bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil and Residual Stand Disturbances after Harvesting in Close-to-Nature Managed Forests
Authors: Allman Michal , Dudáková Zuzana , Jankovský Martin , Juško Vladimír , Merganič Ján
Published: April 2023

Close-to-nature forestry is a viable option to manage forests that are resilient to the challenges presented by climate change. The new silvicultural schemes necessitate adapting the operational side, posing challenges to productivity and the environmental effects of harvesting machinery and technologies. This study focused on analysing the disturbance of residual stands and forest soils in stands that were being restructured into multistorey, close-to-nature managed ones using low-impact forest harvesting technologies. Measurements were performed in four stands after logging, divided into 30 sample plots with dimensions of 20 × 20 m. Within the plots, the disturbance of the residual stands and changes to the soil parameters, such as the soil bulk density (g·cm−3) and soil penetration resistance (MPa), were measured. The results showed that the intensity of the residual stand disturbance reached between 13% and 23% and was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the intensity of the performed harvesting operations. The mean size of the wounds was between 38.99 and 233.05 cm2, and wounds were most frequently in the size category of 11–50 cm2. Regarding soil disturbance, Spearman’s correlation showed a significant relationship (p ˂ 0.05) between the longitudinal slope and soil bulk density in the rut of the trail. The relative increase in BD showed that the largest increase occurred between the stand (undisturbed) and rut locations (12.5% to 24.77%). Penetration resistance measurements were affected by low moisture content and high coarse fragment content. Subsequently, Spearman’s correlation did not show (p > 0.05) a relationship between the soil bulk density and penetration resistance. Therefore, we can conclude that, from an environmental perspective, the proposed technologies are viable options for foresters who manage close-to-nature forests, and there was less disturbance of residual stands and forest soil caused by harvesting machinery.
The More the Merrier or the Fewer the Better Fare? Effects of Stand Density on Tree Growth and Climatic Response in a Scots Pine Plantation
Authors: Kholdaenko Yulia A. , Babushkina Elena A. , Belokopytova Liliana V. , Zhirnova Dina F. , Koshurnikova Nataly N. , Yang Bao , Vaganov Eugene A.
Published: April 2023

In forests, the growth and productivity of individual trees and stands as a whole are regulated by stand density among other factors, because access to vital resources is limited by competition between trees. On 18 experimental plots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) planted with a density of 500–128,000 trees/ha in the south taiga (Middle Siberia), interactions between stand density, tree- and stand-scale productivity, and tree-ring parameters were investigated. Tree-scale productivity variables, tree-ring width, and latewood width had stable negative allometric relationships with stand density (R2 > 0.75), except for tree height (insignificant for inventory surveys at ages of 20 and 25 years; R2 > 0.4 at the age of 35 years), while positive allometry was registered for stand productivity variables (R2 > 0.7) and the all-time average latewood ratio (R2 = 0.5 with planting density). Tree-ring parameters aside from the age trends correlate (p < 0.05) between the plots and demonstrate common responses to moderate moisture deficit. Although, its seasonality apparently depends on the resource base and intensity changes with stand density. February–June precipitation is more important for pine growth in dense stands, July–August conditions affect the latewood ratio stronger in sparse stands, and medium-density stands are more resistant to winter frosts.
Uncovering the Effects of the Cultivation Condition on Different Forms of Peptaibol’s Emericellipsins Production from an Alkaliphilic Fungus, Emericellopsis alkalina
Authors: Kuvarina Anastasia E. , Sukonnikov Maxim A. , Timofeeva Alla V. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Baratova Ludmila A. , Buzurnyuk Mikhail N. , Golyshkin Alexander V. , Georgieva Marina L. , Sadykova Vera S.
Published: April 2023

Peptaibols (Paib) are a class of biologically active peptides isolated from fungi and molds, which have attracted the attention of medicinal chemists due to their widely ranging pharmacological properties, including their antimicrobial activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of various pH levels and cultivation conditions on peptaibol complex emericellipsins A-E (EmiA-E), produced by the alkaliphilic fungus Emericellopsis alkalina. Paib production has been studied in flasks and bioreactors for different pH values ranging from 7 to 11. The study of morphological features based on light and scanning electron microscopy has revealed differences between fungi grown at different pH values and cultivation conditions. Emericellipsins have been purified, sequenced, and identified by mass spectrometry. We have found that an alkaline pH of 10 could promote emericellipsins’ biosynthesis most effectively during stationary fermentation on the 14th day of cultivation.
Effect of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7602-Fermented Antler on Sarcopenia in Mice
Authors: Jeon Hyejin , Lee Kippeum , Kim Joo-Yun , Shim Jae-Jung , Lee Jung-Lyoul
Published: April 2023

Sarcopenia, commonly found in the elderly, causes a decrease in muscle mass and function. Lactobacillus curvatus HY7602-fermented antler (FA) is a functional food that increases muscle strength and ameliorates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of FA on age-related muscle atrophy and its mechanism of action using 100-week-old BALB/c mice. Physiological changes during fermentation were investigated. The results showed that the oral administration of FA substantially recovered muscle loss up to 23.6% and improved physical performance, such as treadmill running distance and limb grip strength, in aged mice. A gene expression analysis of muscle fibers showed that the effect of FA on age-related muscle atrophy was significantly associated with the inhibition of protein degradation and apoptosis, muscle fiber regeneration, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, the acetate and butyrate contents increased by more than 50% during the fermentation of antler. In conclusion, FA can be considered as a functional food ingredient capable of effectively controlling muscle atrophy caused by aging and can be a novel alternative treatment for sarcopenia.
Watermarking Protocols: A Short Guide for Beginners
Authors: Frattolillo Franco
Published: April 2023

Watermarking protocols, in conjunction with digital watermarking technologies, make it possible to trace back digital copyright infringers by identifying who has legitimately purchased digital content and then illegally shared it on the Internet. Although they can act as an effective deterrent against copyright violations, their adoption in the current web context is made difficult due to unresolved usability and performance issues. This paper aims at providing researchers with the basics needed to design watermarking protocols suited to the web context. It is focused on two important aspects. The first concerns the basic requirements that make a protocol usable by both web users and content providers, whereas the second concerns the security primitives and how they have been used to implement the most relevant examples of watermarking protocols documented in the literature. In this way, researchers can rely on a quick guide to getting started in the field of watermarking protocols.
Evaluation of Lithium-Ion Battery Performance under Variable Climatic Conditions: Influence on the Driving Range of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Armenta-Déu Carlos , Boucheix Benjamin
Published: April 2023

The goal of this paper is the evaluation of lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs) under variable climatic conditions to determine how the driving range of a vehicle is modified because of changes in battery performance caused by the variability of environmental conditions. The influence of sudden changes in ambient temperature on the performance of the battery that powers electric vehicles has been studied and analyzed. The study is focused on how trips across geographical zones with different climates affect the autonomy of an electric vehicle’s battery, and thus the driving range of the electric vehicle (EV). A model has been developed to reproduce on a laboratory scale the real conditions to which EVs are subject when circulating under fluctuating temperatures, which force the battery to operate in a transient or non-steady state. A simulation has been run for different climatic conditions to evaluate the performance of the battery and the driving range of the electric vehicle under variable operating conditions. A laboratory prototype has been designed and built to validate the modeling and to adjust the theoretical approach to experimental values through the corresponding correction factor in case significant deviations occur. The model has been validated for a simulated route that reproduces a real driving trip for specific geographical areas. The model indicates that there is a shortening in the global driving range of 43.5 km over a trip distance of 538 km, which means there is a reduction of 8%. The simulation has been applied to a specific geographical area in the nearby of the city of Lyon (France), for a temperature gap of 39 °C, from −6 °C to 33 °C, but can also be used for almost any other zones, although the reduction in driving range may vary because of specific climate conditions.
The Role of the Status-Quo in Dynamic Bargaining
Authors: Flamini Francesca
Published: April 2023

We analyze a dynamic bargaining game where parties can agree to implement a policy change, which is costly (beneficial) in the short-run but beneficial (costly) in the long-run. When the status-quo is endogenized (at least in some components), we show that the more farsighted party can induce their rival to accept the short-run costs of policy changes designed to generate benefits in the long-run. This is more common when players’ asymmetries are less pronounced, the status-quo is fully endogenized and the state depreciates more quickly.
Fighting for Routes: Resource Allocation among Competing Planners in Transportation Networks
Authors: Roman Charlotte , Turrini Paolo
Published: April 2023

In transportation networks, incomplete information is ubiquitous, and users often delegate their route choice to distributed route planners. To model and study these systems, we introduce network control games, consisting of multiple actors seeking to optimise the social welfare of their assigned subpopulations through resource allocation in an underlying nonatomic congestion game. We first analyse the inefficiency of the routing equilibria by calculating the Price of Anarchy for polynomial cost functions, and then, using an Asynchronous Advantage Actor–Critic algorithm implementation, we show that reinforcement learning agents are vulnerable to choosing suboptimal routing as predicted by the theory. Finally, we extend the analysis to allow vehicles to choose their route planner and study the associated equilibria. Our results can be applied to mitigate inefficiency issues arising in large transport networks with route controlled autonomous vehicles.
Lecithin as an Effective Modifier of the Transport Properties of Variously Crosslinked Hydrogels
Authors: Heger Richard , Zinkovska Natalia , Trudicova Monika , Kadlec Martin , Pekar Miloslav , Smilek Jiri
Published: April 2023

Transport properties are one of the most crucial assets of hydrogel samples, influencing their main application potential, i.e., as drug carriers. Depending on the type of drug or the application itself, it is very important to be able to control these transport properties in an appropriate manner. This study seeks to modify these properties by adding amphiphiles, specifically lecithin. Through its self-assembly, lecithin modifies the inner structure of the hydrogel, which affects its properties, especially the transport ones. In the proposed paper, these properties are studied mainly using various probes (organic dyes) to effectively simulate drugs in simple release diffusion experiments controlled by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Scanning electron microscopy was used to help characterize the diffusion systems. The effects of lecithin and its concentrations, as well as the effects of variously charged model drugs, were discussed. Lecithin decreases the values of the diffusion coefficient independently of the dye used and the type of crosslinking. The ability to influence transport properties is better observed in xerogel samples. The results, complementing previously published conclusions, showed that lecithin can alter a hydrogel’s structure and therefore its transport properties.
Association between HLA Class II Alleles/Haplotypes and Genomic Ancestry in Brazilian Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Nationwide Exploratory Study
Authors: Gomes Marília Brito , Rodrigues Vandilson , Santos Deborah Conte , Bôas Paulo Ricardo Villas , Silva Dayse A. , de Sousa Azulay Rossana Santiago , Dib Sergio Atala , Pavin Elizabeth João , Fernandes Virgínia Oliveira , Montenegro Junior Renan Magalhães , Felicio João Soares , Réa Rosangela , Negrato Carlos Antonio , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: April 2023

We aimed to identify HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 alleles/haplotypes associated with European, African, or Native American genomic ancestry (GA) in admixed Brazilian patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This exploratory nationwide study enrolled 1599 participants. GA percentage was inferred using a panel of 46 ancestry informative marker-insertion/deletion. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (ROC) was applied to identify HLA class II alleles related to European, African, or Native American GA, and showed significant (p < 0.05) accuracy for identifying HLA risk alleles related to European GA: for DRB1*03:01, the area under the curve was (AUC) 0.533; for DRB1*04:01 AUC = 0.558, for DRB1*04:02 AUC = 0.545. A better accuracy for identifying African GA was observed for the risk allele DRB1*09:01AUC = 0.679 and for the protective alleles DRB1*03:02 AUC = 0.649, DRB1*11:02 AUC = 0.636, and DRB1*15:03 AUC = 0.690. Higher percentage of European GA was observed in patients with risk haplotypes (p < 0.05). African GA percentage was higher in patients with protective haplotypes (p < 0.05). Risk alleles and haplotypes were related to European GA and protective alleles/haplotypes to African GA. Future studies with other ancestry markers are warranted to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the genetic origin of T1D in highly admixed populations such as that found in Brazil.
Being a Dog: A Review of the Domestication Process
Authors: Tancredi Domenico , Cardinali Irene
Published: April 2023

The process of canine domestication represents certainly one of the most interesting questions that evolutionary biology aims to address. A “multiphase” view of this process is now accepted, with a first phase during which different groups of wolves were attracted by the anthropogenic niche and a second phase characterized by the gradual establishment of mutual relationships between wolves and humans. Here, we provide a review of dog (Canis familiaris) domestication, highlighting the ecological differences between dogs and wolves, analyzing the molecular mechanisms which seem to have influenced the affiliative behaviors first observed in Belyaev’s foxes, and describing the genetics of ancient European dogs. Then, we focus on three Mediterranean peninsulas (Balkan, Iberian and Italian), which together represent the main geographic area for studying canine domestication dynamics, as it has shaped the current genetic variability of dog populations, and where a well-defined European genetic structure was pinpointed through the analysis of uniparental genetic markers and their phylogeny.
Evaluating the Usefulness of Human DNA Quantification to Predict DNA Profiling Success of Historical Bone Samples
Authors: Thomas Jacqueline Tyler , Cavagnino Courtney , Kjelland Katelyn , Anderson Elise , Sturk-Andreaggi Kimberly , Daniels-Higginbotham Jennifer , Amory Christina , Spatola Brian , Moran Kimberlee , Parson Walther , Marshall Charla
Published: April 2023

This study assessed the usefulness of DNA quantification to predict the success of historical samples when analyzing SNPs, mtDNA, and STR targets. Thirty burials from six historical contexts were utilized, ranging in age from 80 to 800 years postmortem. Samples underwent library preparation and hybridization capture with two bait panels (FORCE and mitogenome), and STR typing (autosomal STR and Y-STR). All 30 samples generated small (~80 bp) autosomal DNA target qPCR results, despite mean mappable fragments ranging from 55–125 bp. The qPCR results were positively correlated with DNA profiling success. Samples with human DNA inputs as low as 100 pg resulted in ≥80% FORCE SNPs at 10X coverage. All 30 samples resulted in mitogenome coverage ≥100X despite low human DNA input (as low as 1 pg). With PowerPlex Fusion, ≥30 pg human DNA input resulted in >40% of auSTR loci. At least 59% of Y-STR loci were recovered with Y-target qPCR-based inputs of ≥24 pg. The results also indicate that human DNA quantity is a better predictor of success than the ratio of human to exogenous DNA. Accurate quantification with qPCR is feasible for historical bone samples, allowing for the screening of extracts to predict the success of DNA profiling.
Studying Genetic Diversity and Relationships between Mountainous Meihua Chickens Using Mitochondrial DNA Control Region
Authors: Ran Bo , Zhu Wei , Zhao Xiaoling , Li Linxiang , Yi Zhixin , Li Miao , Wang Tao , Li Diyan
Published: April 2023

The Mountainous Meihua chicken is a unique regional germplasm resource from Tongjiang County, Bazhong City, China, but its genetic structure and evolutionary relationships with other native chicken breeds in the Sichuan region remain unclear. Here, we analyzed a total of 469 sequences, including 199 Mountainous Meihua chicken sequences generated in this study, together with 30 sequences representing 13 clades and 240 sequences from seven different Sichuan local chicken breeds downloaded from NCBI. These sequences were further used to analyze genetic diversity, patterns of population differentiation, and phylogenetic relationships between groups. We show that Mountainous Meihua chicken mtDNA sequences have high haplotypic and nucleotide diversity (0.876 and 0.012, respectively) and with a T bias that is suggestive of good breeding potential. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Mountainous Meihua chickens belong to clades A, B, E, and G and have a low affinity to other chicken breeds, with a moderate degree of differentiation. A non-significant Tajima’s D indicates that no demographic expansions occurred in the past. Finally, the four maternal lineages identified in Mountainous Meihua chicken showed unique genetic characteristics.
Differential Brain Expression Patterns of microRNAs Related to Olfactory Performance in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Huang Jingnan , Wang Tianbao , Qiu Yuanmei , Hassanyar Aqai Kalan , Zhang Zhaonan , Sun Qiaoling , Ni Xiaomin , Yu Kejun , Guo Yongkang , Yang Changsheng , Lü Yang , Nie Hongyi , Lin Yan , Li Zhiguo , Su Songkun
Published: April 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the nerve regulation of honey bees (Apis mellifera). This study aims to investigate the differences in expression of miRNAs in a honey bee’s brain for olfactory learning tasks and to explore their potential role in a honey bee’s olfactory learning and memory. In this study, 12 day old honey bees with strong and weak olfactory performances were utilized to investigate the influence of miRNAs on olfactory learning behavior. The honey bee brains were dissected, and a small RNA-seq technique was used for high-throughput sequencing. The data analysis of the miRNA sequences revealed that 14 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between the two groups, strong (S) and weak (W), for olfactory performance in honey bees were identified, which included seven up-regulated and seven down-regulated. The qPCR verification results of the 14 miRNAs showed that four miRNAs (miR-184-3p, miR-276-3p, miR-87-3p, and miR-124-3p) were significantly associated with olfactory learning and memory. The target genes of these DEmiRNAs were subjected to the GO database annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The functional annotation and pathway analysis showed that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, biosynthesis of amino acids, pentose phosphate pathway, carbon metabolism, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis may be a great important pathway related to olfactory learning and memory in honey bees. Our findings together further explained the relationship between olfactory performance and the brain function of honey bees at the molecular level and provides a basis for further study on miRNAs related to olfactory learning and memory in honey bees.
The GJB2 (Cx26) Gene Variants in Patients with Hearing Impairment in the Baikal Lake Region (Russia)
Authors: Pshennikova Vera G. , Teryutin Fedor M. , Cherdonova Alexandra M. , Borisova Tuyara V. , Solovyev Aisen V. , Romanov Georgii P. , Morozov Igor V. , Bondar Alexander A. , Posukh Olga L. , Fedorova Sardana A. , Barashkov Nikolay A.
Published: April 2023

The GJB2 (Cx26) gene pathogenic variants are associated with autosomal recessive deafness type 1A (DFNB1A, OMIM #220290). Direct sequencing of the GJB2 gene among 165 hearing-impaired individuals living in the Baikal Lake region of Russia identified 14 allelic variants: pathogenic/likely pathogenic—nine variants, benign—three variants, unclassified—one variant, and one novel variant. The contribution of the GJB2 gene variants to the etiology of hearing impairment (HI) in the total sample of patients was 15.8% (26 out of 165) and significantly differed in patients of different ethnicity (5.1% in Buryat patients and 28.9% in Russian patients). In patients with DFNB1A (n = 26), HIs were congenital/early onset (92.3%), symmetric (88.5%), sensorineural (100.0%), and variable in severity (moderate—11.6%, severe—26.9% or profound—61.5%). The reconstruction of the SNP haplotypes with three frequent GJB2 pathogenic variants (c.-23+1G>A, c.35delG or c.235delC), in comparison with previously published data, supports a major role of the founder effect in the expansion of the c.-23+1G>A and c.35delG variants around the world. Comparative analysis of the haplotypes with c.235delC revealed one major haplotype G A C T (97.5%) in Eastern Asians (Chinese, Japanese and Korean patients) and two haplotypes, G A C T (71.4%) and G A C C (28.6%), in Northern Asians (Altaians, Buryats and Mongols). The variable structure of the c.235delC-haplotypes in Northern Asians requires more studies to expand our knowledge about the origin of this pathogenic variant.
Statistical Machine-Learning Methods for Genomic Prediction Using the SKM Library
Authors: Montesinos López Osval , Mosqueda González Brandon , Montesinos López Abelardo , Crossa José
Published: April 2023

Genomic selection (GS) is revolutionizing plant breeding. However, because it is a predictive methodology, a basic understanding of statistical machine-learning methods is necessary for its successful implementation. This methodology uses a reference population that contains both the phenotypic and genotypic information of genotypes to train a statistical machine-learning method. After optimization, this method is used to make predictions of candidate lines for which only genotypic information is available. However, due to a lack of time and appropriate training, it is difficult for breeders and scientists of related fields to learn all the fundamentals of prediction algorithms. With smart or highly automated software, it is possible for these professionals to appropriately implement any state-of-the-art statistical machine-learning method for its collected data without the need for an exhaustive understanding of statistical machine-learning methods and programing. For this reason, we introduce state-of-the-art statistical machine-learning methods using the Sparse Kernel Methods (SKM) R library, with complete guidelines on how to implement seven statistical machine-learning methods that are available in this library for genomic prediction (random forest, Bayesian models, support vector machine, gradient boosted machine, generalized linear models, partial least squares, feed-forward artificial neural networks). This guide includes details of the functions required to implement each of the methods, as well as others for easily implementing different tuning strategies, cross-validation strategies, and metrics to evaluate the prediction performance and different summary functions that compute it. A toy dataset illustrates how to implement statistical machine-learning methods and facilitate their use by professionals who do not possess a strong background in machine learning and programing.
Genetic Variants and Their Putative Effects on microRNA-Seed Sites: Characterization of the 3′ Untranslated Region of Genes Associated with Temperament
Authors: Ruiz-De-La-Cruz Gilberto , Sifuentes-Rincón Ana María , Casas Eduardo , Paredes-Sánchez Francisco Alejandro , Parra-Bracamonte Gaspar Manuel , Riley David G. , Perry George A. , Welsh Thomas H. , Randel Ronald D.
Published: April 2023

The 3′ untranslated region has an important role in gene regulation through microRNAs, and it has been estimated that microRNAs regulate up to 50% of coding genes in mammals. With the aim of allelic variant identification of 3′ untranslated region microRNA seed sites, the 3′ untranslated region was searched for seed sites of four temperament-associated genes (CACNG4, EXOC4, NRXN3, and SLC9A4). The microRNA seed sites were predicted in the four genes, and the CACNG4 gene had the greatest number with 12 predictions. To search for variants affecting the predicted microRNA seed sites, the four 3′ untranslated regions were re-sequenced in a Brahman cattle population. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the CACNG4, and eleven in the SLC9A4. Rs522648682:T>G of the CACNG4 gene was located at the predicted seed site for bta-miR-191. Rs522648682:T>G evidenced an association with both exit velocity (p = 0.0054) and temperament score (p = 0.0097). The genotype TT had a lower mean exit velocity (2.93 ± 0.4 m/s) compared with the TG and GG genotypes (3.91 ± 0.46 m/s and 3.67 ± 0.46 m/s, respectively). The allele associated with the temperamental phenotype antagonizes the seed site, disrupting the bta-miR-191 recognition. The G allele of CACNG4-rs522648682 has the potential to influence bovine temperament through a mechanism associated with unspecific recognition of bta-miR-191.
Effect of Foliar Application of Sodium Selenate on Mineral Relationships in Brassicaceae Crops
Authors: Golubkina Nadezhda , Antoshkina Marina , Bondareva Ludmila , Sekara Agnieszka , Campagna Erica , Caruso Gianluca
Published: April 2023

The relationships of selenium (Se) with other elements in plants is important for producing functional food with high Se contents and a predicted quality. To unveil the peculiarities of the element interactions, eight botanical varieties of Brassica oleracea L. were grown in similar conditions with or without foliar application of sodium selenate. High varietal differences, elicited by the Se supply, were recorded with regard to the accumulation of the elements examined, except for Mg, P and Si. Cabbage florets (broccoli and cauliflower) were characterized by both the lowest total mineral content and number of elements showing content changes under the Se supply (7–8 out of 25), whereas in Savoy cabbage, the highest number of minerals displayed content changes (13–14 from 25). The Se treatment did not significantly interfere with the high correlation coefficients recorded between Sr–Ca, Co–Ni and Zn–Mg (0.824–0.952). The selenium biofortification value varied from 12 to 138 depending on the species and was inversely correlated with the Si accumulation in the control plants (r = −0.872, p < 0.001). A significant decrease in the correlation coefficients occurred due to the Se supply regarding Zn with P and Co, Ca with Co and Li, Li and V, and Na and Sn, while the V–Pb relationship was significantly enhanced. Among the 25 elements studied, Cr demonstrated the highest number of significant correlation coefficient changes (with K, Na, P, Si, Zn, Cu, Co, I, As, Pb, and V). The results of this research prove the variability of the element interactions under foliar Se treatments in Brassica oleracea plants and reveal, for the first time, an inverse correlation between the Se biofortification level and Si content in untreated plants.
Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolism Modulation on the Quality of Apple Fruits Inoculated with Penicillium expansum under Different Ambient pHs
Authors: Jimdjio Kouasseu Carelle , Yang Xi , Xue Huali , Bi Yang , Liu Zhiguang , Xi Jihui , Nan Mina , Prusky Dov
Published: April 2023

Apple blue mold is a significant postharvest disease caused by Penicillium expansum. pH modification in colonized tissues leads to the production of organic substances, the modulation of enzymes, and then increases fungal pathogenicity. This study evaluated Penicillium expansum-inoculated apple fruits’ quality responding to pH treatments ranging from 2.5 to 8.5 and analyzed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism modulation in inoculated apple fruits at the same pH. The results showed that the fruit quality of the firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acid displayed a quick loss at pHs 5.0 and 7.0, compared with 2.5 and 8.5. Similarly, higher disease incidence was observed at pHs 5.0 and 7.0. Apple fruits infected with P. expansum at pHs 2.5 and 8.5 had less content of O2•−, H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA); lower enzymatic activity of NADPH oxidase (NOX); and greater cell membrane integrity than those at pHs 5.0 and 7.0. The analysis of the antioxidant enzymatic activities showed upregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR) at pHs 2.5 and 8.5 compared with those at pHs 5.0 and 7.0. Similar trends were shown in ascorbic acid and glutathione. These results support the hypothesis that inoculated apple fruits at pHs 2.5 and 8.5 improve resistance to P. expansum by modulating ROS metabolism, compared with pHs 5.0 and 7.0.
Implications of Extractivism and Environmental Pollution in Mapuche Territories of the Araucania Region
Authors: Beltrán-Véliz Juan , Gálvez-Nieto José Luis , Tereucán-Angulo Julio , Muñoz-Vidal Fabián , Vera-Gajardo Nathaly , Müller-Ferrés Pablo
Published: April 2023

Chile is facing an environmental crisis and the territory of the Mapuche people is no exception. This is largely due to extractivism, which refers to the massive extraction and exploitation of natural resources in an indiscriminate manner. The objective of this study was to reveal the implications of extractivism and environmental pollution in Mapuche territories in the Araucanía region. The methodology used was qualitative, based on constructivist grounded theory. In-depth interviews and participant observation were used to collect data. The participants were 46 kimeltuchefes. The main results revealed extensive monocultures of non-native trees: pine and eucalyptus, which consume large amounts of water. They also revealed environmental pollution and indiscriminate forestry extractivism related to these trees, which generate soil degradation and water pollution. These consequences reduce biodiversity and disturb the ngenh (spiritual beings and protectors of nature). They also affect the Mapuche’s agricultural activities and, in turn, their health and subsistence. In addition, non-native tree monocultures, environmental pollution and forestry extractivism transgress the az mapu (Mapuche code of ethics and behaviour), which disturbs the ethical, moral and spiritual relationship between the Mapuche and nature. They also have negative implications for the küme mogen (good living of the Mapuche), since they violate the balance and harmony between the Mapuche and all living beings, elements and spiritual beings that are part of nature. This also violates the reciprocity between the Mapuche and nature. It was concluded that there have been violations of the human rights of the Mapuche people, given that they are exposed to harmful environmental conditions that put their health and subsistence at considerable risk. In this sense, the Mapuche are experiencing a spiritual, physical, cognitive, attitudinal, affective and material imbalance. Ultimately, the state of Chile must generate intercultural environmental public and educational policies aimed at generating environmental awareness and creating actions to solve environmental problems in order to protect Mapuche and non-Mapuche territories.
Psychometric Properties of the Japanese Version of the Parental Acceptance and Action Questionnaire in Parents with Infants and Toddlers
Authors: Okajima Junko , Okajima Isa
Published: April 2023

We aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Parental Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Japanese version (PAAQ-J). We considered a total of 2000 mothers with infants and toddlers aged 0–3 years and evaluated their scores on the PAAQ-J Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We conducted an exploratory factor analysis, creating a PAAQ-J with 12 items and three factors (α = 0.80): Inaction-Behavior, Inaction-Cognition, and Unwillingness, with α of 0.84, 0.72 and 0.68, respectively. The test-retest reliability examination results showed that the interclass correlation coefficient was 0.49, with 95% CI between 0.44 and 0.54. The correlation coefficient of PAAQ-J was 0.57, 0.32, and 0.33 with AAQ-II, and HADS-depression and HADS-anxiety, respectively. PAAQ-J’s validity to adequately evaluate an individual’s avoidance of experiences regarding childcare and their psychological flexibility was proven. Since the original PAAQ was for 6–18-year-old children with anxiety symptoms, it is necessary to examine its reliability and validity not only for infants and toddlers, but also for parents of older children and adolescents in the future.
Climate Change Effects on the Predicted Heat Strain and Labour Capacity of Outdoor Workers in Australia
Authors: Hunt Andrew P. , Brearley Matt , Hall Andrew , Pope Rodney
Published: April 2023

Global heating is subjecting more of the planet to longer periods of higher heat stress categories commonly employed to determine safe work durations. This study compared predicted worker heat strain and labour capacity for a recent normal climate (1986–2005) and under commonly applied climate scenarios for the 2041–2080 period for selected Australian locations. Recently published heat indices for northern (Darwin, Townsville, and Tom Price) and south-eastern coastal and inland Australia locations (Griffith, Port Macquarie, and Clare) under four projected climate scenarios, comprising two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, and two time periods, 2041–2060 and 2061–2080, were used. Safe work durations, before the threshold for core temperature (38.0 °C) or sweat loss (5% body mass) are attained, were then estimated for each scenario using the predicted heat strain model (ISO7933). The modelled time to threshold core temperature varied with location, climate scenario, and metabolic rate. Relative to the baseline (1986–2005), safe work durations (labour capacity) were reduced by >50% in Port Macquarie and Griffith and by 20–50% in northern Australia. Reaching the sweat loss limit restricted safe work durations in Clare and Griffith. Projected future climatic conditions will adversely impact the predicted heat strain and labour capacity of outdoor workers in Australia. Risk management strategies must adapt to warming conditions to protect outdoor workers from the deleterious effects of heat.
Exposure to Intimate-Partner Violence and Resilience Trajectories of Adolescents: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Latent Transition Analysis
Authors: Aksoy Dilan , Simões Celeste , Favre Céline
Published: April 2023

Despite the serious emotional and social consequences of adolescents’ exposure to intimate-partner violence (IPV) and the high prevalence of this exposure, few analyses have focused on person-centered models or considered psychological IPV. Studies that address exposure to violence tend to focus on physical IPV. Therefore, in this study, we examine (across two waves) the trajectories of resilience among adolescents who have witnessed psychological IPV by conducting a latent transition analysis and predicting class membership through socio-demographic and individual-level protective factors. Using a sample of 879 (T1, fall 2020) and 770 (T2, spring 2022) adolescent Swiss students with mean ages of 11.74 (SD = 0.64) and 13.77 (SD = 0.53), we identified four distinct time-invariant resilience classes: comorbid-frustrated, internalizing-frustrated, comorbid-satisfied, and resilient. The classes characterized by some level of psychopathological symptoms and basic psychological-needs frustration were the most stable over time. Furthermore, we found the four typical resilience trajectories: recovery, chronic, delayed, and improving. Gender, socioeconomic background, and protective factors showed a significant prediction of class membership in wave 1, highlighting the importance of increasing sensitivity to psychological-IPV exposure on the one hand, and reinforcing the relevance of prevention in schools regarding the promotion of protective factors on the other.
Examining Place-Based Neighborhood Factors in a Multisite Peer-Led Healthy Lifestyle Effectiveness Trial for People with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Salvo Deborah , Resendiz Eugen , Stefancic Ana , Cabassa Leopoldo J.
Published: April 2023

People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience significantly higher obesity-related comorbidities and premature mortality rates than healthy populations. The physical and social characteristics of neighborhoods where people with SMI reside can play an important role in promoting or hindering healthy eating and physical activity. However, this is seldom considered when designing and testing health behavior interventions for these populations. This study used baseline data from an obesity control trial for low-income, minority people with SMI to demonstrate the utility of assessing neighborhood- and city-level place-based factors within the context of lifestyle interventions. GIS was used to create a zip-code-level social and built environment geodatabase in New York City and Philadelphia, where the trial occurred. Chi-square and t-tests were used to assess differences in the spatial distribution of health-related built and social environment characteristics between and within cities and diet and physical activity outcomes. All types of neighborhood characteristics showed significant environmental differences between and within cities. Several neighborhood characteristics were associated with participants’ baseline healthy eating and physical activity behaviors, emphasizing that place-based factors may moderate lifestyle interventions for SMI patients. Future behavioral interventions targeting place-dependent behaviors should be powered and designed to assess potential moderation by place-based factors.
Evaluation of a Community Hospital-Based Residencies’ Intimate Partner Violence Education by a Domestic Violence Shelter Expert
Authors: Takov Veronica , Harnden Ashley , Rummel Kegan , Burnell Mariah , McMann Shannon , Wargel Carmen E. , Seelbach Corie , McQuiston James , Brannan Grace D.
Published: April 2023

Intimate partner violence, or IPV, is estimated to affect an estimated 10 million Americans. From 2015–2017 our community hospital-based residencies trained first-year residents to improve education in recognizing and screening for IPV. This retrospective cohort study’s goal was to analyze the longitudinal effectiveness of the educational program. The education was based on a curriculum created by Futures Without and the United States Office on Violence Against Women. The curriculum was taught by Turning Point, the local county provider for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and involved five hours of training. Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey was used as the assessment tool. Residents were measured pre-, post immediate, and one-year post-education. Measures that include perceived knowledge and perceived preparation improved post immediate and one year after the training (p = 0.0001). Actual knowledge increased significantly post immediate but decreased after one year (p = 0.0001). The proportion of residents who screened patients and the proportion of patients who were screened increased post-intervention. The educational training provided by our local shelter improved residents’ performance in several of the categories tested, but most importantly, improved IPV practice post immediate and generally one year after.
Computational Insights and In Silico Characterization of a Novel Mini-Lipoxygenase from Nostoc Sphaeroides and Its Application in the Quality Improvement of Steamed Bread
Authors: Xia Bingjie , Chi Huibing , Zhang Bingjie , Lu Zhaoxin , Liu Huawei , Lu Fengxia , Zhu Ping
Published: April 2023

Lipoxygenase (EC1.13.11.12, LOX) has been potentially used in the food industry for food quality improvement. However, the low activity, poor thermal stability, narrow range of pH stability, as well as undesirable isoenzymes and off-flavors, have hampered the application of current commercial LOX. In this study, a putative mini-lipoxygenase gene from cyanobacteria, Nostoc sphaeroides (NsLOX), was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21. NsLOX displayed only 26.62% structural identity with the reported LOX from Cyanothece sp., indicating it as a novel LOX. The purified NsLOX showed the maximum activity at pH 8.0 and 15 °C, with superior stability at a pH range from 6.0 to 13.0, retaining about 40% activity at 40 °C for 90 min. Notably, NsLOX exhibited the highest specific activity of 78,080 U/mg towards linoleic acid (LA), and the kinetic parameters—Km, kcat, and kcat/Km—attain values of 19.46 μM, 9199.75 s−1, and 473.85 μM−1 s−1, respectively. Moreover, the activity of NsLOX was obviously activated by Ca2+, but it was completely inhibited by Zn2+ and Cu2+. Finally, NsLOX was supplied in steamed bread and contributed even better improved bread quality than the commercial LOX. These results suggest NsLOX as a promising substitute of current commercial LOX for application in the food industry.
Pro-Inflammatory Priming of the Brain: The Underlying Cause of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Martins Ana Catarina , Lima Illyane Sofia , Pêgo Ana Catarina , Sá Pereira Inês , Martins Gracelino , Kapitão Antonino , Gozzelino Raffaella
Published: April 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative pathology characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain. Aging is considered the main risk factor for the development of idiopathic PD. However, immunity and inflammation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. In mice, we showed that pro-inflammatory priming of the brain sensitizes to severe PD development, regardless of animal age. Age-related sub-acute inflammation, as well as the activation of the immune response upon exposure to harmful stimuli, enhances PD manifestations. The severity of PD is influenced by the engagement of host resistance mechanisms against infection based on the removal of iron (Fe) from the circulation. The sequestration of Fe by immune cells prevents pathogens from proliferating. However, it leads to the formation of a Fe-loaded circulating compartment. When entering the brain through a compromised blood-brain barrier, Fe-loaded immune cells contribute to enhancing neuroinflammation and brain Fe overload. Thus, pro-inflammatory priming of the brain exacerbates neuronal damage and represents a risk factor for the development of severe PD symptoms. Further investigations are now required to better understand whether therapeutic interventions inhibiting this phenomenon might protect against PD.
Ni-Doped In2O3 Nanoparticles and Their Composite with rGO for Efficient Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Wastewater under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Habib Amir , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Zubair Muhammad , Hasan Iftikhar Ul
Published: April 2023

The efficient degradation of organic effluent is always desirable when using advanced photocatalysts with enhanced activity under visible light. Nickel-doped indium oxide (Ni-In2O3) is synthesized via a hydrothermal route as well as its composites with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Facile synthesis and composite formation methods lead to a well-defined morphology of fabricated nanocomposite at low temperatures. The bandgap energy of indium oxide lies in the range of 3.00–4.30 eV. Its high light absorption capacity, high stability, and non-toxicity make it a choice as a photocatalyst that is active under visible light. The transition metal Ni-doping changes the indium oxide’s chemical, optical, and physicochemical properties. The Ni-In2O3 and rGO composites improved the charge transport and reduced the charge recombination. The phase analysis of the developed photocatalysts was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the morphological and structural properties were observed using advanced microscopic techniques (SEM and TEM), while UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopic techniques were used to confirm the structure and optical and chemical properties. The electrochemical properties of the photocatalysts were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the charge-transfer properties of the obtained photocatalysts and the mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of methylene blue, a common dye used in the dyeing industry, were determined.
Anticancer Potential of Sulfonamide Moieties via In-Vitro and In-Silico Approaches: Comparative Investigations for Future Drug Development
Authors: Wani Tanveer A. , Zargar Seema , Alkahtani Hamad M. , Altwaijry Nojood , Al-Rasheed Lamees S.
Published: April 2023

Several kinds of anticancer drugs are presently commercially accessible, but low efficacy, solubility, and toxicity have reduced the overall therapeutic indices. Thus, the search for promising anticancer drugs continues. The interactions of numerous essential anticancer drugs with DNA are crucial to their biological functions. Here, the anticancer effects of N-ethyl toluene-4-sulphonamide (8a) and 2,5-Dichlorothiophene-3-sulphonamide (8b) on cell lines from breast and cervical cancer were investigated. The study also compared how these substances interacted with the hearing sperm DNA. The most promising anticancer drug was identified as 2,5-Dichlorothiophene-3-sulfonamide (8b), which showed GI50 of 7.2 ± 1.12 µM, 4.62 ± 0.13 µM and 7.13 ± 0.13 µM against HeLa, MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Moreover, it also exhibited significant electrostatic and non-electrostatic contributions to the binding free energy. The work utilized computational techniques, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, to demonstrate the strong cytotoxicity of 2,5-Dichlorothiophene-3-sulfamide (8b) in comparison to standard Doxorubicin and cisplatin, respectively. Molecular docking experiments provided additional support for a role for the minor groove in the binding of the 2,5-Dichlorothiophene-3-sulfamide (8b)-DNA complex. The molecular docking studies and MD simulation showed that both compounds revealed comparable inhibitory potential against standard Doxorubicin and cisplatin. This study has the potential to lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds for use in cancer treatment, including metallic and non-metallic derivatives of 2,5-Dichlorothiophene-3-sulfonamide (8b). It also emphasizes the worth of computational approaches in the development of new drugs and lays the groundwork for future research.