bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro and split-faced placebo-controlled in vivo study on the skin rejuvenating effects of cream loaded with bioactive extract of Indigofera argentea Burm.f
Authors: Arshad Tahreem , Shoaib Khan Haji Muhammad , Khan Kashif-ur-Rehman , Al-Roujayee Abdulaziz S. , Mohany Mohamed , Ahmad Maqsood , Maryam Sana , Akram Muhammad Bilal , Shaukat Hasnain , Khursheed Umair , Aboul-Soud Mourad A. M.
Published: April 2024

The bioactive extracts of traditional medicinal plants are rich in polyphenols and help to rejuvenate skin. The study was designed to assess the skin rejuvenating effects of a stable cream enriched with 4% I. argentea (IaMe) extract. The quantity of polyphenols by spectrophotometric methods was TPC, 101.55 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content; 77.14 ± 0.13 mg QE/g, while HPLC-PDA revealed gallic acid; 4.91, chlorogenic acid 48.12, p-coumaric acid 0.43, and rutin 14.23 μg/g. The significant results of biological activities were observed as DPPH; 81.81% ± 0.05%, tyrosinase; 72% ± 0.23% compared to ascorbic acid (92.43% ± 0.03%), and kojic acid (78.80% ± 0.19%) respectively. Moreover, the promising sun protection effects Sun protection factor of extract (20.53) and formulation (10.59) were observed. The active cream formulation (w/o emulsion) was developed with liquid paraffin, beeswax, IaMe extract, and ABIL EM 90, which was stable for 90 days as shown by various stability parameters. The rheological results demonstrated the active formulation’s non-Newtonian and pseudo-plastic characteristics and nearly spherical globules by SEM. The IaMe loaded cream was further investigated on human trial subjects for skin rejuvenating effects and visualized in 3D skin images. Herein, the results were significant compared to placebo. IaMe formulation causes a substantial drop in skin melanin from −1.70% (2 weeks) to −10.8% (12 weeks). Furthermore, it showed a significant increase in skin moisture and elasticity index from 7.7% to 39.15% and 2%–30%, respectively. According to the findings, Indigofera argentea extract has promising bioactivities and skin rejuvenating properties, rationalizing the traditional use and encouraging its exploitation for effective and economical cosmeceuticals.
On the approximations to fractional nonlinear damped Burger’s-type equations that arise in fluids and plasmas using Aboodh residual power series and Aboodh transform iteration methods
Authors: Noor Saima , Albalawi Wedad , Shah Rasool , Al-Sawalha M. Mossa , Ismaeel Sherif M. E. , El-Tantawy S. A.
Published: April 2024

Damped Burger’s equation describes the characteristics of one-dimensional nonlinear shock waves in the presence of damping effects and is significant in fluid dynamics, plasma physics, and other fields. Due to the potential applications of this equation, thus the objective of this investigation is to solve and analyze the time fractional form of this equation using methods with precise efficiency, high accuracy, ease of application and calculation, and flexibility in dealing with more complicated equations, which are called the Aboodh residual power series method and the Aboodh transform iteration method (ATIM) within the Caputo operator framework. Also, this study intends to further our understanding of the dynamic characteristics of solutions to the Damped Burger’s equation and to assess the effectiveness of the proposed methods in addressing nonlinear fractional partial differential equations. The two proposed methods are highly effective mathematical techniques for studying more complicated nonlinear differential equations. They can produce precise approximate solutions for intricate evolution equations beyond the specific examined equation. In addition to the proposed methods, the fractional derivatives are processed using the Caputo operator. The Caputo operator enhances the representation of fractional derivatives by providing a more accurate portrayal of the underlying physical processes. Based on the proposed two approaches, a set of approximations to damped Burger’s equation are derived. These approximations are discussed graphically and numerically by presenting a set of two- and three-dimensional graphs. In addition, these approximations are analyzed numerically in several tables, including the absolute error for each approximate solution compared to the exact solution for the integer case. Furthermore, the effect of the fractional parameter on the behavior of the derived approximations is examined and discussed.
Self-employed and stressed out? The impact of stress and stress management on entrepreneurs’ mental health and performance
Authors: Kiefl Sophia , Fischer Sophie , Schmitt Jan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Entrepreneurs play a central role in economic and social stability, yet the start-up rate in Germany has declined in recent years, possibly due to the stress associated with entrepreneurial endeavors. Stressors such as financial uncertainty and time pressure are prevalent among entrepreneurs and negatively affect their psychological well-being. However, research on stress management strategies among self-employed individuals remains limited.

Methods

This pilot study conducted a quantitative analysis with 117 self-employed participants in Germany. The study focused on typical entrepreneurial work demands and selected stress coping mechanisms.

Results

The analysis revealed a significant correlation between quantitative demands and mental exhaustion. Furthermore, a high positive correlation between presenteeism and workload suggests that presenteeism may partially explain the variance in workload. These findings underscore how high job demands can lead to self-endangering behaviors that are detrimental to mental health.

Discussion

Although no significant moderating effect of proactive coping on the relationship between job demands and mental exhaustion was observed, significant negative correlations between proactive coping and both job demands and mental exhaustion suggest a potential protective role of proactive coping against work-related stress. This study highlights the importance of understanding stress coping strategies among self-employed individuals and their impact on entrepreneurial success and mental well-being. Further research in this area is warranted to develop effective interventions to support the well-being and productivity of self-employed individuals in Germany.
Adverse childhood experience and depression: the role of gut microbiota
Authors: Bai Yu , Shu Chang , Hou Ying , Wang Gao-Hua
Published: April 2024

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder that burdens modern society heavily. Numerous studies have shown that adverse childhood experiences can increase susceptibility to depression, and depression with adverse childhood experiences has specific clinical-biological features. However, the specific neurobiological mechanisms are not yet precise. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota can influence brain function and behavior associated with depression through the “microbe-gut-brain axis” and that the composition and function of the gut microbiota are influenced by early stress. These studies offer a possibility that gut microbiota mediates the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and depression. However, few studies directly link adverse childhood experiences, gut microbiota, and depression. This article reviews recent studies on the relationship among adverse childhood experiences, gut microbiota, and depression, intending to provide insights for new research.
On the complex relationship between resilience and hair cortisol levels in adolescence despite parental physical abuse: a fourth wave of resilience research
Authors: Kassis Wassilis , Aksoy Dilan , Favre Céline Anne , Arnold Julia , Gaugler Stefan , Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Artz Sibylle , Magnuson Doug
Published: April 2024

Introduction

To understand the family’s role in adolescents’ mental health development and the connection to neurodevelopmental disorders related to experienced parental physical abuse, we first explored resilience pathways longitudinally and secondly, connected the identified patterns to adolescents’ hair cortisol levels that are rooted in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as the main stress response system and connected brain structure alterations.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal online questionnaire data for three consecutive high school years (from seventh to ninth grade) and four survey waves from a representative sample of n = 1609 high school students in Switzerland on violence–resilience pathways. Furthermore, we collected students’ hair samples from a subsample of n = 229 at survey wave 4. About 30% of the participating adolescents had been physically abused by their parents. Out of the overall sample, we drew a subsample of adolescents with parental abuse experiences (survey wave 1 n = 509; survey wave 2 n = 506; survey wave 3 n = 561; survey wave 4 n = 560).

Results

Despite the odds, about 20–30% of adolescents who have experienced parental physical abuse escaped the family violence cycle and can be called resilient. By applying a person-oriented analytical approach via latent class and transition analysis, we longitudinally identified and compared four distinct violence–resilience patterns. We identified violence resilience as a multidimensional latent construct, which includes hedonic and eudaimonic protective and risk indicators. Because resilience should not solely be operationalized based on the lack of psychopathology, our latent construct included both feeling good (hedonic indicators such as high levels of self-esteem and low levels of depression/anxiety and dissociation) and doing well (eudaimonic indicators such as high levels of self-determination and self-efficacy as well as low levels of aggression toward peers).

Discussion

The present study confirmed that higher cortisol levels significantly relate to the comorbid pattern (internalizing and externalizing symptoms), and further confirmed the presence of lasting alterations in brain structures. In this way, we corroborated the insight that when studying the resilience pathways and trajectories of abused adolescents, biological markers such as hair cortisol significantly enhance and deepen the understanding of the longitudinal mechanisms of psychological markers (e.g., self-determination, self-esteem, self-efficacy) that are commonly applied in questionnaires.
Neural correlates of recalled sadness, joy, and fear states: a source reconstruction EEG study
Authors: Proverbio Alice Mado , Cesati Federico
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The capacity to understand the others’ emotional states, particularly if negative (e.g. sadness or fear), underpins the empathic and social brain. Patients who cannot express their emotional states experience social isolation and loneliness, exacerbating distress. We investigated the feasibility of detecting non-invasive scalp-recorded electrophysiological signals that correspond to recalled emotional states of sadness, fear, and joy for potential classification.

Methods

The neural activation patterns of 20 healthy and right-handed participants were studied using an electrophysiological technique. Analyses were focused on the N400 component of Event-related potentials (ERPs) recorded during silent recall of subjective emotional states; Standardized weighted Low-resolution Electro-magnetic Tomography (swLORETA) was employed for source reconstruction. The study classified individual patterns of brain activation linked to the recollection of three distinct emotional states into seven regions of interest (ROIs).

Results

Statistical analysis (ANOVA) of the individual magnitude values revealed the existence of a common emotional circuit, as well as distinct brain areas that were specifically active during recalled sad, happy and fearful states. In particular, the right temporal and left superior frontal areas were more active for sadness, the left limbic region for fear, and the right orbitofrontal cortex for happy affective states.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of detecting scalp-recorded electrophysiological signals corresponding to internal and subjective affective states. These findings contribute to our understanding of the emotional brain, and have potential applications for future BCI classification and identification of emotional states in LIS patients who may be unable to express their emotions, thus helping to alleviate social isolation and sense of loneliness.
Development of an intervention to support parents receiving treatment in psychiatric inpatient hospital using participatory design methods
Authors: Dunn Abby , Fenton Patrick , Cartwright-Hatton Sam
Published: April 2024

Introduction

When parents of dependent children are treated in psychiatric inpatient hospital, it typically involves separation of parent and child for the duration of treatment, which can be highly distressing to the dyad and can result in disruption to the parent-child relationship. Parents who have experienced hospitalisation have expressed a desire for their parenting identity to be recognized and appropriately engaged with during their treatment. This recognition includes provision of interventions which support them as parents to limit the impact of their mental health on their children. The current study, the first of its kind known to have taken place, details a collaborative intervention development project for parents receiving inpatient care.

Methods

The current study, the first of its kind known to have taken place, details a collaborative intervention development project for parents receiving inpatient care. This project involved the adaptation and extension of a prior parenting-focused course for parents high in anxiety to meet the needs of parents being treated in inpatient settings. In the first two stages of the three-phase project, patients, carers and mental health practitioners contributed to the revision and delivery plan for the course including developing new content for the intervention. In the final stage, which took the form of a participatory evaluation, the intervention was delivered to 11 parents receiving inpatient treatment who then provided extensive feedback. A series of iterative adaptations to the intervention were made in response to this feedback alongside stakeholder input.

Results

The final intervention comprises five modules focused on exploring the experience of parents alongside specific learning and skills orientated toward boosting their connection with their children during hospitalisation and in readiness for discharge. Preliminary feedback from patients and ward staff has been positive and the process of delivering the project on inpatient wards was associated with no increase in negative clinical outcomes.

Discussion

The successful development of a targeted intervention within inpatient psychiatric units offers a signal that parents treated in this setting welcome the opportunity to be supported in their parenting role. As the first known UK intervention of its kind to be developed in partnership with patients, ward staff and management, it is specifically tailored to the context and needs of this group with the potential to be delivered by a range of health professionals in this setting.
The impact of coping strategies and positive resources on post-traumatic stress symptoms among bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster
Authors: Lee So Hee , Noh Jin-Won , Kim Kyoung-Beom , Chae Jeong-Ho
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This study investigated the long-term prevalence of, and factors associated with, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster, in which 250 students lost their lives during a school excursion.

Methods

Eight years after the disaster, 181 family members were surveyed, and the prevalence of clinical PTSD symptoms was estimated. The Positive Resources Test (POREST), the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and the Brief COPE were evaluated using self-report measures. The multivariable binomial logistic regression was used to identify protective and risk factors for PTSD.

Results

PTSD symptoms were present in 49.7% of the family members 8 years after the incident. A one-point increase in the score on the optimism subscale of the POREST was associated with a 20.1% decreased likelihood of having clinical PTSD symptoms (OR = 0.799; p = 0.027; 95% CI = 0.655–0.975). Conversely, a one-point increase in the score on the avoidant subscale of Brief COPE was associated with a 13.2% increased likelihood of having clinical PTSD symptoms (OR = 1.132; p = 0.041; 95% CI = 1.005–1.274).

Discussion

Our results provide evidence of the need for long-term mental health monitoring of bereaved families of disaster victims, along with valuable insights for the development of mental health intervention programs.
Awareness and prevalence of self-reported benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Fahad , Madkhali Osama A. , Khardali Amani , Alqahtani Saad S. , Hijri Abdulrahman M. , Alaqil Mazen A. , Madkhali Yaseen A. , Otayn Zakaria Y. , Syed Nabeel Kashan
Published: April 2024

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition in older men, causing significant morbidity. Despite recent progress, essential concerns of the disease remain under-researched. This study aims to assess knowledge and estimate self-reported prevalence of BPH in Saudi Arabian men. Understanding BPH prevalence in Saudi Arabia is essential for healthcare planning, resource allocation, public awareness, early detection, intervention, research, and addressing regional variations.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022 using a validated questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods assessed knowledge of BPH among 559 adult Saudi men (mean age: 47.2 years) and its association with demographic variables.

Results

The self-reported prevalence rate of BPH for Saudi Arabian men was 12.0%. Most adults (74.2%) were aware that BPH is a risk factor for prostate cancer and 75% were aware of the increased risk of BPH in older people. Furthermore, 44.5% of participants associated nocturia with BPH, while 76.6% related urinary tract infection (UTI) with BPH. The study demonstrated a significant association between BPH awareness and marital status (p = 0.02), level of education (p = 0.02), and employment status (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

While men in Saudi Arabia generally had sufficient knowledge about BPH, there was a knowledge gap regarding certain risk factors like obesity and cardiac diseases. To address this, an educational program should be developed for both the general population and those at high risk of BPH.
Impact of influenza related hospitalization in Spain: characteristics and risk factor of mortality during five influenza seasons (2016 to 2021)
Authors: Ramos-Rincón José-Manuel , Pinargote-Celorio Héctor , González-de-la-Aleja Pilar , Sánchez-Payá José , Reus Sergio , Rodríguez-Díaz Juan-Carlos , Merino Esperanza
Published: April 2024

Background

Estimating the global influenza burden in terms of hospitalization and death is important for optimizing prevention policies. Identifying risk factors for mortality allows for the design of strategies tailored to groups at the highest risk. This study aims to (a) describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalizations with a diagnosis of influenza over five flu seasons (2016–2017 to 2020–2021), (b) assess the associated morbidity (hospitalization rates and ICU admissions rate), mortality and cost of influenza hospitalizations in different age groups and (c) analyze the risk factors for mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included all hospital admissions with a diagnosis of influenza in Spain for five influenza seasons. Data were extracted from the Spanish National Surveillance System for Hospital Data from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2021. We identified cases coded as having influenza as a primary or secondary diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, J09-J11). The hospitalization rate was calculated relative to the general population. Independent predictors of mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Over the five seasons, there were 127,160 hospitalizations with a diagnosis of influenza. The mean influenza hospitalization rate varied from 5/100,000 in 2020–2021 (COVID-19 pandemic) to 92.9/100,000 in 2017–2018. The proportion of influenza hospitalizations with ICU admission was 7.4% and was highest in people aged 40–59 years (13.9%). The case fatality rate was 5.8% overall and 9.4% in those aged 80 years or older. Median length of stay was 5 days (and 6 days in the oldest age group). In the multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for mortality were male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.08–1.20), age (<5 years: OR 1; 5–19 years: OR 2.02, 95%CI 1.17–3.49; 20–39 years: OR 4.11, 95% CI 2.67–6.32; 40–59 years: OR 8.15, 95% CI 5.60–11.87; 60–79 years: OR 15.10, 95% CI 10.44–21.84; ≥80 years: OR 33.41, 95% CI 23.10–48.34), neurological disorder (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.83–2.11), heart failure (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.74–1.96), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.25–1.41), chronic liver disease (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.68–3.27), cancer (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.48–2.24), coinfection with SARS-CoV2 (OR 3.17, 95% CI 2.34–4.28), influenza pneumonia (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.66–1.86) and admission to intensive care (OR 7.81, 95% CI 7.31–8.36).

Conclusion

Influenza entails a major public health burden. People aged over 60—and especially those over 80—show the longest hospital stays. Age is also the most significant risk factor for mortality, along with certain associated comorbidities.
Behavioral decision-making of government, agricultural product producers, and consumers on agricultural product quality and safety regulation in a digital environment
Authors: Huo Hong , Liu Xiangyu
Published: April 2024

The quality and safety of agricultural products are related to people’s lives and health, economic development, and social stability, and have always been a hot issue of concern to the government and society. The rapid development of digital traceability technology in the digital environment has brought new opportunities for the supervision of agricultural product quality and safety, but the frequent occurrence of agricultural product safety incidents in recent years has exposed many problems such as the lack of governmental supervision, unstandardized production process of enterprises, and weak consumer awareness. To improve the cooperation efficiency of stakeholders and ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products, this paper proposes a dynamic model based on evolutionary game theory. The model incorporates the government, agricultural product producers, and farmers, and evaluates the stability and effectiveness of the system under different circumstances. The results of the study show that there are multiple evolutionary stabilization strategies in the tripartite evolutionary game model of agricultural product quality and safety supervision, and there are corresponding evolutionary stabilization conditions. There are several factors affecting the stability of the system, the most important of which are government regulation, severe penalties for agricultural product producers, and incentives. When these factors reach a certain threshold, the stakeholder cooperation mechanism can establish an evolutionarily stable strategy. This study contributes to the understanding of the operational mechanism of stakeholder cooperation in agricultural product quality and safety regulation in the digital environment and provides decision support and policy recommendations for stakeholders to promote the sustainable development and optimization of agricultural product quality and safety regulation.
Immune-mediated disease caused by climate change-associated environmental hazards: mitigation and adaptation
Authors: Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi , Akdis Mubeccel , Al-Hemoud Ali , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Balmes John , Cecchi Lorenzo , Damialis Athanasios , Haahtela Tari , Haber Adam L. , Hart Jaime E. , Jutel Marek , Mitamura Yasutaka , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Oh Jae-Won , Ostadtaghizadeh Abbas , Pawankar Ruby , Prunicki Mary , Renz Harald , Rice Mary B. , Filho Nelson Augusto Rosario , Sampath Vanitha , Skevaki Chrysanthi , Thien Francis , Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia , Wong Gary W. K. , Nadeau Kari C.
Published: April 2024

Global warming and climate change have increased the pollen burden and the frequency and intensity of wildfires, sand and dust storms, thunderstorms, and heatwaves—with concomitant increases in air pollution, heat stress, and flooding. These environmental stressors alter the human exposome and trigger complex immune responses. In parallel, pollutants, allergens, and other environmental factors increase the risks of skin and mucosal barrier disruption and microbial dysbiosis, while a loss of biodiversity and reduced exposure to microbial diversity impairs tolerogenic immune development. The resulting immune dysregulation is contributing to an increase in immune-mediated diseases such as asthma and other allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. It is now abundantly clear that multisectoral, multidisciplinary, and transborder efforts based on Planetary Health and One Health approaches (which consider the dependence of human health on the environment and natural ecosystems) are urgently needed to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Key actions include reducing emissions and improving air quality (through reduced fossil fuel use), providing safe housing (e.g., improving weatherization), improving diets (i.e., quality and diversity) and agricultural practices, and increasing environmental biodiversity and green spaces. There is also a pressing need for collaborative, multidisciplinary research to better understand the pathophysiology of immune diseases in the context of climate change. New data science techniques, biomarkers, and economic models should be used to measure the impact of climate change on immune health and disease, to inform mitigation and adaptation efforts, and to evaluate their effectiveness. Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) considerations should be integral to these efforts to address disparities in the impact of climate change.
Physical Traits and Phenolic Compound Diversity in Maize Accessions with Blue-Purple Grain (Zea mays L.) of Mexican Races
Authors: Salinas-Moreno Yolanda , Santillán-Fernández Alberto , de la Torre Ivone Alemán , Ramírez-Díaz José Luis , Ledesma-Miramontes Alejandro , Martínez-Ortiz Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

Consumer interest in foods enriched with phytochemical compounds for health benefits has prompted plant breeders to focus on developing new cultivars with an enhanced content of specific compounds. Studies regarding the exploration of germplasms of species of great economic importance, such as maize, could be useful in this task. This study aimed to assess the physical grain traits and phenolic compound variations (including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins) in blue-purple maize accessions from various Mexican races. We examined 207 accessions from 21 Mexican maize races, evaluating physical grain traits such as weight of one hundred grains (W100G), endosperm type (ET), pigment location, and grain color. Phenolic composition analysis encompassed total soluble phenolics (TSP), total anthocyanin content (TAC), flavonoids (FLAV), and proanthocyanidins (PAs). The predominant endosperm type was floury, with W100G values indicating a large grain size and the pigment primarily located in the aleurone layer. Among phenolic composition variables, only TSP exhibited a normal distribution, while others skewed towards the left side. A hierarchical analysis of phenolic composition data revealed three distinct groups comprising different numbers of Mexican varieties, with TAC proving the most effective for grouping. Our comprehensive exploration of maize diversity featuring blue-purple grain coloration has led to the identification of novel maize varieties with outstanding phenolic contents.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis on Rose Growth Promotion and Rhizosphere Microbial Community Changes under Saline–Alkaline Stress
Authors: Zou Meng , Yu Kai , Liu Hao , Sheng Qianqian , Zhang Yuanlan
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the impact of Bacillus subtilis on plant growth and the rhizosphere microbial community in rose cultivation under saline–alkaline stress. Saline–alkaline stress was simulated with varying salt and alkali levels. Bacillus subtilis was introduced, and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was conducted to analyze the root microbial community. Introduction of Bacillus subtilis significantly promoted rose growth and mitigated saline–alkaline stress effects. Gene sequencing revealed increased abundance of microbial genera, such as Tessaracoccus, Intrasporangium, Glutamicibacter, Agrobacterium, Saccharibacteria, Falsochrobactrum, Mesorhizobium, Bacillus, Ensifer, and Ornithinicoccus, under normal and saline–alkaline conditions, while functional changes in colony abundance were observed under different environments through PICRUST2 analysis. Bacillus subtilis demonstrated potential in enhancing rose growth and stress resistance under saline–alkaline conditions, affecting the regulation of the root microbial community. This study provides insights for improving soil conditions and enhancing plant adaptability in saline–alkaline regions.
Overexpression of Chalcone Isomerase-like Genes, GmCHI4A and GmCHI4B, Enhances Salt Tolerance of Cotyledon Hairy Roots and Composite Plant in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Zhang Jinhao , Wang Ying , Li Jingwen , Zhu Youcheng , Wang Le , Li Zhiqi , Liu Yajing , Yan Fan , Wang Qingyu
Published: April 2024

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is an important enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, one that is crucial in both plant defense and human health. Although many CHI genes have been previously identified, the function of CHI-like genes in soybean remains unclear. In this study, we cloned the CHI-like genes GmCHI4A and GmCHI4B (GmCHI4s) in soybean. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that GmCHI4s were expressed primarily in soybean root, but were also present in other tissues, including the stem, leaf, and seed with a low expression level. Overexpression of GmCHI4s was able to significantly improve some beneficial traits of the transformed hair roots of cotyledon or composite plants under salt stress conditions. Root length, root wet weight, and the underground biomass was increased, and the elevation of MDA content was inhibited under 100 mmol L−1 or 150 mmol L−1 NaCl treatment. Leaf chlorophyll content was elevated in overexpressed GmCHI4A composite plants under 150 mmol L−1 NaCl treatment. The expression levels of salt-stress-related genes GmSOD1, GmAPX1, GmSOS1, and GmNHX1 were significantly upregulated in overexpressed GmCHI4 hairy roots compared to that in empty-vector-expressed hairy roots. The above results indicated GmCHI4s’ potential action against salt stress. Furthermore, overexpression of GmCHI4A and GmCHI4B increased the total isoflavone content by six times and three times, respectively. Glycitin and glycitein levels were significantly elevated in the overexpressed GmCHI4A hairy roots, while glycitin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein were significantly increased in overexpressed GmCHI4B hairy roots. This study identified a new function of the CHI-like gene, as well as providing a new selected gene for salt tolerance and isoflavone improvement using biotechnological approaches in soybean.
Genetic Characterization of European Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Accessions from Norway Using ECPGR-Selected SSR Markers
Authors: Meland Mekjell , Frøynes Oddmund , Fotirić Akšić Milica , Pojskić Naris , Kalamujić Stroil Belma , Miralem Merima , Konjić Almira , Gasi Fuad
Published: April 2024

In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the conservation process of Norwegian plum germplasm, as well as to enhance the possibility of its utilization, a central plum heritage cultivar collection was established in 2020. In this study, 40 plum accessions maintained at the Ullensvang plum heritage cultivar collection were genetically characterized using a set of nine microsatellite markers recently approved by the ECPGR Prunus working group. The obtained molecular data were used to investigate the genetic identity, diversity, and structure among the analyzed accessions. No redundancies were detected among the plum accessions, which is in stark contrast to the previous molecular study on plum samples collected through an on-farm inventory of Southern Norway. Furthermore, the obtained data indicate that the Ullensvang collection contains a significant genetic diversity of Norwegian plum germplasm, previously held in decentralized sites. With that in mind, this collection can certainly be considered for the role of the National Clonal Plum Germplasm Repository. The nine microsatellite markers, recommended by ECPGR, revealed a genetic structure not entirely tied to previously proposed pomological groups, possibly indicating a history of hybridization among members of the various groups.
Identification of Growth-Related Gene BAMBI and Analysis of Gene Structure and Function in the Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Niu Ruigang , Zhang Xiaojun , Yu Yang , Bao Zhenning , Yang Junqing , Yuan Jianbo , Li Fuhua
Published: April 2024

As one of the most important aquaculture species in the world, the improvement of growth traits of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), has always been a primary focus. In this study, we conducted SNP-specific locus analysis and identified a growth-related gene, BAMBI, in L. vannamei. We analyzed the structure and function of LvBAMBI using genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and RNA interference (RNAi) assays. The LvBAMBI possessed highly conserved structural domains and widely expressed in various tissues. Knockdown of LvBAMBI significantly inhibited the gain of body length and weight of the shrimp, underscoring its role as a growth-promoting factor. Specifically, knockdown of LvBAMBI resulted in a significant downregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, protein synthesis, catabolism and transport, and immunity. Conversely, genes related to glucose metabolism exhibited significant upregulations. Analysis of differential metabolites (DMs) in metabolomics further revealed that LvBAMBI knockdown may primarily affect shrimp growth by regulating biological processes related to lipid and glucose metabolism. These results suggested that LvBAMBI plays a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and protein transport in shrimp. This study provides valuable insights for future research and utilization of BAMBI genes in shrimp and crustaceans.
Capsaicin as a Dietary Additive for Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis on Performance, Milk Composition, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Serum Metabolites
Authors: Orzuna-Orzuna José Felipe , Godina-Rodríguez Juan Eduardo , Garay-Martínez Jonathan Raúl , Lara-Bueno Alejandro
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with capsaicin (CAP) on productive performance, milk composition, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and serum metabolites of dairy cows using a meta-analytical approach. The database included 13 studies, from which the response variables of interest were obtained. Data were analyzed using a random effects model, and results were expressed as weighted mean differences between treatments supplemented with and without CAP. Dietary supplementation with CAP increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake, milk yield, feed efficiency, milk fat yield, and milk fat content. However, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) milk protein and lactose yield, milk urea nitrogen, or milk somatic cell count. Greater (p < 0.05) apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was observed in response to the dietary inclusion of CAP. Likewise, supplementation with CAP increased (p < 0.05) the rumen concentration of total volatile fatty acids. In contrast, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) ruminal pH or the ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In blood serum, CAP supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the glucose concentration and decreased (p < 0.05) the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids. However, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) the serum concentration of urea and beta-hydroxybutyrate. In conclusion, capsaicin can be used as a dietary additive to improve the productive performance, milk composition, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows and, at the same time, improve the ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids and serum levels of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids.
Long-Term Region-Specific Mitochondrial Functionality Changes in Both Cerebral Hemispheres after fMCAo Model of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bahire Ksenija Lūcija , Maļuhins Reinis , Bello Fiona , Upīte Jolanta , Makarovs Aleksandrs , Jansone Baiba
Published: April 2024

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) refers to a secondary brain injury that results in mitochondrial dysfunction of variable extent, leading to neuronal cell damage. The impact of this process has mainly been studied in the short term, from the early hours up to one week after blood flow reperfusion, and in the ischemic hemisphere only. The focus of this study was to assess the long-term impacts of I/R on mitochondrial functionality using high-resolution fluorespirometry to evaluate state-dependent activities in both ischemic (ipsilateral) and non-ischemic (contralateral) hemispheres of male mice 60, 90, 120, and 180 days after I/R caused by 60-min-long filament-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (fMCAo). Our results indicate that in cortical tissues, succinate-supported oxygen flux (Complex I&II OXPHOS state) and H2O2 production (Complex II LEAK state) were significantly decreased in the fMCAo (stroke) group ipsilateral hemisphere compared to measurements in the contralateral hemisphere 60 and 90 days after stroke. In hippocampal tissues, during the Complex I&II ET state, mitochondrial respiration was generally lower in the ipsilateral compared to the contralateral hemisphere 90 days following stroke. An aging-dependent impact on mitochondria oxygen consumption following I/R injury was observed 180 days after surgery, wherein Complex I&II activities were lowest in both hemispheres. The obtained results highlight the importance of long-term studies in the field of ischemic stroke, particularly when evaluating mitochondrial bioenergetics in specific brain regions within and between separately affected cerebral hemispheres.
An Explicit Form of Ramp Function
Authors: Venetis John Constantine
Published: April 2024

In this paper, an analytical exact form of the ramp function is presented. This seminal function constitutes a fundamental concept of the digital signal processing theory and is also involved in many other areas of applied sciences and engineering. In particular, the ramp function is performed in a simple manner as the pointwise limit of a sequence of real and continuous functions with pointwise convergence. This limit is zero for strictly negative values of the real variable x, whereas it coincides with the independent variable x for strictly positive values of the variable x. Here, one may elucidate beforehand that the pointwise limit of a sequence of continuous functions can constitute a discontinuous function, on the condition that the convergence is not uniform. The novelty of this work, when compared to other research studies concerning analytical expressions of the ramp function, is that the proposed formula is not exhibited in terms of miscellaneous special functions, e.g., gamma function, biexponential function, or any other special functions, such as error function, hyperbolic function, orthogonal polynomials, etc. Hence, this formula may be much more practical, flexible, and useful in the computational procedures, which are inserted into digital signal processing techniques and other engineering practices.
Hydrological Drought and Flood Projection in the Upper Heihe River Basin Based on a Multi-GCM Ensemble and the Optimal GCM
Authors: Li Zhanling , Ye Yingtao , Lv Xiaoyu , Bai Miao , Li Zhanjie
Published: April 2024

To ensure water use and water resource security along “the Belt and Road”, the runoff and hydrological droughts and floods under future climate change conditions in the upper Heihe River Basin were projected in this study, based on the observed meteorological and runoff data from 1987 to 2014, and data from 10 GCMs from 1987 to 2014 and from 2026 to 2100, using the SWAT model, the Standardized Runoff Index, run length theory, and the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method. Both the multi-GCM ensemble (MME) and the optimal model were used to assess future hydrological drought and flood responses to climate change. The results showed that (1) the future multi-year average runoff from the MME was projected to be close to the historical period under the SSP245 scenario and to increase by 2.3% under the SSP585 scenario, and those from the optimal model CMCC-ESM2 were projected to decrease under both scenarios; (2) both the MME and the optimal model showed that drought duration and flood intensity in the future were projected to decrease, while drought intensity, drought peak, flood duration, and flood peak were projected to increase under both scenarios in their multi-year average levels; (3) drought duration was projected to decrease most after 2080, and drought intensity, flood duration, and flood peak were projected to increase most after 2080, according to the MME. The MME and the optimal model reached a consensus on the sign of hydrological extreme characteristic responses to climate change, but showed differences in the magnitude of trends.
GDF-15 Levels and Other Laboratory Findings as Predictors of COVID-19 Severity and Mortality: A Pilot Study
Authors: Švitek Luka , Lišnjić Dubravka , Grubišić Barbara , Zlosa Mihaela , Schönberger Ema , Vlahović Vlašić Nika , Smajić Petra , Sabadi Dario , Rolić Tara , Kralik Kristina , Mandić Sanja
Published: April 2024

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a stress-induced cytokine associated with acute and chronic inflammatory states. This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prognostic roles of GDF-15 and routine clinical laboratory parameters in COVID-19 patients. Upon the admission of 95 adult hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Croatia, blood analysis was performed, and medical data were collected. The patients were categorized based on survival, ICU admission, and hospitalization duration. Logistic regression and ROC curve methods were employed for the statistical analysis. Logistic regression revealed two independent predictors of negative outcomes: CURB-65 score (OR = 2.55) and LDH (OR = 1.005); one predictor of ICU admission: LDH (OR = 1.004); and one predictor of prolonged hospitalization: the need for a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) upon admission (OR = 4.75). The ROC curve showed diagnostic indicators of negative outcomes: age, CURB-65 score, LDH, and GDF-15. The largest area under the curve (AUC = 0.767, specificity = 65.6, sensitivity = 83.9) was represented by GDF-15, with a cutoff value of 3528 pg/mL. For ICU admission, significant diagnostic indicators were LDH, CRP, and IL-6. Significant diagnostic indicators of prolonged hospitalization were CK, GGT, and oxygenation with an HFNC upon admission. This study reaffirms the significance of the commonly used laboratory parameters and clinical scores in evaluating COVID-19. Additionally, it introduces the potential for a new diagnostic approach and research concerning GDF-15 levels in this widespread disease.
Tadalafil for Treatment of Fetal Growth Restriction: A Review of Experimental and Clinical Studies
Authors: Maki Shintaro , Takakura Sho , Tsuji Makoto , Magawa Shoichi , Tamaishi Yuya , Nii Masafumi , Kaneda Michiko , Yoshida Kenta , Toriyabe Kuniaki , Kondo Eiji , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: April 2024

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major concern in perinatal care. Various medications have been proposed as potential treatments for this serious condition. Nonetheless, there is still no definitive treatment. We studied tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, as a therapeutic agent for FGR in clinical studies and animal experiments. In this review, we summarize our preclinical and clinical data on the use of tadalafil for FGR. Our studies in mouse models indicated that tadalafil improved FGR and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A phase II trial we conducted provided evidence supporting the efficacy of tadalafil in prolonging pregnancy (52.4 vs. 36.8 days; p = 0.03) and indicated a good safety profile for fetuses and neonates. Fetal, neonatal, and infant mortality was significantly lower in mothers receiving tadalafil treatment than that in controls (total number: 1 vs. 7, respectively; p = 0.03), and no severe adverse maternal events associated with tadalafil were observed. Although further studies are needed to establish the usefulness of tadalafil in FGR treatment, our research indicates that the use of tadalafil in FGR treatment may be a paradigm shift in perinatal care.
Liquid Biopsy for Detection of Pancreaticobiliary Cancers by Functional Enrichment and Immunofluorescent Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells and Their Clusters
Authors: Gaya Andrew , Rohatgi Nitesh , Limaye Sewanti , Shreenivas Aditya , Ajami Ramin , Akolkar Dadasaheb , Datta Vineet , Srinivasan Ajay , Patil Darshana
Published: April 2024

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have historically been used for prognostication in oncology. We evaluate the performance of liquid biopsy CTC assay as a diagnostic tool in suspected pancreaticobiliary cancers (PBC). The assay utilizes functional enrichment of CTCs followed by immunofluorescent profiling of organ-specific markers. The performance of the assay was first evaluated in a multicentric case-control study of blood samples from 360 participants, including 188 PBC cases (pre-biopsy samples) and 172 healthy individuals. A subsequent prospective observational study included pre-biopsy blood samples from 88 individuals with suspicion of PBC and no prior diagnosis of cancer. CTCs were harvested using a unique functional enrichment method and used for immunofluorescent profiling for CA19.9, Maspin, EpCAM, CK, and CD45, blinded to the tissue histopathological diagnosis. TruBlood® malignant or non-malignant predictions were compared with tissue diagnoses to establish sensitivity and specificity. The test had 95.9% overall sensitivity (95% CI: 86.0–99.5%) and 92.3% specificity (95% CI: 79.13% to 98.38%) to differentiate PBC (n = 49) from benign conditions (n = 39). The high accuracy of the CTC-based TruBlood test demonstrates its potential clinical application as a diagnostic tool to assist the effective detection of PBC when tissue sampling is unviable or inconclusive.