bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing fuel cell performance through a dual MPC strategy for coordinated temperature management
Authors: Liu Lidong , Zhang Mengli , Gong Jianjun
Published: February 2024

Ensuring the optimal operating temperature is imperative for achieving efficient performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Consequently, this study introduces a dual-model predictive control strategy to regulate the water pump and cooling fan in a cooling system. Initially, we establish an electrochemical and thermal model for fuel cell stacks and validate the model’s accuracy through experimental data. The system model is linearized, and the model predictive control (MPC) controller is formulated using the MATLAB/Simulink toolbox. Subsequently, it is collaboratively simulated with the electrochemical model of the fuel cell stack and the temperature model. To evaluate the effectiveness of the MPC controller, we conducted a comparative analysis with the traditional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control and water pump MPC under step load, uniform load increase, and variable target scenarios. The findings indicate that in contrast to the PID control, the MPC controller significantly decreases the stack temperature difference fluctuation by more than 50%, maintaining the stack temperature within ±0.6 K of the set value. Furthermore, we independently assessed the performance of the MPC controller under varying ambient temperatures. The findings illustrate that the dual MPC method proficiently adapts cooling parameters across different ambient temperature ranges (288.15 K–308.15 K), ensuring the stable performance of the fuel cell. The model is linearized, and the simulation work is explained mainly on the MATLAB/Simulink platform. In order to compare the effectiveness of the MPC controller, the comparison with the MPC controller strategy of the water pump is added, which can better reflect the effectiveness of the proposed collaborative MPC controller strategy.
A current injection method for converter power loss representation in electromagnetic transient simulation
Authors: Liu Hui , Su Rui , Wu Linlin , Li Yunhong , Zhou Yunhong , Yu Siqi
Published: February 2024

The power-electronics converters are increasingly applied in modern power system, which contains various sub-systems, such as renewable energy power plants and high voltage direct current transmission systems, etc. The electromagnetic transient simulation has been one of the important tools for the study of complex system containing large numbers of power converters. The coordination control of the power converters and corresponding power generation and load units is one of the challenges ensuring stability and obtaining optimal efficiency. However, the detailed modeling of the power converters considering the conduction and switching losses can cost a great number of computation resources, which makes it difficult to simulate a large system. This work proposed a current injection method for converter power loss representation, which can accurately consider the conduction and switching losses of the power-electronics switches with low computation complexity. A look-up table (LUT) of the power loss ratio is calculated before the simulation, and a current source representing the power loss is connected in parallel with the converter to track the reference loss generated by the look-up table. The proposed method can be combined with multiple converter modeling schemes, such as the two-resistance model, the switching-function model, and the average value model, etc. The topologies of the two-level converter and the modular multi-level converter (MMC) were used in the case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared to the device-level model, the simulation power loss deviation is 0.64% and 4.13% applying the current injection method model in the case studies of the two-level converter and the MMC.
Evaluating the potential footprints of land use and land cover and climate dynamics on atmospheric pollution in Pakistan
Authors: Dilawar Adil , Chen Baozhang , Ul-Haq Zia , Ali Shahbaz , Sajjad Meer Muhammad , Junjun Fang , Gemechu Twekel M. , Guo Man , Dilawar Hamza , Zhang Huifang , Zicheng Zheng , Lodhi Ehtisham
Published: February 2024

Evaluating the potential impacts of land use and land cover change (LULCC) and climate change on air pollution is crucial to unravel the driving forces and mechanisms behind changes in air quality. A multi-faceted approach was adopted, including a land change model (LCM) and Mann–Kendall (MK) test, to evaluate the transition of land cover type, changes in climate, and atmospheric pollutants during 2004–2021 in Pakistan. Moreover, a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model and a mathematical model were used to assess the potential contribution of LULCC and climate dynamics to atmospheric pollution. It was revealed that during 2004, croplands covered an area of 9.72 × 104 mile2, accounting for 38% of the total area. However, the area of the croplands increased to 10.1 × 104 mile2, accounting for 40% of the total area in 2021. The MK test showed that the north and west–south regions significantly experienced air pollution, with the increasing trend for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) being 0.89× 1015 molecules/cm2 per year and 0.54 DU/year, respectively. For climate variability, mean precipitation (Precp) and mean surface pressure (SP) showed a prominent increasing trend, with a maximum value of 1 mm/year and 0.01 Kpa/year, respectively. The mean temperature maximum (Tmax) showed an increasing and decreasing trend, with the highest value of 0.28°C/year and 0.08°C/year, respectively. In the context of contribution, the conversion of cropland to grasslands increased the trend for SO2 concentrations. The highest increasing trend of 1.5 DU for ozone (O3) was found due to conversion of grasslands to shrublands. Additionally, regional climate played a significant role in making air pollution stagnant across the country. Precp and wind speed (WS) contributed significantly in escalating NO2 concentrations in Pakistan, while Precp contributed most (0.004 DU) to increasing SO2 concentrations. For O3, the most influential climate factor was Precp. These results on a long-term temporal scale demonstrated how maintaining climate variability through comprehensive land use management can help improve ambient air quality in Pakistan.
Resource dependence and enterprise ESG performance: an empirical study based on A-share listed companies
Authors: Fei Yingqun , Fang Lifeng , Luo Zhejun , Liang Wenjing
Published: February 2024

The impact of resource dependence on social economy and environment lacks empirical evidence at the micro level. This article uses data from A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020 to construct an econometric model to empirically test the impact of resource dependence on ESG performance of enterprises. We find that the corporate ESG scores in regions with high resource dependence will decline. After a series of robustness tests such as replacing the dependent variable, controlling province time fixed effect, eliminating extreme effects, and eliminate provinces with high resource dependence, the conclusion of this article still holds. In addition, we alleviate the endogeneity problem caused by OLS estimation by constructing a dynamic panel model. Further analysis indicates that there are differences in the effect of resource dependence on enterprises sub-scores, with a significant negative impact on the environmental dimension and social dimension, and no significant impact on the governance dimension. It has a greater impact on the ESG score of SOEs and has no significant impact on non-SOEs. The empirical results of this paper enrich the research on the influencing factors of enterprise ESG performance, and further expand the research framework of the socio-economic consequences of enterprise resource dependence.
Habitat utilization of the Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) wintering in the Yancheng National Nature Reserve: relative importance of artificial habitats
Authors: Xu Peng , Mao Shenbo , Zhang Shusong , Bempah Godfred , Zhao Yongqiang
Published: February 2024

Coastal wetlands are among the most modified habitats because of the loss and degradation of tidal flats, resulting in a rapid decline in waterbirds migrating along flyways. Understanding the relative importance of multiple types of wetlands as habitats for waterbirds and the factors influencing their utilization could improve management effectiveness. During the wintering seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, we documented the distribution of Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia), a wetland specialist, in the Yancheng National Nature Reserve (YNNR) and quantified the surrounding environments as influencing factors to assess the relationship between their habitat use patterns and environmental characteristics. Our results showed that spoonbills inhabit common seepweed (Suaeda glauca) marshes, reed (Phragmites australis) ponds, aquaculture ponds, and agricultural channels. Although natural wetlands supported a greater number of spoonbills in the YNNR, spoonbills were able to forage in artificial wetlands. The environmental features where the spoonbills were distributed were found to influence their habitat use, and the most important factor was water depth, followed by species richness and vegetation cover. These results demonstrated that spoonbills rely on both natural and artificial wetlands in the core and buffer zones of the YNNR. Our research thus underlined that conservation interventions of natural and artificial wetlands, such as controlling the water depth and diminishing human activities, might maximize the effects of total conservation outcomes for the Eurasian spoonbills, as well as for various coastal waterbirds with similar ecological requirements.
An analysis on the spatial heterogeneity characteristics of landscape ecological risk in Qilian Mountain National Park
Authors: Li Yanlong , Qin Qianqian , Wang Duowen , An Wanxiu , He Xiaohui , Yu Tianquan
Published: February 2024

As a key ecological function area and a priority area for biodiversity conservation in China, Qilian Mountain National Park is facing a severe test of its ecological environment, and the study of its landscape ecological risk is of great significance to the construction and high-quality development of the Qilian Mountain National Park. In this research, based on land use data from six periods (i.e., year in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) in the Qilian Mountain National Park, we divided the ecological risk plots, calculated the landscape pattern, and constructed the landscape ecological risk index to deeply explore the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of landscape ecological risk in Qilian Mountain National Park by using ArcGIS, Fragstats and GeoDa. The results showed that: Grassland is the predominant land use type, the area covered by woodland and grassland have exhibited a significant increase since 1995. Landscape fragmentation and disturbance indices exhibit fluctuations across different years, but showed an overall decreasing trend, and landscape stability was improved in the study area. There were obvious differences in the disturbance indices of different landscape types, with grassland and bare land having the highest values. Ecological risk in the study area is heterogeneous, with an overall low ecological risk and a shift to a lower risk level, and a decreasing trend in ecological risk, which is positively correlated spatially and mainly manifested as a “low-low” aggregation. Global warming and unreasonable human activities have exacerbated the ecological degradation of Qilian Mountain National Park, but a series of ecological restoration strategies after the establishment of the national park have gradually improved the regional ecological environment.
Location matters: spatial dynamics of tumor-infiltrating T cell subsets is prognostic in colon cancer
Authors: Zhu Hehuan , Roelands Jessica , Ahmed Eiman I. , Stouten Imke , Hoorntje Rachel , van Vlierberghe Ronald L. P. , Ijsselsteijn Marieke E. , Lei Xin , de Miranda Noel F. C. C. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Bedognetti Davide , Hendrickx Wouter R. L. , Kuppen Peter J. K.
Published: February 2024

Background

Colon cancer is a heterogeneous disease and consists of various molecular subtypes. Despite advances in high-throughput expression profiling, limitations remain in predicting clinical outcome and assigning specific treatment to individual cases. Tumor-immune interactions play a critical role, with tumors that activate the immune system having better outcome for the patient. The localization of T cells within tumor epithelium, to enable direct contact, is essential for antitumor function, but bulk DNA/RNA sequencing data lacks spatial distribution information. In this study, we provide spatial T cell tumor distribution and connect these data with previously determined genomic data in the AC-ICAM colon cancer patient cohort.

Methods

Colon cancer patients (n=90) with transcriptome data available were selected. We used a custom multiplex immunofluorescence assay on colon tumor tissue sections for quantifying T cell subsets spatial distribution in the tumor microenvironment, in terms of cell number, location, mutual distance, and distance to tumor cells. Statistical analyses included the previously determined Immunologic Constant of Rejection (ICR) transcriptome correlation and patient survival, revealing potential prognostic value in T cell spatial distribution.

Results

T cell phenotypes were characterized and CD3+CD8-FoxP3- T cells were found to be the predominant tumor-infiltrating subtype while CD3+FoxP3+ T cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells showed similar densities. Spatial distribution analysis elucidated that proliferative T cells, characterized by Ki67 expression, and Granzyme B-expressing T cells were predominantly located within the tumor epithelium. We demonstrated an increase in immune cell density and a decrease in the distance of CD3+CD8+ T cells to the nearest tumor cell, in the immune active, ICR High, immune subtypes. Higher densities of stromal CD3+FoxP3+ T cells showed enhanced survival outcomes, and patients exhibited superior clinical benefits when greater spatial distances were observed between CD3+CD8-FoxP3- or CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3+FoxP3+ T cells.

Conclusion

Our study’s in-depth analysis of the spatial distribution and densities of major T cell subtypes within the tumor microenvironment has provided valuable information that paves the way for further research into the intricate relationships between immune cells and colon cancer development.
Comparative transcriptomics analysis identifies crucial genes and pathways during goose spleen development
Authors: Hu Shenqiang , Song Yang , Li Xiaopeng , Chen Qingliang , Tang Bincheng , Chen Jiasen , Yang Guang , Yan Haoyu , Wang Junqi , Wang Wanxia , Hu Jiwei , He Hua , Li Liang , Wang Jiwen
Published: February 2024

As the largest peripheral lymphoid organ in poultry, the spleen plays an essential role in regulating the body’s immune capacity. However, compared with chickens and ducks, information about the age- and breed-related changes in the goose spleen remains scarce. In this study, we systematically analyzed and compared the age-dependent changes in the morphological, histological, and transcriptomic characteristics between Landes goose (LG; Anser anser) and Sichuan White goose (SWG; Anser cygnoides). The results showed a gradual increase in the splenic weights for both LG and SWG until week 10, while their splenic organ indexes reached the peak at week 6. Meanwhile, the splenic histological indexes of both goose breeds continuously increased with age, reaching the highest levels at week 30. The red pulp (RP) area was significantly higher in SWG than in LG at week 0, while the splenic corpuscle (AL) diameter was significantly larger in LG than in SWG at week 30. At the transcriptomic level, a total of 1710 and 1266 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between week 0 and week 30 were identified in spleens of LG and SWG, respectively. Meanwhile, a total of 911 and 808 DEGs in spleens between LG and SWG were identified at weeks 0 and 30, respectively. Both GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the age-related DEGs of LG or SWG were dominantly enriched in the Cell cycle, TGF−beta signaling, and Wnt signaling pathways, while most of the breed-related DEGs were enriched in the Neuroactive ligand−receptor interaction, Cytokine−cytokine receptor interaction, ECM−receptor interaction, and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, through construction of protein-protein interaction networks using significant DEGs, it was inferred that three hub genes including BUB1, BUB1B, and TTK could play crucial roles in regulating age-dependent goose spleen development while GRIA2, GRIA4, and RYR2 could be crucial for the breed-specific goose spleen development. These data provide novel insights into the splenic developmental differences between Chinese and European domestic geese, and the identified crucial pathways and genes are helpful for a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating goose immune functions.
Case report: The utilization of crizotinib and brentuximab vedotin as a bridge to autologous stem cell transplantation and followed by CD30-directed CAR-T cell therapy in relapsed/refractory ALK+ ALCL
Authors: Liu Wanying , Wu Jiaying , Ming Xi , Zhang Qi , Zhou Delian , Zheng Rubing , Zhou Mi , Shang Zhen , Chen Liting , Zhu Xiaojian , Xiao Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) is a rare, mature T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The prognosis of patients with relapsed or refractory ALCL following first-line chemotherapy is extremely poor. NCCN guidelines recommend intensified chemotherapy with or without ASCT consolidation for r/r ALCL, however, this is not an effective treatment for all ALK+ALCL.

Case report

Herein, we report a patient with relapsed/refractory ALK+ ALCL who received crizotinib and brentuximab vedotin as bridging therapy, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and sequential anti-CD30 CAR T cell therapy.

Conclusion

The patient achieved complete remission and long-term disease-free survival of months and continues to be followed up. The combination therapy model in this case may provide guidance for the management of relapsed/refractory ALK+ ALCL, and further prospective trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Comparing different lymphatic filariasis patient estimate approaches and results in Ethiopia
Authors: Mengistu Belete , Kebede Fikreab , Negash Biruck Kebede , Miheret Addisalem , Beyene Biruk Kebede , Abetew Solomon , Tedla Berihu Gebremariam , Oucha Asfaw Kejella , Alene Shigute , Backers Sharone , Burgert Clara , Toubali Emily , Brady Molly , McPherson Scott
Published: February 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries ensure morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services are available to all lymphedema and hydrocele patients in lymphatic filariasis (LF)-endemic areas. The first step in ensuring the availability of MMDP services is to understand the number and distribution of people with lymphedema and hydrocele. We examined the burden of lymphoedema and hydrocoele using different patient estimation approaches employed in endemic districts of the Beneshangul-Gumuz and Tigray regions of Ethiopia.

Methodology/principal findings

In Approach I, trained health extension workers (HEWs) conducted the patient estimates during a door-to-door pre-mass drug administration (MDA) census. Validation of a sample of the data collected was integrated with a post-MDA coverage survey. In Approach II, trained HEWs conducted a stand-alone patient estimation, and clinical officers validated all suspected patients. In 15 districts, 753,557 individuals were surveyed. A total of 1,645 lymphedema (1:1.6 male-to-female ratio) and 517 hydrocele cases were identified. The prevalence of lymphedema and hydrocele was 40 per 10,000 in the adult population and 25 per 10,000 in the adult male population, with wide variation across districts. Validation in Approach I showed that 94% of the lymphedema cases and 77% of hydrocele cases were correctly identified by the HEWs, while 60% and 53% were correctly identified in Approach II.

Conclusion/significance

Patient estimation is important for planning, prioritization, targeting interventions, and monitoring progress in LF-endemic areas. Trained HEWs can correctly identify most cases using a standardized patient estimate job aid and questionnaire, even when cascade training is used. For the purposes of LF elimination, these results are sufficient and at a low cost per district. Ethiopia’s LF program could integrate patient estimations into MDA activities in the remaining LF-endemic districts with minimal cost and effort.
Trichuris trichiura infection is associated with changes in gut microbiome composition and function among women of reproductive age from Pemba, Tanzania
Authors: Nguélé Aristide Toussaint , Mozzicafreddo Matteo , Chen Hongliang , Piersanti Angela , Salum Salum Seif , Ali Said M. , Zhang Junjie , Miceli Cristina
Published: February 2024

Large intestine-dwelling helminths affect microbiome composition. In sub-Saharan Africa, where helminth infections are endemic, the use of chemotherapeutic drugs is the primary strategy for controlling soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs). However, the emergence of anthelmintic resistance necessitates the urgent exploration of alternative and complementary treatments to achieve the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating STHs. One promising avenue involves the manipulation of gut microbiota in at-risk populations. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of the interplay between Trichuris trichiura and the gut microbiome. In this study, we used the Mini-FLOTAC technique for parasitological analyses and a shotgun metagenomic sequencing approach to investigate the effect of T. trichiura on the gut microbiome by comparing infected and non-infected women of reproductive age (WRA) from Pemba. Structural and functional analyses of the gut microbiome revealed that T. trichiura infection shaped the host gut microbiome in WRA. Some taxa vary according to infection status. Prevotella genus was more abundant in healthy participants, whereas species such as Weissella cibaria, Leuconostoc citreum (new emergent probiotics), and Leuconostoc lactis (starter) decreased in infected individuals, suggesting the use of potential probiotic treatments to mitigate dysbiosis induced by STHs. Furthermore, the overall number of common fungi, irrespective of species, was significantly higher in the mycobiome of Trichuris infected participants. Functional analysis revealed significant differences in metabolic pathways (p < 0.05), with cholesterol metabolism and pathogenic infections being more abundant in the infected samples than in the non-infected samples. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intricate interactions between helminth infections and the gut microbiome in the WRA, particularly in STH-endemic regions. The identified associations between specific gut microbial changes and T. trichiura infection may pave the way for innovative complementary treatments to effectively combat STHs.
Estimating age and growth parameters for three commercial NE-Atlantic sea cucumbers, Holothuria mammata, H. forskali and H. arguinensis, in a marine protected area
Authors: Azevedo e Silva Francisco , Brito Ana C. , Simões Tomás , Pombo Ana , Sousa João , Venâncio Eliana , Félix Pedro M.
Published: February 2024

Sea cucumbers, integral components of benthic ecosystems, have become subjects of scientific scrutiny owing to their intricate morphology and ecological importance. Due to increasing demand, several species of these echinoderms have become overexploited. As a consequence, NE-Atlantic species became new targets for the international markets. There is a vital need for comprehensive biological data to establish and enhance holothurian fisheries management. In the absence of such data, there is a risk of ineffective fisheries regulations, particularly for susceptible commercial species in the NE-Atlantic, which could lead to overexploitation. Establishing effective fisheries regulations requires a foundation of fundamental biological information, such as growth rates from target populations. This work aims to determine the growth parameters for three commercial sea cucumber species from the NE-Atlantic, in a marine protected area, Holothuria mammata, H. forskali and H. arguinensis. This presents a challenge, as sea cucumbers lack significant calcified structures for age determination, and assessing size is complicated because of their body size plasticity. Thus, a von Bertalanffy model was fitted to length-frequency data using the ELEFAN method with the simulated annealing procedure. Underwater length measurements of the three sea cucumber species, in a relaxed state, were systematically recorded over a span of 18 months, with measurements taken every 1.5 months. The results provide the growth parameters of each species. Models considering seasonal growth were better fits to the data. The three species had different growth rates and periods of no growth coincided with the reproductive season. Mortality was lower for the species growing slower. This is crucial information to support decision-making processes regarding stock management, such as setting limits to fisheries considering stock condition associated with environmental variability.
Experimental analysis and modeling of micro-texture and vickers hardness impact on polished stone value in high-friction aggregates
Authors: He Zhenqing , Li Jun , Nian Juanni , Guan Bowen
Published: February 2024

This article intends to study the influence of micro-texture and Vickers hardness on the Polished Stone Value (PSV) of four types of high friction aggregates (90# Bauxite, 75# Bauxite, Basalt, and Granite) during the long-term polishing process. For this purpose, profile roughness, Vickers hardness, and PSV were tested. The relationship between profile roughness, Vickers hardness, and PSV was analyzed with gray correlation analysis and mathematical fitting. The results show that arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) and maximum height (Rz) influenced PSV significantly while root mean square height (Rq), skewness (Rsk), kurtosis (Rku), and load length ratio (Rmr (c)) had a relatively weak effect. Because of the high correlation with PSV, Ra and Rz were chosen as indicators, and the relationship between variables (Ra, Rz) and PSV was established. There is a good linear relationship between the attenuation rate of Ra and Rz per polishing cycle (K1 and K2) and Vickers hardness. Finally, a model of estimation of the polished stone value of high friction aggregate based on micro-texture and Vickers hardness during the long-term polishing process is developed. Measuring the profile roughness and Vickers hardness to obtain Ra, Rz, and H correlation values and substituting them into the modeling equations in this paper can be used for optimal selection and life estimation of high friction aggregates, which belong to the raw materials, and the optimal selection of high friction aggregates will be helpful for the design of wear-resistant coatings, especially for high friction surface treatments.
Bibliometric and scientometric analysis on biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for physical frailty and sarcopenia
Authors: Ginevičienė Valentina , Pranckevičienė Erinija , Kilaitė Justina , Mastavičiūtė Asta , Dadelienė Rūta , Jamontaitė Ieva Eglė , Letukienė Austėja , Ahmetov Ildus I. , Alekna Vidmantas
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The influence of physical frailty and sarcopenia (PFS) on the well-being of older people and continuous pressure on the healthcare systems has prompted a research on the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of these conditions. Nonetheless some biomarkers have been suggested as potential markers for PFS none of them have been shown to highlight the complex nature of PFS, which reveals that there is a need for an understanding of the possible biomarker candidates. The aim of this study was to identify the current research hotspots, status, and trends in the field of biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for PFS.

Methods

The bibliometric and scientometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) and open source software platform Cytoscape v.3.9 (for visualizing and constructing a network of keywords). Data of publications (from 1997 to 2023) related to biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of PFS were obtained (in May 2023) from the database of Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The keywords obtained from the Scopus database were used to perform a meaningful keyword analysis. A network of keyword relationships was build using Cytoscape.

Results

In this study, we present biomarker keywords for PFS in relation to other keywords potentially designating processes and mechanisms and reveal the biomarker identities and current contexts in which these biomarker identities are discussed.

Conclusions

Over recent years, scientific interest in the field of PFS has increased and focused on the inflammatory process and probably will be concentrated on myokines (such as cytokines and small proteins) that are synthetized and released by skeletal muscles in response to physical activity. Moreover, proteomic and genetic markers are deeply involved in PFS.
Screening and characterization of lactic acid bacteria and fermentation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-enriched bamboo shoots
Authors: Chen Meilin , Xia Hongqiu , Zuo Xifeng , Tang Danping , Zhou Haoyu , Huang Zijun , Guo Ailing , Lv Jun
Published: February 2024

In order to produce fermented bamboo shoots with functional properties, two strains of lactic acid bacteria were selected for inoculation and fermentation. One strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R1, exhibited prominent potential probiotic properties (including gastrointestinal condition tolerance, adhesion ability, antimicrobial ability, and antibiotic resistance), while the other, Levilactobacillus brevis R2, demonstrated the capability of high γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production (913.99 ± 14.2 mg/L). The synergistic inoculation of both strains during bamboo shoot fermentation led to a remarkable increase in GABA content (382.31 ± 12.17 mg/kg), surpassing that of naturally fermented bamboo shoots by more than 4.5 times and outperforming mono-inoculated fermentation. Simultaneously, the nitrite content was maintained at a safe level (5.96 ± 1.81 mg/kg). Besides, inoculated fermented bamboo shoots exhibited an increased crude fiber content (16.58 ± 0.04 g/100 g) and reduced fat content (0.39 ± 0.02 g/100 g). Sensory evaluation results indicated a high overall acceptability for the synergistically inoculated fermented bamboo shoots. This study may provide a strategy for the safe and rapid fermentation of bamboo shoots and lay the groundwork for the development of functional vegetable products enriched with GABA.
Advancements in biosurfactant production using agro-industrial waste for industrial and environmental applications
Authors: Sundaram Thanigaivel , Govindarajan Rasiravathanahalli Kaveriyappan , Vinayagam Saranya , Krishnan Vasumathi , Nagarajan Shankar , Gnanasekaran Ganesh Raja , Baek Kwang-Hyun , Rajamani Sekar Suresh Kumar
Published: February 2024

The adverse effects of waste generation on the environment and public health have raised global concerns. The utilization of waste as a raw material to develop products with enhanced value has opened up novel prospects for promoting environmental sustainability. Biosurfactants obtained from agro-industrial waste are noteworthy due to their sustainability and environmental friendliness. Microorganisms have been employed to generate biosurfactants as secondary metabolites by making use of waste streams. The utilization of garbage as a substrate significantly reduces the expenses associated with the process. Furthermore, apart from reducing waste and offering alternatives to artificial surfactants, they are extensively employed in bioremediation, food processing, agriculture, and various other industrial pursuits. Bioremediation of heavy metals and other metallic pollutants mitigated through the use of bacteria that produce biosurfactants which has been the more recent research area with the aim of improving its quality and environmental safety. Moreover, the production of biosurfactants utilizing agricultural waste as a raw material aligns with the principles of waste minimization, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy. This review primarily focuses on the production process and various types of biosurfactants obtained from waste biomass and feedstocks. The subsequent discourse entails the production of biosurfactants derived from various waste streams, specifically agro-industrial waste.
Seasonal changes in N-cycling functional genes in sediments and their influencing factors in a typical eutrophic shallow lake, China
Authors: Zhang Ling , Bai Junhong , Zhai Yujia , Zhang Kegang , Wang Yaqi , Tang Ruoxuan , Xiao Rong , Jorquera Milko A.
Published: February 2024

N-cycling processes mediated by microorganisms are directly linked to the eutrophication of lakes and ecosystem health. Exploring the variation and influencing factors of N-cycling-related genes is of great significance for controlling the eutrophication of lakes. However, seasonal dynamics of genomic information encoding nitrogen (N) cycling in sediments of eutrophic lakes have not yet been clearly addressed. We collected sediments in the Baiyangdian (BYD) Lake in four seasons to explore the dynamic variation of N-cycling functional genes based on a shotgun metagenome sequencing approach and to reveal their key influencing factors. Our results showed that dissimilatory nitrate reduction (DNRA), assimilatory nitrate reduction (ANRA), and denitrification were the dominant N-cycling processes, and the abundance of nirS and amoC were higher than other functional genes by at least one order of magnitude. Functional genes, such as nirS, nirK and amoC, generally showed a consistent decreasing trend from the warming season (i.e., spring, summer, fall) to the cold season (i.e., winter). Furthermore, a significantly higher abundance of nitrification functional genes (e.g., amoB, amoC and hao) in spring and denitrification functional genes (e.g., nirS, norC and nosZ) in fall were observed. N-cycling processes in four seasons were influenced by different dominant environmental factors. Generally, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) or sediment organic matter (SOM), water temperature (T) and antibiotics (e.g., Norfloxacin and ofloxacin) were significantly correlated with N-cycling processes. The findings imply that sediment organic carbon and antibiotics may be potentially key factors influencing N-cycling processes in lake ecosystems, which will provide a reference for nitrogen management in eutrophic lakes.
14-3-3 proteins—a moonlight protein complex with therapeutic potential in neurological disorder: in-depth review with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Abdi Gholamareza , Jain Mukul , Patil Nil , Upadhyay Bindiya , Vyas Nigam , Dwivedi Manish , Kaushal Radhey Shyam
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects millions of people worldwide and is a gradually worsening neurodegenerative condition. The accumulation of abnormal proteins, such as tau and beta-amyloid, in the brain is a hallmark of AD pathology. 14-3-3 proteins have been implicated in AD pathology in several ways. One proposed mechanism is that 14-3-3 proteins interact with tau protein and modulate its phosphorylation, aggregation, and toxicity. Tau is a protein associated with microtubules, playing a role in maintaining the structural integrity of neuronal cytoskeleton. However, in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an abnormal increase in its phosphorylation occurs. This leads to the aggregation of tau into neurofibrillary tangles, which is a distinctive feature of this condition. Studies have shown that 14-3-3 proteins can bind to phosphorylated tau and regulate its function and stability. In addition, 14-3-3 proteins have been shown to interact with beta-amyloid (Aβ), the primary component of amyloid plaques in AD. 14-3-3 proteins can regulate the clearance of Aβ through the lysosomal degradation pathway by interacting with the lysosomal membrane protein LAMP2A. Dysfunction of lysosomal degradation pathway is thought to contribute to the accumulation of Aβ in the brain and the progression of AD. Furthermore, 14-3-3 proteins have been found to be downregulated in the brains of AD patients, suggesting that their dysregulation may contribute to AD pathology. For example, decreased levels of 14-3-3 proteins in cerebrospinal fluid have been suggested as a biomarker for AD. Overall, these findings suggest that 14-3-3 proteins may play an important role in AD pathology and may represent a potential therapeutic target for the disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in AD and to explore their potential as a therapeutic target.
Nigral transcriptomic profiles in Engrailed-1 hemizygous mouse models of Parkinson’s disease reveal upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation-related genes associated with delayed dopaminergic neurodegeneration
Authors: Belfiori Lautaro Francisco , Dueñas Rey Alfredo , Ralbovszki Dorottya Mária , Jimenez-Ferrer Itzia , Fredlund Filip , Balikai Sagar Shivayogi , Ahrén Dag , Brolin Kajsa Atterling , Swanberg Maria
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, increasing both in terms of prevalence and incidence. To date, only symptomatic treatment is available, highlighting the need to increase knowledge on disease etiology in order to develop new therapeutic strategies. Hemizygosity for the gene Engrailed-1 (En1), encoding a conserved transcription factor essential for the programming, survival, and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, leads to progressive nigrostriatal degeneration, motor impairment and depressive-like behavior in SwissOF1 (OF1-En1+/−). The neurodegenerative phenotype is, however, absent in C57Bl/6j (C57-En1+/−) mice. En1+/− mice are thus highly relevant tools to identify genetic factors underlying PD susceptibility.

Methods

Transcriptome profiles were defined by RNAseq in microdissected substantia nigra from 1-week old OF1, OF1- En1+/−, C57 and C57- En1+/− male mice. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed for functional enrichment. Neurodegeneration was assessed in 4- and 16-week old mice by histology.

Results

Nigrostriatal neurodegeneration was manifested in OF1- En1+/− mice by increased dopaminergic striatal axonal swellings from 4 to 16 weeks and decreased number of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc at 16 weeks compared to OF1. In contrast, C57- En1+/− mice had no significant increase in axonal swellings or cell loss in SNpc at 16 weeks. Transcriptomic analyses identified 198 DEGs between OF1- En1+/− and OF1 mice but only 52 DEGs between C57- En1+/− and C57 mice. Enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed that the neuroprotective phenotype of C57- En1+/− mice was associated with a higher expression of oxidative phosphorylation-related genes compared to both C57 and OF1- En1+/− mice.

Discussion

Our results suggest that increased expression of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins before the onset of neurodegeneration is associated with increased resistance to PD-like nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. This highlights the importance of genetic background in PD models, how different strains can be used to model clinical and sub-clinical pathologies and provides insights to gene expression mechanisms associated with PD susceptibility and progression.
Contrasting MEG effects of anodal and cathodal high-definition TDCS on sensorimotor activity during voluntary finger movements
Authors: Meltzer Jed A. , Sivaratnam Gayatri , Deschamps Tiffany , Zadeh Maryam , Li Catherine , Farzan Faranak , Francois-Nienaber Alex
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Protocols for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) are generally categorized as “excitatory” or “inhibitory” based on their ability to produce short-term modulation of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in peripheral muscles, when applied to motor cortex. Anodal and cathodal stimulation are widely considered excitatory and inhibitory, respectively, on this basis. However, it is poorly understood whether such polarity-dependent changes apply for neural signals generated during task performance, at rest, or in response to sensory stimulation.

Methods

To characterize such changes, we measured spontaneous and movement-related neural activity with magnetoencephalography (MEG) before and after high-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation (HD-TDCS) of the left motor cortex (M1), while participants performed simple finger movements with the left and right hands.

Results

Anodal HD-TDCS (excitatory) decreased the movement-related cortical fields (MRCF) localized to left M1 during contralateral right finger movements while cathodal HD-TDCS (inhibitory), increased them. In contrast, oscillatory signatures of voluntary motor output were not differentially affected by the two stimulation protocols, and tended to decrease in magnitude over the course of the experiment regardless. Spontaneous resting state oscillations were not affected either.

Discussion

MRCFs are thought to reflect reafferent proprioceptive input to motor cortex following movements. Thus, these results suggest that processing of incoming sensory information may be affected by TDCS in a polarity-dependent manner that is opposite that seen for MEPs—increases in cortical excitability as defined by MEPs may correspond to reduced responses to afferent input, and vice-versa.
The role of Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 in treating IBS-diarrhea
Authors: Kallur Ranjith Kumar , Madapati Sreenadh , Mathur Ankita , Bhattacharya Sourish
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition. Some studies have shown the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 has been marketed as a dietary ingredient, but to date, its efficacy in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) condition has not been clinically elucidated. Thus, a double-blind placebo-controlled multi-centered trial was planned to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 in diarrhea-predominant IBS patients.

Experimental design

Study participants (n = 50) diagnosed with IBS prominent symptoms that include abdominal pain and other GI-related symptoms were treated with ProBC Plus (2 billion CFU) along with a placebo capsule once daily for approximately 8 weeks. Study participants were evaluated for the treatment success determined by the differences in stool consistency and frequency per day between the intervention and placebo groups over the study period.

Results

The vital signs and the biochemistry parameters were under the normal range; the other parameters showed a significant result as compared to the placebo during the study period.

Conclusion

This study depicts a significant decline in the clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and frequency of the stool as compared to the placebo. All the parameters such as hematology, lipid profile, and vital signs were in the normal range during the supplementation of ProBC Plus for a period of 8 weeks. Furthermore, the study verified that Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 and its probiotic product ProBC Plus at a dose of 2 billion/CFU/day has a prominent action in the relief from the clinical symptoms of IBS-D. Therefore, the product is intended safe to utilize for IBS-related symptoms.

Clinical trial registration: The clinical study has been registered with CTRI/2023/01/048644 with https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=77708&EncHid=24313.96864&userName=CTRI/2023/01/048644 [CTRI/2023/01/048644].
Multiple roles of baicalin and baicalein in the regulation of colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Jiamei , Wu Zihong , Peng Jiayuan , You Fengming , Ren Yifeng , Li Xueke , Xiao Chong
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of colorectal cancer is increasing worldwide, and despite advances in treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in the top three for mortality due to several issues, including drug resistance and low efficiency. There is increasing evidence that baicalin and baicalein, novel small molecule inhibitor extracts of the Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis, have better anti-colorectal cancer effects and are less likely to induce drug resistance in cancer cells. The present review article explains the anti-proliferative properties of baicalin and baicalein in the context of against CRC. Additionally, it explores the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds modulate diverse signaling pathways associated with apoptosis, cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this review article highlights the inhibitory effect of colorectal inflammatory-cancer transformation and the near-term therapeutic strategy of using them as adjuvant agents in chemotherapy.
Systematic review of melatonin in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: critical role and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Zhang Chenguang , Ma Yumei , Zhao Yating , Guo Na , Han Chen , Wu Qian , Mu Changqing , Zhang Yue , Tan Shutong , Zhang Jian , Liu Xu
Published: February 2024

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is the predominant causes for the poor prognosis of ischemic stroke patients after reperfusion therapy. Currently, potent therapeutic interventions for cerebral I/R injury are still very limited. Melatonin, an endogenous hormone, was found to be valid in preventing I/R injury in a variety of organs. However, a systematic review covering all neuroprotective effects of melatonin in cerebral I/R injury has not been reported yet. Thus, we perform a comprehensive overview of the influence of melatonin on cerebral I/R injury by collecting all available literature exploring the latent effect of melatonin on cerebral I/R injury as well as ischemic stroke. In this systematic review, we outline the extensive scientific studies and summarize the beneficial functions of melatonin, including reducing infarct volume, decreasing brain edema, improving neurological functions and attenuating blood-brain barrier breakdown, as well as its key protective mechanisms on almost every aspect of cerebral I/R injury, including inhibiting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, excessive autophagy, glutamate excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Subsequently, we also review the predictive and therapeutic implications of melatonin on ischemic stroke reported in clinical studies. We hope that our systematic review can provide the most comprehensive introduction of current advancements on melatonin in cerebral I/R injury and new insights into personalized diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke.
Revitalizing agriculture: next-generation genotyping and -omics technologies enabling molecular prediction of resilient traits in the Solanaceae family
Authors: Martina Matteo , De Rosa Valeria , Magon Gabriele , Acquadro Alberto , Barchi Lorenzo , Barcaccia Gianni , De Paoli Emanuele , Vannozzi Alessandro , Portis Ezio
Published: February 2024

This review highlights -omics research in Solanaceae family, with a particular focus on resilient traits. Extensive research has enriched our understanding of Solanaceae genomics and genetics, with historical varietal development mainly focusing on disease resistance and cultivar improvement but shifting the emphasis towards unveiling resilience mechanisms in genebank-preserved germplasm is nowadays crucial. Collecting such information, might help researchers and breeders developing new experimental design, providing an overview of the state of the art of the most advanced approaches for the identification of the genetic elements laying behind resilience. Building this starting point, we aim at providing a useful tool for tackling the global agricultural resilience goals in these crops.