bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study of PSMA Fluorescent Probe for Targeted Fluorescence Imaging of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhou Haoxi , Liu Yachao , Zhang Xiaojun , Chen Kuang , Li Yuan , Xu Xiaodan , Xu Baixuan
Published: April 2022

Purpose: With the increasing detection rate of early prostate cancer (PCa), the proportion of surgical treatment is increasing. Surgery is the most effective treatment for PCa. Precise targeting of tumors during surgery can reduce the incidence of positive surgical margins (PSMs) and preserve the neurovascular bundles (NVBs) as much as possible. The objective of this study was to synthesize a PSMA fluorescent probe (PSMA-Cy5) and verify the targeting specificity of the probe for prostate cancer, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of PSMA fluorescent probes for clinical application in the future. Methods: In this study, a novel water-soluble 3H-indocyanine-type bioluminescent dye-Cy5-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand (PSMA-Cy5) was synthesized by liquid phase synthesis. The PSMA ligand was developed based on the glutamine-urea-lysine (Glu-urea-Lys) structure. The new fluorescent probe was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, and its safety was evaluated. Confocal microscopy was used to observe the binding uptake of PSMA-Cy5 with PSMA (+) LNCaP cells, PSMA (-) PC3 cells and blocked LNCaP cells. In in vivo optical imaging studies, the targeting specificity of PSMA (+) 22Rv1 tumors to probe binding was validated by tail vein injection of PSMA-Cy5. The safety of the PSMA-Cy5 probe was evaluated by histopathological analysis of mouse organs by a single high-dose tail vein injection of PSMA-Cy5. Results: In vitro fluorescence cell uptake experiments showed that the binding of PSMA-Cy5 to LNCaP cells has targeting specificity. PC3 cells and blocked LNCaP cells showed almost no uptake. The results of in vivo optical imaging studies showed that the tumor-to-background ratio in the 22Rv1 group was 3.39 ± 0.47; in the 22Rv1 blocking group it was 0.78 ± 0.15, and in the PC3 group it was 0.94 ± 0.09, consistent with the in vitro results. After a high-dose injection of PSMA-Cy5, there were no abnormalities in the tissues or organs of the mice. The probe showed good safety. Conclusions: PSMA-Cy5 is a probe with good targeting specificity and low toxicity that can accurately visualize tumors in vivo. This study has an important reference value for the development of PSMA fluorescent probes. In the future, it can be applied to precise tumor imaging during radical prostatectomy to reduce the incidence of postoperative PSM.
Comparison of the Phytochemical Variation of Non-Volatile Metabolites within Mother Tinctures of Arnica montana Prepared from Fresh and Dried Whole Plant Using UHPLC-HRMS Fingerprinting and Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Duthen Simon , Gadéa Alice , Trempat Pascal , Boujedaini Naoual , Fabre Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Arnica montana L. has been recognized for centuries as an herbal remedy to treat wounds and promote healing. It also has a long tradition of use in homeopathy. Depending on its medicinal utilization, standardization regulations allow different manufacturing processes, implying different raw materials, such as the whole arnica plant in its fresh or dried state. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach with UHPLC-HRMS/MS was used to cross-compare the phytochemical composition of mother tinctures of A. montana that were prepared from either fresh whole plant (fMT) matter or from oven-dried whole plant (dMT) matter. The multivariate data analysis showed significant differences between fMT and dMT. The dereplication of the HRMS and MS/MS spectra of the more discriminant compounds led to annotated quinic acid, dicaffeoyl quinic acids, ethyl caffeate, thymol derivatives and dehydrophytosphingosine, which were increased in fMT, while Amadori rearrangement products (ARP) and methoxyoxaloyl-dicaffeoyl quinic acid esters were enhanced in dMT. Neither sesquiterpene lactones nor flavonoids were affected by the drying process. This is the first time that a sphingosine, ethyl caffeate and ARP are described in A. montana. Moreover, putative new natural products were detected as 10-hydroxy-8,9-epoxy-thymolisobutyrate and an oxidized proline fructose conjugate, for which isolation and full structure elucidation will be necessary to verify this finding.
α-Linolenic Acid Suppresses Proliferation and Invasion in Osteosarcoma Cells via Inhibiting Fatty Acid Synthase
Authors: Fan Huijin , Huang Wenyuan , Guo Yong , Ma Xiaofeng , Yang Jianhong
Published: April 2022

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is highly expressed in multiple types of human cancers and is recognized as one of the targets for treating cancer metastasis. α-Linolenic acid is an omega-3 essential fatty acid and it possesses various biological activities. The present study was designed to reveal the effects of α-linolenic acid on osteosarcoma and to reveal whether the mechanism of α-linolenic acid in anticancer activity may be related to FASN inhibition. The cytotoxicity of α-linolenic acid was assessed in osteosarcoma MG63, 143B, and U2OS cells. Cell viability was detected by the MTT assay. The protein expression level was detected by western blotting. Flow cytometry, Annexin V/propidium iodide dual staining, and Hoechst 33258 staining were performed to assess the apoptotic effects. Wound healing assay was applied to detect the inhibitory effect of α-linolenic acid on osteosarcoma cells migration. The results showed that α-linolenic acid downregulated FASN expression. α-Linolenic acid inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, α-linolenic acid regulated endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane receptors and signal protein expression in osteosarcoma cells. The findings of the present study suggested that α-linolenic acid suppresses osteosarcoma cell proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting FASN expression, which provides a basis as a potential target for osteosarcoma treatment.
Bioavailability Enhancement of Cepharanthine via Pulmonary Administration in Rats and Its Therapeutic Potential for Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated with COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Guangrui , Meng Zhiyun , Wu Zhuona , Gan Hui , Zhu Xiaoxia , Han Peng , Liu Taoyun , Wang Fanjun , Gu Ruolan , Dou Guifang
Published: April 2022

Cepharanthine (CEP) has excellent anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, indicating its favorable potential for COVID-19 treatment. However, its application is challenged by its poor dissolubility and oral bioavailability. The present study aimed to improve the bioavailability of CEP by optimizing its solubility and through a pulmonary delivery method, which improved its bioavailability by five times when compared to that through the oral delivery method (68.07% vs. 13.15%). An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for quantification of CEP in rat plasma was developed and validated to support the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies. In addition, pulmonary fibrosis was recognized as a sequela of COVID-19 infection, warranting further evaluation of the therapeutic potential of CEP on a rat lung fibrosis model. The antifibrotic effect was assessed by analysis of lung index and histopathological examination, detection of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and hydroxyproline level in serum or lung tissues. Our data demonstrated that CEP could significantly alleviate bleomycin (BLM)-induced collagen accumulation and inflammation, thereby exerting protective effects against pulmonary fibrosis. Our results provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that pulmonary delivery CEP may be a promising therapy for pulmonary fibrosis associated with COVID-19 infection.
Phase Angle Is a Stronger Predictor of Hospital Outcome than Subjective Global Assessment—Results from the Prospective Dessau Hospital Malnutrition Study
Authors: Plauth Mathias , Sulz Isabella , Viertel Melanie , Höfer Veronika , Witt Mila , Raddatz Frank , Reich Michael , Hiesmayr Michael , Bauer Peter
Published: April 2022

This prospective cohort study of 16,943 consecutive patients compared phase angle (PhA, foot-to-hand at 50 kHz) and subjective global assessment (SGA) to predict outcomes length of hospital stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality in patients at risk of malnutrition (NRS-2002 ≥ 3). In 1505 patients, the independent effects on LOS were determined by competing risk analysis and on mortality by logistic regression. In model I, including influence factors age, sex, BMI, and diagnoses, malnourished (SGA B and C) patients had a lower chance for a regular discharge (HR 0.74; 95%CI 0.69–0.79) and an increased risk of mortality (OR 2.87; 95%CI 1.38–5.94). The association of SGA and outcomes regular discharge and mortality was completely abrogated when PhA was added (model II). Low PhA reduced the chance of a regular discharge by 53% in patients with a PhA ≤ 3° (HR 0.47; 95%CI 0.39–0.56) as compared to PhA > 5°. Mortality was reduced by 56% for each 1° of PhA (OR 0.44; 95%CI 0.32–0.61). Even when CRP was added in model III, PhA ≤ 3° was associated with a 41% lower chance for a regular discharge (HR 0.59; 95%CI 0.48–0.72). In patients at risk of malnutrition, the objective measure PhA was a stronger predictor of LOS and mortality than SGA.
Intermittent Fasting versus Continuous Calorie Restriction: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhang Caishun , Wang Haidan , Ma Zhengye , Liu Defeng , Guan Xiaohan , Liu Yixin , Fu Yanwen , Cui Mingxuan , Dong Jing
Published: April 2022

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and pilot trial studies to compare the effectiveness of intermittent fasting (IF) and continuous calorie restriction (CCR) in overweight and obese people. The parameters included body mass index (BMI), body weight, and other metabolism-related indicators. A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted up to January 2022. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the effectiveness. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test. The stability of the results was evaluated using sensitivity analyses. The significance of body weight change (SMD = −0.21, 95% CI (−0.40, −0.02) p = 0.028) was more significant after IF than CCR. There was no significant difference in BMI (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI (−0.16, 0.20) p = 0.848) between IF and CCR. These findings suggest that IF may be superior to CCR for weight loss in some respects.
CRABPs Alter all-trans-Retinoic Acid Metabolism by CYP26A1 via Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: Yabut King Clyde B. , Isoherranen Nina
Published: April 2022

Cellular retinoic acid binding proteins (CRABP1 and CRABP2) bind all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, with high affinity. CRABP1 and CRABP2 have been shown to interact with the atRA-clearing cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP26B1 and CYP26C1 and with nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs). We hypothesized that CRABP1 and CRABP2 also alter atRA metabolism and clearance by CYP26A1, the third key atRA-metabolizing enzyme in the CYP26 family. Based on stopped-flow experiments, atRA bound CRABP1 and CRABP2 with Kd values of 4.7 nM and 7.6 nM, respectively. The unbound atRA Km values for 4-OH-atRA formation by CYP26A1 were 4.7 ± 0.8 nM with atRA, 6.8 ± 1.7 nM with holo-CRABP1 and 6.1 ± 2.7 nM with holo-CRABP2 as a substrate. In comparison, the apparent kcat value was about 30% lower (0.71 ± 0.07 min−1 for holo-CRABP1 and 0.75 ± 0.09 min−1 for holo-CRABP2) in the presence of CRABPs than with free atRA (1.07 ± 0.08 min−1). In addition, increasing concentrations in apo-CRABPs decreased the 4-OH-atRA formation rates by CYP26A1. Kinetic analyses suggest that apo-CRABP1 and apo-CRABP2 inhibit CYP26A1 (Ki = 0.39 nM and 0.53 nM, respectively) and holo-CRABPs channel atRA for metabolism by CYP26A1. These data suggest that CRABPs play a critical role in modulating atRA metabolism and cellular atRA concentrations.
Can Lactose Intolerance Be a Cause of Constipation? A Narrative Review
Authors: Leszkowicz Julia , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

Lactose intolerance and constipation are common in children and impact everyday life, not only for patients but also their families. Both conditions can be comorbid with other diseases or form a part of their clinical presentation, but constipation is not usually associated with lactose intolerance. The typical symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, flatus, diarrhoea, borborygmi, and less frequently nausea and vomiting. In approximately 30% of cases, constipation can be a symptom of lactose intolerance. Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard and/or large stools, painful defecation, and faecal incontinence, and is often accompanied by abdominal pain. This paper provides a narrative review on lactose intolerance, its epidemiology, pathogenesis, the correlation between lactose intolerance and constipation in children, and potential mechanisms of such association.
Lactation Activity and Mechanism of Milk-Protein Synthesis by Peptides from Oyster Hydrolysates
Authors: Chen Suhua , Qin Xiaoming , Zhang Chaohua , Cao Wenhong , Zheng Huina , Lin Haisheng
Published: April 2022

Oyster meat has a tender texture and delicate flavor, and the oyster is an aquatic shellfish with high nutritional and economic values. As they are rich in protein, oysters serve as a good source for the preparation of bioactive peptides. However, research on the lactation effect and mechanism of the synthesis of polypeptides from oyster hydrolysates is yet to be observed. This study aimed to analyze the lactation activity of the fraction UEC4-1 and explore its mechanism. The results show that, in an in vivo experiment, UEC4-1 could significantly increase the concentration of PRL in the serum and mammary tissue and the concentration of PRLR in the mammary tissue in rats with postpartum hypogalactia. UEC4-1 promoted the development of mammary tissue structure, resulting in active lactation. UEC4-1 promoted the proliferation of MCF-10A in a dose-dependent manner and could significantly upregulate the gene expression levels of PRL, PRLR, CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN3 and CCND1. UEC4-1 could also significantly increase the expression of mTOR, AKT1, RPS6KB1 and STAT5A in MCF-10A and improve its phosphorylation level. These results show that UEC4-1 had the ability to upregulate the proliferation and PRL synthesis of MCF-10A and promote lactation. The ability of UEC4-1 to regulate the milk-protein synthesis signaling pathway is the mechanism behind this. Oysters had a remarkable effect on lactating mothers’ sweating irritability after childbirth and may serve as an everyday diet to promote lactation. Postpartum dysgalactia is a common problem for lactating women. The study of the oyster’s lactation-active peptide can provide dietary nutrition guidance for postpartum lactating mothers, and it has the potential to be used for the development of drugs for the treatment of postpartum hypogalactia or oligogalactia.
Dietary Supplements for Weight Management: A Narrative Review of Safety and Metabolic Health Benefits
Authors: Mah Eunice , Chen Oliver , Liska DeAnn J. , Blumberg Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2022

Dietary supplements for weight management include myriad ingredients with thermogenic, lipotropic, satiety, and other metabolic effects. Recently, the safety of this product category has been questioned. In this review, we summarize the safety evidence as well as relevant clinical findings on weight management and metabolic effects of six representative dietary supplement ingredients: caffeine, green tea extract (GTE), green coffee bean extract (GCBE), choline, glucomannan, and capsaicinoids and capsinoids. Of these, caffeine, GTE (specifically epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG]), and choline have recommended intake limits, which appear not to be exceeded when used according to manufacturers’ instructions. Serious adverse events from supplements with these ingredients are rare and typically involve unusually high intakes. As with any dietary component, the potential for gastrointestinal intolerance, as well as possible interactions with concomitant medications/supplements exist, and the health status of the consumer should be considered when consuming these components. Most of the ingredients reviewed also improved markers of metabolic health, such as glucose, lipids, and blood pressure, although the data are limited for some. In summary, weight management supplements containing caffeine, GTE, GCBE, choline, glucomannan, and capsaicinoids and capsinoids are generally safe when taken as directed and demonstrate metabolic health benefits for overweight and obese people.
Isolation of Biotype 1 Serotype 12 and Detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae from Wild Boars
Authors: Sárközi Rita , Makrai László , Fodor László
Published: April 2022

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is a major pathogen of swine, which can cause severe pleuropneumonia in pigs, but sometimes the disease can be generalized. Diseases caused by A. pleuropneumoniae are frequent all over the world, resulting in high losses among domestic pigs. However, our knowledge on the occurrence of A. pleuropneumoniae in wild boars and feral pigs is limited. We aimed to examine the carriage of A. pleuropneumoniae by hunted wild boars. The presence of A. pleuropneumoniae was examined in tonsils of 68 hunted wild boars collected at a game processing unit. An in-house designed species-specific PCR test was used to detect the gene of Apx IV toxin, and the samples were inoculated on a modified selective agar. A. pleuropneumoniae was detected in 10 animals (14.7%) by PCR and one A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 12 strain was isolated. The antibiotic resistance pattern of the strain resembled field strains that were isolated from farmed pigs in Hungary. This is the first case for the detection of A. pleuropneumoniae not only using PCR or ELISA, but also its isolation, identification, and serotyping.
Inhibition of Polo-like Kinase 1 by HMN-214 Blocks Cell Cycle Progression and Inhibits Neuroblastoma Growth
Authors: Chilamakuri Rameswari , Rouse Danielle Crystal , Agarwal Saurabh
Published: April 2022

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is an essential cell cycle mitotic kinase component that plays an important role in cell cycle progression and has been reported to be involved in various cancers, including neuroblastoma (NB). PLK1 also regulates G2/M transition, chromosomal segregation, spindle assembly maturation, and mitotic exit. NB is an early embryonic-stage heterogeneous solid tumor and accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer-related deaths. Therefore, we aimed to develop a targeting strategy for PLK1 by repurposing HMN-214 in NB. HMN-214 is a prodrug of HMN-176 and is known to selectively interfere with PLK1 function. In the present study, we performed the transcriptomic analysis of a large cohort of primary NB patient samples and revealed that PLK1 expression is inversely correlated with the overall survival of NB patients. Additionally, we found that PLK1 strongly correlates with NB disease and stage progression. HMN-214 significantly inhibited NB proliferation and colony formation in both MYCN-amplified and -nonamplified cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HMN-214 induces apoptosis and significantly obstructs the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in NB cells by inhibiting multiple cell-cycle-related genes, such as PLK1, WEE1, CDK1, CDK2, Cyclin B1, CHK1, and CHK2. HMN-214 significantly inhibits cell cycle regulator CDK1 and the phosphorylation and activation of PLK1 in NB. In the NB 3D spheroid tumor model, HMN-214 significantly and in a dose-dependent manner inhibits spheroid tumor mass and growth. Overall, our study highlights that targeting PLK1 using HMN-214 is a novel therapeutic approach for NB.
Amphiphilic Poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles as Carriers for Nonsteroidal, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Pharmacokinetic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Ulcerogenic Activity Study
Authors: Kuskov Andrey , Nikitovic Dragana , Berdiaki Aikaterini , Shtilman Mikhail , Tsatsakis Aristidis
Published: April 2022

Nanoparticles are increasingly utilized as drug delivery agents. Previously, we have developed a drug delivery system based on amphiphilic derivatives of poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone (PVP-OD4000) with excellent biocompatibility. In the current study, we assessed the pharmacokinetics, anti-inflammatory profile, and ulcerogenic potential of indomethacin (IMC)-loaded PVP-OD4000 nanoparticles compared to the free drug. Wistar male rats were utilized for a pharmacokinetics study and an anti-inflammatory study. Loaded IMC exhibited a slower elimination rate (p < 0.05) and a higher blood plasma concentration at 8 and 24 h after intraperitoneal injection compared with free IMC. In addition, decreased uptake of loaded IMC in the liver and kidney compared to free IMC (p < 0.05) was detected. Furthermore, PVP-OD4000 nanoparticles loaded with IMC showed an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect compared to free IMC (p < 0.05) in carrageenan-induced and complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced–(CFA) sub-chronic and chronic paw edema treatment (p < 0.01; p < 0.01). Notably, upon oral administration of loaded IMC, animals had a significantly lower ulcer score and Paul’s Index (3.9) compared to the free drug (p < 0.05). The obtained results suggest that IMC loaded to PVP nanoparticles exhibit superior anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and a safe gastrointestinal profile and pose a therapeutic alternative for the currently available NSAIDs’ administration.
Hypoxia-Responsive Azobenzene-Linked Hyaluronate Dot Particles for Photodynamic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Lee Sohyeon , Kim Yoonyoung , Lee Eun Seong
Published: April 2022

In this study, we developed ultra-small hyaluronate dot particles that selectively release phototoxic drugs into a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Here, the water-soluble hyaluronate dot (dHA) was covalently conjugated with 4,4′-azodianiline (Azo, as a hypoxia-sensitive linker) and Ce6 (as a photodynamic antitumor agent), producing dHA particles with cleavable Azo bond and Ce6 (dHA-Azo-Ce6). Importantly, the inactive Ce6 (self-quenched state) in the dHA-Azo-Ce6 particles was switched to the active Ce6 (dequenched state) via the Azo linker (–N=N–) cleavage in a hypoxic environment. In vitro studies using hypoxia-induced HeLa cells (treated with CoCl2) revealed that the dHA-Azo-Ce6 particle enhanced photodynamic antitumor inhibition, suggesting its potential as an antitumor drug candidate in response to tumor hypoxia.
Modeling Bark Thickness and Bark Biomass on Stems of Four Broadleaved Tree Species
Authors: Konôpka Bohdan , Pajtík Jozef , Šebeň Vladimír , Merganičová Katarína
Published: April 2022

Considering the surface of individual tree compartments, it is obvious that the main portion of bark, i.e., the largest area and the greatest bulk mass, is located on the stem. We focused on basic bark properties, specifically thickness, surface area, biomass, and specific surface mass (expressed as dry weight per square unit) on stems of four broadleaved species: common aspen (Populus tremula L.), goat willow (Salix caprea L.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.), and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). Based on the previous work from mature forests, we hypothesize that bark properties of young trees are also species-specific and change along the stem profile. Thus, across the regions of Slovakia, we selected 27 forest stands composed of one of the target broadleaved species with ages up to 12 years. From the selected forests, 600 sample trees were felled and stem bark properties were determined by measuring bark thickness, weighing bark mass after its separation from the stem, and drying to achieve a constant weight. Since the bark originated from trees of varying stem diameters and from different places along the stem (sections from the stem base 0–50, 51–100, 101–150, 151–200, and 201–250 cm), we could create regression models of stem characteristics based on the two mentioned variables. Our results confirmed that bark thickness, thus also specific surface mass, increased with stem diameter and decreased with distance from the stem base. While common aspen had the thickest stem bark (4.5 mm on the stem base of the largest trees) the thinnest bark from the analyzed species was found for sycamore (nearly three times thinner than the bark of aspen). Since all four tree species are very attractive to large wild herbivores as forage, besides other uses, we might consider our bark mass models also in terms of estimating forage potential and quantity of bark mass consumed by the herbivory.
Melatonin Mitigates Drought Induced Oxidative Stress in Potato Plants through Modulation of Osmolytes, Sugar Metabolism, ABA Homeostasis and Antioxidant Enzymes
Authors: El-Yazied Ahmed Abou , Ibrahim Mohamed F. M. , Ibrahim Mervat A. R. , Nasef Ibrahim N. , Al-Qahtani Salem Mesfir , Al-Harbi Nadi Awad , Alzuaibr Fahad Mohammed , Alaklabi Abdullah , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , Alabdallah Nadiyah M. , Omar Mohamed M. A. , Ibrahim Mariam T. S. , Metwally Amr A. , Hassan Karim. M. , Shehata Said A.
Published: April 2022

The effect of melatonin (MT) on potato plants under drought stress is still unclear in the available literature. Here, we studied the effect of MT as a foliar application at 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mM on potato plants grown under well-watered and drought stressed conditions during the most critical period of early tuberization stage. The results indicated that under drought stress conditions, exogenous MT significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, chlorophyll (Chl; a, b and a + b), leaf relative water content (RWC), free amino acids (FAA), non-reducing sugars, total soluble sugars, cell membrane stability index, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (G-POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) compared to the untreated plants. Meanwhile, carotenoids, proline, methylglyoxal (MG), H2O2, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were significantly decreased compared to the untreated plants. These responses may reveal the protective role of MT against drought induced carbonyl/oxidative stress and enhancing the antioxidative defense systems. Furthermore, tuber yield was differentially responded to MT treatments under well-watered and drought stressed conditions. Since, applied-MT led to an obvious decrease in tuber yield under well-watered conditions. In contrast, under drought conditions, tuber yield was substantially increased by MT-treatments up to 0.1 mM. These results may imply that under water deficiency, MT can regulate the tuberization process in potato plants by hindering ABA transport from the root to shoot system, on the one hand, and by increasing the non-reducing sugars on the other hand.
A Degradable Difunctional Initiator for ATRP That Responds to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Hill Lawrence , Sims Hunter , Nguyen Ngoc , Collins Christopher , Palmer Jeffery , Wasson Fiona
Published: April 2022

Mid-chain degradable polymers can be prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization from difunctional initiators that include triggers for the desired stimuli. While many difunctional initiators can respond to reducing conditions, procedures to prepare difunctional initiators that respond to oxidizing conditions are significantly less available in the literature. Here, a difunctional initiator incorporating an oxidizable boronic ester trigger was synthesized over four steps using simple and scalable procedures. Methyl methacrylate was polymerized by atom transfer radical polymerization using this initiator, and the polymerization kinetics were consistent with a controlled polymerization. The polymer synthesized using the difunctional initiator was found to decrease in molecular weight by 58% in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, while a control experiment using poly(methyl methacrylate) without a degradable linkage showed a much smaller decrease in molecular weight of only 9%. These observed molecular weight decreases were consistent with cleavage of the difunctional initiator via a quinone methide shift and hydrolysis of the methyl ester pendent groups in both polymers, and both polymers increased in polydispersity after oxidative degradation.
Challenges in Using Handheld XRFs for In Situ Estimation of Lead Contamination in Buildings
Authors: Zaharieva Roumiana , Kancheva Yana , Kamenov Kamen , Tomov Vihren , Lyubomirova Valentina
Published: April 2022

Lead in buildings can be found in certain materials such as paints or can be a result of contamination during the use stage. In situ methods for lead identification can be vital for the proper treatment of hazardous CDW (from repair works or selective demolition). A conventional handheld XRF (HHXRF) spectrometer can be used for this purpose, and this study analysed its reliability. A laboratory experiment was conducted to test different calibrations, and to establish a procedure for the conversion of the HHXRF lead concentrations into lead loadings. Model latex paint with a constant lead content was used on two types of surfaces (plasterboard and concrete). A field study was performed to identify and quantify the lead in paint on masonry walls in a public building. ICP-MS analysis was performed in order to verify the lead content. The coefficients of proportionality in the proposed model depend on various parameters: the contamination type, the layer thickness, the substrate, and the built-in calibrations. Despite the limitations of the HHXRF and the discrepancy of the mean lead loadings from the HHXRF and ICP-MS analysis, the HHXRF can be useful for the identification of lead in paint layers up to 1 mm, with a low limit of detection of the order of 0.01 mg/cm2 at worst.
Remote Prediction of Oilseed Rape Yield via Gaofen-1 Images and a Crop Model
Authors: Tang Wenchao , Tang Rongxin , Guo Tao , Wei Jingbo
Published: April 2022

The fast and accurate prediction of crop yield at the regional scale is of great significance to food policies or trade. In this study, a new model is developed to predict the yield of oilseed rape from high-resolution remote sensing images. In order to derive this model, the ground experiment and remote sensing data analysis are carried out successively. In the ground experiment, the leaf area index (LAI) of four growing stages are measured, and a regression model is established to predict yield from ground LAI. In the remote sensing analysis, a new model is built to predict ground LAI from Gaofen-1 images where the simple ratio vegetation index at the bolting stage and the VARIgreen vegetation index at the flowering stage are used. The WOFOSTWOrld FOod STudy (WOFOST) crop model is used to generate time-series ground LAI from discontinuous ground LAI, which is calibrated coarsely with the MODerate resolution imaging spectroradiometer LAI product and finely with the ground-measured data. By combining the two conclusive formulas, an estimation model is built from Gaofen-1 images to the yield of oilseed rape. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified in Wuxue City, Hubei Province from 2014 to 2019, with the pyramid bottleneck residual network to extract oilseed rape planting areas, the proposed model to estimate yields, and the China statistical yearbooks for comparison. The validation shows that the prediction error of the proposed algorithm is less than 5.5%, which highlights the feasibility of our method for accurate prediction of the oilseed rape yield in a large area.
Atmosphere and Terrain Coupling Simulation Framework for High-Resolution Visible-Thermal Spectral Imaging over Heterogeneous Land Surface
Authors: Qiu Xianfei , Zhao Huijie , Jia Guorui , Li Jiyuan
Published: April 2022

Realistic modeling of high-resolution earth radiation signals in the visible-thermal spectral domain remains difficult, due to the complex radiation interdependence induced by the heterogeneous and rugged features of land surface. To find the trade-off between accuracy and efficiency for image simulation, this paper established a unified simulation framework for the entire visible-thermal spectral domain, based on the energy balance between solar-reflected and thermal radiation components over rugged surfaces. Considering the joint contributions of atmospheric and topographic adjacency effects, three spatial–spectral convolution kernels were uniformly designed to quantify the topographic irradiance, the trapping effect, and the atmospheric adjacency effect. Radiation signal simulation was implemented in three forms: land surface temperature (LST), bottom of atmosphere (BOA) radiance, and top of atmosphere (TOA) radiance. The accuracy was validated with onboard data from China’s Gaofen-5 visual and infrared multispectral sensor (VIMS) over rugged desert. The simulation results demonstrate that the root mean square of relative deviations between the simulated and onboard TOA radiance are related to terrain, as 3–17% and 6–38% for the summer and winter scene, respectively. The evaluation of radiance components indicates the utility of the simulation framework to quantify the uncertainty associated with atmosphere and terrain coupling effects, in the sensor design and operation stages.
Combining Spectral, Spatial-Contextual, and Structural Information in Multispectral UAV Data for Spruce Crown Delineation
Authors: Harikumar Aravind , D’Odorico Petra , Ensminger Ingo
Published: April 2022

Precise delineation of individual tree crowns is critical for accurate forest biophysical parameter estimation, species classification, and ecosystem modelling. Multispectral optical remote sensors mounted on low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can rapidly collect very-high-resolution (VHR) photogrammetric optical data that contain the spectral, spatial, and structural information of trees. State-of-the-art tree crown delineation approaches rely mostly on spectral information and underexploit the spatial-contextual and structural information in VHR photogrammetric multispectral data, resulting in crown delineation errors. Here, we propose the spectral, spatial-contextual, and structural information-based individual tree crown delineation (S3-ITD) method, which accurately delineates individual spruce crowns by minimizing the undesirable effects due to intracrown spectral variance and nonuniform illumination/shadowing in VHR multispectral data. We evaluate the performance of the S3-ITD crown delineation method over a white spruce forest in Quebec, Canada. The highest mean intersection over union (IoU) index of 0.83, and the lowest mean crown-area difference (CAD) of 0.14 m2, proves the superior crown delineation performance of the S3-ITD method over state-of-the-art methods. The reduction in error by 2.4 cm and 1.0 cm for the allometrically derived diameter at breast height (DBH) estimates compared with those from the WS-ITD and the BF-ITD approaches, respectively, demonstrates the effectiveness of the S3-ITD method to accurately estimate biophysical parameters.
A Novel Efficient Method for Land Cover Classification in Fragmented Agricultural Landscapes Using Sentinel Satellite Imagery
Authors: Li Xinyi , Sun Chen , Meng Huimin , Ma Xin , Huang Guanhua , Xu Xu
Published: April 2022

Updated and accurate land cover maps are essential and crucial for sustainable crop production and efficient land management. However, accurate and efficient land cover mapping is still a challenge for agricultural regions with complicated landscapes. This study proposed a novel spectral-phenological based land cover classification (SPLC) method to identify the land cover for fragmented agricultural landscapes, with less requirement of ground truth data. The SPLC method integrated a pixel-based support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for cropland and various non-cropland classification, and a phenology-based automatic decision tree algorithm for identification of various crop types. It was then tested and applied in two typical case areas (i.e., Jiyuan in the upstream and Yonglian in the downstream) of Hetao Irrigation District (Hetao) in the upper Yellow River basin (YRB), northwest China. The field survey sampling data and the regional visual interpretation maps were jointly used to evaluate the accuracy of land cover classification. Results indicated that stable phenological rules can be established for crop identification even with complex planting patterns, and the SPLC method performed well in land cover mapping in case areas. Four high-accuracy land cover maps were produced for Jiyuan in 2020 and 2021, Yonglian in 2021, and Hetao in 2021. The overall accuracies (OA) can reach 0.90–0.94 based on evaluation with abundant ground truth data, and land cover maps agreed well with the visual interpretation maps in space. Overall, the case application validated the applicability and efficiency of the SPLC method in land cover mapping for regions with fragmented agricultural landscapes, and also implied the potential use in other similar regions.
The Investigation of Metabolic Syndrome Among Middle-Aged Women, Kamyaran, Iran: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hassanzadeh-Nokashti Kamaleddin , Ahmadian-Herisi Javad , Yavarikiai Parisa , Farshbaf-Khalili Azizeh , Ghassab-Abdollahi Nafiseh , Ghahremaninasab Parvaneh
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Physical activity and nutrition can affect some serum markers associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to ascertain the prevalence and predictors of MetS among middle-aged women in this study. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 164 eligible middle-aged women. Sampling was performed by two-stage cluster random sampling among all the health care centers in Kamyaran, Iran. Data were collected through anthropometrics, Food Records, and International Physical Activity Questionnaires. Serum lipid profile and glycemic control indexes, calcium, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were assayed. Blood pressure was measured. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria were used to detection of MetS. Results: Forty-one women (25.0%; 95% CI: 18.4% to 31.6%) had MetS. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.020; 95% CI: 1.001 to 1.039), triglyceride (aOR: 1.024; 95% CI: 1.015-1.033), low physical activity: walking (aOR: 0.999; 95% CI: 0.998 0.999), dietary iron (aOR: 1.059; 95% CI: 0.989- 1.134) and waist circumference (aOR: 1.062: 95% CI; 1.020 1.105) have been detected as the MetS predictors in this study. Conclusions: Higher serum levels of FBS and triglyceride, higher iron intake and waist circumference, and low physical activity enhanced the chance of getting MetS.
Biological and Antibacterial Features of Acroptilon repens (L.) DC
Authors: Akhgari Zahra , Tanomand Asghar , Nazari Razieh , Zargar Mohsen
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Acroptilon repens (L.) DC is an Asian native plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has been cultivated the United States and Canada in recent years. This study investigated the effects of antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and cytotoxicity of A. repens ethanolic extract and its components. Materials and Methods: We used disk diffusion and well diffusion strategies to screen antimicrobial activity of A. repens against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of extract and fractions were determined by the small dilution broth methodology for S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The impact of extract and fractions on biofilm formation was evaluated by microtiter plate assay The MTT assay determined the toxicity effect of samples on Vero cells. The results are expressed because of the viability. Results: Results showed that A. repens extract and fragments inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria. The ethanolic extract and its fractions showed stronger inhibition zones for S. aureus and S. epidermidis. According to the antibiofilm test, the ethanolic extract and water fraction of A. repens have the highest antibiofilm effect on S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The value of LC50 (50% mortality) in MTT assay results was 30, 60, 30, and 2/5 mg/mL for ethanolic extract, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water fractions of A. repens, respectively. Conclusions: Extract of A. repens and its fractions have an antibacterial and antibiofilm effect on S. aureus and S. epidermidis without significant cytotoxic effect.
Efektivitas Pelayanan Angkutan Kota Dalam Provinsi (AKDP) Terminal Marisa di Era New Normal
Authors: Rudi Rudi , Urfan Urfan
Published: April 2022

Public transportation is said to have good performance if the transportation is able to provide effective and efficient services, and is able to meet the demands of passengers as a means of transportation for the implementation of community activities. The research objectives are: 1) To determine the effectiveness of Marisa Terminal's performance in the new normal era, and 2) To determine the level of user satisfaction at Marisa Terminal in the new normal era. The research method used is the analysis of the operational performance assessment of public transport and the Likert Scale. From the results of the analysis, it was found that Marisa Terminal's performance has not been effective. This is due to the implementation of the new normal era. This affects the frequency, load factor, headway, and waiting time. The level of user satisfaction is very strong or very high. The criteria for user satisfaction level consist of physical quality, supporting physical quality, institutional quality, technical quality and interactive quality.
Akses Dan Pelayanan Transportasi Menuju Destinasi Wisata Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus (KEK) Wisata Tanjung Gunung Kabupaten Bangka Tengah
Authors: Sandy Boy Dian Anugra , Gunawan Indra
Published: April 2022

Tanjung Gunung tourist area will be used as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for tourism. There are three main destinations, namely Tapak Antu Beach, Pan Semujur Beach, and Bukit Angsa Emas. The process of determining this tourism SEZ will have an impact on investment growth in Bangka Belitung. This condition is of course a driving force for investors to invest in developing tourist areas on Bangka Belitung Island. The need for tourist public transportation is important to support the smooth running of the program. With the existence of public transportation, tourist visits, both local and international, are expected to increase. This study aims to develop recommendations related to accessibility and the implementation of tourism transportation to the Tanjung Gunung tourist area. Research Methods while the analytical method uses descriptive qualitative and quantitative to determine access and transportation services to tourist destinations. From the results of the survey in the field, transportation to the area is dominated by private vehicles. Based on the analysis of transportation needs, it can be concluded that the operating time of tourist public transportation (Bus) will be carried out from 09.00 to 19.00 WITA with an average bus speed of 40 km/hour. The bus travel time is 28.5 minutes with a headway of 15 minutes. The tourism bus fleet needs are based on a calculation of 4 fleets with a capacity of 30 people.
Beyin Ölümü Tanı Süresi Tanı Ekibindeki Hekim Sayısına Bağlı mıdır?
Authors: DOĞUKAN Mevlüt , TOSUN Fadime , DURAN Mehmet , GÜVEN Cengiz
Published: April 2022

Amaç: Bu çalışmada; ülkemizde 2014’te çıkarılan kanun hükmünde kararname ile beyin ölümü tanısı koyacak hekim sayısının dört’ten iki’ye düşürülmesi beyin ölümü (BÖ) tanı süresini kısaltıp kısaltmayacağını inceleyerek literatüre katkı sağlamayı amaçlandık.
Materyal ve metod: 2008-2018 yılları arasında beyin ölümü tanısıyla yatan hastaların arşiv kayıtları taranarak; cinsiyet, yaş, BÖ sürecine götüren tanıları, hastane yatış süreleri, yatış zamanı ile beyin ölümü tanısı konana kadar gecen süre ve glaskow koma skoru (GKS) 3 ile BÖ tanısı arasındaki süreler kayıt altına alındı. Hastalar 2008 -2013 yıları arasında alınanlar Grup A ve 2014-2018 yıları arasında alınanlar Grup B olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı.
Bulgular: Bu çalışmanın örneklemi yaşları 1 ile 89 arasında değişen (Ort=53,9±22,7) 74’ü (% 59,7) erkek, 50’si (%40,3) kadın olmak üzere 124 vakadan oluşturuldu. Grup A 30 hasta, Grup B 94 hastadan oluşmaktadır. Yatış zamanı ile beyin ölümü tanısı konana kadar gecen süre Grup A’da 7.4±2,1 gün ve Grup B’de 6.1±3,6 gün ve GKS-3 ile BÖ tanısı arasındaki sure Grup A’da 57,7±20,3 ve Grup B’da 40.6±17.6 ortalama (saat) olarak tespit edilmiştir. Sıra ile (p< 0.016), (p<0.00) istatistiksel olarak daha uzun bulunmuştur..
Sonuç: Çalışmamızda 2014 yılında çıkartılan yönetmelik değişikliğinde hekim sayısının 2’ye düşürülmesi beyin ölümü tanı koyma süresini kısalttığı gözlenmiştir. Ülkemiz ve tüm dünyada nakil bekleyen hasta gün geçtikçe artmaktadır. Kadavra kaynaklı donör sayısını artırılmasında bu değişikliğin katkı sağlayacağı kanaatindeyiz.
Activity-Oriented Exercise Intervention For Hallux Valgus Deformity In Women
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Başar , ÇELİK Yusuf
Published: April 2022

Background: The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of activity-based exercise intervention for hallux valgus deformity.
Materials and Methods: Forty women with hallux valgus deformity were included in the study and the participants were divided into two groups as intervention and control (intervention group 37.8 ± 7.20 years, control group 37.3±2.61 years). Before and after the 8-week intervention programme hallux valgus angle, activity-specific balance scale, dynamic gait index and foot function index were measured.
Results: According to the results of the study in the intervention group, the hallux valgus angle decreased significantly in both the right and left feet after the treatment, and a significant improvement was obtained in the activity specific balance confidence scale, foot function index, pain, disability, activity limitation, and total score of foot function index (p<0.001). When the intervention and control groups were compared after the intervention, a significant difference was found in favor of the intervention group in the foot function index and pain, disability and total score parameters of the dynamic gait index (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The results of our research reveal that the exercise applied for hallux valgus is effective in terms of balance, walking and function. It has been demonstrated that activity-based exercise is a good option in the treatment of hallux valgus, which is a very common deformity that should be taken seriously.