bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Rain Cover on Tree Physiology and Fruit Condition and Quality of ‘Rainier’, ‘Bing’ and ‘Sweetheart’ Sweet Cherry Trees
Authors: Pino Simón , Palma Miguel , Sepúlveda Álvaro , Sánchez-Contreras Javier , Moya Mariana , Yuri José Antonio
Published: January 2023

A study was conducted in a commercial sweet cherry orchard in central Chile. The objective was to evaluate the rain cover effect on changes in the microclimate, vegetative growth, plant physiology and fruit quality of ‘Rainier’, ‘Bing’ and ‘Sweetheart’ sweet cherry trees. The data were compared to a control without a rain cover. The results showed that, under the rain cover, there was a 50–60% reduction in total solar radiation, as well as an increase in air temperature (+0.6 °C) and a decrease in relative humidity (−4.7 percentage points) in the upper canopy zone. Regarding the trees under rain cover, a greater shoot length (28–58%) and leaf area (24–54%) were observed among cultivars compared to the control; the trunk cross-sectional area was only significant in ‘Rainier’, it being 1.2 times greater under rain cover. CO2 assimilation showed no differences, but an increase in the leaf transpiration rate was observed. The fruit firmness and sugar content in fruits were negatively affected by the rain cover, those characteristics being of major relevance for the cherry growers. Additionally, the contents of anthocyanins and carotenoids and the antioxidant capacity were significantly lower only in ‘Rainier’ under rain cover, while the total phenol content decreased in all three cultivars. The rain cover did not negatively affect the tree physiology, but it can be detrimental in bicolor cultivars with a yellow flesh due to a lower color and phenolic compounds development.
Moderate Nitrogen Rates Applied to a Rainfed Olive Grove Seem to Provide an Interesting Balance between Variables Associated with Olive and Oil Quality
Authors: Silva Ermelinda , Gonçalves Alexandre , Martins Sandra , Pinto Luís , Rocha Luís , Ferreira Helena , Moutinho-Pereira José , Rodrigues Manuel Ângelo , Correia Carlos M.
Published: January 2023

Nitrogen (N) fertilization has been extensively studied all over the world, not only due to its impact on plant growth and yield, but also on product quality. Olive oil is a natural product highly valued by the markets, due to its role in the Mediterranean diet, but only when its quality is above legally established standards. Thus, it is important to continue to study how cropping practices can impact the quality of olive oil in order to fine-tune the guidelines issued to producers. The objective of the three-year study was to assess the effect of the application of 0, (N0), 40 (N40) and 120 (N120) kg ha−1 of N in a rainfed olive grove on variables associated with fruit biometry and the maturation index, polyphenols in olives and olive oil, the evolution of the quality of the oil over time and sensory analysis. The application of N prolonged the period of coloration, delaying the maturation of the fruits, particularly in the higher doses of N applied. N application changed the phenolic composition and the antioxidant capacity of the fruits and olive oil, but without a clear trend among years. In general, the high N rate negatively affected the quality of the oils, reducing the oxidative stability and bitterness of the oil when compared to N40 treatment; this is due to the lower content of phenolic compounds that have a radical scavenging capacity. Excessive N application (N120) increased the degradation of the oil quality, as it led to an increase in the K232 extinction coefficient. Moderate N rates (N40) seem to be a good compromise to guarantee the quality and stability of the oil, although there was some interference from other uncontrolled environmental variables; these were probably accentuated because the olives came from a rainfed olive grove. The sensory analysis panel detected a defect (winey-vinegary flavour) in the oil from N40 treatment that is difficult to justify and will need more attention in future studies.
The Effect of Drought on Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Wild Species for Potential Cultivation as a Leafy Vegetable
Authors: Guarise Marta , Borgonovo Gigliola , Bassoli Angela , Ferrante Antonio
Published: January 2023

Leafy vegetables are common components of the human diet and are a source of antioxidant, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Fresh-cut or minimally processed industries are always looking for product innovations. Many wild species, based on their composition, can be evaluated as potential vegetables. In this work, hedge mustard has been studied as a potential leafy vegetable, and two wild populations were grown under 100% crop water requirement (WR) and 50% WR. The effect of water reduction was monitored using non-destructive measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence and by the analytical determination of primary or secondary metabolism associated parameters such as sugars, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and nitrate concentrations. The results demonstrated that hedge mustard [Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop.] can be grown with 50% WR without yield reduction. The yield was not statistically different between the two water regimes and ranged from 22.3 to 40 g plant−1 FW. Leaf nitrate concentrations showed high variability in the MI population grown with 100% WR, while in the BG population, they did not change when the WR was shifted from 100% to 50%. The total phenols were 25% higher in the leaves of plants grown under 50% WR in both wild populations. The total sugars and anthocyanins did not show significant variations. Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters did not show significant changes. The results suggest that hedge mustard can be grown in environments with limited water availability or in the winter season using less water to avoid disease development. The highest yield was obtained from the BG population.
‘Miguang’ Grape Response to Pergola and Single-Curtain Training Systems
Authors: Du Wensheng , Li Shangrui , Du Tingting , Huang Wenwei , Zhang Yifan , Kang Hui , Yao Yuxin , Gao Zhen , Du Yuanpeng
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims: Grapevine shoot growth and light utilization are typically adjusted through the use of canopy management strategies that are adapted to the local climate. In this study, we analyze the effects of a pergola (PER) and single-curtain training system (SCT) on the microclimate, light interception, photosynthetic capacity, and assimilate distribution of ‘Miguang’ grape in a rainy region of China. Methods and Results: We measured light interception, spectral absorptance, leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, soluble sugar and starch content per cane, assimilate distribution berry weight, soluble solids, and titratable acid content. SCT produced a higher photosynthetic photon flux density in the cluster region, a canopy light absorptance in the 450–800 nm wavelength range, higher chlorophyll content, and larger leaf area of the middle node leaves. It produced lower basal and top leaves leaf areas. At berry expansion (E-L-31) and veraison (E-L-35), the net photosynthetic capacity of the leaves from the base to the middle nodes was higher with SCT than with the PER, and the net photosynthetic capacity of leaves near the top was reduced with SCT. At the harvest period, the net photosynthetic rate of the middle and top node leaves and the shoot photosynthetic rate were higher with SCT than with the PER. The distribution of assimilates to the fruit was higher with SCT. In addition, SCT produced a higher shoot soluble sugar and lower internode length from the fourth to sixth nodes, and it produced a higher shoot starch content and internode diameter in the fourth internode. Conclusions: SCT significantly improved photosynthetic photon flux density in the cluster, promoted assimilate distribution to fruit, decreased vegetative growth, increased chlorophyll content, increased the leaf size of the middle node on the primary shoot, and increased shoot soluble sugar from the fourth to sixth nodes. Significance of this Study: The results of this study can provide a relevant theoretical basis and technical support for grape canopy management.
Identification and Characterization of CCD Gene Family in Rose (Rosa chinensis Jacq. ‘Old Blush’) and Gene Co-Expression Network in Biosynthesis of Flower Scent
Authors: Ji Fangfang , Wu Jie , Zhang Zhao
Published: January 2023

Rose (Rosa sp.) is a widely used raw material for essential oil extraction and fragrance production. The carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases pathway is one of the main metabolic pathways for the degradation of carotenoids, which is located downstream of the terpenoids biosynthesis pathway and is closely related to the biosynthesis of volatile compounds. We performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the rose CCD family genes (RcCCDs) in terms of phylogeny, sequence characterization, gene structure, gene duplication events, and transcriptome. Finally, 15 CCD family members were identified from the rose genome, and they were classified into three clades: nine for the CCD clade, four for the NCED clade, and two for the CCD-LIKE clade. The RcCCDs were distributed on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and were concentrated on both ends of the chromosomes. RcCCDs did not have paralogous genes or whole genome duplication events (WGD), eleven of them were single-copy genes, and their repetitive sequences were mainly dispersed and tandem. Ten RcCCDs were differentially expressed in the transcriptomes of different flowering stages. The expression of four of them increased and then decreased, which was the same process as the accumulation of volatile compounds, and it was speculated that these genes might be involved in the biosynthesis of volatile compounds. A total of fifteen modules were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis of eighteen volatile compounds-related genes, of which six modules were a highly significant positive correlation with volatile compounds, and 20 hub genes in the modules were predicted. These hub genes all exercised their functions in the early flowering stage with strict temporal specificity. This study provided a theoretical basis for further exploring the biological functions of RcCCDs and hub genes regulating the synthesis and metabolism of volatile compounds in rose.
High-Relative-Humidity Storage Reduces the Chilling Injury Symptoms of Red Sweet Peppers in the Breaker Stage
Authors: Afolabi Abiodun Samuel , Choi In-Lee , Lee Joo Hwan , Kwon Yong Beom , Kang Ho-Min
Published: January 2023

Water loss, interwoven with other factors, is identified as the cause of chilling injury to sweet peppers. The breaker stage is the most vulnerable of all maturity stages. The purpose of this study was to see if increasing the storage relative humidity (RH) reduces the chilling injury and to compare its effect on breaker-stage fruits to red-ripe fruits at a normal RH. The fruits were stored at 5 °C with a RH of 98 ± 2% and 70 ± 6% for high and low RH, respectively. After 15 days of cold storage, the fruits were moved to ambient conditions for 3–5 days for chilling injury symptoms to appear. The results showed that high RH storage reduced fruit water loss by 4–4.5% compared to low RH storage, resulting in fewer chilling injury symptoms regardless of fruit maturity stage. Due to the increased RH, cell membrane damage indicators such as electrolyte leakage, MDA, respiration, and ethylene production rates were shown to be reduced, while brix and color were well maintained, indicating reduced or stopped senescence. Furthermore, DPPH antioxidant activity and vitamin C were retained and optimized. The microbiological analyses also showed that a high RH may not promote the growth of microorganisms as quickly as may have been thought. Finally, the findings of this study indicate that breaker-stage peppers stored at a high RH may be less susceptible to chilling injury than red-ripe peppers stored at a low RH.
Characterization and Expression Analysis of the UDP Glycosyltransferase Family in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Li Guixiang , Li Jiyu , Qin Gaihua , Liu Chunyan , Liu Xin , Cao Zhen , Jia Botao , Zhang Huping
Published: January 2023

UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play an indispensable role in regulating signaling pathways and intracellular homeostasis in plants by catalyzing the glycosylation of metabolites. To date, the molecular characteristics and potential biological functions of the UGT gene family in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) remain elusive. In this study, a total of 120 PgUGT genes were identified in the pomegranate genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these PgUGTs were clustered into 15 groups: 13 conserved groups (A–J and L–N) and two newly discovered groups (P and R). Structural analysis showed that most members in the same evolutionary branch shared similar motifs and gene structures. Gene duplication analysis demonstrated that tandem duplication and fragment duplication were the primary driving force for the expansion of the PgUGT family. Expression analysis based on RNA-seq data indicated that PgUGTs exhibited various expression profiles in different pomegranate tissues. We further analyzed the expression patterns of the PgUGTs of groups E and L in the seed coat of the hard-seeded cultivar ‘Dabenzi’ and the soft-seeded cultivar ‘Tunisia’ at different developmental stages. There were eight PgUGTs with high expression levels in the seed coat of both cultivars: PgUGTE10 was highly expressed in inner and outer seed coats; PgUGTE20, PgUGTE21, PgUGTL6, PgUGTL11, and PgUGTL12 were mainly expressed in the inner seed coat; and PgUGTE12 and PgUGTL13 were mainly expressed in the outer seed coat. Interestingly, the relative expression levels of PgUGTE10 and PgUGTL11 in ‘Tunisia’ were higher than in ‘Dabenzi’. In the seedlings, quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression level of PgUGTE10 was induced by brassinolide treatment, while the expression of PgUGTL11 was up-regulated both by indole-3-acetic acid and the brassinolide treatment. In addition, the expressions of PgUGTE10 and PgUGTL11 were highly correlated with the expression of genes involved in hormone signaling and lignin biosynthesis pathways. These results suggested that PgUGTE10 and PgUGTL11 are potential candidate genes involved in seed hardness development by catalyzing the glycosylation of specific substrates.
Uncertainty of Kozeny–Carman Permeability Model for Fractal Heterogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Zhu Jianting
Published: January 2023

A method was developed to integrate the truncated power-law distribution of solid volumetric fraction into the widely used Kozeny–Carman (KC)-type equations to assess the potential uncertainty of permeability. The focus was on the heterogeneity of porosity (or solid volumetric fraction) in the KC equation. The truncated power-law distribution simulates a heterogeneous scenario in which the solid volumetric fraction varies over different portions of porous media, which is treated as stationary, so its spatial mean can be replaced by the ensemble mean. The model was first compared with the experimental results of 44 samples from the literature and a recent model of KC equation modification that targets the coefficients in the equation. The effects of the fractal dimension of characteristic length of the solid volumetric fraction on the mean and standard deviation of permeability are calculated and discussed. The comparison demonstrates that the heterogeneous solid volumetric fraction can have similar effects as adjusting the empirical constant in the KC equation. A narrow range smaller than mean ± standard deviation from the model agreed with the experimental data well. Incorporating the truncated power-law distribution into the classical KC model predicts a high mean permeability and uncertainty. Both the mean and standard deviation of the permeability decrease with an increasing fractal dimension.
Comparison of Nonlinear Reservoir and UH Algorithms for the Hydrological Modeling of a Real Urban Catchment with EPASWMM
Authors: Giudicianni Carlo , Assaf Mohammed N. , Todeschini Sara , Creaco Enrico
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a comparative analysis of two hydrological models in the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) software, namely, the non-linear reservoir (N-LR) and the unit hydrograph (UH), on the urban catchment of Cascina Scala, Pavia in Italy. The two models were applied for the simulation of the rainfall-runoff transformation in the 42 sub-catchments in Cascina Scala, while flow routing in the underground channels was simulated by means of the De Saint-Venant equations. A dataset of rainfall and runoff for 14 events from 2000 to 2003 was adopted for the calibration and validation of the models. The calibration was performed on 7 out of the 14 events by maximizing the fit of modeled-to-measured hydrographs in the final channel of the system. Prediction performance was assessed through different indices. Results from both models fit measured data well in terms of the total hydrograph. Whereas the time to peak was reliably predicted by both models, the N-LR was found to slightly outperform the UH in terms of total volume and peak flow prediction, though it requires a more detailed knowledge of the system for its implementation. Accordingly, the UH must be preferred in the case of a scarcity of data.
Prenatal Yoga-Based Interventions May Improve Mental Health during Pregnancy: An Overview of Systematic Reviews with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Villar-Alises Olga , Martinez-Miranda Patricia , Martinez-Calderon Javier
Published: January 2023

An overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis was developed to summarize evidence on the effectiveness of prenatal yoga-based interventions on pain, psychological symptoms, and quality of life during pregnancy. CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus (via EBSCOhost), and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 15 December 2022. The intervention of interest was any prenatal yoga-based intervention. Pain, psychological symptoms, and quality of life were considered as outcome measures. The methodological quality of systematic reviews was judged using AMSTAR 2. The primary study overlap among systematic reviews was evaluated, building a citation matrix and calculating the corrected covered area (CCA). A total of ten systematic reviews, including fifteen meta-analyses of interest and comprising 32 distinct primary clinical trials, were included. Meta-analyses on pain and quality of life were not found. Most meta-analyses (93%) showed that prenatal yoga-based interventions are more effective than control interventions in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. However, the overall methodological quality of systematic reviews was judged as critically low, and primary study overlap among systematic reviews was very high (CCA = 16%). Altogether, prenatal yoga-based interventions could improve the mental health of pregnant women, although due to the important methodological flaws that were detected, future systematic reviews should improve their methodological quality before drawing firm conclusions on this topic.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Immuno in 2022
Authors:   Immuno Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
A Framework for User-Focused Electronic Health Record System Leveraging Hyperledger Fabric
Authors: Ndzimakhwe Mandla , Telukdarie Arnesh , Munien Inderasan , Vermeulen Andre , Chude-Okonkwo Uche K. , Philbin Simon P.
Published: January 2023

This research study aims to examine the possibilities of Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) in the healthcare sector. The study addresses the gap in the knowledge base through developing customization techniques to enable the simplicity and efficacy of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) adoption for healthcare industry applications. The focus of this research explores methods of using blockchain technology that prioritise users. The investigation of several concepts used in developing web applications has been determined. The study identified that an open-source project, known as Hyperledger Fabric, can be utilised to construct a novel method of storing EMRs. The framework provides a test network that can be customised to satisfy the need of several projects, including storing medical records. This research additionally outlines the difficulties encountered and problems that need to be resolved before Hyperledger Fabric can be successfully implemented in healthcare systems. Considering all types of blockchains available, the needs are met by Hyperledger Fabric, which offers a distributed and secure environment for healthcare systems. Blockchain has the potential to transform healthcare by putting the patient at the centre of the system and enhancing health data protection and interoperability. Also, by using grant and revoke access mechanisms, patients have complete control over their medical information as well as authorized doctors who are allowed to view records. This functionality is made possible by the chaincode defined in the blockchain platform. The research study has both practitioner and research implications for the development of secure blockchain-based EMRs.
Uptake of BF Dye from the Aqueous Phase by CaO-g-C3N4 Nanosorbent: Construction, Descriptions, and Recyclability
Authors: Said Ridha Ben , Rahali Seyfeddine , Ben Aissa Mohamed Ali , Albadri Abuzar , Modwi Abueliz
Published: January 2023

Removing organic dyes from contaminated wastewater resulting from industrial effluents with a cost-effective approach addresses a major global challenge. The adsorption technique onto carbon-based materials and metal oxide is one of the most effective dye removal procedures. The current work aimed to evaluate the application of calcium oxide-doped carbon nitride nanostructures (CaO-g-C3N4) to eliminate basic fuchsine dyes (BF) from wastewater. CaO-g-C3N4 nanosorbent were obtained via ultrasonication and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and BET. The TEM analysis reveals 2D nanosheet-like nanoparticle architectures with a high specific surface area (37.31 m2/g) for the as-fabricated CaO-g-C3N4 nanosorbent. The adsorption results demonstrated that the variation of the dye concentration impacted the elimination of BF by CaO-C3N4 while no effect of pH on the removal of BF was observed. Freundlich isotherm and Pseudo-First-order adsorption kinetics models best fitted BF adsorption onto CaO-g-C3N4. The highest adsorption capacity of CaO-g-C3N4 for BF was determined to be 813 mg. g−1. The adsorption mechanism of BF is related to the π-π stacking bridging and hydrogen bond, as demonstrated by the FTIR study. CaO-g-C3N4 nanostructures may be easily recovered from solution and were effectively employed for BF elimination in at least four continuous cycles. The fabricated CaO-g-C3N4 adsorbent display excellent BF adsorption capacity and can be used as a potential sorbent in wastewater purification.
Adults of Alderflies, Fishflies, and Dobsonflies (Megaloptera) Expel Meconial Fluid When Disturbed
Authors: Yu Pei , Cao Chengquan , Liu Xingyue , Hayashi Fumio
Published: January 2023

Chemical secretions are an effective means by which insects may deter potential enemies, already being studied extensively with regard to their chemicals, synthesis, toxicity, and functions. However, these defensive secretions have been little studied in Megaloptera. Herein, the fluid expelling behavior of adult alderflies (Sialidae), fishflies (Corydalidae: Chauliodinae), and dobsonflies (Corydalidae: Corydalinae), all of the order Megaloptera, is described in detail regarding the timing and possible function of this behavior. When disturbed artificially, both males and females could expel fluid from the anus. However, the frequency of expelling was much lower in alderflies than in fishflies and dobsonflies. The amount of expelled fluid relative to body weight was also smaller in alderflies. In fishflies and dobsonflies, the amount of expelled fluid decreased with adult age, probably because the fluid is little replenished once expelled. The cream-colored fluid seems to be meconial fluid produced via the Malpighian tubules at the pupal stage, which is usually discharged at adult emergence in most other holometabolous insects. However, adult fishflies and dobsonflies often expel it vigorously by bending their abdomen when disturbed after emergence. Thus, the fluid expelling may be an anti-predatory behavior, particularly in younger adults that can expel a relatively large amount of fluid.
Effects of Different Parts of the Rose Flower on the Development, Fecundity, and Life Parameters of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Li Ding-Yin , Zhou Dan , Zhi Jun-Rui , Yue Wen-Bo , Li Shun-Xin
Published: January 2023

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an important horticultural pest that causes serious damage to rose plants, which is one of its preferred foods. In this study, rose petals, rose flowers, and 10% honey solution + kidney bean pods were chosen as foods to assess their influence on the growth, development and fecundity of F. occidentalis. The results showed that developmental time of immature F. occidentalis with the following trend: rose flowers <10% honey solution + kidney bean pods < rose petals < kidney bean pods. The longevities of both female and male adults were lowest when feeding on the rose petals and were highest when feeding on rose flowers. The fecundity was in the following order: rose flowers >10% honey solution + kidney bean pods > rose petals > kidney bean pods. The net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) of F. occidentalis feeding on rose petals and kidney bean pods were lower than those feeding on rose flowers and 10% honey solution + kidney bean pods. The development, longevity, fecundity, and parameters have significantly changed since F1 generation after feeding with the three food types. The results indicated that different parts of rose flowers had a significant effect on the development of thrips, and nectar and pollen had a positive effect on thrips population increase and reproduction.
Evidence of Seasonal Variation in Body Color in Adults of the Parasitoid Cirrospilus pictus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Sicily, Italy
Authors: Lo Pinto Mirella , Guarino Salvatore , Agrò Alfonso
Published: January 2023

As part of the studies on the morphological color variation of insects, a case study on the seasonal body color variation of Cirrospilus pictus (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae) parasitoid of leafminers is reported. Observations were made from January 2000 to December 2003 in north-western Sicily (Italy), in relation to sex, body regions of adults and seasonal periods. Wasps parasitizing Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) were collected from organic citrus orchards (Citrus limon L., var. “Femminello zagara bianca” and “Femminello comune”). Adults were grouped in classes: yellow males, black males, yellow females, yellow–black females and black females. The results highlighted a phenotypic pigmentation variation in the head, thorax, gaster and legs of individuals influenced by the season of sampling. Adults were yellow–green in summer months, whereas individuals with dark pigmentation were found in autumn and winter months. A correlation between color patterns and seasonal temperatures was found for both females and males. This work provides a contribution to the description of the intraspecific variability of this species, improving its identification.
Entomopathogenic Action of Wild Fungal Strains against Stored Product Beetle Pests
Authors: Mantzoukas Spiridon , Lagogiannis Ioannis , Kitsiou Foteini , Eliopoulos Panagiotis A.
Published: January 2023

There is ample evidence that entomopathogenic fungi can be used as alternative biological control agents for the management of insect pests in storage facilities. As the market demands more environmentally friendly methods and chemical insecticides become increasingly obsolete, more studies are being conducted to evaluate new strains of entomopathogenic fungi for their efficacy in storage facilities. In this context, we tested ten species of fungi isolated from soil, belonging to the genera Cladosporium, Condenascus, Lecanicillium, and Penicillium, for their long-term effects on economically important beetle species. Whole wheat was directly sprayed with a conidial suspension of 108 spores/Ml of each of the tested fungi and then adults of Sitophilus granarius, S. oryzae, S. zeamais, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Trogoderma granarium were placed on the sprayed medium to study the mortality effects. Significantly higher mortality than the control was observed in all treatments. The lowest LT50 (9.164 days) was observed in T. granarium infected with Penicillium goetzii. The isolate with the strongest results was L. dimorphum, which recorded remarkably low LT50 values in S. oryzae (~11 days), R. dominica (~12 days), T. granarium (~10 days), and S. granarius (~13 days). However, for S. zeamais, it was more than 16 days. Our results confirm the existing literature on the efficacy of EPF on storage beetles, suggest the possible virulence of wild untested strains, and also highlight the importance of EPF specificity.
Impact of Post-Harvest Management Practices in Corn (Zea mays L.) Fields on Arthropods in Subsequent Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Plantings
Authors: Leslie Alan W. , McCluen Scott R. , Hooks Cerruti R. R.
Published: January 2023

There is increased adoption of cover cropping and conservation tillage in the USA. Many farmers view these practices as methods for improving their soils. However, different cover cropping and tillage practices conducted post-harvest can have a disparate impact on arthropods within the subsequent cash crop. Field experiments were conducted during 2017 and 2018 at two experimental sites to examine the influences of different post-harvest practices following corn (Zea mays L.) harvest on pests and beneficials in subsequent soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plantings. Experimental treatments included: (1) tillage via chisel plow (CP), (2) no-tillage in which corn residue/stubble remained on the soil surface (CS), and (3) planting a cover crop into corn residue (CC) following corn harvest. Overall, insect herbivore abundance was greater in the CP treatment. Foliar predator numbers were similar among treatments or of greater abundance in CP. The activity density of epigeal insect predators varied according to site and feeding guild. However, spider activity density was greatest in CP. Stink bug egg mortality due to predation and parasitism varied among treatments. However, the percentage of stink bug eggs that hatched was greatest in the CC during both years. Findings suggest that post-harvest practices investigated during this study will have a similar influence on most epigeal and foliar arthropods in soybean.
Using Transesophageal Echocardiography in Liver Transplantation with Veno-Venous Bypass Is a Tool with Many Applications: A Case Series from an Italian Transplant Center
Authors: Bianchini Amedeo , Laici Cristiana , Bordini Martina , Bianchin Matteo , Silvas Catalin Iustin Ioan , Cescon Matteo , Ravaioli Matteo , Vitale Giovanni , Siniscalchi Antonio
Published: January 2023

Background: Hemodynamic instability (HDI) is common during liver transplantation (LT); veno-venous bypass (VVB) is a tool used in selected cases to ensure hemodynamic stability and for surgical needs. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows the transplant team to identify the causes of HDI and to guide therapies. We present a case series of four patients showing the valuable role of TEE during LT in VVB. Methods: We report four explicative cases of TEE use in LT with VVB performed at IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria di Bologna. Four transplants were performed between 2016 and 2022. Results: Many authors have highlighted the diagnostic value of TEE during LT in the case of HDI. However, its specific role during LT with VVB is poorly described. This paper illustrates multiple potential uses of TEE in LT with VVB: TEE as a guide for catheterization and optimal cannula positioning, TEE as a tool for intraoperative Patent Foramen Ovale management, TEE as help for anticoagulation therapy and finally, TEE as support when evaluating bypass efficiency and correcting hypovolemia. Conclusion: TEE is a useful instrument during LT with VVB. However, further studies are needed to assess the suitable applications of TEE during LT in patients with HDI requiring VVB. TEE should be part of the anesthetist’s cultural background.
Emerging Trends in Advanced Translational Applications of Silver Nanoparticles: A Progressing Dawn of Nanotechnology
Authors: Husain Shaheen , Nandi Aditya , Simnani Faizan Zarreen , Saha Utsa , Ghosh Aishee , Sinha Adrija , Sahay Aarya , Samal Shailesh Kumar , Panda Pritam Kumar , Verma Suresh K.
Published: January 2023

Nanoscience has emerged as a fascinating field of science, with its implementation in multiple applications in the form of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has recently been more impactful in diverse sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture sector, and food market. The peculiar properties which make nanoparticles as an asset are their large surface area and their size, which ranges between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm). Various technologies, such as chemical and biological processes, are being used to synthesize nanoparticles. The green chemistry route has become extremely popular due to its use in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Nanomaterials are versatile and impactful in different day to day applications, resulting in their increased utilization and distribution in human cells, tissues, and organs. Owing to the deployment of nanoparticles at a high demand, the need to produce nanoparticles has raised concerns regarding environmentally friendly processes. These processes are meant to produce nanomaterials with improved physiochemical properties that can have significant uses in the fields of medicine, physics, and biochemistry. Among a plethora of nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles have emerged as the most investigated and used nanoparticle. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become vital entities of study due to their distinctive properties which the scientific society aims to investigate the uses of. The current review addresses the modern expansion of AgNP synthesis, characterization, and mechanism, as well as global applications of AgNPs and their limitations.
Matrices Activated with Messenger RNA
Authors: Martinez-Campelo Raquel , Garcia-Fuentes Marcos
Published: January 2023

Over two decades of preclinical and clinical experience have confirmed that gene therapy-activated matrices are potent tools for sustained gene modulation at the implantation area. Matrices activated with messenger RNA (mRNA) are the latest development in the area, and they promise an ideal combination of efficiency and safety. Indeed, implanted mRNA-activated matrices allow a sustained delivery of mRNA and the continuous production of therapeutic proteins in situ. In addition, they are particularly interesting to generate proteins acting on intracellular targets, as the translated protein can directly exert its therapeutic function. Still, mRNA-activated matrices are incipient technologies with a limited number of published records, and much is still to be understood before their successful implementation. Indeed, the design parameters of mRNA-activated matrices are crucial for their performance, as they affect mRNA stability, device immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and the duration of the therapy. Critical design factors include matrix composition and its mesh size, mRNA chemical modification and sequence, and the characteristics of the nanocarriers used for mRNA delivery. This review aims to provide some background relevant to these technologies and to summarize both the design space for mRNA-activated matrices and the current knowledge regarding their pharmaceutical performance. Furthermore, we will discuss potential applications of mRNA-activated matrices, mainly focusing on tissue engineering and immunomodulation.
Picomolar Detection of Lead Ions (Pb2+) by Functionally Modified Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots from Watermelon Juice and Their Imaging in Cancer Cells
Authors: Rawat Kundan Singh , Singh Vikram , Sharma Chandra Prakash , Vyas Akanksha , Pandey Priyanka , Singh Jagriti , Gupta Neeraj Mohan , Sachdev Monika , Goel Atul
Published: January 2023

Water contamination due to the presence of lead is one of the leading causes of environmental and health hazards because of poor soil and groundwater waste management. Herein we report the synthesis of functionally modified luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) obtained from watermelon juice as potential nanomaterials for the detection of toxic Pb2+ ions in polluted water and cancer cells. By introducing surface passivating ligands such as ethanolamine (EA) and ethylenediamine (ED) in watermelon juice, watermelon-ethanolamine (WMEA)-CQDs and watermelon-ethylenediamine (WMED)-CQDs exhibited a remarkable ~10-fold and ~6-fold increase in fluorescence intensity with respect to non-doped WM-CQDs. The relative fluorescence quantum yields of WMEA-CQDs and WMED-CQDs were found to be 8% and 7%, respectively, in an aqueous medium. Among various functionally-modified CQDs, only WMED-CQDs showed high selectivity towards Pb2+ ions with a remarkably good limit of detection (LoD) of 190 pM, which is less than that of the permissible limit (72 nM) in drinking water. The functionally altered WMED-CQDs detected Pb2+ metal ions in polluted water and in a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), thus advocating new vistas for eco-friendly nanomaterials for their use as diagnostic tools in the environment and biomedical research areas.
Emotional Intelligence and Creative Self-Efficacy among Gifted Children: Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem and Moderating Effect of Gender
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Cheng Li
Published: January 2023

Creative self-efficacy is a type of individual creative self-belief, which is an important predictor of creative activities and achievements. For gifted children who have high creative potential, the influencing factors of their creative self-efficacy need to be further explored. This study aimed to explore the relationship between gender, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and creative self-efficacy in gifted children, with special attention on the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of gender in the relationship between emotional intelligence and creative self-efficacy. Participants in this study included 226 gifted students aged 10–13 (135 boys and 91 girls) from experimental classrooms designed for gifted students in North China. The creative self-efficacy scale (CSE), the emotional intelligence scale (EIS), and the self-esteem scale (SES) were tested. The statistical results indicate that: (1) emotional intelligence significantly positively predicted creative self-efficacy in gifted children; (2) self-esteem partially mediated the link between emotional intelligence and creative self-efficacy; and (3) gender acted as a moderator for the mediation model, in which self-esteem played a complete mediating role in gifted boys, while the mediating role of self-esteem in gifted girls was not significant. The results of this study reveal the influential mechanism of creative self-efficacy in gifted children of different genders and may provide further implications for promoting the creative potential of gifted children.
Termite Mushrooms (Termitomyces), a Potential Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds Exhibiting Human Health Benefits: A Review
Authors: Paloi Soumitra , Kumla Jaturong , Paloi Barsha Pratiher , Srinuanpan Sirasit , Hoijang Supawitch , Karunarathna Samantha C. , Acharya Krishnendu , Suwannarach Nakarin , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: January 2023

Termite mushrooms have been classified to the genus Termitomyces, family Lyophyllaceae, order Agaricales. These mushrooms form a mutualistic association with termites in the subfamily Macrotermitinae. In fact, all Termitomyces species are edible and have unique food value attributed to their texture, flavour, nutrient content, and beneficial mediational properties. Additionally, Termitomyces have been recognized for their ethno-medicinal importance in various indigenous communities throughout Asia and Africa. Recent studies on Termitomyces have indicated that their bioactive compounds have the potential to fight against certain human diseases such as cancer, hyperlipidaemia, gastroduodenal diseases, and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, they possess various beneficial antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, different enzymes produced from Termitomyces have the potential to be used in a range of industrial applications. Herein, we present a brief review of the current findings through an overview of recently published literature involving taxonomic updates, diversity, distribution, ethno-medicinal uses, nutritional value, medicinal importance, and industrial implementations of Termitomyces, as well as its socioeconomic importance.
Biosynthesis of Fatty Acid Derivatives by Recombinant Yarrowia lipolytica Containing MsexD2 and MsexD3 Desaturase Genes from Manduca sexta
Authors: Hambalko Jaroslav , Gajdoš Peter , Nicaud Jean-Marc , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo , Tupec Michal , Pichová Iva , Čertík Milan
Published: January 2023

One of the most interesting groups of fatty acid derivates is the group of conjugated fatty acids from which the most researched include: conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA), which are associated with countless health benefits. Sex pheromone mixtures of some insect species, including tobacco horn-worm (Manduca sexta), are typical for the production of uncommon C16 long conjugated fatty acids with two and three conjugated double bonds, as opposed to C18 long CLA and CLNA. In this study, M. sexta desaturases MsexD2 and MsexD3 were expressed in multiple strains of Y. lipolytica with different genotypes. Experiments with the supplementation of fatty acid methyl esters into the medium resulted in the production of novel fatty acids. Using GCxGC-MS, 20 new fatty acids with two or three double bonds were identified. Fatty acids with conjugated or isolated double bonds, or a combination of both, were produced in trace amounts. The results of this study prove that Y. lipolytica is capable of synthesizing C16-conjugated fatty acids. Further genetic optimization of the Y. lipolytica genome and optimization of the fermentation process could lead to increased production of novel fatty acid derivatives with biotechnologically interesting properties.
Lichen Depsides and Tridepsides: Progress in Pharmacological Approaches
Authors: Ureña-Vacas Isabel , González-Burgos Elena , Divakar Pradeep Kumar , Gómez-Serranillos María Pilar
Published: January 2023

Depsides and tridepsides are secondary metabolites found in lichens. In the last 10 years, there has been a growing interest in the pharmacological activity of these compounds. This review aims to discuss the research findings related to the biological effects and mechanisms of action of lichen depsides and tridepsides. The most studied compound is atranorin, followed by gyrophoric acid, diffractaic acid, and lecanoric acid. Antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities are among the most investigated activities, mainly in in vitro studies, with occasional in silico and in vivo studies. Clinical trials have not been conducted using depsides and tridepsides. Therefore, future research should focus on conducting more in vivo work and clinical trials, as well as on evaluating the other activities. Moreover, despite the significant increase in research work on the pharmacology of depsides and tridepsides, there are many of these compounds which have yet to be investigated (e.g., hiascic acid, lassalic acid, ovoic acid, crustinic acid, and hypothamnolic acid).
High Incidence of Candidemia in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Supported by Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Alessandri Francesco , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Migliara Giuseppe , Baccolini Valentina , Russo Alessandro , Marzuillo Carolina , Ceparano Mariateresa , Giordano Giovanni , Tozzi Pierfrancesco , Galardo Gioacchini , Raponi Giammarco , Mastroianni Claudio , Venditti Mario , Pugliese Francesco , d’Ettorre Gabriella
Published: January 2023

Background: The incidence of candidemia in severe COVID-19 patients (0.8–14%) is two- to ten-fold higher than in non-COVID-19 patients. Methods: This retrospective analysis aimed to analyse the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSI) due to Candida in a cohort of COVID-19 patients supported with ECMO. Results: Among 138 intubated and ventilated patients hospitalized for ≥10 days in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital, 45 (32.6%) patients received ECMO support, while 93 patients (67.4%) did not meet ECMO criteria and were considered the control group. In the ECMO group, 16 episodes of candidaemia were observed, while only 13 in patients of the control group (36.0% vs. 14.0%, p-value 0.004). It was confirmed at the survival analysis (SHR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.39–5.88) and at the multivariable analyses (aSHR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.73–8.86). A higher candida score seemed to increase the hazard for candidemia occurrence (aSHR: 3.04, 95% CI: 2.09–4.42), while vasopressor therapy was negatively associated with the outcome (aSHR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05–0.43). Conclusions: This study confirms that the incidence of candidemia was significantly higher in critically ill COVID-19 patients supported with VV-ECMO than in critically ill COVID patients who did not meet criteria for VV-ECMO.
Integrated Transcriptome and Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses Revealed the Role of Methyltransferase Lae1 in the Regulation of Phospholipid Metabolism in Trichoderma atroviride
Authors: Shen Yanxiang , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Hui , Wang Xinhua , Chen Jie , Li Yaqian
Published: January 2023

The putative methyltransferase Lae1 is a global regulator in Trichoderma, which modulates the expression of secondary metabolite gene clusters, possibly via chromatin remodeling. Here we aimed to explore the specific transcription and metabolites profiles regulated by Lae1 in T. atroviride 23. Comparative transcriptomics and metabolome analyses between the lae1 deletion (Mlae1) and over-expressing (Olae1) mutants were performed using RNA sequencing and QTOF-UPLC-MS techniques. In total, 1344 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 92 metabolites were identified across three strains. The significantly altered metabolic profiles revealed that the lae1 gene modulates central carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, secondary metabolism, and phospholipid metabolism. The effects of lae1 on phospholipid metabolism were further explored, and the findings showed that lae1 modulates the composition and function of cell membranes and other metabolic activities, including the phosphotransferase system (PTS) and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (SM). Phospholipid metabolism is related to energy metabolism, signal transduction, and environmental adaptability of microorganisms. These data showed that Lae1 affects the primary metabolites, phospholipid, as well as the regulation of secondary metabolites in Trichoderma. This study could potentially provoke in-depth investigations of the Lae1-mediated target genes in phospholipid synthesis. The Lae1 may act as a novel target that is associated with disease defense and drug development in the future.