bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Houttuynia cordata
Authors: Wu Xinxin , Yan Ling , Li Jingda , Tan Zhijian
Published: February 2025

Recently, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted much attention in the extraction and separation field because of their green characteristics, and they are widely used to extract various bioactive substances from plants. In this study, ten choline chloride (ChCl)-based mixtures were selected for extracting flavonoids from Houttuynia cordata. Then, the optimal conditions for the DES-based extraction of Houttuynia cordata flavonoids (HCFs) were determined through one-way experiments and response surface optimization (RSM). The optimal conditions were a 60 min extraction time, an extraction temperature of 40 °C, a water content of 30%, a solid−liquid ratio of 1:22 g·mL−1, a molar ratio of 1:2, and an ultrasound power of 420 W. The antioxidant capacities of HCFs in terms of ABTS radical, DPPH radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and nitrite inhibition capacity were determined. DESs can be efficiently recycled after extraction. This study developed an effective and environmentally friendly method for HCF extraction, thereby also supporting the development and utilization of natural products.
Combining Sensory Analysis and Flavoromics to Determine How the Maillard Reaction Affects the Flavors of Golden Pomfret Hydrolysates
Authors: Long Zhengsen , Yi Xiangzhou , Gao Xia , Wang Yanchen , Guo Jingfeng , Gao Shuxin , Xia Guanghua , Shen Xuanri
Published: February 2025

Enzymatic hydrolysis can enhance the flavor of aquatic products. Nevertheless, the strong fishy odor restricts its utilization in culinary applications. This study is centered on enhancing the flavor of golden pomfret samples by promoting the Maillard reaction (MR) between golden pomfret hydrolysate (GHES) and reducing sugars. The research results demonstrate that the Maillard reaction significantly improves the sensory characteristics of GHES. It prompts the formation of diverse volatile compounds, such as aldehydes, esters, and furans. Simultaneously, it reduces the relative amounts of substances associated with fishy odor, such as 1-Octen-3-ol and Hexanal. Moreover, the Maillard reaction increases the contents of amino acids contributing to umami and sweetness, as well as 5′-nucleotides in the samples, thus enriching their umami flavor profiles. After undergoing the Maillard reaction treatment, the antioxidant capacity of the samples is also significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). This research highlights the potential of the Maillard reaction in improving both the flavor and antioxidant properties of GHES, establishing a theoretical basis for elevating the quality of golden pomfret products.
Effect of Passiflora Edulis Sims Peel Feed on Meat Quality of Finishing Pigs
Authors: Zai Xueying , Ma Xianyong , Weng Guangying , Song Min , Lu Yusheng , Yang Liyi , Deng Dun
Published: February 2025

Passiflora edulis Sims peel (Chinese name Baixiangguo, BXG) is a by-product with a high nutritional and economic value of Passiflora edulis Sims. In this study, corn was partly replaced with BXG to make feed for finishing pigs and the effects on the carcass traits, meat quality, muscle amino acid profile, and gene expression of finishing pigs were evaluated. A total of 20 healthy finishing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large) were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (CON) was fed the basal diet, and the experimental group (BXG) was fed a basal diet with BXG instead of 10% corn for a period of 43 d. Compared to the CON group, the carcass weight, intramuscular fat content, and marbling score were significantly increased, while the drip loss, b* value, and shear force of the BXG group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis showed that the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis and oxidative-type fiber related genes was significantly increased in the BXG group (p < 0.05). Proteomic research revealed that the metabolic pathways of the BXG and CON groups differed significantly. A total of 36 differentially expressed proteins were identified, mainly related to energy metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and endocrine regulation pathways. However, the contents of glutamine, glutamate, proline, and other amino acids in the BXG group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Overall, this study has a positive effect on improving meat quality, but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored, which offers practical guidance for the application of BXG in producing higher-quality pork and further promotes its commercial application.
Selection of Key Genes for Apricot Kernel Oil Synthesis Based on Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhao Zhong
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to identify the key genes regulating apricot kernel oil (AKO) biosynthesis and understand the molecular pathways of AKO synthesis and accumulation. This study used two varieties of apricot kernel to determine the oil contents and primary fatty acid compositions at different developmental stages. Candidate genes for AKO biosynthesis were selected through transcriptome sequencing technology and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and these genes were verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results indicate that during apricot ripening, the content of AKO exhibits an ‘S’-shaped accumulation pattern. The primary fatty acid components are C18:1 and C18:2. The transcriptome sequencing produced 164.19 Gb of clean data and 17,411 differentially expressed genes. The WGCNA results indicate that significantly differentially expressed genes cluster into seven modules—gene clusters (module)—with the strongest correlations to AKO indicated in pink. Nineteen candidate genes were selected from the oil synthesis pathway and WGCNA results. The qRT-PCR results indicate that six key enzyme genes and three transcription factors play significant regulatory roles in AKO biosynthesis. This study elucidates the molecular pathways involved in AKO biosynthesis and explains the difference in oil content between bitter and sweet apricot kernels.
Nutrition Knowledge Varies by Food Group and Nutrient Among Adults
Authors: Glick Abigail A. , Winham Donna M. , Heer Michelle M. , Hutchins Andrea M. , Shelley Mack C.
Published: February 2025

The United States Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have provided recommendations for healthy eating patterns to meet nutrient needs and reduce chronic disease risk for decades. However, few Americans fully meet these guidelines, especially regarding five shortfall nutrients, and the vegetable, fruit, pulse, whole grain, and dairy food groups. Nutrition knowledge is a modifiable factor associated with improved dietary behavior, yet it is unclear whether individuals with nutrition-related chronic diseases possess greater knowledge. The study objectives were to (1) describe knowledge of 10 nutrient sources across six food groups, and (2) determine predictive factors for nutrient source and food group knowledge. A national sample of 930 adults from an online panel answered demographic, nutrition-disease knowledge, desired benefits from foods, chronic disease status questions, and identified the presence or absence of 10 nutrients in six food groups. Respondents were 77% White, 51% women, and 70% married, with a mean age of 45 years. Nutrition-disease knowledge was higher for those who were older, women, and highly educated. Having a nutrition-related disease, e.g., heart disease, was not predictive of nutrient-disease knowledge. Whole grains had the highest average nutrient knowledge score (6.26 ± 2.5; range 0–10), while vegetables had the lowest (4.89 ± 2.3). Fat food sources were the best known (3.98 ± 1.5; range 0–6), and folate was the least recognized (2.16 ± 1.4). General linear models of survey variables for the six food groups explained 10.2% to 19.4% of nutrient knowledge variation and described 4.7% to 27.1% of differences in food-source scores for the 10 nutrients. Nutrient-disease knowledge had the most significant influence on nutrient source scores. Gaps in understanding nutrient sources suggest the public needs more applied education.
Enhancing the Hydrophobicity of Chitosan Films Through Hierarchical Plant Wax Particles and Dilute Chitosan Solution Coatings
Authors: Gao Chengcheng , Zhang Ni , Chen Ying , Xie Fengwei , Meng Linghan , Tang Xiaozhi
Published: February 2025

The strong hydrophilicity of chitosan-based films limits their practical applications. To enhance the hydrophobicity of these films, hierarchical carnauba wax particles were prepared using the Pickering emulsion method and subsequently coated onto the film surfaces. The wax was stabilized with various types and concentrations of TiO2. The resulting wax particles exhibited a micro-scale structure, with nano-scale TiO2 and micro-scale TiO2 aggregates present on the surface. No significant differences in contact angle were observed among these particles. Hydrophilic TiO2 demonstrated smaller sliding angles and particle sizes. To improve the mechanical durability and compatibility of the wax particles with the chitosan matrix, the wax particles were mixed with a diluted chitosan solution before coating. As the concentration of wax particles increased and the concentration of chitosan solution decreased, more wax particles became exposed on the surface. This exposure increased the roughness of the coatings, resulting in a significant increase in contact angle and a decrease in sliding angle. A high concentration of chitosan provided greater protection to wax particles during mechanical durability tests. Additionally, the residue rate of liquid foods on the coating films significantly decreased. This study demonstrates that the Pickering emulsion method is an effective approach for preparing hierarchical wax particles, and that mixing these particles with a polymer similar to the matrix can effectively improve mechanical durability.
Immobilization Techniques for Food-Grade Nuclease P1 and Their Application in Nucleotide Production
Authors: Yin Xiao-Yan , He Wei-Zhong , Sheng Yingkun , Yang Zhong-Hua
Published: February 2025

Nuclease P1 (NP1) is critical for producing 5′-nucleotides, which are essential flavor enhancers in the food industry. Traditional use of free NP1 is hampered by poor reusability, high costs, and potential residual enzyme protein contamination, compromising product quality. This study introduces a novel immobilization technique using a cross-linking approach with food-grade ion exchange resin AER1 to create NP1@AER1-GA. This method achieves an enzyme activity of 51,015 U/g, with a notable immobilization yield of 67.7%. The immobilized NP1@AER1-GA exhibits significantly enhanced stability and catalytic efficiency while ensuring industrial compatibility and maintaining stringent safety standards. Under optimized conditions, NP1@AER1-GA demonstrates exceptional performance in 5′-nucleotide production, retaining approximately 85% of its initial activity after 10 cycles of reuse. This breakthrough not only boosts the efficiency and sustainability of nucleotide synthesis but also offers a scalable solution for industrial applications, promoting sustainable manufacturing practices within the food industry. By addressing key challenges associated with traditional enzymatic methods, this immobilization technique sets a new benchmark for biocatalyst design in the food processing industry.
Interspecific Competition of Plant Communities Based on Fractional Order Time Delay Lotka–Volterra Model
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Yongzhi , Liu Juhong , Zhang Caiqin , Chen Jingyi
Published: February 2025

A novel time delay Lotka–Volterra (TDLV) model was developed by extending the concept of time delay from integer order to fractional order. The TDLV model was constructed to simulate the dynamics of aboveground biomass per individual of three dominant herbaceous plant species (Leymus chinensis, Agropyron cristatum, and Stipa grandis) in the typical grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Comparative analysis indicated that the TDLV model outperforms candidate models, such as Logistic, GM(1,1), GM(1,N), DGM(2,1), and Lotka–Volterra model, in terms of all fitting criteria. The results demonstrate that interspecies competition exhibits clear feedback and suppression effects, with Leymus chinensis playing a central role in regulating community dynamics. The system is locally stable and eventually converges to an equilibrium point, though Stipa grandis maintains relatively low biomass, requiring further monitoring. Time delays are prevalent in the system, influencing dynamic processes and causing damping oscillations as populations approach equilibrium.
A New Result Regarding Positive Solutions for Semipositone Boundary Value Problems of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Wang Yongqing
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we discuss the positive solutions to a class of semipositone boundary value problems of fractional differential equations. The nonlinearity f(t,x) may be singular at t=0,1 and satisfies f(t,x)≥−a(t)x−R(t). We derive some new properties of the Green’s function of the auxiliary problems, and discover the multiplicity and existence of the positive solutions by utilizing the fixed point index theory. Two examples are illustrated to validate the main results.
The Nepalese Diaspora in Canada: History, Diasporic Experiences, and Contemporary Issues
Authors: Giri Subash
Published: February 2025

Despite the Nepalese diaspora being a part of the South Asian diaspora in Canada—the largest fraction of Canadian diasporas—systematic investigations into and knowledge about the Nepalese diaspora is strikingly limited. The existing studies centred on the South Asian diaspora predominantly deal with the Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi diasporas and often homogenize the Nepalese diaspora with these diasporic groups. This study, as the first scholarly investigation into this group, examines the emerging and fast-growing Nepalese diasporic community in Canada. Based on government data, reports, and in-depth semi-structured interviews, this article presents the history of the Nepalese diaspora in Canada. It also delineates their diasporic experiences as they arrive and embark on a new journey to Canada and some contemporary socio-cultural and intergenerational issues that have arisen in this diasporic community. The article finds a rapid growth in the Nepalese diaspora in about the last two decades. It identifies the quest for a better life, health care, social security, children’s education, and escape from political turmoil and instability in their native country as the chief reasons for this influx of Nepalese in Canada. The article also uncovers dramatic career shifts, adaptation or settlement-related strains, longing for homeland, cultural decline, and growing intergenerational gaps as the key post-immigration challenges encountered by the Nepalese diaspora in Canada.
Computation of the Digital Elevation Model and Ice Dynamics of Talos Dome and the Frontier Mountain Region (North Victoria Land/Antarctica) by Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) Interferometry
Authors: Sterzai Paolo , Creati Nicola , Zanutta Antonio
Published: February 2025

In Antarctica, SAR interferometry has largely been used in coastal glacial areas, while in rare cases this method has been used on the Antarctic plateau. In this paper, the authors present a digital elevation and ice flow map based on SAR interferometry for an area encompassing Talos Dome (TD) and the Frontier Mountain (FM) meteorite site in North Victoria Land/Antarctica. A digital elevation model (DEM) was calculated using a double SAR interferometry method. The DEM of the region was calculated by extracting approximately 100 control points from the Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA). The two DEMs differ slightly in some areas, probably due to the penetration of the SAR-C band signal into the cold firn. The largest differences are found in the western area of TD, where the radar penetration is more pronounced and fits well with the layer structures calculated by the georadar and the snow accumulation observations. By differentiating a 70-day interferogram with the calculated DEM, a displacement interferogram was calculated that represents the ice dynamics. The resulting ice flow pattern clearly shows the catchment areas of the Priestley and Rennick Glaciers as well as the ice flow from the west towards Wilkes Basin. The ice velocity field was analysed in the area of FM. This area has become well known due to the search for meteorites. The velocity field in combination with the calculated DEM confirms the generally accepted theories about the accumulation of meteorites over the Antarctic Plateau.
Moral Distress and Emotional Exhaustion in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Orgambídez Alejandro , Borrego Yolanda , Alcalde F. Javier , Durán Auxiliadora
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Moral distress is commonly experienced by healthcare professionals (i.e., nurses) as ethical conflict. Previous literature suggests that moral distress contributes to emotional exhaustion in these professionals. We aimed to synthesize and analyze studies that examined the relationship between moral distress and emotional exhaustion in healthcare professionals. Methods: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and PsycInfo were used to search targeted studies written in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. The correlation coefficients of each study were extracted and converted into Fisher’s z. Finally, pooled r was calculated by Fisher’s z and standard error. The meta-analysis was performed with the R statistical program. Results: A total of 14 studies with 2425 healthcare professionals were included. The Moral Distress Scale Revised (MDS-R) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were the most used scales to measure moral distress and emotional exhaustion, respectively. The pooled correlation coefficient between moral distress and emotional exhaustion was 0.33 (p < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.27, 0.39). Conclusions: Moral distress is strongly correlated to emotional exhaustion in healthcare professionals. Future studies should focus on exploring the causal relationships between both variables as well as investigating potential moderators.
Arabic Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (Ar-HDSS)
Authors: AbuDujain Nasser M. , Almuhaideb Qais A. , Alghamdi Khalid M.
Published: February 2025

Background: Hyperhidrosis (HH) is characterized by excessive sweating, which affects quality of life. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) is a four-point scale used to evaluate HH severity by measuring how much excessive sweating disrupts daily activities. This study aimed to translate, validate, and adapt the HDSS tool into Arabic. Methods: A quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out from May to June 2024 on patients clinically diagnosed with HH. The process of translating the HDSS into Arabic involved three independent forward translations, followed by a preliminary version created by a reviewer. Three additional independent translators conducted backward translations. All of the versions were then revised and merged to produce the final version. Reliability was evaluated through a test–retest reliability approach to ensure the reproducibility of the results. For validity, we used construct validity to compare the HDSS with the HidroQoL index. Results: A total of 167 patients were included, with a mean age of 29 ± 9.02 years, and over half of the patients were male (61%). The interrater agreement between the HDSS test and the retest results was substantial, with a kappa coefficient of 0.732. Significant positive correlations were observed between the HDSS score and daily life (r = 0.413, p < 0.001), the psychological domain (r = 0.374, p < 0.001), and HidroQOL (r = 0.425, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the Arabic HDSS has excellent psychometric properties, including construct validity and reproducibility. Proper use of the Arabic HDSS will allow the effective assessment of HH severity.
Archaeological and Archaeochemical Analysis of the Painting in the Baths in Julián Besteiro Square, Carmona (Seville, Spain)
Authors: Castillo Alcantara Gonzalo , Cosano Hidalgo Daniel , Fernández Díaz Alicia , Román Rodríguez Juan Manuel , Lafont Fernando , Ruiz Arrebola José Rafael
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the archaeological and archaeochemical study of the fragments of mural painting recovered from the excavation of the baths in Julián Besteiro Square in Carmona. The analysis of the fragments allowed us to associate them with the first phase of the building’s decoration, one of the few examples of urban mural painting currently known in Carmona. It was dated between the first half and the middle of the first century AD. The archaeochemical study identified the composition of the mortar and the pigments of the fragments belonging to the middle and upper zones of the wall, confirming the presence of palmitic and stearic fatty acids, as well as traces of oleic and tetradecanoic acids corresponding to the binders used for the execution of the decoration. This discovery provides specific information on the techniques used in Roman architectural decoration, shedding light on the materials and methods used in first-century-AD urban contexts.
Association Mapping for Drought Tolerance in Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus L.)
Authors: Coşkun Ömer Faruk
Published: February 2025

Drought stress significantly impacts global agricultural productivity, necessitating the identification of resilient genotypes and genetic markers to develop stress-tolerant crops. This study evaluates 48 watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) genotypes under controlled drought conditions to assess their morphological, physiological, and molecular responses. Key parameters such as root length, plant height, stem diameter, SPAD index (Soil and Plant Analysis Development index), and MDA levels (Malondialdehyde) were measured. Genotypes W20, W48, W13, and W60 exhibited superior drought tolerance, characterized by enhanced biomass retention, water-use efficiency, and photosynthetic capacity. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among traits, such as a strong positive correlation between plant height and stem diameter (r = 0.84) and a negative correlation between MDA and root length (r = −0.99), underscoring the physiological trade-offs under stress. Molecular analyses using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers showed a high polymorphism rate (93.2%) and identified 18 markers significantly associated with drought-related traits. Markers iPBS-2239 and iPBS-2400 emerged as highly informative, offering the potential for marker-assisted breeding. This integrative approach highlights the complex mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in watermelons and provides valuable genetic resources and candidate genotypes for developing drought-resilient cultivars. These findings contribute to advancing breeding strategies to address the challenges of climate change and water scarcity in agriculture.
Integrating In Vitro Cultivation and Sustainable Field Practices of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) for Enhanced Oil Yield and Quality: A Review
Authors: Istiandari Pramesti , Faizal Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), or the Inca peanut, is a promising functional food and sustainable alternative to traditional oilseed crops like soybean. Its seeds are rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and bioactive compounds, offering significant nutritional and health benefits. Moreover, sacha inchi cultivation thrives on degraded soils with minimal agrochemical input, supporting biodiversity and reducing environmental impacts. Despite its potential, its large-scale cultivation faces challenges such as genetic variability, low seed viability, and susceptibility to pests and diseases, resulting in inconsistent yields and plant quality. In vitro propagation presents a viable solution, enabling the production of genetically uniform, disease-free seedlings under controlled conditions. Successful in vitro cultivation depends on factors like explant selection, plant growth regulator combinations, medium composition, and environmental control. Advances in these techniques have improved propagation outcomes in other oilseed crops, such as enhanced germination, oil yield, and genetic stability, and offer similar opportunities for sacha inchi. By integrating in vitro and field techniques, this review highlights the potential of sacha inchi as a nutritionally rich, sustainable agricultural solution. These findings provide a foundation for advancing its cultivation, ensuring enhanced productivity, improved oil quality, and greater accessibility to its health benefits around the world.
Predictors for Anxiety and Stress in Long COVID: A Study in the Brazilian Population
Authors: de Macêdo Rocha Daniel , Pedroso Andrey Oeiras , Sousa Laelson Rochelle Milanês , Gir Elucir , Reis Renata Karina
Published: February 2025

Anxiety and stress are major challenges for public health and represent significant symptoms in long COVID. Despite the repercussions on quality of life and mental health, their impacts have not been systematically consolidated in the Brazilian population. Our objective was to analyze the indicators and predictors of anxiety and perceived stress in people who have experienced long COVID in different regional contexts in Brazil. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in the five regions of Brazil and included 4239 adult individuals who had at least one diagnosis of COVID-19. Participants responded to questions on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The GAMLSS class of regression models estimated the predictors associated with the outcomes investigated. The results showed a predominance of participants with a single diagnosis of COVID-19 (65.4%), mild clinical conditions (89.5%), and high adherence to immunization strategies (98.4%). Overall, 48.5% of participants had residual symptoms that started between 4 and 12 weeks after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Positive screening for anxiety and perceived stress was associated with female gender, diagnosis of chronic diseases, presence of physical symptoms, moderate or severe clinical condition in the acute phase of the infection, and the need for hospitalization. Through this study, we confirmed that anxiety and stress, developed or exacerbated during the post-COVID-19 phase, represent significant challenges in the Brazilian population. Sociodemographic, clinical, and care conditions were predictors of the outcomes assessed. Knowing these repercussions can allow for personalizing mental health care and help structure evidence-based public policies.
Exploring Pesticide Knowledge, Practices, and Health Perceptions Among Farmers in Akkar, Lebanon
Authors: Akkouch Nisreen Hassan , Halwani Jalal , Shaarani Issam
Published: February 2025

Background: The unregulated and widespread use of agricultural pesticides in Lebanon has led to critical health and environmental challenges. Small-scale farmers in Akkar, a key agricultural region, are particularly vulnerable due to limited knowledge, unsafe practices, and insufficient access to safety resources. Objectives: This study evaluates the knowledge, practices, and perceived health impacts of pesticide use among small-scale farmers in Akkar. It aims to identify gaps and provide targeted recommendations for interventions that enhance safety, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 151 farmers was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests were used to assess knowledge and practice scores and identify predictors. Results: Farmers demonstrated moderate knowledge (mean score: 0.545) and practices (mean score: 0.607). However, environmental awareness was low, with only 9.3% recognizing water contamination risks. Alarmingly, 37.7% of farmers reported using no protective gear, while 67.5% experienced acute symptoms such as respiratory irritation and skin issues. Education was a significant predictor of knowledge (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study underscores the pressing need for tailored educational programs, accessible protective equipment, stricter regulatory frameworks, and environmental conservation strategies to reduce health risks and promote sustainable pesticide use.
Correction: Lee, J.; Kang, Y. A Dynamic Algorithm for Measuring Pedestrian Congestion and Safety in Urban Alleyways. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13, 434
Authors: Lee Jiyoon , Kang Youngok
Published: February 2025

We would like to address and correct errors found in the original publication of our article [...]
The PACT Network: PRL, ARL, CNNM, and TRPM Proteins in Magnesium Transport and Disease
Authors: Jolly Jeffery T. , Blackburn Jessica S.
Published: February 2025

Magnesium, the most abundant divalent metal within the cell, is essential for physiological function and critical in cellular signaling. To maintain cellular homeostasis, intracellular magnesium levels are tightly regulated, as dysregulation is linked to numerous diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological conditions. Over the past two decades, extensive research on magnesium-regulating proteins has provided valuable insight into their pathogenic and therapeutic potential. This review explores an emerging mechanism of magnesium homeostasis involving proteins in the PRL (phosphatase of regenerating liver), ARL (ADP ribosylation factor-like GTPase family), CNNM (cyclin and cystathionine β-synthase domain magnesium transport mediator), and TRPM (transient receptor potential melastatin) families, collectively termed herein as the PACT network. While each PACT protein has been studied within its individual signaling and disease contexts, their interactions suggest a broader regulatory network with therapeutic potential. This review consolidates the current knowledge on the PACT proteins’ structure, function, and interactions and identifies research gaps to encourage future investigation. As the field of magnesium homeostasis continues to advance, understanding PACT protein interactions offers new opportunities for basic research and therapeutic development targeting magnesium-related disorders.
Epalrestat Alleviates Reactive Oxygen Species and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by Maintaining Glycosylation in IMS32 Schwann Cells Under Exposure to Galactosemic Conditions
Authors: Yako Hideji , Niimi Naoko , Takaku Shizuka , Yamauchi Junji , Sango Kazunori
Published: February 2025

Aldose reductase (AR), a rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway, mediates the conversion of several substrates, including glucose and galactose. In rodents, galactosemia induced by galactose feeding has been shown to develop peripheral nerve lesions resembling diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, the mechanisms by which AR-mediated responses elicited Schwan cell lesions under galactosemic conditions remain unresolved. To investigate this, we examined the mechanism of high-galactose-induced damage mediated by AR using AR inhibitors such as ranirestat and epalrestat. The exposure of IMS32 Schwann cells under high-galactose conditions led to galactitol accumulation, the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, impaired mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential, decreased glycolysis, and aberrant glycosylation. Under these experimental conditions, ranirestat inhibited intracellular galactitol in a dose-dependent manner, whereas epalrestat failed to inhibit it. Interestingly, even at low concentrations where epalrestat did not inhibit AR activity, it prevented increased ROS production, ER stress, decreased glycolysis, and aberrant RCA120-binding glycosylation; however, no effect of ranirestat on the glycosylation was observed. Epalrestat and ranirestat did not recover mitochondrial morphology. These findings suggest that ER stress is induced by aberrant glycosylation under galactosemic conditions and that epalrestat may be effective in maintaining proper glycosylation in Schwann cells in these conditions.
Generalized Solvent Effect on the Fluorescence Performance of Spiropyran for Advanced Quick Response Code Dynamic Anti-Counterfeiting Sensing
Authors: Xuan Junji , Chen Lingjie , Tian Jintao
Published: February 2025

Spiropyran has an attractive and mysterious fluorescence switch and dual-color conversion characteristics, as it exhibits both aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) in solvents and fluorescence enhancement in polymer matrices. The explanation for this phenomenon has always been of great controversy. Hence, the solvent effect on the emission of spiropyran (SP) was investigated in 16 solvents. By means of molecular orbital theory and the Jablonski diagram, several special parameters (e.g., Hansen solubility parameters and viscosity) were selected for this analysis, with excellent goodness of fit. Subsequently, the main factors that affected the blue shift, red shift, and luminescence efficiency of the emission of the ring-opened form merocyanine (MC) were found to be the hydrogen bonding and polarity, aggregation effect, and viscosity, respectively. A newly modified Jablonski diagram was proposed to clarify the emission behaviors of spiropyran influenced by solvent polarity and isomerization. Meanwhile, the solvent effect could also be extended to a solid polymer matrix (six kinds of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights), which is proposed to be defined as the generalized solvent effect. Accordingly, we have demonstrated that the unique fluorescence properties of spiropyran are dominated by the generalized solvent effect. The security information storage capacity of the simulated quick response (QR) code sensor combined with SP for anti-counterfeiting was significantly improved to six dimensions in taking advantage of the former theoretical analysis.
The Molecular Basis of Love
Authors: Babková Jaroslava , Repiská Gabriela
Published: February 2025

Love as a complex interplay of emotions and behaviors is underpinned by an intricate network of neurobiological mechanisms. This review provides insight into the molecular basis of love, focusing on the role of key hormones and neuromodulators. The aim of the paper is to report how these biochemical messengers influence various aspects of love, including attraction, attachment, and long-term bonding. By examining the effects of hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, vasopressin, and serotonin, we aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between biology and behavior. Additionally, the potential impact of modern lifestyle factors on hormonal balance and their subsequent influence on love and social interactions are outlined. This review provides a useful overview of the molecular underpinnings of love, offering insights into the biological mechanisms that shape human relationships.
The Therapeutic Potential of Kiwi Extract as a Source of Cysteine Protease Inhibitors on DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice and Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells
Authors: Yang Hye Ryeon , Zahan Most Nusrat , Hwang Du Hyeon , Prakash Ramachandran Loganathan Mohan , Ravi Deva Asirvatham , Hong Il-Hwa , Kim Woo Hyun , Kim Jong-Hyun , Kim Euikyung , Kang Changkeun
Published: February 2025

The discovery of effective cysteine protease inhibitors with crude protein kiwi extracts (CPKEs) has created novel challenges and prospects for pharmaceutical development. Despite extensive research on CPKEs, limited research has been conducted on treating atopic dermatitis (AD). Therefore, the objective of this work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of CPKEs on TNF-α activation in a HaCaT cell model and in a DNCB (1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene)-induced atopic dermatitis animal model. The molecular weight of the CPKE was determined using SDS-PAGE under non-reducing (17 kDa and 22 kDa) and reducing conditions (25 kDa, 22 kDa, and 15 kDa), whereas gelatin zymography was performed to examine the CPKE’s inhibitory impact on cysteine protease (actinidin and papain) activity. Moreover, the CPKE remains stable at 60 °C, with pH levels varying from 4 to 11, as determined by the azocasein assay. CPKE treatment decreased the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt, along with the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-p65 in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated HaCaT cells. Five-week-old BALB/c mice were treated with DNCB to act as an AD-like animal model. The topical application of CPKE to DNCB-treated mice for three weeks substantially decreased clinical dermatitis severity and epidermal thickness and reduced eosinophil infiltration and mast cells into ear and skin tissues. These findings imply that CPKE derived from kiwifruit might be a promising therapy option for inflammatory skin diseases such as AD.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis Mimicking a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report with a Literature Review
Authors: Franchina Marianna , Dell’Oro Liliana , Massironi Sara
Published: February 2025

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare chronic pancreatitis subtype that often mimics pancreatic cancer due to the overlapping clinical and radiological features, posing significant diagnostic challenges. Similarly, distinguishing AIP from pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs), which present with nonspecific symptoms, adds complexity to clinical evaluations. We present the case of a 46-year-old male with recurrent acute idiopathic pancreatitis. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a 25 mm hypodense mass in the pancreatic tail with mild arterial contrast enhancement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the mass to be hypointense on T2-weighted sequences, with no diffusion restriction and an enhancement pattern akin to normal pancreatic tissue. The endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) was inconclusive. Gallium-68 DOTATATE positron emission tomography–CT (Ga-68 DOTATATE PET-CT) showed an increased tracer uptake, leading to a distal pancreatectomy with a splenectomy. Histopathology demonstrated chronic sclerotic pancreatitis with inflammatory infiltrates. Elevated serum IgG4 levels confirmed the diagnosis of type 1 AIP Differentiating AIP from pancreatic malignancies, including PanNENs, is both critical and complex. This case highlights a misdiagnosis of PanNENs in a patient with focal AIP, where neuroendocrine hyperplasia and islet cell clusters within fibrotic areas mimicked PanNENs, even on Ga-68 PET-CT. The findings emphasize the potential for false positives with Ga-68 DOTATATE PET-CT and the importance of integrating clinical, radiological, and histological data for an accurate diagnosis.
Early Intervention in Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Replication in Vitro with Allenic Macrolide Archangiumide
Authors: Li You , Hu Jia-Qi , Feng Wen-Hai , Wu Changsheng , Gao Li
Published: February 2025

Archangiumide is a unique macrolide natural product that features an endocyclic allene functionality, rendering it a prototype of a new class of secondary metabolites of microbial origin. However, its biological and/or pharmaceutical roles remain obscure. In this study, we have unveiled an antiviral potency of archangiumide that was effective against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) replication. We found that archangiumide did not affect host cell viability, nor pathogen infectivity, but suppressed HSV-1 early replication, in terms of early replication genes, such as ICP0, ICP4, etc. Further scrutinizing the underlined master regulator, we found that HSV-1 VP16 protein expression was inhibited by archangiumide, as well as VP16 nuclear translocation. As VP16 is a coactivator of transcription, archangiumide harnessed the master regulator of HSV-1 early replication. Together, here we provide evidence that allene macrolide archangiumide possesses robust antiviral functions that may be valuable for a novel viral infection intervention, as macrolides are generally safe drugs for prolonged treatments.
Adenoviral-Vectored Multivalent Vaccine Provides Durable Protection Against Influenza B Viruses from Victoria-like and Yamagata-like Lineages
Authors: Pekarek Matthew J. , Madapong Adthakorn , Wiggins Joshua , Weaver Eric A.
Published: February 2025

Despite annual vaccines, Influenza B viruses (IBVs) continue to cause severe infections and have a significant impact and burden on the healthcare system. Improving IBV vaccine effectiveness is a key focus, with various strategies under investigation. In this research, we used a computational design to select wildtype sequences for a multivalent viral-vectored vaccine (rAd-Tri-Vic) targeting the Victoria-like (Vic) hemagglutinin (HA) protein. In mouse models, the vaccine induced strong antibody and T cell responses, providing complete protection against both lineage-specific and cross-lineage (Yamagata-like) lethal challenges. The immune responses remained robust for up to six months, which demonstrated sustained protection. These results highlight the potential of HA-targeted multivalent vaccines to enhance the IBV efficacy and address protection against antigenically diverse IBV strains.
Novel Method for the Synthesis of Hydroxycobalamin[c-lactam] and Its Impact on Melanoma Cells In Vitro
Authors: Rzepka Zuzanna , Janus Magdalena , Marciniec Krzysztof , Rok Jakub , Wrześniok Dorota
Published: February 2025

The ability to over-proliferate is a hallmark of cancer cells, so inhibiting proliferation is crucial for successful cancer treatment. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is among the factors necessary for replication of genetic material and cell division. There is currently no cobalamin antagonist with therapeutic use. Nevertheless, the idea of inhibiting cobalamin-dependent metabolic pathways as a potential anticancer strategy is of interest to many researchers. In this study, we investigated, for the first time, the impact of cobalamin deficiency on melanoma cells’ growth. To achieve a cobalamin-deficient state in cellulo, hydroxycobalamin[c-lactam] was used as an antivitamin B12. Here, we describe a new and efficient method for synthesizing this analog from hydroxycobalamin. Interestingly, no cytostatic effect of cobalamin deficiency was observed on C32 and COLO 829 melanoma cell lines. However, we show the variously enhanced pro-proliferative action of vitamin B12 towards these cells. The presented experimental model can be used for further studies on the effects of the cobalamin status on melanoma cells.
Circulating Epithelial Tumor Cells (CETC/CTC) in Prostate Cancer: Potential Prognostic Marker for the Risk of Recurrence During Radiotherapy
Authors: Schott Dorothea , Pizon Monika , Drozdz Sonia , Mäurer Irina , Wurschi Georg , Pachmann Katharina , Mäurer Matthias
Published: February 2025

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men, with radiotherapy (RT) playing a pivotal role in treatment. However, reliable biomarkers for assessing relapse risk following RT remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate circulating epithelial tumor cells (CETC/CTC) as potential biomarkers for assessing relapse risk in prostate cancer patients undergoing RT. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 52 prostate cancer patients, and CETC/CTC were detected using the EpCAM surface marker. Patients received definitive, adjuvant, or salvage RT, and CETC/CTC counts were measured before, at mid-treatment, and at the end of RT. The association between changes in CETC/CTC counts and relapse risk was examined. CETC/CTC were detected in 96% of patients prior to RT. A significant reduction in CETC/CTC counts during RT, particularly in patients who had undergone surgery, was associated with a lower relapse risk. In contrast, an increase in CETC/CTC counts during or after RT was associated with a higher relapse risk (hazard ratio = 8.8; p = 0.002). Furthermore, 36% of patients receiving adjuvant RT and 14% of those receiving definitive RT relapsed, with a higher risk observed in patients showing increasing CETC/CTC counts during RT. Among patients receiving salvage RT, 18% relapsed, though changes in CETC/CTC counts were less significantly associated with relapse. Monitoring CETC/CTC levels during RT offers important prognostic insights into relapse risk in prostate cancer patients. While changes in CETC/CTC counts correlated with relapse, PSA levels measured during the study did not reliably reflect relapse risk in this cohort. CETC/CTC shows promise as a prognostic marker, though further studies are required to validate its clinical superiority over PSA.
PD-Net: Parkinson’s Disease Detection Through Fusion of Two Spectral Features Using Attention-Based Hybrid Deep Neural Network
Authors: Islam Munira , Akter Khadija , Hossain Md. Azad , Dewan M. Ali Akber
Published: February 2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative brain disease that worsens with age, causing areas of the brain to weaken. Vocal dysfunction often emerges as one of the earliest and most prominent indicators of Parkinson’s disease, with a significant number of patients exhibiting vocal impairments during the initial stages of the illness. In view of this, to facilitate the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease through the analysis of these vocal characteristics, this study focuses on exerting a combination of mel spectrogram and MFCC as spectral features. This study adopts Italian raw audio data to establish an efficient detection framework specifically designed to classify the vocal data into two distinct categories: healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. To this end, the study proposes a hybrid model that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTMs) for the detection of Parkinson’s disease. Certainly, CNNs are employed to extract spatial features from the extracted spectro-temporal characteristics of vocal data, while LSTMs capture temporal dependencies, accelerating a comprehensive analysis of the development of vocal patterns over time. Additionally, the merging of a multi-head attention mechanism significantly enhances the model’s ability to concentrate on essential details, hence improving its overall performance. This unified method aims to enhance the detection of subtle vocal changes associated with Parkinson’s, enhancing overall diagnostic accuracy. The findings declare that this model achieves a noteworthy accuracy of 99.00% for the Parkinson’s disease detection process.