bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Crystal Structure Analysis of Three Novel Iron(II) Coordination Polymers with Bridging 1,3,5-Tris((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene
Authors: Limon Aysenur , Jordan Dustin N. , Strothmann Till , Cuignet Laure P. , Garcia Yann , Janiak Christoph
Published: November 2023

Three novel iron(II) coordination polymers, namely [Fe(H2O)2(ttmb)2](ClO4)2·4H2O (1), [Fe(H2O)2(ttmb)2](BF4)2·4H2O (2) and [Fe(NCS)2(ttmb)2] (3), were synthesized with the linker 1,3,5-tris((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene (ttmb). The single-crystal structures show that all three compounds form a double-chain structure with the adjacent iron atoms being bridged by two ttmb linkers. The iron(II) ions are octahedrally surrounded by four N4 donor atoms from the 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl groups of four different ttmb linkers which form an equatorial plane and two trans-coordinated aqua ligands in 1 and 2 or isothiocyanato ligands in 3 in the axial positions. In view of the neutral bridging ttmb linker, there is a non-coordinated counter-anion in 1 and 2 (ClO4 and BF4, respectively), and a coordinated NCS anion in 3. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural. Interestingly, the ttmb linker only utilizes two of its three potentially coordinating triazole groups. All iron(II) coordination networks are colorless or have a light-yellow color, being indicative of the high-spin state.
The Renin-Angiotensin System: The Challenge behind Autoimmune Dermatological Diseases
Authors: Maranduca Minela Aida , Cosovanu Mihai Andrei , Clim Andreea , Pinzariu Alin Constantin , Filip Nina , Drochioi Ilie Cristian , Vlasceanu Vlad Ionut , Timofte Daniel Vasile , Nemteanu Roxana , Plesa Alina , Pertea Mihaela , Serban Ionela Lacramioara
Published: November 2023

Autoimmune dermatological diseases (AIDD) encompass a diverse group of disorders characterized by aberrant immune responses targeting the skin and its associated structures. In recent years, emerging evidence suggests a potential involvement of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. RAS is a multicomponent cascade, primarily known for its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. All of the RAS components play an important role in controlling inflammation and other immune responses. Angiotensin II, the main effector, acts on two essential receptors: Angiotensin Receptor 1 and 2 (AT1R and AT2R). A disturbance in the axis can lead to many pathological processes, including autoimmune (AI) diseases. AT1R activation triggers diverse signaling cascades involved in inflammation, fibrosis and tissue remodeling. Experimental studies have demonstrated the presence of AT1R in various cutaneous cells and immune cells, further emphasizing its potential contribution to the AI processes in the skin. Furthermore, recent investigations have highlighted the role of other RAS components, beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and Ang II, that may contribute to the pathophysiology of AIDD. Alternative pathways involving ACE2, Ang receptors and Ang-(1-7) have been implicated in regulating immune responses and tissue homeostasis within the skin microenvironment. Understanding the intricate involvement of the RAS in AIDD may provide novel therapeutic opportunities. Targeting specific components of the RAS, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) or alternative RAS pathway modulators, could potentially ameliorate inflammatory responses, reduce tissue damage and lessen disease manifestations. Further research is warranted to outline the exact mechanisms underlying RAS-mediated immune dysregulation in AIDD. This abstract aims to provide a concise overview of the intricate interplay between the RAS and AIDD. Therefore, we elaborate a systematic review of the potential challenge of RAS in the AIDD, including psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, lupus erythematosus and many more.
Quantum Obfuscation of Generalized Quantum Power Functions with Coefficient
Authors: Jiang Yazhuo , Shang Tao , Tang Yao , Liu Jianwei
Published: November 2023

Quantum obfuscation is one of the important primitives in quantum cryptography that can be used to enhance the security of various quantum cryptographic schemes. The research on quantum obfuscation focuses mainly on the obfuscatability of quantum functions. As a primary quantum function, the quantum power function has led to the development of quantum obfuscation because it is applicable to construct new obfuscation applications such as quantum encryption schemes. However, the previous definition of quantum power functions is constrained and cannot be beneficial to the further construction of other quantum functions. Thus, it is essential to extend the definition of the basic quantum power function in a more general manner. In this paper, we provide a formal definition of two quantum power functions called generalized quantum power functions with coefficients, each of which is characterized by a leading coefficient and an exponent that corresponds to either a quantum or classical state, indicating the generality. The first is the quantum power function with a leading coefficient, and the second is the quantum n-th power function, which are both fundamental components of quantum polynomial functions. In addition, obfuscation schemes for the functions are constructed by quantum teleportation and quantum superdense coding, and demonstrations of their obfuscatability are also provided in this paper. This work establishes the fundamental basis for constructing more quantum functions that can be utilized for quantum obfuscation, therefore contributing to the theory of quantum obfuscation.
Analysis of High-Frequency Communication Channel Characteristics in a Typical Deep-Sea Incomplete Sound Channel
Authors: Li Yunfei , Jia Ning , Huang Jianchun , Han Ruigang , Guo Zhongyuan , Guo Shengming
Published: November 2023

Deep-sea acoustic communication has attracted widespread attention in recent years. Research on deep-sea acoustic communication channel characteristics is essential for the development and system design of deep-sea acoustic communication technologies. However, the structural and spatiotemporal characteristics of deep-sea high-frequency acoustic communication channels (unlike those of shallow-water acoustic communication channels) are poorly understood. Based on a channel measurement experiment in a typical deep-sea incomplete sound channel environment in the South China Sea, this paper analyzes the structural and spatiotemporal characteristics of high-frequency underwater acoustic channels in the direct-arrival and shadow zones. The channel multipath vertical structure, amplitudes of different path clusters, root mean square (RMS) delay spread, and channel temporal coherence are investigated at different depths. The randomness of different path clusters is quantified as the coefficient of variation. The channels in the shadow zone are characterized by a complex multi-path structure, high RMS delay spread, and low temporal coherence. On the contrary, the channels of the direct-arrival zone show multi-path convergence, low RMS delay spread, and high temporal coherence. Understanding the dynamic changes in these parameters can guide the statistical modeling of channels and the design of communication algorithms in different zones in deep-sea high-frequency acoustic communication scenarios.
Designing Sustainable Domestic Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Mixes: Application to Java and Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Diyono Diyono , Cappon Hans , Kujawa-Roeleveld Katarzyna , Keesman Karel J.
Published: November 2023

Many countries, including Indonesia, have abundant renewable energy sources (RES), but the share of RES in the current national energy supply is still insignificant. The study aimed to investigate and provide the most feasible combinations of RES that meet domestic electricity demand. For Java and Bali, Indonesia, initially, 35 scenarios, given 4 primary RES (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal) and municipal solid waste, were assessed based on economic and environmental indicators. This explorative data-driven study found that the existing capacity could only meet 51% of the electricity demand. However, the proposed energy mixes could cover 100% of the electricity demand in 2020 with a required capacity of 8.32–19.10 GW, varying on each scenario. The feasible energy mixes can reduce CO2 emissions by 90–94% compared to a fossil energy mix with gas-fired power plants. The installation, and operation and maintenance costs per life cycle can range from 29–50 and 4–16 billion dollars. The wind-based energy mix, with installed capacities of geothermal (1.16 GW), hydropower (2.87 GW), solar (0.003 GW) and municipal solid waste (0.18 GW) in 2020, showed the highest return on investment (139% ROI) and smallest CO2 emission with highest CO2 reduction (94%). This study provides a scientific method of selecting, projecting, and evaluating viable RES combinations for generating electricity without using fossil fuels.
Numerical Evaluation of Heat Transfer and Conversion Efficiency by Tube Design and Flow Configuration for a Compact Steam-Methane Reformer
Authors: Koo Yunha , Kang Seoyoung , Ra Howon , Yoon Sungmin , Ryu Changkook
Published: November 2023

In the chemical industry, hydrogen (H2) production through steam-methane reforming is a well-established process. With the growing demand for H-fueled vehicles and charging stations, there is a need for compact reformers with efficient heat transfer capabilities. In this study, computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the methane (CH4) conversion and heat transfer efficiency of various reformer designs. These designs include single, double, and triple tubes, each with parallel- and counter-flow configurations between the reformate feed and heat source. The findings revealed substantial disparities in methane conversion between the tube designs and flow configurations. Notably, the triple-tube design outperforms single and double tubes, exhibiting higher methane conversion and improved heat transfer efficiency. This superior performance is attributed to the larger wall area facing the heat source and additional heat recovery from the reformate flowing in the inner annulus. This led to the highest temperature at the catalyst exit among the cases, increasing methane conversion, and the lowest reformate temperature at the reformer tube exit, which is also beneficial for the subsequent water–gas shift reaction process. Installing external fins on the reformer tube provided a more effective enhancement of heat transfer than using internal fins in the catalyst section. Regardless of the tube design employed, the counter-flow configuration consistently enhanced the heat transfer efficiency, resulting in 4.6–11.9% higher methane conversion than the parallel-flow configuration. Consequently, the triple-tube design with the counter-flow configuration achieved the highest methane conversion, offering flexibility in the reformer design, including the potential for lower heat input and a reduced catalyst volume.
A Pragmatic Approach to the Economic Assessment of Green Synthetic Methane Power in the Baltics
Authors: Sauhats Antans , Petrichenko Roman , Zima-Bockarjova Marija
Published: November 2023

The synthesis of methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide creates an energy resource that is suitable for long-term storage. Once this process is powered by renewable electricity, it produces a clean fuel for producing electricity and heat and supports large-scale renewable energy deployment, energy transition and climate change mitigation. This paper proposes a pragmatic approach to assessing the economic potential of synthetic methane-based power. Today, natural gas plays an important role in the Baltic region due to the existing infrastructure, which includes a transmission and distribution pipeline network, gas power plants and a large underground storage reservoir. Replacing natural gas with synthetic methane would fulfil carbon emission reduction ambitions. In this paper, we simulate electricity producers’ actions at market conditions and consider the generation portfolio in the Baltics and the interconnections with Scandinavia and Poland operating in the NORDPOOL electricity market. As a result of these calculations, we obtain the volume of the synthetic gas, the production costs, the volume of gas storage, the installed capacity of the gas power plant, and the investments required to ensure energy transition and system adequacy. These results are essential for the informed decisions made by policymakers, investors and system operators.
Canada’s Green Gold: Unveiling Challenges, Opportunities, and Pathways for Sustainable Forestry Offsets
Authors: Pan Chunyu , Li Chong , An Alexander , Deng George , Lin Jerry KuiJie , He Junran , Li Jonelle Fangyu , Zhu Xilai , Zhou Guomo , Shrestha Anil Kumar , Kozak Robert , Wang Guangyu
Published: November 2023

Forestry offsets, recognized for their diverse environmental and social co-benefits, are gaining a growing interest as nature-based solutions to combat climate change. Despite Canada’s extensive forest resources, its potential for carbon credit remains largely untapped. This study aims to unveil the prevailing challenges in developing forestry offsets in Canada and propose potential solutions, drawing on insights from in-depth semi-structured interviews (SSIs) with 23 experts in the field. A qualitative thematic analysis highlighted 14 challenges under four major frequently discussed themes: methodological (37%), social (29%), economic (22%), and implementation challenges (12%). Our findings highlighted the urgency of addressing key obstacles, including the impermanent nature of forestry carbon offsets, substantial public knowledge gaps, uncertainties in the cost-effectiveness impacting financial viability, and the need for enhanced capacity for project implementation. Building on the discussions on the identified challenges, this study further presented a comprehensive analysis of the future directions for Canada, emphasizing the importance of addressing key methodological issues, enhancing public and Indigenous education and engagement, and leveraging advanced technologies and innovative approaches like ton-year accounting for economic viability. This paper delivers pivotal insights that have the potential to shape the direction and integrity of the forestry offset markets in both Canada and globally.
Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogels Boosted with Cross-Linked Chitosan and Silver Nanoparticles for Efficient Adsorption of Congo Red and Crystal Violet Dyes
Authors: Alfuraydi Reem T. , Al-Harby Nouf F. , Alminderej Fahad M. , Elmehbad Noura Y. , Mohamed Nadia A.
Published: November 2023

In our previous work, three different weight ratios of chitosan/PVA (1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) were blended and then cross-linked with trimellitic anhydride isothiocyanate (TAI) at a concentration depending on their chitosan content, obtaining three hydrogels symbolized by H13, H11, and H31. Pure chitosan was cross-linked with TAI, producing a hydrogel symbolized by H10. Further, three H31-based silver nanoparticles composites (H31/AgNPs1%, H31/AgNPs3%, and H31/AgNPs5%) were also synthesized. They were investigated, for the first time in this study, as adsorbents for Congo Red (CR) and Crystal Violet (CV) dyes. The removal efficiency of CR dye increased with increasing H10 content in the hydrogels, and with increasing AgNP content in the composites, reaching 99.91% for H31/AgNPs5%. For CV dye, the removal efficiency increased with the increase in the PVA content. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of CV dye increased with an increasing AgNP content, reaching 94.7% for H31/AgNPs5%. The adsorption capacity increased with the increase in both the initial dye concentration and temperature, while with an increasing pH it increased in the case of CV dye and decreased in the case of CR dye. The adsorption of CV dye demonstrated that the Freundlich isotherm model is better suited for the experimental results. Moreover, the results were best fitted with pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
Differences in Geochemical Signatures and Petrogenesis between the Van Canh and Ben Giang-Que Son Granitic Rocks in the Southern Kontum Massif, Vietnam
Authors: Uchida Etsuo , Yonezu Ko , Yokokura Takumi , Mori Nasuka
Published: November 2023

Permian Ben Giang-Que Son and Triassic Van Canh granitic rocks are widely distributed across the southern Kontum Massif, the basement of which consists mainly of metasedimentary rocks. The Ben Giang-Que Son granitic rocks are classified as I- to S-type and ilmenite-series granitic rocks, while the Van Canh granitic rocks are classified as I-type and magnetite-series granitic rocks. Both granitic rock suites exhibit more or less adakitic properties, suggesting that the subduction of the high-temperature Song Ma Ocean crust, part of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, beneath the Indochina Block produced adakitic magma. It is hypothesized that the differences between the two granitic rock suites were caused by differences in the quantities of incorporated continental crustal materials and carbon or graphite in clastic sedimentary rocks when their adakitic magma intruded into the continental crust. Based on their high initial Sr isotope ratios, the Ben Giang-Que Son granitic rocks evidently incorporated a higher quantity of continental crustal materials compared to the Van Canh granitic rocks, resulting in the former showing the signatures of ilmenite-series and I- to S-type granitic rocks. Consequently, the Ben Giang-Que Son granitic rocks have relatively high A/CNK ratios and high total Al contents in their biotite, whereas the Van Canh granitic rocks have low A/CNK ratios and low total Al contents in their biotite. The intrusion of the Ben Giang-Que Son granitic rocks caused high-temperature metamorphism, which decomposed some of the carbon or graphite in the surrounding continental crustal materials, such as clastic sedimentary rocks. Meanwhile, the Van Canh granitic rocks, which intruded later than the Ben Giang-Que Son granitic rocks, incorporated smaller quantities of carbon or graphite in continental crustal materials, resulting in them retaining the chemical characteristics of adakitic, magnetite-series, and I-type granitic rocks, different from the Ben Giang-Que Son granitic rocks.
Biochemical Responses to Salt Stress and Biostimulant Action in Tomato Plants Grown in Two Different Soil Types
Authors: Zuzunaga-Rosas Javier , Silva-Valdiviezo Dennys , Calone Roberta , Lupuţ Ioan , Ibáñez-Asensio Sara , Boscaiu Monica , Moreno-Ramón Héctor , Vicente Oscar
Published: November 2023

Soil salinity is one of the major causes of losses in agricultural production, which is accentuated by global warming. A sustainable strategy to mitigate the effects of the increasing soil salinisation is the use of biostimulants. In this study, the effect of a plant-based biostimulant was tested on tomato plants exposed to different salinity levels in loamy and sandy soils. Salinity in the soils reached a maximum value of 14.35 dS m−1. The treatments included a control (tap water) and a dose of 0.4 mL L−1 of the commercial biostimulant BALOX®, containing polyphenols and glycine betaine. After 60 days of treatment, several growth and biochemical parameters were evaluated in the plants, and different responses were found depending on the type of soil texture. Salt stress inhibited plant growth, mainly affecting the roots of plants not treated with the biostimulant, in both soil texture types. It also caused a reduction of total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels by 44% and 38%, respectively, under severe salinity conditions. High salinity induced a significant increase in ionic, osmotic and oxidative stress in plants, as indicated by the accumulation of toxic Na+ and Cl− ions, higher proline and MDA levels, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities. However, the application of BALOX® stimulated plant growth and root system development in all experimental conditions. The areas of roots and leaves and the stem length and diameter showed higher mean values in biostimulant-treated plants on both soil types, with more pronounced differences with the controls in sandy soils. The total fresh weight showed maximum increases of 54% and 93% on loamy and sandy soils, respectively. In addition, BALOX® significantly improved the active transport of nutrients such as K+ and Ca2+, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments by up to 64% over control values; it also allowed greater protection against salt stress as shown by a significant reduction of proline levels, by up to 36%, and MDA by 51% under strongly saline conditions. The application of BALOX® generally decreased the level of stress in the tomato plants, promoting plant growth and enhancing their biochemical responses, even on strongly salinised soils.
Amniotic Fluid and Placental Membranes as Sources of Stem Cells: Progress and Challenges 2.0
Authors: Maraldi Tullia , Russo Valentina
Published: November 2023

The aim of the second edition of this Special Issue was to collect both review and original research articles that investigate and elucidate the possible therapeutic role of perinatal stem cells in pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as inflammatory, autoimmune, musculoskeletal, and degenerative diseases [...]
Untargeted Lipidomics Study of Bipolar Disorder Patients in Serbia
Authors: Jadranin Milka , Avramović Nataša , Miladinović Zoran , Gavrilović Aleksandra , Tasic Ljubica , Tešević Vele , Mandić Boris
Published: November 2023

The Lipidomic profiles of serum samples from patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls (C) were explored and compared. The sample cohort included 31 BD patients and 31 control individuals. An untargeted lipidomics study applying liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was conducted to achieve the lipid profiles. Multivariate statistical analyses (principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis) were performed, and fifty-six differential lipids were confirmed in BD and controls. Our results pointed to alterations in lipid metabolism, including pathways of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, glycerolipids, and sterol lipids, in BD patient sera. This study emphasized the role of lipid pathways in BD, and comprehensive research using the LC-HRMS platform is necessary for future application in the diagnosis and improvement of BD treatments.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Water-Soluble Isoxazole-Linked 1,3,4-Oxadiazole with Delocalized Charge: In Vitro and In Vivo Results
Authors: Dudek Bartłomiej , Bąchor Urszula , Drozd-Szczygieł Ewa , Brożyna Malwina , Dąbrowski Piotr , Junka Adam , Mączyński Marcin
Published: November 2023

The distinct structure of cationic organic compounds plays a pivotal role in enhancing their water solubility, which in turn influences their bioavailability. A representative of these compounds, which contains a delocalized charge, is 5-amino-2-(5-amino-3-methyl-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)-3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylium bromide (ED). The high-water solubility of ED obviates the need for potentially harmful solvents during in vitro testing. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the ED compound were assessed in vitro using the microtiter plate method and a biocellulose-based biofilm model. Additionally, its cytotoxic effects on wound bed fibroblasts and keratinocytes were examined. The antistaphylococcal activity of ED was also evaluated using an in vivo larvae model of Galleria mellonella. Results indicated that ED was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative ones, exhibiting bactericidal properties. Furthermore, ED demonstrated greater efficacy against biofilms formed by Gram-positive bacteria. At bactericidal concentrations, ED was non-cytotoxic to fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In in vivo tests, ED was non-toxic to the larvae. When co-injected with a high load of S. aureus, it reduced the average larval mortality by approximately 40%. These findings suggest that ED holds promise for further evaluation as a potential treatment for biofilm-based wound infections, especially those caused by Gram-positive pathogens like S. aureus.
Bronchial Asthma, Airway Remodeling and Lung Fibrosis as Successive Steps of One Process
Authors: Savin Innokenty A. , Zenkova Marina A. , Sen’kova Aleksandra V.
Published: November 2023

Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by persistent respiratory system inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and airflow obstruction. Airway remodeling, defined as changes in airway wall structure such as extensive epithelial damage, airway smooth muscle hypertrophy, collagen deposition, and subepithelial fibrosis, is a key feature of asthma. Lung fibrosis is a common occurrence in the pathogenesis of fatal and long-term asthma, and it is associated with disease severity and resistance to therapy. It can thus be regarded as an irreversible consequence of asthma-induced airway inflammation and remodeling. Asthma heterogeneity presents several diagnostic challenges, particularly in distinguishing between chronic asthma and other pulmonary diseases characterized by disruption of normal lung architecture and functions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The search for instruments that can predict the development of irreversible structural changes in the lungs, such as chronic components of airway remodeling and fibrosis, is particularly difficult. To overcome these challenges, significant efforts are being directed toward the discovery and investigation of molecular characteristics and biomarkers capable of distinguishing between different types of asthma as well as between asthma and other pulmonary disorders with similar structural characteristics. The main features of bronchial asthma etiology, pathogenesis, and morphological characteristics as well as asthma-associated airway remodeling and lung fibrosis as successive stages of one process will be discussed in this review. The most common murine models and biomarkers of asthma progression and post-asthmatic fibrosis will also be covered. The molecular mechanisms and key cellular players of the asthmatic process described and systematized in this review are intended to help in the search for new molecular markers and promising therapeutic targets for asthma prediction and therapy.
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Gibberellic Acid Regulates the Growth and Flavonoid Synthesis in Phellodendron chinense Schneid Seedlings
Authors: Yang Lv , Luo Shengwei , Jiao Jing , Yan Wende , Zeng Baiquan , He Hanjie , He Gongxiu
Published: November 2023

The phytohormone gibberellic acids (GAs) play a crucial role in the processes of growth, organ development, and secondary metabolism. However, the mechanism of exogenous GA3 regulating the growth and flavonoid synthesis in Phellodendron chinense Schneid (P. chinense Schneid) seedlings remains unclear. In this study, the physicochemical properties, gene expression level, and secondary metabolite of P. chinense Schneid seedlings under GA3 treatment were investigated. The results showed that GA3 significantly improved the plant height, ground diameter, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, soluble substance content, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities. This was accompanied by elevated relative expression levels of Pc(S)-GA2ox, Pc(S)-DELLA, Pc(S)-SAUR50, Pc(S)-PsaD, Pc(S)-Psb 27, Pc(S)-PGK, Pc(S)-CER3, and Pc(S)-FBA unigenes. Conversely, a notable reduction was observed in the carotenoid content, catalase activity and the relative expression abundances of Pc(S)-KAO, Pc(S)-GID1/2, and Pc(S)-GH 3.6 unigenes in leaves of P. chinense Schneid seedlings (p < 0.05). Furthermore, GA3 evidently decreased the contents of pinocembrin, pinobanksin, isosakuranetin, naringin, naringenin, (−)-epicatechin, tricetin, luteolin, and vitexin belonged to flavonoid in stem bark of P. chinense Schneid seedlings (p < 0.05). These results indicated that exogenous GA3 promoted growth through improving chlorophyll content and gene expression in photosynthesis and phytohormone signal pathway and inhibited flavonoid synthesis in P. chinense Schneid seedlings.
Enterococcal Membrane Vesicles as Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Wagner Theresa Maria , Romero-Saavedra Felipe , Laverde Diana , Johannessen Mona , Hübner Johannes , Hegstad Kristin
Published: November 2023

Enterococcus faecium is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The rise of multidrug-resistant E. faecium, including Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE), is a major concern. Vaccines are promising alternatives to antibiotics, but there is currently no vaccine available against enterococci. In a previous study, we identified six protein vaccine candidates associated with extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) produced by nosocomial E. faecium. In this study, we immunized rabbits with two different VRE-derived MV preparations and characterized the resulting immune sera. Both anti-MV sera exhibited high immunoreactivity towards the homologous strain, three additional VRE strains, and eight different unrelated E. faecium strains representing different sequence types (STs). Additionally, we demonstrated that the two anti-MV sera were able to mediate opsonophagocytic killing of not only the homologous strain but also three unrelated heterologous VRE strains. Altogether, our results indicate that E. faecium MVs, regardless of the purification method for obtaining them, are promising vaccine candidates against multidrug-resistant E. faecium and suggest that these naturally occurring MVs can be used as a multi-antigen platform to elicit protective immune responses against enterococcal infections.
Regulation of NAD+/NADH Redox Involves the Protective Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 against Oxygen–Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Astrocyte Lesions
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Xi , Xie Jiayu , Tang Minke
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate NAD+/NADH redox regulation in astrocytes by Ginsenoside Rb1 subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and to reveal the neuroprotective mechanism of ginseng. Neonatal mouse brain was used to culture primary astrocytes. The third generation of the primary astrocytes was used for the experiments. OGD/R was introduced by culturing the cells in a glucose-free media under nitrogen for 6 h followed by a regular culture for 24 h. Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuated OGD/R-induced astrocyte injury in a dose-dependent manner. It improved the mitochondrial function of OGD/R astrocytes indicated by improving mitochondrial distribution, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhancing mitochondrial DNA copies and ATP production. Ginsenoside Rb1 significantly lifted intracellular NAD+/NADH, NADPH/NADP+, and GSH/GSSG in OGD/R astrocytes. It inhibited the protein expression of both PARP1 and CD38, while attenuating the SIRT1 drop in OGD/R cells. In line with its effects on PARP1, Ginsenoside Rb1 significantly reduced the expression of poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) proteins in OGD/R cells. Ginsenoside Rb1 also significantly increased the expression of NAMPT and NMNAT2, both of which are key players in NAD/NADH synthesis. The results suggest that the regulation of NAD+/NADH redox involves the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 against OGD/R-induced astrocyte injury.
Identification and Characterization of the HbPP2C Gene Family and Its Expression in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Rubber Tree
Authors: Liu Qifeng , Qin Bi , Zhang Dong , Liang Xiaoyu , Yang Ye , Wang Lifeng , Wang Meng , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2023

Plant PP2C genes are crucial for various biological processes. To elucidate the potential functions of these genes in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of these genes using bioinformatics methods. The 60 members of the PP2C family in rubber tree were identified and categorized into 13 subfamilies. The PP2C proteins were conserved across different plant species. The results revealed that the HbPP2C genes contained multiple elements responsive to phytohormones and stresses in their promoters, suggesting their involvement in these pathways. Expression analysis indicated that 40 HbPP2C genes exhibited the highest expression levels in branches and the lowest expression in latex. Additionally, the expression of A subfamily members significantly increased in response to abscisic acid, drought, and glyphosate treatments, whereas the expression of A, B, D, and F1 subfamily members notably increased under temperature stress conditions. Furthermore, the expression of A and F1 subfamily members was significantly upregulated upon powdery mildew infection, with the expression of the HbPP2C6 gene displaying a remarkable 33-fold increase. These findings suggest that different HbPP2C subgroups may have distinct roles in the regulation of phytohormones and the response to abiotic and biotic stresses in rubber tree. This study provides a valuable reference for further investigations into the functions of the HbPP2C gene family in rubber tree.
Variation in a Darwin Wasp (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) Community along an Elevation Gradient in a Tropical Biodiversity Hotspot: Implications for Ecology and Conservation
Authors: Flinte Vivian , Pádua Diego G. , Durand Emily M. , Hodgin Caitlin , Khattar Gabriel , da Silveira Luiz Felipe L. , Fernandes Daniell R. R. , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Monteiro Ricardo F. , Macedo Margarete V. , Mayhew Peter J.
Published: November 2023

Understanding how biodiversity varies from place to place is a fundamental goal of ecology and an important tool for halting biodiversity loss. Parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera) are a diverse and functionally important animal group, but spatial variation in their diversity is poorly understood. We survey a community of parasitic wasps (Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) using Malaise traps up a mountain in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, and relate the catch to biotic and abiotic habitat characteristics. We find high species richness compared with previous similar studies, with abundance, richness, and diversity peaking at low to intermediate elevation. There is a marked change in community composition with elevation. Habitat factors strongly correlated with elevation also strongly predict changes in the pimpline community, including temperature as well as the density of bamboo, lianas, epiphytes, small trees, and herbs. These results identify several possible surrogates of pimpline communities in tropical forests, which could be used as a tool in conservation. They also contribute to the growing evidence for a typical latitudinal gradient in ichneumonid species richness, and suggest that low to medium elevations in tropical regions will sometimes conserve the greatest number of species locally, but to conserve maximal biodiversity, a wider range of elevations should also be targeted.
Satirizing News Media, Changing Taiwan’s Feelings: The Night Night Show with Brian Tseng’s Adaptation of the American Satire News Format
Authors: Zhou Muyun
Published: November 2023

The US television program The Daily Show has inspired creative talents worldwide to adapt the American political satire news formats to their own political environments. One example is The Night Night Show, hosted by Brian Tseng between 2018 and 2020 and produced by the STR Network from Taiwan. Instead of approaching the show as the result of the diffusion of the US cultural and political model into the rest of the world, this article contextualizes The Night Night Show’s adaptation of an American satirical news format in the Sinophone political discourse of laughter and satire in the modern history of Taiwan. It argues that while the show’s adaptation of an American satirical news format demonstrates how satire can dismantle linguistic and national boundaries as a transnational bonding force, it also brings this American format to critical scrutiny. In particular, the principal cultural understanding of news media as sensationalistic and propagandist instead of truthful in the local context contests the notions of “truthiness” central to the American satire news formats.
Climate and Food Insecurity Risks: Identifying Exposure and Vulnerabilities in the Post-Food Production System of Northern Ghana
Authors: Osman Balikisu
Published: November 2023

Evidence shows how food system activities, from production to consumption, underpin food security. However, studies exploring climate impacts on food security in northern Ghana have overly focused on production systems, neglecting post-production activities that loom large in food security. This paper addresses the research need to comprehensively analyze how climate change and weather variabilities affect post-production activities and exacerbate food insecurity risks in northern Ghana. It analyzes data on climate hazards, impacts, and food system vulnerabilities using questionnaires and participatory engagement with farming households in northern Ghana. Results show that climate-induced food insecurity risks in northern Ghana are not just products of persistent exposure to climate hazards and their impacts on food production in the region. Instead, risks are inextricably connected to the vulnerability contexts within which food is harvested, processed, stored, and marketed. Specifically, the results reveal that climate hazard events such as floods, extreme temperatures, and droughts damage stored grain, disrupt food supply to the market, and cause seasonal volatilities in food prices. However, these impacts are not solely externally generated circumstances. The food system is highly vulnerable; most households lack access to threshing and grinding machines, warehouse storage, post-harvest management information, and transportation services. These underlying characteristics of the post-food production system of northern Ghana, which is ultimately quite remote from climate change and weather variabilities, exacerbate household-level food insecurity risks.
Seasonal Evolution of Stable Thermal Stratification in Central Area of Lake Ladoga
Authors: Naumenko Mikhail , Guzivaty Vadim
Published: November 2023

The complete climatic courses of the parameters of stable thermal stratification for the central part of Lake Ladoga, the largest European lake, are presented on the basis of empirical relationships, taking into account the physical processes governing water temperature variations. For the first time, the seasonal cycle of the surface water temperature, the temperature and the depth of the thermocline, and the hypolimnion temperature are calculated using the vertical profiles of the temperature obtained from the central area of Lake Ladoga. Temperature data are used for the period of in situ observations from 1897 to the present. The proposed functional forms of the temporal temperature cycle and the course of thermocline’s boundaries deepening are useful for examination and simulation of the heat vertical transport from air to water. Approximation curves for the parameters of heating and cooling periods were developed with high significant determination coefficients. Time dependencies of the climatic rates of change in water temperature and the depth of the thermocline boundaries were determined from the onset of stable stratification to its dissipation. The highest rate of water temperature change in the heating stage takes place in late June–early July, which at the water surface, is 0.32 °C/day, while in the thermocline layer, it is 0.18 °C/day. The peak velocity during the cooling stage at the surface occurs in late August–early September and is 0.14 °C/day, whereas in the thermocline, it is 0.08 °C/day and takes place between September and early October. During the period of heating, the deepening parameters of the thermocline layer do not fluctuate very much, only within the range of 0.1–0.3 m/day. During the cooling period, under the influence of free convection, rates increase drastically. The maximum rates of deepening during the period of full autumn mixing reach 1.8 m/day. When the autumn overturn occurs, the epilimnion thickness equals the bottom depth, and the bottom temperature reaches its maximum during the annual cycle. Climatic norms of the stratification parameters against which it is necessary to assess climate change are calculated.
Detection of Environmentally Harmful Malathion Pesticides Using a Bimetallic Oxide of CuO Nanoparticles Dispersed over a 3D ZnO Nanoflower
Authors: Gurusamy Lakshmanan , Cheng Ru-Wen , Anandan Sambandam , Liu Cheng-Hua , Wu Jerry J.
Published: November 2023

Super-sensitive malathion detection was achieved using a nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor based on a CuO/ZnO-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Due to the high affinity between the Cu element and the sulfur groups in malathion, the developed CuO-ZnO/GCE sensor may bond malathion with ease, inhibiting the redox signal of the Cu element when malathion is present. In addition to significantly increasing the ability of electron transfer, the addition of 3D-flower-like ZnO enhances active sites of the sensor interface for the high affinity of malathion, giving the CuO-ZnO/GCE composite an exceptional level of sensitivity and selectivity. This enzyme-free CuO-ZnO/GCE malathion sensor demonstrates outstanding stability and excellent detection performance under optimal operating conditions with a wide linear range of malathion from 0 to 200 nM and a low detection limit of 1.367 nM. A promising alternative technique for organophosphorus pesticide (OP) determination is offered by the analytical performance of the proposed sensor, and this method can be quickly and sensitively applied to samples that have been contaminated with these pesticides.
Double Carbon Networks Reinforce the Thermal Storage and Thermal Transfer Properties of 1-Octadecanol Phase Change Materials
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Wang Qingmeng , Cheng Xiaomin , Chen Xiaolan , Bai Mingjun
Published: November 2023

Using thermal storage materials with excellent thermal properties in the energy utilization system enables efficient use of renewable energy sources. Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have the advantages of high heat storage density, no corrosion, and low cost, but low thermal conductivity and insufficient heat transfer capacity have always been the bottlenecks in their application. In this paper, melamine foam@ reduction graphene oxide (MF@rGO) and carbon foam@ reduction graphene oxide (CF@rGO) composite foams with double carbon networks were prepared by self-assembly method and further employed in 1-octadecinal (OD) PCMs. The microstructure, chemical composition, phase change behavior, thermal conductivity, and photothermal conversion performance of MF@rGO/OD and CF@rGO/OD were studied in detail using SEM, FTIR, Raman DSC, and LFA. The melting and solidification enthalpies of CF@rGO/OD composite PCMs were 208.3 J/g and 191.4 J/g, respectively, its thermal conductivity increased to 1.54 W/m·K, which is 6.42 times that of pure OD. The porous structure and high thermal conductivity of the double carbon network substantially enhance the efficiency of energy storage and release in composite PCMs. CF@rGO/OD composite PCMs have excellent heat storage performance and heat transfer capacity, and a wide range of application prospects in the fields of low-temperature solar heat storage, precision instrument temperature control, and intelligent buildings.
Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics and Activation Energy for Crystal Growth of Polyamide 66/Short Glass Fiber/Carbon Black Composites
Authors: Boucenna Yasser , Layachi Abdelheq , Cherfia Abdelhakim , Laoutid Fouad , Satha Hamid
Published: November 2023

This study presents the effect of the addition of 0.4 wt.% carbon black (CB) to polyamide 66 (PA66) containing 30 wt.% short glass fibers (GFs) on the behavior of composite thermal crystallization. Composites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) at different cooling rates using wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This thermal crystallization study highlights the nucleation effect of GFs that promote PA66 crystallization by significantly increasing crystallization kinetics and rates. The activation energies (Eas) calculated by model-free (FWO; KAS) and model-fitting (Kissinger method and C–R method) approaches showed that the combination of both GF and CB decreases the activation energy with respect to neat PA66, meaning that the presence of both additives facilitates crystallization. The Coats–Redfern and Criado methods showed that the crystallization of neat PA66 and related composites follows the second-order reaction, i.e., the decelerated reaction, evidencing compatibility between GFs and the matrix.
Host Defense Proteins and Peptides with Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Activity from Marine Invertebrates and Their Therapeutic Potential in Gram-Negative Sepsis
Authors: Solov’eva Tamara Fedorovna , Bakholdina Svetlana Ivanovna , Naberezhnykh Gennadii Alexandrovich
Published: November 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infectious process that results from the excessive and uncontrolled activation of the host’s pro-inflammatory immune response to a pathogen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, which is a major component of Gram-negative bacteria’s outer membrane, plays a key role in the development of Gram-negative sepsis and septic shock in humans. To date, no specific and effective drug against sepsis has been developed. This review summarizes data on LPS-binding proteins from marine invertebrates (ILBPs) that inhibit LPS toxic effects and are of interest as potential drugs for sepsis treatment. The structure, physicochemical properties, antimicrobial, and LPS-binding/neutralizing activity of these proteins and their synthetic analogs are considered in detail. Problems that arise during clinical trials of potential anti-endotoxic drugs are discussed.
The Taiwanese Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis: Living with the Condition
Authors: Yen Yi-Ning , Garrido-Cumbrera Marco , Sun Yi-Syuan , Chen Chen-Hung , Lai Chien-Chih , Tsai Hung-Cheng , Chen Wei-Sheng , Liao Hsien-Tzung , Tsao Yen-Po ,   The Ankylosing Spondylitis Caring Society of R.O.C. (ASCARES), Tsai Chang-Youh , Chou Chung-Tei
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective: The International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) explores the physical, psychological, and social experiences of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). This initiative is now being expanded to Taiwan as the Taiwanese Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (TMAS). We aim to provide rheumatologists with insights into the perspectives of Taiwanese patients, enabling physicians to better understand the unmet needs of these patients and optimize their management. Materials and Methods: The TMAS is a cross-sectional study gathering data through an online survey of axSpA patients, promoted by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Caring Society of R.O.C. (ASCARES), conducted from July 2017 to March 2018 by Ipsos, and analyzed by the Health & Territory Research (HTR) group of the University of Seville. The questionnaire includes 99 questions that cover domains such as patient profile, diagnosis, habits/lifestyle, employment status, physical/psychological health status, social support, use of healthcare services, and treatments. Results: A total of 112 axSpA patients were included in this survey. The mean age was 38.6 years and 75.0% were male. The average diagnostic delay was 3 years, and 19.6% reported extra-articular manifestations. Out of the 49 respondents who reported HLA-B27 information, 35 were HLA-B27-positive. The disease burden was high, with a mean BASDAI score of 4.9 and 75.9% having a mild to moderate degree of spinal stiffness. Furthermore, they were socially and psychologically burdened, with 88.4% experiencing work-related issues and 25.9% suffering from anxiety. Conclusions: The TMAS sheds light on the overall perspective of axSpA patients in Taiwan. The TMAS shows shorter diagnostic delay compared to patients from the EMAS. However, high disease activity and significant psychological distress still trouble the patients, causing functional impairments and even leading to career failures. Understanding the perspective of axSpA patients can help rheumatologists adjust treatment strategies to their unmet needs and improve their disease outcomes.