bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Development Characteristics of Partial Discharge in Oil-Pressboard Insulation under Constant DC Voltage
Authors: Zhang Chengjie , Li Yuan , Yang Senhong , Li Ranran
Published: May 2023

The converter transformer is the core equipment of HVDC transmission system, the valve-side winding of which needs to withstand DC voltage. Partial discharge is one of the main threats to the safe operation of converter transformer, yet the characteristics of partial discharge development of the oil-pressboard insulations under constant DC voltage are insufficiently understood. In order to better understand the partial discharge characteristics of the oil-pressboard insulation under DC voltage and provide deeper theoretical support for insulation diagnosis of converter transformers, development characteristics including the time-varying tendency of discharge magnitude and repetition rate of partial discharge in oil-pressboard insulation under constant positive and negative DC voltage were studied. The results indicate that the development of partial discharge in a needle-plane oil-pressboard insulation model under constant DC voltage has three stages: the intensive discharging stage, the silent-burst stage, and the breakdown stage. Throughout all stages, the partial discharge magnitude and repetition rate first decrease and increase afterwards. At the silent-burst stage, the partial discharge appears in the form of a “cluster” with very large magnitude and repetition rate. Each cluster exists for tens of seconds but with at a very long interval with each other. Further analysis shows that the repeated accumulation and dissipation of free charges on the surface of the pressboard cause the above phenomena. Negative charges are easy to accumulate and difficult to dissipate under the same voltage amplitude compared to positive charges, leading to a weaker actual electric field at the needle tip and thus partial discharges under negative DC voltage with a lower magnitude and longer interval.
Cost-Effective Aerial Inventory of Spruce Seedlings Using Consumer Drones and Deep Learning Techniques with Two-Stage UAV Flight Patterns
Authors: Lopatin Eugene , Poikonen Pasi
Published: May 2023

Traditional methods of counting seedling inventory are expensive, time-consuming, and lacking in spatial resolution. Although previous studies have explored the use of drones for seedling inventory, a cost-effective and accurate solution that can detect and identify missing seedlings at a high spatial resolution using consumer drones with traditional RGB cameras is needed. This study aims to address this research gap by developing such a solution using deep learning techniques. A two-stage drone flight pattern was employed to collect high-resolution data (2.22 mm). Firstly, a flight was conducted at a 120 m altitude to generate an obstacle map. This map was then used to conduct a second flight at a 5 m altitude, avoiding collision with larger trees. Convolutional neural networks were used to detect planted spruce seedlings with high accuracy (mean average precision of 84% and detection accuracy of 97.86%). Kernel density estimation was utilized to identify areas with missing seedlings. This study demonstrates that consumer drones and deep learning techniques can provide a cost-effective and accurate solution for taking aerial inventories of spruce seedlings. The two-stage flight pattern used in this study allowed for safe and efficient data collection, while the use of convolutional neural networks and kernel density estimation facilitated the accurate detection of planted seedlings and identification of areas with missing seedlings.
Stabilization of Rice Bran: A Review
Authors: Yılmaz Tuncel Neşe
Published: May 2023

One of the major problems in food science is meeting the demand of the world’s growing population, despite environmental limitations such as climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, marine pollution, and desertification. Preventing food from going to waste and utilizing nutritive by-products as food rather than feed are easy and powerful strategies for overcoming this problem. Rice is an important staple food crop for more than half of the world’s population and substantial quantities of rice bran emerge as the main by-product of rice grain milling. Usually, rice bran is used as animal feed or discarded as waste. Although it is highly nutritious and comprises many bioactive compounds with considerable health benefits, the rapid deterioration of bran limits the exploitation of the full potential of rice bran. Hydrolytic rancidity is the main obstacle to using rice bran as food, and the enzyme inactivation process, which is termed stabilization, is the only way to prevent it. This study reviews the methods of stabilizing rice bran and other rice-milling by-products comprising rice bran in the context of the efficiency of the process upon storage. The effect of the process on the components of rice bran is also discussed.
Modeling and Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Allium sativum Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network Coupled with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Shekhar Shubhra , Prakash Prem , Singha Poonam , Prasad Kamlesh , Singh Sushil
Published: May 2023

This study explains the effect of ultrasound on the extraction of the bioactive compounds from garlic (Allium sativum L.) leaf powder. The experiment was carried out by varying the ultrasound amplitude (30–60%), treatment time (5–15 min), and ethanol concentration (40–60%) required to obtain the maximum extraction yield of total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Rotatable central composite design (RCCD) provided experimental parameter combinations in the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of garlic leaf powder. The values of extraction yield, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity for the optimized condition of RSM were obtained at 53% amplitude, 13 min of treatment time, and 50% ethanol concentration. The values of the target compounds predicted at this optimized condition from RSM were 32.2% extraction yield, 9.9 mg GAE/g TPC, 6.8 mg QE/g TFC, and 58% antioxidant activity. The ANN-GA optimized condition for the leaf extracts was obtained at 60% amplitude, 13 min treatment time, and 53% ethanol concentration. The predicted values of optimized condition obtained by ANN-GA were recorded as 32.1738% extraction yield and 9.8661 mg GAE/g, 6.8398 mg QE/g, and 58.5527% for TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity, respectively. The matured leaves of garlic, if not harvested during its cultivation, often go waste despite being rich in antioxidants and phenolic compounds. With the increased demand for the production of value-added products, the extraction of the bioactive compounds from garlic leaves can resolve waste management and potential health issues without affecting the crop yield through the process for high-end use in value addition.
Ultrasonic Wave Mode-Based Application for Contactless Density Measurement of Highly Aerated Batters
Authors: Metzenmacher Michael , Geier Dominik , Becker Thomas
Published: May 2023

An ultrasonic wave mode-based method for density measurement in highly foamed batters was developed. Therefore, a non-contact ultrasonic sensor system was designed to generate signals for batch-wise processes. An ultrasonic sensor, containing a piezoelectric ceramic at the fundamental longitudinal frequency of 2 MHz, was used to take impedance measurements in pulse-echo mode. The ultrasonic signals were processed and analysed wave-mode wise, using a feature-driven approach. The measurements were carried out for different mixing times within a container, with the attached ultrasonic sensor. Within the biscuit batter, the change to the ultrasonic signals caused by density changes during the batter-mixing process was monitored (R2 = 0.96). The density range detected by the sensor ranges between 500 g/L and 1000 g/L. The ultrasonic sensor system developed also shows a reasonable level of accuracy for the measurements of biscuit batter variations (R2 > 0.94). The main benefit of this novel technique, which comprises multiple wave modes for signal features and combines these features with the relevant process parameters, leads to a more robust system as regards to multiple interference factors.
Cellulose-Based Metallogels—Part 1: Raw Materials and Preparation
Authors: Mikhailidi Aleksandra , Volf Irina , Belosinschi Dan , Tofanica Bogdan-Marian , Ungureanu Elena
Published: May 2023

Metallogels are a class of materials produced by the complexation of polymer gels with metal ions that can form coordination bonds with the functional groups of the gel. Hydrogels with metal phases attract special attention due to the numerous possibilities for functionalization. Cellulose is preferable for the production of hydrogels from economic, ecological, physical, chemical, and biological points of view since it is inexpensive, renewable, versatile, non-toxic, reveals high mechanical and thermal stability, has a porous structure, an imposing number of reactive OH groups, and good biocompatibility. Due to the poor solubility of natural cellulose, the hydrogels are commonly produced from cellulose derivatives that require multiple chemical manipulations. However, there is a number of techniques of hydrogel preparation via dissolution and regeneration of non-derivatized cellulose of various origins. Thus, hydrogels can be produced from plant-derived cellulose, lignocellulose and cellulose wastes, including agricultural, food and paper wastes. The advantages and limitations of using solvents are discussed in this review with regard to the possibility of industrial scaling up. Metallogels are often formed on the basis of ready-made hydrogels, which is why the choice of an adequate solvent is important for obtaining desirable results. The methods of the preparation of cellulose metallogels with d-transition metals in the present state of the art are reviewed.
Genotypic Profile and Clinical Characteristics of CRX-Associated Retinopathy in Koreans
Authors: Kim Dong , Joo Kwangsic , Han Jinu , Choi Mihyun , Kim Seong-Woo , Park Kyu , Park Sang , Lee Christopher , Byeon Suk , Woo Se
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of Korean patients with retinal dystrophy associated with pathogenic variants of cone rod homeobox-containing gene (CRX). We retrospectively enrolled Korean patients with CRX-associated retinal dystrophy (CRX-RD) who visited two tertiary referral hospitals. Pathogenic variants were identified using targeted panel sequencing or whole-exome sequencing. We analyzed clinical features and phenotypic spectra according to genotype. Eleven patients with CRX-RD were included in this study. Six patients with cone-rod dystrophy (CORD), two with macular dystrophy (MD), two with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), and one with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) were included. One patient (9.1%) had autosomal recessive inheritance, and the other ten patients (90.9%) had autosomal dominant inheritance. Six patients (54.5%) were male, and the mean age of symptom onset was 27.0 ± 17.9 years. At the first presentation, the mean age was 39.4 ± 20.6 years, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR) was 0.76 ± 0.90 in the better eye. Negative electroretinography (ERG) was observed in seven (63.6%) patients. Nine pathogenic variants were identified, including two novel variants, c.101-1G>A and c.898T>C:p.(*300Glnext*118). Taken together with the variants reported in prior studies, all variants within the homeodomain are missense variants, whereas most variants downstream of the homeodomain are truncating variants (88%). The clinical features of pathogenic variants within the homeodomain are either CORD or MD with bull’s eye maculopathy, whereas variants downstream of the homeodomain cause more diverse phenotypes, with CORD and MD in 36%, LCA in 40%, and RP in 24%. This is the first case series in Korea to investigate the CRX-RD genotype–phenotype correlation. Pathogenic variants downstream of the homeodomain of the CRX gene are present as RP, LCA, and CORD, whereas pathogenic variants within the homeodomain are mainly present as CORD or MD with bull’s eye maculopathy. This trend was similar to previous genotype–phenotype analyses of CRX-RD. Further molecular biologic research on this correlation is required.
Cytoskeletal Keratins Are Overexpressed in a Zebrafish Model of Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Cuevas Melissa , Terhune Elizabeth , Wethey Cambria , James MkpoutoAbasi , Netsanet Rahwa , Grofova Denisa , Monley Anna , Hadley Miller Nancy
Published: May 2023

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional rotation of the spine >10 degrees with an unknown etiology. Our laboratory established a late-onset IS model in zebrafish (Danio rerio) containing a deletion in kif7. A total of 25% of kif7co63/co63 zebrafish develop spinal curvatures and are otherwise developmentally normal, although the molecular mechanisms underlying the scoliosis are unknown. To define transcripts associated with scoliosis in this model, we performed bulk mRNA sequencing on 6 weeks past fertilization (wpf) kif7co63/co63 zebrafish with and without scoliosis. Additionally, we sequenced kif7co63/co63, kif7co63/+, and AB zebrafish (n = 3 per genotype). Sequencing reads were aligned to the GRCz11 genome and FPKM values were calculated. Differences between groups were calculated for each transcript by the t-test. Principal component analysis showed that transcriptomes clustered by sample age and genotype. kif7 mRNA was mildly reduced in both homozygous and heterozygous zebrafish compared to AB. Sonic hedgehog target genes were upregulated in kif7co63/co63 zebrafish over AB, but no difference was detected between scoliotic and non-scoliotic mutants. The top upregulated genes in scoliotic zebrafish were cytoskeletal keratins. Pankeratin staining of 6 wpf scoliotic and non-scoliotic kif7co63/co63 zebrafish showed increased keratin levels within the zebrafish musculature and intervertebral disc (IVD). Keratins are major components of the embryonic notochord, and aberrant keratin expression has been associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in both zebrafish and humans. The role of increased keratin accumulation as a molecular mechanism associated with the onset of scoliosis warrants further study.
Colombian Stakeholder Perceptions and Recommendations Regarding Fall Detection Systems for Older Adults
Authors: Avella-Rodríguez Edna , Gómez Lessby , Ramirez-Scarpetta Jose , Rosero Esteban
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to analyze perceptions and recommendations from stakeholders on the effectiveness of fall detection systems for older adults, aside from any additional technological solutions they may use within their activities of daily living (ADLs). This study performed a mixed-method approach to explore the views and recommendations of stakeholders concerning the implementation of wearable fall detection systems. Semi-structured online interviews and surveys were conducted on 25 Colombian adults classified into four stakeholder groups: older adults, informal caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers. A total of 25 individuals were interviewed or surveyed, comprising 12 females (48%) and 13 males (52%). The four groups cited the importance of wearable fall detection systems in ADLs monitoring of older adults. They did not consider them stigmatizing nor discriminatory but some raised potential privacy issues. The groups also communicated that the apparatus could be small, lightweight, and easy to handle with a help message sent to a relative or caregiver. All stakeholders interviewed perceived assistive technology as potentially useful for opportune healthcare, as well as for promoting independent living for the end user and their family members. For this reason, this study assessed the perceptions and recommendations received concerning fall detectors depending on the needs of stakeholders and the settings in which they are used.
Pregnancy, Childbirth, Puerperium, Breastfeeding, and Sexuality in the World of Rare Diseases
Authors: Rodríguez-Blanque Raquel , Sánchez-García Juan Carlos , Cortés-Martín Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, are medical conditions that affect a small percentage of the population [...]
“Crying on the Bus”: First Time Fathers’ Experiences of Distress on Their Return to Work
Authors: Hodgson Suzanne , Painter Jon , Kilby Laura , Hirst Julia
Published: May 2023

There is increasing research interest in the experiences of new fathers taking paternity leave, but less insight into men’s experiences of returning to work after the birth of their first baby. For many men in the UK context, this could take place immediately after the birth or after one or two weeks of paternity leave. This paper utilizes data from a UK-based study whilst also drawing on international literature and policy contexts. A constructivist grounded theory method was adopted to generate theory from the data gathered. Twelve new fathers shared their experiences in this study by participating in audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews. This paper focuses on fathers’ experiences of negotiating the workplace as part of an overall theoretical framework related to broader transitions to fatherhood and sheds light on the distress, guilt and psychological challenges that the participants experienced when they initially returned to work. Whether fathers did or did not explicitly describe distress at this time, they all described a change in their worker identity, which for some participants led to uncertainty in the workplace. Men returning to work at this time in the postnatal period are vulnerable to experiencing distress. Flexibility and support in the workplace could be protective of their mental health. Finally, policy and practice developments are offered to support men’s transitions to fatherhood in the workplace context.
Respiratory Function Analysis in Patients with Chronic Pain: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis of Pooled Findings
Authors: Cuenca-Martínez Ferran , Sempere-Rubio Núria , Muñoz-Gómez Elena , Mollà-Casanova Sara , Carrasco-González Enrique , Martínez-Arnau Francisco M.
Published: May 2023

Background: The main aim of this umbrella review was to assess the respiratory function in patients with chronic pain (CP), including patients with chronic neck pain (CNP), chronic low back pain (CLBP), and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods: We searched in PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (4 February 2023). The outcome measures were respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP) and pulmonary function (VC, MVV, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEV25–75, and PEF). This review was previously registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews, PROSPERO (CRD42023396722). The methodological quality was analyzed using AMSTAR and ROBIS scales, and the strength of the evidence was established according to the guidelines advisory committee grading criteria. To compare the outcomes reported by the studies, we calculated the standardized mean differences and the corresponding 95% confidence interval for the continuous variables. Results: Four systematic reviews with and without meta-analysis were included, from which a total of 15 primary studies were extracted. Five meta-analyses were carried out, using analyses by subgroup according to the type of CP. The meta-analyzing variables were MIP, MEP, MVV, FEV1, and FVC. Conclusions: Overall, patients with CP have decreased respiratory muscle strength with a moderate quality of evidence. Regarding the pulmonary function, patients with CNP showed a diminished VC, PEF, MVV, FEV1, and FVC, while FEV25–75 and the FEV1/FVC ratio were conserved with a limited to moderate quality of evidence. Finally, patients with FMS and CLBP only showed a decrease in MVV with a limited quality of evidence.
Molecular Aspects Revealed by Omics Technologies Related to the Defense System Activation in Fruits in Response to Elicitors: A Review
Authors: Cuéllar-Torres Esther Angélica , Aguilera-Aguirre Selene , Hernández-Oñate Miguel Ángel , López-García Ulises Miguel , Vega-Arreguín Julio , Montalvo-González Efigenia , Ortiz-Basurto Rosa Isela , Chacón-López Alejandra
Published: May 2023

Fruit losses and wastage are mainly due to postharvest diseases; their control is reduced with pesticides. The excessive use of synthetic fungicides has caused harmful effects on human health and the environment, so it is therefore necessary to reduce their use. The development of new innocuous strategies has led to the use of compounds of natural or biological origin with the capacity to induce the plant defense system, which improves the fruit’s response against future pathogen attacks in addition to reducing the incidence of postharvest diseases. These compounds are known as “elicitors”. Although the use of molecular tools such as RT-qPCR or the measurement of the enzymatic activity of molecular markers makes it possible to determine the activation of the plant defense system in response to the application of an elicitor compound, in recent years, omics technologies such as the transcriptome, proteome, or metabolome have provided new and interesting information that helps to elucidate the molecular aspects involved in the activation of the plant defense system in response to the application of elicitors. This review summarizes recent advances in molecular aspects, highlighting the contribution of omics technologies to a better understanding of fruit defense mechanisms induced by different elicitors.
Effects of CO2 Enrichment on Carbon Assimilation, Yield and Quality of Oriental Melon Cultivated in a Solar Greenhouse
Authors: Han Xintong , Sun Yue , Chen Junqin , Wang Zicong , Qi Hongyan , Liu Yufeng , Liu Yiling
Published: May 2023

Since CO2 is the fundamental substrate for photosynthesis, fluctuating concentrations have a direct effect on plant growth and metabolism. Accordingly, CO2 enrichment within a certain range was found to improve photosynthesis, yields and the quality of plants. In order to further understand the underlying impact of CO2 enrichment, this study employed an open-top chamber growth box model with the following two treatments: control treatment (CO2 concentration: 380 ± 30 μL/L) and CO2 enrichment (1200 ± 50 μL/L). The effects on leaf carbon assimilation, fruit yield and quality were subsequently determined. The net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, dry matter accumulation and soluble sugar content in the oriental melon leaves increased significantly on day 5 of CO2 enrichment. Moreover, a significant increase in the activity of carbon assimilation-related enzymes Rubisco, RCA, FBPase and CA was also observed, with the upregulation of CmRubisco, CmRCA, CmFBPase and CmCA gene expression from day 15 of CO2 enrichment. Thus, the yield per plant and content of soluble sugars and soluble solids in the fruit also increased significantly. These findings suggest that CO2 enrichment has positive effects on oriental melon growth, increasing photosynthesis and the activity of photosynthetic carbon-assimilation-related enzymes and associated gene expression, thereby improving fruit yields and quality. These results provide a foundation for the CO2 enrichment of oriental melon cultivated in solar greenhouses in autumn/winter and winter/spring.
Fuzzy Analytical Solution of Horizontal Diffusion Equation into the Vadose Zone
Authors: Tzimopoulos Christos , Samarinas Nikiforos , Papadopoulos Basil , Evangelides Christos
Published: May 2023

The process of how soil moisture profiles evolve into the soil and reach the root zone could be estimated by solving the appropriate strong nonlinear Richards’ equation. The nonlinearity of the equation occurs because diffusivity D is generally an exponential function of water content. In this work, the boundary conditions of the physical problem are considered fuzzy for various reasons (e.g., machine impression, human errors, etc.), and the overall problem is encountered with a new approximate fuzzy analytical solution, leading to a system of crisp boundary value problems. According to the results, the proposed fuzzy analytical solution is in close agreement with Philip’s semi-analytical method, which is used as a reference solution, after testing 12 different types of soils. Additionally, possibility theory is applied, enabling the decision-makers to take meaningful actions and gain knowledge of various soil and hydraulic properties (e.g., sorptivity, infiltration, etc.) for rational and productive engineering studies (e.g., irrigation systems).
Physical Fitness Profile of High-Level Female Portuguese Handball Players
Authors: Rios Manoel , Fernandes Ricardo J. , Cardoso Ricardo , Monteiro Ana Sofia , Cardoso Filipa , Fernandes Aléxia , Silva Gonçalo , Fonseca Pedro , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Silva José António
Published: May 2023

We characterized the physical and physiological profiles of high-level female Portuguese handball players and examined the relationships between their anthropometric characteristics, general motor performance and cardiopulmonary fitness. Twenty-four high-level female handball players with an average age of 23.6 ± 5.5 years, height of 173.6 ± 5.1 cm and body mass of 72.6 ± 9.1 kg volunteered to participate. A Pearson correlation test was used to assess the relationship between variables. Direct relationships were observed between the players’ height and arm span (r = 0.741), as well as between their squat jump and countermovement jump performances with regard to body mass (r = 0.448 and 0.496, respectively). The 9 m jump shot has a large relationship with the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.786) and between left hand dynamometry and body mass index (r = 0.595). The 30 m sprint has a relationship with the 7 m standing throw (r = −0.526) and the 9 m jump throw (r = −0.551). Oxygen uptake has a relationship with the players’ height (r = −0.482) and time limit (r = 0.513), while the fitness index has a relation to the players’ height (r = −0.488) and arm span (r = −0.422). Our results should be considered when using physical testing to plan optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball.
Exploring Future Signals of COVID-19 and Response to Information Diffusion Using Social Media Big Data
Authors: Song Juyoung , Jin Dal-Lae , Song Tae Min , Lee Sang Ho
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 is a respiratory infectious disease that first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. With COVID-19 spreading to patients worldwide, the WHO declared it a pandemic on 11 March 2020. This study collected 1,746,347 tweets from the Korean-language version of Twitter between February and May 2020 to explore future signals of COVID-19 and present response strategies for information diffusion. To explore future signals, we analyzed the term frequency and document frequency of key factors occurring in the tweets, analyzing the degree of visibility and degree of diffusion. Depression, digestive symptoms, inspection, diagnosis kits, and stay home obesity had high frequencies. The increase in the degree of visibility was higher than the median value, indicating that the signal became stronger with time. The degree of visibility of the mean word frequency was high for disinfectant, healthcare, and mask. However, the increase in the degree of visibility was lower than the median value, indicating that the signal grew weaker with time. Infodemic had a higher degree of diffusion mean word frequency. However, the mean degree of diffusion increase rate was lower than the median value, indicating that the signal grew weaker over time. As the general flow of signal progression is latent signal → weak signal → strong signal → strong signal with lower increase rate, it is necessary to obtain active response strategies for stay home, inspection, obesity, digestive symptoms, online shopping, and asymptomatic.
Roles of Social Protection to Promote Health Service Coverage among Vulnerable People toward Achieving Universal Health Coverage: A Literature Review of International Organizations
Authors: Yokobori Yuta , Kiyohara Hiroyuki , Mulati Nadila , Lwin Kaung Suu , Bao Truong Quy Quoc , Aung Myo Nyein , Yuasa Motoyuki , Fujita Masami
Published: May 2023

A wider range of social protection services, including social insurance and social assistance, are gaining global attention as a key driver of improved health service coverage and financial protection among vulnerable populations. However, only a few studies have investigated the associations between social protection and universal health coverage (UHC). Therefore, we conducted a literature review on relevant international organizations with respect to this topic. We found that many international organizations consider the wide range of social protection services, including social insurance and social assistance, essential for achieving UHC in 2030. In specific health programs, social protection is considered an important service to promote health service access and financial protection, especially among vulnerable populations. However, discussions about social protection for achieving UHC are not given high priority in the World Health Organization. Currently, the coverage of social protection services is low among vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. To address this issue, we employed the metrics recommended by the migrant integration policy index (MIPEX). Based on our findings, a conceptual framework was developed. We expect this framework to lead synergy between social protection and health systems around the globe, resulting in healthy ageing.
Researcher Perceptions of Involving Consumers in Health Research in Australia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Carlini Joan , Muir Rachel , McLaren-Kennedy Annette , Grealish Laurie
Published: May 2023

There is growing recognition internationally of the importance of involving consumers, patients, and the public in research. This is being driven by political mandates for policies, funding, and governance that demand genuine and meaningful engagement with consumers. There are many potential benefits to involving consumers in research, including an increased relevance to patient needs, improved quality and outcomes, and enhanced public confidence in research. However, the current literature highlights that efforts to incorporate their contributions are often tokenistic and there is a limited understanding of the psychological factors that can impact researcher attitudes, intentions, and behaviours when working with consumers in research. To address this gap, this study conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with health researchers in Australia using the qualitative case study method. The study aim was to explore the underlying influences on researcher behaviour when involving consumers in health research. The results identified several factors that influence researchers’ behaviour, including better quality research, emotional connection and the humanisation of research, and a shift in research culture and expectations as major drivers. However, beliefs that consumers would hinder research and must be protected from risks, paternalism, and a lack of researcher skills and resources were identified as major barriers. This article presents a theory of planned behaviour for consumer involvement in the health research model. The model offers a valuable tool for policymakers and practitioners to understand the factors that influence researcher behaviours. It can also serve as a framework for future research in this area.
Pro-Environmental Behaviors and Well-Being in Adolescence: The Mediating Role of Place Attachment
Authors: Bartolo Maria Giuseppina , Servidio Rocco , Palermiti Anna Lisa , Nappa Maria Rosaria , Costabile Angela
Published: May 2023

Adolescents represent the future generation, so it is important to pay attention to behaviors that involve them as actors in social activities and constitute the expression of an adequate growth path. Engaging in pro-environmental behaviors leads adolescents to do something good for themselves, for their own community, and for the place in which they live, and this type of conduct increases their levels of well-being and place attachment. This study examines the association between pro-environmental behavior and personal and social well-being in a sample of 1925 adolescents aged 14 to 20 years. Structural equation analyses showed a direct positive effect of pro-environmental behavior on personal and social well-being as well as place attachment. The latter partially mediated the relationship between pro-environmental behaviors and personal and social well-being. This study is significant in that it provides new data on how pro-environmental behaviors enhance adolescents’ personal and social well-being by potentially ensuring long-term benefits, thereby suggesting that it is important to stimulate, motivate, and recommend these kinds of actions.
The Transcription Factors WRKY41 and WRKY53 Mediate Early Flowering Induced by the Novel Plant Growth Regulator Guvermectin in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yang Chenyu , Liu Chongxi , Li Shanshan , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Yi , Wang Xiangjing , Xiang Wensheng
Published: May 2023

Flowering is a crucial stage for plant reproductive success; therefore, the regulation of plant flowering has been widely researched. Although multiple well-defined endogenous and exogenous flowering regulators have been reported, new ones are constantly being discovered. Here, we confirm that a novel plant growth regulator guvermectin (GV) induces early flowering in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, our genetic experiments newly demonstrated that WRKY41 and its homolog WRKY53 were involved in GV-accelerated flowering as positive flowering regulators. Overexpression of WRKY41 or WRKY53 resulted in an early flowering phenotype compared to the wild type (WT). In contrast, the w41/w53 double mutants showed a delay in GV-accelerated flowering. Gene expression analysis showed that flowering regulatory genes SOC1 and LFY were upregulated in GV-treated WT, 35S:WRKY41, and 35S:WRKY53 plants, but both declined in w41/w53 mutants with or without GV treatment. Meanwhile, biochemical assays confirmed that SOC1 and LFY were both direct targets of WRKY41 and WRKY53. Furthermore, the early flowering phenotype of 35S:WRKY41 lines was abolished in the soc1 or lfy background. Together, our results suggest that GV plays a function in promoting flowering, which was co-mediated by WRKY41 and WRKY53 acting as new flowering regulators by directly activating the transcription of SOC1 and LFY in Arabidopsis.
Effect of Plasma-Treated Water with Magnesium and Zinc on Growth of Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Javed Rida , Mumtaz Sohail , Choi Eun Ha , Han Ihn
Published: May 2023

Nonthermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) is an emerging technology in the field of agriculture to boost plant growth. Plasma is a source of various gaseous reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and has a promising role in agricultural applications, as the long-lived RONS (H2O2, NO2−, NO3−) in liquid activate signaling molecules in plant metabolism. Plasma-treated water (PTW) has an acidic pH of around 3 to 4, which may be detrimental to pH-sensitive plants. Innovative techniques for producing PTW with a pH value of 6 to 7 under neutral circumstances are desperately required to broaden the application range of NBP in agriculture. Furthermore, Pak Choi (Brassica campestris L.) is a Brassicaceae family green vegetable that has yet to be investigated for its response to NBP. In this work, we proposed an alternate method for neutralizing the pH of PTW by immersing metal ions (Mg2+ and Zn2+) in the PTW and observing its effect on Pak Choi. After synthesizing PTW with MECDBD, we analyzed germination rate and growth parameters, then seedlings for 42 days to show physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. The germination rate was observed to be higher with PTW and more efficient when metal ions were present. Seedling length and germination rates were dramatically boosted when compared to DI water irrigation. Because of the increased chlorophyll and protein content, the plants responded to the availability of nitrogen by generating highly green leaves. Furthermore, we observed that PTW increases the expression of NR genes and GLR1 genes, which are further increased when metals are submerged in the PTW. Furthermore, PTW and PTW with metals reduced ABI5 and CHO1 which is associated with a growth inhibitor. According to this study, nonthermal plasma might be utilized to significantly improve seed germination and seedlings’ development.
The Role of Plant Transcription Factors in the Fight against Plant Viruses
Authors: Viswanath Kotapati Kasi , Kuo Song-Yi , Tu Chin-Wei , Hsu Yau-Heiu , Huang Ying-Wen , Hu Chung-Chi
Published: May 2023

Plants are vulnerable to the challenges of unstable environments and pathogen infections due to their immobility. Among various stress conditions, viral infection is a major threat that causes significant crop loss. In response to viral infection, plants undergo complex molecular and physiological changes, which trigger defense and morphogenic pathways. Transcription factors (TFs), and their interactions with cofactors and cis-regulatory genomic elements, are essential for plant defense mechanisms. The transcriptional regulation by TFs is crucial in establishing plant defense and associated activities during viral infections. Therefore, identifying and characterizing the critical genes involved in the responses of plants against virus stress is essential for the development of transgenic plants that exhibit enhanced tolerance or resistance. This article reviews the current understanding of the transcriptional control of plant defenses, with a special focus on NAC, MYB, WRKY, bZIP, and AP2/ERF TFs. The review provides an update on the latest advances in understanding how plant TFs regulate defense genes expression during viral infection.
Sex-Dependent Impairment of Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation in Aorta of Mice with Overexpression of Hyaluronan in Tunica Media
Authors: Lorentzen Karen Axelgaard , Hernanz Raquel , Pinilla Estéfano , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Wogensen Lise , Simonsen Ulf
Published: May 2023

Diabetic macroangiopathy is characterized by increased extracellular matrix deposition, including excessive hyaluronan accumulation, vessel thickening and stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction in large arteries. We hypothesized that the overexpression of hyaluronan in the tunica media also led to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the following in the aortas of mice with excessive hyaluronan accumulation in the tunica media (HAS-2) and wild-type mice: EC dysfunction via myograph studies, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability via diaminofluorescence, superoxide formation via dihydroethidium fluorescence, and the distances between ECs via stereological methods. EC dysfunction, characterized by blunted relaxations in response to acetylcholine and decreased NO bioavailability, was found in the aortas of male HAS-2 mice, while it was unaltered in the aortas of female HAS-2 mice. Superoxide levels increased and extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) expression decreased in the aortas of male and female HAS-2 mice. The EC–EC distances and LDL receptor expression were markedly increased in the HAS-2 aortas of male mice. Our findings suggest hyaluronan increases oxidative stress in the vascular wall and that together with increased EC distance, it is associated with a sex-specific decrease in NO levels and endothelial dysfunction in the aorta of male HAS-2 transgenic mice.
Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA in Synchronous Metastatic Colorectal Cancer at Diagnosis Predicts Overall Patient Survival
Authors: Sayagués José María , Montero Juan Carlos , Jiménez-Pérez Andrea , del Carmen Sofía , Rodríguez Marta , Vidal Tocino Rosario , Montero Enrique , Sanz Julia , Abad Mar
Published: May 2023

Sporadic colorectal cancer (sCRC) initially presents as metastatic tumors in 25–30% of patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic sCRC is 50%, falling to 10% in patients presenting with synchronous metastatic disease (stage IV). In this study, we systematically analyzed the mutations of RAS, PIK3CA and BRAF genes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and tumoral tissue DNA (ttDNA) from 51 synchronous metastatic colorectal carcinoma (SMCC) patients by real-time PCR, and their relationship with the clinical, biological and histological features of disease at diagnosis. The highest frequency of mutations detected was in the KRAS gene, in tumor biopsies and plasma samples, followed by mutations of the PIK3CA, NRAS and BRAF genes. Overall, plasma systematically contained those genetic abnormalities observed in the tumor biopsy sample from the same subject, the largest discrepancies detected between the tumor biopsy and plasma from the same patient being for mutations in the KRAS and PIK3CA genes, with concordances of genotyping results between ttDNA and ctDNA at diagnosis of 75% and 84%, respectively. Of the 51 SMCC patients in the study, 25 (49%) showed mutations in at least 1 of the 4 genes analyzed in patient plasma. From the prognostic point of view, the presence and number of the most common mutations in the RAS, PIK3CA and BRAF genes in plasma from SMCC patients are independent prognostic factors for OS. Determination of the mutational status of ctDNA in SMCC could be a key tool for the clinical management of patients.
Lateral Root Initiation in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): What Does the Expression Pattern of Rapid Alkalinization Factor 34 (RALF34) Tell Us?
Authors: Kiryushkin Alexey S. , Ilina Elena L. , Guseva Elizaveta D. , Pawlowski Katharina , Demchenko Kirill N.
Published: May 2023

In Arabidopsis, the small signaling peptide (peptide hormone) RALF34 is involved in the gene regulatory network of lateral root initiation. In this study, we aimed to understand the nature of the signals induced by RALF34 in the non-model plant cucumber (Cucumis sativus), where lateral root primordia are induced in the apical meristem of the parental root. The RALF family members of cucumber were identified using phylogenetic analysis. The sequence of events involved in the initiation and development of lateral root primordia in cucumber was examined in detail. To elucidate the role of the small signaling peptide CsRALF34 and its receptor CsTHESEUS1 in the initial stages of lateral root formation in the parental root meristem in cucumber, we studied the expression patterns of both genes, as well as the localization and transport of the CsRALF34 peptide. CsRALF34 is expressed in all plant organs. CsRALF34 seems to differ from AtRALF34 in that its expression is not regulated by auxin. The expression of AtRALF34, as well as CsRALF34, is regulated in part by ethylene. CsTHESEUS1 is expressed constitutively in cucumber root tissues. Our data suggest that CsRALF34 acts in a non-cell-autonomous manner and is not involved in lateral root initiation in cucumber.
Ubiquitination Links DNA Damage and Repair Signaling to Cancer Metabolism
Authors: Koo Seo-Young , Park Eun-Ji , Noh Hyun-Ji , Jo Su-Mi , Ko Bo-Kyoung , Shin Hyun-Jin , Lee Chang-Woo
Published: May 2023

Changes in the DNA damage response (DDR) and cellular metabolism are two important factors that allow cancer cells to proliferate. DDR is a set of events in which DNA damage is recognized, DNA repair factors are recruited to the site of damage, the lesion is repaired, and cellular responses associated with the damage are processed. In cancer, DDR is commonly dysregulated, and the enzymes associated with DDR are prone to changes in ubiquitination. Additionally, cellular metabolism, especially glycolysis, is upregulated in cancer cells, and enzymes in this metabolic pathway are modulated by ubiquitination. The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), particularly E3 ligases, act as a bridge between cellular metabolism and DDR since they regulate the enzymes associated with the two processes. Hence, the E3 ligases with high substrate specificity are considered potential therapeutic targets for treating cancer. A number of small molecule inhibitors designed to target different components of the UPS have been developed, and several have been tested in clinical trials for human use. In this review, we discuss the role of ubiquitination on overall cellular metabolism and DDR and confirm the link between them through the E3 ligases NEDD4, APC/CCDH1, FBXW7, and Pellino1. In addition, we present an overview of the clinically important small molecule inhibitors and implications for their practical use.
Autoimmunity: A New Focus on Nasal Polyps
Authors: Huang Jingyu , Xu Yu
Published: May 2023

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has long been considered a benign, chronic inflammatory, and hyperplastic disease. Recent studies have shown that autoimmune-related mechanisms are involved in the pathology of nasal polyps. Activated plasma cells, eosinophils, basophils, innate type 2 lymphocytes, mast cells, and proinflammatory cytokine in polyp tissue indicate the mobilization of innate and adaptive immune pathways during polyp formation. The discovery of a series of autoantibodies further supports the autoimmune nature of nasal polyps. Local homeostasis dysregulation, infection, and chronic inflammation may trigger autoimmunity through several mechanisms, including autoantigens overproduction, microbial translocation, molecular mimicry, superantigens, activation or inhibition of receptors, bystander activation, dysregulation of Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), epitope spreading, autoantigens complementarity. In this paper, we elaborated on the microbiome-mediated mechanism, abnormal host immunity, and genetic changes to update the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Bone Tissue Metabolism: Current Findings and Future Perspectives
Authors: Drapkina Oxana M. , Elkina Anastasia Yu. , Sheptulina Anna F. , Kiselev Anton R.
Published: May 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Moreover, the prevalence of this liver disease is expected to increase rapidly in the near future, aligning with the rise in obesity and the aging of the population. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is considered to be complex and to include the interaction between genetic, metabolic, inflammatory, and environmental factors. It is now well documented that NAFLD is linked to the other conditions common to insulin resistance, such as abnormal lipid levels, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, it is considered that the insulin resistance may be one of the main mechanisms determining the disturbances in both bone tissue metabolism and skeletal muscles quality and functions in patients with NAFLD. To date, the association between NAFLD and osteoporosis has been described in several studies, though it worth noting that most of them included postmenopausal women or elderly patients and originated from Asia. However, taking into account the health and economic burdens of NAFLD, and the increasing prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents worldwide, further investigation of the relationship between osteopenia, osteoporosis and sarcopenia in NAFLD, including in young and middle-aged patients, is of great importance. In addition, this will help to justify active screening and surveillance of osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with NAFLD. In this review, we will discuss various pathophysiological mechanisms and possible biologically active molecules that may interplay between NAFLD and bone tissue metabolism.