bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning, Identification, and Functional Analysis of the Chalcone Isomerase Gene from Astragalus sinicus
Authors: Zhang Xian , Xu Jing , Si Linlin , Cao Kai , Wang Yuge , Li Hua , Wang Jianhong
Published: July 2023

Astragalus sinicus is an important winter-growing cover crop. It is widely utilized, not only as a cover crop for its benefits in fertilizing the soil but also as a landscape ground cover plant. Anthocyanins are involved in the pigmentation of plants in leaves and flowers, which is a crucial characteristic trait for A. sinicus. The formation of anthocyanins depends significantly on the enzyme chalcone isomerase (CHI). However, research on the CHI gene of A. sinicus remains unexplored. The rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approach was used in this research to clone the CHI sequence from A. sinicus (AsiCHI). The expression profiles of the AsiCHI gene in multiple tissues of A. sinicus were subsequently examined by qRT-PCR (Quantitative Real-Time PCR). Furthermore, the function of the AsiCHI was identified by the performance of ectopic expression in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The outcomes revealed that the full-length cDNA of the AsiCHI gene (GeneBank: OQ870547) measured 972 bp in length and included an open reading frame of 660 bp. The encoded protein contains 219 amino acids with a molecular weight of 24.14 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.11. In addition, the remarkable similarity between the AsiCHI protein and the CHI proteins of other Astragalus species was demonstrated by the sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, the highest expression level of AsiCHI was observed in leaves and showed a positive correlation with anthocyanin content. The functional analysis further revealed that the overexpression of AsiCHI enhanced the anthocyanidin accumulation in the transgenic lines. This study provided a better understanding of AsiCHI and elucidated its role in anthocyanin production.
A Systematic Review of Literature on Caregiving Preparation of Adult Children
Authors: Liu Chang , Hu Jing , Bai Xue
Published: July 2023

With the increasing life expectancy and ageing population, long-term care has become an urgent policy issue worldwide. The informal care provided by family members, particularly adult children, is a key aspect of long-term care. However, socioeconomic transformations have resulted in changing family and demographic structures and increased geographic mobility, reducing the capacity of families to provide informal care and meet the caregiving needs of older adults. For ageing families, care preparation can be an effective method for coping with eldercare challenges, and care preparation is attracting increasing attention from researchers. This study seeks to conduct a systematic review for studies on caregiving preparation by adult children that were retrieved from six databases, to synthesise the available evidence, and to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for future investigations. The characteristics and main themes of eighteen reviewed articles were identified and analysed. This study discussed various conceptualisations of caregiving preparation by adult children, the prevalence of caregiving preparation, the factors related to caregiving preparation, and the related consequences. On the basis of the systematic review findings, several limitations of the literature and directions for future research were proposed to promote care preparedness and the well-being of ageing families.
The ORIGINS Project Biobank: A Collaborative Bio Resource for Investigating the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Authors: D’Vaz Nina , Kidd Courtney , Miller Sarah , Amin Minda , Davis Jacqueline A. , Talati Zenobia , Silva Desiree T. , Prescott Susan L.
Published: July 2023

Early onset Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including obesity, allergies, and mental ill-health in childhood, present a serious and increasing threat to lifelong health and longevity. The ORGINS Project (ORIGINS) addresses the urgent need for multidisciplinary efforts to understand the detrimental multisystem impacts of modern environments using well-curated large-scale longitudinal biological sample collections. ORGINS is a prospective community birth cohort aiming to enrol 10,000 pregnant people and follow each family until the children reach 5 years of age. A key objective is to generate a comprehensive biorepository on a sub-group of 4000 families invited to contribute blood, saliva, buccal cells, urine, stool, hair, house dust, cord blood, placenta, amniotic fluid, meconium, breastmilk, and colostrum over eight timepoints spanning the antenatal period and early childhood. Uniquely, ORIGINS includes a series of nested sub-projects, including interventions and clinical trials addressing different aspects of health. While this adds complexity as the project expands, it provides the opportunity for comparative studies. This research design promotes a multidisciplinary, multisystem approach to biological sample collection, analysis, and data sharing to ensure more integrated perspectives and solutions. This paper details the evolving protocol of our collaborative biobanking concept. Further, we outline our future visions for local, national, and ultimately international, comparative, and collaborative opportunities to advance our understanding of early onset NCDs and the opportunities to improve health outcomes for future generations.
Spatiotemporal Data-Driven Multiperiod Relocation Optimization of Emergency Medical Services: Maximum Equality Objective
Authors: Zhou Xinxin , Chen Yujie , Li Yingying , Liu Bingjie , Yu Zhaoyuan
Published: July 2023

As a kind of first aid healthcare service, emergency medical services (EMSs) present high spatiotemporal sensitivity due to significant changes in the time-dependent urban environment. Taking full advantage of big spatiotemporal data to realize multiperiod relocation optimization of EMSs can reduce idle resources and improve service utilization efficiency and fairness. First, we established the dynamic time-dependent accessibility and equality model to formulate the multiperiod maximization objective of global equality. Second, we proposed a capacitated integer evolution algorithm that relocates emergency medical vehicles to optimize the scheduling scheme. Based on multiperiod mobile phone records and multiperiod online route planner data, the equality of EMSs in the research metropolis, Nanjing, China, rose by 41.5% on average, which has an incentivizing effect on alleviating the tension of prehospital service and minimizes accessibility disparities without constructing more infrastructure. We also created maps to visualize the changes in equality patterns over time. This relocation optimization approach can be regarded as a trade-off approach to dispatch time-dependent sensitive services and provide a practical tool for healthcare decision-makers to evaluate public healthcare systems and improve strategic urban service planning.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 13 Has Protumorigenic Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kersten Vanessa , Seitz Tatjana , Sommer Judith , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Bosserhoff Anja , Hellerbrand Claus
Published: July 2023

Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in hepatic fibrosis and, thus, build the “soil” for hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, HSCs are known to promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanisms are only incompletely understood. Recently, we newly described the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 13 (BMP13) by HSCs in fibrotic liver tissue. In addition, BMP13 has mostly been studied in the context of cartilage and bone repair, but not in liver disease or cancer. Thus, we aimed to analyze the expression and function of BMP13 in HCC. Expression analyses revealed high BMP13-expression in activated human HSCs, but not in human HCC-cell-lines. Furthermore, analysis of human HCC tissues showed a significant correlation between BMP13 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the co-localization of BMP13 and α-SMA, indicating activated HSCs as the cellular source of BMP13 in HCC. Stimulation of HCC cells with recombinant BMP13 increased the expression of the inhibitors of differentiation 1 (ID1) and 2 (ID2), which are known targets of BMP-signaling and cell-cycle promotors. In line with this, BMP13-stimulation caused an induced SMAD 1/5/9 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, as well as reduced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors 1A (CDKN1A) and 2A (CDKN2A). Furthermore, stimulation with recombinant BMP13 led to increased proliferation and colony size formation of HCC cells in clonogenicity assays. The protumorigenic effects of BMP13 on HCC cells were almost completely abrogated by the small molecule dorsomorphin 1 (DMH1), which selectively blocks the intracellular kinase domain of ALK2 and ALK3, indicating that BMP13 acts via these BMP type I receptors on HCC cells. In summary, this study newly identifies stroma-derived BMP13 as a potential new tumor promotor in HCC and indicates this secreted growth-factor as a possible novel therapeutic target in HCC.
Dye Decolorization by a Miniaturized Peroxidase Fe-MimochromeVI*a
Authors: Chino Marco , La Gatta Salvatore , Leone Linda , De Fenza Maria , Lombardi Angela , Pavone Vincenzo , Maglio Ornella
Published: July 2023

Oxidases and peroxidases have found application in the field of chlorine-free organic dye degradation in the paper, toothpaste, and detergent industries. Nevertheless, their widespread use is somehow hindered because of their cost, availability, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. Here, we report the catalytic proficiency of a miniaturized synthetic peroxidase, Fe-Mimochrome VI*a, in the decolorization of four organic dyes, as representatives of either the heterocyclic or triarylmethane class of dyes. Fe-Mimochrome VI*a performed over 130 turnovers in less than five minutes in an aqueous buffer at a neutral pH under mild conditions.
Multiomics Reveals the Regulatory Mechanisms of Arabidopsis Tissues under Heat Stress
Authors: Chen Haolang , Guo Mingxi , Cui Mingyang , Yu Yu , Cui Jie , Liang Chao , Liu Lin , Mo Beixin , Gao Lei
Published: July 2023

Understanding the mechanisms of responses to high temperatures in Arabidopsis will provide insights into how plants may mitigate heat stress under global climate change. And exploring the interconnections of different modification levels in heat stress response could help us to understand the molecular mechanism of heat stress response in Arabidopsis more comprehensively and precisely. In this paper, we combined multiomics analyses to explore the common heat stress-responsive genes and specific heat-responsive metabolic pathways in Arabidopsis leaf, seedling, and seed tissues. We found that genes such as AT1G54050 play a role in promoting proper protein folding in response to HS (Heat stress). In addition, it was revealed that the binding profile of A1B is altered under elevated temperature conditions. Finally, we also show that two microRNAs, ath-mir156h and ath-mir166b-5p, may be core regulatory molecules in HS. Also elucidated that under HS, plants can regulate specific regulatory mechanisms, such as oxygen levels, by altering the degree of CHH methylation.
Exogenous Methyl Jasmonate Mediated MiRNA-mRNA Network Improves Heat Tolerance of Perennial Ryegrass
Authors: Liao Zongchao , Ghanizadeh Hossein , Zhang Xin , Yang Hechuan , Zhou Ying , Huang Linkai , Zhang Xinquan , Jiang Yiwei , Nie Gang
Published: July 2023

Heat stress can hinder the growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applied exogenously can increase heat stress tolerance in plants; however, the regulatory mechanisms involved in heat tolerance mediated by MeJA are poorly understood in perennial ryegrass. Here, the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of perennial ryegrass were assessed to elucidate the regulatory pathways associated with heat tolerance induced by MeJA. Plants were subjected to four treatments, namely, control (CK), MeJA pre-treatment (T), heat stress treatment (H), and MeJA pre-treatment + heat stress (TH). According to the results, 102 miRNAs were up-regulated in all treatments, with 20, 27, and 33 miRNAs being up-regulated in the T, H, and TH treatment groups, respectively. The co-expression network analysis between the deferentially expressed miRNAs and their corresponding target genes showed that 20 miRNAs modulated 51 potential target genes. Notably, the miRNAs that targeted genes related to with regards to heat tolerance were driven by MeJA, and they were involved in four pathways: novel-m0258-5p mediated signal transduction, novel-m0350-5p mediated protein homeostasis, miR397-z, miR5658-z, and novel-m0008-5p involved in cell wall component, and miR1144-z and miR5185-z dominated chlorophyll degradation. Overall, the findings of this research paved the way for more research into the heat tolerance mechanism in perennial ryegrass and provided a theoretical foundation for developing cultivars with enhanced heat tolerance.
From the Bush to the Brain: Preclinical Stages of Ethnobotanical Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Drug Discovery—An Australian Example
Authors: Kumar Payaal , Mathew Shintu , Gamage Rashmi , Bodkin Frances , Doyle Kerrie , Rosetti Ilaria , Wagnon Ingrid , Zhou Xian , Raju Ritesh , Gyengesi Erika , Münch Gerald
Published: July 2023

The Australian rainforest is a rich source of medicinal plants that have evolved in the face of dramatic environmental challenges over a million years due to its prolonged geographical isolation from other continents. The rainforest consists of an inherent richness of plant secondary metabolites that are the most intense in the rainforest. The search for more potent and more bioavailable compounds from other plant sources is ongoing, and our short review will outline the pathways from the discovery of bioactive plants to the structural identification of active compounds, testing for potency, and then neuroprotection in a triculture system, and finally, the validation in an appropriate neuro-inflammatory mouse model, using some examples from our current research. We will focus on neuroinflammation as a potential treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for these plant-derived, anti-inflammatory molecules and highlight cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs) as a better alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat neuroinflammatory disorders.
Improving Rice Leaf Shape Using CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genome Editing of SRL1 and Characterizing Its Regulatory Network Involved in Leaf Rolling through Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Han Yue , Yang Jinlian , Wu Hu , Liu Fang , Qin Baoxiang , Li Rongbai
Published: July 2023

Leaf rolling is a crucial agronomic trait to consider in rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding as it keeps the leaves upright, reducing interleaf shading and improving photosynthetic efficiency. The SEMI-ROLLED LEAF 1 (SRL1) gene plays a key role in regulating leaf rolling, as it encodes a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein located on the plasma membrane. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to target the second and third exons of the SRL1 gene in the indica rice line GXU103, which resulted in the generation of 14 T0 transgenic plants with a double-target mutation rate of 21.4%. After screening 120 T1 generation plants, we identified 26 T-DNA-free homozygous double-target mutation plants. We designated the resulting SRL1 homozygous double-target knockout as srl1-103. This line exhibited defects in leaf development, leaf rolling in the mature upright leaves, and a compact nature of the fully grown plants. Compared with the wild type (WT), the T2 generation of srl1-103 varied in two key aspects: the width of flag leaf (12.6% reduction compared with WT) and the leaf rolling index (48.77% increase compared with WT). In order to gain a deeper understanding of the involvement of SRL1 in the regulatory network associated with rice leaf development, we performed a transcriptome analysis for the T2 generation of srl1-103. A comparison of srl1-103 with WT revealed 459 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 388 upregulated genes and 71 downregulated genes. In terms of the function of the DEGs, there seemed to be a significant enrichment of genes associated with cell wall synthesis (LOC_Os08g01670, LOC_Os05g46510, LOC_Os04g51450, LOC_Os10g28080, LOC_Os04g39814, LOC_Os01g71474, LOC_Os01g71350, and LOC_Os11g47600) and vacuole-related genes (LOC_Os09g23300), which may partially explain the increased leaf rolling in srl1-103. Furthermore, the significant downregulation of BAHD acyltransferase-like protein gene (LOC_Os08g44840) could be the main reason for the decreased leaf angle and the compact nature of the mutant plants. In summary, this study successfully elucidated the gene regulatory network in which SRL1 participates, providing theoretical support for targeting this gene in rice breeding programs to promote variety improvement.
Novel Tetrazole Derivatives Targeting Tubulin Endowed with Antiproliferative Activity against Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Gallego-Yerga Laura , Chiliquinga Andrea Jazmín , Peláez Rafael
Published: July 2023

Increasing awareness of the structure of microtubules has made tubulin a relevant target for the research of novel chemotherapies. Furthermore, the particularly high sensitivity of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells to microtubule disruption could open new doors in the search for new anti-GBM treatments. However, the difficulties in developing potent anti-tubulin drugs endowed with improved pharmacokinetic properties necessitates the expansion of medicinal chemistry campaigns. The application of an ensemble pharmacophore screening methodology helped to optimize this process, leading to the development of a new tetrazole-based tubulin inhibitor. Considering this scaffold, we have synthesized a new family of tetrazole derivatives that achieved remarkable antimitotic effects against a broad panel of cancer cells, especially against GBM cells, showing high selectivity in comparison with non-tumor cells. The compounds also exerted high aqueous solubility and were demonstrated to not be substrates of efflux pumps, thus overcoming the main limitations that are usually associated with tubulin binding agents. Tubulin polymerization assays, immunofluorescence experiments, and flow cytometry studies demonstrated that the compounds target tubulin and arrest cells at the G2/M phase followed by induction of apoptosis. The docking experiments agreed with the proposed interactions at the colchicine site and explained the structure–activity relationships.
Ca2+ Dynamics of Gap Junction Coupled and Uncoupled Deiters’ Cells in the Organ of Corti in Hearing BALB/c Mice
Authors: Moysan Louise , Fazekas Fruzsina , Fekete Adam , Köles László , Zelles Tibor , Berekméri Eszter
Published: July 2023

ATP, as a paracrine signalling molecule, induces intracellular Ca2+ elevation via the activation of purinergic receptors on the surface of glia-like cochlear supporting cells. These cells, including the Deiters’ cells (DCs), are also coupled by gap junctions that allow the propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves via diffusion of Ca2+ mobilising second messenger IP3 between neighbouring cells. We have compared the ATP-evoked Ca2+ transients and the effect of two different gap junction (GJ) blockers (octanol and carbenoxolone, CBX) on the Ca2+ transients in DCs located in the apical and middle turns of the hemicochlea preparation of BALB/c mice (P14–19). Octanol had no effect on Ca2+ signalling, while CBX inhibited the ATP response, more prominently in the middle turn. Based on astrocyte models and using our experimental results, we successfully simulated the Ca2+ dynamics in DCs in different cochlear regions. The mathematical model reliably described the Ca2+ transients in the DCs and suggested that the tonotopical differences could originate from differences in purinoceptor and Ca2+ pump expressions and in IP3–Ca2+ release mechanisms. The cochlear turn-dependent effect of CBX might be the result of the differing connexin isoform composition of GJs along the tonotopic axis. The contribution of IP3-mediated Ca2+ signalling inhibition by CBX cannot be excluded.
Isolation and Characterization of Poeciguamerin, a Peptide with Dual Analgesic and Anti-Thrombotic Activity from the Poecilobdella manillensis Leech
Authors: Wang Chaoming , Chen Mengrou , Lu Xiaoyu , Yang Shuo , Yang Min , Fang Yaqun , Lai Ren , Duan Zilei
Published: July 2023

When Poecilobdella manillensis attacks its prey, the prey bleeds profusely but feels little pain. We and other research teams have identified several anticoagulant molecules in the saliva of P. manillensis, but the substance that produces the paralyzing effect in P. manillensis is not known. In this study, we successfully isolated, purified, and identified a serine protease inhibitor containing an antistasin-like domain from the salivary secretions of P. manillensis. This peptide (named poeciguamerin) significantly inhibited elastase activity and slightly inhibited FXIIa and kallikrein activity, but had no effect on FXa, trypsin, or thrombin activity. Furthermore, poeciguamerin exhibited analgesic activity in the foot-licking and tail-withdrawal mouse models and anticoagulant activity in the FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis mouse model. In this study, poeciguamerin was found to be a promising elastase inhibitor with potent analgesic and antithrombotic activity for the inhibition of pain and thrombosis after surgery or in inflammatory conditions.
Probing Transcriptional Crosstalk between Cryptochromes and Iron-sulfur Cluster Assembly 1 (MagR) in the Magnetoresponse of a Migratory Insect
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Zhang Ying , Zhao Jingyu , He Jinglan , Xuanyuan Zongjin , Pan Weidong , Sword Gregory A. , Chen Fajun , Wan Guijun
Published: July 2023

Many organisms can sense and respond to magnetic fields (MFs), with migratory species in particular utilizing geomagnetic field information for long-distance migration. Cryptochrome proteins (Crys) along with a highly conserved Iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein (i.e., MagR) have garnered significant attention for their involvement in magnetoresponse (including magnetoreception). However, in vivo investigations of potential transcriptional crosstalk between Crys and MagR genes have been limited. The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, is a major migratory pest insect and an emerging model for studying MF intensity-related magnetoresponse. Here, we explored in vivo transcriptional crosstalk between Crys (Cry1 and Cry2) and MagR in N. lugens. The expression of Crys and MagR were found to be sensitive to MF intensity changes as small as several micro-teslas. Knocking down MagR expression led to a significant downregulation of Cry1, but not Cry2. The knockdown of either Cry1 or Cry2 individually did not significantly affect MagR expression. However, their double knockdown resulted in significant upregulation of MagR. Our findings clearly indicate transcriptional crosstalk between MagR and Crys known to be involved in magnetoresponse. This work advances the understanding of magnetoresponse signaling and represents a key initial step towards elucidating the functional consequences of these novel in vivo interactions.
The Facile Synthesis of a Re-Complex Heterogeneous Catalysis System for Enhancing CO2 Photoreduction Activity
Authors: Li Bo , Li Hang , Liang Shiyan , Cheng Jiaao , Zhong Xin , Chen Yifan , Song Yujie
Published: July 2023

fac-Re(2,2’-bipyridine)(CO)3Cl] (denoted as ReCC) is an efficient molecule-catalyst with high selectivity in the photoreduction of CO2 to CO in a homogeneous system. However, the two major drawbacks of Re(I) complexes in the homogeneous system, easy degradation and difficult separation, seriously hinder its development in the field of industrial applications. In this paper, we designed and prepared two different Re-complex fixation systems (denoted as ReCC@TiO2-5 wt% and ReCC-TiO2-5 wt%) based on TiO2 gel via the sensitization method and sol–gel method, respectively. Compared with a pure ReCC complex, both of them exhibited excellent photocatalytic reduction activity. In particular, the sol–gel hybrid system (ReCC-TiO2-5 wt%) displayed outstanding positive synergistic effects on the photocatalytic activity and the long durability of the photocatalytic process. A series of characterizations were carried out to explore the probable photocatalytic reduction process mechanism, which provides the theoretical basis and technical support for the Re complex fixation method.
AttG-BDGNets: Attention-Guided Bidirectional Dynamic Graph IndRNN for Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring
Authors: Wang Zuoxin , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: July 2023

Most current non-intrusive load monitoring methods focus on traditional load characteristic analysis and algorithm optimization, lack knowledge of users’ electricity consumption behavior habits, and have poor accuracy. We propose a novel attention-guided bidirectional dynamic graph IndRNN approach. The method first extends sequence or multidimensional data to a topological graph structure. It effectively utilizes the global context by following an adaptive graph topology derived from each set of data content. Then, the bidirectional Graph IndRNN network (Graph IndRNN) encodes the aggregated signals into different graph nodes, which use node information transfer and aggregation based on the entropy measure, power attribute characteristics, and the time-related structural characteristics of the corresponding device signals. The function dynamically incorporates local and global contextual interactions from positive and negative directions to learn the neighboring node information for non-intrusive load decomposition. In addition, using the sequential attention mechanism as a guide while eliminating redundant information facilitates flexible reasoning and establishes good vertex relationships. Finally, we conducted experimental evaluations on multiple open source data, proving that the method has good robustness and accuracy.
Trophic Interactions of Ceutorhynchinae spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with Their Host Plants (Brassicaceae) and Their Parasitoids in the Agroecosystem of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Desroches Claudine , Moisan-De Serres Joseph , Rodrigue Émilien , Labrie Geneviève , Lucas Éric
Published: July 2023

The genus Ceutorhynchus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is composed of canola pests, natural enemies of Brassicaceae, and other species associated with non-crop and non-weed plants. This study aimed to establish trophic associations of Ceutorhynchus with their host plants and with their parasitoids in the agricultural landscape, in order to assess the actual beneficial or noxious ecological roles of the insects. Trophic associations were established by identifying Ceutorhynchus species and their parasitoids emerging from collected Brassicaceae plants in areas adjacent to canola fields and other crops in 2019 and 2020. Five Ceutorhynchus species were collected and identified as hosts of parasitoids in the families Pteromalidae and Eulophidae. Two functional groups were characterized: natural enemies of weeds and agricultural pests. The exotic wormseed wallflower, Erysimum cheiranthoides was identified as a new host plant of the invasive canola pest Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham), and the native tower rockcress, Arabis glabra, as a new host plant of the native Ceutorhynchus neglectus Blatchley. Association between the exotic Ceutorhynchus typhae (Herbst) and a parasitoid of the genus Elachertodomyia is reported for the first time. Finally, Ceutorhynchus neglectus and C. typhae hosted the exotic parasitoid Trichomalus perfectus, an important natural enemy of C. obstrictus.
Long-Term Outcomes of the PRESERFLO MicroShunt Implant in a Heterogeneous Glaucoma Cohort
Authors: Storp Jens Julian , Vietmeier Friederike Elisabeth , Merté Ralph-Laurent , Koch Raphael , Zimmermann Julian Alexander , Eter Nicole , Brücher Viktoria Constanze
Published: July 2023

The Preserflo MicroShunt represents a novel glaucoma treatment device, necessitating long-term follow-up data to accurately assess its efficacy. The aim of this study is to report real-world data of a heterogenous glaucoma cohort who received Preserflo implantation at a specialized glaucoma clinic. A total of 160 eyes of 160 patients who underwent Preserflo MicroShunt implantation were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Patient characteristics, as well as success and failure rates, were assessed. The numbers of adverse events and revision procedures were recorded, along with any reduction in supplementary medication. The progression of intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed over the course of 12 months, and fluctuations were analyzed. The overall success rate was 61.9% (complete success: 51.3%, qualified success: 10.6%). Revision surgery was performed in 25% of cases. Excessive hypotony occurred postoperatively in 54.4% of patients and regressed after 7 days in 88.8% of all cases. Median IOP decreased from 22 (interquartile range (IQR): 17–27) mmHg preoperatively to 14 (IQR 12–16) mmHg at 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). The median number of antiglaucomatous agents decreased from three to zero at latest follow-up. The Preserflo MicroShunt achieved a noticeable reduction in IOP over the course of 12 months in glaucoma patients, irrespective of disease severity or disease subtype. The frequency of postoperative adverse events and number for revision surgeries over the course of the follow-up period were low.
Blood Pressure Targets for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lim Shir Lynn , Low Christopher Jer Wei , Ling Ryan Ruiyang , Sultana Rehena , Yang Victoria , Ong Marcus E. H. , Chia Yew Woon , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Ramanathan Kollengode
Published: July 2023

Background: With ideal mean arterial pressure (MAP) targets in resuscitated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients unknown, we performed a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effects of higher versus lower MAP targets. Methods: We searched four databases until 1 May 2023 for RCTs reporting the effects of higher MAP targets (>70 mmHg) in resuscitated OHCA patients and conducted random-effects meta-analyses. The primary outcome was mortality while secondary outcomes were neurological evaluations, arrhythmias, acute kidney injury, and durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. We conducted inverse-variance weighted strata-level meta-regression against a proportion of non-survivors to assess differences between reported MAPs. We also conducted a trial sequential analysis of RCTs. Results: Four RCTs were included. Higher MAP was not associated with reduced mortality (OR: 1.09, 95%-CI: 0.84 to 1.42, p = 0.51), or improved neurological outcomes (OR: 0.99, 95%-CI: 0.77 to 1.27, p = 0.92). Such findings were consistent despite additional sensitivity analyses. Our robust variance strata-level meta-regression revealed no significant associations between mean MAP and the proportion of non-survivors (B: 0.029, 95%-CI: −0.023 to 0.081, p = 0.162), and trial sequential analysis revealed no meaningful survival benefit for higher MAPs. Conclusions: A higher MAP target was not significantly associated with improved mortality and neurological outcomes in resuscitated OHCA patients.
Delays in Initiating Anti-Cancer Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer—How Slow Can We Go?
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Mansour Asem , Edaily Sarah , Dayyat Abdulmajeed
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. When diagnosed at an early stage, appropriate and timely treatment results in a high cure rate and better quality of life. Delays in initiating anti-cancer therapy, including surgical resection, adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly encountered, even in developed health care systems. Existing comorbidities that mandate referral to other services, genetic counseling and testing that may dictate the extent and type of anti-cancer therapy and insurance coverage, are among the most commonly cited factors. However, delays can be unavoidable; for over three years, health care systems across the globe were busy dealing with the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. War across hot zones around the globe resulted in millions of refugees; most of them have no access to cancer care, and when/where available, there may be significant delays. Thus, cancer patients across the globe will probably continue to suffer from significant delays in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Many retrospective reports showed significant negative impacts on different aspects of treatment outcomes and on patients’ psychosocial wellbeing and productivity. In this paper, we review the available data on the impact of delays in initiating appropriate treatment on the outcomes of patients with early-stage breast cancer.
eHealth in Geriatric Rehabilitation: An International Survey of the Experiences and Needs of Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Kraaijkamp Jules J. M. , Persoon Anke , Aurelian Sorina , Bachmann Stefan , Cameron Ian D. , Choukou Mohamed-Amine , Dockery Frances , Eruslanova Kseniia , Gordon Adam L. , Grund Stefan , Kim Hyub , Maier Andrea B. , Pérez Bazan Laura M. , Pompeu José E. , Topinkova Eva , Vassallo Mark A. , Chavannes Niels H. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Van Dam van Isselt Eléonore F.
Published: July 2023

While eHealth can help improve outcomes for older patients receiving geriatric rehabilitation, the implementation and integration of eHealth is often complex and time-consuming. To use eHealth effectively in geriatric rehabilitation, it is essential to understand the experiences and needs of healthcare professionals. In this international multicentre cross-sectional study, we used a web-based survey to explore the use, benefits, feasibility and usability of eHealth in geriatric rehabilitation settings, together with the needs of working healthcare professionals. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative findings. The survey was completed by 513 healthcare professionals from 16 countries. Over half had experience with eHealth, although very few (52 of 263 = 20%) integrated eHealth into daily practice. Important barriers to the use or implementation of eHealth included insufficient resources, lack of an organization-wide implementation strategy and lack of knowledge. Professionals felt that eHealth is more complex for patients than for themselves, and also expressed a need for reliable information concerning available eHealth interventions and their applications. While eHealth has clear benefits, important barriers hinder successful implementation and integration into healthcare. Tailored implementation strategies and reliable information on effective eHealth applications are needed to overcome these barriers.
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy—Between Sensitivity and Resistance to Antimycotics
Authors: Maftei Nicoleta-Maricica , Arbune Manuela , Georgescu Costinela Valerica , Elisei Alina Mihaela , Iancu Alina Viorica , Tatu Alin Laurentiu
Published: July 2023

Vulvovaginitis with Candida spp. is the most common infection in women and the rate is increased during pregnancy. Antifungal prescription in pregnant women continues to present challenges and the decision must balance the risk of fetal toxicity with the benefits to the fetus and mother. Starting from the idea that clotrimazole is the most recommended antifungal in candidal vaginitis in pregnancy, we tested the sensitivity of different species of Candida spp. to other azoles, polyenes, and antimetabolites. This retrospective study (January to June 2019) assessed 663 pregnant women hospitalized for various pregnancy-related symptoms in which samples of phage secretion were taken. The laboratory results confirmed 21% of cases, indicating 140 positive mycologic samples. In this study, vaginal candidiasis was mostly related to the first trimester of pregnancy (53.57%,) and less related in the last trimester (17.14%). Candida albicans was the most frequent isolated strain in this study, accounting for 118 cases, followed by 16 strains of Candida glabrata and 6 cases of Candida krusei. The highest sensitivity for C. albicans was found in azoles, mostly in miconazole (93.2%), while C. krusei was completely resistant to polyene with low sensitivity in antimetabolites and even in some azoles, such as fluconazole. In our study, higher resistance rates to flucytosine were found, with C. glabrata and C. krusei exhibiting greater resistance than C. albicans.
Urbanization-Induced Diurnal Variation in Short-Duration Rainfall Events in Wuhan, China
Authors: Mao Yanlin , Ren Guoyu , Tysa Suonam Kealdrup
Published: July 2023

Increasing of evidence suggests that rapid urbanization modifies precipitation and increases atmospheric instability in urban areas mainly due to urban heat island (UHI)-induced thermal effects and urban building-induced dynamic effects. However, few studies focus on the impact of urbanization on the diurnal variations in urban rainfall in terms of initiating time, frequency, amount, and intensity. Here, six years of hourly data from a relatively dense meteorological observation network in the Wuhan area in central China are used to quantify the issue of urbanization-induced diurnal variations in hourly rainfall and short-duration rainfall (SDR) events by comparing urban and surrounding rural stations during the summer dry period (13 July to 4 August), corresponding to hot weather with little rainfall and high evaporation. The results indicate that: (i) A higher frequency of hourly rainfall appears during night-time and afternoon over urban areas as compared to rural areas. The urban rainfall is more concentrated during the night-time; (ii) More and stronger urban SDR events are triggered during the night-time over urban areas, especially in terms of amount and intensity of rainfall events. A greater diurnal urban–rural difference in SDR events is detected than that in hourly mean rainfall; (iii) There is an enhancement in the night-time and afternoon urban SDR events when UHI intensity increases before they are initiated, and this is detectable in the frequency, amount, and intensity of SDR events. It is also found that the UHI-induced thermal effects are the main reason for the stronger nocturnal SDR events in Wuhan during the summer dry period, which is caused by increases in the convection current and water vapor flux convergence in the urban areas.
Clinical Applications of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®): An Update
Authors: Rodríguez-Luna Azahara , Zamarrón Alicia , Juarranz Ángeles , González Salvador
Published: July 2023

Exposure to sun radiation leads to higher risk of sunburn, pigmentation, immunosuppression, photoaging and skin cancer. In addition to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), recent research indicates that infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (VIS) can play an important role in the pathogenesis of some of these processes. Detrimental effects associated with sun exposure are well known, but new studies have shown that DNA damage continues to occur long after exposure to solar radiation has ended. Regarding photoprotection strategies, natural substances are emerging for topical and oral photoprotection. In this sense, Fernblock®, a standardized aqueous extract of the fern Polypodium Leucotomos (PLE), has been widely administered both topically and orally with a strong safety profile. Thus, this extract has been used extensively in clinical practice, including as a complement to photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating actinic keratoses (AKs) and field cancerization. It has also been used to treat skin diseases such as photodermatoses, photoaggravated inflammatory conditions and pigmentary disorders. This review examines the most recent developments in the clinical application of Fernblock® and assesses how newly investigated action mechanisms may influence its clinical use.
Influence of Tempering Temperature on Abrasive-Wear Performance of High-Chromium-Based Multicomponent White Cast Iron
Authors: Purba Riki Hendra , Kusumoto Kenta , Shimizu Kazumichi , Gaqi Yila , Huq Mohammad Jobayer
Published: July 2023

Recently, high-Cr multicomponent white cast iron after quenching is known to have superior abrasive-wear resistance. However, this material is prone to cracking due to the precipitation of very hard carbides resulting in very limited application. However, the cracking tendency might be reduced by appropriate tempering temperature. Therefore, the three-body abrasive-wear resistance of 18 wt.% and 27 wt.% Cr based on 3 wt.% Mo, W, V, and Co with different temperatures of tempering was studied. These are abbreviated as 18Cr MCCI and 27Cr MCCI. The tempering temperature range was 653–813 K with an interval of 20 K after the quenching process. The quenched specimens were used as comparison materials, and three tempered specimens were selected. Thus, there are quenched (Q), quenched-tempered at low temperature (TLT), quenched-tempered at medium temperature (TMT), and quenched-tempered at high temperature (THT) specimens. From the results, it can be known that the wear resistance of the material decreases as Cr percentage and tempering temperature increase. Therefore, the 18Cr MCCI Q has better wear performance than specimens of other conditions. Yet, different results occur in the group of 27Cr MCCI. The material is more wear-resistant after tempering despite the lower hardness of the material. This might be owing to the higher fracture toughness of the M7C3 carbide, which is higher after the tempering process compared with quenching only. Therefore, it can be said that it is important to maintain the hardness of the material to achieve better wear resistance. However, in materials containing large M7C3 carbides, the fracture toughness of carbides should also be considered.
4′-(N-(2-Cyanoethyl)pyrrol-2-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine
Authors: Husson Jérôme
Published: July 2023

The preparation and characterization of a new multi-functionalized terpyridine molecule featuring a pyrrole heterocycle and a cyano group is described. This new compound was obtained via a KF/alumina-catalyzed Michael addition of 4′-(pyrrol-2-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine into acrylonitrile. The mild reaction conditions leave the nitrile group unaltered. The title compound was fully characterized via NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C) as well as via high resolution mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy.
Experimental Analysis of the Mechanical Response of Masonry Columns Partially Confined with PBO FRCM (Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Mortar) Composites
Authors: Ombres Luciano , Campolongo Francesco , Guglielmi Marielda , Verre Salvatore
Published: July 2023

An experimental investigation on partially PBO (short of Polyparaphenylenebenzobisthiazole) FRCM (Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Mortar) confined clay brick masonry columns has been conducted. Ten small-scale specimens measuring 445 mm high with a square cross-section of the 250 mm side have been tested under monotonic axial loading until collapse. Two columns were unconfined, while the remaining ones were confined with single-layer PBO FRCM jackets varying the geometric configuration along their height. The vertical spacing ratio sf’/sf, being sf’ and sf the center-to-center and the net spacings between two consecutive jackets, respectively, was considered as the key parameter of the confinement configuration. The failure modes, stress–strain curves and peak axial stress and strain values are reported. The experimental results have been compared to the predictions of models found in the Italian guidelines CNR DT 215/2018 and the American ACI 549-R20 standards. The main aspects analyzed involved (i) the evaluation of the effectiveness of partial confinement on the mechanical response of columns, (ii) the definition of the mechanical and geometrical parameters that influence the structural response of partially confined columns, and (iii) the development of appropriate analytical models for the prediction of the resisting capacity of masonry columns partially confined with PBO FRCM.
Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Low Carbon Cementitious Materials with Superfine Cement Reverse Filling High-Volume Mineral Admixtures
Authors: Xu Shengnan , Xu Zhishan , Ji Yongsheng
Published: July 2023

In order to increase the content of mineral admixtures in cement, this study proposes a method for preparing a high-volume mineral admixture cementitious material (HMAC) using superfine cement as a reverse filling material. Firstly, superfine cement is prepared through mechanical grinding. Then, the activity of mineral admixtures (such as slag and fly ash) is enhanced by mechanical grinding, sulfate activation, and alkali activation methods. Meanwhile, the evolution of HMCM from microstructure to macroscopic mechanical behavior is studied by combining a laser particle size analyzer and a scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the reverse filling mechanism of superfine cement on mineral admixtures under different activation conditions is proposed. Results show that superfine cement can largely improve the utilization rate of cement clinker and the compressive strength of cementitious materials. In the condition that the compressive strength is not lower than that of the control group (without mineral admixture), the content of mineral admixture can be increased to 50%, 70%, and 90% after mechanical grinding, sulfate activation, and alkali activation, respectively. Analysis indicates that the reverse filling effect of superfine cement is the main reason for improving the density of the HMCM.
Analysis of the Impact of Changes in Thermomechanical Properties of Annealed Semi-Crystalline Plastics on the Surface Condition after the Machining Process
Authors: Gnatowski Adam , Golebski Rafal , Sikora Piotr , Petru Jana , Hajnys Jiri
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the authors present a comparative analysis of the thermomechanical properties of plastics intended for machining before and after the annealing process. The research included the dynamic properties, thermal analysis and a study of the surface after machining. The dynamic properties were tested using the DMTA method. The characteristics of changes in the value of the storage modulus E’ and the tangent of the mechanical loss angle tgδ depending on the temperature and vibration frequency were determined. The thermal properties were tested using the DSC method, and a comparative analysis of the roughness parameters of the tested materials obtained from the profilometer was carried out. The presented studies indicate the extent of the impact of the annealing process on the machinability of structural polymer materials, taking into account the analysis of changes in the thermomechanical properties of the tested materials.