bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Pseudomonas atacamensis EMP42 a PGPR Strain Obtained from the Rhizosphere of Echinocactus platyacanthus (Sweet Barrel)
Authors: Salinas-Virgen Leilani Itzel , de la Torre-Hernández María Eugenia , Aguirre-Garrido José Félix , Martínez-Abarca Francisco , Ramírez-Saad Hugo César
Published: July 2024

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of bacteria that associate with the rhizosphere of plants; one of the most abundant bacterial genera in this ecological niche is Pseudomonas, which is constantly expanding due to the emergence of new species such as Pseudomonas atacamensis, whose discovery in 2019 has led to the characterization of several strains from different environments but taxonomically related. The objective of this work was to phenotypically and molecularly characterize P. atacamensis strain EMP42, isolated from the rhizosphere of Echinocactus platyacanthus. The strain EMP42 is able to use different substrates and reduce oxidative stress in plants. It is capable of improving growth parameters such as the number of inflorescences and the height of the aerial body of Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as the germination and seedling survival of the cacti Echinocactus platyacanthus and Astrophytum capricorne. The genetic structure of P. atacamensis EMP42 consists of a closed chromosome of 6.14 Mbp, and 61.1% GC content. It has 5572 genes, including those associated with PGPR activities, such as the trpABCDE, SAP, phoABPRU and acsABC genes, among others, and three ncRNA loci, nine regulatory regions, five complete rRNA operons and three CRISPR-Cas loci, showing phylogenomic similarities with the reference strain P. atacamensis B21-026. Therefore, this study contributes to the understanding of genomic diversity within P. atacamensis and, particularly, highlights the potential application of strain EMP42 as a PGPR.
Cellulosimicrobium sp. Strain L1: A Study on the Optimization of the Conditions and Performance of a Combined Biological Trickling Filter for Hydrogen Sulfide Degradation
Authors: Wang Xuechun , Li Xintian , Hao Peng , Duan Xinran , Gao Yunhang , Liang Xiaojun
Published: July 2024

Sulfide is a toxic and hazardous substance in the agricultural environment, which can cause damage to humans and livestock when exposed to large amounts of air. In this study, we performed one-factor optimization of the culture conditions and culture fractions of the Cellulosimicrobium sp. strain L1 and combined it with a biological trickling filter cell for the degradation of hydrogen sulfide for 24 consecutive days. The degradation effect of strain L1 and the biological trickling filter (BTF) on hydrogen sulfide was investigated, and the changes in intermediate products in the degradation process were briefly analyzed. The results showed that strain L1 had the highest conversion efficiency when incubated with 3 g/L sucrose as the carbon source and 1 g/L NH4Cl as the nitrogen source at a temperature of 35 °C, an initial pH of 5, and a NaCl concentration of 1%. The concentration of thiosulfate increased and then decreased during the degradation process, and the concentration of sulfate increased continuously. When strain L1 was applied to the biological trickling filter, it could degrade 359.53 mg/m3 of H2S. This study provides a deeper understanding of sulfide degradation in biological trickling filters and helps promote the development of desulfurization technology and the treatment of malodorous gasses produced by the accumulation of large quantities of livestock manure.
Coronal and Root Canal Microbiota in Apical Periodontitis with Different PAI
Authors: Teofani Adelaide , Libonati Antonio , Unida Valeria , Biocca Silvia , Desideri Alessandro , Campanella Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease triggered by oral pathogens invading necrotic root canals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the coronal and root canal bacterial community profiles in primary endodontic infections with different periapical (PAI) indices in comparison to oral mucosa controls. A total of 31 patients with primary apical periodontitis, 14 with PAI-1 and 17 with PAI-3 were recruited. Microbial specimens from mucosa (control samples) and endodontic necrotic tissues were collected in each patient. Microbiota composition was studied through 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis. Overall, 2953 taxa from 168 different genera of 451 various microbial species were retrieved in the controls and PAI-1 and PAI-3 groups. Firmicutes is the predominant phylum in the oral controls (34.5%) and PAI-1 (44.4%) groups, while Bacteroidetes is predominant in PAI-3 (38.6%). The Proteobacteria (21.5%) and Fusobacteria (12.5%) relative abundance is higher in oral controls while that of Synergistetes is higher in the PAI-1 (3.5%) and PAI-3 (2.5%) groups, being almost absent in controls (less than 0.1%). Most of the increased bacterial species found in the PAI groups were strict anaerobes. A diminished microbial diversity was found in apical periodontitis with higher PAI. These samples were also characterized by an increase in bacteria belonging to phyla and genera with an increased anaerobic character.
Parasitism with Protozoa and Monogeneans in Fish from the Natural Waters of Romania
Authors: Dărăbuș Gheorghe , Ujvari Kristian Robert , Imre Mirela
Published: July 2024

Parasitism by protozoa and monogenean flatworms in freshwater fish from Romania was studied by collecting and examining samples from two major river systems there: 183 fish from 17 species from the Olt River and its tributaries; and 155 fish from 16 species from the Mureș River and its tributary, Târnava Mare. The average rates of parasitism in the samples from the two rivers and their tributaries were as follows: Ichthyiophthirius multifiliis (2%), Trichodina spp. (21%), Apiosoma spp. (18%), Mixobolus spp. (8%), Dactylogyrus spp. (9%), and Gyrodactylus spp. (10%). The number of parasite species varied from one river to another. I. multifiliis was found in only 3 fish species, Trichodina spp. in 13 species, Glosatella spp. in 6 species, and Mixobollus spp., Dactylogyrus spp., and Gyrodactylus spp. in 7 different species each. The highest number of parasite species (six) were identified in the European chub (Squalius cephalus) and schneider (Alburnoides bipunctatus), which seem more susceptible to parasitic infections. The aquatic environment of these rivers may represent a source of parasites for fish from neighboring countries through which these rivers pass.
Stereolithography 3D Printing of Stimuli-Responsive Spin Crossover@Polymer Nanocomposites with Optimized Actuating Properties
Authors: Kulkarni Onkar , Enriquez-Cabrera Alejandro , Yang Xinyu , Foncy Julie , Nicu Liviu , Molnár Gábor , Salmon Lionel
Published: July 2024

We used stereolithography to print polymer nanocomposite samples of stimuli-responsive spin crossover materials in the commercial photo-curable printing resins DS3000 and PEGDA-250. The thermomechanical analysis of the SLA-printed objects revealed not only the expected reinforcement of the polymer resins by the introduction of the stiffer SCO particles, but also a significant mechanical damping, as well as a sizeable linear strain around the spin transition temperatures. For the highest accessible loads (ca. 13–15 vol.%) we measured transformation strains in the range of 1.2–1.5%, giving rise to peaks in the coefficient of thermal expansion as high as 10−3 °C−1, which was exploited in 3D printed bilayer actuators to produce bending movement. The results pave the way for integrating these advanced stimuli-responsive composites into mechanical actuators and 4D printing applications.
Influence of Long-Term Soccer Training on the Fatty Acid Profile of the Platelet Membrane and Intra-Platelet Antioxidant Vitamins
Authors: Toro-Román Víctor , Siquier-Coll Jesús , Bartolomé Ignacio , Maynar-Mariño Marcos , Grijota Francisco J.
Published: July 2024

This research aimed to study the long-term effects of soccer training on platelet membrane fatty acid levels and antioxidant vitamins. Forty-four subjects divided into soccer players (SP; n = 22; 20.86 ± 0.36 years) and a control group (CG; n = 22; 21.23 ± 0.49 years) participated in the study. The fatty acids of the platelet membrane, the rates of desaturation, lipid peroxidation indexes and intra-platelet levels of vitamins C and E were assessed. SP obtained lower values in polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid), 20:5:3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6:3 (docosahexaenoic acid) (p < 0.05). The desaturation index ∆5 was higher in SP (p < 0.05), and they had a higher lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6 (arachidonic acid)/16:0 (palmitic acid) (p < 0.05). Vitamin E and C platelet values were also higher in SP (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations in the ω6/ω3 index (p < 0.05), desaturation index ∆5 (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6/16:0 and intra-platelet vitamins E and C (p < 0.01) with the level of physical activity. In addition, there were inverse correlations in fatty acids 24:0 (lignoceric acid), 16:1 (palmitoleic acid), 20:3:6 (eicosadienoic acid) and 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid) (p < 0.05) depending on the degree of physical activity. Regular long-term soccer training could modify the concentration of fatty acids such as 24:0, 16:1, 18:6, 20:3:6, 18:3:3:3, 20:5:3, 26:6:3 and ω3 PUFAs in the platelet membrane.
The Anticancer Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Kaempferol in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Kaur Sukhmandeep , Mendonca Patricia , Soliman Karam F. A.
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer, is an aggressive phenotype that lacks estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth (HER-2) receptors, which is challenging to treat with standardized hormonal therapy. Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer effects. Besides anti-tumorigenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, kaempferol protects non-cancerous cells. Kaempferol showed anti-breast cancer effects by inducing DNA damage and increasing caspase 3, caspase 9, and pAMT expression, modifying ROS production by Nrf2 modulation, inducing apoptosis by increasing cleaved PARP and Bax and downregulating Bcl-2 expression, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase; inhibiting immune evasion by modulating the JAK-STAT3 pathway; and inhibiting the angiogenic and metastatic potential of tumors by downregulating MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels. Kaempferol holds promise for boosting the efficacy of anticancer agents, complementing their effects, or reversing developed chemoresistance. Exploring novel TNBC molecular targets with kaempferol could elucidate its mechanisms and identify strategies to overcome limitations for clinical application. This review summarizes the latest research on kaempferol’s potential as an anti-TNBC agent, highlighting promising but underexplored molecular pathways and delivery challenges that warrant further investigation to achieve successful clinical translation.
Home Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Cerebral Palsy in the Years 2012–2022: A Longitudinal Analysis of Data from the National Health Fund of Poland
Authors: Zagierski Maciej , Górska Angelika , Zagierska Agnieszka , Augustyńska Joanna , Seweryn Michał , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: July 2024

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) often correlates with a higher risk of malnutrition, negatively affecting the quality of life of patients and their families. Enteral nutrition via a feeding tube should be considered to improve the nutritional status of CP patients. To date, there has been no nationwide registry of patients with CP in Poland. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of home enteral nutrition (HEN) provision in pediatric and adult patients with CP. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) on the provision of HEN in patients with CP in 2012–2022. A specially designed and validated questionnaire was sent to the 16 regional branches of NFZ. Results: Completed questionnaires were sent back from 12 NFZ branches. In 2022, CP cases increased by 7%, primarily among adults, while pediatric cases dropped by 21%. Despite a rising trend, the proportion of patients receiving HEN remained relatively low. Among children, it increased from 2.1% in 2012 to 3.3–3.5% in 2019–2021. For adults, it nearly doubled from 0.8% in 2012 to 1.7% in 2022. The prevalence of enteral feeding correlated with patient age, with a noticeable increase among older children and adolescents. Conclusions: National Health Fund data highlight the need for a nationwide registry of patients with CP. A relatively small proportion of pediatric and adult CP patients receive HEN. Increasing clinicians’ awareness of HEN availability is necessary to improve the quality of life for more CP patients.
Prevalence and Impact of Malnutrition Risk on Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Shestopalov Alexander E. , Yakovleva Alexandra V. , Yadgarov Mikhail Ya. , Sergeev Ivan V. , Kuzovlev Artem N.
Published: July 2024

Background: Malnutrition is a critical concern in ICU settings. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, yet its prevalence and impact on clinical outcomes in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain underexplored. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of malnutrition risk on clinical outcomes in ICU patients with TBI, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke, and to identify key risk factors associated with malnutrition risk. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized electronic health records encompassing ICU admissions from 2017 to 2023. Patients with either stroke or TBI were included, with malnutrition risk assessed using the prognostic nutritional index. Data were extracted and analyzed to determine patient characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters, and outcomes. Results: This study included 1352 patients (267 TBI, 825 ischemic stroke, and 260 hemorrhagic stroke patients, >30% with pneumonia at admission). Severe malnutrition risk at admission was observed in over 60% of patients. Stroke patients, particularly those with hemorrhagic stroke, exhibited a higher risk of malnutrition compared to TBI patients. Malnutrition risk was associated with significantly higher hospital mortality and increased need for mechanical ventilation. Predictive factors for malnutrition risk included advanced age, higher SOFA scores, lower FOUR and GCS scores, and the presence of pneumonia at admission. Conclusions: Risk of malnutrition is highly prevalent among ICU patients with TBI, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke, significantly impacting mortality and other clinical outcomes. Identifying and managing malnutrition early in the ICU setting is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Further prospective, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and develop effective interventions.
Experimental Protocols Used to Mimic Gastrointestinal Protein Digestion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Luz Anna Beatriz Santana , de Medeiros Amanda Fernandes , de Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva , Piuvezam Grasiela , Passos Thaís Souza , Morais Ana Heloneida de Araújo
Published: July 2024

Bioactive peptides derived from native proteins modulate physiological processes in the metabolic pathways. Given that multiple protocols in the literature mimic the digestion of dietary components, gathering studies that use such models directed at protein digestion processes is critical. This systematic review aimed to gather evidence that adopted adequate experimental models to simulate human protein digestion. The databases searched were PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, Virtual Health Library, and Scopus. A total of 1985 articles were found, resulting in 20 eligible in vitro studies. The Office of Health Assessment and Translation was used to evaluate methodological quality. Seven studies used plant-based protein sources, twelve used animal protein sources, and one used both. The duration of the oral phase varied, although 60% of the studies employed a protein digestion period of 120 min. Amylase, pepsin, and pancreatin enzymes were utilized in 40% of the studies, with pH levels of 7, 3, and 7, respectively, during the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. The INFOGEST harmonized static model was adopted by 65% of the studies; INFOGEST is the most effective model for simulating gastrointestinal protein processes in humans and can be used to answer several research questions because it describes experimental conditions close to the human physiological situation.
Goat Milk Allergy and a Potential Role for Goat Milk in Cow’s Milk Allergy
Authors: Benjamin-van Aalst Olga , Dupont Christophe , van der Zee Lucie , Garssen Johan , Knipping Karen
Published: July 2024

In many parts of the world, goat milk has been part of the human diet for millennia. Allergy to goat’s milk, not associated with allergy to cow’s milk, is a rare disorder, although some cases have been described. Goat milk proteins have substantial homology with cow’s milk proteins and even show cross-reactivity; therefore, they are not advised as an alternative to cow’s milk for infants with IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergies. However, there are indications that, due to the composition of the goat milk proteins, goat milk proteins show lower allergenicity than cow’s milk due to a lower αS1-casein content. For this reason, goat milk might be a better choice over cow’s milk as a first source of protein when breastfeeding is not possible or after the breastfeeding period. Additionally, some studies show that goat milk could play a role in specific types of non-IgE-mediated cow milk allergy or even in the prevention of sensitization to cow’s milk proteins. This review discusses a possible role of goat milk in non-IgE mediated allergy and the prevention or oral tolerance induction of milk allergy.
Upgrading Mitochondria-Targeting Peptide-Based Nanocomplexes for Zebrafish In Vivo Compatibility Assays
Authors: Faria Rúben , Vivès Eric , Boisguérin Prisca , Descamps Simon , Sousa Ângela , Costa Diana
Published: July 2024

The lack of effective delivery systems has slowed the development of mitochondrial gene therapy. Delivery systems based on cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) like the WRAP (tryptophan and arginine-rich peptide) family conjugated with a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) have emerged as adequate carriers to mediate gene expression into the mitochondria. In this work, we performed the PEGylation of WRAP/pDNA nanocomplexes and compared them with previously analyzed nanocomplexes such as (KH)9/pDNA and CpMTP/pDNA. All nanocomplexes exhibited nearly homogeneous sizes between 100 and 350 nm in different environments. The developed complexes were biocompatible and hemocompatible to both human astrocytes and lung smooth muscle cells, ensuring in vivo safety. The nanocomplexes displayed mitochondria targeting ability, as through transfection they preferentially accumulate into the mitochondria of astrocytes and muscle cells to the detriment of cytosol and lysosomes. Moreover, the transfection of these cells with MTS–CPP/pDNA complexes produced significant levels of mitochondrial protein ND1, highlighting their efficient role as gene delivery carriers toward mitochondria. The positive obtained data pave the way for in vivo research. Using confocal microscopy, the cellular internalization capacity of these nanocomplexes in the zebrafish embryo model was assessed. The peptide-based nanocomplexes were easily internalized into zebrafish embryos, do not cause harmful or toxic effects, and do not affect zebrafish’s normal development and growth. These promising results indicate that MTS–CPP complexes are stable nanosystems capable of internalizing in vivo models and do not present associated toxicity. This work, even at an early stage, offers good prospects for continued in vivo zebrafish research to evaluate the performance of nanocomplexes for mitochondrial gene therapy.
Chitosan-Tricarbocyanine-Based Nanogels Were Able to Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier Showing Its Potential as a Targeted Site Delivery Agent
Authors: Rivera López Emilio , Samaniego López Cecilia , Spagnuolo Carla C. , Berardino Bruno G. , Alaimo Agustina , Pérez Oscar E.
Published: July 2024

Targeting drugs to the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The cutting edge in nanotechnology generates optimism to overcome the growing challenges in biomedical sciences through the effective engineering of nanogels. The primary objective of the present report was to develop and characterize a biocompatible natural chitosan (CS)-based NG that can be tracked thanks to the tricarbocyanine (CNN) fluorescent probe addition on the biopolymer backbone. FTIR shed light on the chemical groups involved in the CS and CNN interactions and between CNN-CS and tripolyphosphate, the cross-linking agent. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to determine if CS-NGs can be utilized as therapeutic delivery vehicles directed towards the brain. An ionic gelation method was chosen to generate cationic CNN-CS-NG. DLS and TEM confirmed that these entities’ sizes fell into the nanoscale. CNN-CS-NG was found to be non-cytotoxic, as determined in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line through biocompatibility assays. After cellular internalization, the occurrence of an endo-lysosomal escape (a crucial event for an efficient drug delivery) of CNN-CS-NG was detected. Furthermore, CNN-CS-NG administered intraperitoneally to female CF-1 mice were detected in different brain regions after 2 h of administration, using fluorescence microscopy. To conclude, the obtained findings in the present report can be useful in the field of neuro-nanomedicine when designing drug vehicles with the purpose of delivering drugs to the CNS.
The Impact of Motivational Interviewing and MOTIVE Tool Use by Pharmacists on Vaccine Acceptance
Authors: Chen Aleda M. H. , Anthony Alea , Balogun Adeola , Pereira Ruth , Cole Justin W.
Published: July 2024

Vaccines have played a significant role in reducing infectious disease burden. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a persistent challenge in public health, including for pharmacists who often interact with patients regarding vaccines. Thus, this study assesses the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) training and the MI-based vaccine hesitancy discussion tools (MOTIVE) on pharmacists’ management of vaccine hesitancy. Pharmacists in eight Midwestern pharmacy practices who completed MI and MOTIVE training and engaged with vaccine-hesitant patients participated in this study. The pharmacist participants completed post-encounter surveys identifying the vaccine discussed, the tool utilized, and the outcome of the conversation. Descriptive results from 362 encounters indicated that the primary reasons for hesitancy were safety (39%), care coordination (31.5%), and efficacy (30.4%). Post encounter, 35.4% of patients received vaccines, 26% planned to, 25.1% considered it, and 13.5% were uninterested. The findings highlight the importance of patient-centered communication, such as MI, between patients and pharmacists to identify and address reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Pharmacists, equipped with conversation tools such as the MOTIVE tools, may effectively influence vaccine acceptance. Future research should evaluate the utility of MI and the MOTIVE tools in other settings and regions.
Deprescribing NSAIDs: The Potential Role of Community Pharmacists
Authors: Amedi Delsher , Gazerani Parisa
Published: July 2024

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are largely used for controlling various pain conditions and are widely available in community pharmacies, with and without prescription. Despite their effectiveness, NSAIDs can pose significant risks due to potential side effects and drug interactions, particularly in polypharmacy and comorbidity contexts and for vulnerable users. This study investigated whether and how NSAIDs deprescribing can be conducted at the community pharmacy level by assessing pharmacists’ confidence, attitudes, and potential barriers and facilitators. Additionally, we aimed to identify any deprescribing guidelines that pharmacists could use. A literature search and a cross-sectional digital questionnaire targeting community pharmacists in Norway were conducted. Results showed that study participants (N = 73) feel confident in identifying needs for deprescribing NSAIDs but barriers such as time constraints, lack of financial compensation, and communication challenges were noted. Participants reported positive attitudes toward deprescribing but highlighted a need for better guidelines and training. This study highlights a gap in specific guidelines for deprescribing NSAIDs and a potential for enhancing pharmacists’ roles in the deprescribing process, for example, through training and improved financial incentives. Further research is encouraged to develop concrete strategies for an effective implementation where community pharmacists can be involved in the deprescribing of NSAIDs.
Regrounding the Unworldly: Carnap’s Politically Engaged Logical Pluralism
Authors: Friedman-Biglin Noah
Published: July 2024

Recent discussions of logical pluralism trace its origins to Rudolf Carnap’s principle of tolerance; indeed, the principle is seen as one of Carnap’s lasting philosophical contributions. In this paper, I will argue that Carnap’s reasons for adopting this principle are not purely logical, but are rather founded in the Vienna Circle’s manifesto—a programmatic document that brings the Circle’s philosophical work together with a program of social change. Building on work by Uebel, Romizi, and others, I argue that we must understand the principle in light of Carnap’s role in writing the manifesto, and thus as integrated into the larger philosophical and political goals of the Circle. This history illuminates the often-ignored relationship between Carnap’s logical pluralism and his political views. Finally, I turn to the political situation of the post-World War 2 period in the United States. During this time, the Circle’s emigres in the USA transitioned their work from active efforts to reform society to the technical work that we recognize as the foundation of American analytic philosophy today. In this final section, I argue that the reasons that Carnap distanced himself from the political foundations of his view were due in large part to McCarthy-era persecution of left-wing academics.
Evaluation of Fluorescence Contrast for the Differentiation of Ex Vivo Tissue Slides from Collagen-Related Degenerative Skin Diseases
Authors: Genova Tsanislava , Pavlova Petya , Zaharieva Lidia , Troyanova Petranka , Terziev Ivan
Published: July 2024

Histopathological analysis is one of the primary pillars in clinical diagnostics. The efforts to implement optical techniques aim at alleviating the burden of delivering timely and accurate diagnoses. We have explored the potential application of unstained tissue slides’ autofluorescence to differentiate collagen-related skin degenerative diseases, such as psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and Syndrome of Raynaud. This exploration involved two techniques: fluorescence microscopy combined with colorimetric analysis and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. We addressed the main characteristic peculiarities of the examined samples and discussed the evaluation of potential classification parameters along with their diagnostic values.
Integrative Transcriptomic and Metabolic Analyses Reveal That Flavonoid Biosynthesis Is the Key Pathway Regulating Pigment Deposition in Naturally Brown Cotton Fibers
Authors: Shi Shandang , Tang Rui , Hao Xiaoyun , Tang Shouwu , Chen Wengang , Jiang Chao , Long Mengqian , Chen Kailu , Hu Xiangxiang , Xie Quanliang , Xie Shuangquan , Meng Zhuang , Ismayil Asigul , Jin Xiang , Wang Fei , Liu Haifeng , Li Hongbin
Published: July 2024

Brown cotton is a major cultivar of naturally colored cotton, and brown cotton fibers (BCFs) are widely utilized as raw materials for textile industry production due to their advantages of being green and dyeing-pollution-free. However, the mechanisms underlying the pigmentation in fibers are still poorly understood, which significantly limits their extensive applications in related fields. In this study, we conducted a multidimensional comparative analysis of the transcriptomes and metabolomes between brown and white fibers at different developmental periods to identify the key genes and pathways regulating the pigment deposition. The transcriptomic results indicated that the pathways of flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were significantly enriched regulatory pathways, especially in the late development periods of fiber pigmentation; furthermore, the genes distributed in the pathways of PAL, CHS, F3H, DFR, ANR, and UFGT were identified as significantly up-regulated genes. The metabolic results showed that six metabolites, namely (−)-Epigallocatechin, Apiin, Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, Gallocatechin, Myricetin, and Poncirin, were significantly accumulated in brown fibers but not in white fibers. Integrative analysis of the transcriptomic and metabolomic data demonstrated a possible regulatory network potentially regulating the pigment deposition, in which three MYB transcription factors promote the expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis genes, thereby inducing the content increase in (−)-Epigallocatechin, Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, Gallocatechin, and Myricetin in BCFs. Our findings provide new insights into the pigment deposition mechanism in BCFs and offer references for genetic engineering and breeding of colored cotton materials.
Enhanced Growth and Contrasting Effects on Arsenic Phytoextraction in Pteris vittata through Rhizosphere Bacterial Inoculations
Authors: Antenozio Maria Luisa , Giannelli Gianluigi , Fragni Rosaria , Baragaño Diego , Brunetti Patrizia , Visioli Giovanna , Cardarelli Maura
Published: July 2024

This greenhouse study evaluated the effects of soil enrichment with Pteris vittata rhizosphere bacteria on the growth and accumulation of arsenic in P. vittata grown on a naturally As-rich soil. Inoculations were performed with a consortium of six bacteria resistant to 100 mM arsenate and effects were compared to those obtained on the sterilized soil. Selected bacteria from the consortium were also utilized individually: PVr_9 homologous to Agrobacterium radiobacter that produces IAA and siderophores and shows ACC deaminase activity, PVr_15 homologous to Acinetobacter schindleri that contains the arsenate reductase gene, and PVr_5 homologous to Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens that possesses all traits from both PVr_9 and PVr_15. Frond and root biomass significantly increased in ferns inoculated with the consortium only on non-sterilized soil. A greater increase was obtained with PVr_9 alone, while only an increased root length was found in those inoculated with either PVr_5 or PVr_15. Arsenic content significantly decreased only in ferns inoculated with PVr_9 while it increased in those inoculated with PVr_5 and PVr_15. In conclusion, inoculations with the consortium and PVr_9 alone increase plant biomass, but no increase in As phytoextraction occurs with the consortium and even a reduction is seen with PVr_9 alone. Conversely, inoculations with PVr_5 and PVr_15 have the capacity of increasing As phytoextraction.
Association of Thermoresponsive Diblock Copolymer PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA in Aqueous Solutions: The Influence of Terminal Groups
Authors: Škorňa Adam , Selianitis Dimitrios , Pispas Stergios , Štěpánek Miroslav
Published: July 2024

Aqueous solutions of a thermoresponsive diblock copolymer poly(di-[ethylene glycol] methyl ether methacrylate)-b-poly(2-[diisopropylamino] ethyl methacrylate) (PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA) were studied by static, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermoresponsive behavior of PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA was investigated at two pH values, pH = 2, at which the terminal carboxylic group of the PDEGMA chain and the PDIPAEMA block are protonated, and pH = 7, where the carboxyl terminal group is ionized while the PDIPAEMA block is partially deprotonated and more hydrophobic. Both at pH = 2 and 7, PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA copolymer underwent extensive association (the size of the aggregates was between 100 and 300 nm), indicating strong interchain interactions. While the measurements confirmed thermoresponsive behavior of PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA at pH = 7, no changes in the association with temperature were observed at pH 2 as the thermoresponsivity of PDEGMA was suppressed by hydrogen bonding between carboxylic groups and PDEGMA segments, as well as due to the increased hydrophilicity of the PDIPAEMA block. Fluorescence measurements with pyrene as a fluorescent probe showed that both at pH = 2 and pH = 7 the associates were able to solubilize hydrophobic substances.
A Valuable Source of Promising Extremophiles in Microbial Plastic Degradation
Authors: Pham Van Hong Thi , Kim Jaisoo , Chang Soonwoong
Published: July 2024

Plastics have accumulated in open environments, such as oceans, rivers, and land, for centuries, but their effect has been of concern for only decades. Plastic pollution is a global challenge at the forefront of public awareness worldwide due to its negative effects on ecological systems, animals, human health, and national economies. Therefore, interest has increased regarding specific circular economies for the development of plastic production and the investigation of green technologies for plastic degradation after use on an appropriate timescale. Moreover, biodegradable plastics have been found to contain potential new hazards compared with conventional plastics due to the physicochemical properties of the polymers involved. Recently, plastic biodegradation was defined as microbial conversion using functional microorganisms and their enzymatic systems. This is a promising strategy for depolymerizing organic components into carbon dioxide, methane, water, new biomass, and other higher value bioproducts under both oxic and anoxic conditions. This study reviews microplastic pollution, the negative consequences of plastic use, and the current technologies used for plastic degradation and biodegradation mediated by microorganisms with their drawbacks; in particular, the important and questionable role of extremophilic multi-enzyme-producing bacteria in synergistic systems of plastic decomposition is discussed. This study emphasizes the key points for enhancing the plastic degradation process using extremophiles, such as cell hydrophobicity, amyloid protein, and other relevant factors. Bioprospecting for novel mechanisms with unknown information about the bioproducts produced during the plastic degradation process is also mentioned in this review with the significant goals of CO2 evolution and increasing H2/CH4 production in the future. Based on the potential factors that were analyzed, there may be new ideas for in vitro isolation techniques for unculturable/multiple-enzyme-producing bacteria and extremophiles from various polluted environments.
Seismic Performance of Corroded ECC-GFRP Spiral-Confined Reinforced-Concrete Column
Authors: Long Xu , Chen Zehong , Li Pengda
Published: July 2024

Preventing corrosion in the steel reinforcement of concrete structures is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity as it directly impacts the safety and lifespan of concrete structures. By preventing rebar corrosion, the durability and seismic performance of the structures can be significantly enhanced. This study investigates the hysteresis behavior of both corroded and non-corroded engineered cementitious composite (ECC)-glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) spiral-confined reinforced-concrete (RC) columns. Employing experimental methods and finite element analysis, this research explores key seismic parameters such as crack patterns, failure modes, hysteretic responses, load-bearing capacities, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation. The results demonstrate that ECC-GFRP spiral-confined RC columns, compared to traditional RC columns, show reduced corrosion rates, smaller crack widths, and fewer corrosion products, indicating superior crack control and corrosion resistance. Hysteresis tests revealed that ECC-GFRP columns, at a 20% target corrosion rate, exhibit an enhanced load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation, suggesting improved durability and seismic resilience. Parametric and sensitivity analyses confirm the finite element model’s accuracy and highlight the significant influence of concrete compressive strength on load-bearing capacity. The findings suggest that ECC-GFRP spiral-confined RC columns offer promising applications in coastal and seismic-prone regions, enhancing corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, thus potentially reducing formwork costs and improving construction quality and efficiency.
Maximizing Degumming Efficiency for Firmiana simplex Bark Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Farooq Amjad , Khawar Muhammad Tauseef , Wang Zongqian , Tian Mingwei , Mushtaq Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Degumming is a critical process in the purification of natural fibers, essential for enhancing their quality and usability across various applications. Traditional degumming methods employed for natural fibers encounter inherent limitations, encompassing prolonged procedures, excessive energy consumption, adverse environmental impact, and subpar efficiency. To address these challenges, a groundbreaking wave of degumming technique has emerged, transcending these constraints and heralding a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and eco-friendly techniques. This study represents the Firmiana simplex bark (FSB) fiber’s delignification by using deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The study explores the application of deep eutectic solvents, by synthesizing different types of DES using a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and four representative hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) for FSB fiber degumming. This study investigates the morphologies, chemical compositions, crystallinities, and physical properties of Firmiana simplex bark fibers before and after the treatment. Furthermore, the effects and mechanisms of different DESs on dispersing FSB fibers were examined. The experimental results showed that choline chloride-urea (CU)-based DES initiates the degumming process by effectively disrupting the hydrogen bond interaction within FSB fibers, primarily by outcompeting chloride ions. Following this initial step, the DES acts by deprotonating phenolic hydroxyl groups and cleaving β-O-4 bonds present in diverse lignin units, thereby facilitating the efficient removal of lignin from the fibers. This innovative approach resulted in significantly higher degumming efficiency and ecofriendly as compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the results revealed that CU-based DES exhibits the utmost effectiveness in degumming FSB fibers. The optimal degumming conditions involve a precise processing temperature of 160 °C and a carefully controlled reaction time of 2 h yielding the most favorable outcomes. The present study presents a novel straightforward and environmentally friendly degumming method for Firmiana simplex bark, offering a substantial potential for enhancing the overall quality and usability of the resulting fibers. Our findings open new pathways for sustainable fiber-processing technologies.
Learning to Walk with Adaptive Feet
Authors: Scaldaferri Antonello , Angelini Franco , Garabini Manolo
Published: July 2024

In recent years, tasks regarding autonomous mobility favoredthe use of legged robots rather than wheeled ones thanks to their higher mobility on rough and uneven terrains. This comes at the cost of more complex motion planners and controllers to ensure robot stability and balance. However, in the case of quadrupedal robots, balancing is simpler than it is for bipeds thanks to their larger support polygons. Until a few years ago, most scientists and engineers addressed the quadrupedal locomotion problem with model-based approaches, which require a great deal of modeling expertise. A new trend is the use of data-driven methods, which seem to be quite promising and have shown great results. These methods do not require any modeling effort, but they suffer from computational limitations dictated by the hardware resources used. However, only the design phase of these algorithms requires large computing resources (controller training); their execution in the operational phase (deployment), takes place in real time on common processors. Moreover, adaptive feet capable of sensing terrain profile information have been designed and have shown great performance. Still, no dynamic locomotion control method has been specifically designed to leverage the advantages and supplementary information provided by this type of adaptive feet. In this work, we investigate the use and evaluate the performance of different end-to-end control policies trained via reinforcement learning algorithms specifically designed and trained to work on quadrupedal robots equipped with passive adaptive feet for their dynamic locomotion control over a diverse set of terrains. We examine how the addition of the haptic perception of the terrain affects the locomotion performance.
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Variations in Evapotranspiration and Its Driving Factors Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study of the Heihe River Basin
Authors: Li Xiang , Pang Zijie , Xue Feihu , Ding Jianli , Wang Jinjie , Xu Tongren , Xu Ziwei , Ma Yanfei , Zhang Yuan , Shi Jinlong
Published: July 2024

The validation of remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET) products is important for the development of ET estimation models and the accuracy of the scientific application of the products. In this study, different ET products such as HiTLL, MOD16A2, ETMonitor, and SoGAE were compared using multi-source remote sensing data and ground-based data to evaluate their applicability in the Heihe River Basin (HRB) during 2010–2019. The results of the comparison with the site observations show that ETMonitor provides a more stable and reliable estimation of ET than the other three products. The ET exhibited significant variations over the decade, characterized by a general increase in rates across the HRB. These changes were markedly influenced by variations in land use and topographical features. Specifically, the analysis showed that farmland and forested areas had higher ET rates due to greater vegetation cover and moisture availability, while grasslands and water bodies demonstrated lower ET rates, reflecting their respective land cover characteristics. This study further explored the influence of various factors on ET, including land use changes, NDVI, temperature, and precipitation. It was found that changes in land use, such as increases in agricultural areas or reforestation efforts, directly influenced ET rates. Moreover, meteorological conditions such as temperature and precipitation patterns also played crucial roles, with warmer temperatures and higher precipitation correlating with increased ET. This study highlights the significant impact of land use and climatic factors on spatiotemporal variations in ET within the HRB, underscoring its importance for optimizing water resource management and land use planning in arid regions.
Power Allocation Scheme for Multi-Static Radar to Stably Track Self-Defense Jammers
Authors: Zhang Gangsheng , Xie Junwei , Zhang Haowei , Feng Weike , Liu Mingjie , Qin Cong
Published: July 2024

Due to suppression jamming by jammers, the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) during tracking tasks is significantly reduced, thereby decreasing the target detection probability of radar systems. This may result in the interruption of the target track. To address this issue, we propose a multi-static radar power allocation algorithm that enhances the detection and tracking performance of multiple radars in relation to their targets by optimizing power resource allocation. Initially, the echo signal model and measurement model of multi-static radar are formulated, followed by the derivation of the Bayesian Cramér–Rao lower bound (BCRLB). The multi-objective optimization method is utilized to establish the objective function for joint tracking and detection, with dynamic adjustment of the weight coefficient to balance the tracking and detection performance of multiple radars. This ensures the reliability and anti-jamming capability of the multi-static radar system. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can prevent the interruption of jammer tracking and maintain robust tracking performance.
Mapping Ratoon Rice Fields Based on SAR Time Series and Phenology Data in Cloudy Regions
Authors: Li Yuechen , Zhao Rongkun , Wang Yue
Published: July 2024

Ratoon rice (RR) has emerged as an active adaptation to climate uncertainty, stabilizing total paddy rice yield and effectively reducing agriculture-related ecological environmental issues. However, identifying key remote sensing parameters for RR under cloudy and foggy conditions is challenging, and existing RR monitoring methods in these regions face significant uncertainties. Here, given the sensitivity of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) backscattering signals to the crop phenological period, this paper introduces a threshold model utilizing Sentinel-1A SAR data and phenological information for mapping RR. The Yongchuan District of Chongqing, which is often cloudy and foggy, was selected as a specific study region where VH-polarized backscatter coefficients of Sentinel-1 images were obtained at 10 m spatial resolution in 2020. Based on the proposed threshold model, the RR extraction overall accuracy was up to 90.24%, F1 score was 0.92, and Kappa coefficient was 0.80. Further analysis showed that the extracted RR boundaries exhibited high consistency with true Sentinel-2 remote sensing images and the RR extracted area was in good agreement with the actual planted area situation. This threshold model demonstrated good applicability in the studied cloudy and foggy region, and successfully distinguished RR from other paddy rice types. The methodological framework established in this study provides a basis for extensive application in China and other significant RR-producing regions globally.