bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tandem Expression of a Mobile RNA and Its RNA-Binding Protein(s) Enhances Tuber Productivity in Potato
Authors: Kondhare Kirtikumar R. , Patil Nikita S. , Siddappa Sundaresha , Banerjee Anjan K. , Hannapel David J.
Published: October 2023

A significant number of discoveries in past two decades have established the importance of long-distance signaling in controlling plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Numerous mobile signals, such as mRNAs, proteins, including RNA-binding proteins, small RNAs, sugars, and phytohormones, are shown to regulate various agronomic traits such as flowering, fruit, seed development, and tuberization. Potato is a classic model tuber crop, and several mobile signals are known to govern tuber development. However, it is unknown if these mobile signals have any synergistic effects on potato crop improvement. Here, we employed a simple innovative strategy to test the cumulative effects of a key mobile RNA, StBEL5, and its RNA-binding proteins, StPTB1, and -6 on tuber productivity of two potato cultivars, Solanum tuberosum cv. Désirée and subspecies andigena, using a multi-gene stacking approach. In this approach, the coding sequences of StBEL5 and StPTB1/6 are driven by their respective native promoters to efficiently achieve targeted expression in phloem for monitoring tuber productivity. We demonstrate that this strategy resulted in earliness for tuberization and enhanced tuber productivity by 2–4 folds under growth chamber, greenhouse, and field conditions. This multi-gene stacking approach could be adopted to other crops, whose agronomic traits are governed by mobile macromolecules, expanding the possibilities to develop crops with improved traits and enhanced yields.
Molecular Mapping of Putative Genomic Regions Controlling Fruit and Seed Morphology of Watermelon
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Amanullah Sikandar , Li Shenglong , Cheng Rui , Zhang Chen , Zhao Zhengxiang , Liu Hongyu , Luan Feishi , Wang Xuezheng
Published: October 2023

The genetic regulatory basis of qualitative and quantitative phenotypes of watermelon is being investigated in different types of molecular and genetic breeding studies around the world. In this study, biparental F2 mapping populations were developed over two experimental years, and the collected datasets of fruit and seed traits exhibited highly significant correlations. Whole-genome resequencing of comparative parental lines was performed and detected single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were converted into cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers. The screened polymorphic markers were genotyped in segregating populations and two genetic linkage maps were constructed, which covered a total of 2834.28 and 2721.45 centimorgan (cM) genetic lengths, respectively. A total of 22 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for seven phenotypic traits were mapped; among them, five stable and major-effect QTLs (PC-8-1, SL-9-1, SWi-9-1, SSi-9-1, and SW-6-1) and four minor-effect QTLs (PC-2-1 and PC-2-2; PT-2-1 and PT-2-2; SL-6-1 and SSi-6-2; and SWi-6-1 and SWi-6-2) were observed with 3.77–38.98% PVE. The adjacent QTL markers showed a good fit marker-trait association, and a significant allele-specific contribution was also noticed for genetic inheritance of traits. Further, a total of four candidate genes (Cla97C09G179150, Cla97C09G179350, Cla97C09G180040, and Cla97C09G180100) were spotted in the stable colocalized QTLs of seed size linked traits (SL-9-1 and SWi-9-1) that showed non-synonymous type mutations. The gene expression trends indicated that the seed morphology had been formed in the early developmental stage and showed the genetic regulation of seed shape formation. Hence, we think that our identified QTLs and genes would provide powerful genetic insights for marker-assisted breeding aimed at improving the quality traits of watermelon.
Tuning the Envelope Structure of Enzyme Nanoreactors for In Vivo Detoxification of Organophosphates
Authors: Pashirova Tatiana , Shaihutdinova Zukhra , Tatarinov Dmitry , Mansurova Milana , Kazakova Renata , Bogdanov Andrei , Chabrière Eric , Jacquet Pauline , Daudé David , Akhunzianov Almaz A. , Miftakhova Regina R. , Masson Patrick
Published: October 2023

Encapsulated phosphotriesterase nanoreactors show their efficacy in the prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment of poisoning by paraoxon. A new enzyme nanoreactor (E-nRs) containing an evolved multiple mutant (L72C/Y97F/Y99F/W263V/I280T) of Saccharolobus solfataricus phosphotriesterase (PTE) for in vivo detoxification of organophosphorous compounds (OP) was made. A comparison of nanoreactors made of three- and di-block copolymers was carried out. Two types of morphology nanoreactors made of di-block copolymers were prepared and characterized as spherical micelles and polymersomes with sizes of 40 nm and 100 nm, respectively. The polymer concentrations were varied from 0.1 to 0.5% (w/w) and enzyme concentrations were varied from 2.5 to 12.5 μM. In vivo experiments using E-nRs of diameter 106 nm, polydispersity 0.17, zeta-potential −8.3 mV, and loading capacity 15% showed that the detoxification efficacy against paraoxon was improved: the LD50 shift was 23.7xLD50 for prophylaxis and 8xLD50 for post-exposure treatment without behavioral alteration or functional physiological changes up to one month after injection. The pharmacokinetic profiles of i.v.-injected E-nRs made of three- and di-block copolymers were similar to the profiles of the injected free enzyme, suggesting partial enzyme encapsulation. Indeed, ELISA and Western blot analyses showed that animals developed an immune response against the enzyme. However, animals that received several injections did not develop iatrogenic symptoms.
Combining Genetic and Transcriptomic Approaches to Identify Transporter-Coding Genes as Likely Responsible for a Repeatable Salt Tolerance QTL in Citrus
Authors: Asins Maria J. , Bullones Amanda , Raga Veronica , Romero-Aranda Maria R. , Espinosa Jesus , Triviño Juan C. , Bernet Guillermo P. , Traverso Jose A. , Carbonell Emilio A. , Claros M. Gonzalo , Belver Andres
Published: October 2023

The excessive accumulation of chloride (Cl−) in leaves due to salinity is frequently related to decreased yield in citrus. Two salt tolerance experiments to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf concentrations of Cl−, Na+, and other traits using the same reference progeny derived from the salt-tolerant Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni) and the disease-resistant donor Poncirus trifoliata were performed with the aim to identify repeatable QTLs that regulate leaf Cl− (and/or Na+) exclusion across independent experiments in citrus, as well as potential candidate genes involved. A repeatable QTL controlling leaf Cl− was detected in chromosome 6 (LCl-6), where 23 potential candidate genes coding for transporters were identified using the C. clementina genome as reference. Transcriptomic analysis revealed two important candidate genes coding for a member of the nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family (NPF5.9) and a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) protein. Cell wall biosynthesis- and secondary metabolism-related processes appeared to play a significant role in differential gene expression in LCl-6. Six likely gene candidates were mapped in LCl-6, showing conserved synteny in C. reshni. In conclusion, markers to select beneficial Cleopatra mandarin alleles of likely candidate genes in LCl-6 to improve salt tolerance in citrus rootstock breeding programs are provided.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Tiller Bud Development in Orchardgrass
Authors: Xu Xiaoheng , Feng Guangyan , Yang Zhongfu , Liu Qiuxu , Nie Gang , Li Dandan , Huang Ting , Huang Linkai , Zhang Xinquan
Published: October 2023

Tillering is a special type of branching and one of the important contributors to the yield of cereal crops. Strigolactone and sucrose play a vital role in controlling tiller formation, but their mechanism has not been elucidated completely in most crops. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is an important perennial forage with prominent tillering ability among crops. To date, the mechanism of tillering in orchardgrass is still largely unknown. Therefore, we performed a transcriptome and miRNA analysis to reveal the potential RNA mechanism of tiller formation under strigolactone and sucrose treatment in orchardgrass. Our results found that D3, COL5, NCED1, HXK7, miRNA4393-z, and miRNA531-z could be key factors to control tiller bud development in orchardgrass. In addition, strigolactones might affect the ABA biosynthesis pathway to regulate the tiller bud development of orchardgrass, which may be related to the expression changes in miRNA4393-z, NCED1, and D10. miRNA531-z could be involved in the interaction of strigolactones and sucrose in regulating tillering. These results will be further used to clarify the potential mechanism of tillering for breeding new high-tillering and high-production orchardgrass varieties and beneficial to improving the production and reproduction of crops.
Lipid Nanoparticles: An Effective Tool to Improve the Bioavailability of Nutraceuticals
Authors: Ashfaq Rabia , Rasul Akhtar , Asghar Sajid , Kovács Anita , Berkó Szilvia , Budai-Szűcs Mária
Published: October 2023

Nano-range bioactive colloidal carrier systems are envisaged to overcome the challenges associated with treatments of numerous diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), one of the extensively investigated drug delivery systems, not only improve pharmacokinetic parameters, transportation, and chemical stability of encapsulated compounds but also provide efficient targeting and reduce the risk of toxicity. Over the last decades, nature-derived polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, dietary supplements, and herbs have received more attention due to their remarkable biological and pharmacological health and medical benefits. However, their poor aqueous solubility, compromised stability, insufficient absorption, and accelerated elimination impede research in the nutraceutical sector. Owing to the possibilities offered by various LNPs, their ability to accommodate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules and the availability of various preparation methods suitable for sensitive molecules, loading natural fragile molecules into LNPs offers a promising solution. The primary objective of this work is to explore the synergy between nature and nanotechnology, encompassing a wide range of research aimed at encapsulating natural therapeutic molecules within LNPs.
Interactions of Chromatin with the Nuclear Lamina and Nuclear Pore Complexes
Authors: Shevelyov Yuri Y.
Published: October 2023

Heterochromatin and euchromatin form different spatial compartments in the interphase nucleus, with heterochromatin being localized mainly at the nuclear periphery. The mechanisms responsible for peripheral localization of heterochromatin are still not fully understood. The nuclear lamina and nuclear pore complexes were obvious candidates for the role of heterochromatin binders. This review is focused on recent studies showing that heterochromatin interactions with the nuclear lamina and nuclear pore complexes maintain its peripheral localization. Differences in chromatin interactions with the nuclear envelope in cell populations and in individual cells are also discussed.
Cellular Effects of Selected Unsymmetrical Bisacridines on the Multicellular Tumor Spheroids of HCT116 Colon and A549 Lung Cancer Cells in Comparison to Monolayer Cultures
Authors: Kulesza Jolanta , Paluszkiewicz Ewa , Augustin Ewa
Published: October 2023

Multicellular tumor spheroids are a good tool for testing new anticancer drugs, including those that may target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Therefore, we applied this model in our studies of highly active antitumor unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs). We investigated the cellular response induced by UAs in 2D and 3D cultures of HCT116 colon and A549 lung cancer cells, with an additional focus on their impact on the CSC-like population. We showed that UAs affected the viability of the studied cells, as well as their spherogenic potential in the 2D and 3D cultures. Furthermore, we proved that the most promising UAs (C-2045 and C-2053) induced apoptosis in the HCT116 and A549 spheres to a similar, or even higher, extent than what was found in monolayer conditions. Next, we identified the population of the CSC-like cells in the 2D and 3D cultures of the studied cell lines by determining the levels of CD166, CD133, CD44, and EpCAM markers. We showed that the selected UAs affected the CSC-like population in both of the cell lines, and that A549 was affected more profoundly in 3D than in 2D cultures. Thus, the UAs exhibited high antitumor properties in both the 2D and 3D conditions, which makes them promising candidates for future therapeutic applications.
Substrate and Moisture Affect the Pupation Depth of the Corn Silk Flies Chaetopsis massyla and Euxesta eluta (Diptera: Ulidiidae)
Authors: Allan Sandra A.
Published: October 2023

Corn silk flies, or picture-winged flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae), are important pests of fresh market sweet corn in commercial production areas in southern Florida. Issues with pest management related to insecticide resistance, problems in insecticide application, and alternate crop population sources constitute a significant challenge for the protection of developing corn ears. Developed larvae leave cobs and pupate in the soil; however, relatively little is known about these behaviors. In this study, two soil types collected from fields were compared with sand under six different moisture levels in the laboratory to determine the pupation depths of the larvae. Comparisons were carried out concerning the pupation depth of Chaetopsis massyla and Euxesta eluta, which are major pest species in Florida. Both soil type (muck, loamy sand, and sand) and moisture levels (0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100% field holding capacity) significantly affected pupation depth, with shallow pupation observed under dry or saturated wet conditions. The addition of structures such as pipe cleaners simulating corn roots resulted in deeper pupation under most conditions.
Aphid Recognition and Counting Based on an Improved YOLOv5 Algorithm in a Climate Chamber Environment
Authors: Li Xiaoyin , Wang Lixing , Miao Hong , Zhang Shanwen
Published: October 2023

Due to changes in light intensity, varying degrees of aphid aggregation, and small scales in the climate chamber environment, accurately identifying and counting aphids remains a challenge. In this paper, an improved YOLOv5 aphid detection model based on CNN is proposed to address aphid recognition and counting. First, to reduce the overfitting problem of insufficient data, the proposed YOLOv5 model uses an image enhancement method combining Mosaic and GridMask to expand the aphid dataset. Second, a convolutional block attention mechanism (CBAM) is proposed in the backbone layer to improve the recognition accuracy of aphid small targets. Subsequently, the feature fusion method of bi-directional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) is employed to enhance the YOLOv5 neck, further improving the recognition accuracy and speed of aphids; in addition, a Transformer structure is introduced in front of the detection head to investigate the impact of aphid aggregation and light intensity on recognition accuracy. Experiments have shown that, through the fusion of the proposed methods, the model recognition accuracy and recall rate can reach 99.1%, the value mAP@0.5 can reach 99.3%, and the inference time can reach 9.4 ms, which is significantly better than other YOLO series networks. Moreover, it has strong robustness in actual recognition tasks and can provide a reference for pest prevention and control in climate chambers.
Characterization of the Bacterial Profile from Natural and Laboratory Glossina Populations
Authors: El Yamlahi Youssef , Bel Mokhtar Naima , Maurady Amal , Britel Mohammed R. , Batargias Costas , Mutembei Delphina E. , Nyingilili Hamisi S. , Malulu Deusdedit J. , Malele Imna I. , Asimakis Elias , Stathopoulou Panagiota , Tsiamis George
Published: October 2023

Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.; Diptera: Glossinidae) are viviparous flies that feed on blood and are found exclusively in sub-Saharan Africa. They are the only cyclic vectors of African trypanosomes, responsible for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT). In this study, we employed high throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to unravel the diversity of symbiotic bacteria in five wild and three laboratory populations of tsetse species (Glossina pallidipes, G. morsitans, G. swynnertoni, and G. austeni). The aim was to assess the dynamics of bacterial diversity both within each laboratory and wild population in relation to the developmental stage, insect age, gender, and location. Our results indicated that the bacterial communities associated with the four studied Glossina species were significantly influenced by their region of origin, with wild samples being more diverse compared to the laboratory samples. We also observed that the larval microbiota was significantly different than the adults. Furthermore, the sex and the species did not significantly influence the formation of the bacterial profile of the laboratory colonies once these populations were kept under the same rearing conditions. In addition, Wigglesworthia, Acinetobacter, and Sodalis were the most abundant bacterial genera in all the samples, while Wolbachia was significantly abundant in G. morsitans compared to the other studied species. The operational taxonomic unit (OTU) co-occurrence network for each location (VVBD insectary, Doma, Makao, and Msubugwe) indicated a high variability between G. pallidipes and the other species in terms of the number of mutual exclusion and copresence interactions. In particular, some bacterial genera, like Wigglesworthia and Sodalis, with high relative abundance, were also characterized by a high degree of interactions.
The Roles of Mating, Age, and Diet in Starvation Resistance in Bactrocera oleae (Olive Fruit Fly)
Authors: Balampekou Evangelia I. , Koveos Dimitrios S. , Kapranas Apostolos , Menexes Georgios C. , Kouloussis Nikos A.
Published: October 2023

The olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae)), although a pest of major economic importance for the olive industry, has not been sufficiently studied with respect to the factors affecting its survival resistance to food deprivation. In the present study, we examined the effect of the interaction between mating status (virgin/mated), age class (11–20/21–30/31–40/41–50), and diet quality (protein plus sugar or only sugar) on starvation resistance in B. oleae under constant laboratory conditions. We conducted a total of 16 treatments (2 × 4 × 2 = 16) for each gender. Our results showed that starvation resistance in B. oleae did not differ significantly between females and males. The main conclusions of our study regarding mating status, age, and diet indicated that mated adults showed much less starvation resistance compared to virgins, younger adults endured longer, and the adults fed a restricted diet endured longer than those fed a full diet. A three-way interaction between mating status, diet, and age class was also identified and was the same for both genders. The interaction between mating status, age class, and diet also had a significant influence on starvation resistance in both sexes.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Mortality, Cost, Complications, and Disparities after Radiation Therapy: Artificial Intelligence-Augmented, Cost Effectiveness, and Computational Ethical Analysis
Authors: Monlezun Dominique J.
Published: October 2023

The optimal cardio-oncology management of radiation therapy and its complications are unknown despite the high patient and societal costs. This study is the first known nationally representative, multi-year, artificial intelligence and propensity score-augmented causal clinical inference and computational ethical and policy analysis of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) mortality, cost, and disparities including by primary malignancy following radiation therapy. Bayesian Machine learning-augmented Propensity Score translational (BAM-PS) statistics were conducted in the 2016–2020 National Inpatient Sample. Of the 148,755,036 adult hospitalizations, 2,229,285 (1.50%) had a history of radiation therapy, of whom, 67,450 (3.00%) had an inpatient AMI, and of whom, 18,400 (28.69%) underwent PCI. Post-AMI mortality, costs, and complications were comparable with and without radiation across cancers in general and across the 30 primary malignancies tested, except for breast cancer, in which PCI significantly increased mortality (OR 3.70, 95%CI 1.10–12.43, p = 0.035). In addition to significant sex, race, and insurance disparities, significant regional disparities were associated with nearly 50 extra inpatient deaths and over USD 500 million lost. This large clinical, cost, and pluralistic ethical analysis suggests PCI when clinically indicated should be provided to patients regardless of sex, race, insurance, or region to generate significant improvements in population health, cost savings, and social equity.
Ten Issues for Updating in Community-Acquired Pneumonia: An Expert Review
Authors: Candel Francisco Javier , Salavert Miguel , Basaras Miren , Borges Marcio , Cantón Rafael , Cercenado Emilia , Cilloniz Catian , Estella Ángel , García-Lechuz Juan M. , Garnacho Montero José , Gordo Federico , Julián-Jiménez Agustín , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Maseda Emilio , Matesanz Mayra , Menéndez Rosario , Mirón-Rubio Manuel , Ortiz de Lejarazu Raúl , Polverino Eva , Retamar-Gentil Pilar , Ruiz-Iturriaga Luis Alberto , Sancho Susana , Serrano Leyre
Published: October 2023

Community-acquired pneumonia represents the third-highest cause of mortality in industrialized countries and the first due to infection. Although guidelines for the approach to this infection model are widely implemented in international health schemes, information continually emerges that generates controversy or requires updating its management. This paper reviews the most important issues in the approach to this process, such as an aetiologic update using new molecular platforms or imaging techniques, including the diagnostic stewardship in different clinical settings. It also reviews both the Intensive Care Unit admission criteria and those of clinical stability to discharge. An update in antibiotic, in oxygen, or steroidal therapy is presented. It also analyzes the management out-of-hospital in CAP requiring hospitalization, the main factors for readmission, and an approach to therapeutic failure or rescue. Finally, the main strategies for prevention and vaccination in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts are reviewed.
The Influence of Strontium Oxide on the Physio-Mechanical Properties of Biomedical-Grade Titanium in Ti-SrO Composites
Authors: Muhammed Soodad A. , Al-Khafaji Aseel Mohammed , Al-Deen Haydar H. J. Jamal
Published: October 2023

Dental implants can be made of various materials, and amongst them, titanium and titanium alloy were the materials of choice for dental implants for many years because of their biocompatibility. The two alloys have a high level of biocompatibility, a lower modulus of elasticity, and better corrosion resistance than other alloys. Thus, they are frequently utilized in biomedical applications and mostly replace stiff fabrics. The latest advances in a new strontium oxide–cp titanium composite alloy are the main topic of this research. With regard to biomedical applications, additions of strontium oxide were synthesized at three distinct weight percentages (2%, 4%, and 6% by wt%). Powder metallurgy was used to create the alloys, which were then sintered by heating the samples. The effects of adding strontium oxide were analyzed by utilizing measurements of the Brinell hardness, X-ray diffraction, porosity, diametral tensile strength, roughness, and wettability of the finished surfaces. The results show that adding more strontium oxide (gradually increasing the ratio from 2% SrO to a 6% addition) raised the roughness and porosity. However, the microhardness and diametral tensile strength were enhanced with an increase in the volume fraction of strontium oxide particles. In conclusion, the alloy that contained 6 wt% strontium oxide microparticles had reasonably high mechanical properties and might be regarded as suitable for use in dental and medical applications due to its high wettability or, in other words, its low contact angle. The Brinell testing results for the diametral tensile strength, microhardness, and porosity of the generated strontium oxide–cp titanium composite alloy demonstrate its high potential for usage as a biomaterial, particularly in dental applications.
Susceptibility of 316L Stainless Steel Structures to Corrosion Degradation in Salivary Solutions in the Presence of Lactic Acid
Authors: Benea Lidia , Bounegru Iulian , Axente Elena Roxana , Buruiană Daniela
Published: October 2023

In the field of healthcare and dentistry, 316L stainless steel is widely used for its corrosion resistance. However, the presence of lactic acid in salivary solutions can affect its surface reactivity. This study employed electrochemical methods to investigate the influence of lactic acid on 316L stainless steel’s corrosion resistance in Fusayama Meyer saliva and saliva doped with varying lactic acid concentrations. The results revealed a significant decrease in polarization resistance as the lactic acid concentration increased, despite a shift toward more positive corrosion potentials. Consequently, the study suggests that the lactic acid presence in salivary solutions should be considered when evaluating the corrosion susceptibility of 316L stainless steel devices.
PCLLA-nanoHA Bone Substitute Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization and Improves Alveolar Bone Repair in Diabetic Environments
Authors: Wang Dandan , Wei Ling , Hao Jialin , Tang Weifeng , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Chenguang , Wang Jinming
Published: October 2023

The utilization of bioresorbable synthetic bone substitutes with immunomodulatory properties has gained significant attention in dental clinical applications for the absorption of alveolar bone induced by orthodontic treatment. In this study, we developed two distinct materials: a conventional hydroxyapatite (HA) bone powder comprised of hydroxyapatite particles and nanoHA embedded within a poly(caprolactone-co-lactide) (PCLLA) elastomeric matrix. We assessed the physicochemical characteristics of the bone substitute, specifically focusing on its composition and the controlled release of ions. Our findings show that PCLLA-nanoHA has deformable properties under 40 N, and a significant release of Ca and P elements was noted after 7 days in aqueous settings. Moreover, at the protein and gene expression levels, PCLLA-nanoHA enhances the capacity of macrophages to polarize towards an M2 phenotype in vitro. In vivo, PCLLA-nanoHA exhibits comparable effects to standard HA bone powder in terms of promoting alveolar bone regeneration. Extensive investigations reveal that PCLLA-nanoHA surpasses the commonly employed HA bone powder in stimulating bone tissue repair in diabetic mice. We have identified that PCLLA-nanoHA regulates macrophage M2 polarization by activating the PI3K/AKT and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR) signaling pathways, thereby facilitating a favorable local immune microenvironment conducive to bone repair and regeneration. Our findings suggest that PCLLA-nanoHA presents itself as a promising bioresorbable bone substitute with properties that promote macrophage M2 polarization, particularly in the context of regulating the local microenvironment of alveolar bone in diabetic mice, potentially facilitating bone tissue regeneration.
Temperature Evaluation of Cladding Beads and the Surrounding Area during the Laser Metal Deposition Process
Authors: Yamashita Yorihiro , Ilman Kholqillah Ardhian , Kunimine Takahiro , Sato Yuji
Published: October 2023

Cracks usually generate during the formation of beads composed of a WC-12mass%Co cemented carbide by the laser metal deposition (LMD). Measuring temperatures of the formed bead and substrate during the LMD process is important for realizing crack-free beads. In this study, temperatures of the substrate around the formed bead during the LMD process were measured using a thermoviewer. Temperatures of the formed beads during the LMD process were predicted by simulation based on the thermal conduction analysis using the experimentally measured temperatures of the substrate. The experimental results obtained during forming the WC-12mass%Co cemented carbide beads on JIS SKH51 (ISO HS-6-5-2) substrates showed that the maximal temperatures of the substrates at 0.2 mm away from the center of the formed beads ranged from 229 °C to 341 °C at laser powers ranging from 80 W to 160 W. The predicted maximal temperatures of the formed beads were in the range of 2433 °C to 4491 °C in the simulation using a laser absorption coefficient of 0.35 for the substrate. Validity of these simulation results was discussed based on the melting point of the substrate and microstructures of the formed WC-12mass%Co cemented carbide beads.
Global Transcriptomic Changes Elicited by sodB Deletion and Menadione Exposure in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Pákozdi Klaudia , Emri Tamás , Antal Károly , Pócsi István
Published: October 2023

Manganese superoxide dismutases (MnSODs) play a pivotal role in the preservation of mitochondrial integrity and function in fungi under various endogenous and exogenous stresses. Deletion of Aspergillus nidulans mnSOD/SodB increased oxidative stress sensitivity and apoptotic cell death rates as well as affected antioxidant enzyme and sterigmatocystin productions, respiration, conidiation and the stress tolerance of conidiospores. The physiological consequences of the lack of sodB were more pronounced during carbon starvation than in the presence of glucose. Lack of SodB also affected the changes in the transcriptome, recorded by high-throughput RNA sequencing, in menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB)-exposed, submerged cultures supplemented with glucose. Surprisingly, the difference between the global transcriptional changes of the ΔsodB mutant and the control strain were relatively small, indicating that the SodB-dependent maintenance of mitochondrial integrity was not essential under these experimental conditions. Owing to the outstanding physiological flexibility of the Aspergilli, certain antioxidant enzymes and endogenous antioxidants together with the reduction in mitochondrial functions compensated well for the lack of SodB. The lack of sodB reduced the growth of surface cultures more than of the submerged culture, which should be considered in future development of fungal disinfection methods.
Mold in Paradise: A Review of Fungi Found in Libraries
Authors: El Jaddaoui Islam , Ghazal Hassan , Bennett Joan W.
Published: October 2023

Libraries contain a large amount of organic material, frequently stored with inadequate climate control; thus, mold growth represents a considerable threat to library buildings and their contents. In this essay, we review published papers that have isolated microscopic fungi from library books, shelving, walls, and other surfaces, as well as from air samples within library buildings. Our literature search found 54 published studies about mold in libraries, 53 of which identified fungi to genus and/or species. In 28 of the 53 studies, Aspergillus was the single most common genus isolated from libraries. Most of these studies used traditional culture and microscopic methods for identifying the fungi. Mold damage to books and archival holdings causes biodeterioration of valuable educational and cultural resources. Exposure to molds may also be correlated with negative health effects in both patrons and librarians, so there are legitimate concerns about the dangers of contact with high levels of fungal contamination. Microbiologists are frequently called upon to help librarians after flooding and other events that bring water into library settings. This review can help guide microbiologists to choose appropriate protocols for the isolation and identification of mold in libraries and be a resource for librarians who are not usually trained in building science to manage the threat molds can pose to library holdings.
Luobuma Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria tenuissima in China
Authors: Lan Yanru , Yan Zhichen , Duan Tingyu
Published: October 2023

Luobuma (Apocynum venetum and Poacynum hendersonni) is widely cultivated for environmental conservation, medicinal purposes and the textile industry. In 2018, a severe leaf spot disease that attacked the leaves of Luobuma was observed in plants cultivated in Yuzhong County, Gansu Province, China. Symptoms of the disease appeared as white or off-white spots surrounded by brown margins on the leaves of A. venetum. The spots expanded and covered a large area of the leaf, presenting as “cankers” with progression of the disease, leading to leaf death. The initial symptoms of the disease on P. hendersonni were similar to the symptoms of A. venetum, with a larger disease spot than A. venetum, and the spot was black and thicker. The aim of this study was to identify the fungal species and evaluate the effectiveness of fungicides (hymexazol and zhongshengmycin) against the pathogen in vitro. The fungi species that caused the new disease was identified as Alternaria tenuissima based on the morphological characteristics, pathogenicity tests, and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) and the histone 3 (H3) gene sequences. The findings showed that hymexazol fungicide can be used to control leaf spot disease. This is the first report on Luobuma leaf spot disease caused by A. tenuissima in China.
Resilience in Emergency Medicine during COVID-19: Evaluating Staff Expectations and Preparedness
Authors: Goniewicz Mariusz , Włoszczak-Szubzda Anna , Al-Wathinani Ahmed M. , Goniewicz Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant challenges for health systems globally, with medical professionals at the forefront of this crisis. Understanding their organizational expectations and well-being implications is crucial for crafting responsive healthcare environments. Methods: Between 2021 and 2022, an online survey was conducted among 852 medical professionals across four provinces in Poland: Mazovia, Łódź, Świętokrzyskie, and Lublin. The survey tool, based on a comprehensive literature review, comprised dichotomous questions and specific queries to gather explicit insights. A 5-point Likert scale was implemented to capture nuanced perceptions. Additionally, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) was utilized to ascertain the correlation between workplace organization and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results: A noteworthy 84.6% of participants believed their employers could enhance safety measures, highlighting a discrepancy between healthcare workers’ expectations and organizational implementations. Major concerns encompassed the demand for improved personal protective equipment (44.6%), structured debriefing sessions (40%), distinct building entrances and exits (38.8%), and psychological support (38.3%). Statistical analyses showcased significant variations in ‘Avoidance’ and ‘Overall PTSD Score’ between individuals who had undergone epidemic safety procedure training and those who had not. Conclusions: The results illuminate the imperative for healthcare organizations to remain agile, attentive, and deeply compassionate, especially during worldwide health emergencies. Despite showcasing remarkable resilience during the pandemic, medical professionals ardently seek an environment that underscores their safety and mental well-being. These findings reinforce the call for healthcare institutions and policymakers to champion a forward-thinking, employee-focused approach. Additionally, the data suggest a potential avenue for future research focusing on specific demographic groups, further enriching our understanding and ensuring a more comprehensive readiness for impending health crises.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of the Intratubular Radicular Dentin Penetration of Calcium Hydroxide, Triple Antibiotic Paste, and Nitrofurantoin
Authors: Khanvilkar Unmesh , Pawar Sanika , Bandekar Siddhesh , Dhok Vaishnavi , Arora Suraj , Pawar Ajinkya M. , Pagnoni Francesco , Reda Rodolfo , Testarelli Luca
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to assess and analyze the intratubular penetration of the intracanal medications nitrofurantoin (Nit), triple antibiotic paste (TAP), and calcium hydroxide (CH). Sixty freshly extracted single-rooted teeth were acquired and decoronated to a standard length of 15 mm. To prepare specimens up to size F3, rotary ProTaper instrumentation was employed. The prepared teeth were divided into three groups, each of which received one of the tested intracanal medicaments: Group I (calcium hydroxide), Group II (triple antibiotic paste), and Group III (nitrofurantoin). Using a size #30 Lentulo spiral, a freshly prepared therapeutic paste was placed into the canals, and the intracanal medicaments were allowed to set in the incubator at 100% humidity. The samples were subsequently sliced perpendicularly to their long axis using a precision saw and assessed under a scanning electron microscope to assess the depth of penetration of intracanal medicaments at the coronal, middle, and apical portions of the root canal dentin. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the experimental groups in the quantity and depth of sealer penetration (p < 0.05). In particular, as compared to the Nit group, both the CH and TAP groups had significantly smaller penetration areas (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this ongoing investigation indicates that nitrofurantoin penetrated dentinal tubules better than calcium hydroxide or triple antibiotic paste.
Comparing Two Saline-Gypseous Wetland Soils in NE Spain
Authors: Herrero Juan , Castañeda Carmen
Published: October 2023

Small (<1 km2) saline wetlands scattered across the landscape often go unnoticed or are threatened by urbanization or other interventions, despite their role as biodiversity shelters. This study is needed to show methods for monitoring this specific kind of wetland, and to guide the selection of analytical techniques. We provide data and comparisons for salient soil traits of two quasi-pristine gypsiferous and saline wetlands named Farrachuela (FA) and Agustín (AG). The soil characteristics presented in this article are a more sensitive indicator of their ecological status than some of the most used indicators, such as birds and plants. We found significant differences between the two saladas in percent water saturation, equivalent calcium carbonate, gypsum content, and soil salinity expressed as electrical conductivity both of 1:5 soil-to-water ratio and of saturation extracts. The differences were also significant in the concentrations of Mg2+, Na+, and Cl−, while they were non-significant for Ca2+, HCO32−, and SO42−. The mean contents of the six ions were lower in FA than in AG. Both pH and sodium adsorption ratios were significantly different between the two wetlands. The data are mainly examined and plotted by displaying their non-parametric statistics, a synoptic approach that will allow us to monitor the evolution of the wetlands against both traditional agricultural pressures and emerging green energy infrastructures. Last but not least, we discuss the shortcomings of some standard laboratory methods when applied to gypsum-rich soils.
Surface Engineering of Bioactive Coatings for Improved Stent Hemocompatibility: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Raikar Amisha S. , Priya Sushma , Bhilegaonkar Shilpa P. , Somnache Sandesh N. , Kalaskar Deepak M.
Published: October 2023

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major contributor to illness and death on a global scale, and the implementation of stents has given rise to a revolutionary transformation in the field of interventional cardiology. The thrombotic and restenosis complications associated with stent implantation pose ongoing challenges. In recent years, bioactive coatings have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance stent hemocompatibility and reduce thrombogenicity. This review article provides an overview of the surface engineering techniques employed to improve the hemocompatibility of stents and reduce thrombus formation. It explores the mechanisms underlying thrombosis and discusses the factors influencing platelet activation and fibrin formation on stent surfaces. Various bioactive coatings, including anticoagulant agents, antiplatelet agents, and surface modifications, are discussed in detail, highlighting their potential in reducing thrombogenicity. This article also highlights a multitude of surface modification techniques which can be harnessed to enhance stent hemocompatibility including plasma treatment, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and electrodeposition. These techniques offer precise control over surface properties such as roughness, charge, and composition. The ultimate goal is to reduce platelet adhesion, tailor wettability, or facilitate the controlled release of bioactive agents. Evaluation methods for assessing hemocompatibility and thrombogenicity are also reviewed, ranging from in vitro assays to animal models. Recent advances in the field, such as nanotechnology-based coatings and bioactive coatings with controlled drug release systems, are highlighted. Surface engineering of bioactive coatings holds great promise for enhancing the long-term outcomes of stent implantation by enhancing hemocompatibility and reducing thrombogenicity. Future research directions and potential clinical applications are discussed, underscoring the need for continued advancements in this field.
Finite-Element-Analysis-Based Study of a Failure Phenomenon in HDPE Pipes
Authors: Teodorescu Draghicescu Horatiu , Scutaru Maria Luminita , Vlase Sorin
Published: October 2023

In pipes made of HDPE used in city water supply networks, a specific type of failure is commonly noted, called the parrot’s beak failure. It requires expensive intervention. The prediction and study of the development of this defect, therefore, requires thorough research. In this work, the finite element method is used to study the mechanism of the occurrence and development of this defect. Two examples of the calculation for the concrete case of some tubes used in a water supply network are presented. This study is important for the designers of such networks, to predict and prevent the occurrence of this defect that can lead to unwanted network downtime and high repair costs.
Influence of Lamination Conditions of EVA Encapsulation on Photovoltaic Module Durability
Authors: Wu Dan , Wessel Patrick , Zhu Jiang , Montiel-Chicharro Daniel , Betts Thomas R. , Mordvinkin Anton , Gottschalg Ralph
Published: October 2023

Encapsulation is a well-known impact factor on the durability of Photovoltaics (PV) modules. Currently there is a lack of understanding on the relationship between lamination process and module durability. In this paper, the effects of different lamination parameters on the encapsulant stability due to stress testing have been investigated from both on-site production quality and long-term stability viewpoints. Rather than focusing on single stability factors, this paper evaluates lamination stability using a number of indicators including EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) curing level, voids generation, chemical stability, optical stability, and adhesion strength. The influences of EVA curing level on the stability of other properties are also discussed. It is shown that laminates stability increases with increasing curing level to an upper limit, beyond which leading to the formation of voids, reduced transmittance stability, discoloration, and unstable interfaces. A minimum gel content is identified but an upper limit should not be surpassed. The best range of gel content for the materials tested here is 84–90%. Samples with gel content below 70% show low chemical and optical stability, weak adhesion strength, and EVA flowing. Laminates with gel content over 92% are more likely to become yellow and are less stable in adhesion.
Recovery of Phosphorus and Metals from the Ash of Sewage Sludge, Municipal Solid Waste, or Wood Biomass: A Review and Proposals for Further Use
Authors: Tominc Sara , Ducman Vilma , Wisniewski Wolfgang , Luukkonen Tero , Kirkelund Gunvor M. , Ottosen Lisbeth M.
Published: October 2023

This review provides an overview of methods to extract valuable resources from the ash fractions of sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, and wood biomass combustion. The resources addressed here include critical raw materials, such as phosphorus, base and precious metals, and rare earth elements for which it is increasingly important to tap into secondary sources in addition to the mining of primary raw materials. The extraction technologies prioritized in this review are based on recycled acids or excess renewable energy to achieve an optimum environmental profile for the extracted resources and provide benefits in the form of local industrial symbioses. The extraction methods cover all scarce and valuable chemical elements contained in the ashes above certain concentration limits. Another important part of this review is defining potential applications for the mineral residues remaining after extraction. Therefore, the aim of this review is to combine the knowledge of resource extraction technology from ashes with possible applications of mineral residues in construction and related sectors to fully close material cycle loops.
Microbubble Oxidation for Fe2+ Removal from Hydrochloric Acid Laterite Ore Leachate
Authors: Xu Ziyang , Wang Yu , Zhu Boyuan , Wei Guangye , Ma Fei , Yu Zhihui , Qu Jingkui
Published: October 2023

After the atmospheric hydrochloric acid leaching method is used to treat laterite ore and initially purify it, the extract that results often contains a significant amount of Fe2+ impurities. A novel metallurgical process has been proposed that utilizes microbubble aeration to oxidize Fe2+ ions in laterite hydrochloric acid lixivium, facilitating subsequent separation and capitalizing on the benefits of microbubble technology, including its expansive specific surface area, negatively charged surface attributes, prolonged stagnation duration, and its capacity to produce active oxygen. The study examined the impacts of aeration aperture, stirring speed, oxygen flow rate, pH value, and reaction temperature. Under optimized experimental conditions, which included an aeration aperture of 0.45 µm, stirring at 500 rpm, a bubbling flow rate of 0.4 L/min, pH level maintained at 3.5, and a temperature range of 75–85 °C, the oxidation efficiency of Fe2+ surpassed 99%. An analysis of the mass transfer process revealed that microbubble aeration markedly enhances the oxygen mass transfer coefficient, measured at 0.051 s−1. The study also confirmed the self-catalytic properties of Fe2+ oxidation and conducted kinetic studies to determine an apparent activation energy of 399 kJ/mol. At pH values below 3.5, the reaction is solely governed by chemical reactions; however, at higher pH values (>3.5), both chemical reactions and oxygen dissolution jointly control the reaction.