bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Developments on the Theory of Third-Order Differential Superordination Involving Gaussian Hypergeometric Function
Authors: Oros Georgia Irina , Preluca Lavinia Florina
Published: October 2023

The present research aims to present new results regarding the fundamental problem of providing sufficient conditions for finding the best subordinant of a third-order differential superordination. A theorem revealing such conditions is first proved in a general context. As another aspect of novelty, the best subordinant is determined using the results of the first theorem for a third-order differential superordination involving the Gaussian hypergeometric function. Next, by applying the results obtained in the first proved theorem, the focus is shifted to proving the conditions for knowing the best subordinant of a particular third-order differential superordination. Such conditions are determined involving the properties of the subordination chains. This study is completed by providing means for determining the best subordinant for a particular third-order differential superordination involving convex functions. In a corollary, the conditions obtained are adapted to the special case when the convex functions involved have a more simple form.
An Adaptive Ant Colony Optimization for Solving Large-Scale Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Tang Kezong , Wei Xiong-Fei , Jiang Yuan-Hao , Chen Zi-Wei , Yang Lihua
Published: October 2023

The ant colony algorithm faces dimensional catastrophe problems when solving the large-scale traveling salesman problem, which leads to unsatisfactory solution quality and convergence speed. To solve this problem, an adaptive ant colony optimization for large-scale traveling salesman problem (AACO-LST) is proposed. First, AACO-LST improves the state transfer rule to make it adaptively adjust with the population evolution, thus accelerating its convergence speed; then, the 2-opt operator is used to locally optimize the part of better ant paths to further optimize the solution quality of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the constructed adaptive pheromone update rules can significantly improve the search efficiency and prevent the algorithm from falling into local optimal solutions or premature stagnation. The simulation based on 45 traveling salesman problem instances shows that AACO-LST improves the solution quality by 79% compared to the ant colony system (ACS), and in comparison with other algorithms, the PE of AACO-LST is not more than 1% and the Err is not more than 2%, which indicates that AACO-LST can find high-quality solutions with high stability. Finally, the convergence speed of the proposed algorithm was tested. The data shows that the average convergence speed of AACO-LST is more than twice that of the comparison algorithm. The relevant code can be found on our project homepage.
Flash Glucose Monitoring in Croatia: The Optimal Number of Scans per Day to Achieve Good Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Canecki-Varzic Silvija , Prpic-Krizevac Ivana , Cigrovski Berkovic Maja , Rahelic Dario , Schonberger Ema , Gradiser Marina , Bilic-Curcic Ines
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal number of scans per day required for attaining good glycemic regulation. Materials and Methods: The association of scanning frequency and glucometrics was analyzed according to bins of scanning frequency and bins of time in range (TIR) in the Croatian population of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients. Results: Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) Libre users in Croatia performed on average 13 ± 7.4 scans per day. According to bins of scanning frequency, bin 5 with 11.2 ± 02 daily scans was sufficient for achieving meaningful improvements in glycemic regulation, while decreasing severe hypoglycemia required an increasing number of scans up to bin 10 (31 ± 0.9), yet with no effect on TIR improvement. When data were analyzed according to bins of TIR, an average of 16.3 ± 10.5 scans daily was associated with a TIR of 94.09 ± 3.49% and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 22.97 ± 4.94%. Improvement was shown between each successive bin of TIR but, of notice, the number of scans performed per day was 16.3 ± 10.5 according to TIR-based analysis and 31.9 ± 13.5 in bin 10 according to scan frequency analysis. Conclusions: In conclusion, an optimal average number of scans per day is 16.3 in order to achieve glucose stability and to minimize the burden associated with over-scanning.
Echo Intensity of Gastrocnemius Is Independently Associated with 6-Minute Walking Distance in Male Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Yuguchi Satoshi , Ochi Yusuke , Sagata Yukari , Idesako Mitsuhiro , Maeda Shino , Asahi Ryoma , Taniguchi Masahito
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the differences in the thickness and echo intensity (EI) of the gastrocnemius muscle measured via ultrasonography between healthy adults and patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and to determine the associations of gastrocnemius thickness (GT) and EI within a 6 min walking distance (6MD) in patients with PAD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted 35 male patients with PAD (mean age, 73.7 years; mean body mass index [BMI], 23.5 kg/m2) and age- and gender-matched 73 male healthy adults (mean age, 73.2 years; mean BMI, 23.3 kg/m2). The gastrocnemius thickness (GT) and EI were measured using ultrasound. Both legs of patients with PAD were classified based on higher and lower ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), and the GTs and EIs with higher and lower ABI were compared with those of healthy adults. Multiple regression analysis incorporated 6MD as a dependent variable and each GT and EI with higher and lower ABI, age, and BMI as independent variables. Results: This study showed that GT was considerably greater in healthy adults than in both legs with higher and lower ABI (median values, 13.3 vs. 11.3 vs. 10.7, p < 0.01), whereas EI was lower in healthy adults than in the lower ABI leg (72.0 vs. 80.8 vs. 83.6, p < 0.05). The 6MD was shown to be substantially related to EI in both legs with higher and lower ABIs (p < 0.01) but not in the GT. Conclusions: In patients with PAD, the GT was lower, and EI was higher than in healthy adults. In addition, EIs in both legs with higher and lower ABIs were independently associated with 6MD in male PAD patients. This study showed that the EI measured via ultrasonography could become an important indicator for treatments for patients with PAD.
Underestimated Subsequent Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Septicemia
Authors: Cheng Chun-Gu , Chen Yu-Hsuan , Chang Yin-Han , Lin Hui-Chen , Chin Pi-Wei , Lin Yen-Yue , Yung Ming-Chi , Cheng Chun-An
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Hearing loss after septicemia has been found in mice; the long-term risk increased 50-fold in young adults in a previous study. Hearing loss after septicemia has not received much attention. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between septicemia and subsequent hearing loss. Materials and Methods: Inpatient data were obtained from the Taiwan Insurance Database. We defined patients with sensorineural hearing loss and excluded patients under 18 years of age. Patients without hearing loss were selected as controls at a frequency of 1:5. The date of admission was defined as the date of diagnosis. Comorbidities in the 3 years preceding the date of diagnosis were retrieved retrospectively. Associations with hearing loss were established by multiple logistic regression and forward stepwise selection. Results: The odds ratio (OR) for the association between sepsis and hearing loss was 3.052 (95% CI: 1.583–5.884). Autoimmune disease (OR: 5.828 (95% CI: 1.906–17.816)), brain injury (OR: 2.264 (95% CI: 1.212–4.229)) and ischemic stroke (OR: 1.47 (95% CI: 1.087–1.988)) were associated with hearing loss. Conclusions: Our study shows that hearing loss occurred after septicemia. Apoptosis caused by sepsis and ischemia can lead to hair cell damage, leading to hearing loss. Clinicians should be aware of possible subsequent complications of septicemia and provide appropriate treatment and prevention strategies for complications.
Comparison of Unilateral versus Bilateral Instrumented Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: A Minimum of 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Park Sung Cheol , Bae Jae Seong , Jung Seon Ok , Sung Kyeong-Hoon , Chung Hoon-Jae
Published: October 2023

Background and Objective: There is a paucity of literature comparing unilateral instrumented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UITLIF) with bilateral instrumented TLIF (BITLIF) regarding radiological alignment, including the coronal balance, even though UITLIF might have asymmetric characteristics in the coronal plane. This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical and long-term radiological outcomes of 1-level UITLIF and BITLIF in lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD) including lumbar spinal stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis (degenerative or spondylolytic). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent 1-level UITLIF with two rectangular polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages or BITLIF between November 2009 and June 2016 by four surgeons with ≥5 years of follow-up at a single hospital were included. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes between the UITLIF and BITLIF. Results: In total, 63 and 111 patients who underwent UITLIF and BITLIF, respectively, were enrolled. The median follow-up was 85.55 months (range: 60–130). The UITLIF group had a significantly shorter operation time (185.0 [170.0–210.0] vs. 225.0 [200.0–265.0], p < 0.001) and lower estimated blood loss (300.0 [250.0–500.0] vs. 550.0 [400.0–800.0], p < 0.001) than the BITLIF group. Regarding the clinical outcomes, there were no significant differences in the intermittent claudication score (p = 0.495) and Kirkaldy–Willis criteria (p = 0.707) at 1 year postoperatively. The interval changes in the local coronal Cobb angle at the index level, L1-S1 lordotic angle, and coronal off-balance from the immediate postoperative radiograph to the last follow-up were not significantly different (p = 0.687, p = 0.701, and p = 0.367, respectively). Conclusions: UITLIF with two rectangular PEEK cages may provide comparable clinical outcomes and radiological longevity including coronal alignment to BITLIF in 1-level LDD. In addition, UITLIF has advantages over BITLIF in terms of operative time and blood loss.
Molecular Insight into the Pharmacological Potential of Clerodendrum minahassae Leaf Extract for Type-2 Diabetes Management Using the Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Fatimawali  , Tallei Trina Ekawati , Kepel Billy Johnson , Bodhi Widdhi , Manampiring Aaltje Ellen , Nainu Firzan
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The increasing occurrence and prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have led to a growing interest in researching available treatment alternatives. Clerodendrum minahassae, a native plant species of North Sulawesi, has been a focus of ethnopharmacological studies due to its significance contributions to drug development, particularly its potential antidiabetic properties. This study investigated the pharmacological potential of Clerodendrum minahassae (CM) leaf extract for managing type-2 diabetes (T2DM) using a network pharmacology approach. Materials and Methods: Active compounds were extracted from CM leaves, and their interactions with target proteins in T2DM were explored through various in silico analyses. Results: SAR analysis using Way2Drug Pass Online identified 29 bioactive CM leaf extract compounds with promise as T2DM treatments. Additionally, 26 of these met Ro5 criteria for favorable drug-likeness. Most compounds exhibited positive pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles, with 22 considered safe, while 7 posed potential toxicity risks when ingested individually. CM leaf extract targeted 60 T2DM-related proteins, potentially affecting T2DM via cytokine regulation, particularly in proteins linked to metabolic processes, cellular response to angiotensin, and the sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling pathway. The network pharmacology analysis identified five genes targeted by CM leaf extract, namely, STAT3, MAPK1, ESR1, PIK3R1, and NFKB1. Among these genes, PIK3R1’s interaction with the insulin receptor (INSR) positions it as a crucial candidate gene due to its pivotal role in insulin signal transduction during T2DM development. Conclusions: This research sheds light on the therapeutic potential of CM leaf extract for treating T2DM. This potential is attributed to the diverse array of bioactive compounds present in the extract, which have the capacity to interact with and inhibit proteins participating in the insulin signal transduction pathway crucial for the progression of T2DM. The findings of this study may open up possibilities for future applications of CM leaf extract in the development of novel T2DM treatments.
Membrane Cascade Fractionation of Tomato Leaf Extracts—Towards Bio-Based Crop Protection
Authors: Papaioannou Emmanouil H. , Bazzarelli Fabio , Mazzei Rosalinda , Giannakopoulos Vasileios , Roberts Michael R. , Giorno Lidietta
Published: October 2023

Promising initial results from the use of membrane-fractionated extracts of tomato leaf as crop protection agents have recently been reported. This paper provides additional evidence from larger scale experiments that identify an efficient pipeline for the separation of tomato leaf extracts to generate a fraction with significant defence elicitor activity. A UF tubular membrane 150 kDa, with an internal diameter of 5 mm, proved appropriate for initial extract clarification, whereas afterwards a UF 10 kDa and three NF membranes (200–800 Da) in sequence were evaluated for the subsequent fractionation of this tomato extract. The compositions of sugars, proteins and total biophenols were changed in these fractions with respect to the initial extract. The initial extract ratio of sugars: proteins: biophenols was 1:0.047:0.052, whereas for the retentate of the 800 Da NF membrane, which has the higher crop protection activity, this ratio was 1:0.06:0.1. In this regard, it appears that the main crop protection effect in this fraction was due to the sugars isolated. It was found that with the appropriate membrane cascade selection (UF 150 kDa, UF 10 kDa and NF 800 Da) it was possible to produce (easily and without the need of additional chemicals) a fraction that has significant activity as an elicitor of disease resistance in tomato, whereas the remaining fractions could be used for other purposes in a biorefinery. This is very promising for the wider application of the proposed approach for the relatively easy formulation of bio-based aqueous streams with bio-pesticide activities.
Study on Microstructure, Mechanical Performance and Thermal Shock Resistance of Diffusion Welded Joint of ODS-W and TZC Alloy
Authors: Liu Dongguang , Zhou Siwei , Li Zequn , Zou Jinxin , Ruan Chongfei , Meng Lin , Hong Chunfu , Liu Xuepeng
Published: October 2023

The diffusion welded joint of oxide dispersion strengthened tungsten (ODS-W) and Mo-Ti-Zr-C alloy (TZC) was successfully fabricated with the use of spark plasma sintering (SPS) at a vacuum level of 10 Pa. This study systematically investigates the microstructure, mechanical performance, and thermal shock resistance of the ODS-W/TZC connector at four different temperatures, ranging from 1300 to 1600 °C. The diffusion distance between the W and Mo atoms at the interface of ODS-W/TZC joint raises as the sintering temperature increases, with a maximum diffusion distance of up to 2 μm at 1500 °C, but then slightly decreases at 1600 °C. The ODS-W/TZC connector bonded at 1500 °C exhibits the best tensile performance, with tensile strengths of 459 MPa and 786 MPa at room temperature and 500 °C, respectively. A maximum hardness of 446 HV is obtained at the interface when the sample is sintered at 1600 °C. Thermal shock tests are conducted on the surface and interface of the ODS-W/TZC connector sintered at various temperatures. ODS-W/TZC samples prepared below 1500 °C were severely damaged, leading to exfoliation after laser thermal shock, while samples prepared above 1500 °C produced fewer damage cracks. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis demonstrated that the ODS-W/TZC joint fabricated at 1500 °C exhibited substantially reduced height perturbation of both its surface and interface compared to that of ODS-W, providing evidence for its superior thermal shock resistance.
The Effect of Mn and Ti Ratio on Microstructure and Mechanical and Machinability Properties of 316 L Stainless Steel Used in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Türkmen Mustafa , Tanouz Alla Muhammed , Akgün Mahir , Erden Mehmet Akif
Published: October 2023

In this study, titanium (Ti) and manganese (Mn) element powders in determined amounts (0.35–0.75 and 1.5 wt %) were added into the 316 L stainless steel matrix by means of powder metallurgy (PM) technology, either individually or in pairs, and the desired composition was obtained as a powder mixture. The powders used in the study were cold-pressed tensile sample molds prepared in ASTM E8M standards, unidirectionally cold-pressed under 750 MPa compression pressure and formed into blocks. After pressing, the raw strength samples were sintered in an atmosphere-controlled tube furnace at 1250 °C for two hours in an argon atmosphere. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced PM steels were characterized using an optical microscope, SEM, EDS, tensile test, and hardness test. The results showed that the stainless steel samples with 0.35 (Ti and Mn) added to 316 L stainless steel had the highest yield strength, tensile strengths, and hardness strengths. However, with the addition of 0.75–1.5 Ti, 0.75–1.5 Mn and 0.75–1.5 (Ti and Mn) to 316 L stainless steel, a decrease was observed in the mechanical properties. Moreover, the stainless steel sample with 0.35 (Ti and Mn) added to 316 L stainless steel is better than other samples in terms of surface quality.
Corrosion Resistance of 13Cr Steels
Authors: Davydov Artem , Alekseeva Ekaterina , Kolnyshenko Vladislav , Strekalovskaya Darya , Shvetsov Oleg , Devyaterikova Natalia , Laev Konstantin , Alkhimenko Aleksey
Published: October 2023

Super 13Cr steels, which combine high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, are the optimal choice for developing and exploiting complex oil and gas wells, particularly in high-CO2 environments. In this study, we conducted a corrosion assessment of several high-strength steels of the 13Cr type with different alloying systems. We identified the primary parameters responsible for the corrosion resistance of these steels based on our research findings and suggested ways to optimize their chemical composition and select the most economically viable option. We demonstrate the importance of selecting the appropriate alloying system and the impact of non-metallic inclusions (NMIs) on the corrosion properties of the high strength 13Cr material.
Microstructure Characteristics of Porous NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Synthesized by Powder Metallurgy during Compressive Deformation at Room Temperature
Authors: Hu Li , Shen Zeyi , Chen Xiaojuan , Hu Keyu , Tang Ming , Wang Li
Published: October 2023

Porous NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) possess compatible mechanical properties with human bones and can effectively reduce the risk of stress shielding and stress concentration; therefore, they have been termed promising candidates for orthopedic implants. However, microstructure characteristics of porous NiTi SMAs during plastic deformation have rarely been investigated. The present study aims to specifically investigate microstructure characteristics and the corresponding underlying mechanisms of fabricated porous NiTi SMAs via a conventional sintering (CS) process with NaCl space holder during compressive deformation at room temperature. To realize the aforementioned target, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) are applied in the present study. The results show that the fabricated porous NiTi SMA is 51.8% for porosity, 181.65 μm for the average pore size, and 0.78 μm for the average grain size. Many Ni4Ti3 and NiTi2 phases are formed in the mixed matrix with dominant B2 (NiTi) and some B19′ (NiTi). Severe inhomogeneous deformation happens within compressed specimens, leading to the occurrence of tangled dislocation and shear bands. Microcracks occur within fabricated porous NiTi SMAs at a deformation degree of 9.2%; then, they extend quickly to form macrocracks, which finally results in the failure of regions between pores. The observed nanocrystallization and amorphization around microcrack tips within the 12.5%-deformed sample can be attributed to the relatively small grain size and the grain segmentation effect via statistically stored dislocation (SSD) and geometrically necessary dislocation (GND).
Influence of Brown or Germinated Brown Rice Supplementation on Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Microbiome in Diet-Induced Insulin-Resistant Mice
Authors: Zhao Ruozhi , Fajardo Janice , Shen Garry X.
Published: October 2023

Intake of whole grain foods is associated with improving metabolic profile compared to refined grain products, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study examined the effects of brown rice (BRR) or germinated brown rice (GBR) supplementation on fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and relationship with gut microbiota, metabolism and inflammation in high fat (HF)-diet-fed mice. The results demonstrated that an HF diet supplemented with BRR or GBR comparably increased the abundance of fecal isobutyric acid compared to that in mice receiving HF+white rice (WHR) diet (p < 0.01). The abundance of valeric acid in HF+GBR-diet-fed mice was higher than those receiving HF+WHR diet (p < 0.05). The abundances of fecal isobutyric acid negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor-α, plasminogen activator inhibit-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.01). The abundance of valeric acids negatively correlated with insulin resistance (p < 0.05). The abundances of isobutyric acid positively correlated with Lactobacillus, but negatively correlated with Dubosiella genus bacteria (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrated that the increases in SCFAs in the feces of BRR and GBR-treated mice were associated with improvements in gut microbiome, metabolic and inflammatory profile, which may contribute to the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of the whole grains in HF-diet-fed mice.
In Silico Evaluation, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Structural Modeling of the Class II Hydrophobin Family from Different Fungal Phytopathogens
Authors: Bouqellah Nahla A. , Farag Peter F.
Published: October 2023

The class II hydrophobin group (HFBII) is an extracellular group of proteins that contain the HFBII domain and eight conserved cysteine residues. These proteins are exclusively secreted by fungi and have multiple functions with a probable role as effectors. In the present study, a total of 45 amino acid sequences of hydrophobin class II proteins from different phytopathogenic fungi were retrieved from the NCBI database. We used the integration of well-designed bioinformatic tools to characterize and predict their physicochemical parameters, novel motifs, 3D structures, multiple sequence alignment (MSA), evolution, and functions as effector proteins through molecular docking. The results revealed new features for these protein members. The ProtParam tool detected the hydrophobicity properties of all proteins except for one hydrophilic protein (KAI3335996.1). Out of 45 proteins, six of them were detected as GPI-anchored proteins by the PredGPI server. Different 3D structure templates with high pTM scores were designed by Multifold v1, AlphaFold2, and trRosetta. Most of the studied proteins were anticipated as apoplastic effectors and matched with the ghyd5 gene of Fusarium graminearum as virulence factors. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis unraveled the molecular function of this group as GTP-binding proteins, while a molecular docking analysis detected a chitin-binding effector role. From the MSA analysis, it was observed that the HFBII sequences shared conserved 2 Pro (P) and 2 Gly (G) amino acids besides the known eight conserved cysteine residues. The evolutionary analysis and phylogenetic tree provided evidence of episodic diversifying selection at the branch level using the aBSREL tool. A detailed in silico analysis of this family and the present findings will provide a better understanding of the HFBII characters and evolutionary relationships, which could be very useful in future studies.
Development of a Real-Time Quantitative PCR Based on a TaqMan-MGB Probe for the Rapid Detection of Theileria haneyi
Authors: Zhou Bingqian , Yang Guangpu , Hu Zhe , Chen Kewei , Guo Wei , Wang Xiaojun , Du Cheng
Published: October 2023

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a parasitic disease caused by Theileria equi (T. equi), Babesia caballi (B. caballi) and Theileria haneyi (T. haneyi). This disease is considered to be reportable by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is regarded as a straightforward, rapid and sensitive diagnostic method to detect pathogens. However, qPCR has not been employed in the various epidemiological investigations of T. haneyi. In this study, we developed a new qPCR method to detect T. haneyi based on the chr1sco (chromosome 1 single-copy open reading frame (ORF)) gene, which has no detectable orthologs in T. equi or B. caballi. A TaqMan MGB probe was used in the development of the qPCR assay. A plasmid containing the chr1sco gene was constructed and used to establish the standard curves. The novel qPCR technique demonstrated great specificity for detecting additional frequent equine infectious pathogens and sensitivity for detecting diluted standard plasmids. This qPCR was further validated by comparison with an optimized nested PCR (nPCR) assay in the analysis of 96 clinical samples. The agreement between the nPCR assay and the established qPCR assay was 85.42%. The newly established method could contribute to the accurate diagnosis of T. haneyi infections in horses.
Isolation and Identification of Bacteria from Three Geothermal Sites of the Atacama Desert and Their Plant-Beneficial Characteristics
Authors: Muñoz-Torres Patricio , Márquez Sebastián L. , Sepúlveda-Chavera Germán , Cárdenas-Ninasivincha Steffany , Arismendi-Macuer Mabel , Huanca-Mamani Wilson , Aguilar Yola , Quezada Antonio , Bugueño Franco
Published: October 2023

The Region of Arica and Parinacota (Atacama Desert) offers several unexplored remote sites with unique characteristics that would allow for the formulation of new bioproducts for agriculture. Among them, Jurasi Hot Springs, Polloquere Hot Springs, and Amuyo Lagoons represent a group of open pools fed by thermal water springing from the mountains. Their microbiomes remain unspecified, providing a unique opportunity to characterize the endemic community of these sites and develop new bioproducts for sustainable agriculture. Bacteria were isolated from the sediments of these geothermal sites and characterized by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene, microbiological characterization, and agricultural functional characterization. A total of 57 bacteria were isolated from three geothermal sites north of the Atacama Desert. The sequence analysis showed that the isolates belong to several bacterial genera, including Pantoea, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, among others. The functional characterization revealed the presence of PGP traits, hydrolytic enzymes, and biocontrol activity against phytopathogenic fungi. These bacteria possess the potential to develop new biobased products for agriculture in arid conditions.
Recent Advances in Cyanotoxin Synthesis and Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Li Zipeng , Zhu Xiaofei , Wu Zhengyu , Sun Tao , Tong Yindong
Published: October 2023

Over the past few decades, nearly 300 known cyanotoxins and more than 2000 cyanobacterial secondary metabolites have been reported from the environment. Traditional studies have focused on the toxic cyanotoxins produced by harmful cyanobacteria, which pose a risk to both human beings and wildlife, causing acute and chronic poisoning, resulting in diarrhea, nerve paralysis, and proliferation of cancer cells. Actually, the biotechnological potential of cyanotoxins is underestimated, as increasing studies have demonstrated their roles as valuable products, including allelopathic agents, insecticides and biomedicines. To promote a comprehensive understanding of cyanotoxins, a critical review is in demand. This review aims to discuss the classifications; biosynthetic pathways, especially heterogenous production; and potential applications of cyanotoxins. In detail, we first discuss the representative cyanotoxins and their toxic effects, followed by an exploration of three representative biosynthetic pathways (non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthetases, and their combinations). In particular, advances toward the heterologous biosynthesis of cyanotoxins in vitro and in vivo are summarized and compared. Finally, we indicate the potential applications and solutions to bottlenecks for cyanotoxins. We believe that this review will promote a comprehensive understanding, synthetic biology studies, and potential applications of cyanotoxins in the future.
Healthcare Equipment and Personnel Reservoirs of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Epidemic Clones in Intensive Care Units in a Tunisian Hospital
Authors: Azaiez Sana , Haenni Marisa , Cheikh Asma Ben , Chalbi Mohamed Sahbi , Messaoudi Aziza , Tilouch Lamia , Bahri Sana , Drapeau Antoine , Saras Estelle , Mtibâa Mariem , Zouaoui Rania , Said Houyem , Madec Jean-Yves , Lupo Agnese , Mansour Wejdene
Published: October 2023

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) strains can cause severe and difficult-to-treat infections in patients with compromised general health. CRAB strains disseminate rapidly in nosocomial settings by patient-to-patient contact, through medical devices and inanimate reservoirs. The occurrence of CRAB in patients residing in the intensive care units (ICUs) of the Sahloul University hospital in Sousse, Tunisia is high. The objective of the current study was to determine whether the surfaces of items present in five ICU wards and the medical personnel there operating could serve as reservoirs for CRAB strains. Furthermore, CRAB isolates from patients residing in the ICUs during the sampling campaign were analyzed for genome comparison with isolates from the ICUs environment. Overall, 206 items were screened for CRAB presence and 27 (14%) were contaminated with a CRAB isolate. The items were located in several areas of three ICUs. Eight of the 54 (15%) screened people working in the wards were colonized by CRAB on the hands. Patients residing in the ICUs were infected with CRAB strains sharing extensive genomic similarity with strains recovered in the nosocomial environment. The strains belonged to three sub-clades of the internationally disseminated clone (ST2). A clone emerging in the Mediterranean basin (ST85) was detected as well. The strains were OXA-23 or NDM-1 producers and were also pan-aminoglycoside resistant due to the presence of the armA gene. Hygiene measures are urgent to be implemented in the Sahloul hospital to avoid further spread of difficult-to-treat CRAB strains and preserve health of patients and personnel operating in the ICU wards.
Rare Hydrated Magnesium Carbonate Minerals Nesquehonite and Dypingite of the Obnazhennaya Kimberlite Pipe, in the Yakutian Kimberlite Province
Authors: Ugapeva Sargylana S. , Oleinikov Oleg B. , Zayakina Nadezhda V.
Published: October 2023

The result of a complex mineralogical study of the first discovery of the rare hydrated magnesium carbonate minerals of Nesquehonite and Dypingite in the Obnazhennaya kimberlite pipe (of the Yakutian kimberlite province) is presented. The methods of X-ray phase analysis, electronic microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy have established that the main minerals of the samples found in the form of white crust on a small area of rock outcrop of kimberlite breccia are hydrated carbonates: Nesquehonite is MgCO3•3H2O, Dypingite is Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2•5H2O. The formation of Dypingite over Nesquehonite was shown using Raman imaging for the first time. Nesquehonite is represented as aggregates consisting of chaotically oriented prismatic crystals or kidney-shaped formations. Dypingite in the examined samples appears less frequently as rose-shaped aggregates formed from lamellar crystals. It is assumed that the formation of rare carbonates of the Obnazhennaya kimberlite pipe is mainly the result of the weathering of silicates, formation of mineralized solutions, and their subsequent crystallization, including the capture of CO2 from the air.
Evaluation and Prediction of Blast-Induced Ground Vibrations: A Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) Approach
Authors: Fissha Yewuhalashet , Ikeda Hajime , Toriya Hisatoshi , Owada Narihiro , Adachi Tsuyoshi , Kawamura Youhei
Published: October 2023

Ground vibration is one of the most hazardous outcomes of blasting. It has a negative impact both on the environment and the human population near to the blasting area. To evaluate the magnitude of blasting vibrations, it is important to consider PPV as a fundamental critical base parameter practice in terms of vibration velocity. This study aims to explore the application of different soft computing techniques, including a Gaussian process regression (GPR), decision tree (DT), and support vector regression (SVR), for the prediction of blast-induced ground vibration (PPV) in quarry mining. The three models were evaluated using classical mathematical evaluation metrics (R2, RMSE, MSE, MAE). The result shows that the GPR model achieves an excellent prediction result; with R2 = 0.94, RMSE = 0.0384, MSE = 0.0014, and MAE = 0.0265, it shows high accuracy in predicting PPV. The Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) results emphasize the importance of understanding the interactions between the various factors and their effects on the vibration assessment. The findings can inform the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly models for predicting blasting vibrations. Using a GPR to simulate and predict blasting-induced ground vibrations is the study’s main contribution. The GPR can capture complicated, non-linear correlations in data, making it ideal for blast-induced ground vibrations, which are dynamic and nonlinear. By using a Gaussian process regression, we can help companies and researchers improve the safety and efficiency in blast-induced ground vibration environments.
Monoterpenoid Glycosides from the Leaves of Ligustrum robustum and Their Bioactivities (II)
Authors: Lu Shi-Hui , Li Xiu-Xia , Zuo Hao-Jiang , Li Wei-Neng , Pan Jia-Ping , Huang Jing
Published: October 2023

Ligustrum robustum has been not only used as a heat-clearing and detoxicating functional tea (Ku-Ding-Cha) but also consumed as a hypotensive, anti-diabetic, and weight-reducing folk medicine. From the leaves of L. robustum, ten new monoterpenoid glycosides named ligurobustosides T10 (1a), T11 (1b), T12 (2a), T13 (2b), T14 (3a), T15 (3b), F1 (4b), T16 (5a), T17 (5b), and E1 (6b), together with five known ones (4a, 6a, 7, 8a, 8b), were separated and identified using the spectroscopic method and chemical method in this research. The results of biological tests exhibited that the fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitory action of compound 5 (IC50: 4.38 ± 0.11 μM) was as strong as orlistat (IC50: 4.46 ± 0.13 μM), a positive control; the α-glucosidase inhibitory actions of compounds 1–4 and 7–8, and the α-amylase inhibitory actions of compounds 1–8 were medium; the ABTS radical scavenging capacities of compounds 1–3 and 5–8 (IC50: 6.27 ± 0.23 ~ 8.59 ± 0.09 μM) were stronger than l-(+)-ascorbic acid (IC50: 10.06 ± 0.19 μM) served as a positive control. This research offered a theoretical foundation for the leaves of L. robustum to prevent diabetes and its complications.
Mn-Based MRI Contrast Agents: An Overview
Authors: Henoumont Céline , Devreux Marie , Laurent Sophie
Published: October 2023

MRI contrast agents are required in the clinic to detect some pathologies, such as cancers. Nevertheless, at the moment, only small extracellular and non-specific gadolinium complexes are available for clinicians. Moreover, safety issues have recently emerged concerning the use of gadolinium complexes; hence, alternatives are urgently needed. Manganese-based MRI contrast agents could be one of these alternatives and increasing numbers of studies are available in the literature. This review aims at synthesizing all the research, from small Mn complexes to nanoparticular agents, including theranostic agents, to highlight all the efforts already made by the scientific community to obtain highly efficient agents but also evidence of the weaknesses of the developed systems.
Research Progress in Composite Materials for Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Zuo Cheng , Su Qian , Yu Lei
Published: October 2023

Ammonia is an essential component of modern chemical products and the building unit of natural life molecules. The Haber–Bosch (H-B) process is mainly used in the ammonia synthesis process in the industry. In this process, nitrogen and hydrogen react to produce ammonia with metal catalysts under high temperatures and pressure. However, the H-B process consumes a lot of energy and simultaneously emits greenhouse gases. In the “double carbon” effect, to promote the combination of photocatalytic technology and artificial nitrogen fixation, the development of green synthetic reactions has been widely discussed. Using an inexhaustible supply of sunlight as a power source, researchers have used photocatalysts to reduce nitrogen to ammonia, which is energy-dense and easy to store and transport. This process completes the conversion from light energy to chemical energy. At the same time, it achieves zero carbon emissions, reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution in industrial ammonia synthesis from the source. The application of photocatalytic technology in the nitrogen cycle has become one of the research hotspots in the new energy field. This article provides a classification of and an introduction to nitrogen-fixing photocatalysts reported in recent years and prospects the future development trends in this field.
Electrochemical Performance of Nitrogen Self-Doping Carbon Materials Prepared by Pyrolysis and Activation of Defatted Microalgae
Authors: Wang Xin , Zuo Lu , Wang Yi , Zhen Mengmeng , Xu Lianfei , Kong Wenwen , Shen Boxiong
Published: October 2023

Pyrolysis and activation processes are important pathways to utilize residues after lipid extraction from microalgae in a high-value way. The obtained microalgae-based nitrogen-doped activated carbon has excellent electrochemical performance. It has the advantage of nitrogen self-doping using high elemental nitrogen in microalgae. In this study, two kinds of microalgae, Nanochloropsis and Chlorella, were used as feedstock for lipid extraction. The microalgae residue was firstly pyrolyzed at 500 °C to obtain biochar. Then, nitrogen-doped activated carbons were synthesized at an activation temperature of 700–900 °C with different ratios of biochar and KOH (1:1, 1:2, and 1:4). The obtained carbon materials presented rich nitrogen functional groups, including quaternary-N, pyridine-N-oxide, pyrrolic-N, and pyridinic-N. The nitrogen content of microalgae-based activated carbon material was up to 2.62%. The obtained materials had a specific surface area of up to 3186 m2/g and a pore volume in the range of 0.78–1.54 cm3/g. The microporous pore sizes of these materials were distributed at around 0.4 nm. Through electrochemical testing such as cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge of materials, the materials exhibited good reversibility and high charge–discharge efficiency. The sample, sourced from microalgae Chlorella residue at activation conditions of 700 °C and biochar/KOH = 1:4, exhibited excellent endurance of 94.1% over 5000 cycles at 2 A/g. Its high specific capacitance was 432 F/g at 1 A/g.
Organotypic 3D Cell-Architecture Impacts the Expression Pattern of miRNAs–mRNAs Network in Breast Cancer SKBR3 Cells
Authors: Gastélum-López María de los Ángeles , Aguilar-Medina Maribel , García Mata Cristina , López-Gutiérrez Jorge , Romero-Quintana Geovanni , Bermúdez Mercedes , Avendaño-Felix Mariana , López-Camarillo César , Pérez-Plascencia Carlos , Beltrán Adriana S , Ramos-Payán Rosalío
Published: October 2023

Background. Currently, most of the research on breast cancer has been carried out in conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures due to its practical benefits, however, the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is becoming the model of choice in cancer research because it allows cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, mimicking the native microenvironment of tumors in vivo. Methods. In this work, we evaluated the effect of 3D cell organization on the expression pattern of miRNAs (by Small-RNAseq) and mRNAs (by microarrays) in the breast cancer SKBR3 cell line and analyzed the biological processes and signaling pathways regulated by the differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DE-mRNAs) and miRNAs (DE-microRNAs) found in the organoids. Results. We obtained well-defined cell-aggregated organoids with a grape cluster-like morphology with a size up to 9.2 × 105 μm3. The transcriptomic assays showed that cell growth in organoids significantly affected (all p < 0.01) the gene expression patterns of both miRNAs, and mRNAs, finding 20 upregulated and 19 downregulated DE-microRNAs, as well as 49 upregulated and 123 downregulated DE-mRNAs. In silico analysis showed that a subset of 11 upregulated DE-microRNAs target 70 downregulated DE-mRNAs. These genes are involved in 150 gene ontology (GO) biological processes such as regulation of cell morphogenesis, regulation of cell shape, regulation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway, morphogenesis of epithelium, regulation of cytoskeleton organization, as well as in the MAPK and AGE–RAGE signaling KEGG-pathways. Interestingly, hsa-mir-122-5p (Fold Change (FC) = 15.4), hsa-mir-369-3p (FC = 11.4), and hsa-mir-10b-5p (FC = 20.1) regulated up to 81% of the 70 downregulated DE-mRNAs. Conclusion. The organotypic 3D cell-organization architecture of breast cancer SKBR3 cells impacts the expression pattern of the miRNAs–mRNAs network mainly through overexpression of hsa-mir-122-5p, hsa-mir-369-3p, and hsa-mir-10b-5p. All these findings suggest that the interaction between cell–cell and cell–ECM as well as the change in the culture architecture impacts gene expression, and, therefore, support the pertinence of migrating breast cancer research from conventional cultures to 3D models.
Metabolic Syndrome and Adipokines Profile in Bipolar Depression
Authors: Bilska Karolina , Dmitrzak-Węglarz Monika , Osip Przemysław , Pawlak Joanna , Paszyńska Elżbieta , Permoda-Pachuta Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a growing social, economic, and health problem. MS coexists with nearly half of all patients with affective disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the neurobiological parameters (clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, adipokines levels, and ultrasound of carotid arteries) and their relationship with the development of MS in patients with bipolar disorder. The study group consisted of 70 patients (50 women and 20 men) hospitalized due to episodes of depression in the course of bipolar disorders. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess the severity of the depression symptoms in an acute state of illness and after six weeks of treatment. The serum concentration of adipokines was determined using an ELISA method. The main finding of this study is that the following adipokines correlated with MS in the bipolar depression women group: visfatin, S100B, and leptin had a positive correlation, whereas adiponectin, leptin-receptor, and adiponectin/leptin ratio showed a negative correlation. Moreover, the adiponectin/leptin ratio showed moderate to strong negative correlation with insulin level, BMI, waist circumference, triglyceride level, treatment with metformin, and a positive moderate correlation with HDL. The adiponectin/leptin ratio may be an effective tool to assess MS in depressed female bipolar patients.
Evidence of Sexual Reproduction in Out-Planted Coral Colonies
Authors: Martínez-Castillo Violeta , Rodríguez-Troncoso Alma Paola , Cupul-Magaña Amílcar Leví
Published: October 2023

Intervention techniques to restore coral communities have become an important management tool to help recover and rehabilitate damaged reefs. The direct transplantation of healthy coral fragments is the most common method; however, there is controversy in the long-term success, as using coral clones may diminish the genetic diversity of the coral population. Genetic recombination can be achieved when the coral colony produces gametes and eventually reproduces; therefore, it is important to provide evidence that restored colonies produce gametes as their naturally recruited counterparts with similar colony size (age). Natural and restored Pocillopora coral colonies of the same size range (between 40 and 50 cm in diameter) were tagged and sampled during the rainy season to determine gamete maturation. Our results show no differences in the reproductive activity among colonies: natural and restored coral colonies matured gametes from June to October, with a peak in sexually active coral colonies in July. Also, gamete malformation was not observed. During the gamete production period, the area’s temperature ranged from 27.9 to 30.02 °C. The results’ evidence that coral colonies formed through active restoration contribute not only to the increase in live coral cover as seen in previous studies but potentially contribute in the medium term (>5 years after out-planting) to the production of larvae and local and subsidiary recruitment, since they exhibit the same reproductive patterns as their naturally formed counterparts and no differences in the reproductive activity among coral colonies. Therefore, long-term coral restoration projects contribute to maintaining the live coral cover and the genetic diversity in the region, eventually rehabilitating the coral community.
Are Community Pharmacists Ready to Deliver Pharmacogenomics Testing Services?
Authors: Ghazal Heba , Tahar Ayaz , Mason Thuy
Published: October 2023

This study assesses the readiness and willingness of community pharmacists in England to deliver the pharmacogenomic (PG) testing service. A survey covering demographics and four key themes including awareness and training, general views and experience, barriers, willingness, and confidence was distributed to community pharmacies in the boroughs of Croydon and Sutton in South London. A total of 51 pharmacists responded to the survey. The study revealed that most respondents had a limited familiarity or understanding of pharmacogenomics (n = 32, 63%). Moreover, on average, around 60% of participants were unable to accurately identify drugs that currently have or could have potentials for PG testing. They indicated that their pharmacogenomic education and training is inadequate, with only 2/51 pharmacists reported receiving relevant training. Time constraints, shortage of staff and lack of knowledge were identified as barriers that could hinder the implementation of PG. Over 60% of respondents expressed willingness to provide PG testing service after receiving adequate training. The study found that currently not all community pharmacists are prepared to provide PG testing services, with newly qualified pharmacists appearing to have an upper hand when it comes to understanding the subject. Therefore, consistent, and uniform training is required to allow community pharmacists with all years of experience to equally contribute to the implementation of PG testing.