PTSD and MetS (rg[SE] = 0.33 [0.056], p = 4.74E-09), and obesity-related components of MetS (rg = 0.25, SE = 0.05, p = 6.4E-08). Prioritizing genomic regions with larger local genetic correlation implicate three significant loci. Overall, these findings show significant genetic overlap between PTSD and MetS, which may in part account for the markedly increased occurrence of MetS among PTSD patients.
Seismic Performance Analysis of the Elevated RC Tanks under Strong Far- and Near-Fault Ground Motions Considering Fluid–Structure Interaction
Authors: Karimi Pour Arash , Farsangi Ehsan Noroozinejad
Published: October 2022

The elevated reinforced concrete tanks assessed in the current work were the subject of a nonlinear sloshing analysis resulting from fluid–container interactions. The primary response quantity of interest was the height of free surface sloshing. To achieve this aim, the effect of the liquid contents on the seismic behavior of tanks subjected to various sets of far- and near-fault ground motions were measured. The variables considered in this study included bidirectional loading, the earthquake’s frequency content, water sloshing, and the three-dimensional geometry. The primary goal of this work was to analyze these crucial parameters through a parametric analysis using a finite element method considering the influence of nonlinear fluid–structure interactions under the influence of different ground motions. By contrasting the numerical results obtained by previous studies and those of the current investigation, the applicability of the current simulation in seismic analyses of the elevated reinforced concrete tanks was then examined, and significant conclusions were formed. The findings showed that the nonlinearity of sloshing may significantly affect the seismic performance of the liquid–container interactions and that failing to properly account for it may pose a severe threat to these structures’ ability to perform satisfactorily for a particular class of tanks, particularly under the influence of near-fault events.
Mixed-Mode I/II Testing of Composite Materials—A Refined Data Reduction Scheme for the Wedge-Loaded Asymmetric Double Cantilever Beam Test
Authors: May Michael , Hahn Philipp , Manam Borhan Uddin , Imbert Mathieu
Published: October 2022

The wedge-loaded asymmetric double cantilever beam (WADCB) test is an experimental method to determine the mixed-mode I/II fracture toughness of composite materials by inserting a wedge into the specimen along a potential delamination path. Whilst the current closed-form solution for the ADCB test assumes identical forces acting in both specimen arms, this manuscript proposes a refined closed-form solution allowing for different forces acting on both specimen arms, which is thought to be more general and more rigorous. WADCB tests were carried out on composites made from Torayca T700SC/2592 unidirectional prepreg. Both the current and the refined closed-form solution were used to analyze the data, and some differences were found in the predictions, indicating that the forces in the two specimen arms are indeed not identical.
The Epichloë festucae Antifungal Protein Efe-AfpA Protects Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) from the Plant Pathogen Clarireedia jacksonii, the Causal Agent of Dollar Spot Disease
Authors: Fardella Patrick A. , Tian Zipeng , Clarke Bruce B. , Belanger Faith C.
Published: October 2022

Dollar spot disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Clarireedia jacksonii, is a major problem in many turfgrass species, particularly creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). It is well-established that strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra) exhibits good dollar spot resistance when infected by the fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae. This endophyte-mediated disease resistance is unique to the fine fescues and has not been observed in other grass species infected with other Epichloë spp. The mechanism underlying the unique endophyte-mediated disease resistance in strong creeping red fescue has not yet been established. We pursued the possibility that it may be due to the presence of an abundant secreted antifungal protein produced by E. festucae. Here, we compare the activity of the antifungal protein expressed in Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Active protein was recovered from all systems, with the best activity being from Pe. chrysogenum. In greenhouse assays, topical application of the purified antifungal protein to creeping bentgrass and endophyte-free strong creeping red fescue protected the plants from developing severe symptoms caused by C. jacksonii. These results support the hypothesis that Efe-AfpA is a major contributor to the dollar spot resistance observed with E. festucae-infected strong creeping red fescue in the field, and that this protein could be developed as an alternative or complement to fungicides for the management of this disease on turfgrasses.
Inflation Forecasts and European Asset Returns: A Regime-Switching Approach
Authors: Pesci Nicolas , Aguilar Jean-Philippe , James Victor , Rouillé Fabien
Published: October 2022

Considering market-based inflation expectations, we show that investors’ forecasts are non-linear. We capture this non-linear behavior with a Markov-switching model that allows us to identify a regime of high uncertainty, and a regime of low uncertainty and low concern about inflation. Using a complete cross-asset panel of equity sectors, bonds, and commodities, we perform regressions in both regimes including several control variables, and show that the exposure of European assets returns to implied inflation is regime-dependent. We show that inflation-indexed government bonds and oil are the best way to get exposure to slow upward revisions of future inflation that correspond to periods of rallying inflation. We thus identify alternatives to hedge oneself against revisions in inflation forecasts when inflation is considered as a variable of interest by market participants, which, in fact, corresponds to periods of breaks in the trend of realized inflation. In particular, we provide empirical evidence that some equity sectors exhibit good inflation-hedging properties.
Is There a Place for Somatostatin Analogues for the Systemic Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Immunotherapy Era?
Authors: Kouroumalis Elias , Tsomidis Ioannis , Voumvouraki Argryro
Published: October 2022

Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a very limited survival rate even after the recent inclusion of kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors in the therapeutic armamentarium. A significant problem with the current proposed therapies is the considerable cost of treatment that may be a serious obstacle in low- and middle-income countries. Implementation of somatostatin analogues (SSAs) has the potential to overcome this obstacle, but due to some negative studies their extensive evaluation came to a halt. However, experimental evidence, both in vitro and in vivo, has revealed various mechanisms of the anti-tumor effects of these analogues, including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis. Favorable indirect effects such as inhibition of liver inflammation and fibrosis and influence on macrophage-mediated innate immunity have also been noted and are presented in this review. Furthermore, the clinical application of SSAs is both presented and compared with clinical trials of kinase and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). No direct trials have been performed to compare survival in the same cohort of patients, but the cost of treatment with SSAs is a fraction compared to the other modalities and with significantly less serious side effects. As in immunotherapy, patients with viral HCC (excluding alcoholics), as well as Barcelona stage B or C and Child A patients, are the best candidates, since they usually have a survival prospect of at least 6 months, necessary for optimum results. Reasons for treatment failures are also discussed and further research is proposed.
(3,5-Di-tert-butylphenyl)(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methanone
Authors: Doherty Katrina E. , Wadey Geoffrey P. , León Sandoval Arturo , Leadbeater Nicholas E.
Published: October 2022

The acyl pyrazole derivative (3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methanone was prepared simply and rapidly in 86% isolated yield by means of an oxidative functionalization reaction of an aldehyde with pyrazole. A substoichiometric quantity of 4-acetamido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxoammonium nitrate was used as the oxidant. The reaction was performed solvent-free and in the absence of a base, making it a clean, green approach. The mixture of aldehyde, pyrazole, and the oxidant was heated at 55 °C for 3 h, and then, the product was isolated in analytically pure form via extraction with no need for column chromatography.
Photocatalytic Activity of Sulfanyl Porphyrazine/Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites in Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Koczorowski Tomasz , Wicher Barbara , Krakowiak Rafal , Mylkie Kinga , Marusiak Aleksandra , Tykarska Ewa , Ziegler-Borowska Marta
Published: October 2022

Magnesium(II) sulfanyl porphyrazine with peripheral morpholinethoxy substituents was embedded on the surface of titanium(IV) dioxide nanoparticles. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized with the use of particle size and distribution (NTA analysis), electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA), FTIR–ATR spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The measured particle size of the obtained material was 327.4 ± 15.5 nm. Analysis with XRD showed no visible changes in the crystallinity of the material after deposition of porphyrazine on the TiO2 surface. However, SEM images revealed noticeable changes in the morphology of the obtained hybrid material: higher aggregation and less ordered structure of the aggregates. The TGA analysis revealed the lost 3.6% (0.4 mg) of the mass of obtained material in the range 250–550 °C. In the FTIR–ATR analysis, C-H stretching vibratins in the range of 3000–2800 cm−1, originating from porphyrazine moieties, were detected. The photocatalytic applicability of the nanomaterial was assessed in photodegradation studies of methylene blue and bisphenol A as reference environmental pollutants. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine with porphyrazine/TiO2 hybrids as photocatalysts was studied, accompanied by an HPLC chromatography assessment of photodegradation. In total, 43% of the initial concentration was achieved in the case of bisphenol A, after 4 h of irradiation, whereas 57% was achieved in the case of carbamazepine. In each photodegradation reaction, the activity of the obtained photocatalytic nanomaterial was proved with almost linear degradation. The photodegradation reaction rate constants were calculated, and revealed 5.75 × 10−5 s−1 for bisphenol A and 5.66 × 10−5 s−1 for carbamazepine.
Preparation of Hollow Porous Carbon Nanofibers and Their Performance and Mechanism of Broadband Microwave Absorption
Authors: Shao Rui , Wang Fang , Yang Shenglin , Jin Junhong , Li Guang
Published: October 2022

Developing microwave absorbing composites with lightweight and wide absorption bands is an essential direction for electromagnetic wave stealth and shielding application. In this article, PAN/PMMA blend fibers and sheath-core blend fibers with PAN/PMMA as the sheath and PMMA as the core were spun by uniaxial and coaxial electrostatic spinning, respectively. Porous carbon nanofiber (PCNF) and hollow porous carbon nanofiber (HPCNF) were obtained after pre-oxidation and carbonization of the corresponding two precursor fibers. The microwave absorption composite samples with PCNF and HPCNF as absorbents and paraffin as matrix were prepared, respectively. Their electromagnetic parameters were investigated by the reflective-transmission network parameter method. The microwave absorption properties of the corresponding composites were calculated based on a model for a single-layer planewave absorber from electromagnetic parameters. The results showed diversity between the microwave absorbing performance of the composites filled with PCNF and HPCNF. HPCNF performs better than PCNF as an absorbent; that is, the lowest reflection loss of composite filled with HPCNF is −20.26 dB and the effective bandwidth (lower than −10 dB) is to 4.56 GHz, while the lowest reflection loss of a composite filled with PCNF is −13.70 dB, and the effective bandwidth (lower than −10 dB) is 2.68 GHz when the absorbent content is 7%, and the thickness is 3 mm. Much lower reflection loss and a wider absorption band could be expected from HPCNF. The presence of a hollow structure in HPCNF, which may increase the degree of polarization and provide more interfaces for the interference phase extinction of reflected electromagnetic waves, might help to improve the attenuation of electromagnetic waves and broaden the absorption band.